#briar last name who knows

[kalims]

kiss your best friend | diasomnia

kiss your best friend and see how they react!

parts. one , two , three , four , five , six , seven

characters. malleus, lilia, sebek, silver

content. gender neutral reader as usual, mentions of murder by lilia's cooking, someone faints lol

note. finally last part after ten years /j

malleus

goes absolutely silent but his surprise is definitely there -> eyes widen, brows raise on a miniscule scale. you'd think the guy would be all lowkey about his joy but five seconds later and there are comical sparkles surrounding his face.

I mean. you had to formally confirm that you two were friends before, and you had off-handedly linked his name and best friend in the same sentence a few months later (he was bursting for like a week.) and now all that?

thrown away, nu-uh. you two are NOT friends no more, he doesn’t have a single care in the world. he's throwing the friends label off a cliff with his foot and skipping off with joy cause you just got upgraded to the next ruler of briar valley wink wonk.

or perhaps you'd like being referred to as his consort? he can always make the people refer to you as both.

if you're wondering why he's so silent all of a sudden; malleus: already thinking of how he'd decorate the castle when you move in with him. maybe... he can break down the wall to link your two bedrooms together—wait no he'd very much like to share the same room instead..

"child of man, do you prefer violet or green?"

"uh... green...?"

"excellent choice, you have my gratitude."

the thing you should be asking is 'why' because it's either the main color theme of your wedding or the gem he'd engrave on your ring (he's very happy it's green though, since it'd be a constant reminder of him.. oh he knows! he should get his a color of your eyes too—)

someone stop him.

lilia

spiderman kisses spiderman kisses spiderman kisses spiderman kisses

more knowledgeable than malleus about the level up of relationships so he doesn't jump from best friends to newlyweds immediately. actually he doesn't even need a label, if you're going around kissing him he's just gonna act like you two are a married couple without a confirmation on your status'

"darling, could you hand me the sugar?"

"lilia, I hope you know that you're supposed to use salt for the sauce not sugar." <- *passes the right bottle*

ignoring lilia's attempts on lives he acts pretty normal.

ahem, besides the fact that your first kiss on him has made him come to the conclusion that he can now incorporate kisses in your daily routine since you've already done it, so apparently that means he can too.

kiss him once, he kisses you thrice I guess. it's either the occasional jumpscare from the ceiling since he felt like reminding you of his love through a pack or the times you blink and feel a sensation against your lips without seeing anything cause his affection can be silent as it is loud you suppose.

pov student you were speaking to who definitely saw that but you didn't midst your blink: 😨—

"lilia are we dating."

"i suppose it would make us more official like you humans like, so of course~"

he just accepts it without any complaints, just announce you're spouses and he'll accept that too probably.

#chill

silver

if we have spiderman kisses surely we can have the sleeping beauty kiss?

sleeping beauty kisses sleeping beauty kisses sleeping beauty kisses sleeping beauty kisses

I reckon he would be a pretty light sleeper though the quantity of his sleep is more often than not so even though he accidentally passes out a lot he's really easy to wake. trained to be vigilant and all, courtesy of his murderous father (well, murderous through food?)

he knows the weight of certain things. a blanket draped over him, the feeling of something squirming on his shoulder—a squirrel, most likely. something on his head, a bird or some other critter. but this?

a light press on his lips, gone as quickly as it came. that, he isn't sure of. the animals don't tend to linger around his face so the unknown origin of it has curiosity opening his eyes.

and boy, he is trying to find every reason to not believe that you didn't peck him.

perhaps they touched it? he furrows his brows lightly, attempting hard at trying to avoid your gaze because he feels guilty at his first assumption, you're his best friend! you wouldn't do such a thing..

"did you touch my lips?"

"nah, is it fine that I kissed you?"

"..."

"..."

*passes out*

is he dreaming?

sebek

in what scenario will sebek even let you near him? hmmm.. I suppose being 'best friends' (he calls you self proclaimed, and that you guys aren't that close but still rages over someone and hits them with an essay why you're so much better than their insults) makes you more tolerable around to be closer.

totally not the fact that he might have a crush on you, which can't be right cause he can't be capable of having feelings for a *gasp* human!

scandalous. he knows.

raises a brow when you do anything but be discrete with your intentions of shuffling closer but he doesn't really double back, okay. he's getting a little concerned now when you continue getting closer, he takes a step back not because you're near or anything but this behavior is... just strange.

you're in his face already and before he can question (loudly) what in the seven's name you're doing before you just casually peck him on the lips?

WHAT IN TARNATION!

stiffens up immediately, his face looks like it's holding in a yell. maybe that's why it's getting so red? he's just standing there with shoulders so tense he looks like he's trying to seem big.

"..." WHAT JUST HAPPENED. DID THIS HUMAN JUST.. NO, WE ARE MERELY BEST FRIENDS—are we even friends.. NO! THIS IS THE MOST INAPPROPRIATE ACT TO COMMIT. THIS HUMAN NEEDS TO KNOW BOUNDARIES. I mean he enjoyed that and all—I mean what..

"why are you so quiet."

if only you knew.

[yaoyaobae]

Its been awhile and i have another OC to share LOL gotta draw brain rots instead of keeping them in your head forever ☺️💖

Name: Aurore Dormir

School: Royal Sword Academy

Pastime: Escaping school to wander in the nearby forest, spending time alone

Hobbies: Sightseeing, Gardening, Fencing.

Family: Father, Mother , *Brother ( silver, please refer to the last note regarding my own theory)

Aurore is a third year student at RSA, currently house warden of the sleeping beauty inspired dorm.

Aurore is also the next king of the Kingdom of Heroes, which naturally made him the center of attention in RSA.

Unlike Malleus whose powerful aura pushes people away from him, Aurore draws people towards him as they feel a sense of security around him.

He was only recently enrolled into school during his second year as his family brought him back from isolation for training, far away from the world’s eyes.

At first glance, Aurore may seem like the ideal dream prince: Kind, Polite, Courageous, Strong and Smart as he is consistent in securing top grades across his cohort. But deep down, he isn’t exactly the perfect prince most of his peers think he is.

Aurore is actually afraid of strangers and overwhelming attention ( he was raised in isolation so meeting humans are.. yeah) He is skilled at hiding his weakness but starts blanking out if there are too many people crowding around him.

As a result, he finds happiness in spending time alone in places where no one recognises him. He usually takes a short stroll around Sage Island’s various forests when his caretakers aren’t looking.

Strangely, Aurore mentions that his enjoyment from lonely strolls only existed because he would suddenly find himself in unknown places as a child…as if something or someone was calling him. But he became mentally stronger as he got older and knows how to guard himself during his impromptu walks.

Bonus personal theory/lore:

Hi! So if you have been following me since i started creating twst ocs, you would be familiar with a certain comic i drew for an Aurora Oc ( its not exactly Aurore because i didn’t flesh him out) . But to sum up my theory for that comic:

There was once a powerful kingdom that clashed with briar valley, humans and fae did not get along as well back then.

Somewhere in between the war, both of the queen’s sons were cursed by a powerful magician and separated at birth. The queen initially wanted to send her two sons far away from the castle, but only managed to send one tucked away in a casket that drifted on a hidden river which led to a forest.

The war ended a few days later, with both fae and humans forming a truce. The queen fell into depression after realising that her second son probably did not make it and blamed herself for not keeping him a little longer had she known he would have been safe and alive in her arms.

Time heals wounds, and with some reassurance from the King the Queen got back up on her feet stronger for the sake of her people. Of course, sometimes the servants would catch a glimpse of the lonely Queen staring into the far forests wondering if she will ever see those small pair of Aurora coloured eyes again.

Because the Queen conceived her two sons alone away from the servants, only she and the King were aware of their other missing son. The three fairy advisors who had protected them from the very start told the Queen that if word of two cursed princes were to spread, the kingdom would be doomed to fall . The Queen had no choice but to accept this decision, and so they entrusted their only son to the three fairies in case the curse within him acts up. Hence Aurore was raised in isolation away from the world’s attention and only enrolled in his second year to prevent the curse from possibly manifesting.

In this story I created Silver is the missing prince in question who drifted far into the forest and eventually picked up by Lilia. His only proof of his royal status is a ring with an aurora coloured gem (Book 7 mention).

Regarding the curse: Silver was cursed to feel drowsy all the time while Aurore was cursed to follow a voice in his head which leads him to sleepwalk into dangerous places alone. Silver’s hair colour reminds me of the spindle/needle, so in a way he contains the sleeping curse. Like Aurora, Aurore is drawn into strange places by a voice and eventually to the spindle. Hence these two will always feel an unfamiliar sense of closeness to each other.

“Yao why do you think Silver would have a brother? Much less the RSA guy inspired by Aurora? Doesn’t Silver already have Aurora’s traits?”

In general this is just my own fun theory to think about, but my reasons are because i think it would be interesting if Silver canonically had living family member(s) from a royal family( that ring kinda tells all). It would also put him in place wondering if he should return to his biological human family or stay with his Briar Valley family as he feels a stronger bond with them. With the way TWST tackles issues about fae/human like Sebek from example, i would love to see Silver’s resolve for his found family.

In my old comic, the Aurora OC actually dislikes Fae because of the war. He especially hates Lilia because he believed the war criminal took his own brother away and is promoting peace despite his past.

I feel Aurore would dislike Lilia but eventually learns to see the war from both sides as humans aren’t all that great either, he is still a naive prince with much to learn about the world. So while Silver does have Aurora’s trait, Aurore may have some of King Stefan’s from Maleficent/OG film. TWST tends to combine diff character traits anyways🌝👍

Anyways I adore these two so much and am looking forward to Silver’s past in the future updates! Thank you for reading about Aurore, till next time 💖

[thatnonameuser]

A Wonderland Of Yanderes

Twisted Wonderland AU - Inspired by @yandere-daydreams

Part 1 Part 2

Imagine…

A world where the behavior of Yanderes is completely acceptable, if not normal.

Where darlings are stalked, kidnapped, and kept by their Yanderes.

Where murder in the name of love can be pushed aside, as a simple accident.

Where it’s common for the Yanderes to learn about how to control their darlings as soon as they’re able.

Not all places in this Twisted Wonderland are equal though.

The Queendom of Roses and the Shaftlands are by far the best places to be if you’re a darling. Darling rights prevent Yandere’s from being horrifically abusive, locking them away from the outside world for good or using too harsh of punishments. Murder is a major no-no, and Yanderes can lose their darlings forever if they’ve committed such a heinous crime. Darlings can even be taken away for lesser crimes, placed in the care of the state far away from their abusive yanderes. 

But as we all know, people will find their ways to bend the rules. Manipulation and controlling techniques are common in these zones, often holding the darlings’ children over their heads, or bribing their way out of the law.

On the flipside, the Sunset Savannah and the Coral Sea are some of the worst places to be. While women are treated as equals, darlings are not. They’re considered the prey locked in the jaws of the predators. Whether they slip from the jaws is their own business. Darlings are free to run and hide, but nothing’s stopping their Yanderes from throwing them back over their shoulders back to their lives of captivity. Whether a darling’s punishment is fair or not, as long as they're not dead, Yandere’s do whatever they please. Murder is less bad of a crime here if done in a battle for a darling’s hand. 

The Sunset Savannah’s King’s own wife was a darling, and even she can’t get away from his ‘love’ and ‘affection’. Though she never complains, always by her husband’s or child’s side.

Though some Darlings are smart, running off to one of the nation’s that give them more freedoms. Still, if you can’t get them on your own, thanks to those stupid laws, there’s a whole list of Bounty Hunters willing to do it for you. They’re scary good, and your darling will be back before you know it.

The Scalding Sands rests safely in the middle of the spectrum. Darlings carry some rights and freedoms but that’s only in the most horrible of extremes. They’re treated as fragile, and it’s in everyone’s best interest to look after them. They’re traditionally spoiled with riches and wealth, but that’s just to cover up the bruises, both from pleasure and punishments.

Even with the few freedoms of the darlings, the sparkling sand of the desert can be so deceiving. A black market for darling recapture, whether taken legally or runaways. Hitmen who can hide corpses of rivals in the desert. 

The Isle of Lamentation is completely separate from the world, but it's full of Yandere’s all the same. So many of the staff are Yandere’s yet almost none have darlings. They’re practically voyeurs watching their darlings from afar, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The Shroud family’s current matriarch was darling from the outside world, and most of the people there are certain that even her living son hasn't seen her since last spring. 

The isolation from the world is perfect for hiding away darlings. And they’ll go crazy for any interaction and affection, like a Persphone locked in the Underworld.

If the Sunset Savannah is old-fashioned in its treatment of darlings, then the Briar Valley is practically ancient.   The darlings’ lives are completely controlled by their yanderes, kept under lock and key for the remainder of their lives. Darlings rarely leave their homes without their yanderes acting as escorts, with beautiful collars of jewels and precious stones marking them as darlings and the fine, equally ornate leashes in their yanderes’ hands as their ‘owners’. Darlings are considered so fragile, that the outside world is far too dangerous for them, that it’s safer where they’re kept by their yanderes. Murder in the name of a darling is practically excused, as long as it was in the name of protecting their dainty darlings.

On Sage Island the two rival schools are polar opposites.

Royal Sword Academy is honestly full of delusional yanderes, looking for a darling to be their princess to save, their perfect damsels in distress. All they want is to fall in love at first sight with the darling of their dreams. The one who they'll be enchanted with and will sing a love song that will move the hearts of millions with.

They excuse all concerning actions with a simple wave of the hand. They followed you home? They were just looking out for you. They’ve been stalking you? They just want to make sure you’re ok! You caught them over your bed, pink faced, while you were asleep? They probably where just checking to make sure they could wake you up with a kiss, you know the love stories~

Night Raven College is more honest. They know what they are and they’re not hiding it. Since NRC’s full of different students, the crimes that were once illegal in their hometowns, are completely fine here. As long as you don’t get caught. Then you might have detention while we figure out how to make it look like an accident. 

Classes about proper Darling care and how to get away with other crimes are mandatory for first years, but after that it becomes an elective. Potion Classes teach how to make the best love potions, tranquilisers and the deadliest of poisons that kill without a trace. Animal Language to communicate with the local fauna if your darling runs away into the woods, and you can’t find them. Phys Ed to carry your darling away whether they're unconscious or kicking and screaming with ease.

But what about you? What does that mean for poor, little you? Lost in a world you barely know anything about. And worst yet, you’re a darling. Try your best to get back home……

…..If they let you that is.

[etheries1015]

Bestie yk that Yuu begins their friendship with Malmal because sir was roaming around old buildings right? Imagine Yuu starting a friendship with Malmal simply because of boredom. Class was soooo boring so Yuu decided to just chat with the person near them, which was Malleus.

You don't care if he's the next king of Briar Valley, if you're bored then entertainment is THE priority.

YES I LOVE THIS OSDLFSHEESFLS what better entertainment than the Fae prince himself?

Imagine You, sitting at your desk listening to another long and strenuous lecture that had not managed to keep your attention, doodling not even being able to satiate your boredem. So, what's the next best thing? Bother your deskmate, of course. You noticed him a few times; a rather tall fellow with long black horns and eyes as captivating as pure emeralds and ears pointed unlike a typical human. You always thought perhaps he had an affinity for theatrics- the way he seldom spoke up. At times you thought he hadn't even been a student at the school- the teachers never seemed to call his name during roll call (Of course it was because everybody already knew the esteemed prince of the land of faeries.) You know what they say, right? Always befriend and be nice to the quiet kid in school. So, out of boredom and curiosity, You tapped his shoulder.

"Hey," You whispered, The tall man with pointed ears started at the sudden contact before turning his head to look at you peculiarly. Without as much as an answer, you began to ask your question.

"Are those real? Your horns?" He seemed to pout at this only for a split second before confusion and offense seemed to mix into his (rather beautiful) features. He tilted his head before seemingly deciding on something in his mind, leaning over to take another look at you.

"Is that a genuine question, child of man? Are you, what they say, 'pulling my leg'?" He asked. You almost laughed at loud at the pompous way of speech he took on, and immediately knew you would be thoroughly entertained by this man. You found it...almost incredibly attractive, the way his silky deep voice spoke in a victorian royalty kind of way. You let out a quiet chuckle and with a raised eyebrow you leaned against your desk with a hand propping up your head as your elbow lay firm against the wood.

"Well, as far as I'm aware I'm as genuine as one can be," You smiled, "I'm (y/n), what's your name?" Another question that colored him mildly bewildered yet incredibly inquisitive at your pure ignorance of who you sat next to. Malleus opened his mouth to answer, yet found himself closing it a couple times while contemplating revealing the truth. Perhaps this person was genuinely in the dark about his status and position, and he did not want to miss the chance to converse with someone who willingly wanted to hold relations with him. Thus, he bit his tongue and turned it into a game.

"My name doesn't matter," He said, "How about you choose one for me?" You raised both of your eyebrows and bit your bottom lip attempting to hold back a roar of laughter, you truly had found one interesting fellow to introduce yourself to.

"Alright...how about...hm..." You studied his person before snapping their fingers in revelation. "Hornton!" They said it almost too loud, and the professor quickly chastised them for speaking during the lecture. Malleus gave you a fond smile and nodded, turning back to the teacher resuming the boring lecture that took place.Your boredom showed no bounds, however, and you decided to hand Malleus little doodles with silly notes through the end of the period. Malleus did not reciprocate these notes, for royalty need not indulge in such silly idiocracy, yet the least he could do was appreciate your attentiveness to the prince. Once the bell rang and marked the end of the period, you collected your things and held out your hand to the tall prince.

"I decided you're my new friend! Here's to our long-lasting friendship, hornton!" Malleus's eyes widened in shock, standing and staring down at your...incredibly trusting and naïve smile before his shoulders shook in laughter. Nodding and holding his hand to reciprocate your gesture of kindness, he shook it earnestly.

"Indeed. I look forward to our...friendship." He watched as you skipped away and out of the room to your next class, Malleus gathering the silly little notes he now called his treasures and shuffling them into his pocket.

He suddenly found himself becoming excited for next day's boring lecture.

~~~~

Masterlist

[c-rose2081]

Crystal Winter (Epic Winter Rewrite)

—

My Epic Winter rewrite would start much the same as the original special. A freshly 12-year-old Crystal and her parents are living harmoniously at the top of the world, playing ice hockey and shirking their responsibilities as rulers of the Kingdom of Ice.

However, what the ice King and Queen don’t know is that Crystal has been sneaking away from her kingdom to visit the Kingdom of Roses, where she’s spending time with a boy named Dauntless (one of Briar’s middle brothers, who’s 13). They met in the woods the winter before when she was exploring the below world in the form of a magical reindeer, and has been sneaking out to see him ever since.

When Jackie and Northwind shatter the ice mirror to make the Ice King cruel, a servant snitches about Crystal’s forbidden crush, as a child of ice is not meant to fraternize with any of the creatures below. Enraged by his daughters ‘betrayal’, the Ice King freezes his Queen before taking flight to the Kingdom of Roses. He catches his daughter and Prince Dauntless together, and in his rage he entraps the boy in a frozen statue. Crystal tries to reason with him, but it only makes him angrier as he casts the entire Kingdom in a wicked winter, freezing everyone and everything in enchanted ice.

Crystal is ordered to return home to take her place as Princess, but she refuses, shocked and horrified by her father’s cruelty. She transforms into a reindeer and escapes, only for the Ice King to swear that he will freeze more and more kingdom’s until she returns.

Young Crystal flees to Ever After, where she knows Dauntless’s sister is. He spoke highly of Briar, heir to the throne, and Crystal could only hope she had a way to help her. Briar is naturally horrified to learn her home and family are in danger and promises to help Crystal however she can. But the Ice King has eyes in the sky and storms the school, ordering his daughter home. She once again refuses. The King is once again enraged, transforming Daring into a horrible beast and attempting to turn the school to ice like he did the Kingom of Roses. Farrah is able to block the spell, only to be turned into a statue herself.

The Ice King leaves, an eternal winter in his wake now swirling about Ever After.

The adventure proceeds as usual, a young Princess learning from many older mentors how to handle herself in a world that’s much to large for her. Jackie and Northwind try to get the ice staff, putting the King to sleep in the process and giving the girls time to gather the roses to break the spell.

When they reach the Kingdom of Roses, Briar is heartbroken to find what has become of her home. It’s the last castle they visit and the final rose they need to grab (switching the order of getting the flowers). However, the ice has broken the spindle in the tower. Briar is unable to enter the castle, as she’s highly susceptible to the sleeping dust and remains outside while the others enter to find the rose. But Jackie and Northwind beat them to it, breaking the spindle even more and casting the crew into sleep where they’ll freeze. Briar is forced to go in to save her friends, struggling to repair the spindle and cut off the flow of dust. But she sticks her finger on the needle in the process, collapsing into an unbreakable curse.

When the others finally wake up again, they don’t have time to grapple with the horrible news as the weather is growing colder. Faybelle breaks and tells the others about her plan to steal the roses to get out of a debt, but gives them up, agreeing to stay with Briar instead to keep her warm so she doesn’t freeze. The others run off to the top of the world to stop Jackie and Northwind’s plans to get the ice staff. Crystal is able to succeed and break the spell with the knowhow she got along the way. The kingdoms are unfrozen and things return to normal.

However, they don’t return to celebration, but sadness as the Kingdom of Roses grieves their fallen heir. Crystal returns to Dauntless, who apologizes for his mistake and promises not to keep them a secret anymore. Briar is laid to sleep in the tower, properly prepared to remain that way for the next hundred years. But as each friend kisses her cheek goodbye (Faybelle being the last to leave), the fairy magic in her tears breaks the curse of the spell (a magic that wasn’t properly cast). The curse is broken and Briar wakes up, much to everyone’s delight and confusion.

There is a massive party in the Kingdom of Roses, where Dauntless and Crystal get to dance together, and Briar discreetly pulls Faybelle behind a curtain.

—

Thinking thoughts. Also just wanted to redesign Crystal cause I can ^^

[heykaya]

Named NPC Stalk Encounters

Extracted from the game’s code (17th October 2024)

Avery, Bailey, Briar, Eden, Harper, Kylar, Leighton, Morgan, and Whitney.

(Bullet point = one of these lines will be said at random)

<== Player is accosted after failing to run, hide or confront ==>

Avery:

“That's enough, brat.”

“When I say come, you come.”

“Who do you think you are, wasting my time?”

“Making me run all over town for you," he spits. "You've earned this."

Bailey:

“Time to pay up.”

“I’m done playing games with you.”

“Thanks for wasting my time," he sneers. "Now hold still.”

“You're almost more trouble than you're worth." He smiles. "Almost.”

Briar:

“Let me show you who's boss around here.”

“One way or another, you're paying me back.”

“There (he/she*) is. The little thorn in my side.”

“No one pisses me off. You're about to find out why.”

*player’s gender.

Eden:

(If player has Stockholm Syndrome: Eden)

“Time to go home.”

“Quiet. I've got you.”

“I knew I'd get you back.”

“Thought you could run away?”

(Without Stockholm Syndrome)

“Don't struggle.”

“No more running.”

“I’ve got you now.”

“I always get my prey.”

Harper:

(If player has the full cow transformation)

“Remy's waiting.”

“We've missed you.”

“Let's get you home.”

“You'll be at peace again.”

(Without cow transformation) 

“Shh. Just relax.”

“Close your eyes.”

“Take a deep breath.”

“You're too tense,” he whispers. “It’s unhealthy.”

Kylar:

“D-don't worry! It's just me!”

“I won't let you get away,” he whispers. "Ever.”

“Looking for me?” he giggles. “I’m right here, silly!”

“I-I couldn't help myself.” He licks his lips. “I need you.”

Leighton:

“Time for your discipline.”

"Good girls obey their superiors."

"Best keep quiet," he whispers. "If you know what's good for you."

"You should be honoured," he whispers. "Most girls are beneath my notice."

Morgan:

“Charlene!”

"There you are, you little sneak!"

"I've found you," he whispers. "At last."

"Don't worry, darling," he coos. "I'm here, now."

Whitney:

“Guess who?"

"Surprise, slut."

"Thought you were safe? Guess again."

"My favourite bitch, all by herself." He grins. "Lucky me."

<== Player successfully uses the “Confront” action ==>

Avery:

(High Rage Avery)

He looks you up and down, then rolls his eyes. "I've no time to waste on you."

He narrows his eyes before turning away with a scoff. "Not worth the effort."

He stops, fixing you with a glare. "I'm a busy. Lucky for you, I have places to be."

He walks on. You feel tense.

(Else: If Avery not angry)

He raises an eyebrow, smirking. "Is that your idea of a proper greeting?" He laughs as he walks on.

He stops and stares at you, brow furrowed. He brushes past you without a word.

He crosses his arms and holds up his phone. "Do you mind?" He walks on, trying to pick up his conversation.

You feel a little silly.

Bailey:

He doesn't break eye contact as he passes, but ultimately leaves you alone.

He stops in front of you, stares in silence, then continues on his way.

He stands in front of you and raises his phone. You hear a click. He leaves without a word.

You let out a shaky breath as he walks on.

Briar:

He smirks, eyes you up and down, then walks right past you.

He bursts out laughing. "You? That's rich."

He lets out a sharp bark of laughter. "Cute. Now get out of my way.”

He peers at you over his shoulder as he walks on. You feel tense.

Harper:

He stops. His polite smile doesn't falter.

“Lashing out at innocent passersby is a sure sign of stress, you know."

"For some people, anger is just a cry for help. Please, be well."

"You look troubled. Don't be afraid to ask for help."

He walks on. You feel tense.

Eden:

(If in the forest)

He stares for a moment, then silently slinks between the trees

(If in the Moor)

He stares for a moment, then silently slinks into the fog.

(If located elsewhere)

He stares for a moment, then silently slinks into an alley.

You let out a shaky breath.

Kylar:

He mutters something under his breath. You can't make it out. He scurries past you.

He tenses as you turn around, barely managing an awkward smile and a wave before hurrying past you.

He freezes up, before bolting in the opposite direction. You're left bewildered.

Leighton:

He tuts. "How uncouth. If I weren't so busy, I'd discipline you myself."

He raises an eyebrow, then turns away. "I'll overlook that remark."

He looks down at you with contempt, muttering under his breath. "Disrespectful brats."

He walks on. You feel a little silly.

Morgan:

He stops in his tracks and gasps. "You're right! I forgot the scones!" He runs off in the opposite direction, leaving you bewildered.

He stumbles past you as if you weren't there. You watch him leave, babbling to himself all the while.

He smiles and waves as he walks past you. You feel silly, and more than a little confused.

Whitney:

He shoves past you, almost knocking you over. You dust yourself off, thankful nothing worse became of it.

He throws his hands up, smiling innocently. "Just admiring the view from back here." He smacks your bottom as he walks on.

Just as he draws near, he jumps at you with a loud "Boo!" You flinch on instinct. "Wuss," he laughs as he leaves you behind.

<== NPC walks by due to lack of boldness ==>

Avery:

Avery chats on his phone as he passes. He ignores you.

Avery peers at you from the corner of his eye as he passes. He leaves you alone.

Avery walks by. He doesn't glance at you.

Bailey:

Bailey walks by, too busy on the phone to acknowledge you.

Bailey peers at you from the corner of his eye as he passes. He leaves you alone.

Bailey thumps his shoulder against yours as he passes. He doesn't look up.

You let out a shaky breath.

Briar:

Briar winks over his shoulder as he walks on by.

Briar stops, stares at you over his shoulder, then continues on his way.

Briar walks by. He doesn't so much as glance at you.

Eden:

Suddenly seized by primal fear, you turn around. You're alone.

Eden stomps past you, almost shoving you to the ground in his haste.

You hear movement behind you. You turn to catch a glimpse of Eden/a large figure disappearing between the trees/into the fog/into an alley*.

*(Depending on location: Forest, Moor, elsewhere)

Harper:

Harper jots notes in a journal as he passes. He ignores you.

Harper peers at you from the corner of his eye as he passes. He leaves you alone.

Harper walks by. He doesn't glance at you.

Kylar:

Kylar walks right by you, his gaze fixed to the floor.

You feel a tug on your arm from behind. When you turn, nobody's there.

Kylar passes without looking up, leaving you alone.

Leighton:

Leighton leers as he passes, but otherwise leaves you alone.

Leighton gives you a passing nod. He continues on his way.

Leighton walks by, too busy tinkering with his watch to notice you.

Morgan:

Morgan cheerfully hums as he passes, all but ignoring you.

Morgan stumbles past you as if you weren't there.

You hear a gasp behind you. You turn in time to catch a fleeting glimpse of Morgan/a figure scurrying away.

Whitney:

Whitney flicks a cigarette butt over his shoulder as he passes. It bounces off your cheek.

Whitney smacks your bottom as he passes. He flashes a smug smirk over his shoulder.

Whitney smacks your bottom as he passes. Hes gone before you can get a good look at him.

Whitney picks at his nails as he passes. Hes too engrossed to notice you.

Degrees of Lewdity - Text Based Masterpost

[fallstaticexit]

The Art of Being Seen - a Nancy Landgraab story

୧‿̩͙ ˖︵ ꕀ⠀ ♱⠀ ꕀ ︵˖ ‿̩͙୨

𝔓𝔞𝔯𝔱 𝔒𝔫𝔢 - 𝔜𝔬𝔲𝔱𝔥

Prev / Next

AN / Transcript under the cut

AN: Nancy's story will consist of 3 parts: Part One- Youth | Part Two - Uni | Part Three - Wife Three pivotal moments in Nancy’s life that shaped the Nancy we know today.

As mentioned in the prologue, this story may contain mature and possibly even uncomfy themes and all posts will have their corresponding trigger warners in the post as well as the tags. Trigger Warnings are: Homophobia / Religious Trauma / Death via Car Accident/ Drugs / Alcohol / Infidelity / Sex & Nudity

Also, I have experienced CAS burnout lately, so I aged down most of the townies to teens lol. I figured this version of Cassandra Goth can be the AU version since I’ve already wrote Bella and Morti Goth into my Briar legacy, which this story is apart of that universe.

Transcript:

Cassie: This is Blair Hall, the senior girls’ dorm, and if you ask me, it’s the best one. We have our own private library. Down there is the rec room; we’re not allowed to have the boys over unless it’s with a chaperone.

Cassie: We’re also the closest to the church, which is great for when we have group sessions before service. You won’t have to rush and scarf down breakfast, plus you can sleep in a little!

Nancy: [sarcastically] Gee, how’d I get so lucky?

Cassie: Sister Agnes always says, It’s not luck—it’s a blessing! Vacancies are hard to come by. My old roomie withdrew; she had a really hard time fitting in with the other girls. They can be... kind of intense.

Dina: Oh, look. Another pretty blonde rich girl. Like those aren’t a dime a dozen here.

Nina: [scoffs] Here we go...

Dina: I am not joking. I better not catch her ass around Don. The last hoochie he was tonguing down was also a skinny, flat-chested, blonde bimbo.

Vanessa: You need to put his weenie in a cage instead of fighting every girl that breathes the same air as him.

Dina: Well, he wouldn’t be tempted if these floozies would stay away from my man!

Vanessa: I guess dyeing your hair blonde isn’t working for you, huh?

Dina: Oh, shut it, VV. You’re just jealous he isn’t into redheads.

Nina: Hmm, I thought he was into redheads though.

Dina: Ugh, as if!

Cassie: You can pretty much decorate your space however you want. Just nothing that’s on the prohibited list. There’s a room check every night before curfew, and-

Nancy: What do you know about that redhead on the balcony?

Cassie: Dina?

Nancy: No, she said her name was Vanessa. I ran into her this morning but she didn’t mention her last name.

Cassie: Oh, yeah! VV. Vanessa Villareal. She’s- eh, one of the mean girls. I try to stay out their way. Probably best you do the same.

Nancy: [softly to herself] Villareal. So, she’s old money, too.

Cassie: Her family built the school. Guess that’s why she feels like she can do whatever she wants- eh, don’t tell anyone I said that!

Cassie: But, erm, you’re welcome to hang out with me and my friends during rec and lunch and stuff. I know how tough it can, being the new girl and all.

Nancy: Yeah? ...thanks- Cassie, was it?

Cassie: You’ll totally like my friends. They’re the coolest people on Earth.

Cassie: Definitely better than some people. You can tell who goes here because of their faith and who was forced here because of their lack of it.

Cassie: Hey guys! This is Nancy, she’s my new roomie.

Bob: No way, they filled Angela’s spot already? Money talks. I’m Bob, or Bobby, and this cool, tall drink of water is Geoffrey. Welcome to Paradise.

Bob: [whispers] Geoffrey! Say something to the pretty girl!

Geoffrey: [voice cracks] W-we’ve um, met already.

Geoffrey: Our dad’s are friends. I just haven’t seen her since we were 10 years old. She looks so... different.

Bob: Oh, I seeee. First love? Your ears are beet red, my man.

Bob: Take a seat, newbie! Are you into D&D, perchance?

Nancy: I have no idea what that is.

Bob: Oh, ho ho! You’re in for a treat, m’lady. I’ll catch you up from the beginning of our campaign.

Vanessa: You look so bored. Want to get out of here, new girl?

Vanessa: Don’t worry, I’ll return you back to your nerds in one piece.

Cassie: [grumbles] Um, hello, we’re sitting right here?

Nancy: Go where, exactly? This place is in the middle of nowhere.

Vanessa: Guess you’ll have to come and find out.

Nancy VO: [I learned then, that I would follow her anywhere]

Dina: There she goes, taking in another stray.

Nancy VO: [All she had to do was take my hand]

[rel124c41]

BACK TO CHEST (SOUL TO SOUL). jade leech

Saprophytic organisms obtain their nutrients by breaking down dead organic matter.

tags: main character death (permanently tho?), dark magic, family dynamics, survivor guilt, established relationship, malleus’s unrequited crush on reader, & happy halloween

a/n: jade & floyd's mother's name siphon from @mochinomnoms

word count: 12, 802

When Malleus Draconia, prince of Briar Valley, overblotted, you were beheaded. 

Jade has been rolling that sentence in his head for the entire month. He has been trying to make sense of it. Like a student retyping a sentence, he changes it up every so often; when housewarden Malleus Draconia overblotted, you were beheaded; when Malleus Draconia, born January 18th, 202 centimeters tall, green eyes, a hundred or so years old, overblotted, you were beheaded; when Malleus Draconia, nicknamed Tsunotaro, overblotted, you were beheaded; when Malleus Draconia overblotted, Jade had to watch you be beheaded from Diasoma’s dormitory barbican. The facts do not seem real no matter how much he edits them.

Part of him deducts that it might be because beheaded is the wrong word. Beheaded implies decapitation: the head fully cut off from the body. You did not resemble a cleanly-made dullahan. The slashing, void magic Malleus Draconia sent out cut from your frontal bone diagonally down to your occipital bone. 

Jade hopes more fiercely than a child wishing on a star that it felt like a painful flick to your forehead than nothing else. He does not want to entertain the thought you might have been conscious, wondering when your hair caught fire as you suffered through incomprehensible pain. Visible brain matter stuttering with a few painful last thoughts as you were cut apart.

So, with that said, it has not really registered in Jade Leech’s own brain that you are really dead. He can find the words perfectly fine. He cannot find the meaning of that mysterious poetry, no matter how embellished or how nudely plain.

Which is why his brother has to say certain words to him real slowly. Make sure the meaning sticks. Elongating them, sometimes repeating, “Today’s (Name)’s funeral, Jade. You have to get up.” Which comes out as fuuuh-neeer-al, yooo-u, and uuuh-puh. 

Floyd has to repeat ‘get up’ four times because Jade refuses to. As he has been for the last month, he rots in bed. Luckily, Jade has always been an exemplary student so he will still be able to graduate his second year with all his high marks. Thank the Seven for small miracles.

“Cooome on, Jade. Jade, please, get up. Jadeee.”

Roughly, and then softly and sorrily, Floyd tries to shake Jade out of his pretend sleep. His brother has been doing that a lot – sleeping and then, not sleeping, but still laying in bed with his eyes closed. Who knows what is so alluring about the ebon made from flesh-shuttered windows. A week ago, Floyd had a thought that turned his stomach rotten. What if Jade has been sleeping so much so he can pretend he is still under Sea Slug’s spell, before anything happened?

He does not like to think about it. To be frank, he has been hating thinking this entire month. It makes bile poke its tiny fingers on the muscles in his throat, watching his mirror reflection lie somnolent in bed, looking halfway dead. Which is why Floyd shifts back to shaking Jade at a harsher pace – which he will eventually slow down again, feeling regret for being rough. 

“Jaaadiooo, waaake uuup. Jade. Jade Jade Jade!” 

Floyd wonders if he has to get Azul to assist him in picking up Jade. It is not that Jade puts up a struggle when getting dragged out of bed; it is just that his weight feels like dead weight and that makes Floyd queasy. He likes having Azul there. Azul dresses Jade; Floyd brushes Jade’s teeth. They both take turns taking cups of water and rinsing shampoo out of his hair.

However, Azul is not needed because Jade voluntarily opens his eyes a moment later. Dull, rusted gold and olive peers through black eyelashes. Lifeless eyes flicker, registering what the waking world is showing him.

Shoes that are worth a king's ransom crease because Floyd decides to crouch rather than kneel by Jade’s bed. His hair is neatly slicked back, gel fixating his black strand behind his piercing. Dressed in a simple black suit, Floyd gives a shy smile and whispers, “Hey.” Jade notices something that makes him close his eyes.

Floyd did his tie correctly this time.

“Hey, no goin’ back to sleep. Ya gotta get up today, Jade, c’mon. I’ll eat one of your mushrooms if ya get up. You can decide which one, whatever works for me. Hehehe, how does that sound? … Jade, please. Get up.”

“What’s the point?”

“Because you’re gonna be pissed at yourself if ya don’t. Ya gonna hate yourself more if you don’t get up.”

“Not possible.” Jade’s nose wrinkles when Floyd starts to run his fingers through his hair, combing back black hair.

“You have to get up today. If you do, next week, Azul and I’ll leave ya alone.”

“Leave me alone now.”

“Ya have to get up to say goodbye. Come on, (Name) deserves you there. You have to get up for (Name).”

Jade does the only thing that allows Floyd to know his brother is not a corpse - he sheds a tear. Dried-up, pruning corpses cannot shed tears. It comes with a double edged sword of relief and pain; Floyd watches the tear escape from Jade’s left eye, descending down over the bridge of his nose, and onto his pillow. 

Emptied of one of a thousand tears, Jade whispers back, tormented, “I can’t.”

In your absence, Floyd’s verbose brother has turned into a man of little words. As if the action of talking is just as strenuous as getting up. It is unnerving for Floyd who is so used to his brother talking so much. 

Grief shackles a body like an anchor. So used to swimming through life with dexterity, grief has tangled itself upon Jade like cutting, tangling fishing gear or stabbing, soda-can-holding plastic. Each limb is ten times heavier than it has ever been. His tongue is an iron paperweight.

And, Floyd knows. That weight has been crushing him too.

Floyd still looks towards your designated seat in Mostro Lounge by mistake. Waits with a heavy heart to see you sitting there, ordering one of their chocolate-or-caramel themed drinks. Waits for your voice to just suddenly be in his ears talking, asking about basketball practice or new menu items.

But, he has been brave for his brother’s sake. Which is why he requests, touching their foreheads together, “Then, get up for me. Get up for me.”

For the first time in the month, Jade brushes his teeth without help. He cannot manage to do his hair but Floyd gives no complaints, slicking his own hands up with opaque green gel.

Only one month after death, a body fully liquifies. Life deflating, the soft tissue starts to decay. Oval holes in the skin appear with the ease of stretched dough. Flesh’s solidity fails and melts like candle wax. In a month’s time, a cadaver is expected to expose its vulnerable skeleton. 

Against all physical laws, you have not rotted away like an apple attacked by fungi and bacteria. In fact, it would be appropriate to say you look alive. It is inappropriate though because of the downward, diagonal scar across your forehead. Magic keeps your body fresh but your grave-ushering wound remains.

They stitched you back up? Jade wonders which friend of yours had picked the top part of your cranium off the rain-soaked ground. 

Even though Ace and Deuce were the closest to you – both physically, you had thrown them out of the way of that slashing attack and emotionally, you had thrown them out of the way of that slashing attack –he cannot picture them picking it up. Neither Grim; paws are too small. Perhaps, aspiring not-yet-doctor Riddle Rosehearts had the guts in his tiny stature to scoop up the top half of your brain. Holding a hand under like one does with a napkin full of broken eggs, making sure nothing drips onto the floor. Jade grows too sick to think of the hypothetical of who stitches you back up. 

Jade only remembers shaking, cold due to the rain and the sight. A hand reaching up to his breast pocket to grab his magic pen. Then, Floyd grabbing his shoulders to stop him from making the awful mistake of firing a spell at THE Malleus Draconia. Jade forgets the rest.

Apparently, he screamed himself hoarse. Apparently, Floyd got a broken wrist from their tussle. Apparently, Azul knocked him out with a powerful sedative spell. Apparently apparently apparently. 

The following memory goes like this: waking up in bed the next morning, throat sore, thinking about what tea you might generously brew for him to fight off his evident illness. Usually in good health, Jade is a bit surprised that morning to wake up with a flu. Then, his world is torn apart. Then, Azul and Floyd explain to him slowly – they are always talking to him slowly now – why his throat burns. Not from bacteria-made illness, from screaming, from losing you.

Sometimes, just for a span of a few moments, Jade wishes another thing with childish ferocity — prays to a shooting star. 

He wishes he could have stayed in that peaceful dream — “There is no need to shed tears nor are farewells necessary! … A new world in which none shall ever experience the pain of loss!” he had said — that Malleus was bestowing upon them. I wish Malleus had succeeded in his overblot. With a similar vehemence, he wishes Malleus Draconia died. 

There is no graveyard on the northside of Sage’s Island. No one expects to bury a student. So, someone, perhaps Dire Crowley or your trio, has chosen to bury you just a bit off the hiking trails you and Jade use to venture on. A glade chosen by someone to put a coffin smack in the middle of, still on land owned by Night Raven College.

Your dead body rests ahead, laid in a virgin’s coffin. A tree line formed by an expanding corpse of trees marks a clean circle. Him, Floyd, and Azul come upon the funeral last. Right at the start of the column and rows of seats, Jade’s feet suddenly grow roots into the ground, on par with a neem tree which has the strongest taproot system. He is paralyzed by the sight: you, arms resting on your abdomen, laying in a fairytale’s glass coffin.

The casket is elegant beyond elegance. Silica sand dug from Al-Asim’s numerous deposits was smelted for the glass. Inscribed with gold, your name playfully stretches its arms across the coffin, bordering angels and swans kneeling before it. 

Your head rests on a pillow-bouquet. Speckles of white daisy, ivory white carnations, and eggshell white spider mums kiss your hair. The centerpiece flower is Easter lilies, though. Trumpet-shaped, with shooting stars of pollen branching out from the center of them, Easter lilies crowd the bouquet like purple prose in a literary work. They crowd around your resting, stitched head with delicateness. Another bouquet of identical pattern rests too in your hands.  

The fairytale ensemble makes you look like a martyr. 

You are not a martyr. Jade hates the very thought that that could become your legacy. Wrongly transcribed and reprinted, a publisher who does not know you writes you as martyr. It makes his stomach rot. Neither hero or villain, you are not to be idolized. Bread should not be broken in honor of you and wine should not be drunk in honor of you.

You were wonderfully simple, with flaws and strengths. Now, you are gone. 

“Jade, come. There is a spot up at the front for us,” Azul says softly and slowly. 

A gentle hand pushes on Jade’s back — Floyd’s hand. “They’re not goin’ to start without us.”

That’s not what I’m worried about. I’m worried that —! Jade, not really thinking well, rips himself away from his brother too fast. 

“Woah,” Floyd shouts like a cowboy whose horse has started acting erratic. His gold and olive-brown eyes flicker with concern. Once more, Floyd goes to put his hand on the back of Jade’s suit, only to feel more like he is touching stone rather than flesh. Hm?

Out of Floyd’s knowledge, students, close friends of yours, have started to turn around, and one of them happens to be Malleus Draconia — who makes direct eye contact with Jade Leech.

I can’t breathe. 

Eyes that shimmer like Sheecle’s green take their poisonous green hands, stealing oxygen from the eel-mer’s body.

Jade finds himself breathless. In his chest, his heart grows in weight tremendously. All of the hurt in his bones is pulled towards his center, acceleration like fire. Heavy as osmium. Heavy as tungsten. He feels like something is crushing him with a sleep paralysis-esque weight. Out of his nose, his last breath slithers away; out of his brain, all his thoughts file out of the building in fire-drill-fashion. Buh-bye, Jade! his thoughts wave as they go. His breath walks out like a scorned lover, never to be heard from again.

I can’t breathe. 

Suddenly, Jade’s motionless chest is grabbed by a wayward arm. His spine collides into a breathing, functioning chest. Over his shoulder, Floyd whispers to his brother, lazy drawl slithering in Jade’s ear:

“Follow along to my breathin’ pattern. Try-a match your breath to mine.”

The words are spoken carelessly, with a lazy drawl, but the intent is vigilant. Seeing his brother needing help, Floyd reacts. He holds him close enough to feel the bones of his ribcage. 

On Jade’s back, he can feel the rise and fall of Floyd’s chest — Floyd elongating his breaths to gather deep oxygen in the very bottom of his lungs. They come in slow, constant waves. An inhale causes his chest to expand. An exhale causes his chest to flatten. Each slow rotation hits Jade’s spine in measured breaths — that I’m supposed to follow along to. Match the tempo of. 

Jade closes his eyes so he can focus upon the rise and fall of Floyd’s living lungs. It proves difficult to hear the sound of breathing over the ringing in his ears, like detecting a single scent in a saturated perfume store. Earth makes itself into a curlicue of sensations. Amongst the raging riptide, Jade tries to grab his brother’s hand. Grab onto it and share the same breath. 

It takes a few moments, a continuous rise and fall. Deeper lungfuls of oxygen push at his spine; heavier exhales stir through his three-piece earring. In. Out. Jade is trying. In. Out. In. Out. 

He breathes in through his nose and out his mouth until he can complete the cycle of in and out with a skip between the steps. When he takes his first complete breath, eyelids fluttering open, he sees only the back of Malleus’s haircut and curling horns that hook up like antlers. As he studies ebony locks cascading into layers, Floyd whispers in his ear, “We don’t gotta go up. I’ll stay back with ya.”

A coward down to the bone, Jade nods his head. Well, not always a coward; he is quite a capable eel-mer. In this particular setting, he finds himself to be as cowardly as the lion in The Wizard of Oz. For this month, he has felt that only the worst traits of his personality have survived the aftermath of a torrential blot-storm. 

He lets Floyd push him down to sit at the last row on the right. Your friends in Savanaclaw and Pomefiore are in the back rows as you are not too close to either. Diasomnia and Heartslabyul are gathered close to the front. The remaining dorms are in the middle. 

Ebony locks styled into a jellyfish cut sit in the second row, left side. If Jade looks straight, he can completely dispel Malleus Draconia from his eyesight. Azul moves up to the front, perhaps to tell Dire Crowley or your friends that everyone in attendance, time to start. Jade is beyond grateful for the hand rubbing circles into his spine, as if the touch keeps his breath circulation working.

There are a few moments of talking. Deuce Spade shuffles a bit closer to hear what Dire Crowley is saying; Azul gestures with his hands and when passed a paper, passes it back in rejection; Grim, who now attends in Heartslabyul, starts to grow louder in volume but so far Jade cannot catch a word. Eventually, it is Riddle Rosehearts who stands up. In his hand, the paper that Azul recently rejected.

Even though it is given an introduction, explaining the contents, Jade would have known it without prelude. Off Riddle’s tongue, your poetry falls like a meteor shower, silver fish-tails stretching with warm tenor. The title and author already given, Riddle reads:

“In a sea of nightmares, I spy a rock

Smooth, with a thousand freckles of fresh rain

The maelstrom brings inky monsters and villains

When I place myself upon your shore, I stop drowning

Across the water, you and I are on a rock, braving the storm.”

You wrote a lot of poetry. You were never good friends with Rook Hunt though; you clashed a lot with Pomefoire, unable to make friends with them. Perhaps because your poetry and beauty is different. Not very often did you string words together amorously, rather the words were desolate. 

Your persona – the cultivated, embellished image of the artist you were – was always sort of tortured and damaged. That worst of you created poetry with the rigorousness of an inventory. This one Jade knows well – you wrote it for him. You were embarrassed about it but brave enough to tell him: “I wrote something. I feel … I feel it describes us.” 

He misses those nocturnally active times in the botanical gardens. Transcendent music playing between the spaces of silence, filling you with his feelings, sharing feelings like they were heat and you too were cold-blooded. Under a gazebo of stars on the edge of the universe, you once said. A pocket of paradise stolen was found in the moments creating and cultivating with him, you once said. It feels like a dream, you once said.

Jade stands up from his seat, not able to withstand hearing another word. This gross, wrong interpretation of your work feels like dirt and maggots grinding his mouth. It is not a poem meant for a funeral. Between Floyd’s knees and a chair, he squeezes himself tight to escape. 

Bystanders expect him to do just that: escape. Floyd anticipates it too. He takes those expectations and breaks them. In a domino effect, row by row, people notice Jade drawing closer. Murmurs start to rouse awake the sleepy, forlorn crowd. 

Undeterred, Jade walks closer and closer. When he briefly passes the second row, he lets his gaze flicker over to his left. Eyes pinched together in small slices, gold and brown irises catch just the briefest glimpse of rotating horns and a sharp nose. The curious quirk of Malleus’s lip has his heart electric with lightning bolts of hate. 

Across the water, across the wave, Jade approaches you on that lone rock. He is going to save you from the grave and help you weather this maelstrom. The divide between you and him in life and death is a thin, easily breakable glass barrier. 

“Jade,” Riddle questions.

Back to him, Jade responds, “You should sit, Riddle. Your words were very courteous but I have a few of my own to say. Can I ask you to forgive my gross impoliteness?”

“No,” Riddle fumbles with his words, “no, no it is quite alright. Go ahead … I’m - I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Your sympathy is much appreciated.”

The crowd watches on with gross intrigue, wondering what your boyfriend could possibly be thinking of or what his next move might be. Is it not obvious from your poetry – he is going to outstretch his shore towards you. He does this through violent action. 

Jade brings up a fist. Jade brings down a fist. 

Though it does not give easily, the glass still breaks in fractures. Triangles and rhombuses branch out from underneath Jade’s fist. Jagged, uneven connect-the-dots shapes make up a circular pattern that splinters from the point of contact. A little less than ten pieces fall into the tomb, landing on your ebony dress and bouquet. 

Steeling himself, Jade turns his attention to your face. Gloss from the glass makes you look angelic, like a shimmer of makeup glitter. Someone has painted your lips in a dark, blood red – (“I can’t stand bright lipstick! It makes you look like a clown. Jade, you’ll catch me dead before you catch me in dark lipstick”) – which boils up Jade’s month long, hidden away anger. 

His second punch causes glass to land on your dress like snow knocked off a branch, heavy with volume. The plummeting glass is also followed by a trickle of blood. Jade pulls back his bleeding hand, hooks it underneath a section of glass, and pulls it up like one might do with rotten floorboards. Glass pierces through the material of his glove, hitting bone. He grabs another part of the coffin, snaps it off like it is a mere graham cracker, and forms a fist with shrapnel of glass embedded in fingers. Fragile glass hovering over your face breaks and showers down like freckles. Steadily, he keeps punching and breaking off glass until none remains.

When he pulls back his right hand, the leather is thoroughly drenched in a red flood. Instead of spraying bloody water in thin sheets, it flows off his fingers like a spilled milkshake. Black and red combined, Jade adds the last color to the Snow White triptych. 

Avenging, he takes the bouquet of white flowers from your hands. The stems crunch in his harsh grip; the flowers sway in their downward descent. He brandishes them down by his thigh like one might hold a sword in the midst of battle. Nitroglycerin sweat bubbles and propane sweat pops on his palm. His black gloved hand catches fire, enveloping the bouquet in a blaze that rises vindictively up to his shoulders.

As the last bits of a fire spell, done without the conductor of his magic pen, start to shimmer away in ash and smoke, Jade lets the incinerated, curled inward, black flowers fall to the ground. He takes his dominant hand and slowly places it upon your cheek.

Soft. You are so soft. I should have taken off my gloves. His bleeding hand infects your skin with a new paint. Jade puts his thumb over your lips where someone has put clown lipstick on you. When your lips part slightly under his ministrations, no breath hits his thumb. 

His precious pearl, breathless. He wishes nothing more for you to open up your eyes and dispel his worries. 

“Jade!” Ah, it seems people are starting to come out of their stupor at the display Jade is presenting. He looks vexatious over his shoulder, briefly catching eye contact with Azul. “What are you possibly doing!” Jade also manages to catch his brother breaking comatose to stand up.

“There is no need to fret about me overblotting. I have a secure lid placed on my emotions. Unlike others.”

Hurt flashes in Azul’s eyes. Jade cannot stomach to check if his insult hurt who he intended it to hurt. Instead, he gingerly lifts you in his arms. Limp, you tumble into his embrace with gravity-obeying limbs. Your neck tilts back and your toes point down in Jade’s careful hold.

“Jade!”

This will prove difficult with both my hands holding them and no magic pen as a conductor. It is the only thought in Jade’s head as his brother shouts his name. Worry rarely crosses his twin’s face with such an intensity; most would judge it as anger. Ah, I am really being so impolite today. Sorry Floyd. The starting sparks of a teleportation spell start to pop around his shoulders and torso like fireflies. 

With a deep breath, Jade disappears in a supernova. 

More or less, Jade Leech has returned to being himself. Verbosely polite and formal; eager to lend a helping, subservient hand; jumping right back into the schedule he has: classes, duties for Azul, Mountain Lovers club activities, etcetera. He is a different picture of the man laying in bed, stricken with your absence; now, he has returned to the man he was in your presence. 

Is it because you two are reunited in presence? That old tale of Hercules and Meg, interlocked souls, finally touching again? Are you reunited? Azul cannot be certain that is true. Nobody has been able to locate your body since that day. 

Behind his glasses, Octavinelle’s housewarden traces the motions of his vice. He cannot see Jade’s expression, only scrutinizing over his back as he pens the order of a customer. It is a week after your uncompleted funeral. Azul’s stomach turns sick, watching Jade work effortlessly in Mostro Lounge, not knowing where Jade keeps your corpse. 

Corpse … All his limbs shudder at the word. It could be hidden under his own bedroom’s floorboards or locked away in Ramshackle with your three ghost companions. You could be anywhere.

Every thought Azul has on the situation makes it feel like salt and ice are colliding in his abdomen in a hissing burn. So, he decides to stop thinking about it. Which is why he is almost grateful when Jade comes up to him, distracting his mind from slipping into darker speculation.

Hand on his heart, Jade says, “Table Fifteen is requesting your presence. They have a question about one of our discontinued menu items – the salmon and lemon-ricotta pasta. I already divulged about the excess supply getting thrown out because of low demand. However, your presence was requested nonetheless.”

“Ah, thank you, Jade,” Azul says. It is just the distraction he needs before he thinks about anything more ghastly. Stock issues and dining will not haunt him with goosebumps and night terrors. He starts towards Table Fifteen.  

“Though … I can return and take care of it, if need be.” 

It is that odious sentence that gives Azul pause. Because that is exactly what the old Jade would offer, using a bit of rough, predatory treatment to de-escalate an issue. Same old Jade Leech, hiding a corpse somewhere on campus … who even knows if your body is on campus. 

“No … No, you are dismissed from the issue. Do whatever you please for the rest of your shift.”

“Very well. If you’ll excuse me.”

I have to go make preparations, Azul thinks as he goes to greet Table Fifteen. I don’t see it as necessary but, Azul glances one last time at Jade as the distance between them grows, Jade’s spine once again all he sees, I should prepare for the event of him overblotting.

Saprophytic organisms obtain their nutrients by breaking down dead organic matter. Fungi, bacteria, and water molds all have an exclusive diet of nature’s cadavers. In the simplest of terms, they eat death to sustain their own life. 

Not all mushrooms are saprotrophs. After all, mycorrhizal and parasitic and endophytic mushrooms have a different diet; it is just that a majority of the mushrooms one finds, one will find them living among them dead. As active decomposers, they refuse to let death be finite. As Jade opens his terrarium, chip-esque mushrooms that mimic the look of a body’s heat signals, he recalls fondly how saprotrophs are the easiest to cultivate. 

He takes out the turkey tail mushrooms, ripping them from their roots. Well, mushrooms have no roots but the image is still true. Turkey tail mushrooms are fascinating – they look so much like thermal heat vision, little branching waves of red, yellow, and white, thus making them look alive. And, they have a history of being used as medicine.

So vigorous with life yet bloated after a meal of death. 

Jade opens the book on his desk in the botanical gardens. People always chastised him for his love of mushrooms. If he had an affection towards flowers or perhaps even pretty yellow weeds, he supposes it would not be as frowned upon. He has always been this way, preferring the ugly duckling over the swan. You were of a similar disposition. 

Around his work station, an incense holder burns wisps of Worm’s Wort – which can dull the odor of anything. He flips through pages at a languid pace. From the window panes, moonlight slithers down a thousand maggots and makes their congealing home on Jade’s desk. Interlocking light lies down to rest as Jade stays awake into the night.

I’m so tired. The thought seeps in like a maggot in the ear of a cadaver. Numerous times, Jade changes his pair of nitrile gloves to rub at his eyes, warding off sleep. Moonlight maggots crawl over his skin.

It is only after his sixteenth failed potion (eighty-first if you count the others he has made in the past six nights after your funeral) with the wrong color, wrong texture, or wrong smell, does Jade’s head start to slip off his neck. On the verge of burning out, eyes blinking close, the desk rushes towards him like ground to a meteor, about to kiss his nose and face with pain, and – you catch him in your hand despite the smoldering sting of touching a meteor.

“You make and pick the strangest beds to fall asleep in. I can’t take my eyes off my Jade for a second, can I?” 

Jade blinks to see you resting next to him, forehead on your forearm which lies on the table. His cheek is warmed by your right hand which acts as a bridge between his flesh and the desk. Even though some of your hair is in the way and the left side of your face is shielded in the cradle of your arm, Jade can see it clear as day. There is no scar threading itself across your forehead. 

You give him a warm smile and Jade, who is a cold-blooded creature, replicates that warmth. The last exhausted fuses of energy left in him lift up his lovestruck lips. “Tired, baby,” you ask him.

“Mmmmh, just a bit. I have been at this for quite some time.”

“We should head back to Octavinelle then. Can’t have you knocking over a potion in your sleep.”

“No, no. Let’s stay here a little longer.” To bask in your presence, Jade needs that to a higher degree than he needs water or air. “Don’t go so soon.”

You are dressed in your school uniform. It has all of your soul’s idiosyncrasy in each article. Not really enrolled in Night Raven College, therefore lacking a uniform, you wear a leather jacket without pockets and a grid pattern collared shirt. The sleeves of your button-up gently pull away from being sandwiched by his cheek and desk. You busy yourself with brushing strands of black hair into its correct placement.

“Okay, okay. We can stay here for a while, but you’re definitely going to have a sore neck and sore shoulders in the morning.”

“Pamper me tomorrow?”

You hum, considering it. By now, most of the mismatched, colored tresses have been tucked gingerly behind his ear. You follow the diamond outline of a single sturgeon scale with your finger as you say, “If the price is right.”

Jade's smile grows stupid at that, showing just a sliver of his teeth. You always did like poking fun at his Octavinelle habits. Allowing himself to melt under your ministrations, he murmurs, “Anything for you.”

“Happy to do business with you then, Mr. Leech.”

You move the nail of your index along diamond scales’ edges, content to do as he says. Stay here a little longer under a gazebo of stars. Sevens, it might have been cheesily poetic what you said in the past, yet Jade agrees in totality with your poesy. The universe has collapsed, burnt away worries and responsibilities, and all that remains of creation is you and him. 

Jade lifts his face so the hand playing with his earring falls over his mouth. With pouting lips, he plants a field of kisses on your palm. Such a warm palm. Your hand smells of raspberries and whipped vanilla from a foam soap you were particularly fond of. Jade can even smell it over the Worm’s Wort. And, Worm’s Wort – that is meant to keep his potion-making a secret – is an overwhelming, astringent scent that blankets other smells with high efficiency. 

Everything, even his nose, narrows down to you. It is not an unpredictable feat. Azul once said your voice drags him out of any task with the ease of a siren working to drown a sailor. Which is why he hears you clearly even as you mumble, “Oh, I have this poem I want to workshop with you.” 

Jade mourns the loss of your hand when you move energized. Leaning back in your stool, both hands fall behind you to grip under the seat. You throw back your head, conjuring all the verses up in your head. When you tilt your eyes to look at Jade, you have this grin on your face that balances on the fence of being sleazy with gross intent or being liberative with genius intent. Like you will either tell him you found a dead animal or you found the cure to cancer. He is all ears for whatever you throw. 

He is only thrown for a bit of a loop as you swing your feet to the side and leap off the stool. Not perturbed over your body but rather an article of clothes. The noose around your neck is a blood-red tie with a stark white pattern of skulls upon it, mimicking the look of cut-out paper snowflakes. Patterned by two distinct rows: skulls connecting forehead to forehead then skulls facing the viewer. It vanishes from his sight as your back faces him. 

Out of your mouth, poetry diffuses in the heavy, wet air of the botanical gardens. 

“Wake up. (your feet carry you out towards the stretch of cobblestone, then playfully, you turn and disappear behind large, flowing leaves and unusual flowers)

Door Death, I knock upon thee (“(name)?” jade springs up, a deep fear swimming through him because you are out of his sight)

I ask the eternal question (when he pushes back the large leaves and peculiar flowers, you are no longer in that same spot; his head moves on a swivel, looking for you)

Has my life all been a dream? (your voice carries on the eastern air)

Has all my life been a dream? (your voice carries on the western air)

The eternal question unanswered (pressure falls over his eyes and heart, where are you!)

Door Death, I knock upon thee (a finger taps his shoulder-blade)

Wake up.”

When Jade turns, your embrace retreating slowly, you are holding out a solitary Easter lily out towards him. The gesture plainly tells him to take it. A white trumpet-shaped mouth yawns at him, five or so tongues of yellow pollen sticking out. It looks so correct in your hold that Jade almost doesn’t want to accept it.

Heart knocking with lingering desperation, he takes the Easter lily in hand all the same. In replacement to his palm, he rests his knuckles to his avalanching chest, careful of the flower in his caress. Before he can comment on the verses, you beat him to the punch. “Don’t do anything you’ll regret; my Jade isn’t stupid.” 

He chuckles at that, eyes squinting with mirth.“Don’t I always say you should set your expectations upon higher platforms when with me?” 

“My expectation towards your stupidity or your intellect?” 

“Oya? I’d prefer the latter.” A teasing eyebrow is raised.  

However, you grow grim like this is a matter of life or death. You twine arms around his neck and ensnare him to lean down to your height. In your eyes, a maelstrom of mental unease rages and causes your hues to appear milky-gray with worry. Under the concern of your bruised eyes, Jade responds, “You think I’m making a rash decision? Or perhaps, one that is not fully educated. I assure you that I have rigorously studied this.”

Your mouth quirks. “I think you are choosing the wrong method.”

“Then, enlighten me please.”

You lean close to him, nose to nose. Unlike the sweetness of raspberries and vanilla, your breath is something foul. Cadaverine and putrescine scent that he can only compare to the smell of his mushrooms at peak rot. Jade cannot focus on the scent because your voice hypnotizes him. 

Slowly, you recite a song like it is poetry. “A dream is a wish your heart makes; when you’re fast asleep; in dreams you will lose your heartaches; whatever you wish for, you keep.”

Whatever dust of happiness is holding Jade’s lips blows away. The frown cuts his features. It takes a great deal for him to respond over the commotion of rain and lightning storming around in his ribcage; he only manages one word, perfumed in hurt and hate. “Him?”

Your next breath smells like mint.  He imagines it would be something lovely to taste in a kiss. “I trust him. He is dear to me.”

Hate and hurt dull Jade’s casual loquacity. “But he hurt you.”

“So have you.” Now only hurt remains on Jade’s tongue. You do not let him refute, listing off, “So has Riddle, so has Leona and Azul, so has Jamil, so has Rook, so has Vil and Idia, so has Sebek, so has everyone that has known me. What is one more scar?”

It is the harsh truth, Jade knows. Magicless and fragile, you have been in the infirmary as often as an alcohol back to the liquor cabinet. Nothing worse than scratches and one broken wrist, nothing like this, Jade wants to desperately argue but your eyes silence him.

“So please,” you continue. “Please, give him a chance … You know, I’m still so sad that I never got to arrange that joint club meeting – Mountain Lovers and Gargoyle Research Studies. I think it would have been a peaceful walk at night, looking out for mushrooms and gargoyles. 

“You two are so alike. It amuses me.” This truth takes its knife and thunders itself into Jade’s gut. Maneuvering with incredible dexterity, truth stabs into the eight tic-tac-toe regions of his abdomen, cutting deep red mouths into pallid flesh that tell him: yes, this is a truth. We love the same person. Jade does not voice this growing pain. 

“I assure you, it is beneficial to have full faith in me. Have I ever made a split -choice decision? Do I not map out everything ahead of time? Besides, failing to my weaknesses in magical areas is not something I’m inclined to do, my dear.”

“Consider it. Anything for me, right?” 

Ah, how villainous you are. To use his own words against him like that is a quality he both adores and loathes. Jade maneuvers the Easter lily so it sits in his hand like a cigarette. A loving hand raises up to one of the arms entwined around his neck, rubbing along the sleeve, as he slyly objects, “Surely you can understand my hesitation. After his -”

“I almost died –” Jade’s heart stops beating, fear is a powerful clog to all his heart’s arteries. You continue softly, “ during Azul’s overblot. What happened –”

“Let’s not talk about it. Just trust me.”

“Jade.”

“(Name).”

“No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream you wish will come true … Please, consider it for my sake.”

“... I will play around with it in my head … No promises that I won’t crush it like it’s a bug.”

The tone of the conversation turns light. “I hope the sound of it buzzing annoys you.”

“How cruel of you.”

“Ah, NRC has really rubbed off on me. I’m just too wicked.” A laugh breaks your lips.

“The worst. Worse than the worst. Vile.” Smiling with a mouthful of glass, shark-like teeth, Jade finally closes the gap between the two of you. The scent of mint too enticing and the sight of you too dopamine-inducing, he has to kiss your lips until you cry or moan. It is in his biological nature. 

The gazebo of stars rebuilds itself. Each cedar wood paneling falls back into perfect placement. Yours and Jade’s lip find all the old familiar spots of pleasure; first just lip fat smooshing together until you both in perfect sync open your mouths to each other. It might be seen as tedious already knowing the moves but Jade thinks it is a testament to how truly made for one another each of you are.

And, of course, he never allows it to get boring. Tongues like magma flowing in combining rivulets, Jade takes to moving his hands down past the curve of your shoulders to the side of your cheeks. He tilts your head in the opposite direction of how he moves his, deepening the kiss. 

You grip the back of teal strands and real pain ignites on his skin. Pain made by your physical grip. Jade follows along to mimic that harshly loving gesture. However, when he rests his fingers to cup the back of your head, he stumbles upon a scar line. A few inches above your nape. It lies like a jagged river cutting apart two pieces of land.

A warning bell blares in Jade’s mind. The sound causes him to break away. It is not buzzing though, like you were predicting. 

Night Raven College’s clock chimes twice, deep in the bowels of dark, interlocking hallways. It knocks on Jade’s skull and pulls him away. When he lifts his head off the desk, blinking at the sight of potions, his shoulders and neck are incredibly sore. 2 A.M. Two chimes after all mean 2 A.M.  The air is so thick with Worm’s Wort that he almost chokes on it. 

He does end up choking. Not on something as flowy as Worm’s Wort smoke. Rather, he chokes on something rather salty and dangerously watery. 

At 2:47 A.M, Jade Leech walks into the Diasomnia dorm.

At 3:08 A.M, Jade Leech walks out of the Diasomnia dorm, a deal made.

Floyd wakes up facing an empty bed. This is not entirely odd; Jade has a scheduled A period while Floyd opts to keep his first period free. With thick fog still lingering in his brain, it does seem a bit odd not to see Jade because for the past month he has remained in bed. But – Jade is doing better. What gives Floyd pauses is the lingering thought: did I hear Jade come in at all last night? 

Floyd is a light sleeper, always has been, so he should have been able to hear him at least enter the dorm last night or exit the dorm this morning. He doesn’t even think he heard a ladybug on the creaking floor; all of Octavinelle was unnaturally still last night like a graveyard. Before he can ponder longer on dead silence, his phone rings. 

What Azul hisses over the phone has Floyd kicking his covers like they have caught fire. “Tell me you know where Jade is. Tell me right now; where is your brother?”

From point A to point B, Floyd and Jade Leech’s dormitory to Mostro Lounge’s VIP Room, the distance is about eight minutes for a normal person. Due to their longer strides, Floyd and Jade can cut this measurement by two minutes while Azul takes the full eight. It takes Floyd three minutes to point B, as while Azul curses his ear and Floyd curses under his breath. 

Floyd knows it bad when dogmatic Azul does not scold him for walking through numerous hallways and his precious Lounge without a pair of socks, and it gets worse when Azul does not scold him for still being in his pajamas – an XL shirt with poetry in a downward pattern saying: “®, 40S & SHORTIES, BAD DECISIONS. GOOD TIMES., WORLDVIEW” with a pair of white striped, blue cotton pants – at nine on a Tuesday morning. Two Azuls speak in unison, one on the telephone receiver and one in front of him, “I think he has sealed it up with magic.”

It is a book. Just as Floyd’s hand had fallen on Mostro Lounge’s  VIP door, he had inquired why Azul Ashengrotto of all people was having such a hard time getting a single book open. A book is easy to open; a book sealed with magic should be easy too, for a mage of Azul’s talents. 

“Well, can’t ya just break it? It can’t be anything stronger than what we learned in Practical Magic?” Floyd disconnects the call as he talks; he does not need two Azuls in his ear. 

“If the charm was something from that course then of course. This is more on par with the third year Conjuration course … or Ancient Curses.”

Though only seventeen, one would think with the maturity etched in Azul’s features that he was nearing twenty-seven instead. He has a hand depressed on his face and his eyes drawn into a sharp squint. Behind the shield of his glasses, a dozen speculations and calculations dance like sparks of lightning. Floyd hates it as much as he is glad to see that incisive prowess.  

“But … it’s just a book about mushrooms.” Which is entirely true. The book that Azul’s stare is burning a hole through has written plainly on it: Chanterelle Dreams, Amanita Nightmares. 

When considering current events, the title causes Floyd’s stomach to turn inside out. However, it is something Floyd has seen Jade read before Malleus’s overblot. It is just a boring book. A boring book that for some reason won’t open.

Azul verbalizes Floyd’s inner doubt, “A book that Jade left behind. A book that is not opening no matter what elementary magic I throw at it.” 

Left in the botanical gardens. Left there overnight when Jade said he was going to be right back after tending to his terrariums. Getting back into hobbies was a sign of healing from trauma, right? Floyd feels like the skin of stomach is not only inside out but being torched by fire.

“I‘ll open it. I’m on the same level as Jade. Can’t be too hard.” Just as Floyd starts walking up to Azul’s desk, he is stopped. 

“No! No … we shouldn’t risk your health if this takes something more to open.”

Vexation falls on Floyd’s face. His teeth displayed and brow crinkled, “Huuuh?” He stomps over to the desk. “It’s Jade magic. It ain’t gonna kill us.”

“No, but it might drain one of us. And,” Azul hesitates. But when Floyd slams his hands down on the VIP desk, determinate coals burn in his sky-blue eyes. He stares down Floyd without a single flinch. “And you run the fastest out of the two of us, so we cannot risk your energy.”

It takes a moment for him to back down. Reading the map of the plan on Azul’s expression, it comes to Floyd’s attention what exactly Azul is hinting at. “Fiiine.” Floyd’s dominant hand still crosses up to rest on his right shoulder. “Doesn’t mean I’ma be happy about it though.”

“Trust me, neither am I.” And he really isn’t. This entire situation leaves a bad taste in his mouth. 

On the ledge of Azul’s desk rests his staff. The octopus’s bulbous head keeps it steady on the surface. Authentic silver shines elegantly under the expensive lighting. Between the nest of curling tentacles, Azul’s gray gemstone sits, ready to be utilized. White gloves wrap around the sleek black handle.

When Azul holds his staff above the book, Floyd interrupts, “Ma called me two nights ago and said – (Floyd sits in his bed, stricken by the sound of his grown, emotionally shielded mother crying. The sound of her sobs feel so artificial in his left ear, like hearing a creature trying to mimic human speech patterns. Something so visceral wrong laced in the vocal cords of it. 

“Mama, Mama, what’s wrong,” Floyd pleads, about one breath away from grabbing a transformation potion and rushing to the Mirror Chamber. 

“Tell – Tell Jade to pick up his phone please – I just! I – auh – Floooyd,” his mother sobs. 

“Mama, he’s in class. He can’t pick up his phone right now. He’s in class. What’s wrong? Ma?”

That seems to soothe something in Narissa Leech. There is a slick sound of her wiping away tears, probably bringing talons under her eyelids and probably bringing her forearm across her nose. After a few tearful breath, she whispers, “He’s not sleepin’?”

“No, he went to his A period class. Mama, what’s wrong?”

“I,” she sniffles, “I had this awful dream. You and Jade were tiny and still sharing your bedrooms. I went to wake up both of you for breakfast but Jade wouldn’t wake up. I kept shaking and shakin’ him. It was like he was in a coma and just wouldn’t get up. He looked like a tiny corpse. 

“I kept calling for you and Dad, but neither of you would come help. My little baby. I kept trying to wake him up. I just tried and tried. Then, I pried his left eye open and ah!” His mother cries once more. “He looked so dead in his sleep!”). – and I haven’t been able to stop thinkin’ ‘bout it,” Floyd finishes.

It is very rare for either of the twins to show their fears. Fear is a delicious seasoning that gets you devoured in the Coral Sea. Though it wears a mask on Floyd’s face, fear is still evident in his voice despite the steadiness of each syllable. Sometimes friends can just measure how much fear the other has, even when it is not shown.

Azul frowns sympathetically. He has only really had his mother and step-father; worrying about a sibling is uncharted territory for Azul. However, if he had friends with a bond as close as a sibling relationship, it might be Floyd and Jade. It just might. 

It probably is not though. Probably.

“Since we were little, your brother has always been capable. Both in his magic and in his wit. Even … even in this instance, I doubt Jade will ever make a decision hazardously.” Which is exactly what worries them; Jade is brilliant, who knows what an odious mixture of intellect and grief could end up making.

Azul touches the octopus’s forehead to the cover of Chanterelle Dreams, Amanita Nightmares. In reaction, the room explodes with the power of a violet tornado.

“Fuck,” Floyd shouts as wind body-checks him like a obese linebacker. 

Azul’s hat flies off his head. His glasses would risk being magnetized into the same wind-polarity if he tilted his face away from the shimmering violet. However, Azul does not wither even once at the tremendously powerful locking spell. The violet that stains his face like grape only hones him into the irrefutable fact that this is Jade’s magic. Despite being on the verge of being knocked over by it, the realization fills Azul with relief. 

Floyd’s violet nails scrap lines into Azul’s desk but Azul does not twitch out of his resolve. Papers lying on his desk go airborne. The housewarden grits his violet teeth so hard that he risks breaking his jaw, his mole stretching down with the shape of his grimace. 

C’mon, c’mon! Slowly, the tentacles on Azul’s staff start to unfurl from their comatose state. His gem stone and the octopus head remain fixed to the handle unlike the squirming appendages. Silver metal moves fluidly and wraps itself around the cover of the book like a starfish. 

Then, with a burst of brighter violet that fades away to nothing, chanterelle dreams and amanita nightmares reveal their faces to the two of them. Well, not to Floyd. Temporarily blind due to the atomic explosion, he is wiping his eyes with his knuckles, blinking away little spots of endless black and blinding white. Which is why for a vital moment, Floyd misses the look of absolute horror that paints Azul’s face.

“Th-This –.” As the tentacles of his magic staff congeal back into their normal state, Azul sets the handle’s end down on the ground. Uncoordinated, it tumbles to the ground just as Azul picks up the book, holding it close to his chest.

“Wha? What’s in it? Shit, this kills,” Floyd hisses, hunched over. A stray tear falls down Floyd’s left eye as he slowly straightens out. “Stupid Jade.”

With each page flip, Azul’s face turns a lighter shade of white. When a hand reaches out to grab the book, Azul slaps it with so much force that Floyd groans in pain. 

“C’mon, let me see,” Floyd whines. It is not a childish whine but more of a warning, he is going to get violent if Azul does not hand over the stupid book now. Floyd grabs the desk and leans over the top, trying to get a glimpse of whatever Azul is hiding. All he sees is paragraphs of text and a block where an image is drawn.

He does not get to know what the image is because Azul slams the book shut and demands with urgency, “Where is your brother, Floyd?”

A dragon’s treasure is guarded and hoarded with a shield-and-sword-heart acting as its knights. Malleus has found his treasure to have become his memories of you. If each recollection was a shiny ruby or bright diamond, Malleus puts them all in an isolated, inaccessible cache. In times where comfort is needed, he returns to roll a precious gem in his talons, moments of just you and him unshared with others playing in his mind. Right now, Malleus rotates a rose quartz.

This particular rose quartz was formed by magma crystallization as all are. The time period it was formed in was before you knew his true identity. 

You two are perched miles above the ground, on one of the eastern turrets of Night Raven College. You curl into your notepad as Malleus takes in the scenery. 

He took you up here by teleportation. You have improved in leaps and bounds from your first time being maneuvered about the earth by a teleportation spell. Unlike your first time, you only gag now rather than puke. After a spell (not performed by his hands) of dizziness, you two took your seats upon the roof. Meters in front of you lies a single gargoyle. Wingspan extended out and the spine facing you. 

He has already explained it to you in great detail, and you listened. Really listened. So used to be stared through, Malleus has recently been finding his ears turn pink at how you look at him. Tonight, he has cut off his presentation earlier than normal. Bashfully empty of words burnt out from your smoldering eyes.

Malleus welcomes the reprieve with gratitude. Chirping crickets and grinding graphite is the only music playing in his ears – though he can sometimes hear the jazz notes of you going no, no, that line does work, no, what’s another word for … no, too pretentious and has to keep himself from chuckling fondly.

Soon, the crickets find themselves without any further accompaniment; you have stopped writing. Curious, Malleus looks away from the stone he has been studying. His neck rolls. Rejuvenated, his pulse pounds in the taut muscles found in his throat at the sight of you. What a sight you truly are, unafraid to be here with him. 

You catch onto his unshakable staring. Tongue in cheek, pencil clenched in hand, you announce “I.” The pencil weeps under your strength. “I think I got it now.”

Malleus raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

You tap your pencil on the edge of your notepad anxiously. Then, taking a deep breath, you read your haiku:

“Apathy on stone

My prince, do not reveal tears

Gargoyle, keep your face.”

The look you give him is uneasy. He imagines you are anticipating harsh criticism, writing a poem on a subject matter he is so endowed in. Rather than criticism, the only thing in Malleus’s heart is a quick skipping beat.

You have such a way with words that it leaves his spellbound despite the unequivocal fact that you are very magicless. The words seem so knitted together for his especial heart. His own face of stone. However, knowing you do not know he is a prince, he considers the five-seven-five syllable poem and covers up his growing blush with one inquiry , “tears?”

“Because gargoyles are waterspouts. So, I wanted to layer an emotion to the functionality, the rigid job.” For a moment, you consider the poem in your hand then your mouth moves a mile a second. “Ugh! Truthfully, I wanted to say ‘a prince must never cry’ so it can keep the chain of commands like ‘keep your face’ but then the line would only be six syllables! Ugh, I hate haikus! I can’t write a single good one.” 

You look about ready to crumple up and toss the note away with hatred. It would not be surprising, you do this a lot. Enough to the point where Malleus has a collection of crinkled up poems — “If you want them, you can have them. They fucking stink though,” you had first bemoaned when Malleus first asked to keep your workshopping words. This one though, Malleus wants you to be proud of it.

“I happen to think it is quite beautiful, spellbinding almost.”

The way your eyes shimmer when looking at him leaves Malleus choking on the night air. He continues despite his temperature rising in his gut and nape.

“The first and third lines feel impersonal, but the middle line is soft. It is the gentleness sandwiched and withered away by the stone. Despite the cold exterior, there is a heart in there.”

The way you look at him — all the ways you look at him, but even more so now — has him falling helplessly in love with you. Stars blaze in your eyes like he has opened up the jaws of the universe and plucked your favorite part of the cosmo down for you. He would do so for you. He would do so much for you – divide the ocean down the middle, change the phrase of the moon, or tear the sky in two. Wounded so tightly across your finger that it surely cuts off circulation. You look at him so sweetly, bathed by the night’s glow. Malleus bites his tongue bloody to keep from telling you that you have the prettiest eyes. 

“That’s — That’s actually really a revolutionary way to look at it. I —,” you glance down at your work, “I really didn’t have the optimism to see it that way.”

“You should be more prideful of what you create. Your work too has a heart despite its cold exterior, even at its most tortured.”

“Stooop, I’ll blush.” You raise a hand over your eyes but a sleazy grin is underneath your fingers. You enjoy praise a lot.

“I am just being honest with you, Child of Man. You always asked me to be.” He pauses then asks, “however, may I inquire why use the word prince?”

“I don’t know. Don’t they seem regal to you at times?”

“Hm, there seems to be a resemblance.” 

“They remind me of you a lot. Regal. Ah, not that you’re a prince though … What’s that grin for? Don’t tell me I inflated your ego.”

“Nothing of the sorts, Child of Man.”

“Ah, whatever.” Despite your grumbled tone, you flip to the next notebook page. It is the first one he has seen you save rather than tear up. 

Rain pitters on the building, starting out soft like the languid pop of popcorn in a microwave. No, not on Night Raven College’s roof. Rainfall taps like fingertips on Diasomnia’s dormitory, and Malleus realizes it is time for him to put this rose quartz back in his treasure hoard. When his and Jade’s eyes meet across the room, his breath grows thorn in his lungs. Now is not the time to reflect.

From the towering polygon windows, the icy clouds heavy with rain are just barely visible through the shower sticking to the panes. Worser weather is certain to come like an expected guest. Malleus, tongue heavy, announces, “All that is left now is to retrieve their body.”

Diasomnia’s lounge has been cleared of all its furniture and rugs. Tables teleport away and rugs roll themselves up. Black leather couches and chairs are depressed tightly on the southern wall behind Jade and Malleus, blocking the entrance. Not that they are necessary barricades when the bombay blackwood doors are locked firmly with ancient magic. 

It is set in motion to take place in the lounge’s heart. The nook bordered by two grand staircases and twenty feet below where Diasomnia’s throne resides. Upon the cement ground, illuminated by no light, lies a circle of complex patterns and symbols made of thorns. In the middle of linking sigils, Octavinelle’s vice-housewarden stands with an apathetic, stone face. The same expression he had worn when he and Malleus made their contractual deal. 

He keeps his cards so close to his chest, you once bemoaned on your nightly ventures. Malleus remembers it well; you were reaching tear-out-your-hair hysteria due to cooking a meal for Jade Leech and not receiving a clear glimpse into his opinion. He’s impossible to read!  Your teeth flashed with frustration. 

It is an appropriate analogy. Like an experienced gambler, Jade knows not to leave his hands vulnerable to any ill-intent strikes. At first, he was incredibly suspicious of your kindness until evolution changed your kindness to a craving. With Malleus, Jade hides his cards behind his back and then shields them with an illusion spell to change the faces of the playing cards.

Making this shrewd deal was one of Jade’s finer moments. Like an experienced brain surgeon, he knows where to pull with roughness or push with softness in the intricate webbing of nerve-endings. Using survivor’s guilt as keen forceps and using his own signature spell as hooks, Jade performed a deal Azul would have been praiseful of. 

Which is why he will comply with the terms, because he has already prematurely agreed to them. Green eyes watch him pull black gloves carefully from his hands. He folds them once, pockets them, then unclips his magic pen from his breast pocket. A collision of two stars bursts in bright colors on the surface of Jade’s pen.

From out of thin air, you appear. You fall into Jade’s arm with all the grace of a dead body. Jade catches you in a dancer’s standard dip. Limp, your neck stretches as far as it can while dangling strands of hair point down at the ground like a thousand knives. 

He plants a gentle kiss on your cheek. Mourning and love mix in his heterochromic eyes. Jade takes to silently brushing away the pieces that cover up your forehead’s scar as if to almost say to Malleus who watches Jade lift you bridal style: look at what you did to them, look. 

Malleus’s otherwise imperative stare moves to a window. The rain is starting to get gradually heavier. When Malleus looks back, Jade is kneeled in the middle of the circle of thorns, as was pre-planned. The stone-faced prince of Briar Valley interlocks his gloves underneath the gem’s handle base instead of just holding it in one hand.

“No matter what you see or hear, your focus must never flicker from the Child of Man. A single interruption is a breakage in a dam of irreversible consequence. I ask you to heed these words carefully … Jade.”

“Of course.” Curt and clip, Jade’s confirmation is nothing more than contractual obligation. 

The vines from the head base to gemstone bring to shift. Two interlocked vines rotate in a downward spiral, dancing around one another. 

“Then, let us not waste another second.”

The spindle’s wheel starts to spin. Slowly at first, it moves at a pace where one can keep track of the mismatched sized spokes. Gradually, the spindle picks up pace. Inner spokes start to move in a heartbeat-esque pattern, up and down from long to short to long to short. Bombay blackwood twirls; the natural grain melts together into one smooth surface. It keeps picking up pace, twirling faster and faster. It is now impossible to distinguish where the spokes lie as they all melt into nebulous black. Accumulating to its peak, Malleus’s spindle moves so swiftly that it appears to slow down, moving counterclockwise. 

Wind picks up in Diasomnia as if a tornado is tearing through the stone ribcage. Malleus’s hair flies around him like ebon seaweed caught along a boat’s racing hook. The obsidian markings on his forehead stay relenting to the fierce winds, tight upon his increasingly crinkling brow. Behind his pointed ears, ebon strands whip back and forth with a vengeance. 

Jade’s and your hair move in tandem, blown in the same direction. Despite the discord around, despite when Malleus starts to chant, nothing tears his gaze from you. His eyes are intent on you like a mere blink would cause you to dissolve into seafoam. Despite the lighting hitting the ground, he keeps his stare. 

A breath later, the lounge is plunged into green. 

On the tongue of a stone bridge, Floyd and Azul appear out of thin air. Not entirely out of thin air though; around their shoulders, the shimmer of the transportation mirror into Diasomnia fades over their bodies. Rain smacks them in the face with a grievous scorn. Azul loses his footing temporarily but Floyd catches him by the elbow.

He pushes up his glasses, rain falls so hard and fast that they become more of an obstacle than a helper for sight. Getting drenched by the second, Azul stops with Floyd to watch the show of dancing lightning. “By Sevens, do you really think Draconia is overblotting again?”

Diasomnia staff and students in Mostro Lounge had started checking their phones as Floyd and Azul stepped out from the VIP room. Apparently, there was a storm brewing in the Diasomnia dormitory. Apparently, the main foyer was closed off and the vice-housewarden was evacuating students. Apparently, Malleus Draconia is overblotting a second time. Who knows if the information is reliable. All that is important is Jade was seen days ago, walking on this very stone bridge past midnight.

“I don’t care. I know Sea Slug knows where Jade is.” Floyd’s lips pull into a beastly snarl. “C’mon.” 

A cold sweat breaks on Malleus’s forehead. From the two connecting diamonds imprinted on his forehead, sweat drops. It trails down over his nose to his lips which are harshly breathing air in and out. 

Malleus Draconia has to minutely remind himself how breathing works as the tornado rips through Diasomnia like a savage bear. Pressure stomps on his chest with an iron boot. Through all his wild chase to keep oxygen in his lungs, he recognizes it not as pain but rather a deserved punishment. I’m sorry, Child of Man. It is an unheard sentiment; even if said, it would be torn from his lips and thrown yards away by the wind. 

There are many unheard sentiments chopped by the furious air. Most of them come from Silver, Sebek, and Lilia, behindthe barracked door, drowned out by turbulent winds. Harsh air chops up the syllables like a knife, turning them into incomprehensible poetry. The sentiments matter little until among them a single voice shouts, “JADE!”

Stricken, Jade tears his hell-bent gaze away from you. He does not answer loud enough to be heard over the maelstrom but the sentiment is still sincere. “Floyd?”

“Ignore it! Focus on them!!” Under Malleus’s instructions, Jade fixes the nucleus of his sight back onto you. A resurrection can only be completed with the kiss of true love. Without that passionate embrace, the body will lose the returning soul it momentarily holds. A true love’s kiss seals it back in the body. He waits for the predestined moment where he can connect your lips together with unwavering focus. 

“Just a little longer now, my love.” Jade’s lips pull into a lovestruck grin. “Soon.”

Among the wind, voices converse:

“Pry open the door!”

“We have been trying to!”

“Your hands are not broken or bloodied! You obviously have not!!”

“Malleus, this could kill you! This could kill you both!”

“ Malleus!!”

“Jade, you fuck!”

Azul shouts with all his remaining strength, “Jade, don’t do this!!”

A black star forms silently over Jade’s head. 

All of his life, he has been unapproachable. All of his life, people have found his teeth nightmarish and his eyes ghoulish. All of his life, he has waited for someone like you. You mean the universe to him; driven to the point where he would do something as forbidden as this. Malleus grips his staff tighter and Jade grips you tighter.

The black star is an abomination. Quantum processes work in rotation, lapping over each other like yin-and-yang. Ebony water shimmer in the middle of the black star while the outer ring strangles the air atoms with thorns. Atomic particles split into twos, going smaller than scientists thought possible, with the strength of the semiclassical, gravitational abomination. 

It thumps like a grotesque, wet heart and churns with the sound of visceral tearing. From the black thorns, the atmosphere collapses into blue-gray dust, destroying the atoms in its way. The black star gives a pained groan before it expels what it has taken.

From the inky depths of a black star, wisps of smoke start to seep down like water from overhead greenhouse hoses. The plumes of cloud hiss with head-splitting volume. Slowly, those misty clouds spiral back into a congealing mass. A split tornado swirling back into its original shape. Smoke tightens and arrows down before erupting into a cloud over your face. You swallow it; from your eyes, to your nose, to your ears, to your mouth, you swallow all the mist until there is nothing left in the collapsing air. 

Perhaps you are not swallowing; perhaps it is entering.

Jade watches intent each centimeter square of your face with glassy eyes. He waits until each wisps of vapor diffuses into the very pores of your skin. When the air is clear of the smoke, he brings up his right hand to move hair that has fallen over your features.

Onto the skies of your lips, Jade Leech whispers his heart. “I love you. I cannot live this life without my heart and soul. Come back to me; where you belong, my love, is with me.” Under a gruesome black star, he kisses you. 

It is an unreciprocated kiss. When kissing a corpse, one should never expect to be greeted with tender amorous sensations. This is why Jade does not despair when he feels nothing, suctioning your lifeless lips in two kisses before pecking harshly for the third and final kiss. It is alright – he can have his real kiss soon – because the black star is killing itself. 

Collapsing air closes in a snap. Leftover blue-gray powder hangs in the air like dust particles seen from the sunlight’s rays. Slowly, green light starts to slither away, dimming in quanta measures. All is so tranquil; even the tornado winds bottled in the lounge start to dim away. Then, like your heart is trying to jump from your chest, you start to hyperventilate in Jade’s arms.

“(Na-Name) … (Name),” love washes over Jade’s tongue. You twist violently in his arms, throat and chest pounding up and down with irregular breaths. Like a cornered prey, your eyes are wild with confusion. “It’s okay … I got you. You’re safe … Oh, you’re so beautiful. My love.” 

Neck rolling back, seizure-like eyes go white and you cough out a mushroom-shaped cloud of blue-gray dust. Black blood drips down your left nostril and trails like a tear off your cheek. Exhaustively, your chest continues to punch in and out with air that misses their connection in your lungs by centimeters. If you do not find a way to breathe, you will surely die a second time. 

Not that Jade would let that happen after just getting you back. Jade maneuvers you with ease. He moves your back so it lies on his chest and whispers,  “I know it will be difficult but follow along to my breath. Feel it go in … out … in … out … in … out … there, there … out … in … good, so good.”

Your chest beats wildly like the tempo of a metal song while Jade’s chest beats with the measured drum of rhythm and blues. Ungloved skin rests, fingers spread wide, on your chest. Each groove of each other’s bones are felt. Past the layers of muscle, skin, and clothes, your lungs touch together in a kiss. Jade depresses his chest on your back, bending you into a hunch. His words are almost delirious.

“I love you. I love you so much. I love you, please see it and believe it. I would do anything for you, (Name).”

Slowly, the tempo of your lungs start to dim like the lightning, green lights, and wind do. Jade moves his hand from your chest to your left shoulder. He depresses his lips on your neck, holding onto you painfully tight. 

“ … Right where I want you to be again. Be here with me. Be awake with me. I love you.”

You capture your first real breath as the door to the lounge bursts open.

You turn, eyes wide as saucers. Behind you, Jade’s timid smiling face greets you from your eternal sleep. Another string of black blood drips down your face, this one coming from your right nostril. Your brows creases then flattens out, recognizing the face after a moment of hesitation..

“Jade?”

In response, Jade smiles with all his teeth.

Separate from you two, Malleus lies on the floor. His own heart and lungs beating erratically, panting like a dog on a smoldering summer’s day. Lilia may put his hand on his shoulder to try and vanquish the tidal wave of breathlessness but Malleus shrugs it off. His staff is knocked by his side from the explosion of the black star collapsing. Malleus uses it to push himself up on his knees. 

His heart floods with relief and love at seeing the sight of you breathing in Jade’s arms. Besotted beyond belief, he whispers lovestruck, “Child of Man.” Then, the calm expression melts off his face and reveals panic. Because that is not –!

“Jade!”

Floyd breaks into the room like a storm; shoulder-checks Sebek who is trying to reach Malleus; jumps over the furniture that prove to be useless barracks. “Jade,” he shouts again when he notices his brother has yet to turn away from you. 

Their eyes find each other across the room easily. It is incredibly hard to see in the Coral Sea, biological and environmental factors working double-time together to ensure they stayed in the middle of the food chain. Their shared beacon of gold keeps them tethered together in the sea and on the land. No one else, not even their parents have an eye similar to theirs. That’s my brother is what that single ring of gold means.

Floyd can recognize Jade as such even now at the worst of times. However, a marginal note is stapled onto the thought. That’s my brother and, right now, I’m terrified of him. It is an odious thought. Sevens, Floyd can feel the tap-dancers of bile make their merry way up his throat at this very moment. What keeps them tethered together feels more like a chain than a security line to use.

“Bad decisions, good times,” Jade reads off his t-shirt. “Hm, Floyd?”

How can he speak so calmly with that in his arms? Perhaps, that too is part of why Floyd feels goosebumps on the back of his thighs. A prey or lower predator has signals receptors to recognize danger. A cat shows its fear in a twitching tail; Floyd wonders how he must be showing his own fear. Call it animal insight but a part of Floyd knows deep down, that is not you in his brother’s arms. 

“Ja-Jaido.”

“Florido.”

Do this for me, Jade’s eyes seem to implore. Ah, you asshole, Floyd’s eyes respond. 

He walks forward through a graveyard of thorns. “They probably can’t walk that well. Gotta be winded.” Floyd outstretches his left hand; Jade’s eyes squint in gaiety and your own gape wide in curiosity. The grip Jade has around you is protective.  “C’mon, get up.”

“Thank you, Floyd,” Jade says, placing his hand on his brother’s. 

[piracytheorist]

I just realized that Yor is the only character from the three mains that has a full name and accepted title. She's introduced as Yor Briar, and as the Thorn Princess. Both parts are real and true.

Twilight is a cover name, its very purpose is to distract from the truth. The same applies to Loid Forger. He doesn't have a "real" name at this point. There is nothing real and true about his masks (at least, so he thinks).

Anya was introduced without a last name*. Subject 007 was used by the scientists who abused her, she has every right to discard and reject that title (if she even knows about it). She was temporarily given names from the families she was adopted into, but they all ended up plain mentions on a paper that would take a dedicated spy informant to find. Franky even (teasingly) compares her to Twilight and his tendency to swap names. For her, being given the last name "Forger" is as real as it can be, but she also knows the Forger family can break apart way too easily and even gets herself to work from behind the scenes to keep the family stable.

And I think that can parallel how much each one of them lies within the family. Yor only hides her second job; she doesn't hide herself, or her massive strength, or her past. Anya hides her powers and her past (along with hiding from Yor that she's adopted) but not much else. Twilight hides everything, with truths slowly slipping past here and there against his control.

Yor Briar (real name), the Thorn Princess (real title), only hides her second job. (Edit: and by taking the last name Forger, she starts lying to the world about her wedding)

Anya (real name), Subject 007 (rejected dehumanizing title), previously without a last name and now with a last name that needs work to keep it, hides her powers and part of her past.

Twilight (code name), Loid Forger (cover name), hides everything.

*I wonder why the scientists actually used Anya's name. Officially she was just known as Subject 007, and she was the subject of unethical experiments. It wouldn't be out of place for the scientists to call her with such an objectifying title. Giving her an actual name humanizes her and puts them at risk of becoming attached to her, and to objecting to the experiments. Could that be how she escaped? Her getting assistance from one or more people working on the lab that grew attached to her? She would have to thank being given a name for that. A name sets you free. Maybe that's why she kept it?

(anime only fan here, don't spoil me for the manga)

[athena-xox]

Why you are wrong 😁😁

aka copy paste this to whoever starts acting like these misconceptions are canon so you don’t have to lose brain cells attempting to argue with idiots or to just clear up someone who simply didn’t know

Daring and Apple are not siblings

A lot of people think this because of Prince Charmings being both of their parents however, this is very much NOT canon. The last name Charming is like the last name Smith. Very common. Except of course the last name comes with being royalty. I’d look at it more like a title. Anyways here’s proof from Dexter and Darling’s chapters in once upon a time. There is also a slight explanation in Blondie Branches Out.

Daring’s only siblings are Darling and Dexter not Ashlynn or Briar or Holly or whatever other royal you might think. Only the canon love interests are canonically unrelated (Apple, Raven, Rosa) so technically some of the other royals could be cousins with them. But not first cousins since we meet all of them in Once Upon a Time.

Raven is not Apple’s aunt

I had a whole explanation here with quotes from tsbol, tuota and ravens sdcc letter .. but we don’t need it because this is literally official

Anyways hope this helps whoever didn’t know and this will save future me a headache trying to reexplain once a week. I’m sure there’s more misconceptions, I just added the biggest ones but if there’s another you want me to clarify lmk and I’ll add it to this post

[eternal-echoes]

I haven't seen any animes with siscon trope so maybe that's why it's easier for me to have a charitable interpretation on Yuri's obsession to his sister that it isn't sexual but what Spy x Family has shown is that it's a series all about trauma and how it really changes people's lives.

First it was Twilight hating the sound of children crying which he eventually realizes that it's been triggering his childhood trauma. He hated so much what happened to him when he was young that he never want another kid to go through what he did. So that became his motivation for being a spy. And that motivation is what made him the greatest spy of Westalis.

In the case of Yuri, he would see his sister come home from her assassin job all bloody without an explanation (this is probably from Yor's early assassin days when she hasn't mastered cleaning up after serving her customers to completely wash away evidence). That's going to make a huge psychological impact on a kid that's still growing and developing.

And because Yor would bring home something he likes (possibly to get him away from questioning further why she's all bloody but also because as his sister she loves him dearly), he goes through these extreme swings of mood changes from fear and happiness without being properly consoled from the first emotion - it's just sorta stays buried and untreated inside him. I think that's what made him mentally unstable.

And on top of the trauma of having lost his parents when he was young, that sent him over the edge to wanna hold onto his only remaining relative.

He is overly clingy with his sister, but he has said that he wants her to find someone she can find happiness in because he became successful because of her:

He simply wants to make sure that the person she marries is someone who can do what he wants to do for her himself - protecting her.

Yuri probably wouldn’t be wishing that Loid and Yor get divorce and the Forger family out of the Briar’s lives if maybe Loid had introduced himself to Yuri as Yor’s suitor first and eventually ask for his permission to ask Yor’s hand in marriage.

Yuri maybe would have been reluctant to see his sister dating at first but he may eventually come to accept it. But Loid came in to his life already married to his sister without even asking for his blessing.

Since Yuri had only had Yor ever since from their tragic accident of losing their parents when they were young, Loid seemed like an intruder in his life. Yor being married for a year without him knowing seems to him like thinning out their bond since she is essentially starting a family of her own, without his knowledge at first.

With a different last name and different priorities.

My point here is that Yuri is reacting to Yor's marriage from the perspective of a mentally unwell person who hasn't healed from his childhood trauma. He's dealing with it with an unhealthy coping mechanism.

[bidisasterevankinard]

Tease tidbit Tuesday

Tagged by @diazsdimples

Had this idea last week. I hope to write it soon as it's little idea, but it's me and it's uni time so. Anyway fic that for now is called Tommy doesn't want kids(or does he?):

“You know pout and look at your coffee cup won't help make your coffee taste better,” Josh smirks at him when he enters the restroom but then changes his expression to a more serious one. “Relationship problems?”

Buck just shrugs. It's not a problem, they are not fighting, but his heart and brain work too much.

“Wanna share? I'm a great listener. Helping people with their problems is my job.”

“Tommy and I had a talk about the future. He mentioned his deal breaker and…,” Buck sighs tugging his curls. “If it be anyone else I know I would say his deal breaker is opposite to mine and we're not going to last, but…”

“But you didn't,” Josh ends for him and Buck just nods.

“Why?”

"Because… because I want to be with him and now I'm not sure what I want more: Tommy or having kids. I don't want to lose Tommy. But I'm so sad because I want kids, especially after I was a donor and I-I don't know how to choose. I love Tommy so much, but I'm not sure if I love him more than giving up this dream."

"You need to think about it a lot, Buck. Make sure you won't change your mind in 2 years”

“I know. That's why I came to see Maddie.”

“Can I say one thing?”

“Yeah.”

“Imagine yourself in ten years. In two situations. One you have kids but no Tommy,” Buck's heart cries in pain and he can't even really picture this. Only two little kids with blue eyes but they have Tommy's electric blue, not his baby blue iris. “Now imagine yourself in ten years married to Tommy,” and Buck does.

He pictures dinners with wine, laughs and dances to their playlist of songs that they love. He pictures the backyard full of flowers, berries and trees that they put there. He pictures the dog they would get. Maybe even two. He pictures smiles when they wake up together with Tommy kissing him till he can't breathe but ready to give up air. He pictures himself happy, even though he doesn't have everything he dreamt about, he has Tommy and…

Oh. I guess it is. My secret to happiness.

It's Tommy.

“I think your face told me anything I need to know about your choice.”

“Yeah, I'm sure it did,” Buck smiles. “I'm still a little sad. I had a whole list of names that go good with Kinard and Buckley-Kinard.”

Josh chuckles. “Oh, I'm sure you did. And I think it would hurt. Some days more than others, but if Tommy is more important for you, you can do it.”

“Yeah. Not every dream comes true. But I don't want to let Tommy go away.”

Josh smiles at him, “Can I give you another piece of advice?”

“Please, you're really good,” Buck smiles at his friend.

“Tell Tommy about how it was a deal breaker for you. He needs to know. Don't hide it from him.”

Buck nods.

Tagging @wikiangela @hippolotamus @theotherbuckley @bewilderedbuckley @queerbuck @queerdiaz @repressedqueen @racerchix21 @pirrusstuff @powersuitup @monsterrae1 @saybiwithme @evanbi-ckley @epiphainie @typicalopposite @tommybuckleykinard @devirnis @lavenderleahy @leashybebes @bigfootsmom @cliophilyra @cal-daisies-and-briars @watchyourbuck @peppermintquartz @ohithankyou @honestlyeddie-im-bi @honestlydarkprincess @half-oz-eddie @hyperfocusthusly @visioninacone @bi-buckrights

and anyone who wants to

[yuurei20]

Lilia Facts Part 21: Bats, the sun and courtesy name "Vanrouge"

While it has not been officially stated why out of all of Maleficent’s goons from the animated movie Lilia seems to have been based upon a bat, there is a fan theory that it is wordplay:

The Japanese-language word for bat, コウモリ (koumori) is similar in pronunciation to the word 子守 (komori), which is similar to “babysitting.”

It is also similar to the word for cloudy (kumori), and Lilia is known to prefer cloudy weather.

He describes himself as “sunlight-averse,” saying that sunlight wreaks havoc on his skin, makes him dizzy and lightheaded if he spends too long in it and he never has much energy on clear days.

This is why he had never swam in the ocean before: “There's nothing to block sunlight underwater. I don't do well in the sun, so it's hard to stay out in it for long.” Afterwards he observes “it's good to know there are still things in this world to surprise and delight me…”

He comments on the sun draining him during a PE class, but seems to recover when it becomes cloudy.

He explains that he is not at his best when the weather is perfect, but he is invincible at night.

During Halloween Grim recognizes Lilia as “the guy from Diasomnia who keeps poppin' up places upside-down!,” and that does seem to be something that he does fairly often.

Sebek says that he knew that Lilia would be an authority on bats, but we do not learn why it is that Sebek had this impression of him.

He is often seen accompanied by bats in his dream, and it is possible that he would appear for battles via clouds of bats in his youth.

In Book 7 we learn that Lilia’s last name, Vanrouge, is a courtesy name.

While it can be difficult to tell how the Land of Briar is using the tradition, it is possible that he named himself upon reaching adulthood.

More here:

[inuiiwonderland]

Why hate me |part 2|

A/n: Finally! Part 2 here! Hope you enjoy lovelies🤍

Warnings: mentions of blood and a bit of body horror(?) I think idk but still putting that here just in case! Lots and LOTS of angst, malleus is bit of a jerk in the beginning. Angst to comfort/fluff

Words: 3k

-

News of your disappearance was broadcasted everywhere. The moment you stepped foot outside NRC grounds and never made it back to briar valley, all hell broke loose.

The people of briar valley were in panic

What happened to the future queen of briar valley? Where did she go? Was she abducted? And if so, is she even alive? Is the future queen alive?

What if she dead?

Those are the questions the people ask.

What could have possibly happened to you?

-

Lilia sighs as once again, nothing….no signs of you.

He’s been sending out royal guards to go out and look for you. He spent sleepless nights trying to find any evidence of your disappearance, but yet nothing.

When the news of your disappearance reached him, he was a mess. He was worried! You were just in NRC and now they’re saying you’re missing?!

He blames himself for not stopping you that day. He blames himself because he thinks he’s the reason why you disappeared.

If only he stopped you from leaving. If only he asked what was wrong. If only he didn’t let you come to NRC that day then maybe you would still be here.

Flashback

The sound of the door slamming shut reached the ears of everyone in the dining hall. The sounds of heels clicking off the marble floors and sniffling reached Lilia's ears.

And there you were

Standing by the doorway of the dining hall with an apologetic look.

“Sorry Lilia, but I have to go now” He frowns at your appearance.

Are you crying?

“Oh dear, what happened?” He asks as he stands up but you quickly stop him.

“No no! No need to worry about me. I-I just don’t feel well”

“Are you sick lady y/n?!” Sebek worriedly yells out. You giggle at his concern before smiling.

“Something like that. But I’ll go home now” Silver then quickly stands up.

“Your bags! I’ll go help-“

“There is no need, I have it all under control” You say before giving him a soft smile. Lilia still felt like something was wrong.

“Dear, did you have a fight with malleus?” He watches as your figure stiffens at the mention of the dragon boy's name.

“O-of course not! Mal is very good to me”

Something isn’t right….

You apologize once more before leaving.

That was the last time anyone saw you

And lilia regrets not stopping you

“Father” Lilia was snapped out of his thoughts by silver who stood by the doorway. Looking at him worriedly.

“Silver..” He smiles at the sight of his son.

“You haven’t slept at all” Lilia just smiles.

“Don’t worry about little old me, I’ll be fine” Silver frowns at his father's words. His father may be a fae, but silver knows that even faes can get tired.

“Y/n would not like this if she saw you right now” He says. Silver is also worried about you but he is even more worried about his father’s health.

Lilia just looks down knowing his son is right. You would always tell Lilia to take care of himself. Hating to see him or anyone sick because of poor health.

“How the search in your end” Silver looks down with disappointment.

“Nothing, we couldn’t find any traces of lady y/n” He says. Lilia sighs before turning around.

“Very well then….”

“Father”

“Yes?”

“Please take care of yourself….y/n would hate to see you stress”

Lilia only nods before silver excuses himself

“Just where could you be y/n” Lilia mumbles as he looks out the window.

-

Malleus walks around the palace garden, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the garden.

Ever since your disappearance. Him and the rest were allowed to go back home to handle the situation of your disappearance. To say he was displeased about leaving Akane alone at NRC was an understatement.

He hated everything about this.

So what if you're missing, Why is he supposed to care? Why is everyone making this a huge deal?

He hates that everyone is in panic and worried about your disappearance.

Future queen of briar valley missing? HA, you would never have been his queen in the first place if he got a say in it. He is only marrying you because of his parents' promise to yours!

You're a selfish and ignorant fool! Just like your parents. Your parents are the reason his parents are gone! Wanting the throne but only died in the process trying to achieve it.

That's why you're still alive. Because you want to finish what your parents have started!

That's why he promised himself to never love you! To not fall into the same trap his fell into.

Ever since he was little, after what he saw that day. He made sure not to fall for you.

Why couldn’t you just give up? Always with a sweet smile on your face. Couldn’t you see he is trying not to fall into the same trap his parents fell into? Why are you still so nice to him!

He did everything he could to make you give up and hate him but nothing! You called him sweet names even if he told you he hated them. You always made sure that he was okay and always looked after him.

You even cooked him food! Food that he never ate. Even after hours of working on it, he never ate it.

What if you poisoned it? He can’t fall for that!

He watches as you fail to get his trust. And when he thinks you have given up, nope! You still tried! You still continue to be that sweet and doting girl he grew up with.

Even when you guys were little, you were so nice and sweet to him. Always asking if he wanted to play with you, sharing your snacks with him even if he declined, asking him if he wants to take a stroll around the palace gardens, hell even asking him for a dance during balls!!

And he hates himself for falling for your charms. He hates that his little younger self fell for your foolish acts. That is why he made it his mission to act EXTRA cold towards you.

Even if his heart aches a bit at the small frown that decorates your face when he declines or ignores your attempts of gaining his trust.

But he can’t fall for the same trap his parents fell into, he can’t!

-

Whispers could be heard as Malleus walked down the palace halls.

Of course, once again mentioning you when they see him. One glare was enough to shut them up.

Malleus makes his way to Lilia room with both sebek and silver behind him. Once he reaches lilia room, the door opens.

“Malleus we need to talk” Malleus raises a brow.

“Is something wrong Lilia?”

“Yes please come in” malleus walks in as both silver and sebek wait outside. Lilia closes the door shut and sighs.

“Malleus…before y/n disappearance, did the two of you have an argument?” Malleus frowns at the mention of your name before letting out a deep sigh.

“Why are we talking about her? Why does it matter?” Lilia's eyes widen at Malleus' lack of concern for you.

“Malleus…she your fiancé”

“And so what if she’s my fiancé? She did us a favor for finally going away”

“Malleus”

“Why do you guys even care for seven sakes! She could have killed us if she becomes queen! It’s good that she is gone now so none of us could be in danger now!” Lilia stares at malleus with a hint of disappointment.

“Malleus, why do you think she dangerous?”

“Because she’ll turn out just like her parents. She’ll end up killing me after she becomes queen, isn’t that the whole reason why my parents are dead?!” Lilia's eyes widened in shock. Did malleus really think you’ll turn out like your parents.

“How-how did you know?”

“Because I saw it that day…I saw my parents die in the hands of her parents” Lilia sits down and motions for malleus to do the same. As the future king of briar valley sits down, Lilia begins talking.

“Malleus, you have it all wrong”

“What” Lilia pauses before talking again.

“Y/n had nothing to do with her parents plans of overtaking the throne, she doesn’t even know the real reason why her parents died. She thinks they died in a fire accident but they didn’t”

“Y/n never intended to hurt any of us. All the wrong things her parents did had nothing to do with her. She is innocent malleus, believe me when I say that she innocent”

Malleus looks shocked. Eyes wide and mouth agape.

Your innocent?

But-

“She has no clue about anything. She isn’t trying to kill you or any of us when she becomes queen. She genuinely loves you malleus”

“Because the way her eyes shine brighter than a thousand stars with adoration and love when she talks about you is proof that she will never do something like that to you”

She loves me?

“Impossible! That can’t be-“

“It’s true” His eyes snapped to the voice that interrupted him. It was silver.

“Silver what are-“

“I’m sorry father, but I can’t help but to stand up for lady y/n” His eyes then land to malleus.

“Y/n loves you very much. She always asks me about you and your wellbeing. She always tells me to make sure you're taking care of yourself and report back if anything seems off. She clearly loves you malleus”

At this point malleus was confused

You're not trying to kill him? Or the others? You're not trying to overtake his throne? You actually love him?

“I believe you need some time to think. Sebek, come take malleus back to his room please”

“Of course lord Lilia!”

Malleus gets up from his seat as he makes his way towards the door. As he was about to leave, Lilia called out to him.

“She not like her parents and she would never be”

Malleus then turns around and walks away

He misunderstood everything….

-

The sounds of birds chirping and the sound of the water stream calmed you as you continued walking down the rocky path.

How long has it been since you left? About….two weeks now…

You're sure Lilia and the others are worried sick but those cruel words that left malleus lips that night stuck to you like glue.

You should’ve died in that fire with your parents!

What did you even do to deserve such cruel words? Does malleus hate you that much?

Your thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sudden shouts and sounds of horses. You quickly ran from the path and hid behind a tree. You peeked and watched as multiple men in horses rode past you.

It was the Royal guards

They were definitely looking for you

You looked down before sighing again

“How long should I stay out here”

You won’t lie. You miss your home. But then again, you don’t want to face malleus again.

“Why do you hate me mal? Why?”

But your question was left unanswered

Suddenly, you felt a small pinch in your arm. You looked down at your arm to see a needle before looking around to see who did it. By the time you saw that you weren’t alone your vision started blurring.

You felt multiple hands grab you but you struggled as to whatever they injected you with was now flowing in your system.

“N-no..l..someone…someone please help!”

-

Your eye’s flutter open and you can feel your head ache. You groaned at the headache but then you started to feel weird. Very weird.

You didn’t know why, but your heart began to beat very fast for some reason. You look down to see that you were only in a long white nightgown dress.

But something still felt off

You then moved but stopped when you felt a sharp pain on your back. You also heard the sounds of chains hitting the ground and realized that you have chains on both of your wrists. You couldn’t move right as the pain in your back grew more intense.

What happened to you?

Where are you?

Suddenly, you hear a door open and you look up to see a shady man standing by the doorway.

“Your awake”

“Where am I?!” You scream out.

“Woah woah easy there now! No need to get all mad”

“What did you do to me?! You better h-have no-“

“Woah course not! But…we did something even better” He smirks and your eyes widen in fear at what he meant by that. He then calls some people over and you wait in fear.

What you saw next broke your heart as you started to shake in fear, sadness, and in rage.

3 strong tall men come in the room while also carrying something big ... .something big and something that means so much to you.

It was your wings

They have cut off your wings…

“Do you realize how much madol we could make off your wings? Especially since you're also a fae and even a royal fae at that!” He says as he lets out a loud laugh. You just stare at your wings that were held up on display in horror.

“We will be rich boys!”

They all cheered as all you could do was stare in agony.

“Thanks for wandering off all alone in those woods! Now we’ll make millions!”

They continue to cheer in front of you as you begin to cry. The pain from your back where your wings used to be and the pain in your heart was too much for your poor body.

How can people be so cruel?

Suddenly, their cheers were interrupted from a loud bang coming from outside. They stopped and looked at each other.

“What is that?”

“I-“ but before anyone could talk. The door to where you were slammed opened. From what you could make from your blurry vision, it seemed to be a guard.

Wait…a guard?!

“Lady y/n!”

“S-silver?”

You said before your body gave up.

-

You were back. You were finally back. But when Lilia saw the state that you were in when silver came in the castle holding you with blood covering him and you he felt like everything stopped.

He saw how much blood covered you and your dress. And his eyes widened in horror when he realized that your back had the most blood.

“Father….t-they..those bastards cut off her wings”

Immediately, he called in the royal doctors to clean and treat your wounds. He was devastated for you and felt like he failed you by not keeping you safe.

Those guys will pay for what they have done to you. He’ll make sure of it.

Lilia watches as you peacefully lay down on the bed. You were still unconscious. Maybe it was from the shock.

“I’m sorry I failed you my dear”

The door suddenly opens and he sees a worried malleus. Malleus' eyes then land on you before a look of guilt overcomes his face.

“You can come in” Lilia says. Malleus nods before coming in and closing the door. He didn’t know what to say or do. Still ashamed of his past actions.

It was silent for a moment. None of them said a single word. Until Lilia decided that someone had to speak up.

“The doctors said she will be fine. She is a strong one after all” Malleus nods.

“She’ll wake up in a bit” Again, malleus nods.

“And when she does you better apologize”

“I will. I’m very disappointed in my actions and for causing so much pain and distress to y/n”

Lilia nods.

“Silver asked me to tell you that the guys who did this to y/n are now in the castles dungeon waiting for punishment”

“Very well then” He then gets up

“I want you to stay here and look after her while I’ll go deal with them” Malleus nods. Lilia looks at you one last time before heading out.

Now it was only you and malleus. He hesitates if he should sit down next to you or not. But he decides on the first one.

He sits down and watches as you peacefully sleep. He feels guilty. Extremely guilty. If only he wasn’t so consumed with anger and hatred then maybe this could have all been avoided.

If only he didn’t spit out those cruel words to you that night then maybe you wouldn’t have been in danger.

He hates himself for causing you so much pain

And he’ll respect your wish if you no longer want to see him again or even decide to not marry him.

After all, he was really a piece of shit towards you

“M-mal?” His heart drops and he quickly turns to see you looking at him with curious eyes.

“Y/n” You look around and realize you were back at the palace. But then you quickly gasp when you remember.

“M-my wings…t-those monsters c-cut off my wings!” He could feel his heart ache when tears started rolling down your cheeks.

“I’m sorry….for everything” You were already sitting up as you continued to cry. Malleus didn’t know what to do. He was in distress seeing you crying and not knowing how to comfort you. He quickly got up and sat next to you in the bed as he then pulled you against his chest. He hugged you tightly as you continued to tremble in his arms by how much you were crying.

“My wings! My precious wings!”

“I know I know” He said as he tried to say comforting words as he held you. It was like that for a while until you finally started to calm down. All you could hear in the room was small sniffles coming from you.

Malleus still had a tight hold around you. Well not too tight since he doesn’t want to hurt you, especially your back.

“Y/n…I’m sorry this happened to you. And I also want to apologize about my earlier behavior towards you” You stayed silent.

“I know that my actions and words cannot be forgiven. But I still want you to know that I am truly sorry for the things I have done and said to you”

“And I’ll also make sure that those fools who dare to do this to you pay”

Again you were silent

Malleus didn’t mind your silence. Since again he was also not expecting you to forgive him straight away or even talk to him after everything.

“Malleus” He stiffened a bit when you said his name. Heart racing against his chest. He was nervous.

“I won’t say I’m not forgiving you…but I’m also not saying I’m forgiving you now”

“I will forgive you if you show me you truly are sorry after everything you’ve done” He nods.

“I’ll do anything to show you how truly sorry I am y/n”

You stayed silent and continued letting malleus hug you. You were quite satisfied with malleus answer.

“Very well then”

-

And trying he did. After malleus left your room to let you rest, he made his way down to the castle dungeon.

Once he got there, the guys were already in bad shape. They were severely beaten and they were already cowering in fear once they saw malleus.

“P-please! Have mercy!”

“W-were very s-sorry for w-what we have done!”

“Mercy? Sorry?!” He says furiously.

These fools have the audacity to beg for mercy and apologize even after what they did to you?!

“You guys have made a huge mistake cutting off a fae’s wings. And for what? Money?! And now you want me to show you mercy and take your apology?!” They shake in fear at malleus rage.

How foolish could these people be?

“From today onwards, you guys will suffer inhumane tortures until you can no longer take it anymore” Lilia says with a sinister grin.

“Guards! Take these fools to the torture chambers” loud pleas and apologies came from the men as they were dragged to the torture chambers.

Lilia then turns to malleus

“Has y/n awakened?”

“She has” Lilia nods.

“Did you apologize?”

“I did”

“And what did she say?”

“She told me that she will forgive me but not right now. I’ll have to work for her forgiveness and I promise I’ll do just that” Lilia smiles before patting malleus back.

“Well then, good luck”

-

You recovered over time. The people were happy that their future queen was found and safely protected in the palace’s walls.

Malleus and lilia decided to keep your accident a secret away from the people. Not wanting to cause any problems.

Lilia continues to check up on you. After everything that happened, he is scared that something like this will happen again.

But you try to calm him down and tell him that if anything is troubling you, you’ll tell him.

Which has calmed him down a bit. For now.

Silver is delighted that you're back and that now he has more time to spend with you. Whether it be walking around the palace garden, going into town, or even napping with him under some tree. Whatever it is, he doesn’t care because he loves spending time with you.

Sebek is also relieved that they have found you and that you have recovered. But still furious about what those people did to you. So That why he is always by your side 24/7 when you go outdoors, not that you mind.

And malleus. He is doing his absolute best to gain your forgiveness and to insure your safety. He doesn’t want to see you in pain ever again. He would never forgive himself if he saw you in pain again. Whether it be from others or worse, himself.

And you're happy that he is trying his hardest for your forgiveness.

To gain back your trust

and also your love

-

Here is the long awaited part 2! Yes Ik I did say I wanted to post part 2 of the vil angst and this at the same time but I finished this one early than the vil one so I couldn’t stop myself from posting it right away😓 but I hope part two clears up the bit of confusion from part one! (Why malleus hated reader!)

But! If your still confused. Basically reader’s parents were trying to overtake the throne and so they pretended to be very nice and lovely people which tricked malleus parents! That why he says “I can’t fall into the same trap my parents did!” Because his parents fell into reader’s parents fake kindness. Which resulted their deaths! (I hope that made sense..)

Anywaysss I hope you guys enjoyed!

Tag: @41sh4 @clover-w-anxiety @primrosesposts @nooneknows8976 @unloadingdata @dearangels @red-viewe @hachiko-ko @susvale

And I think that everyone who asked to be tagged ! If I missed anyone I’m truly sorry! I hope I didn’t miss anyone😓

[chernabogs]

EXECRATE

Inc: Meleanor, Raverne, Mallegg/Egglleus, Lilia mention Warnings: None; just a dad being ready to bat for his wife and kid WC: 1.9k Summary: Execrate: To be denounced; to be declared evil

“Have you seen the latest information?”

The question is posed in an innocuous enough manner that he looks up from the scrolls without a second thought. The guard holds out an avisa, a hand-written documentation of news circling Briar Nation in the past week. Raverne accepts the paper with a frown as he flips it over to read.

For the most part, it consists of propagandistic filth. A litany of lies regarding the ongoing disputes in the mines and in the deforestation of the nation. Claims in human villages that the fae are trying to drive their population out and claims in the fae villages that the humans are doing likewise. These are all issues that have been discussed to the point of exhaustion in the courts with nothing set in stone, meaning there was no release from the family to quell the fears. He skims it more before shaking his head, ready to hand it back to the guard with a gentle explanation that he knows all of this already before the last section of the avisa catches his eye.

Letter to the scribe. An opinion section that grants the literate of Briar Nation an opportunity to express thoughts. Usually these were words from the priests, or fellow scribes, or the political esteem looking to brighten their own reputation among the masses. This one, however, boldly stated in all uppercase across the front: OF THE DRACONIA FAMILY. 

“Oh dear,” he murmurs quietly as he shifts the avisa to see the section more clearly. The first line (History is abound with clear examples of negligent rulers, and it is a pity for Briar Nation to be classified in that section—) causes his eyebrow to raise. The next paragraph, which serves to be a venomous dissection of the family's history, present policies, and apparent future intentions causes both eyebrows to raise. However, it’s when he reaches the section that begins to meticulously document the faults of his wife and his unborn child that he finally crumples the avisa up into a white-knuckled hold. 

Raverne is not a man to become temperamental. Many would argue that, out of the three ‘leaders’ of Briar Nation, he’s the most genial anyone can run into. 

He is not feeling genial right now. 

“Do we know who the scribe for this avisa is?” He asks. His voice is calm in the same way the ocean is moments before a tsunami rips apart a coastal town. The guard scratches beneath their mask and shakes their head. The scribes of the papers work in organizations that individuals can petition to receive from, subbing to the scribe, in a sense. The organization is unlikely to give up any names, even at the request of royal authority.

“We could try and find the author of the opinion piece, but it may take us a while.” The guard offers. It’s a tempting proposition. Raverne can feel the thrum of his pulse in his ears as he unfurls the avisa to read the section again. Execration. It’s an ugly word befitting of the ugly meaning it carries. He knows his wife is a temperamental woman, prone to fits of anger and costing the royal family more than a few medical tabs in the past. She is not evil, however. His wife is a woman who cares deeply for those close to her, cares deeply for her people, and is more than willing to give up her entire existence for the betterment of the nation.

He’s already had to stop her a few times himself from doing so. 

“It would be pointless to waste efforts on that.” He sighs, finally setting the avisa down to look back at the maps scattered around him. He runs his hand over his face and can feel the twinge of a migraine beginning to dig into his temple. With a shake of his head, he dismisses the guards and begins to tidy up the mess before him. They have more important things to concern themselves with then a few choice words. A delegation was to be sent to the human encampment soon, with himself at the lead, and that was the main priority for now. Paper slander could be dealt with by the courtiers. 

__________________________________

It’s far later than anticipated by the time Raverne finally returns to his chambers. Despite this, he can see the flicker of candlelight from beneath the door, indicating that he isn’t the only one pulling a near all-night event. The faintest of smiles touches his lips as he quietly opens the door to step into the room. 

“I was wondering when you would emerge from your office.” Meleanor’s low voice is tinged with amusement as she remains at her vanity, not looking up from the letter she appears to be furiously writing. Their egg is wrapped in numerous blankets (ten, if he’s counting correctly) by the window, which is slightly ajar to let the summer breeze drift inside. “I was tempted to send a search party.”

“Oh, I hardly think I am worth riling up that pack of dogs.” He chuckles as he closes the door before tossing his overcoat onto the bed. The gesture earns him a sidelong glance from his wife, which he quickly eases with a kiss to her cheek. “I missed you.” 

“You miss me when we are apart for more than five minutes.” 

“Perfectly reasonable, if you ask me.” He counters. Despite her words, she can’t conceal the pleased smile that touches her lips as she signs her name to the letter. He leans against her back, his arms wrapping around her as he reads what she’s addressing. 

A detailed informational piece to be sent back to Blackscale regarding the tensions brewing in the surrounding regions. If she knows about the rumours regarding humans driving out fae and vice versa, then odds are that she, too, has read the recent avisa. The prospect of her reading the foul-mouthed comments regarding her status and that of their child sits unwell in Raverne’s stomach, prompting him to press another kiss to her head before he withdraws to check on their babe. 

Malleus—because that’s what Meleanor insists his name will be—is utterly unchanged from when he saw him this morning. Still the same tiny, black-shelled egg, sitting so patiently and unassuming in its little nest. Despite this, a sense of giddy affection draws a smile to his face as his hand comes to rest on its body. Malleus is warm, as he often is, and for a moment Raverne imagines he can feel his son moving around from within. 

“You seem troubled.” Meleanor’s voice disrupts his thoughts as he looks back at her. She’s shifted in her seat to face him more directly as she folds the letter to set it inside an envelope. The critical look in her eye tells him that brushing his worries aside would be a frivolous action. 

He looks back to Malleus and clears his throat. “A guard brought me the most recent avisa.” 

Before he has a chance to continue, a barking laugh escapes from his wife as she tosses the sealed letter onto the vanity. “Oh, that. By the gods, did you read what they wrote this time? ‘Oh, the fae are trying to drive us to extinction! They are raiding our villages and lands!’ as if we did not gift them those very villages and lands to begin with.” 

“Now, now, my love, those are perfectly reasonable anxieties to have. The tensions in the surrounding areas have been mounting and the discrimination between species has begun to grow out of control. As it stands, there are no ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ sides.” 

Raverne tries to keep his tone placating as he points this out. This is one topic that he and Meleanor continue to have their disagreements with. Where he tries continually to see from the human perspective, Meleanor is more focused on the actions occurring against the fae and Briar Nation itself. Neither of them is wrong in their approach and they both know this, which is how they can have these conversations, but it can still create tension. 

“Ah, and the wondrous praise they wrote about my mother, our son, and myself? They even made sure to include you and Lilia as well in the onslaught. They called me evil incarnate, you a passive doormat, and Lilia an unleashed dog.” She presses a hand to her chest with a smile. “Frankly, I liked the Mistress of Evil title the other loudmouth granted me, but I shall concur.” 

He grimaces as he withdraws his hand from Malleus. The opinion piece had titled his son as a failure yet to be hatched, which had also felt like a personal strike to his heart. He doesn’t reply to Meleanor’s words as his mind becomes focused on the consequences the avisa will bring. Its propaganda, plain and simple, and certainly not propaganda that the monarchy put out, which means the interlopers have already bought off a portion of the scribes. 

“Raverne.” Meleanor’s voice murmurs right by his ear, startling him for a moment as he feels her arms come around his waist and her chin rest on his shoulder. His body relaxes beneath the familiarity of her touch, her scent, her presence. His hand comes up to rest on her arm as his thumb caresses her wrist. “Erase these troubled thoughts from your mind. The courtiers are already on the case in frenzy. Any insult to our family is a direct hit to their pride and status; it will not take long for them to weed out who did this.”

“I still do not like reading about my wife and my son being slandered in public media. The representations of you are completely inaccurate. Heartless, cruel. Although you may be strong-willed at times, I of all people know you have good intentions, and you are kind, and so worthy of adoration, and yet…” He purses his lips in frustration. Meleanor laughs at his obvious dissatisfaction as she presses a kiss to his cheek. 

“My dearest knight, off to defend my honour? I am quite capable of doing so myself, although I do admit it warms my heart to see you get so riled on my behalf.” He turns his head to allow a brief kiss before she withdraws to return to the vanity. “Truly, though. I am not bothered, mother is certainly not bothered, and Lilia was nearly pissing himself laughing while reading it all. And Malleus… well. All he knows is what his beloved parents say in his presence, so this is certainly not a topic to be having, no?” 

She gives him a look that he’s come to know quite well—a drop it look. He remains tight lipped for a moment longer before his shoulders slump and he gives a slow exhale of resignation. 

“Fine. You are correct in your belief that the courtiers will certainly clean up the mess. As you said, any insult to their pride is enough to drive them to action for once.” He raises a hand to touch the eggshell once more as he smiles lightly. “Look what you have to look forward to, my love.” 

Malleus, as usual, offers no response, though the comment does draw an amused hum from his wife. “If Malleus is anything like me, he will be able to handle it just fine.” 

He glances at Meleanor with a wince. “Pity to our courtiers, then.”

She smiles with a touch of menace. “Pity, indeed.”   

[if-whats-new]

Meet the Team!

Who are we?

Just a few Interactive Fiction enthusiasts who love sharing their interests with the rest of the internet!

But we're also:

-=-

Heyo! I'm Aj (she/her)

I got into IF through the app called Choices way back in 2017 and since then there was no turning back. It wasn't until last year when I got into text-based IFs. A friend on tumblr reblogged 'Defiled hearts', it caught my interest and here I am deep down in the trenches of IFs.

Listing my favourites isn't an easy thing cause there are so many I love. So I will list some that have been on my mind for a while: Infamous, Press Play, College Tennis: Origin Story, Drink your Villain Juice, Golden, The Golden Rose, Our Life Now and Forever, We Wretched Creatures, TWC , The Lonely Shore, Blood Choke and Midnight Sun.

I mostly help out with finding IF news and game updates in the wild.

-=-

How you doing?!? I'm Bex (she/her) *on hiatus

I started my journey with Voltage (now Love365) and dating sims or Otome games on my PSP Vita *sheds a tear*. I honestly don't know how I came upon IF, but I fell in love with ​Our Life: Beginnings & Always around 2021?

My favourites? Hmm, currently it would be: Love and Leases, Adoriel's Tears, The Abyssal Song, Keyframes, Our Life 2 and a bunch of Kickstarters that I can't wait for!

Personally, I'm married with no kids! And I work full-time as an administrator. Boring, I know.

In regards to the Zine, I normally do the formatting. Basically taking everything the peeps have found and putting it all into the Zine. I try and write some of the Highlights and try to dabble in the Editorial (if my work doesn't get edited).

-=-

Hello!!! This is Briar! (she/her)

I am one of the interviewers!

I got into IFs this year, and boy, my eyes were opened, and I got so obsessed that I decided to write my own (The Mighty Shifter). My personal favourites are TWC, Infamous, God-Cursed, and Viatica.

I am a uni student who is studying English literature. What else...? Have an amazing day/night!

-=-

Hey, hi and hello! I'm Dion (they/he)

I started my journey into IF through Episode, but due to poor non-female MC representation, I soon began to look for something else. My friend then introduced me to text-based games through The Wayhaven Chronicles and Mind Blind. I've been going deeper down the rabbit hole since!

I'm literally majoring in interactive media. IF is my life now, send help. (/j)

Some of my favourites would be: Mind Blind, Shepherds of Haven, Reanimated Heart, Seven days in purgatory, Chronicles of Taldun: The Remainder, seekL, LLLLL (aka LATEX, LEATHER, LIPSTICK, LOVE, LUST) and a lot of the stuff DOMINO CLUB does. (There isn't only IF, but that's what I usually go for. Definitely check them out if you're into creepy indie stuff!)

I'd call myself the jack of all trades concerning the zine. As of now, my main job is to be the social media guy and to do the different exports (playable Zine, Tumblr, PDF/.txt). But I also help out with news-searching and compiling + editing stuff for the editorial, column, highlight, letter and thanks portions.

-=-

Hey all, this is Jenn (she/her)

I am a youth sports coach (fútbol, softball, basketball) based in Los Angeles. I am in the process of applying for a master’s program (Sports psychology).

I did write and code a couple of IF games but never finished. I am a perfectionist and I couldn’t publish something not up to my standards. I started reading IF a couple years ago and I couldn’t possibly name my favorite. Some of the most memorable IFs are: The Exile, TWC, Crown of Ashes and Flames, Infamous, WWC, Zombie Exodus: SH, The Golden Rose, The Fernweh Saga, and Crown of Exile. I can definitely add more…

Basic responsibilities: Scouring the internet for IF news and frequently updating our existing database. I honestly enjoy the challenge. On a good day I can find upcoming IF titles and newly released demos. It’s so exciting to find new IF because I know someone will eventually see the same potential I do in that new IF.

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Ssuuuupppp, I’m Sir tuskhany (He/Him)

I am one of the lovely interviewers who’ll be asking questions, you know grilling fellow authors on their IF, WIPS and favourite characters. The usual. As to why or how I started, I gotta say its cause of books and great authors like Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. And their respective series wheel of time and basically the whole Comsere universe. I tried following in their footsteps writing a few books of my own. But like every writer most of these ended up being WIPs I either abandoned or stopped. Still I didn’t let that stop me and started posting some of them, I am the writer of Borne of the sands a static webnovel with a few chapters and Dusk and Dawn my current ongoing project(Still a work in progress so forgive the grammatical errors. T-T).

My favourite series are the Keeper of the Day and Night, Infamous, Wayhaven Chronicles and Blood Moon.

The current story I’m working on was inspired by these however most of my inspiration came from static or interactive cyoas like the Slayers v4, Supernatural Investigator, Demigod v4, A Traveller!s Tale and Universal War. If you haven’t heard of them please give them a go they are amazing.

Have fun and stay posted!

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