#i have been possessed by malevolent forces.

[ms--lobotomy]

Vulkan lives

Vulkan laughs

But most importantly...

Vulkan Loves

[dark-and-kawaii]

The Real Incubus

Haarlep x F!Tav/Reader

⋆˙⟡♡ Summary: You help Haarlep in recalling their authentic identity and their original appearance, prior to their glamorized transformation to mimic Raphael's visage.

⋆˙⟡♡ Notes: Haarlep is my ultimate comfort and I’ve been kinda down lately. Was in need of some sort of comfort, thus for bringing this to life. I hope you enjoy xoxo

⋆˙⟡♡ NSFW | Soft Haarlep | A Touch Of Malevolent Haarlep | Comfort | Minor Angst | Biting | Minor Blood

As you straddled Haarlep in bed, you could feel their tail curling around your arm and pulling you closer. You leaned in, placing one hand on their hip and the other in their hair as your lips met. They were soft and warm, and you felt the tip of their tongue flicking across your lower lip.

“Haarlep,” you whispered, your fingertips exploring their- Raphael’s horns… The ridges and textures that should have been Haarlep's own. Each groove, each pointed tip, had been an echo of Raphael's form, “Try to remember your horns,” your voice a soft melody in the quiet room, “Think of how they curved or stood straight, unique to you, a crown suited only for you.”

Haarlep's eyes fluttered closed, their breath hitching for the first time ever as they concentrated on your fingers, on the words that were like keys to locked doors within their mind. The weight of Raphael's influence starting to lift, bit by bit, with each gentle touch.

Your hands glide down the wings which weren’t of theirs, the expansive red membranes that had been made to mimic Raphael's own; a cruel reminder of Haarlep’s captivity. “The shape of your wings were surely more magnificent than his…” your fingers caressing the inner part of their wings, “Remember their true form, the majesty that was stolen from you.”

Slowly, Haarlep's wings began to embrace you, wrapping around your entwined forms. It was a possessive gesture, one that hinted at the true nature of their being, a sign of what was hidden under the mask Raphael had forced them to wear.

Your hands slide up the sides of their chest, tracing the outlines of the veins. The tips of your fingers brushing over their skin. Haarlep arched their back, pressing into your touch. It was the most “human” motion they had made in a long time, a reminder that they were more than what Raphael had made them out to be.

Your hands moved to Haarlep’s face to pull them closer. Holding their face tenderly, you kiss their jaw gently, a touch filled with reassurance and an invitation to rediscover themself, “Try to remember your face, the stubble, perhaps?” You breathed between kisses, “Or maybe clean-shaven,” you mused, nipping lightly to elicit a moan from them.

With one last nip at their jaw, you let your hands slide down the muscular expanse of Haarlep’s chest, the body that had been used and abused for so long, even starved... “Remember your body…” you coaxed, your voice a velvet murmur, “The way it would move on its own as soon as it saw a pretty new victim. You were grace and temptation incarnate, not a mere echo of another.”

There was a shift then, a subtle change in the air as Haarlep's form seemed to waver, the imposed visage of Raphael's glamorized design quivering. The incubus’s eyes closed, brows furrowing in concentration, as if they were diving into the depths of their own soul to find what was lost.

You held them close, a beacon of belief and support, waiting for the moment when Haarlep would emerge not as the devil Raphael had shaped, but as the true incubus they were born to be, a creature of beauty and desire, of power and freedom. And in the intimate cocoon of Haarlep’s wings, you waited to see your unconventional lover's true self to awaken.

The warm brush of Haarlep's lips against your neck sent a shiver down your spine, and their hands, which had been resting on your thighs, now found your waist. There was a soft, amused chuckle as their fingers brushed against the hem of your nightgown.

“The scent of your arousal,” they purred, their hands moving down the front of your body, “And the taste of it running down my throat,” Haarlep’s mouth was hot, almost feverish against your neck, “is all I can think about, little dove.” You could feel their hands moving between your legs, could feel the pressure of their palms against you and the way their claws tore through the fabric of your thin panties.

As the remnants of the cloth were tossed aside, you could hear the faint hiss of their breath against your skin as the incubus took in the scent of your desire. The sharp edge of their fangs grazed against your pulse, the sensation sending a bolt of white-hot lust down your spine.

Their tail moved from your arm and curled around your leg, you could feel the tip sliding along your thigh before coming to rest against your entrance. Your hips bucking instinctively at the feeling of Haarlep’s fingers circling your sensitive little clit.

Haarlep’s eyes remained closed, lashes casting delicate shadows on the incubus’s cheeks, as if they were navigating through the darkness of their own lost memories. The sensation was foreign to them, this gentle encouragement to be no one but themself, to shed the layers of someone else's whims and reveal the core of their being.

"I- I want you to touch me how Haarlep would touch me, not Raphael…" You kissed their horns, a symbolic gesture to honor their identity, to coax out the soul of the incubus beneath the surface. "To feel your hands upon my skin, instead of his."

At your words, their breath grew deeper, a rhythmic pulse that resonated with the stirrings of their authentic self. The very air around you seemed to hum with the power of their awakening, the room charged with the magic of rediscovery. Each bite, each mark, they placed upon your skin was like a word in a long-forgotten language, now being spoken with tentative fluence.

The shadow of Raphael that had clung to Haarlep's form began to dissipate like mist at dawn's first light. A subtle coolness radiated from them, an ominous glow that seemed to come from within, illuminating the room.

As Haarlep's fingers delved between your folds, their true self emerged, and you were completely enraptured by such beauty.

“You belong to me, my fragile, little dove,” their voice, dark yet smooth like whisky as they hissed into your ear, "Entirely mine to claim, mine to savor, mine to ravage and shatter."

When Haarlep finally opened their eyes, they were not the eyes that mirrored Raphael's. They were deep and vast, eyes that could easily entrap someone. In those eyes, you saw the incubus Haarlep was meant to be; free from the chains of servitude, a creature of beauty and lust.

“Haarlep,” your voice barely above a whisper, “I’m all yours, please-“ your body was so eager to have them, to be filled, to be taken and ravished, by Haarlep’s real self your mind was dizzy with it. This was Haarlep, this was your incubus in all their glory, and your eyes pleaded with them to feast upon you.

The incubus released a chilling chuckle, a cacophony akin to the tolling of a death knell, "Have you fantasized of my true caress, of the ecstasy and torment I could truly bestow upon you?" Their talons, sharp and unyielding, traced a menacing path along the quivering flesh of your inner thighs.

This was them, the real Haarlep whom no longer existed under Raphael's or Mephistopheles’s rule. You were no longer protected by the devil known as Raphael, Haarlep was free to do as they pleased, to devour you, body and soul, until nothing remained. Yet you remained loyal to the creature, and your faith in them was unwavering.

Your back arched and a small whimper left your throat, and you found yourself nodding impatiently, “Y-yes, I-I- wanted this for so long, Haarlep. Wanted this for you for so long for you.” Your fingers were still cupped around their face, thumbs brushing the incubus's cheekbones, a touch that was more loving and tender than anything you had given Raphael.

Haarlep's smile twisted into a predatory sneer as they shifted you beneath them, their dominance undeniable. They hoisted one of your legs over their shoulder, the other imprisoned against their waist, "Then it shall be my dark delight to bestow upon you the agony you crave, my little dove.” Their tail wrapped around their cock, “until you're drowning in the very darkness you sought.” A fat member with ridges and veins that protruded, a shaft that throbbed, a thick head leaking precum, a weapon that had the capability to destroy your very sanity.

You gave a needy groan, and then gasped as they thrust inside, their cock spreading you open, forcing its way past the tight resistance of your pussy. Stretching and filling you so well, you felt beyond full. Haarlep was ruthless, driving themself deeper and deeper until there was nowhere left for them to go, and still, you yearned for more.

You threw your head back and gasped, moaning and biting back screams- they were so much bigger than Raphael’s cock.

"Do you think yourself safe, little dove?" They taunted, their sharp teeth leaving stinging trails across the tender skin of your throat, "Even if you scream, even if you beg, there will be no mercy, no escape."

In a single brutal movement, Haarlep bottomed out and you couldn't hold back the scream that ripped from your throat. You couldn't think, couldn't breathe, your whole body was burning up, the delicious heat spreading from your core all the way down to the tips of your toes.

You were helpless, writhing and mewling as Haarlep plowed into you, each thrust tearing your mind apart. The incubus was merciless, and all you could do was cling to them, nails raking down their back and wings as they pounded into you.

“You wanted this, you desired this, didn't you? To be claimed, to be ravaged by a real incubus- by the real me… Here I am.”

You could feel Haarlep's fingers curling around the base of your neck, their claws digging into your skin, the threat of a slow and excruciating death clear. Yet, they held back, their grip not strong enough to kill you, just enough to give you a taste of what could happen.

“H-Haarlep~” you moaned, their name the only coherent thought in your head. You couldn't take it, the pleasure was too much, the sensation of being so full, of being fucked so hard by the one you always wished to have to yourself.

Haarlep laughed, a cold and cruel sound, the sound of a predator about to claim its prey, a sound of a nightmare that had finally been realized. Their lips pressed against yours, a sharp pain blossoming where their fangs nicked your bottom lip. The taste of your blood lingering on their tongue as they kissed you, the kiss as violent as their thrusts.

Their grip tightened around your throat, their claws cutting into your skin, drawing blood causing you to wince. “Tell me,” they demanded, their voice a low, husky growl- their wings spread wide, “tell me that you belong to me, that you're mine.”

Haarlep was losing control, the walls around their consciousness falling apart with every thrust… Until you wrapped your arms around their head and pulled them into you, “I-i’m yours, I'm yours~!! Only yours, my love~!!” You could feel your heart quicken at the realization of what you were about to confess, “I've always belonged to you and no one else. My heart, my body, my soul, are yours… I-“ You could feel your tears welling, “I love you, Haarlep- my dear incubus, my Haarlep.”

You couldn’t see the way Haarlep’s eyes widened, their lips parting as their name fell from yours- or how their face softened… But you could feel the way their grip loosened, their claws retracting as they embraced you while pressing their face against your shoulder.

They planted a gentle kiss upon your neck before their tongue swept across the wounds they inflicted, lapping away the traces of your blood. The hand once constricting your throat shifted to support the back of your head, softly angling it to the side to grant themselves a clearer path.

Your fingers ran through Haarlep’s hair, and your hips rocked against theirs. It was a sweet moment, a moment where you held each other close, and the world seemed to fade away. You knew Haarlep would never say the words back, but this right here, their embrace, their soft thrusts- that was all you needed.

In the aftermath, Haarlep was fast asleep on your chest, their breathing deep and even. You gently ran your fingers through their hair, smiling when you felt them stir and snuggle closer. You watched the way their wings spread across the bed, almost like a personal shield, a blanket that enveloped you both in warmth.

They were a vision of perfection, their skin flawless, and their horns shone like polished ebony. Haarlep was perfect, everything about them was perfect, and you felt a sudden surge of pride and happiness knowing that it was because of you that they had reclaimed their true self.

Your hands trailed over the softness of their wings, and you couldn't resist pressing a kiss against the tip of their horn, “So beautiful," you whispered, “So very, very beautiful.”

Nothing was left of Raphael on them, it was just them. Before death's cousin known as sleep could consume you- you swore to yourself that no matter what, you would protect Haarlep from the world, and from the devils who tried to shape them.

[boy-in-red-dress]

HEAR ME OUT, so I made a list of Ford and Bill's character traits and how they compliment each other. Ford and Bill's relationship is a rather interesting and twisted dynamic which is one of the reasons why I like them a lot. So let's start with my interpretation of the two characters...

Stanford Pines

He a deeply intricate character, shaped by a life that have left him both brilliant and broken. Born as one of two twins, Ford’s life has been a constant struggle with self-worth and identity. His intelligence and curiosity set him apart from others, but they also isolated him, creating a sense of loneliness. This isolation was only deepened by his complex relationship with his twin brother, Stanley. Ford’s need to prove himself became a driving force in his life. Yet, it was never simply about proving his worth; it was about escaping the deep-seated feelings of jealousy, shame, and guilt that had haunted him since childhood.

Ford's brilliance, however, is matched by his flaws. His obsession with knowledge and understanding the unknown led him down dangerous paths, often pushing away those who cared for him. The rift with his brother, born out of both love and rivalry, is a central part of his character. Which is why (if you've read some of my work on ao3) I put the fact Ford thinks about Stan often.

Despite his vast intellect, Ford’s emotional intelligence often lags behind, making him susceptible to manipulation and leading him to make decisions that are sometimes cold and calculating. He is a man who is willing to risk everything—even his own humanity—for the sake of discovery and the pursuit of what he believes is right and what could do good for the world. This single-minded determination, while admirable, also reveals his vulnerability. His self-imposed isolation and his relentless drive to prove his worth have left him with a fragile sense of self that is easily shattered when confronted with his own limitations. Speaking of his limitations, that's where Bill comes in. To make Ford go beyond the limits of his human capabilities.

Bill Cipher

He's a being of pure chaos and malevolence, contrasts Ford's character in almost every conceivable way. Where Ford is driven by a desire for knowledge and understanding, Bill is driven by a desire for power and control. Bill’s complexity lies in his unpredictability and his capacity for manipulation. He is a master of deception, able to twist the desires and fears of others to suit his own ends. Unlike Ford, who is bound by his human emotions and flaws, Bill is unrestrained, reveling in the chaos he creates. He lacks empathy, seeing others only as tools to be used or obstacles to be destroyed. His lack of morality and his enjoyment of others' suffering make him a truly terrifying entity to come across.

BUT. They have similarities, too. Stay with me.

1. Intellectual Curiosity and Ambition

Both Ford and Bill possess an insatiable curiosity and a relentless drive to uncover the secrets of the universe. For Ford, this curiosity is rooted in a genuine desire to understand the unknown, to push the boundaries of human knowledge, and to make his mark on the world. His intellect is one of his defining traits, and it’s what led him to explore other dimensions and study the mysteries of Gravity Falls.

Similarly, Bill is driven by a desire to know and control everything. His curiosity, however, is twisted by his malevolent nature; it’s less about understanding and more about exploiting knowledge for his own gain. Bill’s intellectual prowess is evident in how he manipulates others, devises complex plans (or impulsive plans), and navigates the multiverse with ease. His fascination with the workings of the universe mirrors Ford’s own, but where Ford seeks to understand, Bill seeks to dominate and corrupt.

2. Rejection of Limitations

Both characters reject the limitations imposed on them by their respective worlds. Ford’s entire life has been a struggle against the boundaries set by society, by his family, and even by his own humanity. His six-fingered hands marked him as different from a young age, and this difference fueled his determination to transcend the ordinary. Ford’s rejection of these limitations led him to create the portal, opening a gateway to other dimensions, and ultimately, to his fateful encounter with Bill.

Bill, too, rejects any form of limitation. As a being from the Nightmare Realm, Bill refuses to be confined by the rules of any single dimension. His very nature is one of rebellion against order and constraint. He sees limitations as challenges to be overcome, often through manipulation and force. This shared disdain for boundaries creates a unique parallel between the two: Ford, the man who defied his world to expand his knowledge, and Bill, the demon who seeks to break the rules of reality itself.

3. A Sense of Superiority

Ford and Bill both harbor a sense of superiority, though it manifests differently in each. Ford’s superiority is intellectual; he knows he is smarter than most people around him, and this often leads him to act alone, believing that only he can solve the problems he encounters. This mindset can make him seem arrogant or dismissive, particularly when dealing with those who don’t share his level of understanding.

Bill’s sense of superiority, on the other hand, is rooted in his power and knowledge. He views himself as above all others, not just because of his intelligence, but because of his status as an interdimensional being. Bill sees humans as insignificant creatures to be toyed with, and he revels in the chaos he can create among them. His superiority complex is part of what makes him so dangerous; he genuinely believes that no one can match him, which drives his desire to control and manipulate.

4. Isolation and Loneliness

Both Ford and Bill are, in their own ways, deeply isolated figures. Ford’s intellectual pursuits and his strained relationship with his brother have left him lonely, often feeling like he is the only one who can understand or solve the mysteries he uncovers. This isolation is both self-imposed and a consequence of his choices; Ford often distances himself from others to protect them or to keep them from slowing him down.

Bill, despite his power, is also a fundamentally lonely being. His existence as a demon is one of isolation; he is a creature of chaos in a universe that generally strives for order. His interactions with others are almost entirely manipulative, and he lacks genuine connections. This loneliness could be a driving force behind his desire to dominate and destroy—if he cannot be understood or accepted, then he will make the world bend to his will instead.

5. Obsession with Control

Control is another trait that both Ford and Bill share, though their methods and motivations differ. Ford’s obsession with control stems from his fear of the unknown and his need to protect those he cares about. After his experiences with Bill, this need becomes even more pronounced, as Ford understands the dangers that lurk beyond the veil of reality. His attempts to control situations, however, often lead to unintended consequences, and his desire to keep everything under control can sometimes cause more harm than good.

Bill’s obsession with control is far more malevolent. He doesn’t just want control—he wants total domination. Bill thrives on bending others to his will, on twisting reality to suit his desires. His manipulation of Ford is a key example of this; by gaining control over Ford, Bill was able to bring chaos to the world in ways that would have been impossible otherwise. For Bill, control is both a means to an end and the ultimate goal itself.

Conclusion: A Complex Relationship

The similarities between Ford and Bill make their relationship all the more complex and tragic. Ford’s intellectual curiosity, his desire to break free from limitations, his sense of superiority, and his isolation all made him an ideal target for Bill’s manipulation. At the same time, these shared traits create a twisted mirror image between the two—Bill literally represents the dark potential of Ford’s own qualities, turned towards destruction rather than discovery. That is if you look at it that way.

Together, they form a complicated pair: Ford, the man who seeks to protect and understand, and Bill, the demon who seeks to control and destroy. Their similarities make them more than just adversaries; they are reflections of each other’s strengths and flaws, locked in a struggle that is as much about their own identities as it is about the fate of the world. This dynamic is what makes their interactions so compelling and their conflict so deeply resonant, as each tries to outmaneuver the other while grappling with the very qualities that make them who they are.

I want to lick these senior citizens— WHAT WHO SAID TJAT

[doumadono]

Warnings: blood, mentions of decomposition, violence, mental & physical abuse, toxic relationship, gore, nakedness, merman!Dabi, female original character, original characters, descriptions of murders and drowning, smut (p in v, oral - f & m receiving), manipulation

Summary: Miyaka, a young woman driven to the brink by a domineering and aloof husband, resolves to end her life in the lake near her husband's estate. Little does she realize that one quaint encounter will irrevocably alter everything, reshaping her understanding of herself, and blurring the boundaries between reality and the inexplicable

Word count: circa 12.1k A/N: I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to take part in this captivating even created by talented @candycandy00 It was my maiden voyage into the world of horror writing, and I genuinely hope that you find my contribution enjoyable. A huge shoutout to my merman specialist, @crystalwolfblog – her unwavering support and expertise were instrumental in shaping this story!

It was an enchanting night.

She stood at the edge of the great lake, its inky waters reflecting the dim glow of the moon like a mirror tainted with despair. Her heart, heavy with the weight of an unhappy marriage, throbbed in her chest, matching the rhythm of her labored breaths. Tears welled up in her eyes, and a lump formed in her throat as she gazed into the blackness of the abyss before her.

The night was eerily silent, save for the distant croak of a lone frog and the rustling of leaves in the chilling breeze. She shivered, not from the cold, but from the darkness that had consumed her entire life. A long, white, flowing dress clung to her trembling form, a stark contrast to the beauty of the night. It felt like a shroud of misery, concealing the bruises and scars that marred her body.

She had been married to a man she loathed, a man who had wed her solely for her parents' substantial dowry. He was possessive, controlling, and violent, and every day with him was a torment she couldn't escape. As she looked down at the scars on her palms, she could hear his voice in her mind, venomous and cruel. "You're mine, and you'll do as I say," he would snarl, his eyes filled with a possessive rage that chilled her soul.

Tonight, as she stood by the lake, she knew she had reached the precipice of her despair. The moon's silver rays bathed the water in an eerie glow, and she found herself muttering out loud, as if trying to rationalize the unthinkable. "I can't go on like this," she whispered to the inky depths before her, her voice a hollow echo in the night. "There's no escape from this torment, no end to the pain he inflicts upon me."

Her fingers brushed against the bruises on her neck, a painful reminder of her husband's merciless grip. The darkness seemed to envelop her, offering a macabre solace, a release from the relentless agony that had become her life.

A sense of dread washed over her as she took a step closer to the water's edge, the lake beckoning with a malevolent allure. She could hear the echoes of her own pleas for help, trapped within the walls of her loveless home. She had no one to turn to, no one to confide in, for he had isolated her from all those who cared about her, even though there weren't many of them.

Tears streamed down her cheeks, and sobs wracked her body. The weight of her misery threatened to drag her under, deeper into the cold abyss. Her mind was a whirlwind of torment, and she continued to speak her sorrow aloud. "I just want the pain to stop," she murmured, her voice quivering. "I want freedom from this living nightmare."

Meantime, claws, like daggers forged in the abyss, pierced the tender flesh of the fish, snapping it asunder with the ease of breaking brittle twigs. Delicate bones shattered, their lamenting cracks akin to dried leaves crumbling beneath a malevolent force, as the ichor of life spilled forth in crimson tendrils, vanishing into the dark, ravenous depths. Razor-edged teeth, like shards of obsidian, tore through the delicate meat, rending it into fragments devoured by the insatiable monster.

This lake, embraced by a shroud of old woods, lay in proximity to a quiet city, a deceptive guise for an ideal feeding ground, or so it would seem. Elders strolled along its shore, seeking solace in the serenity of its waters, while children harbored dreams of frigid immersion, and clandestine encounters found their haven amidst the trees. Yet, the reality proved far bleaker.

Touya had ventured here in the hopes of a bountiful feast, having expended immense effort to navigate a subterranean passage connecting the vast expanse of the open sea to this secluded lake. His rewards were meager, a pitiful array of minuscule fish, native to these forsaken waters.

Resting on the lakebed, his lithe form culminating in a shark-like appendage, he contemplated a return to the boundless sea, where sustenance was plentiful. However, his sharply pointed, fin-like ears detected a peculiar disturbance, both auditory and visual.

The cacophony of a loud splash rent the silence, an intrusion too substantial for a mere fish or woodland creature's leap. Touya's senses honed in on the source, identifying an anomaly—an unmistakable human presence.

Swiftly, he propelled himself towards this enigma, only to discover a form cloaked in a long, flowing white gown, gradually succumbing to the lake's murky abyss. Drawing nearer, he seized the delicate ankle, hauling the figure closer for examination.

Fortuna's fickle favor had delivered a woman into his grasp, and while the prospect of her tender flesh stirred his primal hunger, an audacious notion overcame his instincts. The thrill of an encounter akin to a true siren's seduction beckoned, and the notion of her consumption transformed into a sinister game.

Against his ravenous desires, Touya encircled the fragile woman's frame with his sinuous arms, drawing her from the water's embrace onto the shore, where the macabre performance of a siren's sinister plan would soon commence.

As she splashed and struggled in the water, her vision blurred with panic. Her arms flailed wildly, and she gasped for air, unaware of what had caught her beneath the surface. Each thrash seemed to pull her deeper into the dark abyss, and the murky water filled her mouth easily, making her gag and sputter.

She couldn't see what had a hold of her, but the sensation of strong arms wrapping around her fragile body only heightened her fear. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her lungs burned for oxygen as she continued to fight against the unseen force.

Desperation set in, and she opened her mouth to scream, but instead, she inadvertently swallowed more water. It flooded her throat and rushed into her lungs, choking her, a burning sensation filling her pharynx and nose. The world around her grew dimmer, and her struggles weakened as her consciousness waned.

In the end, the water won, claiming her as its own. She slipped into unconsciousness, her body limp.

The beast, concealed beneath the watery veil of his domain, observed her futile resistance with a dispassionate eye. In the realm of aqueous shadows, humans were like vulnerable prey, their minds adrift in a soporific stupor. Submerged in liquid depths, they became rabid creatures confined within a cage of their own making, drawing ever nearer to the precipice of their demise with each gasping breath.

In a stroke of providence, the woman in his grasp surrendered to the dark embrace of unconsciousness. Her unconsciousness spared him the ordeal of wrestling with her thrashing form. It was a mercy he granted her, one she should consider herself fortunate to receive, for he had contemplated a far less compassionate fate.

With a grace befitting a creature of his nature, he transported her limp form to the water's edge, a sanctuary where the forest's tender grass merged with the lake's sandy shore. Touya did not deign to change his form, instead choosing to remain perched beside her prone body, a silent sentinel.

Reclining with his tail coiled comfortably, his scrutinizing gaze fell upon the woman's fragile form. Despite the dark blemishes that adorned her skin like aged spots upon a ripened fruit, her flesh beckoned like an illicit delicacy. The mere thought of sinking his serrated teeth and razor-sharp claws into her tender form sent his mouth awash with anticipation. He yearned to hear her cries of agony, to witness the crimson cascade of her life's essence, to observe the last flicker of vitality extinguish from her eyes as he ravaged her insides.

Yet, in a rare moment of restraint, the monster resisted the primal urge. No, he would savor this encounter, extracting a different form of pleasure if she were to awaken, for the thrill of her torment held a dark allure all its own.

Coughing violently, she jolted back to consciousness, her body wracked with spasms as the water that had filled her lungs was expelled with each hacking cough. It felt like her chest was on fire, and every cough sent painful ripples through her body.

For a moment, she struggled to sit up, her vision still blurred and her head pounding. She couldn't see clearly, but she had a distinct feeling that she was not alone. Panic gripped her again as she realized that someone or something was nearby.

Her coughs soon subsided, and she took ragged, shallow breaths, trying to clear the lingering water from her airways. Her gaze finally focused, and she saw it – a creature unlike anything she had ever encountered.

It sat beside her, its sharp features illuminated by the faint moonlight filtering through the trees. Its eyes, piercing and predatory, had turquoise irises with black sclera, a striking and unusual combination, creating an otherworldly appearance. The turquoise color itself was vibrant, reminiscent of the clear, tropical waters of a pristine ocean. Its gaze was fixed on her. Its body was a grotesque blend of human and sea creature, with scales and fins that seemed to shimmer in the dim light.

Terror coursed through her as she realized she was not in the safety of her own world anymore. She had been pulled into a nightmare, and this creature, this beast, was surely about to kill her.

She scrambled back, away from it, her heart pounding in her chest. Her voice trembled as she stammered, "W-who are you? What do you want from me?" But deep down, she feared that she already knew the answer.

As she desperately attempted to crawl through the grassy-muddy ground, every movement felt like a relentless struggle against the unforgiving terrain. The thick mud clung tenaciously to her hands and knees, making progress slow and arduous.

Eyes, vibrant and eerily alive, remained fixed on her every frantic movement. Yet, the pallid form that lay behind her, marred by ominous, dark splotches, remained immobile, preserving its enigmatic stillness until the woman's frenetic struggles yielded to silence.

A hand, adorned with webbed membranes that stretched sinuously between each finger, terminated in formidable claws. It moved through his own hair, a short cascade of pristine white, like freshly fallen snow. An insidious smile played upon his lips, revealing rows of serrated teeth that glistened malevolently in the dim light. His ears, akin to the finned appendages of some abyssal creature, possessed two sharp points and twitched slightly as he cocked his head in contemplation. "Is this how you extend gratitude to your savior?" His voice, a beguiling cadence that rivaled the most enchanting melody, seemed ill-fitted for his grotesque form. Yet, it was a weapon, not an adornment, a reminder that he wielded both power and allure. "One should exercise greater caution around these waters, miss. The prospect of losing one's life so recklessly hardly seems appealing."

The sight of her futile attempt to flee stirred a perverse pleasure within him. He found himself increasingly torn by his own plot, yet its wheels were set in motion, and he felt compelled to carry it to its conclusion. "Are you unharmed, miss? Do you feel any pain?" The inward cringe he felt at his unexpected benevolence clashed with his innate siren pride, an unsettling dissonance that inexplicably satisfied him.

The shock of hearing the creature speak, its voice so mesmerizing and soft, took her aback for a moment. She struggled to regain her confidence, her voice quivering as she managed to stammer out a question again, "W-What are you?"

As she continued to tremble, she finally collapsed onto her still-muddy knees. The weight of despair and desperation bore down on her, and she found herself confessing her dark intentions, her voice heavy with anguish, "I... I wanted to end my life."

She couldn't fathom why she had confessed her merciless plan to end her own life to this strange water creature. It felt surreal, as if she had already crossed into some sort of hellish realm beyond the realm of the living. Perhaps she had succumbed to the deadly water filling her lungs, and this creature was nothing more than a manifestation of her fractured mind.

But despite the uncertainty and the eerie circumstances, a part of her clung to the hope that maybe, just maybe, this encounter held some deeper meaning.

End her own life? He understood all too well that humans were, in his estimation, pitiful and often nothing more than a source of sustenance. However, this act was a new level of wretchedness, a lamentable display that played perfectly into his hands. It would grant him effortless dominion over her fragile psyche, cloaked in a deceptive veneer of benevolence, free from the shadow of his true nature. It promised to be a game as simple as toying with a child's plaything.

Touya edged closer, his movements constrained only by the limits of his domain. His cold hand, pallid and adorned with menacing claws, extended toward her own, long fingers encircling her palm with a touch that grazed her skin like a whispered threat. "End your life? Miss, how could you contemplate such a tragic act?" His voice, like the sweetest of lullabies, dripped with feigned empathy. "A woman of such exquisite beauty, extinguishing her own light — it would be a grievous loss to the world."

The sole witnesses to this deceitful charade were the moon, whose silvery glow bathed the lake and the encircling dark forest, and the enigmatic veil of night. The woods formed an impenetrable barrier, a divide between his aquatic realm and the distant human settlement, lending an illusion of sanctuary. This tableau, a fusion of darkness illuminated by the radiant moon, resembled a masterpiece plucked from the realm of the surreal, gracing the place with an eerie charm.

Her body shivered, not just from the cold but from the sensation of the creature's wet hand with its sharp claws closing around hers. It was an eerie feeling, like a surreal dream that she couldn't wake up from. The moonlit darkness around her only added to the strangeness of the moment.

The creature's soothing voice seemed to be at odds with the sharpness of its claws, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of fear and fascination in the beast's presence. Everything about this encounter defied logic and reason, and she was desperately seeking some semblance of understanding in this bizarre situation. "What are you?" she asked once more, her voice trembling as she stared into the creature's captivating turquoise eyes. "Am I... am I dead?"

Touya tenderly clasped her hand, his fingers exploring the contours of her skin and the supple muscles beneath. An insidious hunger stirred within him, and he battled the overpowering urge to sink his teeth into her soft flesh.

Instead, he brought her delicate palm to his lips, where his tongue languidly traced a sinuous path across her skin. A shiver of desire coursed through him as he inhaled the intoxicating fragrance that clung to her, an aroma as sweet and irresistible as the most alluring of temptations. "I believe you are quite alive, miss," he purred, his voice a seductive whisper. "One cannot be considered dead while radiating such warmth."

Horrified and disgusted by the creature's unsettling actions, she finally found her voice and strength. With a shudder, she forcefully withdrew her hand from the creature's grasp, her face contorted in a mixture of revulsion and fear. "What are you?" she demanded, her voice trembling with a newfound determination. The earlier feeling of hope had been tainted by the creature's disturbing behavior, and she needed answers more than ever. She was no longer willing to tolerate the enigmatic presence of the creature without understanding the truth of its nature.

A pair of luminescent, cerulean eyes bore into her with an eerie intensity, even as the monstrous figure let out a low, mocking laugh. He unfurled his form, revealing a pale body adorned with enigmatic dark markings and a magnificent tail that shimmered like a sinister jewel beneath the moon's ghostly radiance. "Is it truly so challenging to discern, miss?" he taunted, his voice a silky, melodious cadence. "I am a water-dwelling creature, inhabiting these very depths. You seem remarkably ungrateful - I saved your life, and not a word of thanks graces your lips."

The sudden audacity displayed by the woman intrigued him. It was a peculiar sight to behold — someone who had sought to end their own existence, now attempting to assert dominance as if he were the lesser of the two. He harbored a morbid fascination for this unfolding drama and was more than willing to indulge her in this charade.

As she shivered in the coldness of the night, her mind raced with conflicting emotions. The creature's words were unsettling, yet there was a grain of truth in what it had said - it had saved her from her own desperate act, and she couldn't deny that fact.

Swallowing her fear, she decided to pursue the conversation further. "I... I appreciate that you saved me," she stammered, her voice still shaking. "But I need to understand. What's your name? Do you even have one? And why did you intervene? I didn't want to be saved, that's not what I hoped for."

"You may call me Touya," he acknowledged with a nod, bestowing upon her a disarming smile that revealed a row of dangerously sharp teeth. "I am, by nature, a siren, and you, dear miss, have disrupted the tranquil harmony of my lake. At first, I assumed it was some unsuspecting creature taking an ill-fated plunge, but when my eyes fell upon a human as resplendent as yourself, I simply couldn't ignore the spectacle."

He offered this explanation in a voice as smooth as velvet, its mellifluous tones designed to insinuate themselves into her fragile psyche. Touya typically employed this beguiling cadence to lure unsuspecting individuals into the water, but in her case, he sought to quell her anxiety and delay her inevitable flight. "I dare say, fortune itself must be watching over you," he continued, his voice dripping with a honeyed reassurance. "For you have chosen to cast yourself into these depths, and in that choice, you've affirmed the value of life, young miss."

She remained silent, her shock and bewilderment apparent in her wide eyes as she stared at Touya. She blinked several times, as if trying to convince herself that this surreal encounter was real.

Her formerly white dress, now covered in mud and grass, clung to her body, the once pristine fabric marred by her ordeal. Some marine flora had found its way onto the dress as well, further adding to the disarray of her appearance. Her hair was a tangled mess, damp from her recent struggle in the lake. The soaked material of the dress offered little concealment, and her perky breasts were subtly visible through the fabric.

The woman struggled to make sense of it all, torn between the desire to flee from this creature and the nagging feeling that there was something soothing about his presence.

The woman's bewilderment bore a certain charm, and Touya couldn't help but relish the success of his beguiling voice. Seizing the opportunity, he inched closer to her until he was positioned right beside her, his attention now devoted to the delicate task of untangling debris from her disheveled hair. "I hope you don't find it intrusive, but might I inquire about your name, miss?" he asked, his voice a soothing melody, while he carefully plucked remnants from her tangled locks. "I find myself quite intrigued by the enigma I've just rescued."

His gaze wandered to her, swiftly detecting the telltale marks that marred her neck — a grim testament to the assailant who had been thwarted in their pursuit. With a possessive glint in his eyes, he whispered softly, his fingers lightly grazing her throat as he voiced his observation, "It seems someone has inflicted harm upon you."

"My name is not important," she replied with a distant, haunted look in her eyes. "I've been called so many slurs, I almost forgot my own name."

As Touya got closer, her senses were alarmed, and she instinctively got up, her stained attire a mess as she attempted to improve her appearance. She felt a mixture of fear and unease in the presence of this enigmatic creature.

Suddenly, a male voice came from afar, calling out for Miyaka. 

She gasped, her heart pounding as she recognized the voice of her husband. The very mention of her name sent a chill down her spine, and she knew that her desperate escape had not gone unnoticed. Panic washed over her, and she turned to Touya, her voice trembling. "I need to go now," she said urgently. "I have to go."

And with that she simply ran away, stopping twice to look back at the merman over her shoulder. Soon yet, she vanished in the woods.

Touya felt the embers of his anger smoldering within him, stoked by an ever-growing hunger, especially after the tantalizing taste of her skin.

With a frustrated growl, he retreated back into the murky depths of the lake, cursing himself for the absurd notion that had briefly gripped him.

The embrace of the cold water swiftly quelled his rising temper. As he sank to the lake's bottom, he contemplated how best to reclaim the woman he refused to let slip from his grasp.

_____________________________

Over the following days, Touya employed his hypnotic voice, weaving a mesmerizing aria to beckon her back to the waters. It did ensnare a lost, young soul, but not the one he so fervently desired. Nevertheless, the young girl, enticed by his enchantment, undressed and ventured into the chilling embrace of the lake a few nights later.

That was the moment he seized.

As the girl floated on her back, lost in the tranquility of the lake's surface, a sinister force latched onto her ankle, yanking her beneath the water's surface.

Desperation and fear churned within her, and she thrashed wildly, her outstretched hands clawing at the surface, futilely struggling against the monstrous grip. A pale hand, equipped with menacing claws, clamped onto her slender ankle, sealing her grim fate as prey to a relentless kelpie.

He held her under until her struggles ceased, ensuring her life was extinguished before allowing himself to retrieve the lifeless body.

With an eerie detachment, Touya surveyed his gruesome feast. He tore into her flesh, devouring the most succulent portions and discarding what he deemed unworthy. Each organ yielded a delectable, squishy texture, untainted by the ravages of time and human indulgence. 

But the heart, that was his ultimate indulgence. Delving for the heart was always a pleasure for Touya, akin to prying open a clam. He reveled in the visceral experience — ripping through flesh, unveiling the rib cage formed from robust bones that snapped like dry twigs under his unrelenting grasp. Inside lay the heart. Sinking his teeth into the still-beating organ was akin to prying open a precious pearl encased within the ribs, the bones cracking like brittle twigs beneath his formidable grip.

Having sated his appetite by consuming the choicest portions, he discarded whatever seemed unworthy, flinging it aside. Seated beside the lifeless body on the bottom of the lake, he seized the hand, twisting it until the elbow joint surrendered with a gruesome pop. The skin tore haphazardly, leaving jagged edges adorning the amputated limb. Now he could relish the taste of human flesh as he bit into it.

This grotesque repast sustained him for the next few days, casting a pall of momentary satisfaction over his insatiable hunger. All that remained were bones, some still intact while others lay shattered, along with soiled garments and scattered remnants of meat.

Yet, he didn't forget about the girl named Miyaka. He toiled tirelessly to entice her back to the lake, driven by an unrelenting determination to make her his own once more.

_____________________________

Her husband was furious at her attempt to escape, and his anger had escalated to violence. The evening had been unbearable, her husband's rage unleashed upon her for daring to defy him and attempt to escape. He had scolded and hit her, his anger leaving her bruised and terrified. As a punishment, the man decided to confine her to a cramped guest bedroom in their shared, or rather his exclusive, house.

The memories of her near escape and her encounter with Touya, the merman, haunted her constantly. She longed for the soothing presence of the lake, where she had briefly found respite from her torment.

One evening, as the sun began to set and darkness crept over the land, she heard a faint, melodious voice carried by the evening breeze. It was distant, yet unmistakable. The voice belonged to Touya, the merman who had saved her life just a few days prior. The sound seemed to come from afar, but Miyaka was more than sure of its origin.

Miyaka cried throughout the day and night, her tears eventually lulling her to sleep in her cramped confinement. And there, in the depths of the night, the magical, soothing voice of Touya returned to her. Sometimes she would shake off the feeling, trying to rationalize that it was impossible for her to hear his voice from so far away. But in the lonely darkness of her captivity, she began to dream about the merman, his appearance simultaneously dangerous and alluring. His presence in her dreams became a lifeline, a glimmer of hope in her otherwise bleak existence.

One night, Miyaka decided to try her luck as their maid forgot to lock her in the bedroom after bringing her supper. The nights had become colder, and she threw a light coat over her shoulders, concealing her black dress beneath. Tiptoeing downstairs, she could hear her husband engaged in a conversation with his friends who had come to visit. Luck seemed to be on her side as she also heard the clinks of glasses, most likely filled with sake – it meant her husband wouldn't notice her leaving the house.

Quietly sneaking through the corridor, she closed the front door gently behind her. The cool night air filled her lungs, and a smile crept onto her lips – she felt free again.

Suddenly, a female voice emerged from the darkness on her left. "You shouldn't be seeing him, he's a demon," it cautioned. It was their maid, an old lady named Yuki.

Miyaka frowned and replied, "I have no idea what you're talking about. I just need to take a walk. I can't function like this."

Yuki sighed, her eyes filled with concern, and she moved closer, holding some logs in her hands. She reached out and gently placed one hand on Miyaka's shoulder. "My child, stay away from that lake, it's a cursed place. Many souls were lost there, long forgotten by this world. Don't let your sadness and loneliness drag you there, to that hellish place."

Miyaka shook the hand of the older woman off her shoulder. "Please stop, Yuki-san. I'm a grown-up, and I know how to take care of myself. I've been there many times before, and I've never seen or heard anything unusual," Miyaka lied smoothly. "People often concoct unusual stories, usually to frighten children away from venturing there on their own, to prevent accidents or drownings. And don't tell my husband you saw me."

Yuki let out a deep sigh, her eyes carrying a sadness that seemed to weigh her down. "You're making a mistake, my child."

But Miyaka wasn't listening anymore. She was already running towards the lake, as if some strange, invisible force was pushing her towards it.

Touya's throat felt raspy as he completed his haunting melody. A gnawing doubt crept in, questioning the worth of straining his vocal cords for the sake of a pitiful human.

With an irritated growl, Touya glared at the moon before submerging himself back into the water. He couldn't help but feel frustrated that the woman hadn't been devoured when she first plunged into the lake; it seemed like that was her intention after all. Yet, the irresistible urge to play with human pathetic life had taken precedence.

As he rested on the lake's bottom, he patiently waited, a glimmer of hope in his heart that perhaps she had at last heard his enticing voice, sparing him the need to actively seek her out once more.

Miyaka finally arrived at the lake, the moon casting an eerie glow over the surrounding woods. The night was heavy with a sense of foreboding, the tall trees looming like silent sentinels in the darkness. The lake, approachable through a narrow path in the woods, shimmered like a dark mirror, its surface reflecting the cold, distant stars.

As she crouched near the water, her fingers trembling, she tapped the surface with her fingertips, whispering his name in a hushed, desperate tone. Her heart pounded in her chest, and a chill ran down her spine. The air seemed thick with an unnatural stillness, as if the very forest held its breath, waiting for something to happen.

Miyaka's feelings were a tumultuous mix of fear and longing. She had been drawn here by an inexplicable force, a connection she couldn't explain. Her mind told her to flee this eerie place, to return to the safety of her husband's house, but her heart and soul yearned for something else, something she couldn't quite comprehend.

As she continued to call out to him, the water remained still, and a sense of dread settled over her. In the heart of the night, in the midst of the haunted woods, she was about to confront a reality she could never have imagined.

A shock of white hair emerged from beneath the water's surface, followed by a pair of radiant blue eyes that observed her with an eerie, almost otherworldly glow, resembling the lost flames of souls.

So she had returned! The woman had willingly walked back into the snare that would ultimately lead to her demise. It was a stark testament to the foolishness of humans, their vulnerability to the allure of his voice despite their long-standing awareness of water creatures like him. Truly, their ignorance was nothing short of pathetic.

As the woman extended her hand into the water, he gracefully swam closer and gently enveloped her hand with his own, guiding it beneath the water's surface just enough to plant a delicate kiss on the top of her palm. To her, it likely appeared as a customary human gesture, but for him, it was an opportunity to savor her essence once more, and she tasted exquisite.

He released her hand and revealed his full form to her. "You've returned, miss," he stated calmly. "I thought you were too frightened of me to come back."

When her hand dipped into the water, she felt a gentle pull, and her breath caught as the merman's lips pressed against the top of her palm. It was a fleeting gesture, one that she perceived as a kind human custom, but the sensation sent shivers through her.

As he let go of her hand, she finally saw him in his entirety. He revealed himself to her, and she was spellbound by his otherworldly appearance. His words reached her ears, and she couldn't help but respond, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and fascination. "I... I couldn't stay away," she admitted, her gaze locked on his mesmerizing eyes. "I don't understand what's happening, but there's something about you that draws me back, despite my fear."

"Oh? Is that so?" He mused with a hint of curiosity. Without further ado, he gracefully submerged beneath the water's surface without unnecessary words.

Miyaka watched with a mixture of fascination and trepidation as he hummed and disappeared beneath the water's surface. Her heart pounded in her chest as she waited for his return, her mind awash with questions and a growing sense of unease.

She couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay hidden beneath those dark, mysterious waters.

Touya emerged from the murky water just a moment later, but there was something different about him this time.

Instead of his tail, Touya was now standing on his own two legs. His body was strong, but his skin was pale with dark purple splatters all over it. He sighed deeply, running a hand through his wet hair.

Then he turned to her, standing there like the day he was born, completely unbothered by his nakedness. "Maybe it was destiny itself that brought you here, or perhaps you are in love, miss. How about we take a little walk?" he hummed, using his voice in a specific way to maintain his control over her.

Miyaka's eyes widened in shock as she saw him looking more like a human. Her cheeks flushed at his nakedness, and at first, she turned her head away, trying to regain her composure. His voice, however, was so sweet and enchanting that she found herself unable to resist his offer.

With a shy smile, she finally met his gaze and nodded in agreement. "A walk sounds nice," she replied, her voice slightly trembling.

"Then, come on, for it would be my privilege to stroll alongside a lady of your grace," Touya whispered, his voice a gentle melody, its soft vibrations resonating in the quietude of the night.

As they embarked on their journey, the moonlight filtered through the forest canopy, bestowing an otherworldly glow upon their surroundings. Miyaka found herself caught in a swirl of emotions. On one hand, the night's beauty enthralled her — the moon's tranquil reflection upon the serene lake and the enigmatic presence of her companion held an undeniable allure.

Yet, beneath this surface enchantment, a lingering fear clung to her heart. She walked alongside a creature she could barely fathom—a being who had both saved her and possessed the potential to harm her. Her steps were cautious, her senses acutely attuned, yet she couldn't deny the strange magnetism of the situation that kept her near him.

"Touya," she ventured with trepidation, "you mentioned being a siren earlier, and I believe you obviously... But I've been pondering... What sustenance does a being like you feed on?"

The merman gazed at her through half-lidded eyes, offering a subtle shrug of his shoulders. "I am indeed a siren, and I'm pleased that you trust me. If you're truly curious, I subsist on fish and other creatures that dwell within this very lake." Touya gently entwined his hand with hers, their fingers interlocking. "Is there a particular reason for your concern?" he inquired softly.

Miyaka's fingers held onto Touya's hand with a hint of tension as she confessed, "Our maid, Yuki-san, she warned me about you. She called you a devil and spoke of the many people who have disappeared near this lake." Her gaze wavered between fear and fascination as she continued, "Despite her warnings, I couldn't resist the pull of this place, and of you."

In response, Touya emitted a low purring sound and drew a bit nearer, his hand reaching to tenderly brush her cheek. "People often spin tales to frighten children or to add intrigue to their lives," he remarked, his voice laced with a soothing quality. "Do you truly believe I would have saved you if I were the monster they depict?" he lied smoothly.

Miyaka yielded to the allure of Touya's touch, her fear momentarily giving way to an inexplicable attraction. "I... I don't know what to believe anymore," she confessed, her voice quivering with uncertainty. “But I trust you…”

As they continued their walk, Miyaka was suddenly assaulted by a foul odor that made her wince and scrunch up her nose. "Oh God, what an awful smell!" She scanned the area, trying to locate the source of the stench.

Dabi's brow furrowed with a sense of foreboding; he already had a suspicion about what she was referring to. It was likely the remains of the girl who had come to the lake before her, her torn and discarded body now possibly decomposing in the tall grass, right where he had left it; Touya had no inclination to allow the wretched remnants of a pitiful human to decompose within the sacred waters of his lake. He cursed himself for not disposing of it more discreetly, hiding the evidence of his previous encounter.

Miyaka couldn't resist investigating the foul odor. She carefully approached the nearby bushes, her heart pounding with dread. As she parted the dense foliage, she was met with a gruesome sight.

There, partially concealed among the tangled branches and leaves, were the decaying remains of what appeared to be a human. The body was in a horrifying state of decomposition, and the stench was overwhelming. Maggots crawled in and out of the decomposing flesh, and Miyaka felt bile rise in her throat.

She stumbled back, horrified by the grisly discovery. "Oh my God," she whispered, her voice trembling with shock and disgust. "What... what is this?!" The realization that something terrible had happened here sent shivers down her spine. "Oh my dear God!" She started crying.

Touya swiftly ensnared her in his grasp, drawing her nearer as his arms coiled around her, a tight and sinister embrace. His hushed whispers carried an eerie weight, like a sinister lullaby meant to enthrall. "You humans are often desperate creatures," he murmured, his tone taking on a dark, chilling timbre. "I didn't know she was here. She probably came for the same reason you did those days ago, but she succeeded."

The sinister undercurrent in his words hung in the air, weaving a web of unsettling secrets and uncertainty. Miyaka's heart raced as Touya pulled her into a tight hug, but his touch only intensified her fear and disgust. The overwhelming desire to escape this situation consumed her, like a trapped animal seeking freedom. As her mind churned with conflicting emotions, the feeling of unease grew stronger. She needed to get away, to put distance between herself and whatever had transpired here. "That's disgusting! Poor soul..." she whispered, her voice trembling. 

But then realization struck, and her horror deepened. "Wait... How do you know it was a woman? These remains are unrecognizable, you can't determine who it was... Oh my God... oh my God, you killed her..." Miyaka began to back away slowly, her eyes filled with a terror that clawed at her very soul.

Touya's frown deepened as he regarded her, her skepticism gnawing at his patience. His voice, laced with irritation, rumbled like distant thunder, "You are too quick to pass judgment, miss. My existence is far removed from your understanding, and my senses perceive the world in ways you cannot fathom."

Turning away from her, he continued in a lower tone, his words designed to play on her human psyche, "I saved your life, yet you accuse me of murder."

Miyaka, caught in a conflict of emotions, felt a wave of guilt cascade over her like a shadowed waterfall. Had her accusations been too hasty, she wondered? Touya's words, though cryptic, resonated with a strange sincerity. Yet, the puzzle pieces of this enigmatic encounter didn't quite fit into the mosaic of her understanding.

Opting to retain her doubts in the vault of her thoughts, Miyaka approached Touya, her arms encircling his waist from behind with a hesitancy akin to a delicate breeze quivering through a forest of doubts. Her voice trembled, a blend of trepidation and contrition as she spoke. "I... I apologize if I misconstrued, Touya. The world here feels surreal, and my fear cast shadows over my judgment. Forgive me."

Touya's lips curled into a smile, hidden from her eyes. In her vulnerability, her heartstrings resonated to his voice's enchanting tune. The pieces of his plan were falling into place as he desired.

He released a deep, contemplative sigh, his fingers gently caressing the arms wrapped around his waist. His voice, a velvet whisper, embraced the still night air. "Yes, I saved you. If I were the monster you fear, you would have been my meal the very day you graced the water with your presence. But, dear miss, I forgive you, for there's something about you that intrigues me."

Miyaka's voice quivered as she made her request, her longing for confirmation overpowering her doubts. "Touya," she murmured, the name like a sweet melody on her lips, "would you... kiss me? To anchor this moment in reality, to assure me that I'm not merely adrift in some dream?"

Touya's hands gently slid to Miyaka's, separating them from his waist. He released himself from her embrace and turned to face her, his smile still present as he cupped her face with his cool palms. "Sirens are known for granting wishes. Your wish is my command, fair lady," he whispered softly before leaning in to kiss her.

Their kiss was both slow and intense, a dance of desire and mystery. Touya's sharp teeth clanked against hers, but he quickly took control of the kiss, his forked tongue parting her lips, exploring her mouth.

Miyaka responded eagerly to Touya's kiss, her initial hesitation giving way to a surge of desire and curiosity. Her hands began to explore his physique with a boldness she hadn't known she possessed. Fingers traced the lines of his pale skin, feeling the strange yet alluring texture of his body. As their lips moved in a passionate dance, her fingers traveled from his chest to his back and further south, grasping his ass. Her tongue danced with his.

Touya blinked, and retreated, his gaze locked on her with a smug, playful smile dancing on his lips. He ran his tongue over his mouth. "Behold, dear lady, clutching a monster’s ass, nurtured by the wild with manners undefined?" he mused with a hint of amusement in his voice.

Miyaka's cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson as she felt the heat of embarrassment wash over her. She stammered out an apology, her words a mixture of guilt and confusion. "I'm... I'm so sorry," she murmured, her voice quivering. "I don't know why I did that. It was impulsive, and I should never have... I didn't mean to offend you." Her eyes averted, unable to meet his gaze, she felt a strange mixture of attraction and shame clouding her judgment.

The monster chuckled, capturing her lips with a playful kiss, his palm caressing her cheek. This time, his arms enveloped her waist, and his hands embarked on a slow journey downward, firmly fondling her ass.

Miyaka's gaze locked with Touya's as she struggled to find the words to convey her complex feelings. "Touya," she began, her voice filled with uncertainty, "I want to be with you, but I'm lost. I don't know what to do or how to navigate this... connection we have... What am I supposed to do?"

Touya emitted a soft, melodic hum, gently pressing his forehead to hers. "You see, my dear, you have the power to rid yourself of your tormentor, to break free from those chains that bind you. Return to me, and I shall envelop you in a love that knows no bounds, a love that will shield and cherish you," he whispered, his words like a seductive melody. 

Dabi couldn't contain his satisfaction. He marveled at how effortlessly he manipulated her. She was not only surrendering herself willingly, but she was also unwittingly becoming a pawn in his sinister game. The thrill of her impending arrival, the promise of chaos in her wake — oh, how he relished it all!

In that surreal moment, Miyaka found herself strangely drawn to the merman's words. The idea of breaking free from her tormentor, of taking control of her own destiny, it all felt so tempting, so liberating. The plan that had sounded wrong at first now seemed like the path she was meant to take, the one that would finally lead her to a life free from the clutches of her abusive husband.

She hesitated for just a moment, the weight of her decision sinking in, and then, with newfound determination, she whispered, "Yes... I'll do it. I'll break free from him, no matter what it takes." 

Using his seductive voice, he whispered into her ear, his tone laced with malice, "Do it. Show him what you're truly made of, and we shall be bound together for eternity." His words were a siren's call, leading her deeper into the abyss of darkness that he reveled in.

Touya watched Miyaka's retreating figure, a sinister smile curling on his lips as he imagined the torment he would inflict upon her. To him, she was nothing more than a pawn in his twisted game, a foolish woman who had fallen right into his meticulously set trap. The prospect of torturing her and relishing in her suffering thrilled him.

_____________________________

That night Miyaka found herself trapped in a nightmare. She stood alone in a strange, dark room that seemed to stretch endlessly in all directions. There was no light, no discernible features, just an overwhelming sense of oppressive darkness that threatened to swallow her whole.

The first thing that assaulted her senses was the pungent scent of blood, heavy and metallic, hanging in the air like a suffocating fog. It clung to her, filling her nostrils with a sickening, nauseating aroma that made her stomach churn with dread.

As she cautiously took a step forward, her footsteps echoed eerily in the void, the sound resonating through the darkness. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, the fear intensifying with each passing moment. She called out for help, but her voice seemed to vanish into the abyss, swallowed by the oppressive silence.

The room felt like a labyrinth, a never-ending maze of despair. Miyaka's breath quickened, and her skin prickled with a cold, clammy sweat. Panic welled up inside her as she desperately searched for an escape, but the darkness remained unyielding, trapping her in its suffocating grip. 

In the next moment, the oppressive darkness was pierced by a strange, eerie light that suddenly illuminated a portion of the floor in front of her. The ghastly scene that unfolded was horrifying beyond imagination.

There, sprawled out in a grotesque and mangled state, lay a heavily destroyed female body. It bore the unmistakable marks of teeth, deep and savage, along with numerous bruises and cuts inflicted by sharp, brutal claws. The sight was enough to make her blood run cold, and a wave of revulsion surged through her.

The lifeless figure on the ground seemed to be a cruel testament to unimaginable violence. It was as if some malevolent force had unleashed its fury upon this unfortunate soul, leaving behind a gruesome tableau of suffering and torment.

Miyaka's breath hitched, and her heart pounded in her chest as she gazed upon this macabre scene. The strange light continued to flicker, casting eerie shadows that danced across the lifeless form. She felt a suffocating dread wash over her, realizing that she was trapped, unable to escape the horrors that lurked in the shadows.

Suddenly, amidst the surreal horror, Miyaka heard a grotesque noise that resembled something being voraciously chewed. Her heart raced as she turned her head to the side slowly, where the eerie light flickered once more, revealing a chilling sight.

In the dim illumination, she saw a dark figure, unmistakably Touya, slowly devouring a still-beating heart held in his clawed hands. His sharp claws dug into the quivering meat of the organ, his eyes glinting with a sinister hunger.

The gruesome scene played out before her eyes, and she was paralyzed with terror, unable to look away from the horrifying spectacle unfolding in this twisted nightmare. Miyaka's terror reached its zenith as she opened her mouth in a desperate attempt to scream, but to her horror, no sound escaped her lips. Her voice had been stolen by the darkness surrounding her.

The next moment, she was outside, and the moon hung low in the obsidian sky, casting a sinister pallor over the desolate landscape. The eerie silence was shattered by the mournful cries of ghostly sea creatures that drifted ominously in the air, their twisted forms contorted in agony.

Amidst this nightmarish scene, the water's surface rippled and churned, as if it were alive with malevolent intent. From the inky depths, a grotesque figure emerged. It was Touya, but he bore no resemblance to the benevolent creature she had encountered before. His once-lustrous white hair now hung in limp, tangled strands, darkened with the stains of blood and decay. His eyes, once mesmerizing pools of turquoise, were now empty voids, devoid of any humanity. His scales and fins had become jagged and twisted, oozing with an otherworldly ichor.

Touya's mouth gaped open unnaturally wide, revealing rows of serrated teeth, each one gleaming with an eerie luminescence. He lurched toward Miyaka, his movements disjointed and unnatural, as if he were a puppet controlled by some malevolent force. With a gut-wrenching lurch, his grotesque form surged out of the water, and he loomed over her, his breath rancid and putrid. He reached out with his twisted, clawed hands, and ripped right through her chest, pulling her heart out; his touch sent a searing pain through her body.

The next moment, Miyaka found herself standing at the edge of the dark lake once more, alone. The haunting memories of what she witnessed still lingered, but a strange compulsion had drawn her back to this place.

She began to undress, her trembling fingers fumbling with the fabric of her dress. The moonlight cast a silvery glow on her as she shed each layer, leaving her vulnerable in the night. The cool breeze rustled the leaves in the surrounding woods, and the night seemed to hold its breath, as if nature itself watched in anticipation. With each piece of clothing that fell to the ground, she felt a strange sense of liberation, as if she was shedding not just fabric but the weight of her past as well. She stood bare under the moonlight, the lake's dark waters reflecting her silhouette.

Miyaka shivered, whether from the cold or from the anticipation of the unknown, she couldn't tell. 

As the woman stood by the edge of the lake, the moonlight illuminating her bare form, a sudden change in the atmosphere caught her by surprise. Without warning, the heavens opened, and rain began to pour down in a torrential downpour.

The raindrops drenched her, mingling with the tears that had welled up in her eyes. She felt the cool water cascade down her skin, as if nature itself wept for the strange and unsettling journey she had embarked upon.

The rain intensified, soaking the earth around her and turning the once-silent night into a cacophony of sound. Thunder rumbled in the distance.

As another loud clap of thunder echoed through the night, the world seemed to vibrate with its intensity. Miyaka stood drenched and shivering, the rain pouring down around her, when something utterly unexpected unfolded before her eyes.

From the dark depths of the lake, a figure began to emerge. Slowly and deliberately, Touya materialized, his form once again taking on a human shape. The rain-slicked water glistened on his bare skin, accentuating the contours of his body.

He stepped out of the lake, his movements graceful and unhurried, and stood before her in all his naked glory. The moonlight and raindrops played tricks with the shadows and highlights on his body, creating an almost ethereal, mesmerizing effect.

Miyaka's heart raced, and she couldn't tear her eyes away from this captivating sight. The storm raged around them, but in this moment, it was as if time had stood still, and the world held its breath in the presence of the enigmatic creature before her.

She watched helplessly as Touya's delicious naked body walked purposefully towards her. She felt as though her heart were consumed by a white-hot fire, and was being stabbed with a thousand needles, and she didn't know why. Never had she felt a pain even remotely like this before; it was horrendous. It was a pain she would never wish upon anybody, even a foe.

Touya wrapped his arms around Miyaka, pulling her close, and they both sank to their knees on the wet sand. The storm raged fiercer around them.

Touya, with a powerful force, pushed Miyaka down onto the ground, pinning her beneath his weight, the storm's intensity mirroring the tempestuous passion that had ignited between them.

Miyaka parted her lips, rolling her head back, as Touya's lips found the sweet spot on her exposed neck. His mouth closed over it, and a shiver of pleasure coursed through her as he gently sucked on the sensitive area, right where her pulse point was located.

The merman, displaying skill and patience, gently inserted two fingers into her, his groan reflecting the tightness he encountered. Leaving a trail of wet, open-mouthed kisses along her body, his head descended to her pussy, where he proceeded to wrap his lips around her needy core. Two fingers gently ran across her clit, up and down, up and down.

The woman moaned in pleasure at his fingers massaging her insides.

Touya seemed to be savoring every moment, leisurely tracing his tongue along her slit. His captivating turquoise eyes locked onto her, a mischievous smirk gracing his face as he reveled in the heavenly expression on her face. His forked tongue, with expert precision, skillfully explores every tantalizing crevice, evoking a passionate response that leaves her drenched with desire.

They shifted their positions, with her now kneeling between Touya's legs. She proceeded with deliberate and seductive movements, using her soft hands to sensually stroke his aroused member. A smile of satisfaction graced Miyaka’s lips as she noticed the uncontrollable moan that escaped the merman's mouth when her tongue made contact with the engorged head of his throbbing shaft.

A heated tongue writhed sloppily inside of her cunt, catching Miyaka off guard once more. 

Her breath caught in her throat, and she surrendered to the intense pleasure coursing through her. In a symphony of blissful moans and gasps, she couldn't contain herself, her body quivering as Touya's skilled hand rubbed her swollen clit raw.

Soon, Miyaka mounted Touya, aligning his throbbing dick with her glistening, slick  entrance. She eased his impressive length into her eager pussy, relishing the intense sensation of being stretched beyond what her husband had ever provided.

Touya's hands firmly gripped Miyaka's hips, and he drove himself into her with unrestrained fervor, lost in the primal rhythm of their connection. Each powerful thrust was accompanied by a guttural growl leaving his lips.

Miyaka's breath caught in her throat as she rested her hands on Touya's chiseled chest, snapping her hips back and forth, riding him like he would be a wild stallion. 

Her young body quivered as the successive waves of her climax surged through her. Miyaka's breathing quickened, and her gaze appeared to lose focus as if her eyes were drifting backward. She rode Touya for what felt like an eternity, and then, in a sudden motion, she forcefully slammed down on his throbbing dick, her pussy muscles clenching tightly around his shaft. As she relaxed her pussy slightly, merman shot hot, sticky ropes of cum deep within her core. Miyaka leaned forward to share a passionate kiss with him; their tongues danced together. 

As the ecstasy of the moment began to fade, Miyaka's senses returned, and she suddenly became aware of the rain growing thicker around them. But to her profound horror, when she reluctantly opened her eyes after breaking the passionate kiss with Touya, she realized that it wasn't water pouring down upon them; it was a deluge of blood, staining everything in a nightmarish crimson hue. 

Miyaka wanted to scream, to release the overwhelming anguish that gripped her, but no sound escaped her lips. Instead, she felt like she was suffocating, the blood rain gathering in her nose, making each breath a painful struggle.

After she blinked, Miyaka found herself standing by the side of their marital bed, a sinister calmness in the room as her husband slept soundly. The air was heavy with the weight of her suppressed emotions, and in the distance, she could hear the cruel slurs and insults he had hurled at her throughout their troubled marriage. Each word echoed in her mind, a painful reminder of the torment she had endured.

The anger within her boiled over, a searing rage that consumed her. Unable to contain her emotions any longer, she reached out and began to strike his chest with a fury she had kept buried for far too long. Her screams filled the room as she unleashed the pent-up hatred she felt towards him, her voice cracking with the intensity of her emotions. "I hate you!" she screamed, her voice raw with bitterness. "I hate everything about you!" Her fists hammered down, each blow a cathartic release of the pain and suffering she had endured in silence for too many years. The room seemed to close in around her as she confronted the source of her torment, the darkness of the night bearing witness to her long-suppressed fury.

_____________________________

A haunting, low moan pulled Miyaka out of her nightmarish slumber. Confusion gripped her as she slowly opened her eyes, disoriented and uncertain of her surroundings. It took a few bewildering moments, but then the horrifying realization struck her like a bolt of lightning.

She stood next to her marital bed, her trembling hand gripping a bloodied butcher's knife. On the bed, the nightmarish scene unfolded before her eyes — her husband, lying there with numerous gruesome cuts to his chest and neck, blood pooling around him. His eyes, filled with terror, locked onto her with a fading, desperate gaze, his voice stolen by the brutality of his wounds.

Miyaka's breath caught in her throat as she stared at the gruesome tableau of violence she had somehow become a part of. 

"Noooo!" Miyaka screamed. Her world shattered in a cacophony of horror as she screamed hysterically, the knife slipping from her trembling hand. Her husband's neck bled profusely, a torrent of crimson that stained everything it touched.

In sheer desperation, she pressed her trembling fingers against the gaping wound, trying to stem the relentless flow of blood. Warm, sticky liquid soaked through her delicate palms, mingling with her own tears splashing on top of her palms as they streamed down her cheeks. "I'm so sorry, my love, I'm so sorry! Oh my God, what have I done?! What have I done?! Oh God!" Apologies escaped her trembling lips, choked with guilt and fear. 

As Miyaka stood over her husband, the time seemed to slow down. 

His once-threatening presence now lay vulnerable before her, his breaths shallow and labored. The weight of her decision bore down on her, and a tumultuous mix of emotions churned within her.

She knelt by his side, his life slipping away with each passing moment. His eyes, once filled with cruelty, now held a hint of fear and regret. The realization of what had transpired seemed to dawn on him in those final moments.

Miyaka watched as his chest rose and fell for the last time, his breaths growing weaker until they ceased altogether. His life ended in her arms, and as she looked down at him, a complex array of emotions washed over her — relief, sadness, and the haunting knowledge that her life had taken a dark turn. She had taken control of her destiny, but it had come at a cost she could never truly escape. The memory of his death would forever be etched into her soul. "What have I done..." Miyaka was whispering, her tears streaming uncontrollably.

The old maid, Yuki, was rudely awakened by the piercing screams that echoed through the once-quiet house. Fear gnawed at her as she rushed to the source of the disturbance, her trembling hands clutching the edges of her nightgown.

When she entered the room and laid eyes upon the nightmarish scene, Yuki’s own scream pierced the air. Horror contorted her features as she beheld the lifeless form of Miyaka's husband and the distraught Miyaka herself, tears streaming down her face.

Yuki, her voice shaking with dread, stammered, "What... What happened here, ma'am?! You... You murdered him!"

Miyaka, overwhelmed by the gruesome events, could only sob in response, trying to explain the inexplicable. She was lost in a maelstrom of emotions, her world unraveling before her eyes.

In the end, unable to bear the weight of her actions and the night's horrors, Miyaka made a fateful decision. She fled from the scene, her tear-streaked face a mask of desperation, and ran toward the only place she believed was safe — the dark embrace of the lake that had lured her with its eerie allure, where the enigmatic merman awaited her. Her mission was accomplished.

_____________________________

Touya's keen senses detected the hurried steps drawing nearer to the lake, and the unmistakable scent of blood hung heavy in the air. She had done it — Miyaka had followed through with their dark plan! He could already sense the turmoil coursing through her, her distress palpable.

With a predatory grace, he decided to rise to the surface of the water, and he waited there, anticipating her arrival.

Miyaka ran through the woods, her breath ragged and her heart pounding in her chest. Her once-silky, pink nightgown was now marred by dark stains of blood, a chilling testament to the horrors she had taken part in. Her long, dark hair was tangled and matted, wild strands framing her flushed cheeks.

She moved with a frantic urgency, her feet making a wet sound as they pounded against the damp earth. Every step took her farther away from the nightmarish scene she had left behind, but the memory of it clung to her like a shadow.

Miyaka reached the shore of the lake, her voice trembling as she called out for Touya. Her desperate cries echoed through the eerie stillness of the night, each plea carrying the weight of her fear and longing. "Touya!" she called, her voice quivering with emotion. "Please, I need you!" She scanned the dark waters, her heart racing in anticipation, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. 

Touya's head emerged from the water, his wet hair clinging to his pale skin, and his piercing blue eyes locked onto her. "My love," he beckoned, his voice soothing yet strangely commanding. "Why the distress? Didn't I promise to protect you? Come to me, and find the safety and solace you seek." His words were laden with an irresistible invitation, drawing her deeper into his world.

Miyaka, trembling all over her body, took slow, hesitant steps into the water. Her tear-stained face glistened in the moonlight as she approached Touya, her heart heavy with guilt and despair. She continued to cry, her voice shaky as she began to tell Touya about what she had done. "I... I did it," she whispered, her voice quivering with remorse. "I... I followed your words, and I hurt him. He's gone now." Her confession hung in the air like a dark cloud, and she looked into Touya's eyes, seeking some form of understanding or absolution for the choices she had made.

The water enveloped Miyaka, and she shivered involuntarily as its icy coldness seeped into her skin. The sensation sent a shock of discomfort through her, a stark contrast to the tumultuous emotions swirling within her. Her nightgown grew heavy, soaked with the icy water.

Touya extended his hand, gently seizing hers, and drew her closer, enveloping her in his warm embrace. One of his hands tenderly caressed her hair, his touch a deceptive contrast to the darkness that lay beneath.

He savored the sensation of her distress, finding it akin to sweet nectar, adding an intoxicating layer to the unfolding narrative of their entwined destinies.

"My sweet Miyaka," he murmured, his voice laced with a sinister sweetness. "Such a good girl." His praise was both soothing and unsettling, as he reveled in the intricate web of emotions he had woven around her.

Miyaka found solace in Touya's embrace, even as her body went numb from the cold water. His presence provided a strange comfort that she couldn't quite explain.

She looked up at him, her voice quivering, and asked in a trembling whisper, "What... What do we do now?" The world around her had descended into chaos, and she clung to him as her anchor in this bewildering nightmare.

Touya held her in a tight embrace, "I shall shield you, for you are mine," he said with eerie grace.

Miyaka looked up at Touya with worry in her eyes, her voice filled with desperation. "My maid... she saw what happened. I can't return to the estate. What should I do now?"

The monstrous being scoffed dismissively. "Don't concern yourself with that old hag. She knows nothing. You are under my protection now, and you shall remain safe for all time."

Miyaka snuggled closer to Touya, resting her head on the crook of his neck for comfort. Her curiosity piqued, she asked in a soft voice, "Touya, what are those dark purple spots on your skin? I forgot to ask earlier..."

"That's how my body looks," Touya replied openly, "They are just marks from years ago when some sailors tried to burn me alive after I killed their captain on the open sea."

Miyaka's eyes widened as she listened to his gruesome story. She struggled to reconcile this dark tale with the merman who had saved her and told her he had never attacked anyone. She asked, her voice filled with uncertainty, "But... you saved me, and you said you've never harmed anyone. I don't understand, Touya..."

"Perhaps it's because you're nothing more than a naive, little human," Touya chuckled, his hold on her growing stronger.

Miyaka winced as Touya's grip tightened, causing discomfort. She mustered the courage to speak up, her voice trembling. "Touya, your hold is hurting me," she said softly. "Please, let's not be unkind..."

"Well, my dear, I need to ensure my prized possession won't simply slip through my fingers," he remarked with a sinister smile. "Oh, I've been waiting for this moment for so long — to have you back in my embrace."

Miyaka attempted to slip out of Touya's strong embrace, but her efforts were in vain. Instead, a sudden force of his hands pushed her beneath the water's surface, and panic surged through her. She thrashed and struggled, desperate for air and to break free from the grip that had become suffocating.

Her distress only seemed to heighten his pleasure. The sight of her desperately thrashing around, fighting for her own life, sent a thrilling wave of excitement through him.

The merman seized a handful of Miyaka's hair and yanked her back up, a cruel grin on his face as she gasped for air. "Did you truly believe that I would want a pathetic human like you?" he taunted with a chilling edge to his words.

Tears streamed down Miyaka's face as she sobbed, her voice trembling with desperation. "Why are you being so cruel and nasty?!" she pleaded, her distress palpable in her words. "I love you, and I did what you told me to do so we could be together, Touya!"

Her cries echoed through the dark waters, mixing with the eerie ambiance of their surroundings. Her huge distress was like a storm within her, a maelstrom of emotions that threatened to consume her. She continued, her voice broken and filled with anguish, "You... you visited me in my dreams, brought me pleasure... Why are you doing this now?!"

Touya's voice dripped with cruelty as he responded, "Visit someone as pathetic as you? Never. But it seems my voice has indeed worked wonders on you." He playfully tugged at her hair even harder, causing her pain. "To me, you're nothing more than a piece of meat, and I take great pleasure in tormenting naive humans like you. It adds a delightful flavor to the meal." His words sent a chill down her spine as the darkness of their situation enveloped her.

The merman summoned his strength and, with a powerful motion, pulled Miyaka beneath the water with him. 

Her world plunged into darkness and turmoil as she was dragged into the depths of the lake, her struggles intensifying as she fought against the relentless force pulling her down. Sinister shadows danced around her, and she felt a suffocating pressure in her chest as the water closed in on her.

The eerie silence of the underwater world was broken only by the sound of her muffled cries. She could see Touya's malevolent grin in the dim light, his eyes gleaming with a predatory hunger. The water seemed to press against her, threatening to crush her as she struggled for breath, her desperate gasps for air drowned by the malevolent embrace of the lake.

Dabi launched a relentless assault on Miyaka. His sharp claws tore through the water, leaving vicious trails in their wake. With terrifying swiftness, he closed the distance between them, his razor-sharp teeth bared in a menacing grin. He attacked with ruthless ferocity, his claws raking across her skin, and his teeth sinking into her flesh. The water around them turned crimson as the horrifying struggle unfolded, and Miyaka's desperate cries were silenced by the watery abyss that enveloped them.

Miyaka's nightgown offered little protection as Touya's relentless assault continued. With a vicious tear, the delicate fabric was rent asunder, leaving her exposed to the cold, merciless waters of his lake.

Touya's clawed hands gently cradled Miyaka's cheeks, holding her gaze with a cold, unfeeling intensity. Their eyes locked in a chilling embrace as she struggled to hold onto the last remnants of breath in her burning lungs, each painful gasp a stark reminder of her impending doom.

In that haunting moment, beneath the unforgiving waters, they were locked in a macabre dance of predator and prey.

With a swift and cruel motion, Touya pierced Miyaka's chest with his clawed hand, the flesh yielding easily to his monstrous strength. A searing pain shot through her. Dark haired woman's senses barely registered the horrifying reality of what was happening. The world around her dissolved into a surreal blur, and the excruciating pain in her chest seemed distant, as if happening to someone else. As her life ebbed away, her consciousness faded into a murky abyss, and the last remnants of her existence were swallowed by the cold, merciless waters of the lake.

Touya tore the beating heart from her chest, the organ pulsating in his grip, still warm and alive. As he held it before him, the last vestiges of life ebbed away from Miyaka, her body going limp.

Touya, with a grotesque hunger, sank his sharp teeth into the still-beating heart he held in his clawed hand. The organ yielded to his bite, and the taste of youth surged into his mouth. He savored the sickeningly sweet taste. 

Once he had consumed the last morsel of Miyaka's essence, Touya's malevolent gaze turned towards the lifeless body he still held by the arm. A fleeting pang of guilt tugged at his consciousness, but he quickly dismissed the emotion. "You're mine now, forever," he declared, his monstrous arms embracing the lifeless form. "You'll remain with me for all eternity, sweet naive girl, at the bottom of my lake." 

Touya, in a sinister tone, offered a twisted form of thanks to the lifeless Miyaka. "Thank you for your heart, love," he murmured, his voice laced with malevolence. "It has provided me with the strength I needed to regain my full power." 

The waters of the lake seemed to shiver in response to his sinister words, bearing witness to the unholy pact forged in the depths.

After a moment of holding Miyaka's lifeless body close to his muscular chest, Touya swam further down into the unfathomable depths of the abyss that was the lake. With Miyaka's body firmly in his grasp, he descended into the darkness, disappearing from the realm of the living and vanishing into the watery tomb that was his dominion.

[love-and-deepspace-fanfic]

Zayne - Collapse of Multiple Deepspaces

Time to drop another #delulu for Zayne! It’s my first time writing about Zayne and all “thanks” to my friend all my ideas recently stem from *tragedy*.

So yeah sorry Zayne boi, you’re first!

I hope you enjoy this version!

What happens if Zayne and Dawnbreaker meet each other....

Collapse of Multiple Deepspaces

"You are no different from a weakling."

This phrase had echoed relentlessly within Zayne ever since he witnessed his friend transform into a Wanderer right before his very eyes.

If others were given a chance to judge, they would tell Zayne that his hesitation or fear, his inability to act, was entirely natural; no one could stand firm in such a dire circumstance.

To witness someone you know slowly morph into a beast and then have to end their life with your own hands? Who in their right mind would willingly undertake such a horrifying act?

But Zayne knew that the "shadow" that disdainfully uttered those words of criticism through its scornful gaze was no longer a normal person.

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

How long had it been since Zayne last felt this rush of anticipation, as if he were about to enter a battle?

Before him were blood-red eyes that forced Zayne to instinctively channel energy from his right arm as a defense mechanism.

It was this very power that had been the source of many of his tragedies.

But compared to the shadow standing right in front of him, Zayne could sense that the pain he had endured was nothing compared to the anguish reflected in those judging eyes.

Though shrouded by the night, Zayne recognized the person before him, for the power surrounding that figure was familiar to him. It was the power of ice—the same power he wielded.

In other words, the person before him might be none other than himself.

It was as if he were the embodiment of the Grim Reaper he had always feared.

Zayne also realized that the person in front of him not only possessed his own aura but also harbored an unpredictable emotion he couldn't quite grasp.

This emotion was like a drop of poison, ready to overflow at the slightest disturbance, spreading its lethal intent throughout the icy energy. It was this realization that helped Zayne recognize that the figure before him and he were separate entities. He would never allow himself to be consumed by such murderous intent. He was a doctor, committed to saving lives, not taking them. This was his life's principle and the oath he had sworn to uphold.

Yet, the eerie resemblance between them conjured images of two opposing reflections in a mirror, similar yet different, creating a sense of dual existence. If one of these images were to vanish one day, what would happen to the remaining one? Would it also dissolve, mirroring the original?

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

While Zayne was observing the shadow, it was silently scrutinizing Zayne in return.

A weaker version, blessed with a life he craved.

Is this yet another part of the dream? But if it is a dream, then why is she not here?

Could even the fleeting dream of being with her be interrupted and dissipate like this?

Or perhaps…

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

As Zayne pondered the bizarre occurrence before him in the dark space, he sensed a shift in the atmosphere between them.

A sudden, piercingly cold wind enveloped him, as if trying to freeze his entire being.

This chilling gust, like a raging beast, seemed determined to devour him whole, mirroring the fury of its creator.

Why had the shadow suddenly become so enraged?

Before Zayne could react, crystalline shards of ice hidden within the snowstorm hurtled toward him, catching him off guard.

The surging murderous intent warned Zayne of imminent danger, compelling him to instinctively unleash his own energy.

A formidable ice wall sprang up, separating Zayne from the lethal ice shards.

Yet, the relentless assault and overwhelming malevolence forced Zayne to retreat.

He panted heavily, striving to regain control over his chaotic emotions and energy. Why had the shadow, just moments ago in a state of observation, suddenly sought to end him?

This remained a mystery to Zayne, causing his hesitation to strike back.

Perhaps the gentle world he had come to know had softened his heart, infusing his decisions with the compassion and magnanimity expected of a doctor. But facing the figure before him, such ideals held no meaning.

Clearly, in this struggle for supremacy, in terms of both resolve and strength, Zayne was losing.

As the blizzard engulfed him, with icy spears closing in from all sides, Zayne realized the figure before him wielded far more power than he had imagined.

Arrows of ice began to pierce through his ice wall, embedding themselves in his body, inflicting excruciating pain and a chilling wind that froze him to the core. The agony was so intense it felt as though a curse had been cast upon him, rendering him immobile and leaving him at the mercy of the storm.

This sensation… why does it feel so familiar…

As Zayne struggled to rise, the shadow approached, revealing a familiar face.

The Grim Reaper… the Grim Reaper Zayne had seen before… the one who had look at him with an implication that he was merely a weakling.

With the same face, the same demeanor, the samepower, Zayne saw his own reflection in those blood-red eyes.

Is this… really himself?

Before Zayne could process his shock, the Grim Reaper moved closer, looking down at him with disdain:

“In the end, you are just a useless fool, incapable of protecting the one thing you were fortunate enough to have.”

These words felt like a curse, tightening Zayne’s heart in agony. He knew what his one lucky possession was, for he had felt this same heartache in his dreams countless times: the pain of not having her by his side…

Could it be…

Before Zayne could grapple with the implication, a shard of ice materialized in the Grim Reaper's hand. Its purpose was clear.

But what stunned Zayne more than the imminent threat was the Grim Reaper’s next words:

“If you are now useless, then it’s my turn to protect her.”

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

“Zayne… Zayne!!”

Zayne jolted awake at the familiar call.

He sat up, gasping for breath, his body drenched in sweat as if he had just escaped a horrifying ordeal.

Fear clung to him, but a gentle touch on his back, mirroring his racing heartbeat, offered solace.

Looking up, Zayne’s eyes met the worried gaze of a familiar, tender face.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a glow on you and making you appear angelic, which had greatly soothed Zayne as though he were in heaven after wandering in endless darkness.

Unable to contain himself, Zayne pulled your close, seeking your comforting warmth. Only then, with your voice laced with concern, did his surroundings come into focus. The familiar scent of medicine, not the metallic tang of blood, filled the air.

A lingering sense of malevolent energy persisted, a stark reminder of the dream's icy grip. He touched his neck, the phantom pain of the ice shard a chilling echo. Dream or reality?

As he began to lose himself in his thoughts again, a warm touch on his cheek grounded him.

“Are you okay? Why do you keep zoning out? Did you sneak sweets before bed again, making it hard to breathe and sweat so much?”

Like sunlight dispelling the cold, Zayne's heart began to calm. Perhaps it was just exhaustion, a figment of his overworked mind. He clung to this hope, desperate to ease her worry.

Zayne looked at her lovingly, then embraced her once more, yearning to hold onto the warmth only she could provide.

“Thanks for being by my side.”

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

“Zayne, promise me you won’t try to bear everything alone or make decisions by yourself, okay? Always tell me first.”

Seeing her cheerful yet concerned expression, like an old lady fussing over him, made Zayne chuckle—a rare sound for him.

Perhaps the dream was merely a manifestation of his fear, a fear of someday regretting his own "weakness." But what truly defined this weakness? Was it the lack of courage to destroy what could harm her, even if that meant it had once bear the form of a… human?

As Zayne began to drift back into his thoughts, the alarm on her hunter’s watch went off, accompanied by a warning:

“Alert… alert… Wanderer monsters detected… Level A… coordinates X Y… please evacuate residents from the danger zone.”

Both Zayne and you knew what needed to be done in such situations.

As he instructed you on the tasks and cautions for your mission, a rift opened before Zayne, followed by a Wanderer bearing a striking resemblance to…

William…

In an instant, as Zayne stood frozen, the Wanderer lunged, swinging a deadly scythe-like arm at him.

William… is it really you?

Zayne felt his heart stop, memories from that day flooding back.

At Mount Eternal… where the secret he wished to bury lay… where he had once been weak… William… I’m so sorry… turns out, even now… I’m still useless…

“ZAYNEEEEEEE!”

A piercing scream echoed as Zayne snapped back to reality. Before him lay the image of her, shielding him with her body. Blood spurted from her back, splattering across Zayne’s face.

In his arms was the girl he loved, falling.

The blood on his hands was warm…

But this…

Was not the warmth he wanted to feel…

In a heartbeat, everything around Zayne was swallowed by an endless night.

A night filled with murderous intent…

And amidst this darkness lay a path, lined with the bodies of countless fallen.

Zayne didn’t want to tread this path, but it seemed fate had already chosen it for him.

A voice echoed within him, as if from a distant past…

“If the law is a curse… why perfect it… just… destroy it all…”

That's right... destroy everything... only then can I... protect you...

Like a skeleton approaching its tomb, Zayne walked heavily past the rows of piled corpses, heading straight into the endless darkness. And at the end of the road, what Zayne saw was the throne with its many icy blades.

Zayne saw another figure resembling him dressed in an ancient sorcerer's garb... as if he had been sitting there for a long time... just waiting...

Waiting....

"For that daisy..."

As if echoing his heart, the voice of the Grim Reaper opposite him, now replacing the figure holding the staff, sat on the ice throne.

So who was who? He himself no longer knew and no longer cared. Because at this moment, he knew that he and the figures before him had only one thing in common, and that commonality was what all his beings cared about and wanted to have.

You... the daisy we've always sought...

In the quiet night, the cold voice of the Grim Reaper rang out like a warning bell:

"You... are the exception, because only you can have her."

Zayne understood what the Grim Reaper had said.

He sank weakly to the floor, realizing how lucky he was but also how powerless.

"But... you too... are the weakest..."

He knew... he knew... he was weak.

"So... if you can't become strong..."

Before his words could end, Zayne’s chin was grasped, forcing him to face the blood-red eyes right in front of him.

"If you can't do it, then it's my turn. There's no room for the weak."

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

The blaring sirens of rescue vehicles… the screams of the townspeople… only you… seemed to be lying still… in firm arms…

You tried to get up but were held back by those strong arms, preventing any movement.

It seemed that the wound on your back no longer pained you, only a soothing, cool sensation remained.

It looked like Zayne had tended to your injury.

You knew what you had done was dangerous, and you would surely be scolded by him, but you still felt warm inside knowing he was safe….

These past days, seeing his exhaustion, you wanted to do something. But the more you looked at him, the more unsure you were of what to do, as if he was fighting a battle within himself, silently enduring.

That was when you saw him in danger, and you immediately shielded him without a second thought, just to spare him from more pain.

Thankfully… he was unharmed…

As you nestled in Zayne’s embrace, you couldn’t shake off a strange feeling, an unnamed sensation, like you had felt it long ago when you looked into his eyes…. as if… you were seeing a different Zayne…

While lost in thought, Zayne’s hand reached out to touch your cheek.

Fearing he would reprimand you for acting impulsively, you scrambled for excuses in your mind, avoiding his gaze to escape his scolding.

But when you met his eyes, you knew…

Without giving you time to think, the unfamiliar man who resembled Zayne looked at you and smiled, sending a chill through your body.

“Nice to see you again.”

[undeath1245]

Anodites in the fandom's perspective

So, it's been about over ten years since Ben 10: Alien Force aired, especially the season one episode, "What Are Little Girls Made of?", where it introduced the anodite concept for better or for worse. Anodites are free-spirited energy beings that possess a wide arrange of powerful abilities, including mana manipulation, flight, teleportation, astral projection, aura sensing, healing, and slight reality warping. Throughout UAF, they are perceived as bare humanoid figures with a purple color and light pink, aural hair, and so far, there were only female anodites shown, more specifically Verdona, Gwen Tennyson, and Sunny.

From what I can understand, many fans don't like this concept because not only does it take away everything about how Gwen learned to develop magical abilities on her own, but it also takes away the magic aspect of the series. Another thing that I understand is that UAF was heavily sci-fi and heavily alien-involved, which means that any concept that isn't entirely alien-based was either ignored or retconned into a new alien-based concept. Take, for example, the Dragon seen in the episode "Be-Knighted", where he was revealed to be an alien map maker and navigator, and that he was captured and imprisoned by the Forever Knights over 1,000 years ago. Basically, during the course of UAF, everything had to revolve around aliens, but I suppose that it had to, considering that the two series has the word "alien" in it.

Personally, I would revisit anodites as ancient, highly evolved, magical energy beings of human origin and/or various other species, and their homeworld, Anodyne, would be a terrestrial planet in the Legerdomain instead of a regular terrestrial planet. A long time ago, I found this deviation of a revised concept of an ancient anodite society, as well as another deviation of a malevolent anodite rebellion, with Verdona in the center.

And speaking of whom, I feel like revisiting Verdona into two different characters based on her traits; more on that in another post. I ought to do the same for Sunny as well. I feel like she deserves more potential. I would also like to involve the anodite concept with Charmcaster. Maybe she would seek out the anodites and coerce them to either make her powerful or she'll harness all of their energy to power herself instead; she'll most likely do the latter. And although people would like to see Gwen ultimately transform into an anodite and go wild, I feel like not making Gwen into an anodite, largely for the sake of her growing into a powerful sorceress on her own. But if she were to go anodite, maybe she would have been artificially transformed into an anodite.

Let me know what you guys think, and don't forget to reblog for sample size.

[the-cypress-grove]

Hi hi I saw ur "So, you want to write ..." post for vamps and zombs would it be possible a werewolf one be made?

Love ur blog by the way makes my brain happy

So, You Want To Write Werewolves....

I had been planning to do werewolves next so I had already been making a list. As always, take the bits you want/need, don't feel you have to answer every question I write, and always always do what works for you and your story.

Werewolves Through History

Lots of myths around the world feature some form of werewolf, or at least people in possession of the ability to turn into animals. Sometimes they're helpful like the Wulver of Scotland who leave fish for people in front of their houses. Sometimes they're malevolent forces like the Skinwalkers of Native American legend.

In Europe, France especially, there was a fear of these creatures and many were killed because they were believed to be one. In some cases, these people were at least partially skinned as it was believed that a werewolf had fur on the inside.

If you want to research a particularly notable case of werewolves, then you should look into La Bête du Gévaudan, France. It was believed a werewolf perpetrated 210 attacks resulting in 113 deaths and 49 injuries. 98 of the attacked were partially eaten. Eye witnesses and survivors of these attacks claimed that it was a wolf the size of a donkey and then came the belief about werewolves for which some people were executed. All these attacks took place within about fifty miles of each other. These attacks were so bad it was brought to the attention of the king at the time, Louis XV, who sent people to deal with the creature.

You might want to make a note of the beliefs about werewolves i.e. their strengths, their abilities, their weaknesses, as these will be useful when you come to design your werewolves.

The Complete Book of Werewolves by Leonard R.N. might be worth reading if you find this interesting.

2. Genre Decisions

Before even beginning to design your werewolf you're going to want to decide what genre you're writing in. A werewolf in a horror story will have different qualities and weaknesses compared to, say, a werewolf of in a romance novel. There are usually fewer werewolves in a horror story and larger packs of werewolves in stories where the werewolves are more friendly.

3. Origins

In almost all stories the origins of werewolves as a species are entirely unimportant. This might be something you want to include / explore in your story so I'll touch on it briefly.

Was it a gift or a curse? Was it simply evolution? Have werewolves changed from the time of the first werewolf to the time your story is set? Were they created by a higher power? Was it magic?

4. Wolf Behaviour

Something you might want to look into is the behaviour of real wolves. If your werewolves lose their human mind / have wolf instincts do these follow the patterns of real wolves?

This will help you know how big a territory they might have, what leadership structure they might follow, what techniques they might use to hunt their prey.

Bare in mind, different types of wolves have different behaviours. Does this affect your wolves? Do different wolves of different regions behave in different ways?

5. Werewolf Design

So, now the fun bit. You get to make your werewolf.

Are they affected by the moon? When they turn, do they keep their human mind? How much like a wolf do they look? Are they wolflike or do they have wolf qualities but walk upright? Does shifting forms hurt? How long does it take?

Do you have to be born a wolf or can you be tuned? Does silver affect them? How can they be killed? Do they age? Is their aging process slowed? In some stories werewolves have soulmates, is that the case for yours? Do they live in packs?

How quickly do they heal? Are they strong and fast even in human form? What are there sense like compared to a human? If their abilities are better than that of a human, is it the same in both forms or are their abilities weaker when in human form?

Pick the qualities the suit your story / selected genre the best.

6. Themes

The beast is among us.

Themes of werewolf stories often depends on the genre. In a horror story the themes centre around the struggle between man and beast, humanity and the natural world, secrets, deception, and the illusion that we are in control.

7. Pack Dynamics

If your werewolf knows others amongst their kind then they will most likely be at least one pack in your story. You need to decide the size of the pack, how they function on a full moon vs when they are humans, how are they funded, their leadership structure. Are their packs strictly werewolf only, or can others be found amongst them?

8. Threats

What threats are there to your werewolves? Is it others of their kind Another species? Are there werewolf hunters? Who knows that they exist? Is it common knowledge or do they keep themselves hidden? How far are they willing to go in order to protect themselves?

[solaris-amethyst]

🪻If something chases you, run🪻

✨Pairing: non idol!Matz x afab!reader ✨Prompt: Can you please write some Matz x fem!reader angst based on the acting videos of Hongjoong and Seonghwa🙏 only if you're comfortable of course, and I will take literally anything🥺 ✨Requested by a lovely anon🫶🏻 ✨Word count: 3.3k ✨Genre: angst, slight fantasy au, horror, thriller 🌙Warnings: mdni, death, dismembering, decapitation, possession, gore, blood, choking, being chased by what you cannot see, self blame for what is happening, wishing you would perish instead of others. please let me know if I've missed a warning! ☀️Authors note: Thank you for requesting❣️I cannot believe I managed to write 3.3k words for this one tbh🤯 The two videos being referenced in the requests are these: Hongjoong and these two for Seonghwa! Hope you enjoy this one despite it being angst🫶🏻 Also I am so sorry to all the Hongjoong and Seonghwa stans out there for their fates in this one shot...

It was dark.

The three of you were running trying to get away from whatever it was chasing you. You had always been told not to go out in the dark by the elders of your village but the three of you had only thought it was old tales used to keep the kids in line.

Turns out you had been wrong this whole time.

Your grandma had explicitly told you when you were a kid: "The creatures out there will hunt you down, you might think you have escaped but unless you make it back into the village you never have and never will my dear. They will tear you apart limb by limb as they consume your soul or worse, they will inhabit your body after they've consumed your soul. So be careful and do not go outside of the village once the sun has set. Remember this, if something chases you, run."

As a kid you had marveled at her stories and sworn to never go outside in the dark but as you grew up you and your friends couldn't help but feel like it was something they just said because the elders didn't want to have to go out in the dark searching for someone when they could have been asleep.

"I can't keep running much longer!!" You heaved out trying to keep up with your friends, it felt like it was impossible.

"You have to!! Come on!! Don't give up!!" Seonghwa screamed before slightly slowing down so he could grab your arm and help you run, even if it felt like you were continuously being dragged instead of running.

Seonghwa was desperate as he continue to run dragging you along with him. His grip on your arm was so tight that it was hurting but you had no chance nor will to complain about this.

Not when you could end up in a much worse situation if he didn't.

You looked ahead to see Hongjoong sprinting, the torch in his hand glowing bright, the flames flickering back towards you. He was leading you back to home in the darkness, his orange hair shining brightly in the night.

You cursed in your head that the three of you had wandered outside so far away from your home and its protective walls now when it had become a matter of life or death.

"We're almost at the bridge!! Hurry!!" Hongjoong yelled, he sounded tired and out of breath, which was to no surprise. The three of you had wandered at least an hour away from your home before the creatures had found you three.

You were so close to getting to safety that you thought it would all be over when suddenly something was grabbing your legs, yanking hard, forcing you to the ground with a scream. Seonghwa almost falling with you as you were ripped out of his grasp.

"Y/N!!" He screamed desperately turning around trying to grasp your hands. Whatever was griping onto your legs was causing wounds to appear where whatever malevolent being was holding you as it dragged you back towards the dark looming forest.

"HWA!! JOONGIE!!" you screamed terrified as your best friends first stared in horror as you were being dragged away from them before both sprinted into action.

Desperate to save you.

Seonghwa hurries to grab your hands, he looks terrified as he tries so hard to get you away while Hongjoong rushes towards your legs, where this invisible force is dragging you. He swings the torch hoping that it will make whatever is hurting you let you go.

Unfourtunatly it does not work. It only makes whatever is clawing at your legs and drag you towards the forest harder.

Long tears appear on your calves and you let out a scream in pain.

"Let her go!!!!" Hongjoong tries everything he can think of with the torch but nothing works.

"Come help me!!!" Seonghwa screams at him and he eventually does letting go of the torch and rushing to Hwa. Both are gripping your arms and at one point it felt like you were going to be torn apart.

More panic start settling into your bones when you realize you are slowly slipping out of their hands. Your boys have a look of realization of what is going to happen a second too late and you're dragged back as they get blown back.

It all happened so fast. You tried to claw with your hands on the ground, screaming and kicking as you're dragged away.

"SEONGHWA!! HONGJOONG!!"

"Y/N!!!!"

Both of their voices echoes loudly as you suddenly are stopped in the middle of the woods. Whatever was hurting you has let your legs go.

Sitting up is painful and looking down at your own legs makes you almost puke. There is blood everywhere. Long wounds, looking similar to the smaller wounds you would sometimes get from playing with the barn cats on your legs. The blood is oozing out of the wounds creating a puddle below you.

Your hands are shaking as you try to rip a part of your skirt so you can dress your wounds.

"Please let them be okay." You whisper shakily to yourself. Logically you should have been dead by now.

That's always how the stories went when your grandma told them to you.

"If someone has to die." you sob quietly to yourself feeling terrified in the dark woods, no light coming through the dense forest. "Then let it be me." You cry, not wanting to think about your friends, your boys, potentially leaving this earth and leaving you behind.

"Why did I say we should go so far away? Gosh I'm so stupid." You berate yourself as you cry.

You shakily wrap your wounds with the ripped parts of your skirt. Hands trembling and you try not to make any pained noises when you eventually try to stand up.

It hurts a lot. Taking one step sends pain up your legs and your entire body shivers because of it.

You look around, not sure where you are. With shaky steps you walk towards where you think the boys would be. Whatever had dragged you to where you had ended up at had not just dragged you in a straight line and due to the darkness you could not just follow the marks on the ground back to where the bridge would be located.

Back with the boys who were panicking, screaming for you. Running straight into the forest, torch forgotten as they call out for you.

"Y/N!! WHERE ARE YOU??!!" Hongjoong yells loudly, the helpless feeling of failure is slowly settling into his bones.

Seonghwa next to him is sobbing, in a full-blown panic looking at him with bloodshot eyes.

"Do you think she's dead?" He ask, stuttering as he grips Hongjoongs shoulders tightly. "Did we loose her?? Did I lose one of my best friends??"

He is lightly shaking him. Hongjoong looks at his friend and tries to appear brave and certain when he says:

"N-no, she can't be dead. If she were we would have heard her. She's alive. We have to find her. W-we can't go back without her." He says stuttering two times when tears threaten to fall, his voice getting thick with emotions.

He gently takes Seonghwas hands into his and squeezes them.

"We will find her, we will get out of this. We will survive. All of us." He says and he can see his friend registering the words he says through his panic because Hwa is nodding at him even tho his eyes are still wide, looking around in panic, chest heaving.

"P-promise?"

"I promise."

Seonghwa takes a minute to collect himself before nodding. They both turn back to the darkness to start searching for you again and Seonghwas hand has not stopped gripping Hongjoongs.

It hurts but Hongjoong allows it. It keeps him slightly grounded into reality as the pain brings him back when his thoughts flees to the worst case scenarios.

And if it brings some sense of comfort to his friend he won't stop it.

Not right now.

Not ever.

The two of them wander into the forest, calling out your name hoping that if they hear your voice respond to their calls, it's actually you and not something else mimicking you or possessing you.

For you, it was a whole different story. Wandering alone, every step hurting, the cloth you had wrapped around your legs were slowly being stained into a deep burgundy shade. It had slowly become easier to see in the darkness surrounding you and it had made it easier to navigate in the dark.

There is no wind blowing through the trees and there is only silence surrounding you creating an uncertain and slightly haunting surrounding. Had there been noises, perhaps an owl or a wolf in the distance you would have not felt so alone.

The silence was not bringing you any comfort whatsoever.

"Joongie?? Hwa??" You called out "Where are you?? Please don't leave me alone here." You mumble feeling scared that you might have been left alone.

You knew logically that they'd never leave you but when fear festers in your heart doubt sows it seeds.

You had been wandering around for maybe ten minutes when you heard two loud screams in the distance.

Your boys.

"JOONGIE! HWA!!" You scream their nicknames and hurried as fast as you could towards the place their screams came from. You hope desperately that what had scared them was just a normal animal and not one of those creatures ready to feast on them.

As you limp your way forward you eventually come closer to a clearing in the woods.

You can see someone on the ground.

You instantly recognize that orange mop of hair.

"Hongjoong!!!" You call out his name but he doesn't seem to be able to hear you.

His eyes are focused on something entirely different, something you cannot see. He looks scared, his eyes wide and mouth open as his chest is heaving. You try calling his name again louder hoping he can see you as you wave towards him.

"HONGJOONG!!"

He still doesn't react, he looks afraid as he looks around before he brings up his hands to his head gripping his hair as he leets out a terrified scream before a light engulfs him and when the light is no more the clearing is empty.

You hurry up to the clearing, searching for him whilst muttering no no no no no over and over again. You had been so close to being reunited with your friend only for him to disappear right infront of you.

Just as you stand up you hear the most bloodcurdling scream from him up in the distance which makes your own blood freeze. Despite your injuries you find new willpower to run.

You run even though it's sending waves of pain up your body. Hongjoong never screamed like that. It makes you fear that hes been hurt beyond help and you have to make sure that is not true.

Eventually you come across a sight that makes you wanna throw up.

There's blood everywhere, limbs torn apart, the insides of someone's stomach splattered out on the ground.

You walk around carefully, trying to keep your breathing steady.

It cannot be Hongjoong you think to yourself in denial, refusing to believe that he could be dead. Only to stumble over something and fall to the ground. Getting blood all over yourself and when you look up from the ground you're met with a horrific sight.

It makes you scream so loudly you're sure everyone in the forest heard you.

Hongjoongs decapitated head.

His eyes still wide open, the look of fear still present in his eyes, mouth hanging open in a silent scream.

"No! No no no no no no! Hongjoong!" You sob as you realize it is your friend who has been maimed, hes been ripped apart to shreds and you're covered in his blood. You learned that you had tripped over his ripped apart arm when you glanced down towards your feet.

You carefully pick up his head, the very sight of the atrocity that had befallen him made you wanna scream again, throw up and faint all at the same time.

Holding his head close to you, you sob out apology after apology to him.

"I'm sorry! I am so sorry Joongie! I should have never encourage us to go out during the night so far from our village. I'm sorry." You wail loudly.

His death was on your hands.

Maybe not directly but indirectly you had caused this. You had caused the injuries on your legs, you had caused one of your best friends to die and another one wandering around, perhaps hurt or killed as well here in the forest.

As you're sitting there crying, a low growl can be heard from behind you, a sickening crunching noise can be heard as well and as you look back slowly you can see that there is something eating his limbs.

The very sight of it causes your brain to choose flight.

Sprinting away.

You're still holding Hongjoongs head in your arms. If there is one thing you have to do then it's get him home. So he can have a proper burial. You won't leave him. Not to be some creatures dinner.

As you sprint through the dark forest, the trees looming over you, you can hear a familiar voice.

"Hongjoong??!! Y/n??!!"

You sprint harder, you're not sure how much longer you can run. Your legs are sure to give out soon. Your head has started to feel faint.

"Seonghwa!!"

You see him as you manage to get out, you're close to where you had been before you had been dragged away. Seonghwa turns around when he hears your voice and you can see the tearstained cheeks and the relief of seeing you before it turns to slight horror at the sight of your friends head in your arms.

"Y/n!!" He sprints towards you, he looks desperate.

You're bloodied and look terrified in his eyes but he can't find himself to be scared right now. He feels relieved that you're alive. He had heard Hongjoongs scream earlier and had suspected he had perished, he had hoped that he was wrong.

His head in your arms showed he was right.

As the two of you get closer he opens his arms to embrace you. He needs to hug you. To feel that you're real. Just as he reaches you, his arms almost enclosing around you, he falls down.

Had you not been so weak you would have grabbed his arms just the way he had when this had happened to you. He screams in pain as his legs get slashed like yours, he is fighting back, trying to crawl forward, trying to reach you.

"Seonghwa! No!"

"Y/n!! Run!!"

"I can't leave you!!"

"Yes you can! Save yourself!" "NO!"

You limp after him and when you get close to being able to grab his arms something stops you.

It's like an invisible wall.

"NO NO NO NO SEONGHWA!!" You yell banging on the invisible wall, trying desperately to break it so you can reach him.

You two make eye contact as he reaches a shaking hand towards you.

Then it happens, the light and Seonghwas scream is almost as bad if not worse than Hongjoongs bloodcurdling one and you cannot help the feeling of defeat washing over you as you slid down, silent tears falling down your cheeks again as you sob his name over and over.

Your eyes are now burning from how much you have cried this night.

What you see when the light goes down surprises you, Seonghwa is sitting there on his legs, chest heaving but he doesn't seem hurt at all. You had thought you would be greeted with the same horrific sight you had stumbled upon earlier when you found Hongjoong.

What you fail to notice is the smirk he has on his face and the evil glint in his eyes before he gets up and walks towards you.

"S-seonghwa. You're alive." You say flabbergasted.

"Y/n." He sinks down and brings you in for a hug, holding you tight and you can feel yourself relax into his warm embrace. Thinking that finally you two can get home safely.

Seonghwa smirks as you relax into his embrace as one of his hands comes up and wraps around your neck, gripping it tightly choking you as he stands up. You're being choked while dangling a little over the ground.

You gasp trying to get him to let you go, looking at him in surprise and panic.

"S-seonghwa! L-let me go!" You rasp out fearfully not understanding why he is doing this. Had you remembered what your grandmother used to tell you, you would have never let him get close to you after the light had happened.

"Oh sweetie your Seonghwa doesn't exist anymore." He chuckles darkly as he stares intently into your eyes. He looks gleeful as if your pain and fear brings him much joy and ecstasy.

"What." You stutter the word out in disbelief.

"Oh yes, did your parents never warn you about what we do? You either end up like your friend in your arms or like your friend Seonghwa who I am now the owner of." He says with a laugh and you fight hard to get out of his grip.

Panic starts setting in and you do the only thing you can think of which is to kick his stomach. Luckily that seems to work as he lets you go groaning whilst holding his stomach.

The adrenaline now pumping through your body must have given you the last little bit of energy you could have needed to get a head start running towards the bridge.

Towards safety and towards home.

Behind you Seonghwa cackles loudly before the quick steps can be heard behind you. Stupidly enough you look back to see how far behind you he is and you notice he is not yet running but walking fast.

The way he stalks after you and the constant smirk like a predator slowly approaching his prey combined with his eyes is more unsettling than if he had been running after you. He's bloodied from hugging you earlier and from his own wounds and the sight is something you find hard to look away from.

Because you're not looking where you are running you end up taking a tumble over a rock, scraping up your knees and dropping Hongjoongs head causing it to roll back towards Seonghwa.

You go to try and pick it up but when you see that he is already picking it up you decide to try and make it to the bridge instead.

Hongjoong would have wanted you to save yourself.

Getting up from the ground and sprinting towards the bridge, you can hear how his steps have grown faster.

"I'm going to get you!" He screams as you near the bridge, taunting you.

And by some sheer luck you get onto the bridge and manages to cross it without Seonghwa catching you.

As you stop shakily by the entrance of your village you turn one last time to look back at him with tearstained cheeks and guilt in your eyes.

Seonghwa is standing there with a manic look on his face, holding Hongjoongs head in his arms. He's drenched in blood, more so than he had been earlier. It's dripping from his body and all he does is stare at you.

Stare directly into your soul before he laughs haughtily. He stands there never taking his eyes off you as you take your next steps into safety.

You will always wonder if it had been luck or if he had knowingly let you cross. To let you sit with all the guilt of loosing both of your friends. Having to face their families and tell them what had happened and the fate you had indirectly led them to. To tell your own family what you had done and then being shunned by everyone.

Perhaps that was his plan, to have you feel so bad you'd one night come out voluntarily and cross that bridge again.

[the-night-that-feeds-if]

You feel a chill down your spine, the hairs at the back of your neck prickle. You don't dare look behind you... The shadow smiles.

The Night That Feeds is a dark fantasy, interactive story.  It will have heavy themes of familial abuse, sexually suggestive themes (perhaps more explicit stuff too, eventually), and other dark themes. A comprehensive content warning will be made available as the story develops.

"This is a story of love, loss, and of trying to find a home".

*** Please keep your mental health in mind when playing games with dark themes. This game won't be as dark as some others, but I want everyone to be safe and healthy when consuming dark content.

Demo currently sitting at 21k words.

✧ Features/Will feature ✧

A customizable protagonist, name, gender, appearance. 

Multiple romance options (barely implemented at this time).

Demons!  Not in the way you may think.

An interesting fantasy land that you get to explore.

!!BARELY IMPLEMENTED--MOST CHARACTERS NOT MET!!

・❥・ Romance Options ・❥・

✧.*

Captain E. Ward: Fame, fortune, infamy... All these and more follow Captain Ward. Their job is a demanding one, an important one, a dangerous one. They seem to be a commanding, playful person, but how deep do their scars run?

Age: 30

["Isn't it beautiful?" They say as they stare out into the void. Nebulous clouds drift behind, trailing the ship. "So Void-damned beautiful, and so fucked up." They look you in the eyes, and lick the edge of their bottom lip. "You sure you want this, with me?"]

They are a lonely person, they crave, and despise attention. They're afraid of intimacy, of love. What kind of life is a life in the Void? Who would willingly share that with them?

TW: Attempted murder (on them), clinginess.

✧.*

Maddock: A surly mercenary, he watches out for you, all due to a 'favor' of a nature you can't discern. The way he looks at you is reminiscent of a deep longing.

Age: Late 30's, early 40's 

["I never thought that I'd be one ta' have somethin' like this at my age. I let my dreams go in my youth." He pats the cushion next to him. "You don' expect things ta' turn out, I've been a merc for so long, felt like all I knew how ta' do."]

He's a gruff man, doesn't got a heart of gold, but if you end up falling for each other, there isn't anything that would come between you.

TW: Possessive, sexual.

✧.*

The Hunger: It's been watching you for a long time... 

Age: ???

["Oh, if it isn't my little bird, what is it? Is your wing broken? You don't seem eager to fly away this time..." It slinks closer, grinning wide. ]

An entity, not... malevolent, at least not to you.  However, it holds a sick fascination for you. 

TW: Yandereish. Stalker. Obsession. 

✧.*

Fellis: A woman who seems to be around your age, she's an eager adventurer, she took a liking to you immediately, and seems keen to stoke the flames hotter. 

Age: 22, 23

["Oh, lovey. There you are." She takes your hand in hers, placing a gentle kiss along your knuckle. "I've brought something for you."]

She thinks you're the most beautiful person she's seen. She may even take up poetry to describe her budding love for you.

NO TW. MEGA FLUFF ALERT.

✧.*

Xep: A strange person, wearing bright crimson robes, with gorgeous star decaling in gold. They wear copious amounts of jewelry, and enjoy the finer things. They were immediately drawn to you, they were forced to this back water of a town, they never expected anyone like you to cross their path.

Age: 27

["I want to hold you, please stay?" Their mouth creeps upwards, the wine has given them a positively radiant complexion, the heat blatant on their cheeks.]

They're a sad soul, after experiencing a heart break that left them devastated, they never expected to find love again.

SLIGHT TW: Mentions of suicide, heart break, mentions of being cheated on.

Credit to:  nyehilism for the sugarcube template, you've made things easier on me as an aspiring IF writer, thank you.

[runabout-river]

@ourmondobongo

Needed to continue this conversation on a new post!

I can see 3 explanations for this Malevolent Shrine and its altered construct.

It's infused with the 10ST, or

It's a different version of MS, or

It's a mix of both

10 Shadows Technique

When I first saw this page, my first thought was "shikigami". It's the multiple eyes that, like you said, remind us of Nue and Agito but it's also the hands, it's overall animalistic design and also the dark spine that keeps it in the air.

Like we already said, this could've happened because Sukuna was forced to use parts of his brain that weren't damaged by UV and those extra parts may have been the place where 10ST is stored.

This would mean that this look happened on accident or better said, it's a compromise Sukuna had to make to expand his domain again. Or he simply sacrificed the 10ST for the remainder of this fight and that's why it looks like that right now.

As was already said in the story, the construct has no innate ability, it merely symbolizes the centre of MS so the addition of the 10ST wouldn't add anything to it outside of the expansion of the domain itself. If this DE had been properly fused with Chimera Shadow Garden than I think the text would've indicated it. (Except Gege wanted to hide that part and explain it later, like how Miwa(?) suddenly appeared to protect Maki.

My overall assumption for more than a year now since Megumi has been possessed, is that a reincarnated sorcerer doesn't have access to the DE of their host because a DE comes from the soul and that has been submerged now. So if that above is the 10ST than it's only a shallow paint of it.

Another Version of Malevolent Shrine

To expand MS, Sukuna had to make 3 compromises: Binding Vows, different handsign and usage of other parts of his brain. The last 2 could've very well changed the appearance of his construct but I'm concentrating on his handsign now

(The handsigns that the characters are using for their DEs come from a set of Buddhist greetings when I remember it correctly. These greetings are limited so as long as Gege doesn't expand his pool, the amount of characters with DE will stay low (as is the case right now). It could also happen that some characters will have the same handsign for their DE)

Kusakabe said that for a DE, you have to mix a set of parameters until it all fits and that changing those parameters is insane (paraphrasing) but that's exactly what Sukuna and Gojo did during their fight.

My theory is that changing the trigger of MS - the enmaten handsign - is the cause for why his construct is different now. Other sorcerers most likely wouldn't be able to expand their domains at all when they don't use their normal handsign but Sukuna somehow pushed that through.

IMO, the change of handsign itself changed the appearance of the construct (and maybe overall ability of the domain?) simply because it's not its own handsign. It's not about Gojo's sign in particular but about Sukuna needing a one-handed sign which forced his domain through a shape it's not accustomed to.

(This would also be true when that isn't Gojo's sign.)

The construct itself, while bizarre at first glance, also fits into Sukuna's established themes re his previous construct, his inner domain and his face.

The animal parts would come from the deer bones and skull, there is a mouth behind Sukuna that's the same as the mouth in his normal MS, the bones on top remind me of the deer antlers but also the ripcage his inner domain is in, and the hands symbolize Sukuna's own because that's how he uses his CT.

(Worth noting is that Makora has been destroyed; if some part of it would reappear again, it would be his wheel.)

The multiple eyes look like Sukuna's own face.

Gege did a few design changes when he reintroduced original Sukuna; he's better looking now for one and less animalistic. His right eyes are now significantly bigger as well, extremely big actually and IMO that's because Gege sketched that construct at the same time and matched Sukuna's look with it (plus other story related reasons probably)

And of course, the change in the construct's look could be a mix of everything I've said right now.

We'll definitely get more domain expansions in the future especially with Megumi's CSG looming on the horizon so this will get answered most likely... just not in the next three months.

[echoedcrosshairs]

His Queen ~ Boba Fett x F Force User Reader

Summary: You and Boba use to be a thing before he fell into the Sarlacc pit and since returning he hasn’t reached out so you decided to make the first move to see if the flame still burns.

Warnings: smut, mild talk of violence, unprotected sex, PiV, dirty talk, gloved fingering (f), creampie, age gap if you squint, cockwarming, exhibitionism, jealousy, mild breeding kink if you squint, possession if you squint, regret, helmet kink, dom/sub/switch play

Word count: 6.2k

You leaned back into the large throne noting that it needed some serious pillows and padding. Two Gamorrean guards walked in with their weapons draw advancing towards you. Your lips curled in annoyance but you allowed them to come to the edge of the throne before extending your hand and making one fall before you used him as a foot rest.

"Make yourself useful, get me something to eat and tell the Great Daimyo that The Queen is here," you purred making yourself as comfortable as possible.

The other guard ran off and the one under you stayed still, it's probably been a long time since they seen a force user let alone a women who wields it like a weapon. You're kind trailed off remembering Boba and how long it had been, anger trying to boil over that he survived and didn't try to contact you or even let you know. You tilted your head back against the throne assuming the other one wasn't coming back with food. The quiet foots drew you out of your memories, you looked up to see a woman with a bright orange helmet pointing a rifle at you. You rolled your eyes but then you saw the dull shine of green beskar approaching. Your heart fluttered but you restrained yourself to keep from jumping up.

"How does my milady like the throne?" He said helmeted taking the knee before you, his hand motioning for the woman to lower her blaster, "Does the Queen request a tour?"

"New pet?" you said eyeing the woman with annoyance, she was a little older then you but definitely his type.

"No, my body guard and dear friend."

"You? Need a body guard? Tsk. Fine you may rise," you said with a small smile pulling your feet off the guard, "I am simply known as The Queen," you said offering a small courtesy to the woman, "You are?"

"Fennec Shand."

Boba walked up and took your arm in his, "You didn't answer the question about the throne," he teased.

"Pillows, lots and lots of pillows."

"Why do they call you The Queen?" Fennec asked curiously following several paces behind both of you.

"I am kind yet cruel, authoritative yet yielding, and because of this," you said moving a finger bending her rifle chamber up and then straightening it.

"A force user?" She said looking at her rifle.

"One of her many talents," Boba chipped in, "Quiet the bounty hunter, gave me a run for my credits time to time." 

"And thankfully you decided I was benevolent enough to partner up time to time," you winking holding his helmeted gaze, knowing his perfect brown eyes were staring at you, "but someone's noticeable absence has left me quiet malevolent," the softness in your face faded to an icy glare.

He pulled you closer "It might have escaped My Queens mind that I have been quiet busy."

"Getting wise in your old age," you purred, "thankfully for you it was not a crime that I could not forgive with time," you felt his gloved finger under your chin, his other hand ripping up his helmet just enough to expose his lips.

"Forgive me, My Queen. You should have known I would eventually have set every ship at my disposal to find you and bring you back to me," he said bringing your mouth to his allowing his lips to apologize, "I am sorry," he finally whispered, your name fall silently from his lips like it was the most guarded secret in the world letting his helmet fall back into place.

"So have you given up bounty hunting?" you said looking out the grand windows to the endless sand, "and the code?"

"I'm a simple man making his way through the galaxy," his whisper seemed to echo against the stone, "I'm not ready to give it all up, a man has to remain battle ready until his prime has long since faded and mine has not," he said walking again, "but this is home and where I belong now."

"I've missed you, Boba," you whispered the sentiment betraying your demonstrative cold behavior, "but how dare you say you would not come for me yourself."

"You were never far from my thoughts," he said squeezing your hand, the leather's warm embrace made you smile, "but I did have obligations here to attend to first"

You pouted, annoyed but understanding what little you knew of him now coming to rule clearing it of the spice trade and other criminal notions. "No massive fire pits?" You purred, "I'm almost disappointed however I do feel the rancor your bonded too, it almost makes up for it," you said letting your free hand trail up his arm touching the cool beskar.

"I have yet to renovate since moving in, hopefully I can have more of your input if you stay maybe a fire pit or two for old times sake although I don't think there are many enemies left to char."

"There are always enemies in the shadows, you know that well. But we'll see I am quiet the busy Queen places to see, people to kill, credits to collect."

"A Queen whose only ever been ruled by me," he whispered leaning towards your ear, "or do you need a reminder My Queen?"

"You have Mos Espa yours to rule now instead," you hissed back but he knew you liked it, Boba always knew when something suggestive landed but he would never tell you what the tell was.

You watched him give Fennec a small dismissive nod to Fennc, she offered a small bow to us before leaving. Boba grabbed your arm tighter guiding you in a new direction. The smell of a kitchen tickled your noses. The dining room was grand lined with empty tables and chairs with an ornate engraved table designed for four at the very back overlook everyone.

"A feast tonight in your honor?" He asked.

"Showing your beautiful guest off to your subjects? How bold."

"No one would dare try to steal you from me," his gloved finger traced down your cheek towards the back of your neck, grabbing it, "I'll make sure of it."

A heart beat fluttered in your lower extremities pulling with excitement over such a delicious threat. You couldn't see into the visor but you knew by heart where his eyes were and you stared at the positions where they were wishing you could see the look on his face and the intensity, "What if I wanted them to dare as punishment to you."

Boba sighed knowing he wasn't going to win this. He knew you were hurting because he hadn't sent for you or tried to reach out while both of you were never spouses before due the nature of the job there was always a spark and undeniable tension both of you tended to give into after a bounty but now time had gone by and he had never bothered to speak his heart. Boba could sense the sand in the hourglass trickling, you coming and teasing him back after all this time was a silent offer of chance to atone and amend his mistake. "If that is what The Queen deems a suitable punishment so shall it be," he said cautiously removing his hand from your neck and tilting his head forward in offering, "A suitable punishment for this fool of a man for losing so many glorious opportunities to enjoy time with such a lovely creature such as yourself."

"My thoughts exactly," you said resting your forehead against the cool metal of his beskar. It made your heart flutter at the sentiment and meaning of it, he gave your forehead a little tap with his and a smile broke out across your face, "Going soft on me?"

"Never," he replied taking a few more deep breaths before pulling back, taking your arm and guiding you in another direct, "I assume you have plenty of sinfully tasteful fitting dresses with your luggage or do you want to see how Mos Espa looks on you?" he stopping at a crossroads in the hall.

"I had one especially made before coming in case I needed to get your attention " you teased, "I can't think of a better time to test in."

"How wicked" you heard the smile in his voice finally picking a direction a direction "You've never needed anything to get my attention Mesh'la," he added, "Do I get to see it before the feast?"

"What would be the fun in that?" You laughed.

"It must be some dress then."

"You have no idea my dear Daimyo."

Boba guided you back to his two main guards, listening your muffled giggle at the one you used as a foot rest. The sound of it reminded him of another time another Boba. "Go with them, they'll carry your luggage back for you and provide a room for you. I'll get the word out about today," Boba said with a small bow dismissing himself not waiting for a response. His mind was exceptionally sharp but it was clouded when you were around and he desperately needed some fresh air. When he reached the throne room dias he disappeared behind a small door to a balcony that oversaw the city below still semi shrouded from view.

"Lover?" he heard Fennec ask behind him.

"A life time ago, yes."

"Don't let her distract-"

"I always trust your wisdom, my dear friend but I don't think she's here to distract me. It seems she's here to see if the spark is still there or if it's time to move on."

"Is it?" she asked.

"I hope so. Invite everyone for a feast tonight. Get the best cooks and musicians, please."

"Please? I like her already," Fennec chuckled starting to make a mental list and those to contact some help for such a last moment event, "Why haven't you taken your Helmet off? I haven't seen you wear it so long."

"I've gotten old and forgotten what it means to wear it. Not sure if I'm ready for her to see that."

"So you do have doubts?" Fennec smiled.

"I haven't lived this long without being prepared."

Fennec nodded, Smart Man, she must be one hell of a Bounty Hunter to put him on edge like this. Fennec excuses to herself to start making preparations for the eventing contacting the Mods to help her spread the word.

You watched the guards pick up the two very heavy trunks and fling them over their shoulders with ease. Smiling you closed the ship after wondering around it once more and followed after them. You took in the sights on the way back, the sand, the people, the peace. You remembered what this place was like, the fear and iron fist but now it seemed people were actually happy and living life. While the sand was not something you cared for you, it could be home or at least a place to dwell between bounties. Your mind trailed back to Boba, the roughness of his voice and how different it was from when you last heard it, it made you wonder what had happened to him in the time apart.

The guards took you to a room past the Daimyo's at the end of the hall, the room was luxurious dripping in finery. They put the trunks at the end of the bed and left you to explore in silence. Their was a beautiful vanity lined with fragrances from through out the galaxy. Then you saw it the small fragrance box in the back unopened, no dust clung to and it was obviously new. You sliced the cover with your nail and opened it, revealing a translucent blue bottle labeled The Queen, you smiled at the limited edition perfume knowing you were really on his mind. You opened the balcony to look at the city below, your hands trialed the railing the cold metal reminding you of him.

You tapped the back of your knuckles on the railing frustrated. Should I have even came? There's plenty of other bounties hunters would would be worth the time of day, several of which are Mandalorians or equally rough around the edges. Boba's obviously retired, could I? Your mind trialed to the stacks of your stashed credits, the adrenaline running through your veins and the electricity dancing throughout your nervous system on a bounty, the reeling feeling of being alive and then back to him. You groaned pulling yourself away from the railing, sensing the approaching person coming to your door. You opened it before they had time to knock, finding Fennec standing in the door way.

"Ms. Shand, how can I be of assistance? Someone you need to talk?" you smiled.

"No, I came to escort you to the Daimyo bathing room if you wish to use something a little more luxurious then your own."

"Let me grab something to slip into for the time being," you said turning and rummaging through the trunk to find the floor length black slip at the bottom, "How many hours until the feast?" you asked curiously.

"Three."

Short and simple, "How is he...? Really I mean," letting your voice dropped to a hush tone.

"He's a better man."

"Thank you for watching over him," your voice dropped even lower.

"That's what family does," she said pushing open the large door revealing a steamy chamber with several bathing soaps and assorted towels, "Enjoy, I'll leave you to it. You can go back to your room when ever your done."

You walked inside pulling the door shut behind you, admiring the long tub with steam rolling off of it. You dressed down and submerged yourself in, the heat engulfing you in a warm embrace. You dunked your head back and let the warmth touch your scalp.

"Little one," you heard the smirk in the tone echo in the chamber.

You looked around not seeing anyone but you felt his presence nearby, "Can I help you?" you asked innocently running your fingers through your hair.

"Can I come in?"

"I'm not going to stop you," you said sinking yourself further down into the tub.

Your eyes caught sight of a small door opening, assumingely connected to Boba's room. He was still armored but he strode in and took a seat next to the bath.

He watched you sink even lower into the bath, "I don't remember modesty being one of your strong suits."

"I don't remember being an observing prude being one of yours either," you snickered back lathering your hair, "nor one for wearing so much black," your eyes danced around his body back up to his helmet, "or secrecy."

Boba sat slightly watching you lather and wash your hair, "Stand," he said once you were done.

"What if I don't want too," you teased, standing just enough to were the water still covered your nipples distorting them. His silence maddening not taking the bait, you moved the the side of the tub he was sitting on, pressing your against the wall and standing so nothing was visible. You noticed the small adjustment he made while sitting knowing it was getting to him. You let your arms go up to your head and squeezed some of the water out of your head letting the top of you be exposed to him, "Satisfied?" you asked lowering your arms covering yourself again.

"Come here, My Queen," his voice was husky with lust, motioning you forward with a finger.

You painfully took the stairs out of the tub one by one so he could trace your body with his eyes. You could feel his gaze shifting the impression leaving warm spots up your body. You stood in front of him crossing your arms under your breast to prop them up, "You are interrupting my bath," you said simply.

"I could give you a reason to get back in," he said suggestively placing a gloved hand on your waist noticing the small goosebumps appear.

"I don't think that is the point of the punishment," you said turning letting your back and ass be in view.

"I didn't say I would get pleasure from it," he smiled.

"If it would hold you over until after the feast," you relented smiling down at him, "One wouldn't hurt."

"Of course, My Queen," he said pulling you down on your knees before him.

You could already feel your slick starting to coat you and he wasn't even touching you yet. He leaned down putting his helmet in your face letting two fingers trial up your side to your breast and pulled gently on the physical reaction it caused. You let out a small pleasurable hiss at the feel of the semi rough leather, he quickly stuck one finger in your moan to silence you as he brought his free hand back to your breast. You let your tongue stroke the leather teasingly, you opened your mouth wide letting his finger escape visibly coated with drool. You heard a small groan escape him and his legs shift again. You smiled wiping the little bit of left over drool off from your lip.

You watched him lean forward more dropping his hand between your legs circling your clit. Your slick coating the rough leather. You heard his breathing hitch and a small growl escape him. He cautiously  twirled one gloved finger around your entrance gently pushing it in.

"Fuck," you moaned as the leather breached you.

"You are so tight," he groaned shoving it further into you, "So tight."

"Boba," the filthy moan escaped your lips, he shoved his finger further up without restraint to the spongy button stroking faster.

His finger stretched you as it curled into you, "My Queen," his voice was huskier, lust was taking over and he was doing his best to restrain his need. 

You started grinding into his finger clenching around it with every movement. You gasped as he  inserted another finger stretching you out further, "Bobaa," you said fucking yourself harder with them bringing your hand to your hair  and the other hand to his arm.

"Careful My Queen, I only have so much self restraint," he said being rougher, his other hand holding his cock to keep it from stroking itself in his flight suit. He desperately wanted to take it out and stroke himself.

You stood, his fingers popping out without warning causing you to shutter but you shoved him back in the chair and undid the pants of his flight suit, "Boba, now," you pleaded watching his mass spring up, the tip coated in precum more pulsating out at the command.

"What about my punishment?" He said shakily watching some of your slick fall on your thigh. 

"You don't want me?" You teased exposing your thigh to him but forcibly shoving his cock back in his suit and zipping it up, "I'm going to bathe, your excused," you said turning back to the bath and taking a step off the ledge into the water, wiping your thigh off.

You heard his breathing quicken, "Yes, Milady," he panted standing up.

"Next time just give me your cock, or I might be tempted to get my fill else where," you threatened not looking at him.

"I'll kill him. Slowly," you heard the anger break in Boba's voices, you smiled knowing he was going to think of you ever moment until tonight. 

The moment Boba reached his room he walked into the refresher gripped the counter trying not to relieve himself. He was so turned on and ravenous didn't notice your footsteps sneaking up on him until you did his flight suit again. You pulled him around and put the engorged member between your thighs holding it in place.

"It was almost just as fun watching you punish yourself," you purred, letting your hands move to the green chest plate, "but I really really want you right now. I won't asked again."

Boba picked you up like you were weightless and plunged his cock into you, "Fuck, Boba ," you screamed, as he started plowing it into you. He was forcibly stretching you out around him, his fingers dug into your hips the tightness nearly making him cum right there.

He was relentless and didn't stop as he put you on the bed, "My Queen," he moaned. The heat of being in his armor was bugging him, he quickly undid it tossing it to the ground. Your fingers went to his helmet, "It stays on," he growled being rougher cause your hands to move away.

Your fingers moved to his body, the muscles were quite was defined but you could feel he was definitely stronger. His cock was threatening to split you in two with every thrust. The heat of you engulfing every carnal urge within him turning them up. Boba felt you start shaking under him, "I've missed you" he groaned being rougher grabbing your legs and splitting them further his fingers digging into your ankles feeling you tighten around him, "You're so beautiful," he added staring down your beautiful face.

You felt his cock starting to twitch, you wrapped your legs around his ass pulling him closer and putting your hands around his neck, "Fill me, Boba. Please," you let your thumb trial up under his helmet to his jaw rubbing it matching his strokes. His arms shot down to catch himself, both of them placed on either side of your neck. Your felt him start shaking inside you, you let out cries of his name. Boba's never fucked you this hard, every thrust spearing you like it was the last. Your toes curls and your fingers dug into him harder piercing skin. You make the mistake of looking down watching his cock slide in and out of you, "Maker," the visual sent you over the edge. The pleasure coursing through you making every limb twitch but heavy. Your cunt quickly violently tightening around him when you felt him finally spill his warm release into you, his name falling from his lips like a prayer. You clenched again feeling some of its vast amount spill out.

He groaned the movement causing his sensitive cock to release what little was left in him, "Mesh'la," moving one of his hands gently to your embracing face. He kept himself situated between your legs and his cock slowly softening, massaging your twitching muscles, "Did I hurt you?" he asked tenderly.

"Boba Fett, the most feared bounty hunter in the galaxy worried about hurting someone?" You cooed, your heart still shaking and your high finally coming down.

"Only you milady," he said slowly trying to pull himself in but felt your heels dig into his ass and pull him back in.

"Done already?" you teased.

"I'm not as young as I use to be," Boba said leaning his helmet on your forehead.

"Just leave in me for as long as possible," you said pulling your hands from his face and resting them on his neck, "Why won't you let me take it off?" You whined.

He tipped it up and kissed you, pulling your bottom lip between his teeth and lathering your neck in soft kisses before putting the helmet back on, "Believe it or not but self consciousness. After the feast, you can take it off."

You wiggled your hips a little bit cause him to growl, "Fine, but come down here I'm cold."

Boba tucked his arms at your sides laying his head on your shoulder and his body on your chest covering you with his own heat. He could feel himself hardening again, he stiffened a small groan knowing you felt it too.

"Leave it," you said stroking his back feeling the muscle.

"Trying to have my heir?" he chuckled.

"In your dreams Fett," you laughed back.

"I'm in my dreams" he leered slightly thrusting in.

"I would have to be way fuller to even consider it, old man," you teased.

Boba's cock twitched eagerly, "That an offer? Maybe I'm not as old as I thought"

"Maybe after the feast and you've endured my torment," you teased, "besides it would be my heir," you tsked at him.

"An heir for each of us?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Hmm, I'll have to think about it," you said trailing on finger up his spine feeling him tense again, "Perhaps-"

Fennec knocked on the door knowing better then to open giving the noises coming from it a little bit ago, "One hour." She quickly turned away grinning hoping his mood would be improved.

"Rain check," Boba said finally allowed to pull out staring at his seed oozing out of you, "Me'copaani ba'jurir ti ni?" his mandalorian was rusty but it still rolled off his tongue.

"I said after the feast," you said with a giggle watching him twitch, "Maybe you could make up my mind," you teased spending your legs further for him, tempting him.

Boba shook his head scolding himself, "After the feast," but the roughness in his voice told you it worked. He handed you a towel. He watched you hold yourself above it watching it dripped out. He groaned but grabbed his discarded clothing and walked into the bath room his self control slipping.

You followed after him with your clothing laughing and you still managed to beat him into the water, "You're going to close your control when you see the dress, might as well lose it now," you winked it him beckoning him into the water.

"I am a disciplined warrior, I have perfect control."

"And how many times did you take me while flying because you couldn't wait?"

"Get clean," he said lathering you in wash and than himself.

You rolled your eyes and finished leaving him in the bath by himself, "Send for me when your ready for your torment."

Boba watched you leave before taking off his helmet to washing his face and neck. You wrapped your hair up to finish drying while you opened the trunk to pull out the dress, your hands felt the silky fabric perfectly matching the red shade on this helmet fading to the green of his helmet and chest plate, cut to perfectly put everything on display and two side slits going all the way down to put your body on display. You smile pulling the open backed gown on and releasing your hair. Let's see how long he can keep his hands off me or see me with another man. You went to the vanity and looked at the new one smiling, you gave yourself several sprays of it. You were almost finished getting ready when a soft tap came at the door, "Enter."

Fennec walked in with the corner of her lip pulling into a smile, "A statement?" she offered.

"A question," you smiled, "hopefully one he'll finally answer."

"We're ready," she said.

You slipped your shoes on and quickly followed after her and the music. When you both entered the dining room it fell silent except for the music, all eyes on both of you. Fennec escorted you up where Boba and two empty places were. Both when both of you took your places the chatter started back up again. You side eyed Boba who didn't even turn and look. Maybe I should have done green to red then. Then you noticed Fennec eyeing him. So I did get under his skin.

You watched the Daimyo stand up and have it fall silent again, "I welcome you all to eat, dance and live. This feast is in our a dear friend, The Queen, who came to visit. Let's show her how Mos Espa now flourishes, free of war, spice and tyranny," he said raising a glass, sipping it and back down. He saw the few men eyeing you and was doing his best to quell his anger. Boba saw one eyeing you and you giving him the quick flash of a wave. So my punishment has started... Is that my perfume? He tighten his jaw, the dress was the perfect allusion to him yet perfectly opposite of his scheme. To him it signified you as his and as he equals, along with the perfume being another jab at the thought of seeing you with anyone else.

You saw Boba's free hand ball into a fist and his gloves tight against his knuckles, knowing your legs were covered by the table cloth you run you your foot up his leg with a smile between delicious bites. Everything about the feast was delicate yet stood out by its own, no two dishes tasted alike and every drink offered was vastly different. The desserts was one of kind. Maybe I would stay here just for this. You eyed the man heading to the dancing area, alone. You wiped your lips and excused yourself falling after him.

"Not eating?" Fennec said looking at the dessert, "I would have assumed you worked up at appetite earlier," she added scooping up a piece.

"Just waiting for her to be gone," he admitted tipping his helmet up and eating finally.

"She's really having an effect on you," Fennec said watching.

"We all have that one personal bounty that got away. She is a huntress personified."

"Why did you wait so long?"

"I assumed she moved on and I am a relic of the past."

"Boba for being the smartest people I've ever met... you sure are always the stupidest when it comes to the heart," Fennec said putting down the spoon full of dessert spotting her dancing with some guy, "A woman like that doesn't move on. Why are you dealing with this punishment," she said with a small chuckle.

"Ever defy a Queen before?" He growled, "I'd disintegrate him just for touching her, but I'm assuming this is her way of testing me and her way of asking me what I've been doing with others since."

"Have you?" Fennec asked raising an eyebrow.

"No," that was the question that unscrewed the final bolt. Boba tipped his helmet back down and wondered down the floor towards you.

The man spun you around, it was a silence dance.  It seemed almost like he was on autopilot. Then you noticed the man eyeing him in the corner, it was the look of a lover pinning. OH, you giggled and grabbed his hand dragging him towards the balcony.

"Did I make your boyfriend made?" You asked jumping up swinging your legs over the rails and sitting down.

"You know?" He asked confused.

"I am The Queen, there's little that escapes my eye. How are you enjoying the changes to Mos Espa?"

Boba found both of you outside, he leaned against the shadows in the door way listening. His temper calming after the admitted statement noticing the lover too also watching and listening. Boba smiled.

"The new Daimyo is a kind and stern man, he yields his influence only in the most respectful ways," the man said leaning against against the railing.

"Has the Daimyo ever shown interest in... any woman?" you asked cautiously.

"No, he spends all of his time making the town better or helping friends."

"Would you consider him a good man then?"

"Unlike anything this town has ever seen before. War broke out here, even when it looked like certain defeat he did not back down trying to protect this town. No other would have done that."

"Maybe I don't need to punish him as much as I thought," you said looking at your nails before taking in the city again, "Loyalty is the way, without a clan you are empty," you muttered, "You may go, have fun," you said looking at the city.

Boba stepped out the shadows and put his arms around your waist, “What was suppose to be the punishment?”

“The punishment would have came if you didn’t come after me,” you purred rubbing his arm, “you never disappoint.”

Boba lifted your legs and spun you around on the railing, putting himself between your legs, “Don’t get any ideas little one, we have company,” watching your hands wander to his abs, “as much as I want you and for you to be off limits.”

“So I’m not yours nor off limits? Good to know,” you said disappointed, “I guess I will be on my way then,” you said your heart starting to aching, you tried standing but he pushed you back down on the railing

Boba growled pulled away, walking over to the blinds and pulling them down and shutting the door. He ferociously pulled up your dress and rutted himself against you his cock desperately wanted to be released from his flight suit and cod piece, removed the piece and unzipped his flight suit moving your soaked underwear to the side and piercing your warm harshly making you moan his name.

“Mine,” he growled, thrusting, “My Queen,” he added thrusting again.

“Boba… Do you want me… ahh to stay,” you panted trying to be quiet.

He thrust again stopping for a moment, “You don’t have to give up Bounty Hunting for now,” he said gently running his hand over your stomach, “I’d prefer if you stayed here with me.”

“Boba, do you lo-“

“Yes.”

You smiled taking off one of his gloves, “You should have told me.”

“I know,” he admitted sourly.

“Now, get back to work,” you winked putting the glove in your mouth, both of you knowing damn well the music was to loud.

“Yes, My Queen,” he said holding your face rutting into you.

Your head went back, his cock clinging to your walls splitting you with every stroke. “Maker,” you moaned muffled by the glove and you could feel him twitch.

“Do you want me to cum into you,” he said wiping your cheek with his thumb, slowing down for a moment, “or I could use that pretty mouth,” you heard the smile on his voice.

You wrapped your leg around him shoving him further into you feeling more of your slick coat him, “Little one likes her filling,” he groaned picking the speed back up. The base of his cock was violently rubbing your clit engorging it with desire, “Don’t worry I’ll take care of my mess,” he said looking down at the union. He buried his other hand into the flesh of your ass using it to stabilize himself as he spilled into you. He clenched his jaw holding back the noise his throat was trying to maybe, he continued to pump himself until he felt like everything was out. He pulled himself out tucking himself back in. He let two fingers glide in and felt you arch forward, he pulled the glove off leaving it inside. Bringing his rough calloused hand to your throbbing clit, stroking it gently. Your thighs closed around his hand, he ripped them open using one leg to hold on side open and brought his other hand to your legs shoving it open, “I’m not done yet.” He worked your lips between his fingers putting his thumb on the sensitive tip.

You wildly started moaning as he worked you with his fingers and you could barely breath, your legs kept trying to clench shut and your cunt was clenched tight enough that it was trying to push out the glove. He shoved it back in “push out my load and you’ll be the one getting punished.” You moaned again at the comment. He said stroking faster setting your body on fire, every inch bouncing electricity limp to limp numbing every other sensation, “That’s it, cum for me.” Your face started burning at the command and roughness in his tone. He removed his hand from your leg and brought it to the back of your neck. You could’t stand it anymore you flipped up a finger causing his helmet to come off. You stared into half lidded dilated eyes, you pulled the glove out of your mouth grabbing him and kissing him letting his mouth muffle your orgasm.

“I almost forgot how handsome you were under there,” you breathed putting your arms around his neck, pulling him back to your mouth. You pulled back tracing the small scar across his face, “Am in trouble aren’t I,” you smiled.

He smiled pushing the glove in more pulling away and closing your legs picking you up, kneeling to pick up his helmet and opening the door guiding you back inside, “I’m going to enjoy filling you until it spills,” he smirked, “won’t mind a princess or two if they as strong as you.”

“Or as loyal as you.”

The rest of the towards Boba’s room was silent he gently set you on the bed pulling up your dress and pulling out the glove with a delish little liquid popping noise and tossing it to the ground. He stripped himself of everything but stopped at his vambrace pulling out the grappling line before discarding it to the ground, “I didn’t teach you everything,” he smiled grabbing your hands putting the line around them, “Now I’m going to spend the rest of night reminding you who’s really in charge here.”

[fancygremlin]

I finally started season 5 of Malevolent and I have many thoughts.

I think this season is about rebirth and it might be communicated with water symbolism.

Below the cut is me yapping about what I think the theme for this new season is and how it might foreshadow on how Arthur and John’s relationship might develop. I'm basing all my observations on the episodes [Intermezzo] and [Part 41 "The Windmill"], so there will be spoilers for both.

Season 5 started with a lot of emphasis on water: Kayne turning off the tab for Faroe's bath in Intermezzo, while Part 41 begins with Arthur and John fighting as rain and stormy weather soak the human's clothes and possessions through.

Water is a fluid with remarkable properties and is often used in media in relation to characters that are fluid, adaptable, flexible and always ready for change. Both Arthur and John fit this criteria, of course. However, in relation to Malevolent, I think that water is used to represent John, while Arthur is the vessel/ the container.

John is represented by water because the liquid's properties reflect quite well his journey in searching for his identity. John has been quite a dynamic and fluid character from the start of the show, always changing, always curious, always trying to explore the world around him and search for an identity that fit him. He has moved from one vessel to another... never quite finding one that could fit him.

At the start he was forced into the role of the King in Yellow, a role he didn't enjoy and actively tried to escape to start anew... then he found Arthur. His intentions were (quite literally) to take completely over Arthur, empty the vessel to make space for himself alone. However, as he got to know the human, he began to consider new options for himself. He began exploring the world around him, mirroring Arthur, learning from him how to behave, how to interact with objects and people. John is quite literally just like a little kid, watching and learning from his parents how to be. In Part 38 Arthur even acknowledges this fact, while also recognising his role in John's regards.

Arthur is his vessel. He his John's keeper, his point of reference and only example: everything he does causes John to change into new shapes. Arthur's task from the very start of the show was to contain John by regulating his emotions, providing guidance, holding back his violent urges. But Arthur is only human... and John is an eldritch deity with unfathomable powers. That's too much to try and contain and control. If you add too much water in a closed vessel, the pressure will increase and the glass walls will start to crack and rupture.

At this point in time, Arthur is exhausted. He had been hollowed, emptied of everything he had and everything he was to make space for John. He has been repeatedly filled to the brim and overflowing, he was pushed to his limit and even further one too many times and the vessel has been tipped over (hit bedrock) just as often. He is tired, he is exhausted and he is running on empty. John's latest betrayal has caused the vessel to tip over and spill all the water another time and this time Arthur is too tired of being tasked to clean everything up again.

Interestingly, Arthur has already been associated with water before. However, the references are always about vessels being overflowed or filled to the brim: Faroe's death is a good example of that, but also in Part 9 he almost drowns in a lake, and in Part 26 (after hitting bedrock) John reassures him by telling him "I won't let you drown".

I think it is not incidental that in Intermezzo Arthur is forced to relive Faroe's death, but this time Kayne steps in to turn off the water before the damage is done. The water is just about to overflow... but is stopped just before it is allowed spill over the bathtub.

Season 5 starts with a storm: Arthur and John are lashing out at each other, letting out all their frustrations. John is frustrated because he recognises that he has outgrown another vessel. He is starting to realise that Arthur has a limited point of view and that he will need time to understand his eldritch nature and his powers as the King in Yellow (after all, Arthur complained and was more unforgiving about the parts of Yellow that were most similar to the traits of the King in Yellow). He is frustrated and confused. He now finds himself with two contrasting parts of himself that he wants to fit together but feel like a jigsaw puzzle he can't seem to solve. I think that his journey this season is about accepting both his human side and his powers derived from the King in Yellow (i.e. find a shape and a vessel that properly reflect himself and who he is comfortable being).

On the other hand, Arthur is tired of being pushed to the limits, to be always on the verge of bursting at the seams. He has been tossed about by unforgiving waves for so long he almost forgot how to breathe. He wants to slow down and take a moment to re-evaluate what he needs and what he wants. He needs the water to stop overflowing. He needs someone to close the tap.

He is the first one that asks for shelter from the rain... but by now his clothes are soaked through, and so are his satchel and his belongings and the brittle ladder breaks, causing him to fall in the lower floor of the windmill. That's when he recognises all the water he gathered, how his clothes cling onto him, how everything weighs him down. I like how he physically relieves himself of some of the weight he has been carrying by discarding some of the objects in his satchel. Only by keeping what he needs, will he be able to move forwards, make more space for himself and become lighter.

I think both characters will have to deal with each other's absence or learn who they are outside of each other's influence.

This season started with a storm and I am pretty sure it will end with an even bigger one. In order for Arthur and John to be able to brave it, they will have to work on their respective journeys (John in accepting both his eldritch and human parts, and Arthur in relieving some of the weight he has been carrying for so long and regain parts of himself along the way) and relearn to trust one another again.

A big storm is coming and it will bring a lot of change, but this too shall pass.

[Season 1 to Season 4 themes analysis]

[maxxphoenixv1]

Maxxbomb #1 aka Maxxtendo Direct

Welcome the the first of what'll be hopefully many MAXXBOMBS. This is where I fit my unique content into a convenient package. Meet Kazari, The Reincarnation of Shadow Weaver

Kazari is a special She-Ra OC I created, sort of out of spite, but I really love her, like my own baby, which is ironic because I'm never having kids. Kazari has the ability to control HAVOK MAGIC, a powerful form of magic, imagine HAMON from Jojo's Bizarre Adventure mixed with ONE FOR ALL from My Hero Academia. Kazari is ruthless, mischievous, a trickster and kind of a raging b****canoe when she wants to be, but ultimately with a heart of gold. Also, she's dating Finn.

The two actually got together at Princess Prom. My friend, Luna actually designed her Prom Dress

The story is currently incomplete, but you can ready it on AO3

On the subject of She-Ra... I've actually made something really special for Catradora stans and Shadow Weaver Antis

Here are the link to the AO3 -> LINK

Further more, I am writing a sequel, here is the plot synopsis -> "In the aftermath of a harrowing school shooting that rips through Etheria High, Police Chief Mara grapples with the daunting task of unraveling the enigmatic threads that bind together a web of online fandoms, veiled secrets, and the haunting repercussions that reverberate through the shattered lives of survivors. As the community struggles to come to terms with the devastating event, an unsettling online phenomena begins threatens corrupt and distort the city and all that Mara holds dear!"

-> LINK

Winx: Mystic Crusaders

I'm also writing a spin-off for Roxy. It's called Winx: Mystic Crusaders. Ever since the battle against the Wizards of the Black Circle, things have not been exactly easy for Roxy, as it turns out, going through what she'd been through is pretty traumatic. Things become complicated when the Winx go missing. Now, Roxy has set out to rescue them, but she can't do it alone, so now, she must gather up a team of fairies, witches and specialists to save to day and bring back peace. Together, they are the MYSTIC CRUSADERS. And here is the logo

You can read this story, live on AO3 ->

While we're on the subject of Roxy. I've always made the case that Roxy was the Gohan of Winx Club

To that end, I made a special transformation of Roxy... KIDEMIX

Kidemix, the culmination of Roxy's evolution, rises above the usual metamorphoses triggered by tasks or quests. It materializes as a manifestation of unparalleled pressure and trauma, akin to a dormant volcano violently erupting or a cornered, wounded creature lashing out in desperation. Unlike other transformations, Kidemix surges forth in direct response to the malevolence and injustices heaped upon the user and their cherished ones, channeling a primal force to confront and annihilate profound evil. It becomes a vivid representation of innocence irretrievably lost in the face of adversity.

To attain Kidemix, Earth Fairies follow a straightforward set of criteria:

Possessing a Pure Heart: Kidemix's essence lies in the unwavering purity of the fairy's heart, a prerequisite that distinguishes it from mere magical achievements.

Amassing a Colossal Quantity of Power: In stark contrast to conventional power-ups, Kidemix demands the accumulation of an extraordinary reservoir of energy. For Roxy, this involved acquiring Aquatix, a power source potentially 15 times more potent than the formidable Sirenix.

Experiencing an Intense Emotional Trigger: Kidemix awakens in response to an overwhelming surge of emotions, triggered by profound experiences. This emotional catalyst propels the fairy into a transformative state of power and resilience.

The abilities bestowed by Kidemix extend beyond a mere power boost; they push the user's capabilities beyond their logical conclusion. Roxy, as the Fairy of Animals, gains the extraordinary ability to adopt the traits of any creature in existence. Kidemix, in essence, propels the user's abilities to an unprecedented zenith.

Notably, the user's size increases to nearly double its original.

Just as Spider-Man possesses the formidable black suit, and Teen Gohan achieves Super Saiyan 2, Roxy's Kidemix stands as her ultimate transformation, showcasing her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Kidemix, however, is not a power easily harnessed. It carries a wild and savage essence, needing to be tamed and mastered. Like a tempest, it can be uncontrollable, requiring the user to forge a deep connection and understanding to guide its formidable power. But what about you? How would your OCs Kidemix work? Or the other Winx? Tell me using the #WinxKidemix. BTW, the art was done by Poison the Cat on IG

[pumpkinstrawbrew]

❣️.ĐØ₥Ɇ₴₮ł₵₳₮Ɇ V₴ ₵₳₱₮ɄⱤɆ. ☠️

...

(i love playing with various branches of scarebat inside my head. even if it's one-note idea. but in this current bit, i was thinking about a core view on certain things, that most of their versions have in common. mainly the difference between jon's n' bruce's outlooks on how they picture 'ideal' encounter between one another. or more so, what the best outcome of it might be. what their 'great end game might look like.

bruce *for the most part* wants to believe in reabilitation. in a change for the better. it's possible to tame n' domesticate a wild crow. it might not change its habbits fully, but it's possible to make the bird less harmful *to smaller animals as they do feed on them* by keeping it happy and fed. by nurturing it into state, where it'll be mostly comfy with getting food by less extreme means. n' where it might trust you to not to harm it or stop giving it food. while, i view this set-up from a perspective of a shipper, i also can see gen approach here as well. mostly, bc i don't think that bruce would have ever left any of his *potentially ex* rogues fully unsurpivised. esp someone with history like crane's. batman is too much of a control freak to not peak into his villain's personal affairs, even if just to make sure, that they haven't went back to crime. him befriending / having a chance to impose influence on a troubled, malevolent 'crow via smth other, than use of force would have been a nice change of pace. batman is pragmatic, but i love how he doesn't ever fully dismiss the idea of 'what if', n' desire to see his rogues improving themselves. but at the same time, usually, he's the one who puts said crow back into cage *arkham*, so there is that too. he wants to do the right thing, but the bird keeps glaring at him through the narrow bars, bc it doesn't get why must it be caged for hurting n' killing other animals, when they *totally* picked on it first.

now, jon would have almost an oposite view of this, i imagine. where bruce can picture a second variant, another *brighter* path, crane kinda just cannot do the same. from his pov, there is no way for batman to ever become a villain. somebody who would team up with him. so they can't be 'together' this way. there is also no way for crane to ever get onto batman's level. esp bc he doesn't want *can't* change this drastically. therefore, the only way to keep the bat in his possession is to lock it up, trap it n' hold it in a little metalic box. hide it inside his basement, bc so many other people would love to have the bat too. he doesn't want to clip its wings, but part of him is paranoid enough to consider it. he has no idea how else to make a wild bat stay. it doesn't listen to him, like his birds do. but crane will take good care of it, anyway. make it dependent on him. caged by him, n' no one else can steal it away this time.

maybe, this reads as gibberish to some, but i really love how both bruce n' jonathan have animal analog / name in their aliases. bruce's is more apperent, bc well, batman lol. he even dress up as this. crane's case is more subtitle, but still, the scarecrow. even if he supposed to scare said birds away, he keeps them as pets as offten as we see bats hanging inside bruce's herocave lol. those animals also suit their personalities to a degree. the only other animal, that i can see crane as be a possum lol. sharp teeth, always hissing, long rat tail, but despite the ragged apperance, they are the only mamal that cannot get rabies bc of their body temperature, even tho by looking at it, you'd think that it surely would have that disease, haha. that's kinda very crane. he tends to subvert expectations, but in a strange ways.

an' well, where bruce can step down to extremes, n' i don't mean putting crane's scawny ass back into asylum, i mean also consider other methods of keeping him declawed. including trapping him inside his cave / basement. still, i feel like for jon's those said extremes are default line of thinking. socially inept, distrustful n' lonely, it would make sense for him to assume, that he can only co-exist with batman, if he will lock him up n' be the only one, who has a key to his prison. generally, it always seems that while jon's views on things n' his way of persiving / feeling affection are twisted, it's also pretty sad too. technically, he doesn't have any frame of referance here. of affection, that is returned n' not played as a joke at his expense. an' being humilated by the bat in such manner would sting way harder, than his high school crush rejecting him. he'd also would have that yandere u-turn. but not in like 'if i can't have you none one has'. more like 'i really want to have you, so i'd do every terrible thing in the book to make it possible'. well, almost 'every'. i feel like there be things, that jonathan *most versions of him, anyways* just kinda won't do. he does have some class, after all.

overall tho, i do love jon as that needy 'creep' archetype *which is pretty much a canon in old comics too*, who would kidnap / do awful things to a guy he likes, simply bc he has no idea what else he can do with him. at most times, he's that meme of 'idk how to hit on him, so he has to die'. meanwhile, bruce thinks that if you feed a stray bird enough, it might consider staying or well, not being as troublesome as it usually is.

in some timelines, this even might work out, who knows.

less so jonathan's side of things, since i feel like he would end up screwing his own plan over. i even have a lil drafty thing for a fic with similar premise, but it's for some other time. atm. just lil art, while i'm working on bigger things, haha. gotta store all these bits / concepts somewhere, so that i don't forget that they exist.)

[ohhhhhshesaslut]

My boyfriend is, almost exclusively, a sub. And I love him for it! I love watching him crumble and break, the resolve leaving him as his eyes go wide. It's delightful...

But, something must have been gnawing at him last night. Something got under his skin, I think. Both him and our roommate. They'd been teasing me about body writing - and, I'm ashamed to say, I forgot the exact context of what they intended until they had me chained up and pinned down. They marked and divided out my flesh, skin separated by dotted butcher's lines into regions that they could squabble over. They barely responded to my whines and complaints. They'd stopped thinking about me as a person by that point - just cuts of meat to be done with as they saw fit. A breast to one, my throat to the other. Flanks and tenderloins, biceps and fingers - each marked. Divvied out. Claimed.

My roommate bid himself adieu after they had made their selections and unchained me. He's very good at sharing, and so took the chance to leave me in my boyfriend's hands.

Now, my boyfriend, my bunny, an acolyte to his goddess... he'd threatened and teased me before, but - those times were almost always moments of smirking play. Times when he wanted me to break him down. Remind him who was in charge.

Last night... he was not playing. It wasn't long at all before casual conversation transitioned to him pinning me down - no mean feat for a bunny his size. He whispered in my ear about all the different ways he intended to use the portions of my flesh he'd marked out. Told me, as he forced me to roll over and fuck him, that he'd be taking the portions that weren't his, too - told me he was too greedy to share my divided body. He sounded insatiable. Possessed. And for a blissful time, I allowed whatever demon took him to wrest control.

But... a possession requires an exorcism. And one can only take so much snark and vitriol before the urge to restore the balance rears its head. It was only natural to purify his soul by forcing his head down into the pillow, feeling him writhe and squirm for air. Again, and again. When that wasn't enough, I coiled my fingers around his throat, taking his breath to silence the fell demon inside him.

By the time he'd regained his ability to speak, he asked for his soul to be cleansed. He's a very devout acolyte, of course - and so the searing strikes of the whip across his flesh were enough to drive the rest of the darkness from him.

I truly don't know what demon got into him - but I have the sneaking suspicion that a floodgate has been opened. I fear that he may find himself even more corruptible now, a vessel for malevolence that neither of us yet know the true potential of.

I can only hope.

[dollyyun]

𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆 | chap 02

SYPNOSIS: wherein the princess, who is a clandestine assassin, has been commanded to eliminate the seven vampire princes.

GENRE: 18+ (mdni), reverse harem, contemporary fantasy, enemies to lovers, third pov, eventual previous past lives will be entailed.

WARNINGS: violence, expletives, toxicity, suggestive themes.

WORD COUNT: 4k+

TAGLIST: @aishigrey @kgneptun @b3tt7boop @smg-valeria @lhspeachie @enhaverse713586 @strxwbloody @firstclassjaylee @jwnghyuns @luminouskalopsia @deobitifull @loumin908

🍒 MASTERLIST 🍒

If there is one quality that vampires are incapable of possessing, it is the virtue of benevolence. Even towards their own kind, they are malevolent and callous, but strategic enough to grasp any opportunity that works in their favours, resulting in them ostensibly being amiable towards others. Utterly deceitful.

So, when Jungwon provided her with garments consisting of black pants and a white tunic blouse, enmity gave way to prudence within her. She had expected him to drag her to a dungeon or torture room, but he brought her back to the room where she had awakened earlier.

"Why?" The word instantly flies out of her mouth, dissuading Jungwon from leaving the room, as he intends to give her some privacy.

Jungwon cocks an inquisitive eyebrow at her in response. With the light streaming through the window pane, the ray of light kisses his complexion, allowing her to examine his striking yet divine features, notably his cat-like eyes that are piercing enough to unnerve someone. Though the hue of his eyes is crimson, she notices a tinge of green iridescence that seems to bewitch her the longer she gazes deeply into his eyes.

Truly bewitching, yet she senses danger lurking, or rather, slithering beneath his cryptic countenance, as though it is simply waiting for the perfect moment to attack her.

"What do you mean by why?" His voice is icy-cold.

Despite how austere he is, Elora remains unyielding. The frown tugging at the corner of her lips deepens. "Why are you being courteous to me even when you must've known that I'm a foe?"

The air in the room shifts into something that she discerns as pernicious as he stalks towards her, each step is deliberate. His crimson eyes bear wicked intent, prompting her heart to palpitate even though her face is void of emotion, not wanting to give away that he manages to intimidate her just a little.

However, Jungwon doesn't seem to have the intention to stop either, as he closes the space between them, forcing Elora to eventually back away from him without breaking the intense eye contact with him until her back hits the bed's columnar foot post.

Her breath catches in her throat the moment he leans down to the side of her head while his hand is placed just above her head. A menacing grin touches his lips upon hearing her heart beat like a drum.

"Now that you've brought it up, maybe I should have you locked up in a dungeon." His voice drops to an octave with a husky rasp to it, and she unconsciously curls her hand into fists. "Or better yet, have you chained to a wall as I inflict my torturous method on you." He whispers, his cold breath fanning the cusps of her earlobe, before he slowly dips his head at the junction between her jaw and neck.

Her pulses go erratic at the moment his lips come into contact with the skin of her neck. An odd sensation pools in her tummy when she feels the tip of his fangs graze across her skin tantalisingly.

"Would you like that?" His soft chuckle sounds lethal. "I think you would. I'd gladly show you the ways I could inflict unimaginable pain on you to the point where you'd be begging for me to end your life instead."

As he slowly pulls away, just enough for her eyes to meet his, she releases the breath she has been holding. She ignores the tension that feels oddly sultry between them while her cold eyes glare into his. "Just because I might be powerless now doesn't mean you should underestimate me. You have no idea what I am truly capable of, your highness."

His lips unfurl with a soft smirk, catching her off guard at the sight of a dimple on his left cheek. "You really want to know why I didn't? It's because we have collectively decided not to kill you."

"Why?" She presses.

"You'll find out sooner or later." The smirk on his lips drops just as the tension does. "Do not mistake our courtesy for being chivalrous. Now, no more questions from you. Go take a shower and change into the garments I gave you. We'll be expecting you in the main chamber."

Elora frown. "But I don't know where it is."

Jungwon pauses, as if he finally realises that she has yet to navigate her way around the palace. "Then I'll be waiting for you outside the room." He takes a step back. "Don't take too long."

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

Elora has embarked on perilous adventures and faced ineffable dangers, and each was a successful endeavour in which she assassinated the names and creatures on her extensive list, subsequently proving her worth in the eyes of monarchs despite her inaptitude of intrinsic power.

So to finally face the princes, albeit there are only four princes in her line of sight, is nothing to her. But their gazes alone are piercing enough to unnerve someone. The main chamber is dim with the curtains drawn down, obstructing the sunlight from streaming in.

The only luminescence derives from a few artificial lights afloat on the ceiling and the brilliance of their crimson-hued eyes that are leering at her as she stands a few feet from them. They are leisurely seated on four separate wingback velvet couches.

Elora stands tall with a hint of defiance displayed on her countenance, refusing to allow any of them to intimidate her. But there is something in the air around them, which she discerns. She blinks her eyes, and this time she sees obfuscate spectral stemming from their bodies. They last only for a second before disappearing as she blinks again.

Dread clenches around her spine while her heart palpitates unevenly. She realises that the princes and the power they wield are more mystifying than she thought.

"What's your name again?" Sunoo's voice echoes throughout these walls, and just by the sound of his voice she concludes that he is rather a conceited prince. His leg drapes over the other while his elbows rest on the arm rest with his hands clasped together. "Since we already know that you're a mermaidian, you should let us know your name." A sly smile smears across his sheeny pink lips. "After all, you're going to get used to seeing us and being around us from now on."

Fortunately, no one knows that Aetherlyn has a princess except the Mermaidians. "Elora." Her introduction is aloof, but Sunoo's last statement alarms her, causing her eyebrows to furrow while her frown deepens. "What do you mean by getting used to seeing you?"

"Well, after a discussion we had, we have collectively come to an agreement that it's in our best interest to keep you alive." Jungwon says, drawing her attention to his piercing gaze. As if he's reading her mind, he proceeds to elucidate further. "No, we're not keeping you as a slave─"

"Which we have considered, especially with exquisite blood like yours." Jake interjects in a seductive lull, giving her a simper smile that involuntarily sends a peculiar flutter to her heart.

Jungwon shoots Jake a glare briefly before resuming. "As I was saying, we're not keeping you as a slave, but rather, we'll hold you as a captive detainee instead."

Her ire is bubbling within her, but her demeanour remains collected. "For what purpose?"

"Because you're a mermaidian, obviously." Sunoo answers with his head tilting to one side. "We haven't seen a real-life mermaidian before. We'd love to learn about your species and explore what you have to offer." She senses an underlying meaning, as does the way his eyes rake her physique, sending an odd chill down her spine.

"But that's not the main point." Heeseung's voice compels her quicker than she likes. Soft as silk yet beguiling. Her eyes meet his, and a sense of familiarity is like a veil has been removed from her head, but it dissipates quicker. "You see, we are obligated to appease the royal court with anything that is beneficial and valuable to them."

Elora crosses her arms below her chest, not liking where this is going. "Let me guess. Is it me?"

Elora's heart skips a beat at the way he unfurls his pink lips into a soft yet handsome smirk. "As much of a beauty you are, Mia Cara, I'm afraid you're not as valuable as the one thing we desire."

Uneasiness crawls its way into her heart. "And what is that?"

Heeseung's smirk widens the tiniest fraction. "The crystal heart of Oceania."

Her heart feels as though it drops to the pit of her stomach. She swallows harshly, finding her throat going dry. "So why am I being held captive when you said so yourself that I'm not valuable?"

In a blink of an eye, Heeseung appears in front of her, causing her to jolt and back away from him, but he has other plans as he grips her arm firmly and pulls her towards him. "Don't you get it? You're a mermaidian, and your kingdom safeguards the crystal heart of Oceania." He says softly yet lethally, and his crimson eyes are glowing brighter.

Elora's breath catches in her throat as he leans his face towards hers, stopping just a few inches away. "Which means you'll be taking us to your homeland." He smiles. "Understand now?"

"No!" Elora pushes him away from her, though her push doesn't have an impact on him. "There is no damn way I'll take you there!"

"You have no choice." Jake says, sounding nonchalant.

Elora curls her hands into fists. "Even if I were to take you to my homeland, it would take weeks or even months!" She exclaims, no longer concealing her ire.

"Then use your magic to teleport us there." Sunoo provides the obvious solution.

She clenches her jaw. "I can't."

Jungwon raises his eyebrow, intrigued. "Why can't you?"

"Because─" She bites her lips, looking away from their curious yet attentive gazes. She shakes her head. "Whatever. My answer is a dead no."

"You don't seem to understand that you are in no position to object." Heeseung grips her wrist and pulls her impossibly closer until the space between their bodies is nonexistent. Her indigo-hued eyes glare straight into his, unaffected by how close their faces are. "Like what my brother said, you have no choice, or else you'll have to face the consequences of your defiance."

"Screw you." Elora whispers, her hatred is apparent in her tone. "I'm not afraid of you and your brothers. You don't have power over me."

"You should be afraid of us, Mia Cara." Heeseung utters softly, and a devious grin dawns on his lips. "Because you have no idea what lies beneath the power we wield."

Elora is about to retort but deflates instantly when Heeseung's once crimson-hued eyes are now in terrifying obsidian. She tries to yank her wrist from his hand, but he grips it tighter instead, now revealing his pointed-sharp fangs.

"What?" She whispers in shock, still staring into his obsidian eyes.

"I told you, Mia Cara," Heeseung places his hand on her nape, his voice sounds deeper, darker, so sinister. "That there will be consequences for your defiance. In other words, bad girls get punished."

The next thing she knows, her body goes into the familiar state of shock, feeling a searing pain from his fangs sinking deeply into her neck. Yet, amidst the pain, there is pleasure.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

The last thing she remembers is that Heeseung rendered her immobile with his noxious yet sweet venom before she awakened to find herself surrounded by a plethora of scintillating gemstones.

She examines her surroundings thoroughly. It appears that she is in a cavern with a mouth broad enough for her to see the sight of dawn and the picturesque horizon. She glances around again, and this time, a sense of familiarity brings a benign smile to her visage while the nostalgia washes over her like a tidal wave.

Just as she takes a step forward, she discerns the sound of wings flapping distinctively, prompting her eyes to settle on the mouth of the cave, where a silhouette of a dragon can be seen landing on the ground with a thud. His amber luminescent eyes immediately lock onto hers while low growls emit from him, and he moves forward, each step is deafening due to how monumental he is.

But she goes unmoving, her eyes locked onto the ferocious creature. Instead of feeling frightened, she feels at ease with her heart beating in a familiar cadence, as though she had been awaiting his arrival. She doesn't tear her gaze off of the ferocious creature, even as he begins to shrink, shifting into his human form.

Her heart pounds loudly in her ears as soon as his brown-hued eyes meet hers. At once, her bare feet are running towards him, her white dress flailing behind her. She crashes into him just as he opens his arms wide for her.

His deep, handsome chuckles beside her ear awaken the butterflies in her tummy, denoting that he's more than pleased to be able to see her again after a long, long time. His arms engulf her body, hugging her close to him with his lips touching her crown—a familiar gesture of affection from him. She doesn't say anything, only hugging him tight as she basks in the warmth of her home.

They remain in each other's arms for some time, just listening to each other's hearts that beat in a symphonic cadence. She is the first one to pull away and look at him in the eyes without releasing her arms from his body.

"Lilith." Her name is uttered in a soft yet longing tone from his lips. A saddened smile dawns on his lips as he caresses her cheek gently while his arm remains locked around her waist.

Tears glisten in her beautiful eyes. "Jaan." She whispers, allowing a tear to escape from her eye. She doesn't know why or how she recognises him, but it is as if somebody else is speaking through her.

"Habibti," The endearment he used to call her brings more tears to her eyes. She sees a tear sliding down his cheek as he leans in to kiss her forehead with his eyes closed. "Hayati," The pain in his voice is all it takes for her to crumble. She weeps as he continues to pepper her with affection, trailing his kisses down to her temple before he cradles the cusp of her jaw and leans his forehead against hers.

"Rohi," He says softly as they flutter their eyes open. "You're finally here."

"But this isn't real." Her lips quiver in sadness. "I don't know how this has been happening, but I'm afraid that if each of you continues to call for my soul," She pauses, the fear in her voice is palpable as it shakes. "Who knows what Astra would do next?"

A muscle pulses in his jaw while his eyes harden, but his anger is not directed at her. "I don't know either, but I, for one, am glad that I got to see you after so long." He presses another kiss on her forehead and sighs against her skin. "I hate that I won't recognise you in the other realm."

She nods her head sullenly, her eyes crestfallen. "I do too."

"I really don't want to hurt you. I don't ever wish to hurt you." He says, looking utterly helpless. "But no matter how hard I tried breaching the border, I couldn't seem to get him to remember you and make him realise that you're not their enemy."

She smiles through the tears while a familiar lump appears in her throat. "It's part of the curse, Jaan."

He grabs a hold of her hand and raises it to his chest. His eyes bear such concern. "The curse─what about your heart? Are you still─"

On cue, she winces just as her heart throbs in a familiar affliction. She manages a small, wavering smile. "Even in death, I still bear the curse." A sigh leaves her lips. "The present me, she has the same infliction as I do."

His eyes widen. "What? But how? She doesn't even remember who she was."

She looks down. "I told you, Jaan, that it is all part of the curse." She sobs softly, and he wastes no time to embrace her once more. "Because Elora is me."

"I wish we could do something." He says. His devastation is apparent while he feels helpless. "I don't want to lose you, Lilith."

"But you've already lost me." A sharp sob leaves her lips. "It's been a thousand years, Jaan."

"No amount of years could ever get rid of my love for you, Rohi." He cups her cheeks, their eyes are welling with tears. "I'll try to get the present me to remember. We'll try."

Hesitation and fear glimmer in her eyes. "But what if Astra gets furious again? I don't─" She hiccups, bringing a fond smile to his face at how adorable she is. "I don't want to make things worse by breaking Astra's rules again."

"Yeah? Well, I don't care about rules or even Astra." His nose grazes against hers. "No one, not even Astra, could tear us apart. We'll always find our way back to each other." With her parted lips, he can't resist sealing her into a kiss. One last wistful kiss.

"I love you, Lilith." Underneath her touch, he starts to fade, as does his voice, making her heart ache tremendously. "Never forget that."

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

"Did Heeseung really drain all of her blood?" A voice speaks above her, yet somehow he sounds familiar, striking a chord in her.

"I wouldn't say all of her blood. That's a bit of a stretch." Sunoo refutes. "She'll be fine, Jay. Besides, we even formed an agreement that we wouldn't kill her."

"But it's been two days since she passed out." Jay emphasises, and she would've mistaken him for caring about her well-being if it weren't for the indifference in his icy-cold voice. "If she doesn't wake up by the next sunrise, we'll have to exterminate her."

Elora tries her utmost to remain calm and collected, unmoving from her position, despite the fact that she is close enough to lacerate the two princes. Truth be told, she awakened earlier, and not to mention her head was throbbing tremendously, but she didn't move an inch from the bed. Rather, she used whatever strength was left to use her magic and conjure a dagger once more, having it concealed from their eyes.

"But she's a mermaidian! She is the key to our lead in acquiring the crystal heart of Oceania!" Sunoo opposes with fierce resolution. "Even so, Heeseung is the one who decides, and his decision is keeping her alive."

"How are we even certain that the crystal heart of Oceania does exist?" Jay asks, the incredulity is apparent in his voice. "I thought it was just a myth that the elders foolishly believed in."

"We didn't, initially, so we summoned her to the main chamber to conduct a little test." She can picture an arrogant smile on Sunoo's face. "Heeseung mentioned the aforementioned myth, and she didn't even deny it. She looked rather alarmed. Ergo, the crystal heart is, in fact, real."

Her ears perk up at the sound of knocks, following another voice speaking. "Sunoo, you need to come with me." Jake.

"What is it?" Sunoo asks.

"It's about your garden." Jake sounds somewhat dismal, yet there is a tinge of levity. "Jungwon's snakes may or may not have marauded your garden."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Sunoo raises his voice, and in an instant, she hears a 'whoosh', denoting that he has disappeared from her room. Now, the room sounds so silent that she is able to hear a pin drop.

After much contemplation, Elora flutters her eyes open, being greeted by the familiar sight of the room, which she can now call hers. She straightens her body, moving her legs to the edge of the bed before rising. The door is ajar as she ambles towards it while clutching her dagger to her chest.

"What do you think you're doing?" His cold voice speaks from behind her near her ears, sending her body to jolt in surprise before she whirls around to finally meet a new face.

'Jaan'

A feminine voice echoes throughout the walls of her mind. Her face has a twist of confusion, but she recovers, now in a defensive stance against the vampire prince. But her eyes betray her as they decide to scan his fine countenance.

His eyes are sharp and piercing, almost as if he can uncover her deepest, darkest secret just by his gaze alone. His nose stands tall and slim, while his sharp, angular jaw seems as though it can cut her with a single touch. Under the artificial lights afloat in the room, she is able to see the complexion of his skin, which is neither too pale nor too dark. Almost akin to the lighter shade of melanin. His dark hair falls over his forehead just above his eyebrows, making him look less intimidating. His black blouse hangs loosely on his body, allowing a glimpse of his collarbone. 

As her eyes return to his face once more, her head throbs. He doesn't look familiar, but he feels familiar, which is absurd because why does she feel that way when she hasn't met him in the entirety of her life?

"I'm asking you a question, mermaidian." The aura he emits is foreboding, prompting her to clutch her dagger tightly. She doesn't even realise that she's backing away from him until her back hits the door. His dark, dangerous gaze continues to drill into her as he stands in front of her, allowing her to catch a whiff of his scent.

"Stay back." Elora warns him, displaying her dagger in his eyes.

His eyes glance down at her dagger momentarily. "Do you think that your pathetic dagger will have any effect on me?" He purposely moves closer to the point where the tip of her dagger is now touching his chest.

"Maybe not, but at least I'll have fun carving your heart out." In an instant, she grabs him by the blouse and changes position, with her pinning him against the door while pressing the razor-edged end of her dagger to his neck.

However, he remains unfazed, simply cocking an eyebrow at her despite the fact that she is pressing the dagger harder until it manages to breach his skin, allowing blood to slowly trickle down. "We haven't probably introduced ourselves. I'm Jay." He introduces himself with a faint smirk on his lips.

"Nice meeting you, Jay. Any last words before I lacerate you completely and deliver your heart to your brothers on a silver platter?" She smiles almost wickedly, and it is rather enthralling yet refreshing to meet someone who is just as bloodthirsty as him.

"Habibti, did you really forget that I'm a vampire?" His voice sounds sultry, catching her off guard, and he uses this chance to switch positions. The dagger is knocked out of her grasp. His hand effortlessly locks her arms from behind as he pushes her, her cheek pressed against the door.

"Let go." She struggles valiantly in his oddly strong grasps. Her heart skips a beat at the moment his hot breath fans the cusp of her earlobe.

"I'm being lenient to you right now, but the next time you pull a move like that, I will kill you." His voice comes out in a low growl, almost inhumane. "You'd do well to remember that you're in my domain, and the reason we even allow you to live is because you serve a purpose to us."

"Fuck you." She grits her teeth. "I'm not your slave or lowly-life being just so you can dictate my life."

His deep chuckles send an annoying flutter to her heart. "Being my slave would do you much worse. Habibti." She shivers when his finger brushes her locks behind her ear. "You'd be serving me with your blood, and I'd bite you anywhere I wanted to." A gasp leaves her lips at the feeling of his groin pressing from behind, sending her mind into a frenzy. "And I'd use your body whenever I want to, have you completely fucked out, which you'd be begging for more." He whispers darkly in her ear.

Amidst the hatred, lust clouds her head while her mind begins to imagine such deplorable acts with her enemy.

"Oh, you love the idea, yeah?" He rasps, pressing himself harder against hers, and this time, a gasp mixed with a moan leaves her lips. His lips touch her earlobe, nipping it, and she swears she can feel his fang tearing into her skin, just slightly. Oddly, it sends her a peculiar sensation.

"Jay." She moans airily as he dips his head to her neck and nips at her skin, while she can't help but grind herself on him, eliciting a low guttural growl from him.

"Fuck." He breathes harshly, his fangs elongate, and his crimson-hued eyes darken with bloodlust and fervent desire for the mermaidian in his grasp.

He can't resist the temptation and caves in, sinking his fangs into her neck. Her blood has a unique yet heavenly taste. With her body grinding on him and airily moans occasionally leaving her lips, he reciprocates, pushing her up to the door and allowing his groin to feel the pleasure.

"Jay." His name sounds alluring from her mouth. She gasps in pleasure at both his fangs and his hardened groin. Though there is the familiar searing pain on her neck, the pleasure overweighs it, sending her into a state of pure bliss.

Jay pulls his fangs out, not wanting her to faint. He licks his fangs and lower lip, where there are still excesses of her blood. "If you keep doing that," He pauses, growling again while his grip on her arms tightens as he cuffs her from behind. "I might have to fuck you right here and now."

Elora halts her movement and squeezes her thigh upon feeling dampness below. Heat weaves across her cheeks, embarrassed and resenting herself for falling for the vampire allure. Before anything can happen, she is saved by a knock.

"Jay? Are you still in there?" Jake.

Thankfully, Jay decides to release her, though he doesn't look too pleased by the interruption as soon as she looks at his face. Seeing that he is being distraught, she grasps the opportunity to retrieve her dagger swiftly. He doesn't even have the time to react when she plunges her dagger into his stomach quickly and efficiently.

With her sudden strength, both physical and magic, she moves like lightning, swinging the door open to see Jake in her view with his eyebrow arched. He doesn't have time to react when she plunges her dagger into his stomach as well, sending his body into a state of shock due to a spell she imbued in the dagger.

"Too easy." She chuckles with a smirk before using her newfound strength to run down the massive, hollow hallway.

PREV CHAP | NEXT CHAP