#but I did it to try to save myself from future gardening

[longlivetv]

Does anyone else get the urge to re-do their space every spring? I have zero funds with which to do so, but I suddenly want to buy a bunch of bookshelves to turn my office into a library, or buy some floor tile to finish the floor in the unfinished part of my basement, or replace the pedestal sink in my bathroom with an actual vanity, or replace every doorknob in my house with lever ones…and this happens this time every year

[ghostofasecretary]

okay okay okay FINE

it would be great to continue burying my feelings in busywork but we *are on a time limit*

i don't. want to do this.

i don't want to apply again! i don't want to deal with rejection or bad offers again! and it'll be so exhausting!!

and. i mean. i'm so scared of things going well also. because then i have to--to take my newfound not-resilience, my lowered tolerance for personal suffering, and my desire to enjoy my life, and marry that into schoolwork. i feel like i am less curious and more content these days and i don't *like* it and most of it is due to pain making me smaller, not an ambition or desire to have day after day fade into monotony punctuated by my three hobbies and, sometimes, my friends. ...that's a little ungenerous to me, i have maybe five hobbies. and also lots of chores.

but i'm.

i'm *doing bad.*

okay, that horrible annoying prompt, you know the one. imagine a future where you are happy.

i'm married to someone i really like and i come home to them and we're easy with each other and they like my food and do the dishes for me and we have nice sex. i read a lot. i translate poetry. i have enough nice walks and museum time and music and interesting conversations that turning my stress into poetry is easy and i also figure out how to write poems when i'm happy. my friends are close by. i have delicious meals and a moderate amount of luxurious foods, things that are a Line Item on the budget and not just, y'know, beans and tomatoes and onions and [any leafy green]. i like getting dressed and i thrift/change out clothes more often than i do now. i do my [side gig] once or twice a month and the marketing is low effort and the work is fulfilling. i teach. i read. i write. i figure out what help other people can give me and i ask for it and i keep in practice so i don't pause when it's crunch time. i have enough money that i don't worry about being unemployed for two or three months and i have enough income not to worry about rent and i save for retirement. i travel to see friends an extravagant two or three times a year (but just once or twice would be okay, too). i go a few years without something deeply wounding me so i have more of a cushion when the next crisis hits. i'm not afraid of being happy or of wanting things. i present information to people semi-regularly and practice and learn to work different kinds of crowds. maybe i try music, or comedy, or gardening, or rowing. i dunno. i'm practiced at practicing my languages and i have fun with it and i *let* myself have fun with it. i don't flinch from texts and emails. i go to bed and i wake up early feeling rested and i have really satisfying breakfasts, preferably with company.

it's embarassing to want to be married. like i know it's normal, actually, but--ugh. really? me? unfortunately: yes, really me.

the thing is, if i were married and had more money and did more [side gig] and didn't flinch from emails and had fun with *the thing i deeply love actually when i'm not running from it, why do i DO THAT* this would be pretty close to my current life.

so. like. if i were happier and more stable i would be happier and more stable. cool. what was i wanting to get from this, again?

reasons to apply to grad school.

1. you'd be good at it. it's really fun and satisfying to do things you're good at.

2. there are worse ways to start a career where you write and teach and translate poetry than getting a PhD.

3. dating feels completely unmanageable right now because where is my life even GOING, where might i even LIVE, it's unbearably hard to imagine looking for someone to build a life with when i have, like, [actual career path that takes years to build and a lot of grit and LUCK] hovering over me on one end and [idk being a human somehow?????] on the other and i don't know which one i'll pick. or have put in front of me to walk down. or whatever. i'd like to be committed to trying to be an academic or committed to simply Not doing that, before...before.

4. [sunk cost factory so many hours can't stop now]

okay. and reasons not to apply?

1. it's expensive and i don't qualify for any fee waivers and i REALLY TRULY do not have money to burn right now. it's not *dire* but i am, like, next month heading towards a worse financial state than i've been in since i was 15. 18 at latest. and that's *scary.*

2. grief! fuck it! sorry i have emotions but it was kind of crushing in 21-22 to have everyone be like "oh yeah you'd be great at this you'll have your pick you have a very bright future" and then not get in, and last year to have "wow yes we love you please come to our schools" and not get enough funding to *go,* and so much of 2023 was just. waiting. screw that, so much of THIS YEAR was waiting. my whole summer job i told people i was going off to do my MA because at the time of my interview i really really really thought i would still get funding and, hahahaha, nope. and i didn't want to tell people because they'd be weird about it. so instead i was weird about it and felt bad and feel bad. someone smarter than me can probably tell me how i could've sliced that one better but i'm just crying on my housemate's downstairs couch because it feels pretty bad to have hope crushed like that.

also typing this out i DO feel like an entitled prick. sorry. i'm just privileged and lucky and beautiful and smart and ~special~ and a depressed little guy who's had PTSD on two separate occasions, minimum, and is more functional but still pretty fucked up. like all the time.

3. i burnt myself on purpose for spite and justice and no real gain whatsoever, at my first job out of college, and it was an experience and i learned things and one of the things i learned is that it SUCKS and i DON'T WANT TO DO IT AGAIN. and doing a PhD is, like. notoriously "this is a bad experience that makes you crazy." documentably a bad experience that makes people crazy. actually.

and what if i drop out?

then you drop out and find a way to move forward. both your parents did. your uncle did. plenty of people you know dropped out of college or MAs or PhDs. life doesn't end. maybe some people's hopes are disappointed but that's a them problem. your own hopes are disappointed but not trying at all because you're scared you'll fail is. Not a great look?? not something i want to do, particularly.

what if i have a psychotic break (again)?

then you drop out. or take a leave of absence. and either it'll go away or it won't and you'll deal.

yeah but i really don't want to be more disabled.

then drop out before your mental health gets that far down the drain. you were suicidally depressed and mega traumatized for *years* before those two scary weeks in high school, and after the first few hours you basically knew what was happening even if you didn't believe it, and regular degular antidepressants fixed it. you haven't *been* regularly suicidally depressed in years. a bit during The Dog Incident and a bit when you raised your med dosage too high in 2023 and a bit this summer and a bit lately, but not very much. there's a difference between "panic what feels like every day and wanting to die, like, once an hour" and "eating three meals a day, procrastinating, and going 'ugh i wish i were dead' when something especially stressful comes up." not saying it's not on the same spectrum but it is a light to dark scale and you know where the divisions are. and neither of those are "having Stress Pain and chanting "kill me kill me kill me kill me kill me i want to die i want to die i want to die" constantly and especially loudly when you have to walk up the stairs or eat food." which, again: has not really happened ever since you got on antidepressants.

4. ...it feels really bad and embarassing right now because i'm *behind* and i don't have a lot of academic curiosity right now and i haven't written in forever and i don't like putting words on a page and i have to look these people in the FACE and tell them i'm qualified when i Cold Lasagna Hate Myself 1989! i'm not! up for this! i'm gonna have to drag myself over hot coals and stay up late! and how do i expect to do grad school if this one little thing is making me throw such a giant fit!!!!

hi. oh my god.

babe.

give yourself a hug. literally visit a friend and get a hug if you must. rudely invite yourself to someone's house for emotional support. whatever. i don't care. holy shit.

it is, according to the calculus by which i have always made decisions, okay to feel like HOT GARBAGE while you do things as long as you get them done. you can yell! you can say you're awful, just the worst piece of shit, how dare you exist all you want! "feeling bad in the short term is okay if you feel good in the long term" is not a great life philosophy when applied over *months and months and years and years,* i grant you. but i do not think "twelve hours, tomorrow" is the same thing.

and you can have your friends take you out for ice cream once you get it done.

and this week you'll go teach first and second graders for the first time ever, and prepare some poetry and translations, and fuck up your homework, and probably fail to feel good about your life, but it will be YOUR LIFE. WHICH YOU'VE DECIDED TO LIVE. EVEN IN YOUR DREADFUL BACHELOR STATE OH MY GOD WHAT IS W I T H MY DREAMS

so. go text your IRL friends.

done.

congrats. you have Asked For Help. if your IRL friends cannot provide ask T and then D and then C and then G/E. or a group chat. you never know.

maybe also. call your mom and make a plan. she's probably free.

okay. cool. have Had Some Feelings. seems better. than what i have been doing. go me

go take outfit photos and make apple cider and go to bed

[captain-of-the-gwynriel-ship]

FM2M Ch8

Nothing Is Going To Wake Me Now

Summary: Feyre is delving further into herself as she becomes more and more isolated in the Spring Court. Her powers are erratic, Tamlin's temper is on the rise, and she has some things to consider before she needs to make a decision about her future.

Read here on AO3

My nightmares began to blend together until they were reduced to pools of blood on marble floors, the cracking sound of bones splintering underfoot, and Amarantha’s last testament as I lay dying. Those words still echoed in my ears, haunting me even when my view of blood and bones were replaced by that of my reality.

“Admit you don’t really love him, and I’ll spare you. Admit what a cowardly, lying, inconstant bit of human garbage you are.”

“You think you’re worthy of him? A High Lord? You think you deserve anything at all, human?”

I hated to agree with that monster, but… I was not worthy. Not worthy of the screams that echoed my name, threatening to banish her ruby stain away. Not worthy of this new life I had been given when the two innocents I had murdered met the Mother’s embrace in my stead. Not worthy of those who have vowed to protect and love me.

Not worthy.

Not worthy.

Not worthy.

They say that sometimes you have to fake it until you make it, and I wondered just how long it would take for me to truly believe that I was not damned for Hel. That all of the pain and loss and death was worth it.

I am nobody.

I am no one.

I am not worthy.

I felt my power stir beneath my skin, but instead of coaxing it from its hiding spot and letting it comfort my aching soul, I pushed it down, down, down until it was firmly locked away. For once, I was too tired to care. All caring did was cause more pain. I just crawled back into bed where I slept, and slept, and slept.

Days bled into weeks, and soon I forgot how long it had been since my new existence began. As a fae, it didn’t seem to matter now anyways. The need I once had to acclimate to my new life was stifled by the sheer unchanging nature of this court. I made my home within the walls of my room and the library, only leaving the haven of the manor to stroll amongst the rose gardens. I hadn’t dared enter the wing of the home where my painting room lay dormant, awaiting a soul to wake it from its slumber.

Tamlin was away from the Manor more often than not. Part of me hated myself for feeling a little more at ease when he was gone. It was just one less person to lie to, to fake smiles with, to pretend that I was the same girl who had drank faerie wine and danced the night away during the Summer Solstice. I didn’t want to disappoint him, and I didn't want to tell him that there was no fixing a soul that was broken beyond repair. Fortunately, he hadn’t tried to kiss me again, save for a kiss on the hand or cheek here and there. It felt as if all of the time we had put into our relationship leading up to now had been swept away in the wind.

There was no lack of effort on Tamlin’s part to return to simpler times, to our life before we went Under the Mountain. When he was home we would sit at meals together, walk through the grounds, and make small talk. I could see how much he craved a sense of normalcy, and I tried my best to fall back into our old routines.For his sake, I could at least try. He tried to hide his stress from me when we were together, but every time I tried to get him to open up about what was bothering him he just shut me out.

In the days that Tamlin was around and in the mood for company, Ianthe rarely left his side. They would have lengthy conversations over meals, and I could hear them bickering over tea and pastries long after I would excuse myself from their presence. Sometimes I wondered if one of my new budding powers was invisibility because I was rarely acknowledged, if I was noticed at all. Just as well, I suppose, because there was something unsettling about Ianthe. Without Lucien, it was just the three of us and part of me was grateful to fade away into the background. It made it easier not to care- not to bother with court posturing that I felt completely out of my depth with. The conversation I overheard a fortnight ago became a distant memory, and no one seemed to suspect that I had been lurking in the shadows.

Ianthe spent her days doting around the manor, acting more as a Lady of the house than I did. I was greatful that she took those menial tasks away from me, I wanted nothing to do with picking what teas would be served at meals and seating arrangements for parties. Apparently, she was planning a gathering next month for the people of the land and deemed my input invaluable. I truly didn’t care for any of it, but there was no point in denying her.

My aloof relationship with Ianthe made me appreciate the time I had spent with Mor even more. I was slowly realizing that Mor was the closest thing I had to a true friendship with another female. I was always surrounding myself with the boys of the village- at first because they were happy to run out in the mud with me across our estate and later because they knew the tips and tricks to surviving in the woods even in the harshest winters.

Mor’s friendship was one of the few things keeping me sane. When I was sure that no one was paying attention, I would pull out my notebook and talk with her. No matter the time of day, she was always quick to respond. There were some days where she was the only other being I would speak with. We would talk to each other about our days, tell each other stories from our childhoods, and it was nice to know she would always be there. She never once passed judgment- never once shied away from the hard conversations. In some ways she was becoming more of a sister to me than my own were.

Thinking of my sisters always cleared the way for a pang of loss and grief to strike my chest. There were some days I wished that Elain were here. She would love the party planning, talks of the latest fashion, and spending hours on end in the extensive gardens. I even missed Nesta, and in her own way I think that she would fit in more with the fae than even I did. She was born to be a general, commanding anyone and everyone in her wake with an iron fist. I tried not to think of them that often, as it only ushered in memories of a life that I no longer was welcome in. I quickly buried thoughts of them away into that part of my human heart that had withered away.

My headaches seemed to come in waves. Some days I felt fine, the connection to my magic almost feeling normal. When I had access to it, my whole body hummed with a contentment that made me feel whole. Other days I was so sick that I didn’t have the strength to get out of bed. I had brought it up to Ianthe once during an afternoon tea in the rose garden. She had just told me that when a fae comes into their power it wanes and flows until it settles. That what I was experiencing was normal . That maybe I might not even have significant magic once its volatile nature settles. There was no point to have it during the time of great peace our lands are now seeing, she had said. I didn’t bother to remind her that nothing about me was normal. In reality, no one really knew what was wrong with me as I was the first and only of my kind. My existence only raised questions with no answers.

No one seemed to notice me these days, especially with Lucien gone. He was off on emissary missions to the neighboring courts, and his missing presence weighed on my heart. He was the only one who I could talk to here, who knew my secrets. The only one I trusted in this court to confide in. Most would use that knowledge against me, but not him. Never him.

The loneliness was made worse by the fact I was never really alone. There were always at least two guards stationed near me- outside my bedroom, below my balcony, outside the study. No matter where I roamed, there were sentries. I could tell they were trying to be discreet and keep a respectful distance away, but that didn’t stop the hairs on the back of my neck from constantly standing on edge. None of the fae around the manor bothered to speak with me, aside from Alis, but they did gawk. Gawk at their savior- cursebreaker- they called me. I know they tried not to stare, and I couldn’t really blame them for it. It didn’t make it any less comfortable, though.

Some were wary of my presence, like I was a lion prowling amongst gazelles. Others looked at me like I was holy. Those were the ones I hated the most. I was never treated like this when I was a human, when I was so fragile and weak compared to the immortal beings surrounding me. Now that I was one of them, they treated me more like a porcelain doll than ever before.

I hated the title almost as much as the staring. I didn’t dare leave the grounds and visit my glen again. There were too many eyes on me these days. No real chance to slip away. I would have to explain where I was going to the guards stationed around my room, and they would be obligated to tell Tamlin. Despite his consistent absence from the manor, the temporary reprieve wasn’t worth the ire and inconvenience it would cause him.

I floated through the estate like a ghost, stuck to relive my human life on repeat for eternity. I began rising later and later in the day, and some days I stayed in bed well past the time Alis would bring lunch to my rooms. I rarely ever ate what she brought me, and some deep rooted part of me screamed at how spoiled I had become. Long gone were the days when I would have dreamt of having a plate of hot food to fill my aching belly. My mind often drifted south, below the wall, to the life that felt so distant now that it felt like it belonged to someone else. It was only a year ago that we had been so desperate after an unusually slow summer that we went almost a week sustained on nothing but broth and some half-edible vegetables. Elain had recieved them as payment for helping a more affluent townsperson with their garden. These days, I seemed to eat less than I had then. The food in this court was too rich, too harsh. It felt like a waste to consume it, only to inevitably end my nights kneeled in front of my toilet heaving my stomach contents out of my system.

When I was up for a change of scenery from my bedroom, I would hole myself up in the study. I would spend hours sitting at a small desk in the back of the library underneath the tapestry of the creation of Prythian. I gave up on my search for finding books on those strange symbols and focused instead on learning as much as I could about the world I now lived in.

Most days I would rarely ever see or speak to anyone. My reading and writing had been accelerating at an incredible rate, and by the second week back I was consuming any tome I could get my hands on. The only marker for the passage of time became the increasing stack of books I had read in their entirety. I finished the Unabridged History of Prythian within a week, and began learning about the customs of the different courts. It was fascinating how each court developed right next to each other, but they could not be more different. There were similarities across all courts, of course, but each court was so unique in their clothing, histories, and customs.

I would read a page from a book and then copy a paragraph onto a piece of parchment. Soon, the feel of a pen was as natural to me as a paintbrush once had. My brain consumed all of the information around me like a sponge. I didn’t realize just how little I knew about our world, and how ill equipped I was to navigate it. I could not believe that just a few months ago I almost died from not knowing the skill that felt like second nature now. I hadn’t lied when I had told Rhys that I never wanted to feel weak again. I realize now that if I had eternity to live, I needed to know these skills.

Once the sun set, the library would grow dark and eerie. Despite the large windows to my back, the walls would always seem to close in, and all of the darkness lingering in my thoughts would begin to swarm. It kept pushing on my subconscious until the once expansive room felt as cramped as the Middengard Wyrm’s lair. I would be forced to seek shelter from the storm of emotions and memories that threatened to be released from their cage. More often than not, I would find myself staring up at the stars until I would fall asleep on my balcony, with only a candle and a book to keep me company. During the day, I would read more practical books, ones that taught me about the world. In the evenings, I tried to read something light if only to keep the darkness from my nightmares at bay. The nights were warm- balmy despite the crisp autumn chill that must have begun to settle into the Mortal Lands. Even the weather here was content with leisure and had long forgotten what change was like.

When I wasn’t reading or practicing my writing, I would work on building up my mental shields. Soon it became a striking adamant wall, glistening, thick and impenetrable. I would hold it in place until the feeling became as inherent as breathing. Despite all my hard work, it was impossible to tell how well they actually held up under pressure without another daemati to help me train. On the days where I could feel my magic, I would train it until I was spent and tired. I would only have enough energy left to drink some tea before going to sleep. Many times after my clandestine training sessions, I would wake up and my magic would lay dormant again.

I tried to not let my spiraling thoughts overtake my life, but I was haunted by the abyss my power left in its wake when they would disappear. It was just another hole in my chest that I had lost my desire to fill. But, my magic felt… empty. Almost as if it had been missing. Although I could still practice my mental shielding no matter my ability to access my magic, my capacity to feel the world around me had been dulled- censored. Every few nights, in between the nightmares and trips to the toilet, I would feel the rush of my powers, and it would overtake me once more. They still felt distant, somehow, and I couldn’t help but wonder what was going on? What was wrong with me? I was too tired to delve further, though.

Too tired to care.

I hadn’t heard a word from Rhys, not a single tap on my mental shields. We never shared our dreams with each other again, either. Honestly, I barely felt him on the other side of the bond most days- if at all. He was busy, and his court must have been in as much shambles as this one. He didn’t have the time to check in down the bond, despite the ache in my chest that would sometimes surface at the thought of it. At the idea that he didn’t think of me as often as he seemed to pop into my head. At random times during the day, I would think of him, what he was doing, if he was alive.

Stupid mating bond- I didn’t know if it was me who cared about such things, or the instincts involved with having a mate outside of my grasp. I had no idea how any of it worked. I pushed the thoughts of Rhys out of my head as fast as they had popped in. I am sure he is getting a lot more work done now that he doesn’t have to go back and forth between the moonstone palace and wherever he spent his days.

Despite it all, I didn’t care about most things anymore. With books being my only source of consistent company, there was no one, including myself, who cared enough to notice that I had delved further and further into myself. No one bothered to see the raging empty pit inside me that was growing by the day, threatening to devour me whole with every passing breath.

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[a-drama-addict]

I'm late but. NEED to know what 'Maybe a really mean goat" is.

NEVER TOO LATE!!! It's a Karlach and Sig fic and the title is based on dialogue you can have with Karlach when you propose having kids and i just. really enjoy

“How do you feel about kids?” The question wasn’t something Karlach had expected in all honesty. Sigrid and her were laying in her tent– well practically their tent now with how often Sigrid joined her at night. A lot of the time was spent talking, ‘playing pretend’.  “Dunno. Never really pictured myself as a mum..” Karlach replied earnestly, causing Sigrid to hum in response. “Why? You want some now?” Sigrid laughed and shook her head. “Not now, no. I don’t know.” She said with a soft sigh. Sigrid gently intertwined her fingers with Karlach’s, gently squeezing as she did. “We’re just talking so much about our future.. Just came to mind.” A future you can’t have. Rang a voice in Karlach’s head, but she pushed it back, not wanting to ruin this moment of pretend. “Mm. Maybe someday, y’know?” Karlach mused. “When we’ve got a nice house in Baldur’s Gate.. maybe we could get to thinking on it.” She said, giving Sigrid a lopsided grin. “Yeah.” Sigrid whispered. “Quite the parents to have. Wouldn’t be able to complain about crap. Our kid would complain about school, and we’d just go ‘At least your father is not the deity of a murder cult’ or ‘At least you’re not fighting in the Hells’." She said with a laugh. Karlach chuckled as well, looking at her partner with a loving gaze. She stayed like that for a moment, staring into Sigrid’s green eyes. She looked so beautiful at night, her whole person just looked peaceful, serene.  “Well. Maybe we could start with pets.” Karlach whispered, looking up to the ceiling of her tent. She cleared her throat a little, trying not to get over emotional over the thought of a future with Sigrid.   “Mm. Maybe a cat.” Sigrid suggested. Karlach was always amazed at how calm her bard seemed to stay during these things, almost as if she was sure they’d save Karlach. Karlach didn’t share that same optimism.  “Yeah? Not a dog?” She asked, rolling over a little to lie on top of Sigrid, the bard responding in kind by wrapping her arms around the neck of the other tiefling. “We could get both.” Sigrid countered, gently rubbing Karlach’s neck, giving her a soft and loving gaze as she did. Karlach smirked. “We’ll need a big garden then.” She said absentmindedly, leaning down to press soft kisses to Sigrid’s neck. Her hands rested on the bard’s waist, her tail gently swaying behind her.  Sigrid giggled softly, the noise was music to Karlach’s ears. “Mmm.. we can get kids in more fun ways than pets, though.” She teased. Karlach raised an eyebrow, lifting her head to look her lover in the eyes. “Oh, yeah?” Karlach asked, tilting her head to the side as she looked at Sigrid’s teasing gaze. “And how would we do that, love?” “We could steal one from an orphanage. We could… summon one through an old ritual. We could always take an egg from a Gith creche again.” Sigrid teased, none of those suggestions were the ones Karlach had in mind, but it shouldn’t surprise her that Sigrid did. “Oh get off.” Karlach said with a laugh. “We’re not stealing kids, and we’re not doing ancient rituals.” 

[woniebunny]

ITS JUST SOME HOCUS POCUS

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

GENRE: FLUFF, SLIGHT ANGST, DARK HUMOUR, FANTASY

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

WORD COUNT: 18.2k

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

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

October 31st 1963

Come little children

I’ll take thee away,

Into a land of enchantment.

Come little children

The times come to play here in my garden of shadows

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

Follow sweet children

I’ll show thee the way

Through all the pain and the sorrows

Weep not poor children

For life is this way

Murdering beauty and passions

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

“Fools!

All of you!

My ungodly book speaks to you,

when all hallows eve and the moon is round

a virgin will summon us from under the ground

ahahahah ahahaha

we shall be back

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

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

October 31st 1993

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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@whoseafraidofliloleme

[pigtailedgirl]

Star Trek Prodigy; For The Love OF WATCH THIS

Speed to the finish.

Gotta find a way to get the missing ten like Janeway hunts Chakotay lol.

What a fantastic little series. So full of heart and just makes me Trek happy. It had me spending an hour after nostalgia scrolling.

It did so much perfectly. Fun and cute new characters. Pretty new starships. Pretty new places.

While honoring the old. Continuing the old. Starfleet, the people in and the concept, felt like it mattered again. Like these kids were learning from all the oldies and callbacks and being a part of. So imparting their interest and youth and joy and want for better as well. It made a timeloop of temporal awesome.

Because that's the heart. This series nailed seeing that passion in Trek of want to have good. Whether it for your ship (HELLO JANEWAY x CHAKOTAY) or characters or ship ships.

Like, the Protostar finale as she flew off to her beginning end was gorgeous. Her and Voyager A were tag team awesome.

I loved Wesley. I loved the new Vulcan. Janeway's crew. Heartbroken about Chakotay's. Laughing myself sick at the perfection that the whales of Star Trek once again save the day.

Rok Tahk is my gem favorite character. She's so everything best. Her science love. Her uncertainty mixed with try. Her enthusiasm.

They are all fantastic characterization though.

Was very very moved by all the newbies arcs. Zero's body episode especially felt very Trek in message and world outreach.

Was so proud of Gwyn helping her home. Of Del trying as captain. I'm shocked he gave up for number one actually. But what a great contrast to the other command couple.

Minor minor nitpicks would be that it had to tie in to Picard. Keep everything Wesley, and jetson that please. I don't like the insert that Starfleet is working hard at sucking in the background. That it's gonna be bad times tacked on my hope and happy and explore end.

Also I shook Janeway was gonna retire. I can see Starfleet command protocols and being governed by or over for her not aligning with her wants after this. *Coughs finally getting cozy with Chakotay hell with regs. being a hold back. *Coughs her wanting to aid the kids. *Coughs her passionate belief in principles of connection against the meh of Starfleet future hints. But she is not the stay at home of the pair ok. And not a gardener. Even if you want to call it back to growing tomatoes Resolutions style, she was Admiral/starship Cap perfection in command this season. Retire and do leadership adventures Janeway. You and Chakotay and Janeway Jr. (hologal) as a triple team would be a kick.

I really wish I could kick someone in the Paramount offices. That this could get a third season or be felt in the flagship. This should be what other new Trek should take notes to mimic. To include. I say it again: Hope.

Another season of this world would bring so much potential. Of the kids out there making contact and exploring as Starfleet. Learning the rules and structures as bad and goods. Of choosing your role be it number one, captain, science, med. Heart or head. Or other species and worlds as contrast. Other options. How that would all again tie into the old foundations. Seeking out boldly. The little Trek jingle in the theme my jam, cause the noticed.

And maybe finally addressing in a good way holograms sentience and relations as we have two of our best now to tie that loose Starfleet unexplored area in a good plot. Or more of the OG bosses, you know, whales in Starfleet. (LOVE THIS SHOW. The writers know. I mean c'mon, they solved Tribbles versus Klingons here. This is god tier Trek.)

To the stars Prodigy. Let's go!

[winters8child]

It´s been a long, long time

Chapter 102

Being married to Steve brought a sense of peace. We enjoyed cooking together, spending evenings in the garden, and cozying up by the fire. Yet, the holidays felt lonely with just the two of us. Natasha visited less often, buried under work commitments.

Steve still attended group therapy sessions, leaving me to my own thoughts. In those moments, old emotions resurfaced, reminding me of my ongoing journey through therapy. Despite making progress, I kept these feelings to myself. Steve valued those sessions deeply; they reflected his enduring commitment to making a positive impact, even in our quiet, everyday life. Helping others remained a core part of who he was.

To distract myself, I immersed myself in books and tended to the small herb garden I had planted. But nights were the hardest—sleep was where I couldn't hide the truth. My nightmares laid bare my troubled soul, waking me in a cold sweat, heart racing.

I often dreamed of my baby, hearing his cries as I ran but never reaching him in time. Afterward, Steve would comfort me, asking about my dreams. "Nothing specific," I'd reply, deflecting his concern. I didn’t want to reopen wounds he seemed to have healed from better than I had.

We hadn’t discussed having a child again, but I could see the hope in Steve's eyes whenever I mentioned that my period was late. I was determined not to let it happen again. I meticulously took my birth control pill every day at the same time, though I hadn’t shared this detail with him.

It wasn’t a secret—he knew I was on birth control—but he didn’t understand the panic that would grip me if I thought I had missed a dose. When I envisioned the future, I no longer saw laughing children, but I was too afraid to admit that to him.

I even started lying to my therapist, feeling ashamed of my lack of progress after nearly five years. It seemed she didn’t believe me, as she insisted on seeing me at least twice a month.

One day, Steve came back from a group therapy session later than usual, his expression a mix of stress and excitement.

"We might have found a way to bring everyone back," he said, and I could hardly believe it. He explained how Scott Lang, who we thought had vanished, had shown up at the compound gate, talking about time travel and asking for Tony’s help.

The plan was to retrieve the Infinity Stones, snap our fingers, and bring everyone back. It sounded fantastical, almost impossible. Still, two days later, Natasha, Steve, Scott, and I stood on Tony’s porch, trying to convince him of our wild plan.

"I'm gonna stop you right there, Scott. Are you seriously telling me that your plan to save the universe is based on Back To The Future?" Tony asked, sarcasm dripping from his words.

"No," Scott replied, looking a little embarrassed.

"Good. You had me worried there, 'cause that'd be horse shit. That's not how quantum physics works," Tony shot back.

"Tony... we have to take a stand," Natasha urged, determination filling her voice.

"We did stand. And yet, here we are," he retorted, meeting our eyes.

"I know you have a lot on the line. You’ve got a wife, a daughter. But I lost someone important to me. A lot of people did," Scott continued, his voice rising with urgency. "Now we have a chance to bring them back. To bring everyone back. And you’re telling me that won’t even—"

"That's right, Scott, I won't even. I got a kid," Tony interrupted, just as his daughter came outside and jumped into his arms.

"Mommy told me to come and save you," she mumbled.

Tony glanced around, a wry smile creeping across his face. “Good job. I’m saved,” he said before looking at us again, nostalgia tinging his voice. “I wish you’d come here to ask me something else. Anything else, really. Honestly, I missed you guys. Oh, and the table’s set for seven.”

Steve stepped forward, concern etched on his face. “Tony, I get it. And I’m happy for you; I really am. But this is a second chance.”

Tony shook his head, determination hardening his expression. “I got my second chance right here, Cap. I can’t roll the dice again. If you don’t want to talk shop, you’re welcome to stay for lunch.”

The others moved back toward the car, but I lingered on the porch, feeling uncertain. Tony’s gaze shifted to me, curiosity dancing in his eyes.

I glanced at him, then at the little girl cradled in his arms, her frown mirroring my own thoughts. “I wouldn’t do it if I were you,” I said softly, the weight of my words hanging in the air. With that, I turned and joined the others, leaving Tony to ponder my warning.

“So, what do we do now?” I asked once we were back in the car, the engine humming softly as we pulled away.

“Hope that Bruce is willing to help us,” Natasha replied, her voice tinged with sadness at the mention of his name.

I pushed away thoughts of what bringing Bucky back could mean. Life had taught me that hope often led to disappointment, and I wasn’t sure I could handle that again.

I didn’t expect to meet the Hulk when we sat down at the diner to meet Bruce. Or rather, a mix of both. He was huge and green, but his features were unmistakably Bruce's, and his intelligence shone through. He seemed genuinely happy as he explained how he had stopped fighting the Hulk, embracing his full potential without losing himself in the process.

He was hesitant at first but eventually agreed to help us in our crazy endeavor. To our dismay, the entire process of sending someone through time turned into a disaster. Technically, it worked, but instead of sending grown-up Scott into the past and bringing him back the same, he returned as an old man. Moments later, he turned into a baby.

When all hope seemed lost, Tony showed up, holding his genius invention in one hand and Steve's shield in the other. He had built something he called a "Time-Space GPS" to resolve the issue that had turned Scott into an old man and then a baby. Things were getting serious now. It was time to get the whole team back together.

After countless nights of wracking our brains over how and when to get the stones, we finally settled on three teams. Each team would head to a different point in time to retrieve the stones. I would stay behind to monitor everything and ensure it all went smoothly. According to Tony, they’d be back in five seconds.

They did return, but when I looked into each of their faces and finally landed on Clint’s, I knew something had gone wrong.

“Where is Natasha?” I asked, my voice shaking as Clint fell to his knees.

“Clint, where is Nat?” Bruce echoed, his voice trembling as we all held our breaths.

He didn’t have to say anything; the look on his face said it all. She hadn’t made it. She had given her life for the stone.

I shook my head in denial, tears welling up as I covered my mouth with my hand. I should have said something when I had the chance, should have told them their idea was insane.

Anger surged through me, wishing Tony had never agreed to help. Who was to say this plan would even work? Who was to say Natasha hadn’t died for nothing?

I turned and ran off, but Steve reached for my hand. I shook him off, my voice breaking. “I need to be alone right now,” I said, tears spilling from my eyes as I walked away.

I collapsed onto the couch when I reached the common room, pulling my legs up and hugging them to my chest. It felt like life had taken so much from me, and it just kept taking, relentless in its cruelty. How much pain could one person endure before they broke completely?

Was this life even worth living anymore, I wondered. My thoughts were interrupted as the shutters closed over the windows, plunging the room into near darkness. I frowned, standing up. When I tried to head back to the others, I found the entrance to the lab sealed with metal doors.

I couldn’t make out the chaos inside until a loud whizzing noise cut through the thick metal, followed by a groan and a resounding bang that made me jump back in panic.

As the shutters slowly lifted, I saw Bruce sprawled on the ground, the glove housing the stones emitting a trail of smoke.

“Did it work?” he asked, wincing in pain.

“Worth a shot. It’s over. It’s okay,” Thor said, his voice steady, trying to reassure him.

I glanced at Clint as he answered a buzzing phone, his face a mix of joy and tears.

“Did it work?” I asked, my voice laced with hope and fear just as the sky darkened and chaos erupted around us.

Next Chapter

[talesfromawannabewriter]

Mistress of the Devil

Christmas gift for @libby-for-life based on the mistress au idea we came up with a few months ago.

Heels clicked against the tiles as a dark figure made his way through the castle in the dead of night. He slipped through the shadows, making sure that he was not disturbing the peace. Finally at long last he made it to his destination. The guards tensed when they heard someone approach. Only slightly relieved to see that it was just their king. 

Lucifer: Good evening to you gentlemen. I have come to pay a visit to my lovely mistress.

Guard 1: Our apologies my king but I’m afraid that he has already retired this evening. 

Guard 2: We can awaken him if you wish?

Lucifer: No need, I merely wished to see him and don't ever think such foolish thoughts again. My mistress needs all the rest he can get. Now if you’ll excuse me.

He waved a hand for them to move and they did. Even opening the doors for him. Before stepping through he turned and gave them a serious look. 

Lucifer: Remember. No one, not even the Queen herself is allowed in here when I’m here. 

They nodded and watched as he slipped through, closing the doors behind him. The room was completely dark, save for the moonlight coming through the open doors leading to the balcony. The linen curtains blowing softly against the evening breeze. He clicked his tongue, no, no that won’t do. His mistress could catch a cold if kept open.

 Or an intruder stupid enough to come here might crawl in. He would not let anything happen to his mistress. Especially in his condition. He closed them and then made his way over the large luxurious bed surrounded by thick light blue curtains. Thick enough so that nobody would be able to feast their eyes on the slumbering creature. 

Except for Lucifer of course. 

He waved his hand and the curtains drew back revealing the most beautiful being in all of creation. Adam slept heavily and peacefully snuggled underneath the soft, cotton blankets. Lucifer felt all the stress from the day wash away once his eyes trained on him. Especially when they landed on his swollen abdomen. A tender smile graced his lips and he reached over to rub it. 

Unfortunately it caused the man to stir and slowly flutter his eyes open. They adjusted a bit more trying to see who it was in the darkness. It soon became apparent to him that it was the king.

Adam: L, Lucifer?

Lucifer: Oh, my apologies Adam. I didn’t mean to wake you. I just wanted to drop by and see you before I headed to bed myself. Please go back to sleep.

Adam yawned and sat up, doing the opposite of what he was instructed to. The sheets fell down and Lucifer could see that he was wearing a short sleeping gown the same color as the curtains. It hugged his chest tightly, managing to keep them in place. He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and looked toward his master with a tired but happy smile.

Adam: You were busy today?

Lucifer: (scoffs) That is certainly one way of putting it. Didn’t help that Lilith kept making it so I couldn’t see you today. But don’t fret my love. I'll be sure to visit you first thing in the morning. We can even have breakfast in the garden.

Adam: That sounds lovely Lucifer. (Yawns) I’m sorry but I’m extremely tired, our little one has been making it so I can’t relax for one second when I’m awake, even sometimes in sleep. Can you please leave? 

If it were anyone else in the entirety of Hell who spoke to Lucifer like that, no matter how nicely, he wouldn’t have hesitated and ripped out their spine and whipped them into oblivion with it. However, this wasn’t just anyone, this was Adam, his mistress, the mother to his future child. So he simply smiled and helped him layback down and feel comfortable. 

He gently massaged his belly and sang a soothing melody. Soon his mistress’s eyes were closed as sleep took once more. Gently, as to not wake him again, placed a small kiss on the bump.

Lucifer: Daddy loves you little one. 

He moved back up and kissed him on the cheek.

Lucifer: And I love you.

He backed away letting the curtains fall as he prepared for his departure back to his chambers, but not before one quick glance back to the bed.

Lucifer: Till tomorrow my mistress 

[sparkysxi]

Alien Stage Predictions

so ROUND 6 dropped. As an Ivan fan I am DEVASTATED. but we must move on (have copium he and sua are secretly ok) (this is VIVINOS we’re talking about those bitches are dead) so I decided to have a little speculation about future content in order to strengthen myself against the inevitable heartbreak I will feel

ROUND 6 is the official halfway point of the series, so here are a few things I think could happen/future videos likely to drop:

An IVANTILL video like MIZISUA explaining their backstory (the lab/adoption center) 

A solo Luka video and a solo Mizi video 

perhaps a video for Isaac and Dewey. I just think they deserve a duet but I am not as confident in this prediction 

A video about the human rebellion (perhaps rescuing Till?) 

A video in the style of TOP 3, as an in-universe advertisement for the Finals/ROUND 7 

Speaking of the finals, that’s literally going to be a self-harm-off. 

Till has lost two of the most important people in his life and was already Not There during ROUND 6 he is not doing well, and I think Luka only really feels “alive” on the Alien Stage, so he may be trying to kill himself through entering the competition multiple times 

Or Luka is fucking insane and wants a mountain of bodies behind him to prove his worth to the aliens

maybe because of his laundry list of physical illnesses-perhaps Luka is scared he will be abandoned or killed for being a burden to his owner?

I think I will go INSANE if Mizi manages to rescue Till, like they get out of the arena, but Till’s crazy ass goes BACK INSIDE, like how he did for Mizi all those years ago, because he’s not leaving without Ivan’s body to at least bury him properly 

like the cinematic parallels that could be achieved here UGH *chefs kiss*

also I think it would be really cool if Till’s character became an exploration of heteronormativity-he’s been pining after Mizi after all this time, but he realizes that the admiration he has for her is not the same as the love she shared with Sua or the love/obsession Ivan had for him 

maybe Till is gay/bisexual-or on the ace/aro spectrum 

regardless of what he is the societal expectations are likely that girl humans like boy humans and boy humans like girl humans 

Till enters his queer rebellion era how DARE these aliens expect him to do ANYTHING

alien historians will call MiziSua and IvanTill “just really good friends”

anyway I also expect more Sua and Ivan hallucinations 

perhaps they’ll act as “guiding spirits” from here on out??

wouldn’t it be cool if we got a post-death Ivan and Sua duet? maybe they’re singing to Till and Mizi from the afterlife 

I’m less confident about that one as well but I think it would be neat 

a video of saving the children from Anakt Garden-with Till at the helm using skills Ivan taught him-less confident here again but would be fun nonetheless

I think it’s pretty likely BOTH Hyuna and Luka will die by the end of the series-Hyuna’s already injured and Luka has death flags (wearing all white and having feelings of love/affection/obsession towards another who does not reciprocate it equally) 

The non reciprocated love appears to be a common thread between our male contestants, doesn’t it?

However Hyuna may survive-half the cast lives, half the cast dies kinda thing 

They all end up missing their counterparts

I think ultimately the final scene of the series will be very melancholy-they’ve won, but at what cost 

And a lot of choking 

Also: one very emotional scene where the characters actually talk to one another. Not singing: talking to one another

[dragonmasterhiccup]

(AHH, IT DID IT TO YOU AS WELL 😭? Either way, everything was so perfect, I laughed just reading the first few sentences 🤣🫶🏼)

Seeing him gesture at her, she bit back an amused smile, ever so slightly tilting her head while pretending as if she didn't know what he was talking about. "What do you mean? I'm not doing anything..!" Shrugging casually, she glanced around the forest, "I think you're just over exaggerating.."

Ayla nodded, grateful for interrupting...whatever that was. "Weirdos.." She muttered, warily turning around in hopes they didn't hear her.

---------------

Freya opened her mouth to retort back, but paused in consideration of their words. What they said was true...in a way. She had mentioned something similar to what the twins were saying, although it wasn't outrightly saying Hiccup was part dragon.

It was becoming difficult not to say a sarcastic comment, especially after Tuffnut's 'correction' and Hiccup's sigh. Finding the situation a bit too funny, she leaned her cheek in the palm of her hand with her elbow resting on the table, staring at the future Chief with a playful glimmer in her eyes, "I don't know...they do kind of have a point. I hope you're not keeping any secrets such as being part dragon, hun." Her sudden nickname was a last minute idea to tease him further, while also playing the part of being a 'couple' in front of everyone.

She was beginning to realize the fake relationship they were in could potentially allow her to joke around with names such as those; ignoring the faint fluttery feeling, it was quite funny.

At the twin's teasing remarks, Freya slowly turned to stare at them in the same way she had done to Snotlout; a look of a silent warning as well as one of an irked expression. "Tuffnut, I will personally make you shut up myself by shoving your face in that stew." She quietly groaned at the next question they suddenly asked Ayla, though, rubbing her forehead to try and resist the urge to do something she'd probably later regret.

Her little sister, who was almost done eating, grinned widely at the thought of having Hiccup as her brother. "I'd be so, so, so, so happy! That means we'll get to spend more time with each other and he can save me from being chased around by Fey..!" She sarcastically finished, making Freya glance at her with a look that said, 'really?'

Snotlout lightly snickered at the nickname, knowing not to say anything about it since Ayla was the one to come up with it, and he would probably get into a physical fight if he even murmured a negative word.

As he held out his arm in front of her, she glimpsed at Hiccup with narrowed eyes, only for them to slightly widen when he began talking. She remembered being the one to get him frustrated similarly to how he was now, paying no mind to it as she used to think it was amusing. However, seeing him act that way to prevent anymore insults thrown against her, she was left in another brief moment of surprise.

'Woah..'

Ignoring Snotlout's scoff and a small mutter of, "whatever", Freya continued to take unhurried bites of her food, still not realizing that she was now sitting more closer to Hiccup. She watched Fishlegs immediately sit straighter, excited to talk about his garden. "Oh yeah, I've got quite a few new ones..!" He shifted enthusiastically in his seat before continuing: "I have some more rosemary, thyme, and sage, all very important. I might lend over a portion of it to Gothi now that I think about it..."

The more he rambled on about the benefits of those specific herbs, Freya began to tune out most of what he was saying. She had gotten enough of that talk from her mother, and even Ayla every now and then, but she didn't want to be rude and make it obvious she wasn't listening, so she nodded when necessary as she ate the stew. At one point, she found herself glancing over at the Chief's son, doing a faint double take when she finally noticed that they were closer than before.

'When did that happen..?' She internally questioned, silently fighting off the arising heat on her face. Despite the knowledge of the closer proximity, she didn't have the willpower to actually move away, choosing to remain where she was with another quick gaze landing on his freckles. '1, 2, 3, 4..'

Her moment of counting the small specks across his cheeks was abruptly put to an end as Ayla suddenly stood up, bowl in hand as she grabbed Freya's attention. "I want more! Come with me, Fey! I'm still pretty hungry.." She mumbled the last part, avoiding everyone else's stares as she beckoned for her to follow. Lightly sighing, the older sister arose from her seat and allowed Ayla to lead, still wondering why Hiccup had one or two slightly bigger freckles on one part of his face as she abstractedly waited in the short line for the stew.

Snotlout, who noticed the absent-minded look from afar, mockingly chuckled at the sight, "Someone's head is in the clouds over there..."

His eyes darted to Freya as she shifted in her place, keeping his face forward. What was she doing?

Oh.

As she uttered the word 'hun', he finally turned to face her, blinking in surprise. "Uhhh...n-no, no, I uh, I'm not part dragon...no matter what you may hear..." Oh, was he supposed to give her a nickname, too?Clearing his throat, he he hesitated before speaking again. "You know I have no secrets from you, Milady..."

Tuffnut scrunched his nose. "Ew! They have pet names for each other!"

Ruffnut shuddered, "Gross!"

Tuffnut shook his head. "I always knew you were a softie, Hiccup. Always knew."

Hiccup, of course, couldn't answer, he just ducked his head, hoping the heat in his face would go away.

At Freya's threat, Tuffnut nodded. "Understood, madam."

Ayla's excitement did brighten Hiccup's mood quite a bit, and he grinned at the thought of finally having a little sister. Of course then, that would mean--

That would mean that he and Freya would be...

Married.

Well, that wasn't likely, right? They were only fake dating after all...

But even as Hiccup tried to reason it away within his mind, he couldn't stop the feeling of disappointment creep in.

He did his best to listen to Fishlegs, knowing how much his friend loved to tend to his plants. He asked some questions here and there, glad that things seemed to finally settle down between the group.

This whole time, the twins had set their attention on Hiccup and Freya, as gardening was a boring subject to them. They 'whispered' to each other a little, noting Freya's lingering gaze on the future chief, placing a few bets as well. At least, they thought they were whispering, but it was only slightly quieter than their normal speaking volume.

It was Hiccup's turn for his gaze to linger on Freya as she and Ayla went back in line, finally turning back around to finish his stew.

"Snotlout, what did I say? Can you really not keep yourself from saying these kinds of things?" He shook his head. "What do you have against her, anyways?"

[integra1127grimmreaper]

Hello Darling - Part six

Negan Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Part 5

Warning: swearing, implied smut

Summary: everything comes full circle for Negan and Raven

A/N: I had a ball of a time bringing this story to life, thank to @ravenrose18​ for giving the opportunity tell your story 💖

song - Hold me while you wait by Lewis Capaldi

It took some time and a lot of hard work... and hard work it was. But eventually Raven managed to get some sort of a compromise between the Sanctuary and the other communities.

Rick and the others didn’t trust Negan, but they trusted Raven and they knew in order to secure the safety and future of their people; they had to do whatever was needed to do so, even if it meant working alongside the devil himself.

“Still can’t believe you made all of this possible” Rick remarks as they watched Saviors alongside members of Alexandria exchanging loads of supplies.

“You’re beginning to sound like Negan” Raven chuckles softly as Rick side-eyed her with a scoff.

“He mentioned something similar to me a few days ago while inspecting the gardens at the Sanctuary. To be honest, I'm just glad that any more unnecessary bloodshed was prevented.”

“You and me both” Rick nods in agreement.

“To be honest, it still pisses me off sometimes that we have to work with that asshole.”

“Why do you think I’m present for the exchanges instead of him” Raven comments.

“It’s better to be working with him instead of working for him, don’t you think?”

“You’re right...” Rick sighs out.

“Just wish that the start to this hadn’t happened the way it did.”

“You and I both” Raven agrees with a sigh of her own.

“How’s Maggie taking it?”

“She ain’t that happy about any of this” Rick replies.

“Still wants Negan dead more than anything, I’m trying my best to get her to understand why we’re doing this. Talked about possibly leaving, it’s just too much for her.”

“I understand” Raven nods.

“That’s why I thought it better to do Hilltop’s exchanges here as well. The less she’s around the Saviors, the better.”

“Yeah, I don’t believe she’ll ever come around on this arrangement” Rick comments.

“He regrets it” Raven responds.

“If he had known she was pregnant, he never would have killed Glenn. I regret it too... If I had been with, then I could have stopped it.”

“Ain’t know use in thinking of what ifs” Rick remarks.

“We made the decision to attack that outpost, and now we have to live with the consequences. By the way, thank you for bringing Daryl back.”

“Least I could do to make things right” Raven shrugs in response.

Rick places a hand on her shoulder then.

“Even so, thank you...”

“Thank you...” Negan remarks placing a kiss to the side of Raven’s hair as he wrapped his arms around her from behind.

“For what?” Raven asks, tilting her head up to look at him.

Negan points a hand out at the expansion of the Sanctuary in front of them.

“For making all of this possible, for creating and keeping the peace.”

“It was nothing...” Raven shrugs in response.

“Nothing?” Negan scoffs.

“You prevented a bloodbath on both sides. United communities together that were once enemies.”

“I did what anyone else would have done” Raven comments.

“No, they wouldn’t” Negan responds.

“This day and age, people are selfish; only thinking about the here-and-now, not about the future. I was guilty of it myself.”

“I’ll take the recognition then” Raven smiles faintly in response.

“C’mon... have something to show ya.”

“What is it?” Raven enquires as Negan led her to his bedroom.

Negan shakes his head at her.

“It’s a surprise.”

“Ok, fine...” Raven rolls her eyes with a faint smirk.\

I’m waiting up, saving all my precious time

Losing light, I'm missing my same old us

Before we learned our truth too late

Resigned to fate, fading away

*

“No way...!” Raven gasped out in surprise at the romantic scene laid out in front of her.

“Hope ya like it?” Negan sheepishly remarks.

“I love it!” Raven exclaims excitedly, turning around to fling herself at him.

“You even remembered my favourite song...”

“It was the last song we danced to...” Negan comments staring down at the ground shyly.

“I’m surprised you remembered that night” Raven remarks, attempting to get him to look her in the eye.

“It was the last happy moment we had before shit went sideways” Negan finally looks up with teary eyes.

“Negan...” Raven cups his face in the palm of her hands, wiping away the tears with her thumbs.

“Don’t do that. Remember what we agreed on?”

Negan nods as she holds his gaze on her.

“Concentrate on the here and now, not the past.”

Linking her arms around the back of his neck, Raven gently smiles at him.

“How about a dance?”

*

So, tell me, can you turn around?

I need someone to tear me down

Oh, tell me, can you turn around?

But either way

Hold me while you wait

I wish that I was good enough (Hold me while you wait)

If only I could wake you up (Hold me while you wait)

My love, my love, my love, my love

Won't you stay a while? (Hold me while you wait)

“I can’t believe you actually have this song...” Raven comments as she rested her head on Negan’s chest while they slowly danced to it.

“It was one of the only two things I had left to remember you by” Negan utters against her hair as he placed a kiss into it.

“Our tattoo?” Raven mutters staring up into his eyes then.

“Our tattoo...” Negan returns the stare with a head nod.

“I want to see it” Raven murmurs out then.

Without a word, Negan lets go of her then; taking a step back, he removes his jacket.

“Take the shirt off” Raven instructs him.

Silently staring down at her through his lashes, Negan slowly removes his shirt as well.

Silently stepping forward, Raven reached to stroke the tattoo on his outer bicep; their tattoo, the matching rose and raven tattoo they both had.

Negan remained deathly still as he silently eyed her next move, nearly choking on his own spit when Raven places a soft kiss onto the tattoo.

*

Tell me more, tell me something I don’t know

Did we come close to having it all?

If you’re gonna waste my time

Let's waste it right

I wish that I was good enough (Hole me while you wait)

If only I could wake you up (Hold me while you wait)

My love, my love, my love, my love

Won't you stay a while? (Hold me while you wait)

With an almost devilish smirk, Raven reaches to remove her shirt but Negan halts her with his own hands.

“Are you sure...?”

After months of taking things slowly between the two of them, she felt that now was the right time to take the next step in their relationship.

“Yes...” Raven utters out, reaching up to cup his cheek.

With lust filled eyes, Negan stares down at the hand he still had on her shirt.

“May I?”

Biting into her lip, Raven silently nods.

*

I wish you cared a little more (Hold me while you wait)

I wish you’d told me this before (Hold me while you wait)

My love, my love, my love, my love

Won't you stay a while? (Hold me while you wait)

Removing Raven’s shirt, the first thing that Negan’s eyes land on was their matching tattoo. Kneeling, almost trance like; he gently traces the lines of the tattoo, pressing a soft kiss to it.

Gasping out softly, Raven tilts her head back, grabbing hold of Negan’s hair as he continues trailing kisses along the contours of her torso.

Taking it as a sign to continue, Negan unbuttons her pants, slowly peeling them down her legs while pressing kisses against the exposed skin.

Stepping out of her shoes and pants, Raven gently tugged at Negan’s hair to get him to stand. The two stood silently staring into each other’s eyes for a few minutes until Raven wrapped her arms around Negan’s neck to pull him down for a kiss.

“You’re overdressed” Raven remarks after breaking the kiss.

“Guess I am” Negan flashes her a dimpled smirk.

With an eagerness, Raven makes herself comfortable upon the bed as she watched Negan remove his clothing.

“You liking the show?” Negan snickers out at Raven clapping her hands when he had removed his pants.

“Been awhile since I’ve had a strip show, so yeah, I’m enjoying myself” Raven giggled.

“Lil minx...” Negan growled, making his way onto the bed.

Raven’s giggles are instantly cut short when Negan grips hold of her legs, dragging her underneath his body with a strong tug.

*

This is you, this is me, this is all we need

Is it true? My faith is shaken, but I still believe

This is you, this is me, this is all we need

So won’t you stay a while?

“She knew” Negan utters out into the quiet room.

Lifting her head from his chest, Raven furrows her brow in confusion.

“Lucille...” Negan answers her silent question.

“She knew about the strong bond you and I had. I think she knew it all along.”

“Knew what?”

“That we loved each other more than just being friends” Negan responds.

“I never gave any indication for her to think so” Raven murmurs apologetically at the thought of having hurt Lucille in anyway.

“Neither did I...” Negan faintly smiles, stroking her cheek lovingly.

“But she knew, and she knew we would never betray her in any way or form. That’s why she made me make that promise...”

“What promise?” Raven sets up in confusion.

“She wanted me to move on with my life after she died, wanted me to have a second chance at love... with you.”

“What...?” Raven stared at him open mouthed.

“She was so pissed at me for not having gone to find you when the outbreak happened. Said I was blowing my second chance at happiness.”

“It would only be Lucille to be mad at you for that...” Raven giggled shaking her head at the thought.

“That what I loved about her most” Negan nodded, laughing as well.

“I loved her for that too” Raven smiled in agreement.

“She was always the reasonable one between the three of us.”

“The wises too it seems” Negan chuckled in agreement.

“In some way I feel like she’s behind me finding you again. She guided us back to each other.”

“I think so too” Raven smiled at him.

Negan smiles in response, gently brushing the hair out of her face.

“I love you.”

“I love you too Negan” Raven smiled back at him.

“We never got to dinner” Raven giggled staring at the table that had been laid out in the center of the room.

Tipping down, Negan pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.

“Sleep baby, it’s fine, tomorrow’s another day.”

*

Stay a while (Hold me while you wait)

Stay a while (Hold me while you wait)

My love, my love, my love, my love

Won't you stay a while?...

“Lucy Smith, get your butt in this house this instant!” Raven yelled at her six-year-old daughter.

“But Mama...” the little girl groaned in displeasure at her mother’s orders.

Raven shoots her a silent warning, and finally the little girl departs from her friends to make her way over.

“Did you teach your little brother a swear word?” Raven enquires.

Folding her arms behind her back, Lucy innocently rocks back and forth on the balls of her feet.

“And what word would that be Mama...?”

“Don’t be a smartass” Raven scolds her.

“Who’s swearing now...?” Lucy innocently scoffs at her mother’s words.

“Says the one that taught her three-year-old brother the word ‘fuck-face’...?”

“I leant it from Papa...” Lucy shrugs with an innocent grin.

“I warned your father about that” Raven frowns in displeasure.

“Warned me about what?” a raspy voice boomed through the living-room.

“Your ‘sweet angel’ of a daughter taught our three-year-old a swear word” Raven turned around to shoot daggers at her husband.

“No shit...?” Negan remarks with a shit-eating grin.

“What word?”

“Negan!” Raven gasps out in annoyance.

“Sorry baby...” Negan grins sheepishly at her.

“Fuck-face” Lucy answers nonchalantly.

“Oh, that’s a good one” Negan giggles at his daughter’s remark.

“I give up!” Raven sighs, throwing her hands up in defeat.

“Aw... c’mon Mama... don’t be like that...” Negan stalks her with an apologetic smirk.

“I know the dead walks the earth, but I would still like our children to have some manners” Raven pouts in displeasure.

“They have half my DNA...” Negan wraps his arms around her with a chuckle.

“What did you expect?”

“That my half would provide them with manners” Raven grumbles.

“Sorry baby...” Negan flashes her a sheepish grin.

“Can’t stay mad at you now, can I?” Raven mumbles staring deep into his eyes.

“Nope” Negan snickers, tipping down to capture her lips in a kiss.

“Love you...”

“Love you too” Raven responds breathlessly.

“I love you both!” a voice suddenly pipes in.

Remembering the presence of their daughter, Negan and Raven both chuckles out at her remark as Negan picked her up into his arms.

“We love you too, baby-girl" Raven and Negan smiles, each pressing a kiss to her cheek.

Raven couldn’t be happier with the way things had worked out; she had managed to bring the communities together, managed to stop Negan’s tyrant behavior, and managed to build a stronger, better Sanctuary along with him.

Negan and she had two beautiful children together, and together they would watch them grow to become remarkable beings in the new world their parents had built for them.

It seemed that Lucille had been right all along; Negan and Raven were meant for each other and because of her, they got a second chance at love.

[noxspost]

Essak and caduceus talking

so in my newest story I have made this sad moment

Essek speaking "why do you insist on letting the pain take you?"

caduceus spoke "they don't they shouldn't have to be burdened by my mess honestly.

they all froze they cracked the door open enough they could all see what was going on there was Essek on the balcony with caduceus who was currently coughing softly 

"you should probably get that treated. Are you sure you don't it's not tuberculosis?" caduceus snorts "it's far worse actually basically growing an entire flower garden in my lungs."

Esseks's face was fear twisted "wait i thought you did you suffer this before?"

"yeah but it stopped a couple months after I met the mighty 9 and we went off saving the world." he wheezed a bit then "why won't you let them help you why won't you accept the fact you are loved why won't you let yourself be loved you give so much love and yet you won't let yourself receive that love even from yourself self love is important just as important as any other."

"don't want them being dragged into my mess."

"you're not dragging them into your mess." said Essek "please now I see why you like foxgloves and spider Lily so much they fit you of course they do."

"how is that?" the other man asked "because you're insincere in the way you say you are fine you are insincere in the way you do not let others care you lie to yourself kill your own self you are letting yourself die you care about them so much you're honestly worse than Caleb right now."

Essek then put a hand on caduceus and said "what flowers fit me the best?"

"purple irises," they noticed how Essek immediately picked up on the fact caduceus was about to go into a panic spiral really "why is that?"

"those flowers mean knowledge and wisdom you were wise in your decision to change your ways and you are wise and trying to change the outcome of future events you can cause rather than past events."

there was a soft smile "what's my brother's."

"Forget me nots."

"Really forget me nots." he said pondering.

"mm-hmm he does not let you forget how much he loves you he's very affectionate gives good hugs."

"why won't you let them love you why won't you welcome the men because last time that happened, I don't want to talk about it."

is there another reason why you don't eat meat?"

"yeah three years into myself isolation I lost my mind I was super hungry and it was the middle of winter I was starving I had been starving myself for a couple of weeks and then I snapped and then I killed someone and ate his flesh." essek spoke "that must be hard."

caducues gave a bitter smile and spoke more "some days I space out so much that I go into what is called instincts mode and when we were traveling back I did get in a fight with someone it was on our way back after we saved the people and helped the gentleman out before he died and we got in a fight I went into the bathroom when I was so scared that I had accidentally eaten someone again that I thought I could still see flesh in between my teeth also I just don't like the way meat tastes." the rant was heart breaking

Essex looked at him "I'm sorry what I'm sorry that you had to deal with that when you were alone for 10 years." the whole group listing were frozen with the realization caduceus was hurting and they wanted to help but something was holding them back

caduceus smiled "that's fine."

"no it's not. please what's the easiest way to get rid of the flowers in your lungs what do you think you've been doing to yourself... you been giving out too much let yourself be selfish please we don't want to see you in pain don't think your friends will forgive me." essek sounded scared and caduceus looked at him with unreadable eyes

" no. our friends," he said "their are our friends." essek sighed as he went to hug the man who returned it.

"I've been seeing you form the habit of putting flowers and everyone's hair."

"yeah." essk then asked "why do it?"

"so that you can put flowers in my hair when I die whenever that happens maybe one night I'll go to sleep the next night and never wake up no matter how many times jester tries to use a diamond or a gemstone on me to revive me I will never come back I want to give them something to Remember Me by."

he said very somberly as he looked out to the night sky it was early nighttime.

Verin had got in very late and that was the point he didn't want anyone else to think it's suspicious. night time was easier to blend in and get into the Chateau than it was during the daytime 

"Do you wish to die?" Asked essek fearfully.

=========

That was a sneak peak

[pbandjesse]

We are just now leaving Paul and Sam's wedding part two! I did not expect dinner to go so late. I am glad I dressed up nice and was able to feel very pretty.

The rest of today could have been a little better. It just didn't go as planned. Things I thought would be readily available just were both and I felt pretty frustrated with the whole situation. But it wasn't a terrible day.

I slept alright. I woke up naturally at 8. But let myself sleep until 930. I had fallen asleep with damp hair but it had been in a braid so it wasn't to crazy but there was just something about it that made me laugh because it was sticking up funny. But it was quickly delt with and I got cleaned up and dressed and felt alright.

Mostly I was starving. I would skip breakfast food completely and just have a frozen pizza. It is the quickest thing I can make. 2 minutes. And while I was waiting for that I would move Ruby the Roomba upstairs to vacuum. And open the back door for Sweetp to enjoy the sunshine.

It was a beautiful day but outside the safety and shade of the house it was very very hot in the sun. I would find myself very miserable in it later. But while I was home I was fine.

I hung out on the couch and worked on cutting all of the yarn for May's temperature blanket square. I had not done any for this month. Which is so bad. I haven't finished sewing down last months either but I knew I would be able to catch up. I hope to do some of it at the market and it's easier if I precut the yarn and then dont have to bring all of it with me. Saves time.

It would take a while to do 24 days of rows though. 48 pieces plus the two begining rows. It's a lot to measure. So I was on the couch for a while. And once it was made I balled it all up and felt pretty accomplished.

I decided it was time to go out then though. I would packed myself up and headed out into the hot hot world with a plan. I would go to the restore. Then Home Depot. I wanted to get another storage shelf and then two raised wooden planter boxes. This was the goal.

I would have to go back in the house first though because James needed a number from a flyer we got yesterday. We are trying to get estimates from contractors for a few things. New doors and a fence mainly. But hoping it will give us connections for the larger projects in the future. But once I relayed that I was on the road.

My plan did not workout as well as I had hoped. Restore was fine but didn't have anything I was looking for. Home Depot was more promising but no wooden garden beds. Only plastic. So I was feeling a little annoyed but I thought I would go to Glen Burnie to the Lowe's and then I could also hit up the value village and then go to second chance. This seemed super promising.

But no luck.

The people at Lowe's acted like they had no idea what I was asking for. I even showed it to them on their website. Only one woman knew what I meant but her directions for where they were was not correct. And they also only had plastic. They said I might have to order them online for pick up. I was not totally defeated yet though. Walmart was coming up when I was googling and one was just down the street.

So I went there. Even though I had no gift cards for there (the whole reason I was going to the other stores was because I have gift cards!!) but even then no luck. And I have not even shopped in a Walmart in a decade so I felt a bit uncomfortable. And sad I still wasn't finding what I was looking for.

I tried to make myself feel better getting a pretzel from Auntie Anne's but then their credit card reader wasn't working and it was a whole thing but she did reset it and I was able to get my pretzel so it wasn't as bad as it could have been. But I was a little frazzled. The heat did not help.

I sat in the car in the parking lot and had my pretzel and tried to not be completely upset. I was frustrated. I felt stupid. I really thought this was going to be an easy project and I could feel accomplished at the end. But no. And that wasn't a nice feeling.

I decided to go to value village still. And I did have some luck there. A new jumpsuit. A shirt sleeve black cardigan (which was already on my list), the green striped button down I'm wearing in my one picture. I got two pairs of shoes for working events. I would wear one of them tonight and I love them very much. I don't normally go for a square toe but apparently I should because I really liked it on myself.

I also got a cool camera bag I think would be useful for travel. And a yellow cat plushie that made me think it's the love child of two of my other plushies (Daniel and Paul), couldn't pass him up.

I would still try second chance. But nothing there was what I was hoping for. I walked all over the store but I just wasn't feeling anything. So I went home.

I was super happy to be home. It was so hot out in the world. I would change and try on my new things and put things away. And then I was just chilling. I had the backdoor open. I was knitting. I was having a good time. Even if I felt a little sad that I wasn't successful, I was still doing okay.

James would call and offered to get me shake shack, which was the only thing I wanted to eat. And I appreciated them so much for doing that.

They would come home a little later then normal because of that. And we would sit together but I was feeling a little overwhelmed and overstimulated. So they gave me some space. But soon it was time to get ready to go over to fells point for Paul and Sam's American wedding day dinner.

James would iron their shirt while I went and got dressed and did my makeup. I had trimmed my bangs last night and I was afraid I made them to short but I actually felt really cute. And pretty soon we were heading out.

We left super early to get parking. And that ended up perfect because it did take a few loops. But once we were parked we were able to find the wedding party near the water. And it was so nice to see everyone.

We would walk to a bar first to wait for Paul and Sam to finish their pictures. I loved seeing Stephanie and Gabe. And we were also joined by Paul's friends Kieth and his wife Amber. And they were lots of fun. We talked about our jobs and I got to talk about my arts background for a while. Amber is pregnant and it was fun hearing about her cravings and how she only had shortness of breath as her first pregnancy symptoms! No throwing up at all! Very interesting.

Paul and Sam would find us soon though and we headed to the very fancy dinner. Rec Pier Chop House. This place is like. Very very fancy. I did not expect the inside to have a whole green space with trees. And I was not prepared for a 5 course dinner.

I couldn't eat all of it, for vegetarian reasons, but they were really accommodating and made a special vegan pasta for me and Amber who had some allergies and couldn't have the crab pasta. My favorite thing was the sheep's milk ricotta toast with hot honey. And the vanilla gelato at the end. But literally everything was beautiful.

The conversion was loud and funny and the energy was great. Paul and Sam looked great. Sam's dress was so cute. So simple and elegant. Honestly everyone looked lovely tonight and it was fun getting to be in this fancy space and eat fancy food. I had a really nice evening.

I didn't realize it was going to go on and on and on though. Not in a negative way at all. I was having a great time. I truly enjoyed everyone's company. But by 1030, after the second dessert and James getting two entire to-go boxes of tiramisu, it was time to go home.

Hugs all around. Congrats and see you at wedding part three. And me and James were off into the night.

We stopped to take some pictures. A nice couple offered to take them for us but I told them it's funnier if I'm running from the timer, but thank you for offering!! We were in a silly mood. People were everywhere. Fells is always so busy. A girl told me she loved my dress. It was such a nice way to end the night.

We got back here in short order and I have been sitting in the floor writing this. I want to go get a quick shower and get to sleep. Because tomorrow is the farmers market! My first of the year. I missed the opening market last week but I am still hoping for a very good day.

So wish me luck everyone. I love you all. Good night!

[haytham-loves-chocolate]

Alternative Universe Journal 3

It is two of my OCs together in this AU Journal. There are no warnings in this one, just some soft reading.

29th of March, 1755

My dear Amias,

Take heed of this note and meet me in our special place. One where your land meets my land. Shall we plant a beautiful tree where our garden will be pure bliss? I would like to know what we will do in the future. Is the spot the end of our long stories, or is it only the beginning of our chapter? 

I know this is a short letter, a dear letter to you, but hopefully, the smell soothes all your aches and worries. 

From your secret love, Enola.

It was today that I was able to reunite with Amias after writing this note a few days prior.

Amias, who spoke one of the countless Native languages as Ayenwatha, made his way to our secret location. It was the perfect setting for a romantic date. One that was encircled by stunning, towering trees, ones that had exquisite springtime blooms, and wildflowers that seemed to pop up everywhere.

I opted to wear a more appropriate outfit for this occasion. In this attire, I may have looked like a low-class vendor, but I knew he would not care. He had to survive differently than I did, after all. I have on a dark blue dress that does not have the elaborate busts and undergarments of a fancy noble gown, a white apron that is knotted perfectly around my waist and chest to keep this dress from getting ruined, and a pair of handmade boots from the local tailor that are ideal for gardening. I do not wear jewelry of any kind, and I do not wear my hair in a flawless bun. Even though it seems risky, I always wear makeup of some kind. I decided not to wear makeup today, and the few servants I had gave me the look that indicated they should avoid spending too much time with me because they saw something so exotic. 

To my surprise, he was not there when I finally found the location where I had asked him to meet me. I glanced above and around the trees but could not find him. Rather than get all worked up about being here before him, I got down on my knees and neatly ironed my dress so it would not get in the way of my gardening. 

I work for a few minutes, pulling weeds and pulling wildflowers off the trees. Then, wiping the perspiration from my forehead with the back of my sleeve, I quietly sigh as I turn to face the work I completed. However, I realize that I see a very familiar face from atop the trees, gazing down in my direction. He hops down from the thick branch he is sitting on to stand in front of my hunched figure as soon as he sees me.  

“I was wondering when you would be here.” I will always hold a particular place in my heart for his gentle voice. There are so many deep emotions that I feel just by hearing it again. 

I joke back, "I was thinking you would be here sooner." His lovely face appears confused as I make my statement, and he tilts his head slightly. “I was here earlier. A few minutes earlier, so it seems.” 

“You did?” My expression is now one of perplexity. "Yes, along with a surprise." I watch as his bewilderment turns into a smile. 

Here, I find myself staring at his toned physique and the perfect way the sun hits him to make him appear like a gift from nature. The way his pants fit his waist in the right places, down to his bare feet. What would this man look like under a waterfall? Whoever his gods are, I wish I could thank them right now. 

I saw him climb up the tree to where he was dangling just a few minutes earlier. I follow his finger, which leads to a smooth-surfaced, rocky cliff overlooking a verdant hill. 

"There, let us meet." 

His feet start to move with the trees as soon as his voice starts to diminish, giving the impression that he is a formidable force. I was astonished by his movements for a moment before trying my best to follow him along the trees. But as I approach the final tree, I stumble and nearly bump my head on the branch below, but I am saved by an odd sensation of strong arms and their copper glow. My cheeks turned bright red at the thought that a handsome stranger had saved me. It was then that I realized it was Amias, and I felt relieved that I was not unconscious for our secret date. 

"I should teach you how to run through the branches, sweetheart." His chuckle reaches a part of my mind that causes my back to shiver with delight. With a small chuckle of my own, I soon am put down on my feet with his guidance. 

Throughout the rest of the day, we stayed in that very spot with a steady breeze in the trees and our hair. At these special moments, all I can think about is him as we eat from what extra he gathered with the other tribe women from this morning. When the sun starts to set, I lay my head on his shoulder while I feel his head lay on top of mine. I feel his arm wrapped around my waist.

“You are my night. When I cannot sleep, there you are, out in the open, gazing at me.” I feel his hand move up to my side, and I feel his lips press against the top of my head. As I gaze at the reds, the purples, and the yellows of the sunset, I can’t help but wonder if this could be the night to ask if I can have him stay with me. 

Instead, I am met with his counter-question, a hushed tone of voice that I can not resist: "Will you sleep under the stars with me?"

My gaze shifts to his wonderful smile and beautiful brown eyes, which are fixed on the sunset. How come he looks so good? How does he do it so consistently? I have many questions about this mystery he keeps to himself. If I had the guts to ask all of these questions, I would. Perhaps another day. 

I wonder how I look from his point of view. Must I embody everything he sees? More thoughts appear to permeate my mind, but they all fade away when my eyes recognize him as the light of my life. His hand reaches out and touches my cheek, and I lean into it. All of my worries, stresses, doubts, fears, and bad dreams vanish. 

I begin to close my eyes, still leaning my cheek against his touch. Then, a split second after my eyes have fully closed, I lean in closer to him. I see his face change from a flirtatious, charming grin to one of surprise and curiosity. He is now lying on the cliff's flat stone surface, while I am on top of him. After a quiet moment as the day fades into night, the stars glisten as our lips press against each other, sending me into a deep state of bliss and joyful pleasure. 

I slept with him under the stars that night, as he requested. I did not say anything more.

[stela20]

I'm sorry if my English is not good, I use Google Translate

This is my story from the Quotev website, so I wanted to write it and publish it here, but enjoy ❤

Y/n's pov

I went to Paul to have lunch with him. Now we are on lunch break in the Red Army, and I am now waiting for Paul to eat with me.

Paul: Hi y/n, sorry for the delay

y/n: It's okay, and you didn't even delay me ❤

Paul: Okay, but before I have lunch with you, I want to get myself something to drink with lunch. Do you have anything to offer?

y/n: Get some juice, please

Paul: Okay, 5 minutes and I'll be back

y/n: Okay, take it easy ❤

After Paul left, I remembered how he and I kissed for the first time ❤

flash back

In the beginning, 2 years ago, I was walking alone, and I did not have any fears, and I did not have a job. I was looking for any work for me, but there was no solution. I decided to give up and comfort myself. I found a small garden and it was very beautiful. I sat on the grass, and now I feel… Comfortably ❤

y/n: Oh, I'm so tired. Why is there no work anywhere here? How will I live? Well, I will rest for only 10 minutes and I will search again. I will not give up.

After only 5 minutes I heard strange noises

y/n: What, what is this sound…. Mmm, hello, is there anyone here….. This is very strange. There is no one but me. I am in this garden. What are these sounds?

I followed the sound and found a group of zombies eating people. I was terrified by the situation and the zombies noticed me and began to devour me. I was trying to escape from them, but there was no way out. I was terrified and thought this was the end of me, but a person with brown hair and one eye came. He has a gun, smokes, and wears a red army uniform. He kills all the zombies before they devour me in time.

y/n: …. ah thank you ….

Paul: Paul, my name is Paul, are you okay?

y/n: Yes, thank you for saving my life. This means a lot to me ❤

Paul: Okay, any service, and now goodbye

y/n: Wait

Paul: What's up?

y/n: I have been looking for a job for 3 months and I cannot find it. Do you have any work for me? I will do anything.

Paul: ….. Mmmm, well the head of the Red Army is looking for new people to join the army, but the first thing is that they must train you to fight and handle weapons and things like that, and also the head of the Red Army has no objection if anyone joins me. His own army….well what do you think?

y/n to herself: I don't want to kill people and cause chaos everywhere. I know the Red Army well, but I have no other choice. I will join, but I will not hurt anyone or kill people. I will be a good girl to everyone ❤

Paul: Oh girl, what are you going to say?

y/n: …I agree

Paul: Good, now, come with me, and welcome to the Red Army…. What is your name?

y/n: y/n

And since that time, I have been fighting and fighting with the Red Army, and Paul and I have become many friends, and I want to admit that I have loved Paul since that day because he saved my life and helped me with many things, and throughout this time, I do not see Paul as my friend. No, I see him as my lover and my future husband ❤

End of flashback

Wow, time has flown by and I still love Paul ever since that day ❤

Paul: Hey y/n, I brought you juice

y/n: Really thank you

We are now eating lunch, but while we were eating, I noticed that Paul was very worried

y/n: Paul, are you okay? Why aren’t you eating?

Paul: Well, ummm….how about you and I talk for a little bit at the end of the day? I want to confess to you something very important.

y/n: Well, it's okay, but now eat before it gets cold ❤

Paul: Well…

Paul's pov

I will confess everything to her. Yes, she should know everything. Finally, the night has come and me and y/n are alone now ❤

y/n: Ok Paul, what's the matter? We're alone now. What do you want to tell me?

Paul: When I was getting the juice, I saw a man talking about you and saying beautiful things about you and how attractive you are and things like that.

y/n: …that's all❔

Paul angrily: No, there are very many things every day since you joined the Red Army, and all the men admire you and talk to you and talk about you in a beautiful way and things like this.

y/n: Why are you angry about this?

Paul angrily: I love you, y/n, and I want you to be mine alone ❤

y/n: …how long have you liked me?

Paul: For a long time…. You have never harmed anyone before, and you have not wanted to kill anyone since that day, and this is very good, and you are the person who cares about me the most. You always take care of me, and we eat with each other and talk about things that we love and have. Same interests…. y/n Do you love me ❤

❤ After a few seconds, I saw Y/n kissing me passionately and in a very nice way ❤ and I exchanged kisses with her, and after that I took her in a big, warm hug and she confessed everything to me, and since when has she loved me, she confessed everything to me ❤

y/n: I love you too, Paul ❤

Paul: I'm happy that you and I share the same feelings for each other ❤

y/n: Paul, I want to leave the Red Army and start a new life, just you and me, and stay out of trouble. What do you think?

Paul: I agree and this has to happen too ❤ …. I can't wait for you and me to get out of here and start a new life for each other, my love ❤

Seconds later, I took Y/n in a deep kiss that lasted for a minute ❤

Y/n's pov

One day later, Paul and I asked the head of the Red Army to resign, and he agreed, but he told us that if you asked for resignation, you would never return to the Red Army again. In fact, Paul and I did not care as long as we were with each other. After a week, we resigned and left the Red Army. Forever, Paul and I bought a new small house, and he and I work in the cat café. Frankly, Paul and I are very comfortable, and I am happy that Paul appeared in my life. Every day before we sleep together, he takes me for a warm hug, and after that, he gives her a warm kiss and we sleep. And now we live our lives happily ❤

❤ The end ❤

[balkanradfem]

I hope it's not rude to ask (you can reply in private if you wish), but I am very curious on one thing. I tried to research your blog a bit but haven't figured that out. Are you trying to live of only things you can garden/find in the forest and only things you can make yourself I assume? Is that bc of some complicated situation or is that bc of your dedication to some live style/idea? I think it's both admirable and interesting whatever the reason you want to live that way, and your posts are very nice read, especially to city-stuck but nature-longing reader, so it's just my curiosity.

Haha it's not rude at all! I feel okay answering publicly.

My situation is a bit complicated, but it comes down to this: I'm on my own, no family support, I'm in poverty, and I'm chronically ill. I dream to leave the city and live in the wilderness, where I can have my own garden, and make my own everything. I'm very stressed out by the city and long to live in a place where there is no male contamination (pollution, noises, construction, destruction of nature, violence, sexual violence, oppression of women), so I could live peacefully!

I am only able to work part-time so saving up for buying my own land is going very slow, but I am determined to use this time to learn as much as possible about survival in nature. That's why I'm trying to learn everything, all of the plants, preservation methods, foraging, gardening, herbalism, basketry, soap-making, shoe-making, making threads and fixing things, creating stuff out of natural resources - because the second I get where I'm heading, I will not have internet, I will not be able to look everything up in a second. I want to be ready. I want to come there and observe and know everything, what I can eat, what can I preserve, what I can make from resources immediately around me, how to build my own house and where to place it, how to make a greenhouse or a conservatory, how to build a fireplace, all of that knowledge will be vital.

I'm not against relying on capitalism when I have no other choice, like for flour and oil, I currently have no means of producing those, so I do buy them. I think in the future as well, if I'm sick I would go and buy medicine, if I can't make it on my own (which often I cannot).

I'm not following any kind of lifestyle, just trying to ensure my own survival the best I can. I also love sharing whatever I learn because I noticed a lot of the information got lost for this generation, a lot of survival skills are no longer passed down and knowing even a little bit of it can be incredibly helpful for survival in capitalism. I want everyone to feel encouraged to try, it's great for mental health as well.

I also get great feedback from people who know better than me! I learned so much just from comments and replies that is a treasured source of wisdom for me.

I feel like this world wants us to be as helpless as possible, as little equipped with knowledge as possible; not knowing how something is made, how it could be made from nature, what worth it actually has or what has been sacrificed or destroyed in order for it to exist. It has us making uninformed choices, unaware of the impact we have on the earth and the climate. I think we deserve to know all of it. I'm interested and curious in all of it.

I've been interested in survival in nature since I was a kid, and when it became an option to pursue it, I wholeheartedly did. It fills my heart so much to make something or to build my own pantry from scratch, or feeding myself easily during summer because of the abundance of produce! I feel like if everyone knew how wonderful this is, the store would no longer feel so convenient or so reliable; it's on the soil that we rely, it's always nature that all these things come from.

Thank you for trying to figure it out, I feel flattered that you got interested in my lifestyle. I hope I managed to answer your question :)