#dr strange meta

[joycrispy]

One thing I love about Crowley --never stated, but consistently shown-- is that he is, at heart, an engineer.

I have a few different things to say about that. Let's unpack them.

As the Unnamed Angel, we see his designs for the Pillars of Creation are millions of pages long, comprised of cramped text, footnotes, diagrams, schematics, etc. It's very...Renaissance polymath, in the way it implies a particular intersection of artist and inventor.

Also: in the naked romanticism with which he views his stars.

We already knew he made stars, but in s2 we learn that he did NOT sculpt each of them by hand. He designed a nebula ("a star factory," he says) that will form several thousand young stars and proto-planets, and all --aside from getting the 'factory' running-- without him lifting a finger. We also learn that these young stars and proto-planets stand in contrast to those made by other angels, which are going to come 'pre-aged.'

...I'm reminded of Hastur and Ligur's approach to temptations. Damning one human soul at a time, devoting singular attention to it over the course of years or decades, and how that stands in contrast to Crowley's reliance on, quote, 'knock-on effects.'

Ligur: It's not exactly...craftsmanship. Crowley: Head office don't seem to mind. They love me down there.

Hm.

I'm also reminded of the M25.

The M25 may not be as grand as a nebula (sentences you only say in GOmens fandom...), but LIKE his nebula it's an intricate, self-sustaining engine that does Crowley's work for him, many times over. Again.

That's some pretty neat characterization --and so is the indication towards Crowley's disinterest in victimizing anyone tempting individual people. It takes a considerable amount of planning and effort (and creeping about in wellies), but in accordance with his design the M25 generates a constant stream of low-grade evil on a gigantic scale.

Cumulatively gigantic, that is. Individually? Negligible.

But no other demon understands human nature well enough to parse that one million ticked-off motorists are not, in any meaningful way, actually equivalent to one dictator, or one mass-murderer, or even one little influential regressive. That's the trick of it. Crowley gets Hell's approval (which he NEEDS to survive, and to maintain the degree of freedom he's eked out for himself), and at the same time ensures that any actual ~Evil Influence~ is spread nice and thin.

It's some clever machinery. And he knows it, too:

The Unnamed Angel and Crowley are both proud of their ideas.

(musings on professional pride, Leonardo da Vinci, the crank handle, and 'the point to which Crowley loves Aziraphale' under the cut)

In the 1970's Crowley gives a presentation on the M25, projector and all, to a room full of increasingly impatient demons. Maybe the presentation was work-ordered; the 'can I hear a WAHOO?' definitely wasn't.

Before the Beginning, the Unnamed Angel can barely contain his excitement about his nebula. Aziraphale manages a baffled-but-polite, "....That's nice... :)"

11 years ago, Hastur and Ligur want to 'tell the deeds of the day,' and Crowley smiles to himself because (according to the script-book) he knows he has 'the best one.'

(Naturally, his 'deed' has nothing to do with tempting anybody, and everything to do with setting up a human-powered Rube-Goldberg machine of petty annoyance. Oodles of 'Evil' generated; very little harm done.)

Hastur and Ligur don't get it, of course. That's also consistent.

Nobody ever knows what the hell he's talking about.

It didn't make it on-screen, but, in both the novel AND the script-book, Crowley was friends with Leonardo da Vinci. The quintessential Renaissance polymath. That's where he got his drawing of the Mona Lisa --they're getting very drunk together, and Crowley picks up the 'most beautiful' of the preliminary sketches. He wants to buy it. Leonardo agrees almost off-the-cuff, very casual, because they're friends, and because he has bigger fish to fry than haggling over a doodle:

He goes, "Now, explain this helicopter thingie again, will you?" Because he's an engineer, too.

(It is 1519 at the latest, in this scene. Why the FUCK would Crowley know about helicopters, and be able to explain them, comprehensively, to Leonardo da Vinci?

...Well. I choose to believe he got bored one day and worked it out. Look, if you know how to build a nebula, you can probably handle aerodynamics. And anyway, I think it's telling that this is his idea of shooting the shit. 'A drunken mind speaks a sober heart,' and all. He probably babbled about Aziraphale long enough to make poor Leo sick)

Apart from Aziraphale, Leonardo da Vinci is the only person Crowley has any keepsakes or mementos of.

Think about that, though. Aziraphale's bookshop is bursting with letters, paintings, busts, and personalized signatures memorializing all the humans he's known and befriended over 6000 years (indeed: Aziraphale has living human friends up and down Whickber Street. He's part of a community).

Crowley doesn't have any of that. It's just the stone albatross from the Church (for pining), the infamous gay sex statue (for spicy pining), the houseplants (for roleplaying his deepest trauma over and over, as one does), and this one piece of artwork, inscribed, "To my friend Anthony from your friend Leo da V."

To me, at least, that suggests a level of attachment that seems to be rare for Crowley.

...Maybe he liked having someone to talk shop with? Someone who was interested? Someone engaged enough to ask questions when they didn't immediately understand?

...Anyway.

There's also the matter of the crank handle.

This thing:

This is one of the subtler changes from the book. In the book, Crowley knows Satan is coming and, desperate, arms himself with a tire iron. It's the best he can do. He's not Aziraphale; he wasn't made to wield a flaming sword.

The show, IMO, improves on this considerably. Now he, like Aziraphale, gets to face annihilation with what he was made for in his hand. And it's not a weapon, not even an improvised one like the tire iron.

He made stars with it.

[both gifs by @fuckyeahgoodomens]

If you Google 'crank handle,' you'll get variations on this:

Crank handles have been around for centuries. Consisting of a mechanical arm that's connected to a perpendicular rotating shaft, they are designed to convert circular motion into rotary or reciprocating motion.

Which is to say they're one of the 'simple machines,' like a lever or a pulley; the bread and butter of engineering. You'll also get a list of uses for a crank handle, archaic and modern. Among them: cranking up the engine of an old-fashioned car... say, a 1933 Bentley. That's what Crowley has been using his for, lately. But he's had it since he was an angel and he's still, it seems, very capable of it's angelic applications.

Stopping time. For instance.

(This is conjecture on my part, but, I like to imagine that Crowley has the ability to stop time for the same reason I can --and should-- unplug my computer before I perform maintenance on it. Time and Space are a matched set, after all, and in his designs in particular, one feeds into the other.)

I know everyone has already said this, but: I REALLY LIKE that when he needs to channel the heights of his power, he does so not with a weapon but with a tool. Practically with a little handheld metaphor for ingenuity. One from long-lost days when he made beautiful things.

(And he loved it. Still loves it --he incorporated that metaphor into the Bentley, didn't he?)

Let Aziraphale rock up to the apocalypse with a weapon: he has his own compelling thematic reasons to do exactly that. Crowley's story is different, and fighting isn't the only way to express defiance. And if you've been condemned as a demon and assumed to be destructive by your very nature, what better way than this?

He made stars. They didn't manage to take that from him.

Neither Crowley nor Aziraphale are fighters, really --they have no intention of fighting in any war. They'll annoy everyone until there's no war to fight in, for a start. But between the two, if one must be, then that one is Aziraphale. Principality of the Earth, Guardian of the Eastern Gate, Wielder of the Flaming Sword... all that stuff. Even if he'd prefer not to, it's very clear that Aziraphale can rise to the occasion, if he must.

Crowley was never that kind of angel. He wasn't a Principality. He doesn't have a sword.

...And yet.

It's Crowley who protects. He's the one who paces, who stands guard, who circles Aziraphale and glares out at the world, just daring anyone else to come near.

In light of everything else I've said here, I think that's interesting.

Obviously part of it is that Aziraphale enjoys it and, you know, good for him. He's living his best life, no doubt no doubt no doubt. But what about Crowley? What's driving that behavior, really?

Have you heard the phrase, 'loved to the point of invention'? Well, what if 'the point of invention' was where you started? What if where you end up involves glaring out at the world, just daring anyone else to come near? What is that, in relation to the bright-eyed thing you used to be?

What do we name the point to which Crowley loves Aziraphale?

...Thinking about how an excitable angel with three million pages of star design he wants to tell you all about...becomes a guard dog. Is all.

[kacievvbbbb]

Something about Vegapunk using the dna and blood of a caged and experimented on child to create more caged child experiments and the cycles we perpetuate.

Because what does it mean that all that King has left as proof, that the lunarians were real, that they existed as a tribe, as a people, are seven manufactured children he doesn’t even know about, enslaved as weapons to the government that wiped out the culture they’ll never get to be a part of, and Alber himself another enslaved child lost to something he’ll never fully know.

And what of the warlords? Already young once and hurt by their government, young again and slaves to it. Boa looking at a version of her practically pulled out of time stuck in her worst nightmare or Jimbei looking at a version of himself living out a past he escaped by the skin of his teeth but so many he loved didn’t, even Doffy once again at the mercy of the people that already abandoned him, has Kuma not suffered enough? Given enough, is this child version of him doomed to repeat the same path he already could not escape from . Property of the world government, beholden to the celestial dragons, this version of me that cannot go free?

It’s interesting that Vegapunk joined the government so that he could do the most good, but look at the long line of people right infront of him that he’s hurt with his own hands.

[titojefie]

Hi...posting all my most popular dr strange fanarts for my first post since I'm currently known for that as of late <\3

[traveller-of-the-knight]

Ok, so!

You know all the "Doctor Strange Astoprojects the mk system and we cinematically see the three alters slipping out of the body.

But but but hear me out!

What about Dr. Strange trying to push one person out of his body and failing because it is actually a system and he needs more strength to push them away.

So Strange would hit their chest multiple times expecting something to happen but uh-uh nothing and poor Steven tries to get away from him.

Eventually he puts more effort and manages to do something, that is making Jake front by pushing Steven away from the front and suddenly gets slapped by him.

Jake gets into a fist fight with Strange while Strange tries to use his powers to teleport Jale away from him.

Eventually he manages to astroproject them for a second and he sees Jake and Marc splitting from the body holding hands until Steven pulls them back in.

They are together in this they won't let anyone separate them, Strange needs to try harder.

[stuff-for-your-scroll]

Original Jekyll & Hyde Readers: Oh wow, what a twist! What a thrilling conclusion! Truly a satisfying end to this strange tale.

Me: Yeah yeah the duplicity of man, we’ve all seen it. But what does my good friend Utterson make of this?!!!!!!?!!!!!?!

[evil-doppelganger-duel]

Third Place

[musclesandhammering]

You guys if I made a big meta post about like the classifications of magic users & magic in the mcu would yall read it??

[stewardofningishzida]

Stephen Strange Meta-Fic Sequel Chapter 10: Trix is for Avengers!

A showdown commences! Stay tuned and read on!~

TRIGGER WARNING: Torture, kidnapping, mental manipulation

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

*The Quinjet lands in an open field near October Mountain Wilderness.  On it, four Avengers and three very angry and worried young women disembark, ready to rescue their captive friend.  The rest of their journey to the witch’s lair will have to be done on foot.  Using Tony’s GPS, the group silently approaches Agatha’s cabin.  They stop at the edge of the clearing to perform some recon and locate potential traps.  Tony scans the area with his devices while the girls concentrate to perform some basic magical scans of their own. Meanwhile, Scott encourages some of his ants to begin spreading around the area.*

*There are at least eight people wandering around the cabin. If not for their almost zombie-like movements, they looked exactly like hikers or tourists, complete with backpacks and flannel. In fact, they could have been. Now a purple glow radiates from their eyes and their hands are blackened similar to Agatha’s. They don’t patrol together, but wander aimlessly around the area, not getting further than 15 feet away from the cabin itself which has smoke coming out of the chimney. The building itself looks like it could have been pulled from a Christmas card with how stereotypical it looked for a one-story wooden cabin, minus the snow. All in all, it looked pretty ordinary on the surface.*

Steve (low whisper):  Looks like we have company.  With those eyes, they’re probably brainwashed.  We’ll have to knock out and restrain them.

Me (quietly):  Think they’re all on some sort of trigger too?  Like…If one of them falls even out of view, it might set the others off?

Peter: I could try knocking something over with my web shooters? See what kind of a reaction we get?

Tony: No, we can’t risk alerting all of them to us being here if they do work under a hivemind. We need to find that crystal keeping Trix trapped first before we give up our presence.

Prettywitch: I wonder…What if I used my divination to find out?

Me (staying quiet):  Go ahead.  *I encourage her.*

Tear: Just remember not to push too far. We can’t have you draining your magical energy so early into the mission.

Prettywitch: Okay. * She pulls out the tarot deck from her satchel and quickly cleanses it. Then she shuffles the deck while asking herself, “Is there some sort of psychic link between the group in front of us or no?”, five times before finally stopping to pull the first card that “calls” to her. She pulled the Six of Wands* Six of Wands?

Tony: *Lifts a skeptical eyebrow at the card* Is that supposed to be a variation of NATO?

Prettywitch: *Glares at Tony* No, Stark. It’s saying that, yes; they do share a link…At least I’m pretty sure that’s what it’s saying.

Tear: That’s amazing! Then we won’t get their attention until we are certain Trix’s crystal will be safe from Agatha retaliating.

Tony: It’s a bug’s life, after all. Right, Lang, you are up. What do your ant eyes see? Any way for you and the girls to approach in search of Trix and those anti-magic runes without triggering anything?

Scott: *He doesn’t answer Tony right away. He’s busy communicating with one of the ants.* AnToinette’s saying there’s zombies everywhere. Our best bet is for someone to cause a distraction.

Prettywitch: Guess that means Harrass Harkness is up.

*Steve raises an eyebrow.*

Steve:  Harass Harkness?

Prettywitch: Yeah. That’s the name of the group name for everyone who stays behind to deal with Agatha’s goons. 

Me:  Let’s strategize, then.  One part of the group stays here and plans a diversion tactic.  The other part shrinks down and sneaks into the cabin to try and swipe Trix’s crystal.  What else did you foresee, Prettywitch?  Anyone in particular need to stay or go in? 

Prettywitch: Hmmm…Let me think. *She cleanses the deck again and shuffles them, asking, “Should anyone in particular come with Antman?” five times before pulling three cards that “call* to her. They are; The Chariot (Past), Two of Cups (Present), Ace of Coins (Future)* Huh?...That’s kinda weird…Unless-

*As PrettyWitch begins to explain, one of the zombie-like guards shuffles around the outskirts of the clearing, slowly and almost stumbling over their own feet with a blank look on their face. He is slowly getting closer to the group and is about twenty feet away at the moment.*

*Steve gestures silently at the group to duck down and stay as quiet as possible.  We all do so.*

*The guard wanders in front of where the group are hiding and pauses as if he hears something and looks around, almost looking like all of his limbs and neck are limp as he lazily scouts out the woods from his position.*

*We stay quiet, waiting for him to leave.*

*After about thirty seconds, the guard seems satisfied even if it doesn’t reflect on his face. He wanders off again around the rest of the perimeter.*

*Steve watches for a bit to make sure nobody else is around before gesturing to let Prettywitch finish speaking.*

Steve (polite, but down to business):  The coast is clear.  Go on.

Prettywitch: So in tarot, Ace of Coins represents new beginnings, opportunity, potential. But more in the sense of possibilities, not success. So, we’ll still need to plan accordingly. 

Me:  Since I can sense spirits, maybe that’ll give us an edge.  Plus, I have lockpicks.  I’ll go in with Scott.

Tear: Tony taught me how to set up the explosives Steward requested too, so I can be backup help if she needs it. Plus, if we manage to find Trix… We don’t know what condition she’ll be in when we find her, and I want to do everything I can to help her. So I’m going too.

Prettywitch: Perfect. I’ll stay here so we can keep the rescue party small.

Steve:  Okay.  Scott, go ahead and shrink down with the two girls.  Report back as soon as you can.  We’ll provide a diversion when needed.

Scott: Alright. Let’s go.

*Scott, Tear, and I shrink down and climb onto three winged ants already waiting for us. They easily fly us across the field and into Agatha’s cabin. We are tense and dreading the activation of any traps, but everything remains quiet as we stealthily pass through a crack under a baseboard, unnoticed.  At least for now.  None of us sees or senses Trix in the small house.  Agatha is bustling around, looking frustrated.  It seems she’s preparing something.  We don’t see any crystals on her person or anywhere in the cabin.  However, Scott quickly points out scuff marks on the floor, barely covered by a rug.  We quietly slip under the rug to avoid detection and find a trapdoor with a lock on it.  Scott inspects the lock for a bit and tries to pick it with one of Cassie’s old barretts he keeps on hand. It doesn’t open the lock.  Meanwhile, Tear is a lookout to make sure Agatha doesn’t step on or notice us.*

Scott (using his earpiece, whispering): Just like I thought; we can’t get it open through conventional means.

*I pull out the small ring of lockpicks with a smirk and pass Scott the tools.*

Scott: Thank you. (He takes the lockpicks from Steward and carefully  fiddles with each one until he finally gets it open.) And…open sesame!

*Agatha continues to grab some ingredients for a spell and is grumbling to herself.*

Agatha: I am going to hex every single person who decides that Washington should be a city. I have been to eighty-eight of them and still no trace of that specific magic. That kid isn’t lying so there’s a missing piece of the puzzle. It should only take a session or two more before she shatters… *she continues muttering to herself*

*After Scott opens the lock, we barely open the trapdoor, just a crack, to squeeze through, not moving the rug either to reduce the chance of detection.  We drop into what appears to be a small cave system beneath the cabin.  To Tear and me, the place feels like a veritable hornet’s nest of magical activity now.  We try to sense Trix, nerves mounting even further from Agatha’s “shattering” remark.  The path is slippery and treacherous.  I detect the energy of the runes’ spellwork and follow it to its origin points. It’s easy to spot the glowing purple runes on different stones, and we make a mental note of the locations of all the carvings. There seem to be even more secrets and artifacts in the caves, but we can’t stray too far because we sense…things…hidden somewhere in the dark recesses.  Tear and I are trying our best to push away flashbacks of the mine we explored with Stephen months ago.*

*Eventually, we see a dimly-lit area and head towards it, being careful of any potential traps.  Anything that looks or feels even vaguely suspicious is avoided.  We reach a candlelit chamber and deem it safe enough to grow back to normal size. Scott takes up the role of lookout at the entrance while Tear and I sense the room.  I attempt to scan for Trix’s presence, but feel nothing.  There are a few shattered crystal fragments swept into a pile at a corner on the floor.  My pulse rises further as I cannot help but fear the worst.*

Tear: Steward… *I gently grip Steward’s wrist to catch her attention and point over at a desk on the opposite wall* 

*I look at Tear and then the desk and let out a sigh of relief.*

Me:  Thank goodness…Good eye, Tear.

*There is an intact pair of dark purple crystals on that desk.  Each one has a leather band attached to them, making them look like pendants.  They’re both identical, and I touch them carefully and sense life within each one.*

Scott: Guys! Agatha’s coming! AnToinette said she and the other ants can buy us some time but we gotta be quick about it.

Me (quickly):  Coming!  If these are the only intact crystals here, one of them has to have Trix inside.  The other is probably some other poor soul that got caught.  We’ll take both of them to be sure.  

*I snatch both of them before we turn around to head up.  As we ascend, Tear and I plant Tony’s explosives on each rune we found earlier.  Then, we shrink back down with Scott’s tech and slip back out of the caves through the trapdoor.*

*While under the rug, we see Agatha is swearing up a storm as thousands of ants have swarmed her kitchen and are even crawling up her hands and arms.*

Agatha (pissed off): Get a cabin in the woods they said! I am going to get a nice city apartment so I don’t have to deal with all of this nature *She sneers and uses her magic to set as many ants on fire as she can* I’m going to find a spell to wipe as many of you pests off the face of the Earth as possible… *She pauses as she realizes that something is off* Wait…Weren’t you an Avenger’s…?

*She whirls around and stomps back to our hiding place, making the floorboards shake under our feet. At Scott’s command, we cling to the fibers of the rug moment before Agatha grabs it and flings it aside in her rush to check the trapdoor. She pales as she realizes it’s unlocked.*

Agatha: Little brats think they can steal from me? *she growls and slams the trapdoor open with a flick of her hand before storming down the stairs that lead to the caves*

*A bit shaken from the sudden carpet ride, we stumble our way out from under the discarded rug and make sure that Agatha isn’t looking before scuttling back outside of the cabin through the cracked baseboard. We then climb back onto our rides and fly out into the field.  We grow back to normal size as soon as we rejoin the group.*

Me (holding out the loot):  Crystals secured.  They’re both inhabited with a soul, but we don’t know which one’s Trix.  It’s some sort of enchantment.  By the way, Agatha’s onto us.  She almost caught us just as we were leaving.

Steve (proudly impressed):  Good work.  As soon as you disable the runes, Steward, you girls start working on breaking that spell and freeing the hostages.  We’ll draw Agatha out for capture.  Seeing as she’s gotten suspicious, it shouldn’t take much to get her out of her cabin now.

Me:  Yes, Sir.  *I grin evilly.  It’s rather unsettling since there’s some actual venom behind it this time.*

Tony: You copy that, Strange, Wong? We have visual confirmation that the crystals are now in the girls’ possession. The second those runes blow, you two are free to portal in.

Strange (via earpiece):  Copy.

Wong (via earpiece):  We’re ready.

Tony: *He turns to Peter.* I want you to stay with the girls, okay? Once the explosion happens, we’ll be heading in guns blazing. I’m sure it’ll help the wizards concentrate if they know you’re watching over their ducklings while they Wingardium Leviosa those crystals. It’s a lot of responsibility, kid. You up for it?

Peter: *He can smell the reverse psychology trick a mile away, but he can’t help standing up straighter and puffing out proudly with his new orders.* I won’t let anything happen to them, I promise.

Me: Ready for me to detonate, everyone?  *I’m holding the detonator button, ready to be pressed.*

Tear: Blow that witch to pieces.

Prettywitch: Ready!

Scott: Ready!

Tony: Set off the fireworks, kid.

Peter: All set here, Steward!

Steve:  *Gives me a thumbs-up.*  Affirmative.  Detonation in T-Minus 3 seconds.  

*I quietly gesture “three…two…one!” with my fingers and then push the button.  The charges explode, blowing up the runes. Though since the caves were apparently soundproofed, we hear nothing.  FRIDAY confirms the detonation shortly before the cabin collapses in on itself from the newly-expanded caves below. Agatha’s magic wards are down.*

Steve:  All right.  *He speaks into his earpiece so that Stephen and Wong can also hear the signal.*  Avengers, assemble!

*Meanwhile, a loud angry screech comes from the now collapsed cabin. Agatha floats upwards, her purple magic glowing dangerously around her hands and her hair curling in the air with her power like the snakes on Medusa’s head. She’s covered in dust and debris but still looks regal in her full witch attire. Dark purple light radiates from her glaring eyes as she snarls, and a pulse of raw energy booms across the entire valley, making all of us tense.*

*Within seconds, a large portal of golden sparks appears in the clearing and two furious sorcerers come charging out.  Stephen and Wong have joined the fight and their magic immediately snatches Agatha’s attention. They unleash a volley of offensive spells towards the witch, and all Hell breaks loose in the clearing.*

Agatha: So, you decided to invite yourselves over and literally crash the party. *She grins as she absorbs the magic of Stephen and Wong’s attacks and takes a deep breath as it rejuvenates her and turns into purple mist to dodge the Eldritch weapons being thrown at her* You’re going to have to do better than that, dearies. *She summons a large orb of purple magic before pushing it forward, where it shoots dozens of purple orbs of magic out into the clearing like falling meteors. A few hit her minions, who screech as their bodies wither away quickly into what almost looks like mummies, completely sapped of energy and life.*

Steve:  Avengers, shields and defensive positions!  Devices on!  *He rushes in after Stephen and Wong, ready to protect the others if needed.*

Tony: Lang! Wrangle up all of the zombies. We can’t have the witch killing civilians left and right! *He shoots up into a wide arc in the sky, aiming his repulsor blasts straight at Agatha as he provides the sorcerers with cover fire.*

Agatha: *She easily dodges the attacks and reforms in the air above the group* Pretty brave to attack a witch on her home turf, but you Avengers were never quite that bright to begin with. *She raises her arms and the remaining zombies are given spectral weapons and they charge the Avengers*

Tony: Ah, shit. Lang! Change of plans! *He swiftly propels himself in another direction, heavily landing behind Steve and protecting his six from a zombie tourist swinging down a phantom-looking scythe.*

*Meanwhile, Stephen and Wong cast their shield spells to offer an additional layer of protection to the Avengers without giving Agatha more power.  This frees up some of the team to provide a counteroffensive with their tech.*

*While Agatha is occupied with the chaos of battle, Prettywitch, Tear, and I join forces to cast an invisibility spell on us and Peter. We then sneak into the brush so we can figure the crystal issue out.*

Peter: Huh, this is weird… *He’s looking down at his hand, which looks oddly transparent, as if he was now made of clear water. We look the same to him so he can tell where we are even with the invisibility spell active* So how do you guys reverse engineer an enchantment?

Tear: To be honest, Wong hasn’t taught us that yet. The magic witches use is very different to the sorcerers’. I can’t exactly make heads or tails of how this transmutation worked in the first place.

*A loud boom makes us all tense and snap our attention back to the on-going fight in the distance. Iron Man has brought out his elliptical shield, and Peter looks like he really wants to join the fight and help, but he resolutely stays crouched down with us.*

Me:  Crap, crap, crap…*I frantically try to think of something before getting an idea.*

*I turn to look at Barry, who has been following us as usual.  After all, it’s not as though he can really leave since he bound himself to me before.*

Barry:  …Seriously?

Me:  We’ve been trying to make peace with each other, right?

Barry:  …Yeah, but how do we know that bitch’s jewelry isn’t gonna vaporize me or something?

Me:  The crystal’s some kind of soul trap.  It’s a container.  Containers don’t generally zap their contents into oblivion.  Look…If this works out, then I promise to let you listen to every single Kurt Cobain performance ever recorded.

Barry:  *Scoffs*  Has to be better than that…

Me (desperate):  We can’t do this exchange right now!  *Still arguing with Barry.*

Peter: *He leans over a bit to whisper at PrettyWitch, a bit unnerved as he watches Steward and the empty air next to her* Is this normal behavior for her…?

Prettywitch: Yeah. She’s a medium and can talk to ghosts. Most people can’t see or hear them.

*This does not comfort Peter in the slightest as he continues to watch in disturbed fascination.*

Barry (unfazed):  I still want a favor.

Me:  After!  Just name it after we free Trix.  PLEASE.

Barry (reluctant, but still snarky):  Fine…

*He drifts over towards one of the crystals and touches it before it sucks him in.*

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

*Barry is disoriented by what he sees as he looks around.*

Barry (processing what he just experienced):  What the fuck…

*Loki immediately is on guard as this unknown suddenly appears in his astral realm and stands between him and Trix, blocking the young woman from being spotted as she is currently recovering and is as close to being asleep as she can be in the astral plains*

Loki (snarling): Who are you? Why did Agatha send you here? Leave before I have to take drastic action. *he summons two daggers and leans forward menacingly*

Barry (raising his hands):  Whoa!  I’m here for the chick, not you, dude!  

Loki (incredibly serious): Wrong answer. *he darts forward extending his daggers to attack*

Barry:  SHIT!  Fuck you, Steward!  *He shouts to seemingly nobody in particular.  All the while, the surrounding color of the crystal seems to be slowly starting to shift.*

*Loki perks up at the mention of Steward and uses the forward momentum to feint at last moment and stares at Barry*

Loki: I’m sorry, did you say Steward– *he’s cut off as seemingly an earthquake hits his side of the astral plains and cracks begin to form everywhere, including the invisible wall between his area and Trix’s* What did you just do?!

Barry:  Nothing!  I don’t know!  She told me to try and get in here to check who was trapped!

*There’s a blinding flash.*

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

*The crystal that Barry entered starts to glitch out, flashing several different colors at once before it poofs, revealing a very confused, disheveled, and exhausted Loki.  Barry gets launched forcefully out of the god’s body as soon as it reforms.  The girls are shocked by the sudden appearance, and their broken concentration makes their invisibility spell fail. Peter immediately leaps up to stand in front of the girls protectively. He aims both webshooters at Loki and immediately webs him back against a bush, leaving a sight reminiscent of a Halloween decoration.*

Peter: Mr. Loki? What are you doing here? *His voice sounds shocked behind his mask, but he still doesn’t drop his protective stance in front of the others.*

Me (small voice):  W-What?!

Loki (dazed): Well that was entirely unexpected but it seems her plan worked. *He looks at the girls and Peter gathered around him and stares blankly down at the webs only to focus in on the crystal that’s still left in Steward’s hands. His expression softens a bit* There you are…

Me (privately praying that this Loki isn’t about to somehow screw the group over):  O-Okay…So, Trix is in the other one, right?  Right?

Loki (starting to collect himself): Yes, yes she is. Agatha just had her in a session and she was quickly reaching the end of her rope.

*The group of girls relaxes slightly at the news of Trix still being alive.  I turn to Barry again.*

Me:  …Please?

Barry:  HELL NO.  I’ve already had enough surprises being dragged around this damn multiverse!

Loki (unamused): Perhaps trying to overshadow someone’s unprotected soul isn’t the best way to introduce one’s self. *He hears the fight going on in the background and his face quickly turns to rage when he spots the witch* Oh, that woman has another thing coming to her– *He tries to get out of the webs but quickly gives up due to his exhaustion.*

Prettywitch: Uh, Loki? Maybe you should sit this one out. I’m sort of an amateur at tarot, you can help me with that! What do you say?

Loki: *he stares at PrettyWitch for a moment before calming down and finally nodding* I am not familiar with this…tarot, but I can recognize a seer easily. I can help.

*We all look around at each other, and silently conclude to trust him. Peter carefully approaches Loki and narrows his mask’s eyes at him.*

Peter: I’ll dissolve the webs, but you make any move to attack us and I won’t hesitate to fight you.

Loki (nods): I vow on my magic that I will not bring harm to any of you or your allies.

*He sprays his dissolvent onto the webs, freeing Loki, who sort of shuffles closer to PrettyWitch and looks at her for permission to cast a spell.*

Prettywitch: Uh…I don’t know where you’re going with this, dude. But I just wanna be friends. 

Loki: I just wish to give you a boost if you would allow it.

Prettywitch: Oh! Well then, by all means. Sorry about that.

*Loki performs a quick hand gesture and a shimmering green aura gently settles on PrettyWitch.*

*Prettywitch performs the tarot ritual and draws three cards; Two of Cups (Past), King of Cups (Present), Ace of Coins (Future). This time, she asked the cards the quickest way to defeat Agatha, so she’s a bit flummoxed by her reading.*

Prettywitch: Ace of Coins, again!? That doesn’t make any sense! *She looks over the spread again and her eyes widen.* Unless… Remember I said Ace of Coins is for new opportunities and manifestation? Well, Two of Cups represents a connection, a happy bond or partnership; that’s in the past. King of Cups, the present, represents devotion, loyalty, faithfulness, even wisdom. I think it’s trying to say that two people who’ve formed a bond recently are the key to beating Agatha.

Loki (frowning): It honestly sounds like Trix and I in the Astral Plains. Honestly she kept me sane in that place… 

Prettywitch: I think you’re right! What do you think, Steward?

Me:  *Thinking for a moment.*  Hmm…Yeah, that tracks.

Prettywitch: Alright! Now we just need to come up with a plan. I’m thinking that if we can distract Agatha long enough, it should give Loki and Trix enough time to deliver the finishing blow.  

Me (frustrated):  Provided I can convince Barry to follow through.

Prettywitch: True. Have you considered bribing him?

Me:  Already did.  I owe him one.

Prettywitch: Fuck! Guess we’ll have to force him into it. I can’t see any other way and we’re on borrowed time as it is.

Me:  I’ll keep trying.  *I turn and go back to arguing with the ghost.*

Loki (looking around at the girls): I do apologize that I am not your friend and that I am of a rather untrustworthy sort. However, I am fully committed to ending the witch’s reign of terror and I have not witnessed Trix’s bravery from risk to her own person only to not assist her friends.

*He is pensive for a moment before looking back up at the group*

Loki: I was rather startled when her first reaction to me was joy instead of anger or fear. I will not betray her trust. I am not Sylvie. I refuse to look out only for myself.

*It’s then that a rogue spell from Agatha comes hurtling towards their position and both Loki and Peter react instinctively. Peter tackles his friends out of harms way, but his actions are unnecessary since Loki pulls up a shield and effectively stops the spell at the same time. However, he finds that his shield is now made of crystal rather than magical energy. He stares at it, confused.

Loki: Oh. That probably isn’t good. *he shakes his head to clear it* Though we should consult your Doctor Strange and Wong as they would be more familiar with the consequences of being trapped by that spell than I.

*Meanwhile, Barry has adamantly refused to help any further.*

Me:  Barry, you’re the only one who can do this.  

Barry:  …And?!

Loki (sighing): Unfortunately she’s correct. I don’t have the energy to be of assistance so your rather (he pauses and sneers) invasive way of overshadowing the crystal may be the only way of pulling Trickstress out of it. Though, I can help with my part of the plan. *he’s rather smug despite looking exhausted*

Barry (stubborn):  It’s not like I’m a damn magician like you people claim to be.  Why do I have to do all of this soul stuff?  Can’t any of you actually conjure ANY useful magic for this?!

Me (flatly, at Barry):  Fine.  Have it your way.  *I look at the group.*  Guys, make sure we don’t get blown up and look after my body, please.  *I turn back to the ghost.*  Barry, kick me out.  

Barry (confused and taken aback):  What?

Me:  Seeing as you won’t go into the crystal, I will.  I can't do astral projection by myself yet.  So, go ahead and possess me.  Kick me out of my own body.  I’ll break the spell myself.

Barry:  …and if you get your ass killed, then three of us are screwed.

Me (firmly, my mind made up):  Then don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone.

*He stares for a moment.*

Barry:  Fine.

*He floats over and enters my body.  Since I’m not resisting, the only thing that happens is an involuntary shudder and my body momentarily going stiff as control is shifted.  My astral form lurches out and I get my bearings for a second before gliding over to the crystal and touching it, being sucked in.*

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

*The astral plains are a muted orange and violet haze as a figure is lying on the ground, looking devastated. Getting closer, I can see that it’s Trix who looks worse for wear.*

Me (worried and scared):  Trix!  *I go over to her.*  I’m so sorry, Trix…We came as soon as we could.  I’m gonna get you out of here, I promise.

Trix (dazed): Are you really here? Or did Agatha find a way to torment me here too? Loki is already gone so she probably killed him…

Me (sincere):  No, I’m really here.  Remember Barry?  He’s being an ass again.  So, I came in here myself.  Though, he kinda accidentally freed Loki from the first crystal.  Anyway, he refused to try again and now he has my body.

Trix (hopeful): *she starts to sit up* Tell me something only we know. Something that even Stephen wouldn’t.

Me:  Okay.  Well, first off, you were the first group member to see Stephen when I was trying to hide him.  Also, back around last Christmas, I got you that Loki headband with the horns.  I don’t think anyone besides you, me, and the other two would know these facts.

Trix (tearing up): Oh god. It’s really you. *She starts to sob* This is all my fault, I’m so sorry. Is everyone okay?!

Me (raising a hand to indicate to her that it’s okay):  Trix, no.  It’s not.  Agatha manipulated you.  It’s what she does.  She finds people’s pain and insecurities and picks at them until they snap.  It could have happened to any of us. It was just crappy luck that she picked on you.  Any of us could have done it and would feel the same way afterwards.  It’s not your fault.  Yes, we’re all relatively okay.  The battle’s raging outside and Agatha’s apparently able to siphon off Stephen and Wong’s magic to boost herself.  They can’t do much besides distract her.  The Avengers are throwing everything they can at her too.  The group is hiding with Loki while we bust you out of here.

Trix (sniffles): I’m taking her off my favorite villains list, that’s for sure. Though I did manage to learn some stuff while she had me…

Me:  Think you know anything that could screw up her latest spells? PrettyWitch has a Seer-hunch.

Trix (beaming): I have a trick or two up my sleeve.

*The astral plains starts to crack around them*

Me (glancing around as the spell glitches):  Okay…Well, here’s our ticket out.  You ready?

Trix: You got it! *She takes the opportunity to take a breath and center herself, just like Wong taught her.*

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

*As the spell breaks, Trix reappears in her body. I’m inside too like what happened to Barry and Loki, but I quickly eject myself to avoid straining Trix’s body and magic more. It’s easier if there’s already another soul there.  Particularly if it’s the one that actually belongs to the body in question.  Still, Barry continues to refuse to give me my own body back, so I remain stuck outside in Astral form.*

*Barry, inhabiting my body, goes over to check Trix.  He seems…different.  More pensive.  It’s honestly hard to tell.*

Me:  Tear, think you can heal Trix?

Tear: *I cast a glowing diagnostic spell, and frown at the results* I don’t know, I’m not picking up any physical injuries. The forced transformation seems to have left no damage, so I guess we have to thank Agatha’s quality spellcasting for that. A half-done transformation could have been lethal. However, it’s her mind and soul I’m mainly worried about. I’ll try my best to give you some magical energy back to encourage a speedier self-healing.

Trix (grimacing with her eyes closed): Fuck, I never thought it would hurt this much to be in my own body. Everything is stiff, at least it’s hard for me to move. *She seems to be speaking to herself*

*Loki frowns and moves closer*

Loki: Likely because of your body being transformed the way it was plus the torture being done on your soul itself. It’s likely not hitting me as hard as I am a god but even I can feel that my joints are harder to move. *He fusses over her but isn’t surprised by her reaction*

Me:  I can’t even imagine…*I watch over Trix.*

Tear: Alright, I’ll begin. Please try not to move, Trix. *I concentrate in casting the slightly modified healing spell Wong taught us. It is easy to fall into the familiar flow of energy, feeding my own desire to help our friend until I feel that innate connection begin forming between our essence. Immediately, Trix’s real pain syphons through the bond, making me grit my teeth in shock. My very blood feels like its boiling with painful shocks of electricity, and I’m surprised Trix has been withstanding the feeling for so long. My hands begin shaking and perspiration coats my forehead, but I refuse to break the connection and end my spell, focusing instead in sending Trix my own care and calm through the bond.*

*Trix finally looks around as she starts to figure out what’s going on as the healing starts to help. She has been in a bit of a daze. She smiles weakly as she sees all of her friends around her.*

Trix (relieved): You’re all safe! Thank god, I was worried that Agatha had killed you or something horrible. I was holding out hope but y’know how it is…

*She slumps back as Tear is healing her and Loki moves to help hold Trix up. For such a relatively short amount of time kept captive together, the two are rather protective of the other.*

Peter (Nervously): Okay, Tear. I think Trix is looking a bit better now. That should give us enough time to take her back to Kamar-Taj, right? You’re starting to look a bit pale yourself…

Trix: *flustered* I can’t leave yet! Agatha is only going to get stronger as they keep fighting! *She looks out at the battle*

Me (cautiously):  You sure you’re up to this, Trix?  Those injuries look pretty bad on the scan.

Trix: I may have bartered information to stall her *she realizes the implications of that news* It was all nothing that we would deem important! I just wasn’t allowed to lie and had to keep her busy! So in exchange for telling her everything and I mean absolutely every non relevant detail, she would teach me something about witchcraft. So she eventually taught me about runes…she did it without the right context but I know exactly what runes and the sequence they need to cast to pull off the end battle of Wandavision. *She blinks* Without being sucked dry of course.

Tear: *I flicker a look up at Trix, panting with exhertion by now* I don’t know, Trix. Your energy is already near its limit. You promise you can control the magic to stop before you reach zero?

Trix: I have to do it. I just have to have one last burst of energy and I can pull it off. Though…Loki-

*He perks up as Trix looks at him*

Trix: I just need something to work off of. You know the limitations.

Loki (nodding): I can pull off one last big trick before I’m spent as well. Might as well make it flashy.

*Trix grins in response*

Trix: There’s a reason we get along so well. But yeah, *she turns back to the others* So long as we don’t die from energy exhaustion I can do it. I’m not going to actually fight her. Just cast the runes.

Tear: …Okay. I’ll trust you with this, Trix. Go give her hell. *I close my eyes and shove more energy into the healing spell. The connection created by my magic broadens, and I drain more of Trix’s pain into myself. I yell with the effort, but force myself to stop the spell only when I’m sure Trix has all the energy she needs to perform her last trick. When I do, the echo of Trix’s pain vanishes as quickly as it reached me and I collapse sideways against Peter, limbs twitching with the remaining phantom pains.*

Trix: Thank you. So much. I am so sorry you have to go through this too. I’ll make it quick!

*She smiles before suddenly her body goes limp. Then, a moment passes before she flickers into view a few feet away in her astral form. She vanishes again quickly, the others not able to catch a good glimpse of her quite yet.*

*Trix finally reappears on the battlefield, a ghostly version of herself with glowing orange eyes and a surprisingly commanding presence. Parts of her astral body are either made of crystal or are missing altogether like a chunk of her arm. Trix stares down Agatha, who freezes when she spots the apprentice sorceress. All around, the Avengers and sorcerers pause in their fighting too.*

Trix: You made a mistake, Agatha. *She glares at the witch*

*Loki grins from his spot and uses all the magic he can to create six large pillars of green crystal that emerge from the ground surrounding the clearing. It nearly takes the rest of his strength but he is absolutely delighted*

Trix: You never should have made a deal with me. And that’s your downfall.

*Trix raises her arms and six familiar runes carve themselves in the crystal pillars one by one, illuminating an orange glow and effectively nullifies all magic in the clearing and her cabin. Agatha looks around in horror as she realizes her mistake and stares at Trix in both anger and grudging respect. She hadn’t expected to be outsmarted by a baby sorcerer.*

*After she casts the runes, Trix’s eyes finally lose their glow and they roll back into her head. Her astral form disappears as she is forcefully shoved back into her now restored body. She has pushed herself way too hard. Loki immediately scrambles over to her and checks to make sure if she’s still alive.*

*Meanwhile, as Agatha is suddenly depowered, the Avengers make their move to capture her.  Stephen and Wong use a set of relics to bind her to make sure that the witch can’t break loose later on during transport to custody.  Other members of the Avengers tend to the remaining now passed-out and/or disoriented guards.  As soon as the sorcerers are sure that Agatha is secure, they jog over to our group to check on us while Steve guards the witch.  They’re relieved that we’re all alive and safe, but shocked to see Loki amongst the group.*

Stephen (relieved):  Thank the Vishanti, you girls are okay.  *He glances at Loki with a mix of confusion and apprehension.*  How did…?

Wong:  Steward, do you need help?  *He’s looking at my astral form still drifting about above the group.*

Me (meekly):  Yes.

*Wong looks at my possessed body.*

Wong (gruff):  Okay, get out.  

Barry (through me):  I…Okay…*He looks…sad.  As though he finally realized something.  The ghost leaves my body and it crumples, empty.  Wong helps me back in.  I gasp for air and have a brief coughing fit.*

Me:  Thank you…

Loki (exhaustedly sitting on the ground in a heap): Ah, you must be Doctor Strange and Wong. I have heard good things about you both.

*Both sorcerers are on-guard, uncertain of this new version of Loki.  They’re watching him.*

Stephen (defensive, but trying to figure Loki out):  Which universe are you from?

Loki: I’m not sure what it is called however Trix mentioned that I was a remnant of the Avenger’s time heist. 

*It dawns on Stephen.*

Stephen:  So, you’re the one who stole the Tesseract.

Loki (grimacing): Trust me, it was not worth it. Infinity stones are apparently just trinkets anyway. When I was…taken, I found a handful just being used as paperweights in an office desk drawer.

*Both sorcerers are taken aback and look skeptical.*

Wong:  Infinity Stones as mere trinkets?

Trix (weak): He’s right. It’s why we were so worried about the TVA. *She had woken up as the conversation started and was curious as to where it would go*

Stephen (concerned):  …We’ll gather more information on this later.  *He looks at Trix and this new Loki.*  You both need to recover.  Astral imprisonment in your own crystalized bodies takes a heavy toll.  Especially given what you went through.

Trix: I just have one question. *She looks up at Stephen*

Stephen:  Yes?

Trix (grinning): Did I finally look cool?

*He sighs and gives her a reluctant smile.*

Stephen (gently mussing her hair):  Yes, dear.  You all looked cool.  I’m very proud of you girls.

*I’m practically glowing from the unexpected praise.*

Trix: *She smiles wider and leans into his touch before closing her eyes* Alright, bring on the tentacle soup I know is coming. I wanna sleep for a month.

*Now that the threat has passed, the adrenaline has worn off.  I try to walk with the group once Wong opens a portal to Kamar-Taj’s hospital wing.  However, after the adrenaline is gone, my legs finally give out from being pushed too far.  The Cloak comes off of Stephen’s shoulders and helps me up.  Seeing as I’m stubborn and refuse to be carried, it satisfies itself by hoisting my torso up enough for me to at least attempt to look like I’m walking through the portal on my own.  Stephen fusses over all of us, checking each of us over and over just to be absolutely sure that he doesn’t miss anything.  He also checks Loki and demands that all of us spend some time under observation.*

Loki: I’m rather surprised that you trust me enough to be here. *He’s exhausted and hasn’t really fought off any help or healing and is happy to just be in a bed again*

Wong:  Given the extenuating circumstances and the fact that Trix appears to trust you, we will accommodate you.  However, we will still keep you under strict observation.  No funny business.

Loki (resigned): Trust me, I have had more nonsense in the past three months than the previous 1300 years. *He looks up at Wong seriously* I was told that my previous life, well, future me that is dead didn’t particularly get along with you both. I would like to state that I am not him and have no such reservations. I have only heard good things and I will not do Trix the disservice of disrespecting her mentors and friends.

*Stephen is stunned by his earnest behavior.*

Stephen:  It is appreciated.  

*Loki grimaces as he summons a large book into his lap and frowns as the spine is coated in green, orange, and violet crystals*

Loki: As a bit of a peace offering, this is what Trix spent much of her time and… *he frowns deeper* torture on. I recorded all of the knowledge she gained from Agatha on witchcraft in this grimoire. I hope it helps in any future endeavors. *His arms shake as he holds up the rather heavy book*

*Wong carefully, but gratefully accepts the book and begins to look through it.*

Wong:  Thank you.

Stephen (gently, to the group):  Rest.  We’ll make sure you all recover safely.  *He sounds practically paternal here.  Wong gives him an amused look.*

*After going an entire day running around, fighting, and sneaking without any food or rest, we’re all famished and exhausted.  So, the food, even if some of it is some sort of interdimensional abomination, is more than welcome.  We sit together in our area of the medical bay and bring each other up to speed on everything that happened.  After checking in with each other, each of us eventually succumbs to exhaustion.  I still feel incredibly guilty that the group got in danger in the first place since I had led us this far.  Since they had mentioned me as a leader before, I felt responsible for our group’s safety and still feel as though I had failed us.  I don’t say anything about it out of shame, instead satisfying myself by forcing myself to stay awake until I know that the others are safely asleep.  Then, I listen to our surroundings for a while before my own fatigue finally takes me.*  

***To be continued***

[doctor-mccoys-sanity]

I need to put my thoughts (on how to continue my canon compliant lokius fic since the finale) SOMEWHERE before i go to bed so…

IMPLIED SPOILERS FOR LOKI S2 FINALE

Casey finds one of Kangs variants acting off and becoming evil (bare with me it’s 3:30am i don’t have the kinks straightened out)

ouroboros has been working on a way to create an actual temporal loom, that actually allows for all timelines and is basically a replacement for what loki is doing atm

After heavy debate in the war room they decide they have to recall mobius from his timeline to help deal with the growing situation (he declined until they say they’re finding a way to get loki out of his glorious purpose and use a machine to do so)

They call in Doctor Strange & Chávez as they need magic integrated with tech (and Chavez has multiversal magic) for the thing to work (Sylvie declines working with them as everyone has been given free will, despite the sacrifice it’s an ending shes happy to live with) and as he has some knowledge of timelines

In mobius’ own timeline he still wants some connection to the multiverse and keeps up on multiverse theory and all those related, he notices the pyms research in the related field just STOP once he’s gotten to 2023 the long way round. Scott Mobius team up???

Quantumania end credit scene being a hidden dimension at the end of time that “he who remains” was a front for??

anyone give me some ideas please i need them

[iamanartichoke]

Last night (well, this morning, really; it was like 3am) I slipped and fell down a Loki disk horse rabbit hole and, to be frank, I am already exhausted and season 2 hasn't even started yet. I'm not gonna lie, idk if I'm going to be able to fandom-along for season 2; I might just end up quietly watching on my own and keeping my thoughts to myself. Which - isn't as fun, really, so lol fuck me I guess.

[demonic0angel]

Inmate Dan part 2 where he meets the other orange jumpsuit "friends" in Arkham Asylum?

Part 1, part 3

"Ooh, Wraith!" Harley called, pointing to Jonathan. "That's Scarecrow! We call 'em Johnny!"

"No, you don't," he spat. "What're you doing here, Harley?"

"That's Dr. Quinzel to you, Dr. Crane!" Harley said faux-pompously, sticking out her tongue.

Wraith paused and his eyes lit up. "Wait, Dr. Quinzel? Youngest psychiatrist in the tri-state area? And Dr. Crane? Professor at Gotham University?"

Ivy leaned closer to Wraith and hissed a warning, "Stay away from him. He once drove two inmates to suicide only by speaking. He's dangerous."

Wraith grinned and his teeth flashed with fangs as he stared at Jonathan with interest. "Hello, Doctor," Wraith said, his deep voice almost a purr, "Could I get an autograph, please?”

Jonathan stared at him cooly and then he nodded once, although he looked slightly confused.

Wraith slipped a hand inside of himself, making everyone around him pause in shock as he then pulled out a textbook and a pen. He handed it to Jonathan, who stared at the textbook with a strange look before signing it. As Wraith placed it back inside of himself, he pulled out another book and let Harley sign it.

Delightedly, she realized that it was a book that she published.

“You’re a meta,” Jonathan said. “You seem powerful, so why didn’t you escape? How come you were captured?”

Wraith shrugged with a light smile. “My sister told me to relax and enjoy myself here. She also told me to explore what I want. I heard that there was a particularly hated criminal in here, so I wanted to see what the fuss was all about, so I let myself be captured.” He sighed a little. “My little birdie also personally handcuffed me, so I couldn’t get out.”

Harley tilted her head, catching onto a piece of information. “Who was it that you were interested in?”

“Someone named Clown? Jester? No, it was….”

“Joker,” everyone besides Wraith muttered disdainfully. They were all criminals who did violent things, but no one was as vile as the Joker.

Wraith hummed and nodded. “Yes, him. I wanted to see what he looked like. Thank you for signing the book, Dr. Quinzel, Dr. Crane. My sister is a huge fan and she’s studying psychiatry right now.”

Both Jonathan and Harley smiled. “That’s good!” Harley squealed. “Tell her that I’m rooting for her!”

Wraith nodded with a small, genuine smile, and Harley then dragged him around to introduce him to the other inmates, Ivy following behind as a silent guard.

He was surprisingly civil. Wraith treated Waylon with no fear or disgust despite his appearance, chatted calmly about law with Harvey (since his sister also studied law. She seemed to be a sort of genius), exchanged riddles and puzzles with Edwin, and was generally pleasant and even friendly to the other inmates.

However, he couldn’t hide his true nature to Harley. Wraith didn't allow anyone to touch him unless he initiated it. Although he seemed calm and collected, he was unable to hide his disgust and hatred of the general population. It seemed as though in general, he hated everyone around him. He had no fear of the guards and even seemed amused by the more frightening prisoners of Arkham Asylum. Although he was polite, it was clear that he hated them all, even Harley and Ivy.

Harley was utterly fascinated.

Eventually, after exploring the yard where the many inmates were lingering around, Wraith asked, “Where’s the Joker?”

Ivy answered, “He’s in solitude. He’s too dangerous to be around.”

Wraith frowned. “Where’s that?”

Harley giggled and said, “You wanna see him that badly? Maybe I’ll show you!” She wanted to see more of Wraith’s reactions, to study him like a bug. She also wanted to see what it would take to make Wraith enjoy her and Ivy’s presences.

“Harley!” Ivy scolded. “I don’t want you around him anymore! He’s a hazard to your safety and health!”

“It’s fineeee,” Harley said, dancing around her playfully, “I can take it! I just wanna show Wraith what he looks like! I promise not to fall for Mr. J anymore! Pleaseee, Ivy?”

In the end, Ivy relented and they snuck to the area of the asylum where the Joker stayed.

They dodged past the lazy guards and eventually, they were in front of the Joker’s cell. Harley stepped in front of his cage, suppressing a shiver as she looked inside.

There he was, her worst nightmare, wrapped up in a straitjacket and already watching her with a cold, cold gaze and a wide smile.

Why had she done this again?

The Joker laughed when she saw her. “Harley!” He crooned. “Here to release me? I knew you’d come around.”

This time, Harley couldn’t suppress the full shudder. “No thanks!” She snapped. “I’m not your lil doll anymore! You can’t order me around!”

The Joker’s friendly expression immediately twisted into a glare as he snarled. “I made you! And I can break you. You’re nothing but a harlequin, a toy for me to do what I want with! You’re nothing without me!”

Ivy bristled and she moved to pull back Harley, who was almost in tears, when Wraith moved first. He phased through the metal doors and with one casual click of bones breaking, the Joker laid slumped into his cell, quieted forever.

Wraith stepped back out and both Ivy and Harley scrambled to look back inside, recognizing the sound of a neck snapping, but unable to comprehend how easily it took.

Harley sputtered, “W-W-What?!”

Wraith shrugged.

“He was annoying. And I hate clowns.”

[superscourge]

Resurrected AU [Masterpost]

What starts as a strange, unlikely alliance between Scourge and a mysteriously resurrected Infinite somehow turns into some kind of freaky sitcom situation where a bunch of previously-not-alive villains are all living under the same roof as a family!

[full masterpost under cut!]

General AU Tag (chrono order; includes everything from headcanons to art to extra info)

AO3 Fic

--

Characters involved in the AU (so far...):

Scourge the Hedgehog

Infinite the Jackal

Meta the Hedgehog (organic Metal Sonic)

Mephiles the Dark (given a mortal Mobian hedgehog body)

Iblis the Flame (given a mortal Mobian hedgehog body)

Flatline the Platypus (zombie Dr. Starline)

Solaris the Hedgehog (fusion of Mephiles and Iblis)

Julius the Hedgehog (zombie Anti-Jules Hedgehog)

Sonic the Hedgehog

Shadow the Hedgehog

Bangarang the Hedgehog (Scourge, Sonic, and Shadow's accidental chaos child)

Vacío the Jackalhog (Infinite and Mephiles' son)

Black Doom (given a mortal Mobian hedgehog body)

--

Character References (some need updating):

--

Major Plotpoints So Far:

Scourge "rescues" Infinite from a base built by Eggman Nega with the intention of using him to defeat Sonic, but Infinite quickly asserts his dominance over the situation; Scourge and Infinite agree to an alliance of sorts, but that eventually turns into a mutual familial bond, and they basically adopt each other as father and son figures

Meta (Metal Sonic given a Mobian hedgehog body by Dr. Eggman) discovers Scourge and Infinite and proceeds to be very antagonistic until they are shown kindness and hospitality; Scourge and Meta butt heads at first because Scourge is afraid Meta will replace him in his relationship with Infinite, but Infinite reassures Scourge that this won't happen, and Scourge learns to eventually see Meta as a younger sibling; Scourge, Meta, and Infinite proceed to move into Infinite's old abandoned family home

Scourge accidentally releases Mephiles from his prison after snatching the artifact he was trapped in that was pulled through time thanks to one of Eggman's machines; Mephiles uses Scourge's shadow to take his form, but due to the circumstances of him being out of his own timeline his form is unstable and he must remain close to Scourge in order to tether himself to the timeline; Meta takes interest in Mephiles from a scientific standpoint and decides to study him while Mephiles proceeds to quite dramatically be a nuisance in the three's lives, especially Infinite's; Mephiles eventually takes Infinite's form to mock him but in doing so he becomes weakened, which prompts Meta to suggest he be given his own mortal body as well; Mephiles is given a body and leaves for a short period of time before returning and properly integrating himself into the family because of his attachment to Meta (and Meta's to him); Mephiles and Infinite discover they have feelings for each other despite everything

Flatline pulls Iblis from Mephiles' timeline into theirs and gives her a mortal Mobian hedgehog form like Mephiles' in order to distract Mephiles enough to where he can get at Infinite's Phantom Ruby, except he botched the process and made her body unstable; Mephiles ruins Flatline's plans by rejecting Iblis in the moment in order to save his current family, but he quickly returns to reassure her that he isn't going anywhere and invites her to join them instead; Iblis agrees because of her love for Mephiles, and Flatline is forced to stay with them as well to work with Meta to stabilize Iblis' body; Flatline eventually grows fond of the family despite his initial ulterior motives, and he decides to stay for real even after Iblis is stabilized; Infinite, Mephiles, and Iblis become a triad after Mephiles reassures Infinite that his feelings for him have not changed even with Iblis in the picture now; Mephiles and Iblis discover they can still fuse into Solaris, just in hedgehog form, and they can also unfuse at will

Flatline discovers Julius (Scourge's late father) was revived similarly to how he was revived--wild chaos energy--and pulled across space into their world; Julius stays with the family but everyone kind of hates his guts because they know about how he used to treat Scourge and why Scourge took his life; eventually Scourge confronts Julius and tells him the full and honest truth about how he feels and has always felt, which finally puts things into perspective for Julius; Julius and Scourge slowly but surely begin to mend their relationship

Sonic runs into Scourge one day and discovers Infinite is back, but upon seeing how neither of them care to get into it with him, he becomes curious and decides to talk to Scourge one-on-one for a while, slowly discovering how much Scourge has changed thanks to his living situation; Sonic and Scourge eventually develop feelings for each other, but Sonic makes a point to make sure Scourge knows Shadow will be involved as well, which ends up not being a huge issue for neither Scourge nor Shadow, and the three of them also become a triad

Scourge, Sonic, and Shadow accidentally create a baby when a giant explosion of their combined chaos energy happens during a high-speed race; they name the child Bangarang (or Bang for short) and proceed to raise them together, with Bang staying at Scourge's place for the majority of the time as Sonic and Shadow don't really have a solid housing situation; Mephiles sees Bang and suggests to Infinite that they have a similar child, and when he agrees, they combine their essences using the Phantom Ruby and Mephiles' god powers to create a jackalhog named Moon; Moon and Bang grow up alongside each other, and Moon eventually renames himself to Vacío to honor Infinite; Bang slowly discovers his Doom powers as they part Black Arms like Shadow, and while they have an easy time wrangling those, Vacío struggles with his Phantom Ruby abilities that he inherited from Infinite

Eggman revives Black Doom by giving him a Mobian hedgehog body like he did with Meta, with the intention of using him against Sonic and Shadow; Black Doom only complies with the intention of getting revenge on Shadow and possibly forcing him over to his side finally; Black Doom manages to shake up Scourge's family by subtly and slowly manipulating Scourge, and eventually this leads to Black Doom full-on controlling Scourge's mind; Sonic, Shadow, and the rest of Scourge's family are able to break him free from Black Doom's control in the end

--

Possible Future Plotpoints:

Mephiles and Iblis have a child, as well as Infinite and the collective Solaris

Some kind of family thing with Black Doom and Shadow (I can't help myself lol. we ball)

--

Extra Important Tidbits:

Meta uses they/them pronouns at first, but later realizes she feels happiest when referred to in a feminine way

The entire family hates that Scourge is dating Sonic and Shadow, but they begrudgingly support him because their love for him is stronger than their hatred for Sonic and Shadow

Mephiles and Iblis remember Sonic and Shadow, and Sonic remembers them, but nobody else remembers them as they are from an erased timeline

Iblis is indifferent towards Sonic and Shadow, whereas Mephiles heavily dislikes them both

Infinite is closer to Mephiles than he is with Iblis, but the three of them are still a very solid and healthy polyamorous relationship

The AU takes place a while into the future; Scourge is 23 at the start of the AU, Meta is 22, and Infinite is 37

--

That's all I have for now! I have a fic version slowly being written as well as a potential comic version (hopefully). This is an ongoing, still-developing AU that just keeps growing, so things may be changed/added/removed as time goes on! :) I hope you stick around to see what unfolds! <3

[spacedace]

Continuation/blurb/snippet from this writing prompt.

It took less than a week to get custody of the Fenton children.

Oswald expected that it wouldn’t take long with his connections, but even that turn around is faster than what he expected. He'd anticipated pulling strings, greasing palms, maybe making some threats, but before he can even think of getting things moving to do so the paperwork is signed and a social worker is calling him to sort out the travel arrangements for the kids.

It's all done local, the judge, CPS, the witnesses and lawyers, each and every one calling the town home. Each and every one pushing the case through at a speed that Oswald didn't think was possible even in the most crooked of situations. He smelled conspiracy, but not - surprisingly - a malicious one.

Amity wasn't the smallest place in the world, but it was small enough. And the Fentons were public figures, though not in the way that Jack and Maddie Fenton obviously thought they were. How long had the people of Amity been watching things go wrong for the kids? How long had they been trying - in their own, limited ability - to help? Long enough to get desperate, seemed to be the answer.

The only resistance Oswald can find as he reviewed all the information he could get ahold of, was from the Mayor - Jazz and Danny's godfather, somehow more crooked than even Gotham's elected officials as far as Oswald could tell - and the Dr's. Fenton themselves.

The Mayor was summarily denied any influence of the case by the judge on the grounds of the long standing and publicly recorded ugliness of Master's relationship with Danny - which was something else Oswald was going to have to figure out. Along with all the…ghost stuff.

Oswald wasn't sure what to make of the ghost stuff.

Honestly he was leaving it for his people to figure out and wrangle into a reasonable explanation to report to him later. It was…something, a big something, and not - as he'd originally suspected upon initial cursory research into the town - a tourist gimmick or an overly high meta population. A later problem, provided he had to co tend with it at all once the children were officially in his custody in Gotham.

The biggest issue had been the kid's parents. Or really, the biggest issue had been the shady government agency backing the kids' parents.

The Fentons were the Ghost Investigation Ward's pet mad scientists. Creating weapons and genocidal plans - against ghosts - and generally tormenting the towns' living inhabitants just as much as the undead ones. The GIW had been protecting Jack and Maddie from any repercussions of their recklessness, and were willing to butt in on an unexpected custody battle in order to keep their maniacal golden geese happily working away.

From what Oswald had heard, a representative of the GIW had shown up to convince the judge to dismiss the case, but the judge had been faster. By the time the men in all white appeared - garish and tacky in their ill fitted, bulky suits - it had been too late of course. The judge had apparently anticipated their impending appearance and had made their ruling and had everything filed tidily late the night before. Courts did not typically stay running til three in the morning, but apparently an exception had been made.

There were a great many things wrong with Amity Park - wrong in a lot of ways they were in Gotham, wrong in ways they weren't - but the people that called the place home seemed to have come to a decision on one thing: the Fenton children were not safe, and unknown or not they were trusting Oswald to get them out of there.

It was strange and a little overwhelming, for an entire population that did not know him to see him as some kind of hope. Some kind of hero.

There were many, many things wrong in Amity Park.

He tried to assure himself when everything was said and done and the kids were packed and on their way that it wasn't his problem. He was officially Jazz and Danny's guardian, in a city half a country away that even with his - nominally- cleaned up act he held a great deal of power over. He was nearly untouchable within Gotham's shadow, and no one from some half-mad town was going to be able to do anything to change that.

He made preparations though, just in case. He hadn’t gotten where he was by being stupid. The Bat could use something to chew on that wasn't one of Oswald's entirely legitimate business ventures anyway. An ethically suspect government agency that was likely to come sticking their noses in Gotham's business sooner than later would do just nicely for that, and might even earn him some kind of grace from Gotham's brooding knight without getting him in hot water with any of the city's criminal element.

All that was left at that point was actually meeting the kids in person.

His kids.

He ignored the strange, bittersweet ache that touched his heart at that. It was, after all, entirely a means of improving his reputation in the city. The kids mean an end. He'd take care of him the same he did all his people, but not any more than that.

It was just business.

If he reminded himself enough, it might even be true one day.

He suspected though, as he laid eyes on them for the first time - shadow eyed and leery, haunted in a way that ghosts couldn't manage and looking not much at all like Oswald outside the fear and the pain he did his best to forget from his own upbringing - that the point of not caring had been passed the minute he'd gotten that first call.

*

Apologies if Penguin is out of character, all I know about him is what I vaguely remember from TAS, what I’ve absorbed from fandom and what I tried to put together from a wiki lol.

I did this instead of sleeping last night because I couldn’t get the initial idea out of my head (which slightly defeats the purpose of making it a writing prompt so that I could just read everyone else’s wonderful thoughts and writings on the idea instead of getting side tracked from my other writing projects - again lol - but oh well).

I don’t know if I’ll write anymore, and as with everything else I post this is open for anyone who is interested to run with.

Tag time!

@phoenixdemonqueen @justgray15777 @gin2212 @blankliferain @meira-3919 @lexdamo @hallowsden @derpygirl64 @thewondersoflebanon @amercurio @vythika96 @my-perfect-storybook-love @apointlessbox

[musclesandhammering]

To steal a quote from spn, the [Darkhold] doesn’t change you. It just makes you more of what you already were.

It draws on all the negative emotions that are already inside you and dials them up to 11. I would argue the same thing happened with Loki when Thanos used the mind stone to influence him. It worked so well because he was already pissed at Thor and willing to be destructive.

It’s sort of like getting drunk imo. Yes, drinking can make you act out of character but it won’t make you do anything that you weren’t at least a little bit capable of while sober. It just removed those inhibitions. And if you know that you’re on the verge of a psychotic breakdown and are heartbroken and mad at the world and fantasising about doing something violent…. Don’t fucking drink, bestie.

TL;DR- Saying that Wanda was corrupted by the Darkhold and that’s why she did all that bad stuff is not the perfect argument you think it is, because a.) she was already capable of doing all that beforehand and b.) she willingly chose to use the Darkhold knowing it corrupts people.

Wanda trying to justify her actions by saying "I'm not a monster, I'm a mother" she's not even a good mom. honestly. In WandaVision, the twins were babies for at most a few days (unclear with WV time) maybe just a night before she's trying to use magic to make them stop crying instead of actually figuring out what they need to get them to stop. It's not clear to me whether the twins aged themselves up the first time or if it was the effect of the Hex, but I think there's a case to be made that it's the latter and they became kids so she would have an easier time taking care of them instead of actually putting in the effort to raise them. After Vision tried to leave the Hex, she completely ignored her kids all day, passed them off on Agatha at the first chance, and didn't do anything or even seem to care at all when Billy tried to tell her about his powers and how they were hurting him. She'd had them for a week at most.

In Multiverse of Madness, yes she is corrupted by the Darkhold. That is a narrative fact and frankly, I don't think you need to make things up or change the story to make Wanda look bad (she does that on her own). But trying to kill another version of herself to steal children that aren't hers, and being willing to kill America to do it, is the dark but logical conclusion of the selfish behavior that MCU!Wanda has always had. The Darkhold took that and exaggerated it, but those are the worst traits Wanda's always had just blown up - she's selfish, she does whatever she wants to get what she wants, other people pay the consequences, and she's not even a good mother to make up for it.

[mswyrr]

why did president snow laugh as he died?

imo because katniss proved dr gaul and him wrong in the end. and he loved it. how wonderful, to be wrong and know the future will be better. what a wonderful way to be destroyed, how epic. knowing that justice doesn't sleep forever, that it does actually exist, that lucy gray was right and some things are "written in the stars," even if it is killing you - it means the world isn't the shithole you convinced yourself it was.

his granddaughter isn't going to be forced into her own Games or tortured or etc. there is life after him and it's better and good for it. good for katniss for refusing the darkness and fear and paranoia and survival-justifies-anything that consumed him. even though it tempted her.

imo i see them as very similar people as teens - and 80something him keeping his word to never lie to katniss is what was left of the boy who cared so much about being "honorable" (like katniss cares about "owing" and being honorable). and that one single solitary spot of light left in him is katniss' dark side telling her the truth nobody else will - about coin, about what is coming. and she uses that to set panem free from what his descent into darkness made it and what coin would make it. and he's glad to be wrong. it's freeing.

as poet jack gilbert put it "If the locomotive of the Lord runs us down,/ we should give thanks that the end has magnitude."

or to quote the kind of folk songs collins references throughout THG:

Well, you may throw your rock, and hide your hand Workin' in the dark against your fellow man But as sure as God made black and white What's done in the dark will be brought to the light

You can run on for a long time Run on for a long time Run on for a long time Sooner or later, God'll cut you down Sooner or later, God'll cut you down

if fate/god/lucy gray's ghost sends an angel to cut him down, well -- how marvelous that is, how strange and unexpected after a lifetime of believing heinous bullshit is all there is, all people can ever aspire to. and the end had magnitude.

[this meta is inspired by @lonelyroommp3's lovely video of Donald Sutherland's comments on snow's pov on katniss]

[stewardofningishzida]

Stephen Strange Meta-Fic Sequel — Chapter 17: Catch-Up, Make-Out

There we go! Sorry for the delay! Gonna keep these chapters coming! Also, love is in the air here for our beloved sorcerer. Stay tuned!

TRIGGER WARNING: injury mention, death mention

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

Chapter 17: Catch-up, Make-Out

*Stephen opens a portal back to Kamar-Taj and lets Prettywitch go change.  He lets Wong know that Prettywitch has passed her Trial.  With that news, Wong goes to find Trix.*

*Trix is patiently waiting in the cafeteria for the others when she spots Wong.*

Trix: Well? How did it go?

Wong:  Your friends have both passed.  Prettywitch has gone to her quarters to try on her new robes and Steward is in sickbay.  There was an incident.  *He catches her up to speed.*

Trix (worried): A soul eater?!

*Wong nods grimly.*

Wong:  Strange did not intend to put her in such danger, but the Catacombs are vast.  It is easy for hostile entities to find their way there and conceal themselves.

Trix (hesitantly): But…Steward killed it, right?

Wong:  Yes.

*Trix frowns to herself.*

Trix: Tear and Steward were a mess for a while after the mine. We’ll have to keep an eye on her after this for a bit but thank god she’s safe. Plus PrettyWitch got to meet Bats! And you willingly hugged me so today has turned out well all things considered. *She shakes herself out of her funk.* Let’s go find the others then.

Prettywitch: *She comes running out in her new robes.* Hey guys! *She stops to show off her new wardrobe.* Well? What do you think?

*Her robes are an elegant shade of indigo with an intricate yellow trim.  The overall design of the robes has a distinctly Japanese influence.  It beautifully encapsulates the principle of wabi-sabi; the acceptance of transience and imperfection while appreciating the beauty of nature and life.  While it appears simple, the details within the fabric give way to a subtle grace that reflects the harmonic chaos of the universe.*

Trix (grinning): Absolutely gorgeous! What do you think of mine? *She does a little twirl.*

*Meanwhile, in the sickbay, I’m awake again and try to sit up.  It’s rather painful to breathe too deeply or attempt to sit up.  To top it off, I’m still slightly woozy.  So, after a bit of concentration and struggling, I cautiously use telekinesis to prop myself up and move some pillows behind my back.  It hurts, but after I let go, I’m at least in a semi-reclined position.  It took a lot of effort and I pause to cough up some ectoplasm.  It’s a side-effect from having had 55 spirits inhabit my body at once.  When I hear someone approach, I quickly compose myself and wipe my mouth, wanting to at least be semi-presentable.  Stephen comes in to check on me, looking horribly guilty.*

Stephen (grim and sincere):  Hey, Steward…I’m sorry for what happened during your Trial.  I should have looked more into it and I screwed the whole thing up-

Me:  Stephen, stuff happens.  Since when did anything run smoothly or as intended?

Stephen (frustrated):  This SHOULD have gone smoothly.

Me:  What’s done is done.  It’s in the past already.

Stephen:  You got hurt because of my mistake.

Me:  The Catacombs are literally an enormous underground maze, Stephen.  It would be hard for anyone to see everything down there.  The important thing is that I’m alive, right?

Stephen:  I would have preferred alive and uninjured.

Me:  Hon, I’m not even mad.  I chose to go confront that thing on my own because I didn’t want it to keep eating innocent people.  That fight was my choice.  I had help, yes, but I acted of my own free will.  I could have ran.  You know that.

*He stares at me for a moment and sighs.*

Stephen (resigned):  Gods, the Ancient One really did call both of us out, didn’t she?

Me (giving him a small smirk, to indicate to him that I’m sincere and truly not angry at him):  Yep.

*He’s quiet for a while.*

Me:  I’ll be okay.  You popped in right during the fight and got me out of there safely afterwards.  This kind of thing is what you and Wong were training us for, right?

Stephen:  Well, yes, but I didn’t want it to escalate so quickly out of control.

Me:  *Teasing him slightly, imitating the Ancient One*  You cannot beat a river into submission.  Surrender, Stephen.

*He huffs, trying to be annoyed, but he can’t.*

Me:  We’re good, Stephen.  Okay?  The danger has passed for now, I’m here, and I’m not even mad.

Stephen:  Fine, but I’m keeping an eye on all of you.

*I stick my tongue out to tease him again, also doubling as a way to good-naturedly comfort him.*

*He finally cracks a small smile.*

Stephen:  I’m proud of you.  

Me (smartass, but more just to make him laugh):  I know.

*He musses my hair affectionately.*

*Trix walks into the infirmary with Wong and PrettyWitch behind her*

Trix: You better not be dead. I know your thing is ghosts but that would be a bit much. *She grins at Stephen and Steward.*

Prettywitch: We’re glad to see you’re okay, hun.

Me:  Heh.  Nah, that’s for next week.  *I joke a bit with Trix, indicating to her and Prettywitch that I’ll be fine.  I look at both of them.*  Nice new robes.  Seriously, they’re freaking magnificent!  

Prettywitch: I know, right!? I can’t wait to see you in your new ones when you get better.

Trix: Yeah, did you get to see yours yet?

Me:  Not yet.  I kinda passed out after a while.  Can’t move too much yet either.  The box is on the nightstand next to my bed.

Stephen:  Your stamina should be recovered enough from that rest to have another healing session done.  After that, you should be in decent enough shape to get up and move around again.  I’d still avoid anything strenuous for a week, but otherwise, it looks like you’ll be okay with a few more sessions throughout this recovery period.  Prettywitch, could you go get her robes from her room while I make sure the healing session goes well?

Prettywitch: You got it! (She runs off.)

Trix: I don’t want to be in the way while you finish up. I’ll be out waiting with Wong in the courtyard!

Me:  See you guys in a few moments.

Prettywitch: (She comes back and holds the robes out to Steward.) Here you go, love.

Me:  Thank you!  I’ll meet you in the courtyard after I change.  *I give her a small smile as I accept the ornate box of robes.*

 *Trix heads out to the courtyard and finds Wong waiting by himself.*

Wong:  At least Steward seems to be taking this in stride.  That is a good sign.  I lectured Strange about his oversight during her Trial earlier.

Trix: True. A lot better than last time…probably because it was killed this time around. And that is absolutely not surprising. Honestly, you were very subtle about keeping an eye on me. If I hadn’t found out at the end the way you revealed yourself, I wouldn’t have guessed. If Stephen didn’t remember someone watching him I could see the oversight happening. *She’s trying to rationalize it because she knows it absolutely wasn’t Stephen’s intention for this to happen.*

Wong:  His Master’s Trial was…different.  When the Ancient One died, it was in the midst of Kaecillius’ uprising.  When his Zealots killed Master Drumm in the New York Sanctum and Stephen acted to defend it AND our dimension from the Dread Dormammu, he had earned his title.  It was a trial by fire, so to speak. 

Trix (shocked): Oh. Yeah. I hadn’t realized that that ended up being his trial… *She looks down before looking over at Wong.* I don’t think it would be a good idea to show Stephen because it might bring up trauma, but I think someday you should take a look at our movies about this universe. It may…help with clarification of things for the Kamar-Taj records at least in the general sense since it’s not a one for one but seems to follow similar lines. *She has a small smile and fidgets with her hands.* At least, I’m trying to figure out how to go about this from a future librarian sort of view. 

*Wong listens to her and nods.*

Wong:  I will take a look when I have time.

Trix: I had some questions for you as well, if you don’t mind me asking.

Wong:  Very well.  Ask.

Trix: Just- how do you do it? Manage to keep calm all the time and sort of be this…pillar that keeps everything upright? I know it’s likely going to be me who ends up needing to be the one holding down the fort while the others go out on missions, but I honestly don’t know if I can manage that without breaking down myself. I almost lost myself from caretaking for years and while I’m excited, I’m also terrified about setting this up in our own world.

*Wong thinks about this for a bit before answering.*

Wong:  Well, one of the more important things to remember is that everyone has their limits.  So, keeping this in mind, I don’t necessarily do everything myself.  I delegate.  Remember how I had you sorting the shelves, doing basic repairs, and cleaning during training?

*She nods.*

Wong:  I know that I need help.  So, I use the community that I am a part of and have a team of my own to help me keep things in order.  I do most of the more complex tasks myself, but when I need to, I ask one of the other Masters for assistance.  We sorcerers, although individuals, still work as a cohesive unit.  We have each others’ backs.  I also take care to help others when they need it.  With all of us working together with our own niches and subsections, we are able to work fairly efficiently.  Then, I make sure to take some time for myself.  At least an hour every day where I relax my mind and take care of my own needs.  It does not always happen, especially during the more intense periods we sometimes deal with, but whenever I do have a chance, I take it.  It is good to clear your mind from time to time.

*Trix chuckles softly herself.*

Trix: I guess I’m just so used to ending up by myself again that it didn’t occur to me to ask for help from the others. It’s why I’m a bit clingy, I end up by myself eventually through one way or another and it’s kinda messed with me. I do have a feeling that this is going to stick though, even if I am cautious to get my hopes up. It’s just something I have to meditate more on I guess. *She shrugs with a wry smile.* Thanks for always listening to me. I haven’t felt as…free to speak my thoughts and not be my people personality self as much. I can relax. I’m nearly there with PrettyWitch and Steward but that anxiety just… *She trails off.*

Wong (gently):  It will come with time.  *He reassures her.*  As for being left alone again, it is highly unlikely now.  With the challenges your world faces, sticking together is a matter of survival.  You will need each other.  That much, I am certain of.

Trix (smiling): True. And you’re stuck with me now. You hugged me back after the trials, that’s no take-backsies.

*Wong curls his lip, amused.*

*After a moment, I finally walk out of sickbay.  I’m a bit stiff and slower since the injuries are still healing, but I’m able to move around now.  Prettywitch had given me my robes so I could change.  So, now I’m wearing them properly.  They’re predominantly indigo with tan and magenta trim.  The patterning across the front clasps of my robes makes up the symbol of the Third Eye chakra.  Other more subtle patterns present within the trim on my robes consist of the Endless Knot and the Ankh.  These small details are found in the embroidery making up the hems of the robes.*

Me (smiling):  So, how do I look?

Trix (grinning): Like a proper Master of the Mystic Arts, so gorgeous!

Prettywitch: I know! (She’s trying not to squee.)

Me (smirking):  You’re not so bad yourselves.  *I’m teasing a bit.*  Seriously, though.  You both look majestic as hell.  *I’m sincere about the last part.*

Trix: We’re going to rock the hell out of our world once we start setting up our Order, that’s for sure. *She smiles softly.* The group of us.

Me:  Yes.  Yes, we are.  *I offer Trix a high-five, but then flinch and put my hand back down awkwardly.*  Right!  Dumb!  *I chuckle morbidly to mask the pain since I just did a stupid move.*

*Trix shoulder bumps her gently instead before doing the same to PrettyWitch.*

*Prettywitch laughs awkwardly and holds her hand out for Trix to high-five her. Trix returns the high-five.*

*Stephen comes out of sickbay, having sorted things out.*

Stephen (warmly):  Nicely done, girls.  You three look magnificent.  

PrettyWitch: Thanks!

Trix: Thank you!

Me:  Thanks!  

Stephen:  How about a celebration dinner?  You three can choose a place.

*Wong nods approvingly.*

*As they work on a decision, Clea portals into the courtyard.  She’s carrying several shopping bags and a few books Stephen recognizes from his Sanctum Library.*

Clea: Hello everyone. (She notices the girl’s outfits.) What’s the occasion?

Stephen:  The girls just earned their Master ranks.  *He can’t help but be proud as he says this.  It’s obvious in his face and voice.*

Clea: *She smiles brightly.* Oh, that’s wonderful! Congratulations, girls!

Trix: Thank you Clea!

Me:  Awww, thank you, Clea!

Prettywitch: *She blushes awkwardly.* Awe! Thanks, Clea.

Clea: Don’t mention it.

*A pillar of green smoke appears as Loki arrives in his usual fashion. His eyebrow raises at our change in attire.*

Loki: I suppose I should be congratulating you all. Congratulations on your masteries, ladies.

Trix: Thanks Loki!

Me:  Thank you, Loki.  *I give him a small smile.*

Prettywitch: Yeah, thanks.

Wong:  I take it you sensed a shift in Trix’s aura?

Loki (smirking): Absolutely. *He eyes her robes before grinning widely* I also must commend the choice of robes. One befitting a ward of a god. *He sniffs haughtily before breaking into a laugh. He’s clearly delighted.*

Trix (slightly embarassed): You’re just happy you’re being represented.

*Loki shrugs before turning to Steward and PrettyWitch.*

Loki: Both of you wear your talents well. You will have to regale me with the tale of your trials since I will be joining your celebrations.

*I smile at Loki before letting out a small squawk, remembering something.*

Me:  Ack!  I promised to free the ghosts with me.  Just a sec, guys…Lemme take care of this before we go.  

*I center myself before opening a portal with blue sparks.  This is the first time Trix and Prettywitch have ever seen this portal to the afterlife in-person.  Interestingly, whatever’s on the other side of the portal isn’t properly visible.  It just looks like an opening with a rippling veil across it.*

Me (to seemingly nobody):  Okay.  Those who wish to move on, please step forward.  Anyone who isn’t ready yet, stay put.  *I wait for a minute before slipping briefly into a meditative state.  After the outbound spirits and I mutually sever our bond, I gesture to them to indicate that they’re free to go.*  Thank you for all of your help earlier.  Goodbye and may you all enjoy a restful existence in the afterlife.  

*Those who leave, depart.  The only indication to the living that something has gone is a subtle change in temperature and the veil within the portal shifting wildly, as though in a high wind.  After a moment, the veil settles back down and I close the portal.  I inhale and then shudder involuntarily.  It feels as though my energy has become slightly stronger.  Also, there are now a few small balls of fiery blue light drifting lazily around me.*

Me (calmly):  Okay.  It’s done.  A few chose to stay, including The Ancient One.  So, where would we like to go?

Trix: I’m fine going anywhere really.

Prettywitch: Ooooh!!!! Why don’t we go to The Olive Garden!? Or Famous Daves!? *She’s practically salivating.*

Trix: I vote Olive Garden!

Me:  All right.  *I’m hungry from the healing sessions and exertion due to sending the outbound spirits away.  So, I’m fine with anything.*

Stephen:  Okay.  I’ll get us there.  *We portal to the front of the restaurant.  Wong goes to get us a table.*

Clea: *She notices the decor inside.* Hmmm…This place seems slightly upscale. *She snaps her fingers and her clothes change to reflect the casual dress environment of everyone there. She’s wearing a low cut, purple top with a nice pair of jeans. She smiles.* Much better.

*Stephen is subtly looking Clea up and down after her outfit change.  It seems she has his interest.  Wong smirks at him, making Stephen blush slightly.*

Loki (slightly confused): I thought we were going to a garden of olives. 

Me:  It’s Italian.  *I shrug nonchalantly*

Trix: Just keep eating breadsticks and you’re golden.

*We’re seated and as we have dinner, we catch Loki and Clea up with what went on during our Trials.*

Loki: Tell me, what was the hardest part of each of your trials?

Clea: Oh yes! I’m dying to know, myself!

Trix: Probably staying focused during mine. The book I was cleansing kept trying to corrupt my thoughts but apparently everyone here has helped me finally get past enough of my self-doubts to get through it. *She smiles softly.*

*I gently pat Trix’s back, clearly proud of her.*

Prettywitch: Mine was pretty straight forward. I had to outwit a certain Ghost Dog.

Trix: Are you telling me…you got to meet Bats?! *She’s both excited and jealous.*

Prettywitch: Oh yeah! And let me tell you, he’s a bit of a smartass. Anyway, after that my biggest challenge was having you expand my range of magic. I’d been performing magic using a lot of what I’d seen in anime and manga I like, as well as comics, and…well, I had to start thinking outside the box. So I took inspiration from some of my own unpublished works. *She smiles.* And it felt really good doing that, actually.

Wong:  Good.  It’s about time that you learned to act as yourself.  *He’s happy about this, although it’s as subtle as he always is.*

Prettywitch: Thanks, Wong.

Trix: I’m super excited to see what spells you came up with!

Me:  *Grinning, amused.*  Really?  Nice!  Trix and I will have to find and talk to Bats later, then!    Also, whoo!  Good job, Prettywitch!  I can’t wait to see some of your new spells!  *I’m both excited to meet Bats and proud of Prettywitch.  Then, go back to Loki’s question.*  Anyway, my Trial started out fairly straightforward, but there was a bit of an accident.  It wasn’t Stephen’s fault at all, but a soul eater showed up and I had to borrow the energy from over 50 spirits who had decided to follow me so I could boost my abilities enough to dispatch it.  Was still a close call…I’ve faced one before and it really messed Tear and me up, but I suppose the reason this one wasn’t as bad was that not only did I have help from the spirits and Stephen’s original mentor, but I had grown stronger with training and had more of idea of what I was doing.  We’ve seen and been through so much together that it just kinda became yet another thing to deal with instead of a huge unbeatable threat.  Still terrifying, but I knew I had a way out if I couldn’t handle it.  We didn’t have the luxury of expending more magical energy for portals in our world the first time.  So, with all of these factors, it just sorta…clicked.

*Stephen squeezes my shoulder gently.  He’s still just relieved that I’m okay.*

Loki (impressed): A soul eater is not one to trifle with. Very well done. *He looks at all of us proudly.* You’ve clearly all earned your masteries well…and now we can easily bail you out of Kamar-Taj without lessons being an excuse. *He grins.*

*Stephen raises an eyebrow.  He still wants to keep an eye on us just in case for obvious reasons.*

Clea: I must say, all of your trials are fascinating. You overcame difficult odds and came out of it stronger; I’m sure you’ll all make wonderful masters back home.

Prettywitch: Oh, you’re just saying that!

Clea: No, not at all. Stephen and Wong should be proud they’ve trained such fine girls as yourself.

Prettywitch: Awe! *She gives her a small hug.* Thank you.

*Clea accepts the hug, albeit awkwardly.*

*I’m slightly red, but happy.*

*The rest of the meal goes well and we all enjoy some quality time together.  When it’s over, we head back to Kamar-Taj.  Stephen bids us a fond goodnight and after we go to our quarters he walks off, subtly gesturing for Clea to follow him.  He leads her to a nice, secluded area of the temple.  The architecture here is beautiful and the lighting is warm and inviting.*

Clea: You wanted to see me?

Stephen (awkwardly):  Over the past few months since you’ve arrived and gotten acclimated here, I’ve come to know you.  Your company is appreciated and since we have befriended one another, I was just wondering if…Well…ehhhhh…Perhaps you may consider a…date?  I’m not sure how fond you are of me now that you’ve been in close proximity for an extended amount of time, but-

Clea: *She cuts him off by cupping his face in her hands and kissing him passionately. When she breaks the kiss and sees his shocked face, she’s a bit nervous, but keeps it to herself and gives him a playful smile.* Does that answer your question?

*Stephen is breathless and as red as his Cloak now.  After a second, he composes himself.*

Stephen:  I…I like you too.  

*Clea smiles.*

Clea: So…did you have something in mind for our date?

Stephen:  Well, there are all of those movies the girls introduced me to…Perhaps you may like to see one tonight?

Clea: I’d love to.

*Stephen smiles and picks a movie, inviting her to one of the empty rooms so they can watch in peace.  As the movie goes, at times, Stephen is quietly more interested in Clea and her reactions to the film than in the movie itself.*

*Clea begins to notice this.*

Clea: What are you looking at? *Her tone is playful when she asks that.*

Stephen (slightly flustered):  It’s just fun to see your reactions, that’s all.

Clea: *Giggles* Guess we have that in common, huh?

*He smiles, blushing.  He’s finding it difficult to articulate himself.*

Clea: *She leans.* What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?

Stephen:  Ehhhhh…*He’s getting more flustered*

Clea: *Giggles.* I like seeing this side of you, it’s so cute.

Stephen (awkwardly):  Want to finish the movie or…?

Clea: *She kisses him again. Only this time she deepens it; she wraps her arms around his neck and runs her fingers through his hair.*

*He lets her and kisses her back, the movie entirely forgotten.  The rest of the night passes.*

***To be continued***