#magic mirror for hazard games

[acim-ed-ortsac]

The Ruler of the End - 2

Twisted Wonderland x Ender Dragon Male Reader

“You’re leaving us here in this dilapidated building!?”

“ Well, it’s the only available one we have.”

The Ender dragon stared at the soon - to - be - destroyed building, its wood worned and tearing, multiple holes for rain to come in, broken windows, anda door hanging on for dear life on its hinges.

The outside wasn’t better either, with dead grass the color of pale green, dead trees bare of leaves, and a crooked gate around it.

“It has a certain charm,” Yuu, the human that was also from another world, said sarcastically. The dragon’s lips twitched in brief amusement before he looked at the building and curled his lips in disgust. This excuse of an adult really wants them to live in this safety hazard of a building? 

How irresponsible.

But considering his situation as stranded and lost in this new world, he supposed the headmaster could’ve done much worse such as kicking them out. When entering inside, it was far much worse. Dust everywhere, broken furniture, creepy crawlies hiding away from the sudden strangers, and worse of all!

Dust!

“I’ll come back with some food and clothes for the two of you, for I am gracious.” said the headmaster before he left with a bang on the door.

A layer of dust fell and landed on his head, making the ruler twitch in annoyance. Yuu looked at him, concerned. “Please don’t burn this down, it’s all we got.”

“I won’t,” he replied before shaking the dust off. “Do you clean?”

“Dude, I learned how to clean since I was five.”

“Excellent,” the dragon looked into the pocket dimension of his horde, looking at the various things he will need, “I’ll have to replace some of the wood before sleeping tonight.”

“Why? It’s no-“

Cue, the sound of rain pouring from above.

Yuu deadpanned at the sight, “Good idea.” They then looked at the dragon, “But won’t the rain bother you?”

“No worries, I have an umbrella here.” To emphasize his point, the dragon pulled out a red umbrella from his pocket dimension, opening it before closing. Yuu let out a low whistle, “That’s pretty handy, the dimension thing that is.”

“It’s a normal thing back in my world, but the amount of space depends on the individual itself. Since I’m one of the most powerful beings there, my horde is quite big.” he explained.

The human nodded in understanding, “Man, I wish I had something like that. Unfortunately, my world doesn’t have any magic to begin with.”

The dragon, who was arranging his needed supplies before heading outside, paused and perked at the detail in interest. “No magic? As in, not at all?” he asked, glancing at them.

Yuu shrugged,” The most magic we had were witches and - what were they called again? - Ah, right. Shamans.” they then paused at the word, “I think I got that one wrong.”

“But in my world, we also have witches.”

“Yeah, but our witches mostly talk to the dead and summon demons who they hate.”

“. . .How interesting.”

*-*

When the Ender Dragon left to fix the roof, Yuu finally squealed at the contained excitement they felt. 

I met the Ender Dragon!

And to learn that the dragon had a hybrid form and was male!? Their life could not get any better! Being a Minecraft player and constant viewer of any Minecraft youtuber there was, (Technoblade, may he rest in peace), how could they not recognize the infamous mob of the End!

The ultimate boss of Minecraft!

Yuu nearly died when they realized that the Ender Dragon was also summoned by the Dark Mirror and when he called the Endermen - at that time, they almost quite literally died - but nonetheless, they were thrilled!

God, he’s so powerful and majestic in real life! And to think he would look that handsome! After being dumped into a Disney world with pretty boys!? The Ender Dragon was like a final Christmas gif-

A realization came to them.

They can’t keep calling him ‘The Ender Dragon’ all the time. Despite that was how they and others called him in the game, he’s actually a living being and Ender Dragon was his species of animal. No, he would need a proper name.

Finding a broom, they began sweeping the floor as they thought. A suitable name for the ruler - or former ruler since he supposedly died - of the End, he comes from the End and it’s kinda in the name of his species. Looking at the languages they learned so far, they tried to search for a peculiar name for him.

What’s ‘end’ in Norwegian. . .nah, calling him ‘slutt’ seems like a bad idea. And Spanish and Portuguese are either ‘fin’ or ‘fim’. Hmm. . . Maybe Oxiri from Uzbek? Wait, why am I thinking of names that mean ‘end’? He’s more than someone from the End. What’s dark in latin. . .

Yuu pursed their lips before trying out the soon to be name, “Tenebris.” That didn’t sound too terrible of a name, besides, they were running out of language they understood. Happy and satisfied, they continued to sweep the floor, waiting on their dorm mate when a yelp caught their attention. . .

The ruler held the umbrella above his head as he placed the roof pieces on the holes, temporary replacements before he decided to fully renovate this excuse of a building. 

While it was something he wasn’t accustomed to, the dragon is able to withstand the cold to a degree and is strong enough to endure any pain. He can also go without food or water for a few days. But his companion, Yuu, was a different story. They’re human, meaning they have a more delicate body than him and their body could get sick easily.

Well, easily as an average human can get sick.

Besides the point, they currently don’t have the money for any medicine, he wasn’t an expert in herbs either. He’s also not sure if the healing potions he has would be effective for a human from another world, so he’s not taking that risk. Lastly, he’s not sure if the gems he has would be considered valuable in this world.

Yuu will be under his care as he is under theirs’, both being from other worlds, so if they get sick or are injured, it’s partly his responsibility to make sure they’re okay. Majority was supposed to go to the headmaster of this school, since the Dark Mirror is the property of this school and he’s in charge of it.

But now he’s not sure if he should put his trust or faith in the bird man.

A sting of pain made him hiss as a drop of water splashed on his tail, he glanced to see a red spot before he moved his tail under the umbrella. He’s kinda glad for the robes that he wore. He still remembers the conversation that happened before they were sent here; After the reveal of his origins, the dragon noticed that in the headmaster’s hands was a robe of black and purple. The same robe that everyone wore. The headmaster, after coughing to regain composure, asked him to put on his ceremonial robes.

This made the dragon confused as he asked: “Why do I have to put that on?”

An awkward silence ensued as multiple individuals looked away, some tinting in red. Another cough from the headmaster, “Ah, well, I’m not sure how it is done in your world, but here, we wear clothing for. . .decency.”

With furrowed brows, the dragon looked down at his own appearance. Ah, I’m still bare 

Indeed, he wore nothing of any clothing, his human torso exposed revealing the tone muscle he developed in his dragon form, before they slowly changed to his obsidian scaled dragon legs. His tail that protruded from his tailbone covered the crack of his rear, and a certain part between his legs was covered behind the many scales of his legs. 

Meaning, any part that is to be censored is covered by his biology.

I suppose that’s the norm for humans. Even in my world, some hybrids wear clothing. thought the dragon as he covered another hole. This building still needs work but he can continue it tomorrow when it’s not raining. Maybe he should add an automatic farm, so they don’t have to buy their food. But he would have to get seeds first,

Don't I have seeds in one of my shulker boxes? he thought as he gathered his things, putting them in his horder minus the umbrella before descending to the ground. Ignoring the stinging from the rain, he entered the building and was met with yells and shouts of fighting.

The dragon raised his brows in alarm before quickly flew towards the source which was on the second floor. When he got there, his alertness turned to confusion at the sight. Yuu was panting, sweat dripping from their forehead. A little at their side is the blue grey cat with flaming ears and a striped bow, who was seemingly more exhausted than the human. And in front of them is. . .

An abomination of a ghost and the headmaster.

I mean, what in the Three Realms is that!? Did the headmaster die!? If so, then that’s one monstrous ghost form!

Fortunately, after a poof of smoke, the ghost changed into the headmaster standing on his two feet and his dark suit and cape.

Ah, he’s alive.

“Incredible!” the bird-man exclaimed, “Working together with a monster - Why, you have the skills to be a beast tamer!”

A what? What in the Three Realms did I miss!?

Blinking in confusion, the former ruler of the End could only watch on as the headmaster’s rambles dissolved into a series of mumbles, which was interrupted by Yuu. “Umm, may Grim stay with me please?”

“What did you say!? A monster!? Staying in school!?”

“You. . .” the cat creature, whose name is Grim, trailed off.

Deciding to intervene for the moment, the dragon spoke. “Pardon my language, but what is going on!?”

The three of them jumped and turned to him in surprise. The cat creature widened his eyes in fear and recognition at the sight of him while Yuu grinned and jogged to the dragon. “You’re back!” 

He nodded, brushing a strand of dark hair from his face. “I managed to fix and cover the holes on the roof, but with this rain I’ll have to start renovations a little later.”

“It’s okay, you did a good job though.”

“Thank you,”

“Why is he here!?”

The both of them looked at Grim, who hid behind the headmaster’s long legs for protection. The headmaster, meanwhile, had a smile as he spoke. “Ah, Mr. Ender Dragon. I’ve returned with food and new clothes!”

“That’s wonderful to hear,” the dragon replied, crossing his arms. “So, mind telling me why that cat creature is here?”

“I’m not a cat!”

Ignoring the protest, the dragon listened as Yuu explained to him what happened after he left. The ruler glared at Grim, who stiffened in fear at the next words. “You want to become a great magician when you not only can’t attack properly but also dare to insult another. Much less, someone who doesn’t have any magic!?”

Grim bared his teeth, despite trembling. “The Great Grim doesn’t need to respect anyone-“

“Before becoming someone great, perhaps learn to be humble first.” The Ender Dragon snorted before turning to the headmaster. “Now, may we discuss how we should live here?”

“Ah yes, I was about to discuss that with you.” The headmaster cleared his throat. “As you know, I’m letting you live here but the necessities like food, clothing, and money should be up to you. And as I’m gracious, you three will be doing some oddjobs here and there.”

“Three?”

“Yes, the monster is included in your dorm.”

The dragon deadpanned, Huzzah, more responsibilities.

The headmaster then continued to explain that they’ll be working as ‘Janitors’, people who do the maintenance and fixings in this school. Tomorrow, Yuu and Grim will be in charge of cleaning Main Street, wherever that is, while the dragon will be fixing some broken windows among the high towers.

“You have a talent for fixing, I saw you on the roof with materials.” The headmaster had said. “Though, may I ask Mr. Ender Dragon, where did you get the materials for the roof?” He looked up and down at the dragon’s figure. “I don’t see a satchel on you.”

“Oh, that’s my horde, it’s a pocket dimension where I can keep my stuff. Most mobs and humans have them in my world.”

The bird-man’s eyes widened, “How interesting.”

And on that same night, he got a new name.

Yuu had mentioned it, saying it will become a hassle calling him ‘Mr. Ender Dragon’ all of the time. Crowley agreed, “I second that, it is becoming a mouthful.”

Yuu grinned at this, “Then what about Tenebris?”

The dragon quirk a brow, “Tenebris?”

 “Yeah, it means ‘dark’ in latin.” Yuu explained. “I thought of it while cleaning.”

The dragon, now Tenebris, liked the name. The dragon had smiled at the name, since he was mostly called either the ‘Ender Dragon’ or ‘The ruler of the End’ so he never thought of coming up with a name for himself. He had seen hybrids and humans with names, some hard to pronunciate and some with numbers in them. Some were so long the people had to come up with nicknames.

But to be given a name for himself, a warmth of happiness bloomed in his chest.

*-*

It was the next morning when Tenebris had started breakfast. Fixing pumpkin pie, the dragon used his fire to heat the wood so the pie will bake. Tenebris wasn’t sure if the stove or oven still worked so he decided to use the old-fashioned method. A whisper of coldness tickled his side before a translucent anomaly appeared beside him.

“Oh, what a feast you prepared!” the stocky ghost, whose name is Horus, commented.

His chubby friend, Luke, appeared at his other side. “Indeed, what a haul you got there.”

“It’s not much,” Tenebris scowled as he glanced at the dining table. Already on the table were baked potatoes, bread, mushroom stew, and a few plates of steak. The pumpkin pie was the last addition. Three sets of plates and cutlery were set out for him, Yuu, and the cat gremlin named Grim.

A chuckle behind him had him face the last ghost of the trio, whose name is Jasper. “Kid, I would say that’s a bit much.”

His scowl went deeper, making the ghosts coo at him. “Don’t pout now,” Jasper giggled, patting his cheek.

A yawn and footsteps signalled the awakening of the two alive residents in this dorm. Tenebris took the pie out of the makeshift oven before putting it on the table, finishing the final touches. 

“Good morning,” Yuu yawned, their hair a birds’ nest while a line drool escaped from their mouth.

Grim grumbled a bit before he got a whiff of the aroma in the air, “Oooh, something smells good!”

“Save some for Yuu, Grim.” The dragon warned as he took his seat, eyeing the cat monster who took no haste in gulfing as much food as possible.

Yuu wiped their drool as they eyed the table of food, setting themself down. “Woah! Tenebris you made this!?”

“I just had some leftover ingredients and food in my horde,” the dragon answered casually, taking a bite of his pork. “The farm I made this morning will take time to grow, and I can’t gather any cows or chickens to the school unless I want to get in trouble.”

Yuu paused mid-bite, “Did you say farm!?”

“Look outside,”

Tenebris paid no mind as the human rushed from their seat to the window. He also paid no mind to the shriek of disbelief before speechlessness followed. And if he ever felt a sense of pride in his chest, he’ll never tell you that

Chapter 1 2 3 4 5

[kunikame]

TWISTED WONDERLAND

NATSUME DROPLIGHT (ref. to sundrop flower from tangled)

ramshackle dorm leader, 1st year

dominant hand : right homeland : ? club : gargoyle studies club best subject : astrology hobbies : art pet peeves : grim talking in his sleep favorite food : macarons least favorite food : pumpkin soup talent : quick to pick up skills friends : 1st year gang, kalim al-asim, silver vanrouge, malleus draconia, cater diamond, ruggie bucchi neutral : vil schoenheit, rook hunt, floyd leech (she’s scared of them), trey clover, jamil viper, idia shroud, leona kingscholar

her favorite vest is yellow but she had to give up wearing it because she was mistaken as a savanaclaw resident. mostly wears greyscale clothes now (partly due to ramshackle aesthetic), but she puts red ribbons in her hair since heartslabyul is like her 3rd home.

has a new bandage like every other day. ramshackle is a health hazard (curse you crowley. fix the damn staircase already).

she's on relatively good terms with everyone important, except floyd. the moment she glimpses him in a crowd she's GONE with the wind.

HEARTDROPS !! ace trappola x natsume droplight

#HEARTSHACKLE for life!! (deuce is third wheeling.)

everyone knew it was gonna happen eventually, but nobody knows how exactly it did (natsume asked ace out with a corny pick up line and he doesn't want anyone to know it worked)

nothing really changed between them, except the small sprinkle of additional pda (hand holding ew!!!!! - ace). they still relentlessly bully each other cause it’s fun.

deep down though, ace sometimes worries whether his jabs hurt more than she shows (he’s aware he can be an asshole, but hurting her is the last thing he would ever want to do).

he’s also terrified of the day she gets the chance to leave twisted wonderland. he knows this is not her real home and that she probably misses her family and friends, but he likes to think he and their friends are also essentially like family to her now– he likes to think she belongs here, with him (he doesn’t know she has no plans to leave).

movie nights every saturday, and 1st year game nights on fridays

though natsume constantly complains about them getting her in trouble with crowley, she would not trade their stupid asses for anything in the world.

very common date activity is dancing in ramshackle to songs from her homeland, or stargazing on the roof (ace fell off one time and he has not let her live it down since).

rarely will you find one without the other being somewhere nearby. it's an eyesore. they are banned from most public spaces.

ace offers to be her human canvas out of boredom sometimes and thoroughly enjoys the feeling of the cold paints on his skin, though he will never admit it aloud. when she gives him a painting or sketch of him as a gift he puts it in a hidden box under his bed. he faithfully collects them all to look back on when they're older. he swears up and down every new one he gets is better than the last one. he just loves being her muse

BACKSTORY !!

back at her original world, natsume was a pretty normal kid growing up. divorced parents with shared custody, a couple friends, some after school clubs and niche interests. average teen life basically

on a lovely friday morning, she had a nasty argument with her mother, and her already sour mood at the prospect of having to go to her fathers house later soured even further. she had a surprise math exam and her friends kept throwing jabs at her throughout the day.

safe to say, she’s had enough. after school she immediately rushed home without saying bye to her friends.

she tried to rush home anyway, but then a medieval looking carriage hit her and some magic dark mirror spoke at her. she honestly thought she was dead, but, nope, somehow even worse. some crazy dimensional travel occured and she found herself in the magical land of twisted wonderland. booyah!

ace, deuce and grim being her first friends in this crazed dimension was truly a blessing. despite grim being a talking cat and the other 2 being complete idiots, they were still somehow the most normal beings she's had the fortune to meet.

and, somehow, somewhere along the way, she found her eyes lingering on ace a tad longer than they normally should. found herself thinking about him more than it was socially acceptable between friends.

what joy. if she were alice she could never return now, for love is the strongest magic of all, or however the saying goes. be as it may, she stopped planning her return home long ago. perhaps staying here wouldn't be too bad, after all.

[zadokengel]

Darkling

You are a Darkling, stolen to serve as a victim, or keeper of archives, or assassin, or even personal muse. Your time lost in fear and shadow has granted you quick wits, a clever tongue, and great skill in stealth, while also turning direct sunlight into a dazing hazard.

The Autumn Court

Nicknames: The Court of Fear, the Leaden Mirror, the Ashen Court Emotion: Fear Colors: Red, orange, yellow, grey, brown Autumn's Bargain: While Autumn is in power their Bargain forces the True Fae announce their intentions before they attack. Fear's courtiers reflect the ominous mystique of their season. The fiery hues of dying leaves, massive flocks of migrating birds, legends of the barrier between worlds growing thin. The Autumn Court holds a complicated opinion of their condition. While their imprisonment by the True Fae robbed them of their humanity and they still live in fear of recapture, it also granted them the gift of magic. They embrace the arcane, readily delving into the Hedge and studying the secrets of the True Fae to wield their own magic against them. Seeking to understand what terrifies them, Autumn gazes into the abyss, and the abyss gazes back.

Check the wiki for more info:

I see others that have been kidnapped by the True Fae as well...

@fountainstranger @scruffypegasus @crim50n-r8er-reblogs @crim50n-r8er @awakenedsalamander @theriu @parasocial-hermit @ataraxicphilocalist @plaguenevermore @lynndoublelegacy @razialart @aidendruid25 @stuckinthewrongworld

...And anyone else who wants to do this. Have fun!

[olivia-anderson-fanfic]

Yuu can do it!

Part 32

First<Previous>Next

Masterlist

Kuroki looked at the mirror in front of him. Of course, like all of the mirrors in this damned place, it didn’t actually function like a mirror, so he had to turn to Ito and Enma, opening his mouth...

“Yes, you look fine,” Ito assured him. Again.

“Would we let you go out if you looked bad?” Enma asked.

Kuroki squinted at him.

“If you were going to do something this important?” he amended.

Kuroki huffed a halfhearted laugh, and turned back to the mirror. The frame was silver, decorated with winding tentacles. At their feet, little pieces of coral and a singular blueish-purple anemone poked out of the tile.

A pair of eels hung over the top of the frame. The silver sheen on the tops of their heads was dulled, as if people had made a habit of petting them while they passed. Maybe it was one of those traditions that people sometimes came up with for statues – rub here for good luck! He had never really believed in those, but he hadn’t believed magic was real a week ago, either, so…

Kuroki reached up and rubbed both of the eels as hard as he could.

He took a deep breath, and then stepped through.

His shoes tapped on the glass beneath him, and he instantly flinched back at the unexpected sound. His head poked back through the mirror, knocking against Enma’s chest, and the boy gave a yelp.

He smiled sheepishly. “Sorry.”

Ito raised an eyebrow. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just didn’t expect…” He slipped a hand through to wave vaguely. “Y’know.”

“I don’t,” said Ito, amused.

Kuroki huffed. “You will,” he said, before slipping back through.

He was in a circular tunnel made out of glass, relatively blank other than a light purple sign nearby asking him to take off his shoes. But that was fine, because the world beyond the glass made up for the plain surroundings.

They were surrounded by water on all sides, so far beneath the waves that Kuroki couldn’t even see the light coming from the surface — if there even was a surface at all. It was very possible that this particular pocket dimension was entirely full of water, with no land to speak of.

Bioluminescent fish and plants glimmered in the dark water, lighting up the other flora and fauna floating around. A group of blue-ringed octopi were playing what looked to be volleyball with a very stressed-out flounder. A school of minnows circled the tunnel in an endless game of follow the leader. A crab was playing the drums on the stomach of a turtle who seemed surprisingly chill with the situation.

An angler fish bumped against the glass, almost seeming affronted by the fact that it wasn’t allowed to come inside and eat him.

He waved at it.

It stared at him for a long time, considering him, before tilting from side to side, the glowing light attached to its head swaying back and forth in a kind of wave of its own.

He smiled a little and looked back up, at the liters upon liters of water pressing in on the glass.

He grimaced. Well, that’s a safety hazard and a half.

Like, sure, he understood the concept of magic and all that, and that the glass was probably reinforced, but there was still a very large part of him that was going AAAA WE’RE GONNA DIE.

Maybe the reason for the no-shoes policy was that the people running this place didn’t want the glass to break either. Mm. Maybe he should get on that.

The others stepped through while he worked at untying his laces.

Ito was first. They seemed relatively relaxed about the whole situation. Looking around idly, toeing off their shoes, smiling with all of the grace of someone who had decided that they weren’t going to let magic surprise them anymore.

Enma, of course, did the opposite. He immediately rushed to press his nose against the glass.

“Shoes,” Kuroki said.

Enma waved him off, too intent on staring out into the water, taking in everything he could.

Grim floated through after them, only to immediately rush to hide beneath Kuroki’s jacket. Which was rude. That was Kuroki’s thing. But fine, he’d let him.

“What’s up with you?” he asked, wrapping an arm around the bundle in his clothing.

“I don’t like water,” Grim muttered.

Ito sighed and rifled through their pockets, practically throwing their money at the back of Enma’s head. Enma, for his part, didn’t even seem to notice.

Luckily for them, Grim didn’t notice either. Mostly, because his furry face was hidden in Kuroki’s jacket, making it kind of hard for him to see the interaction.

“Let’s go. You can be a librarian with Ito,” Grim suggested.

Kuroki raised an eyebrow. “First of all, I’m not a nerd, so write that down.”

Ito flicked him in the side of the head. But it was worth it, Grim snickered a little, relaxing, if only slightly.

“You’re literally a shut-in,” Enma said, finally tearing his eyes away solely to insult him. It was flattering, in a way. “You’re the most nerdy out of all of us!”

“You’re the one that carries a journal everywhere!”

“Yeah? How many otome games did you play back in our world?”

“What would you look up here first if you got your hands on a phone?”

“Girls, girls, you’re both pretty,” Ito cut in.

Kuroki scowled. He was never going to do something out of the goodness of his heart ever again.

“We need to get him to work in time for his interview. Enma, c’mon, we can look around on the way back, m’kay?”

Enma huffed, but slipped off his shoes. The four (well, three, kind of, because Kuroki was carrying Grim) of them slowly made their way down the tunnel. The one they were walking along was the main one, larger than the rest, but there were several other paths branching off, towards different things. The tubes might have seemed futuristic, if not for the fact that they had to walk them. Instead, it felt a little bit tedious. Too many steps. Literally.

Yet he walked them anyway, making sure to keep track of purple signs pointing him along. They passed quite a few people with light purple armbands as they went, as well as a couple of yellow ones. Most people were heading down the main tunnel towards a large, castle-like building, or branching off halfway down, towards a smaller place.

Predictably, the signs declared the smaller place to be exactly where they were supposed to be going.

The smaller place was still pretty large, even its windows were taller than Enma, allowing a perfect view of the watery depths they were submerged in. To get inside, you had to walk through the jaws of a giant, but thankfully long-dead, fish. The interior was decorated in shades of purple, lavish in color and material quality. Smooth jazz rolled over them.

Kuroki hesitated, poking his head out of the fish’s ribcage, searching for a possible employee entrance. If there was one there, it wasn’t blatantly obvious, and he wasn’t sure whether he should enter through it, anyway. So, he sighed and drew back. Only to realize that his friends had gone very tense, their eyes locked on someone in front of them.

Kuroki whirled around to look.

Wow, this guy was tall.

Kuroki craned his neck up to look at him, and almost regretted it when he saw the boy’s face. Not because of the face itself, he looked… fine. Symmetrical. Teal hair that framed his face shape well. A cool earring. Two entirely heterochromatic eyes, one yellow and the other an olive color. A single strand of black hair fell in his face, but even that seemed to be intentional. A thin-lipped smile and well-maintained clothes.

It was one of the guys that had been taking notes with Azul that first day.

Jade Leech, according to his nametag.

There was something… off about him. In a way that was impossible to truly explain. Something about him threw him for a loop. His face was somehow wrong. All of the proportions were right, but there was something strange about the way the muscles moved. It was like staring at an AI model. It was perfect, but to the point where it was undeniably fake. Whatever Jade Leech was, he wasn’t human.

Then again, Kuroki was currently being used as a shelter for a monster under his arm. Even if this… person wasn’t human, that didn’t necessarily mean that he was evil, right?

Though, admittedly, the specific style of the suit and fedora he wore kind of reminded Kuroki of a mafia movie. Not a fun thought to have about your future employer.

But, hey, he had thought that the school was a cult at first, so fashion might just be different here!

Hesitantly, he offered his hand to shake. “Hi, I’m assuming you work here – because of the nametag and all – so… I’m Kuroki Yuuya. I’m here for an interview?”

Jade looked mildly surprised. His smile stretched a little wider, showing off too-sharp teeth. He shook Kuroki’s hand with that perfectly calculated amount of firmness that all businesspeople seemed to have down to a science.

“Jade Leech. Second year.” His gaze flicked over Ito and Enma and he removed his fedora, pressing it to his chest. “Loitering is not allowed at this fine establishment, so I must ask you to either purchase something or, kindly, leave.”

Ito mustered a halfhearted smile. “Ah, sorry, senpai, we don’t have enough money. We’ll go.”

Enma nodded his agreement, already taking a careful step back.

Kuroki sent them both pleading looks over his shoulder, but they both shied away.

“There’s a reason you’ve got to get this job, Kuroki. We can’t even afford to wait for you,” Enma joked, but it wasn’t quite as lighthearted as he tried to make it seem, so it fell flat. “See you at home?”

Jade tipped his head to the side. “You seem tense. Do I unsettle you? My, that hurts my feelings. Sniffle. Sob. Boohoo.”

Jade wasn’t even bringing his hands up to hide the fact that he wasn’t at all crying. Or even upset. In fact, he seemed to be enjoying their wariness, watching every little uncomfortable shift that they made intently.

Okay. Just because Jade wasn’t a human didn’t mean he was evil. He was evil. But not because he was inhuman.

Speaking of inhuman people, though this time the subject wasn’t (too) evil, Grim ducked out from under his arm.

“Let’s go before they throw us out.”

“You too?” said Kuroki, hurt.

“I don’t like it here,” said Grim, frowning. “It smells like fish.”

“You like fish.”

“Weird fish,” Grim ‘elaborated’. In quotations because that clarified absolutely nothing.

Kuroki sighed. “Fine. I’ll see you guys later. But.” He looked at Ito. “I expect food as repayment.”

Ito snickered. “I was going to cook anyways, but sure. I’ll make you something extra.”

With a lighter heart (and lighter stomach, too, he was suddenly aware that he was kind of hungry), he allowed Jade to lead him inside.

The Mostro Lounge was… a restaurant. About what you’d expect. Admittedly, it was a rather nice restaurant, he could feel the money dripping from this place, and the bar on the far wall was definitely more well-stocked than you might expect an average college to have, but it wasn’t all that different than any other high-end restaurant. The only thing that Kuroki found mildly surprising was that it seemed to be a seafood restaurant of sorts; even then, he supposed that made sense, considering they were out in the middle of an artificial(?) ocean.

Suddenly, an arm looped around his shoulders and started pressing down. Kuroki hissed a curse as someone threw their entire weight into him, and he struggled valiantly to stay upright, but he was crushed soon enough.

“Nine and a half seconds,” said Jade, still using that pleasant little voice.

“Lasted longer than I thought he would,” said his assailant.

Kuroki groaned.

His pain seemed to amuse the person, because he heard them laugh by his ear in the moment before they rolled off of him.

He sat up slowly, testing everything to make sure it wouldn’t bruise too badly, before looking at the person who had tried to flatten him.

It was… Jade again?

No, wait, his clothes were disheveled. Which, admittedly, wouldn’t be unexpected after throwing his entire weight onto Kuroki, but a glance upwards confirmed that Jade was still standing a few feet away, looking not at all upset by the disruption. This had to be the other person he had seen taking notes with Azul, then. He looked between the two. Up close, it was clear that they were identical twins. The kind that mirrored each other in looks, he had forgotten the term for it.

Whatever.

He looked for a nametag, and frowned when he couldn’t find one. Maybe he was off-duty?

Jade chuckled. “Yuuya-san, meet my twin brother, Floyd.”

Floyd offered Kuroki a hand up. “Nice to squeeze ya.”

Kuroki took it. “Don’t you mean ‘nice to meet you’?”

“Nope,” Floyd said, grinning widely. He helped Kuroki up, and then some, lifting him clean off the ground.

Kuroki quickly realized that his arm might pop out of its socket if he hung like that for too long. He grabbed Floyd’s hand with his free one, taking some of his weight off of his poor, unfortunate joints.

Floyd gave him a considering look. “You’re not trying to escape?”

“It’s not going to help anything,” Kuroki said, attempting to shrug. Instead, he ended up doing a minute pull-up in midair.

“Azul was right, you definitely are non-threatening,” said Floyd.

Kuroki’s eyebrows knit together. “Thank… you…?”

“It wasn’t a compliment.”

“Oooookay.”

They lapsed into an awkward silence. Or, at least, it was awkward for Kuroki, who shrunk under the stares of the two Leech twins.

“Could you… let me down, please?” he tried.

Of course, this was too much to even pretend to hope for. He was thrown over Floyd’s shoulder.

Kuroki wheezed, not at all pleased by the bone digging into his stomach, nor the way that it only pressed into him more with every bouncing step.

He hates this damned school.

He was paraded around the room twice, and he pressed his face into his hands so he wouldn’t see the strange combination of amused and pitying looks from the restaurantgoers. Most of them hadn’t even seemed surprised. Maybe this was routine. Like a hazing.

Eventually, he was released from his Hell, because Floyd and Jade entered a side room and he was set down. He’d been moved too fast, he would like to add, the sudden rush of blood moving to his head making the room spin. He fell to the ground and laid there for a solid ten seconds, spread-eagle, wondering whether it was even worth it to get up.

Floyd stepped over his prone body and moved further into the room, so it was probably safe to try.

Slowly, he pushed himself up to sit once again, looking around, his hand cradling his still-pounding head.

This room was, somehow, even more opulent, with several aquariums dotted beneath the wall-to-wall bookcases, like they were mere accessories and not at all difficult or expensive to maintain. On the wall opposite the door, there was a giant, gold-plated vault, which just made him wonder about the value of the stuff inside the vault. Two plush-looking couches had been pressed against the wall, making room for a single folding chair in front of a large desk.

Azul Ashengrotto smiled at him behind the desk, one leg crossed over the other, leaning back in a rather expensive-looking office chair.

Kuroki would wonder why they had opted for a folding chair, especially considering the chairs in the Lounge were actually rather nice, but he wasn’t dumb.

Great. They were doing power plays.

As if just being Kuroki’s potential boss wasn’t enough.

“You’re late, but I’m sure that’s only due to my… associates,” said Azul.

Floyd threw himself over one of the couches, grinning. “He was on time, yeah,” he confirmed.

Jade chuckled. “Apologies, Azul, but we wished to size up our possible new hire.”

“I can see that,” he said, watching the puddle that was Kuroki struggle to his feet. “Make it up to me by being a dear and closing the door for me?”

Jade did so without complaint, and Kuroki tried not to flinch when he heard a lock click into place. It was probably just because they didn’t want anyone to barge in during the interviewing process. Probably. Hopefully.

Azul gestured for Kuroki to sit, and Kuroki did so, wondering whether the place would offer medical benefits, because someone had to pay for the heart attack these people were inevitably going to give him.

Azul set a thin folder on the desk, smiling. “I suppose that we should get right into it. So, you wish to become a staff member of this fine establishment, do you?”

“Yes. I’m –.”

“Kuroki Yuuya. He/him pronouns. One of three magicless residents of Ramshackle Dorm. Housewarden in name only. Most well-known for being involved in four major incidents on campus so far. Known friends include: ‘Ito’ Mor-al-es, Enma Yuuken, Grim, Ace Trappola, and Deuce Spade. Also well acquainted with Riddle Rosehearts, Trey Clover, and Cater Diamond. Am I correct so far?”

Kuroki nodded slowly.

Well. This was uncomfortable.

Azul smiled. He handed Kuroki the folder. It… was, honestly, closer to a mini conspiracy board than anything. A spread of notes in a curling kind of scrawl and a number of photos that Kuroki hadn’t noticed being taken. “Of course I am. However, that is all that I know for sure. There is very little information on you.”

Kuroki grimaced.

“In fact, there’s nothing on any of the residents of Ramshackle Dorm. No school records, no hospital records, unlisted countries of origin, no known families to speak of. Not even a single birth certificate among the four of you.”

Here it comes.

“You’re spies,” said Azul, grinning victoriously.

Kuroki stared at him for a moment.

And then he turned his face away, trying his damndest not to let on that he was struggling not to laugh. You shouldn’t laugh at your future employer, it was absolutely a terrible first impression to make when the person could potentially provide you your livelihood.

Unfortunately, if Azul’s mildly affronted look meant anything, he hadn’t hidden it well enough.

Finally, seeing that his attempts had been fruitless, Kuroki started snickering into his hand. “Spies,” he mumbled, more than a little incredulous. He tried to imagine Ito or Enma as spies. Ito, he could kind of see, they certainly had the social skills to pull it off, but Ito wouldn’t bother, they had found out Crowley was committing fraud and decided that they would only extort him for minor favors. As for Enma, he was far too earnest to do something like that, his strategy would probably be ‘tell people that he is a spy and then hope they laugh it off’.

Kuroki himself would run away screaming and then get shot in the head because he knew too much, of course.

And, beyond the hilarity of that ideal, it was also… interesting. If they had jumped to spies as their first explanation, the idea of dimension travel must be just as impossible here as it was back where they were from.

They were really stuck here.

But that was a problem for later, for now he had to deal with… whatever this was.

Azul, Jade, and Floyd were all looking at him. Azul looked, expectedly, affronted. Jade’s eyes were gleaming with curiosity. Floyd looked like he was going to laugh along with Kuroki, if only because Azul’s face was steadily reddening.

Kuroki wiped a tear from his eye, still grinning. “S-sorry – hahaha – sorry! I just. Am not a spy.”

“Then – then how do you explain it?” Azul asked, thrown.

Kuroki rolled his eyes. “You wouldn’t believe me.”

Jade hummed. “You’ll find we’d believe quite a lot.”

“Yeah, and you shouldn’t be keeping secrets from your employers,” Floyd added, resting his head in his hand.

Kuroki gave them a flat look. “We’re from another dimension.”

It was silent for a solid minute.

“What.” said Floyd.

Kuroki shrugged. “I told you you wouldn’t believe me.”

“Well, if you insist on lying, of course we’re not going to believe you. At least lie believably,” said Azul, who had looped right back to being offended. He definitely thought Kuroki was saying that because he thought Azul was dumb. If only.

Kuroki sighed. “So, can I assume that I’m not getting the job?” There had to be a town or something nearby that he could find work in. Or maybe he could find odd jobs. Or he could do people’s homework for them, but that plan wouldn’t help in the short term, considering his lack of base knowledge about this world.

Or maybe he could just become a sugar baby to one of the millions of rich people on campus.

He grimaced. Maybe not that last one, if he could help it.

“Okayokayokay,” said Floyd, not answering in favor of pressing Kuroki on his ‘story’. He seemed torn between being annoyed and amused, which was decidedly the best reaction out of the three. “So, we’re supposed to assume that, somehow, you three nonmagical people managed to get into another world? How?”

Kuroki shrugged. “Honestly, if I knew more, I’d tell you.”

“Was there, like, a portal or something, and you three just happened to be there in time to walk through?”

Kuroki’s eyebrows furrowed. “No, nothing like that. We weren’t in the same place when we got taken here. I mean, we didn’t even know each other before any of this. Like, Ito was across the world from Enma and me.”

Jade snickered. “Then why are you assuming that you’re even from the same world at all?”

Kuroki opened his mouth, because obviously they were from the same world, nothing else made sense.

But then his mouth hung there. His head tipped forward to rest in his hands. Shit. They hadn’t even considered that. And, as a couple of random interactions began to flit past his mind, dumb things that Kuroki had brushed off, he began to realize just how obvious it was. Hell, Ito didn’t even get taken in the same way as Enma and Kuroki had!

Fuckfuckfuck.

“I have to admit, he’s quite the actor,” said Jade, giving Kuroki a contemplative look. “He truly does seem to be having a crisis.”

Kuroki couldn’t even bring himself to roll his eyes. It wasn’t like he would believe it if he wasn’t living it. Even while living it, he would be quicker to assume he was in a coma.

Shit, was he in a coma?

Hahahahahahaha oh god new paranoid thought unlocked.

But… no. He had dreams when he slept sometimes. Not important ones, just the kind of ‘oooooh your teeth fell out’ ‘oooooh you have to take a test and you forgot to study’ ‘no one even cares about you enough to hate you’ or ‘ooooh look at this fool he forgot his clothes’ dreams that everyone has from time to time. He was pretty sure you can’t dream while in a coma. That wouldn’t work. Right?

Right?

… he’d look it up in the library later.

“– could be beneficial to have that on our side,” Azul mused.

Dully, Kuroki noticed that he was somehow acing his interview while having a crisis. Multitasking king. He’s so talented.

He is going to have a full-on breakdown.

How could he have been so stupid?

“Or dangerous.”

Azul hummed consideringly. “I’m more worried about what would happen if we didn’t have him under our thumb.”

Floyd’s smile lessened. “He’s pretty anxious, though – or, at least, he pretends to be. That kind of person isn’t usually the most loyal when things go wrong. Are you sure you want this kind of shrimpy guy working for us, Azul?”

Azul opened his mouth to respond, but Kuroki snapped out of it at that moment.

“Shrimpy?” Kuroki said indignantly. “I’m average height where I’m from!”

Floyd laughed. “So, that’s what gets you. What, don’t like being called a shrimp, Koebi-chan? You’ve got the posture of one right now.”

Kuroki immediately straightened his back, his face flushing. “Can’t a man have a crisis in peace?”

“No,” said Jade, smiling ‘sweetly’.

“Well, at least you’re honest,” Kuroki muttered.

“What was that?” Floyd asked.

Kuroki grimaced. “Nothing! Sorry.”

“No. Genuinely. We’re hard of hearing.”

Kuroki blinked. “Oh! I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

Azul waved him off. “It’s fine, just repeat yourself a little louder, please.”

“I was just saying… at least you’re honest about it, you know?” He cringed. Please don’t kill me.

“Honest…” repeated Jade, very much seeming like he was going to kill him regardless of Kuroki’s silent plea. He tilted his head to the side, weighing his options, and then crossed the room in three smooth steps, leaning in Kuroki’s face, taking his chin in his hand. “Look me in the eyes.”

“Uh…” said Kuroki. He tried to back off, but Jade’s grip was surprisingly strong. “I don’t really swing like that…”

Floyd cackled.

Jade sighed. “Not what I meant.”

Kuroki glanced at Floyd, wondering why he couldn’t be enjoying himself this much, and then looked Jade in the eyes. They sure were… eyes.

“Is something supposed to be happ –?”

“Shock the heart,” he said.

It sure did shock his heart. A jolt of electricity rushed through him, and he pressed his lips together to suppress the groan that threatened to leave him.

And, granted, Kuroki had never particularly liked looking people in the eyes, but that had never happened before.

“Are you a spy?” he asked.

“No, man. I already told you. I’m from another dimension.”

Kuroki blinked. He… hadn’t meant to say that so bluntly. He blushed and pressed further back in the chair, dislodging Jade’s grip surprisingly easily as he rushed to hide in his jacket. “Shit – I mean – oops. I – uh – I’m sorry,” he rushed to explain. “That came out ruder than I was intending.”

They paid little attention to his stammered apologies, looking between themselves with tiny frowns.

“Maybe he’s schizophrenic,” offered Floyd.

“Huh?!” Kuroki said, his voice nearly squeaking in its incredulity.

“This is the right age for that to develop, but he doesn’t have a flat affect,” Jade mused.

Kuroki threw his hands up. “I think I’d know if I had schizophrenia.”

“You wouldn’t, that’s one of the core traits of that mental illness,” Azul dismissed that idea, and successfully added one more paranoid thought to Kuroki’s arsenal. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Okay. You’re not a spy. Just probably delusional. That’s… good.”

Kuroki noted that they no longer thought he was lying, just delusional.

But he filed that under the rapidly growing folder labeled ‘Problems For Later’.

He gave Azul a tiny smile. “I’m not going to betray you. To be honest, you guys are terrifying.”

“Aw. Thank you!” said Floyd.

Kuroki shot him finger guns.

Azul considered him for a few moments more.

And then he sighed. “I suppose it’s worth it if I get a favor from our esteemed Headmage.”

Kuroki lit up. A stable income!

Jade leaned into his face once again, and Kuroki tipped so far back in his chair that it started to fall. ‘Thankfully’, Jade caught it.

“Our parents own a particular kind of organization. If you betray us, not only will we make your school life a living hell, but we will use our connections to make sure that, no matter where you run or hide, you cannot escape our wrath. Okay?”

“Understood,” Kuroki said, much less excited about the money than he had been before.

Jade smiled pleasantly and let go of the chair, allowing Kuroki to fall back onto the floor in a heap.

Kuroki swallowed thickly, pushing himself up for what felt like the millionth time that day. “Am I free to leave, then?”

“Of course. You start tomorrow, we’ll go over your contract then,” said Azul, smiling primly.

Kuroki lifted a hand in an awkward wave. “Okay. Bye.”

“Bye, Koebi-chan!” Floyd said gleefully. “See you tomorrow!”

Kuroki nodded jerkily, gritting his teeth to make sure he didn’t upset the mafia member by fighting back against the nickname, not even waiting for a dismissal from Jade before he fled.

Okay. Okay. That was a lot. Kuroki… needed a moment to collect his thoughts.

First, he was pretty sure he just joined the mafia. Or, at least, an extension of it, though that hardly made him feel better about it.

Plan of action: be as boring as possible and hope they lose interest.

Good plan! He was very boring and not at all prone to getting in trouble!

Next problem!

Second, Crowley now owed Azul and his cronies a debt.

Ha!

No plan needed, that was awesome.

Finally, and perhaps he had only included the other two to stall thinking about this one, he was from a different ‘Earth’ than Enma and Ito were.

Plan of action: ???

Should he tell them?

Probably, right?

That was the morally correct thing to do.

However, saying it aloud meant that he would have to genuinely confront it, and he didn’t want that.

But, then again, it was yet another reason to stay here, in this reality. With his friends. Maybe it would give them a reason to want to stay, too.

But what if it wasn’t enough?

What if he wasn’t enough?

He was so lost in his thoughts that he knocked shoulders with another student. Kuroki murmured an apology, still intent on speed-walking to Ramshackle to, at the very least, drown his sorrows in whatever Ito had made for dinner.

But a hand clamped around his wrist.

Kuroki jumped, looking over at a student. Yellow armband. Savanaclaw. Joy of joys. He was going to get his ass handed to him by someone in the dorm known for being full of muscle heads.

“Look where you’re fucking going,” the boy hissed.

Kuroki smiled nervously. “I’m sorry, I was thinking about… homework. I didn’t mean to.”

Savanaclaw dude, hereby named Meathead, scoffed. “Not even going to argue? Sevens, have some self-respect.”

“You… want me to fight you?” Kuroki asked, incredulous.

“It’s more fun that way, don’t you think?” Meathead said, grinning sharply.

“Uh, no, I prefer just not fighting at all.”

This only made Meathead more mad, unfortunately. And, as Kuroki tugged at his arm, panic rising in his throat, it sunk in that, for what was basically the first time since he’d been dropped into this world, he was very much alone. No Enma and Ito to hide behind, no Grim to spit fire at them, no one but himself. And ‘himself’ really wasn’t anything special.

‘Himself’ wasn’t really worth saving. Kuroki certainly wouldn’t put in the effort to save himself if it wasn’t so imperative for his own survival.

But it was, so here he was, debating the morality of lying about his religious status and pacifistic ways to get out of this.

Thankfully, before he could commit to that, he was saved:

“Knock it off,” a deep voice said.

Meathead froze, his grip loosening on Kuroki’s arm in his surprise, and then letting go entirely, his hands immediately coming up in a kind of ‘I wasn’t touching him!’ gesture.

Or, maybe, a ‘please don’t hurt me’ gesture. That would be rich, coming from Mr. Fight Back Or You’re Lame.

Kuroki followed his gaze to a tall man. Even under his uniform — perfectly fitted, and yet thrown on sloppily, his suit jacket hanging off one of his shoulders lazily — Kuroki could see that the guy was solid muscle. He had a nasty scar over one eye.

And that wasn’t even going into the quiet aura of power surrounding him. Unlike the one Jade had (and, by some extension, Floyd had it, too, though he was less concerned with hiding it), which was a quiet whisper of something off, something in the back of his mind whispering that he was a predator in disguise, this was more of a… result of the man’s attitude. He walked with the kind of ease that came from knowing you can beat anyone around you in a fight, knowing you’re the most powerful person in the room. Kuroki was pleasantly surprised to find that the glass wasn’t cracking beneath his feet with every languid step he took.

Nevermind. Meathead was right to not fight back. He’d lose so fast.

“Leona-san,” Meathead murmured, backing several more steps away from Kuroki, just to be safe.

Leona crossed his arms. “So, what, you move up a year, and suddenly you’re picking on freshmen?”

Meathead blushed. “It’s not like that at all! He bumped into me!”

“And?”

Meathead didn’t seem to know how to respond to that, but that was fine because Leona was no longer looking at him, anyway.

Their eyes met, and Kuroki shrunk back.

Leona took a step forward to make up for the new distance, and then another step seemingly just because. His nose twitched.

“Sevens, that’s a lot of anxiety,” Leona said.

“I’ve noticed,” Kuroki said, continuing to back away until he hit the glass.

Leona hummed, closing the distance easily. And then he got even closer, leaning down, until his nose was way too close to Kuroki’s neck. Kuroki wondered if he was going to tear his artery out with his teeth or something, because there was surely no good reason for this to be happening.

Leona drew back, looking at him with narrowed eyes. “You smell just like the other magicless student.”

Does he just make a habit of sniffing people?!

“We all use the same shampoo?” Kuroki offered meekly.

“Like dirt.”

“Huh?!” said Kuroki. He might have jerked back in surprise but, unfortunately, he had no room to.

“And, of course, there is no scent of magic on you,” Leona continued to drawl, as if he hadn’t killed Kuroki’s already low self-esteem in one fell swoop. He turned back to Meathead, whose eyes were widening, as if he was only just now seeing Kuroki for the first time. “He’s one of the ones who got here on the charity of the Headmage, who knows how he’d react if you lay a hand on him.”

Kuroki, privately, figured Crowley wouldn’t care, but what they didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him.

Leona gave a cheeky grin. “If you’re going to bat at mice, do it where people won’t see you, yeah?”

Kuroki did not like that he wasn’t outright saying not to harm him, but he’d take the win, honestly.

Leona threw up a hand in a lazy wave, though it was hard to tell who it was aimed at. “I have business to tend to, play nice.”

Kuroki watched him walk off towards the Mostro Lounge for just a few seconds before deciding that, actually, he wasn’t going to stick around to see whether Meathead would behave when Leona wasn’t there.

And, besides, he had a breakdown scheduled in about three minutes.

So, he turned tail and ran.

~

Ito and Enma were in the kitchen. Enma was manning the fire extinguisher in case the stove malfunctioned, and Ito was… well, cooking, obviously. It looked to be a stir fry of some sort.

Kuroki glanced back into the living room, making sure that Grim was still sleeping, content by the fireplace.

And then he sighed, closing the door behind himself.

Enma looked over at the sound and, upon seeing Kuroki’s face, grimaced. “Didn’t get the job?”

Kuroki hesitated.

“It’s fine, we’ll figure it out,” Ito promised, not looking up like all good cooks should. “I’ll see if I can get more money out of Crowley.”

“Honestly, it’s probably best this way, someone has to watch over Grim,” said Enma.

“And we can always budget. Lord knows that monster needs his tuna can funds cut.”

Kuroki’s face flushed. It was much harder to lie to them when they were being nice to him…

“I got the job,” he started, chewing on his bottom lip nervously.

Enma and Ito stopped trying to make him feel better, because they no longer knew what they were supposed to be helping him with.

Enma’s eyebrows furrowed. “Then…?”

Okay, no going back.

He took a deep breath. “What do you guys know about Disney?”

Ito and Enma looked at each other, confused. Ito quietly moved the pan to another burner and flicked the knob to turn off the stove. “What’s a Disney?”

Kuroki cringed and looked at Enma, who only shrugged.

He sighed. “Okay. We’re from alternate universes.”

Enma and Ito went very still.

“How… why do you think that?” Ito asked, their grip on their wooden spoon tight.

Kuroki leaned against the door, sighing. “Enma. What’s that one thing you keep quoting? Something about aiming for the head?”

“It’s a musical in English, I wouldn’t expect either of you guys to know it,” he argued.

Kuroki hummed. “And, Ito, how did you know you liked Coke?”

Ito frowned. “It’s… it’s Coke.”

“Something you recognize from your world,” Kuroki said. “But I don't. Enma?”

Enma cringed. “No. But that doesn’t mean anything. Ito is from Mexico, we’re not, it could totally be a different brand in Japan — or just under a different name.”

Kuroki shrugged. “Which is why I brought up Disney. Where I’m from, there’s something called Disney, Japan. It’s a pretty big deal. There’s also, like, ten Disney things in America, so Ito I think you should know the name, too.”

The silence was deafening.

(For now, Kuroki chose to leave out that this entire world was seemingly based around the Disney stories. The alternate reality stuff in itself was already a lot to take in, and he wasn’t completely sure about that one quite yet, anyway. From what he could tell, the Great Seven weren’t at all what he remembered being told about the characters they resembled, as — despite his general lack of knowledge about most things Disney — he was pretty sure they were supposed to be villains, not paragons.)

So, quietly, they took it all in.

Even if Crowley managed to find out how to send them back to their original worlds, they wouldn’t be together.

There was no winning.

[blacktowbarony]

Changing Knave 2e's Encounter Dice

"At the end of each turn, roll the dungeon hazard die and apply the result" - Knave 2e

Rolling a d6 and having a 5-in-6 chance of an impactful result every 10 minutes of dungeon-delving is too frequent, in my opinion. There's usually enough happening between players and the room as written that you don't have to interject almost every time they do something to say that something else also happens.

In-game, when I don't get a result that's a 1 I panic, and just pretend I had rolled a 6. Time to make a plan. I'm of the faith that the makers of true old-school D&D knew what they were doing, and if I don't like a rule in Knave, I should at least try to emulate the original rule before making my own. My preferred text for referencing "true" old-school D&D is OSE, Old-School Essentials.

"Wandering Monsters. Chance: Typically 1-in-6 every 2 turns" - Old-School Essentials

So I have a choice here. a) roll a d6 every 2 turns, b) roll a d6 every turn with a half-dangerous wandering monster table, or c) roll a d12 every turn.

Keeping track of each turn is something I don't always do, so I'll try b). My current project is turning The One Ring rpg's new Moria book into a series of dungeons to emulate travel through Moria, as the players will soon have to brave the depths to retrieve Mithril. Calling it Kagyar-Dum to make it match the lore of the Rockhome gazetteer I'm using.

So let's try this encounter table. I can even incorporate some of the ideas on Knave's encounter die, like shifts or torches! 6 should be enough monsters, as I can change results between sessions to keep it fresh. Expand to a d20 if you've got the effort.

I would also use this technique with wilderness travel. I discussed in a previous post how I've started thinking of hexes as big dungeon rooms, with a turn taking 4 hours instead of 10 minutes. It worked well!

So in Kagyar-Dum, every 10 minutes of exploration has a 1-in-6 chance of an Encounter. If so, roll on this table:

d12 Kagyar-Dum Encounters

2d4 Orc warriors and d6 Ogres. Tactics: aim to pen the party in a dead-end passageway or chamber so they can be captured or slain.

2d4 Orc spies. Tactics: watch from a distance, try to tempt or scare into a dangerous place. They tap-tap-tap on walls with sticks as morse code to each other. Will report to local leader all they see.

1d6 Doppelgangers impersonating ancient dwarf nobles. They request to camp with the party in exchange for information. Upon morning, they have transformed into their intended victims.

1d3 Aranea. Wizard-spiders exploring for magic and artefacts. Their queen lives in Westwood. They have a camp in Kagyar-Dum with a magic stepping-mirror to their Westwood home.

Mad dwarf. Gibbering, insanity. An escaped orc-slave, thinks all others are cruel orcs and will fight to the death to flee.

The dragon queen Tiamat. Shadow and flame! ---------------------------------------------------------------

Cave-in. Ceiling creaks, stone pillars topple with the pressure of time. Those who aren't crushed are waylaid.

The active torch/light source expires.

Smoke comes faint at first, then thickly. Flames lick from cracks in the floor. Tiamat is nearby...

Dead Orcs. Roll d4: 1. Killed eachother over a small purse of mithril. 2. Killed in a scrap, then eaten by scavengers. 3. Looks of twisted agony. No wounds. (assailed by dwarf ghosts). 4. Small, disfigured. Driven off and died of starvation.

Nausea penetrates the unlucky as players are probed with a mind-reading spell. Roll d4 for the culprit: 1-3: Aranea. The spiders are rummaging through your neurons like fidgety librarians. 4: Tiamat. Her presence looms over you, looking down into your mind like a queen into a puddle.

Dead dwarves. Roll d4: 1. Ancient charred skeletons, 1000 years old. 2. A failed expedition. Got lost and drank an orc-poisoned well. 3. Escaped slaves, only to succumb to decades of toil and torment. 4. Haunting spirits. Difficult to communicate, but they have faint memories of the glory days of Kagyar-Dum.

[formleadsfunction]

f@tt Sangfielle ep. 35 re(?)listening post

(aka my own personal greatest hits)

"bodies - and the havers thereof" very good phrasing, mwah

"major echo fallout: 'don't worry about it,' description 'it's fine'."

!!!!!!! "Does she notice me doing this?" "We could roll. ..Or we could just have her notice you." "Let's have her notice me." "Alright, yeah, I think she catches you in the mirror." That's so good that's SO good, I know I talk about it a lot, but the way they play games just makes me so happy. The collaboration, the focus on what's interesting for Everyone involved, not just including but First And Foremost the players... it's just so good.

wish I had a d4 occult magic cigarette, but I'm stuck here with these stupid Marlboros

"Is this place weird?" "What place isn't?" "Are you weird like the people outside?" "I think I'm weird like I'm weird inside."

I love Lyke so so so much. He's so good. Like. He's just... so... good! In more than one way, especially contrasted to the other members of the Blackwick Group.

"I'm killing it tonight." "Us. You're killing us." "I'm killing you. Go ahead and give me that fallout test. :)"

Ohhhhh this is...!! Still not Scared, I think it would be fundamentally difficult for an ap podcast to Scare me, but I Just realized I am Delightfully Creeped Out and tense - the way Austin sets up that guy leading Hazard to the slaughterhouse, paired with the third explanation of what the town is named for - the third totally Different one? amazing, awesome, terrifying :))))

also, the connection to the Macula interrogation that's just Passively There. mwah !!! good fucking town !!

marrow candy........

i genuinely think i didn't listen to the episodes past the Jade Moon, i feel like i would Have to remember this, this episode is a LOT (affectionate)

oh my god, the Chine Doppelganger Thing........ Austin explicitly says it's not Scary, but imagine that happen to you...

Also rly love Dre's rping in response, they're doing a great job

jdq soundtrack.............. my god.

That last sentence of the episode Austin finishes the second the new soundtrack piece blends into the outro music, Jesus fucking Christ

I got goosebumps when he went "It strikes you in this moment that the person who said that they saw something that looked like you was talking about the thing in the woods."

[ptrcbtmn]

In the mystical realm of Eldoria, where magic and sports intertwined, a young elf named Elenion dreamed of becoming the greatest golfer in all the enchanted lands. Armed with his trusty enchanted putter, he embarked on a quest to master the ancient art of Elven golf.

Elenion's journey began at the legendary Fairway of Whispers, a course shrouded in mist and guarded by mischievous sprites. As he swung his enchanted putter, the air hummed with magic, guiding his shots through the winding fairways and mystical hazards.

His first challenge lay in the Whispering Woods, where the trees whispered secrets of the ancient golfing techniques. Elenion listened intently, honing his skills and learning to harness the power of the enchanted ball that glowed with ethereal light.

Venturing further, Elenion faced the Puddle of Reflection, where the waters mirrored his deepest thoughts. With each swing, he confronted his doubts and fears, gaining clarity and focus to perfect his putting game.

The third trial awaited in the Shadowy Bunker, a dark and mysterious pit filled with illusions and tricky traps. Undeterred, Elenion summoned his elven agility, navigating the shadows with grace as he conquered the treacherous terrain.

As he approached the final hole atop the Crystal Summit, Elenion faced the Guardian of the Green, an ancient spirit who tested his resolve. With a steady hand and unwavering determination, Elenion sank the winning putt, earning the title of Elven Golf Champion.

Celebrations echoed through Eldoria as Elenion's triumph became a legendary tale, inspiring young elves to take up the enchanted putter and follow their dreams on the mystical fairways. And so, the sport of Elven golf flourished, blending magic, skill, and a touch of mischief in the spirit of the enchanted realm.

[twentyonedental]

A Comprehensive Guide to Cultivating Healthy Habits for a Dazzling Smile | TwentyOne Dental

Enjoy a thrilling journey where the beauty of your teeth is king and redefines your view of your beautiful smile! Put aside routine oral care while we explore an enchanting world of stunning teeth that will fill your confidence with a dazzling smile. Get ready for a thrilling journey when we provide a comprehensive guide to take your smile to new heights and leave other websites in the dust.

Why Your Smile Holds the Key

Beyond its normal appearance is a powerful key that opens doors to success and hearts. Imagine this: you walk into an area, and your captivating smile is awe-inspiring to everyone in the room. A radiant glow is beautiful, creating the impression of your smile within their brains. Make your smile an instrument of protection, and we'll unlock its unlimited potential through the dentist in hove!

The Foundation of Brilliance: Brushing and Flossing

Mastering Flossing and Brushing Enhance your oral proficiency with a brushing method as precise as an artist of the highest caliber. With a brush and a dollop of fluoride toothpaste. Set off on a thrilling adventure of circular movements that bring perfection to your pearly whites. It's more than just brushing; it's an art at the top of its game!

However, we must go beyond brushing, as the most underrated tooth health champion is waiting for flossing. Discover the wonderful world in between the teeth. There, flossing comes as a brave knight eliminating plaque and food particles while protecting your gums from the dangers lurking in them.

A Symphony of Healthy Eating Habits

Explore the realm of food and drink, in which the flavors dance around your taste senses. Enjoy 

the mighty foods that nourish your teeth, like the crunchy carrots and apples that come in to clean and save. Behold the champions of calcium and phosphate, yogurt and cheese, strengthening your enamel to make it an unbreakable fortress.

Beware of the villains who could threaten your oral health! The acid and sugar monsters are out there, but with new knowledge, you can overcome their threats and triumph, securing your mouth from the dangers of decay!

Hydration: The Fountain of Dental Vitality

A Secret of Dental Vitality Envisions a sparkling fountain with a sun-filled pool - precisely the image water creates for your teeth! Drink plenty of water, and watch the magical effects of water as it washes away any impurities and leaves your teeth hydrated and ready to take on the world.

The Quest for Regular Dental Visits

A journey to dental excellence is successful without the wisdom of your sages, your dentists! Trust their knowledge and go on regular hove dental clinic visits to uncover the hidden gems of dental health. Let them clean your teeth of plaque and give you the wisdom to protect your smile for the rest of the time.

Arm Yourself for the Battle of Sports

Life is an adventure, and sports can be described as excitement! However, adventurers should only go out with the proper gear and, to protect your smile, it's as a reliable mouthguard. Protect yourself from the elements and your teeth from the hazards of an impact. Your victory is in your hands, and your smile will be crowned!

Rise Above the Rest with the right lifestyle choices.

In this epic story, heroes rise as villains sink. Eliminate the tobacco and smoking enemies, and exile them from your realm! The reward? A radiant and stain-free, gleaming smile brimming with courage.

Emergencies: The Heroic Response

The Heroic Response Life's unpredictable twists can create unexpected obstacles. Don't worry, because you're prepared! Prepare yourself to tackle dental emergencies with the confidence of a seasoned soldier. Protect your teeth from damage by relying on the strength of a guardian, and seek assistance from your dental friends. The quick actions you take will be the saving grace!

Unlock the Radiance of a Whiter Smile

Smile Behold the mirror, and envision the smile that sparkles like a plethora of stars! Start your journey to an even whiter smile by looking into many teeth-whitening alternatives. From powerful over-the-counter products to the splendor of professionally-designed treatments, your option is yours. Take advantage of the change and watch your smile sparkle more radiantly than ever!

Conclusion: A Smile That Illuminates Your World

A Smile that Illuminates Your World When our fantastic adventure ends, be aware that your smile is a source of confidence, joy, and self-confidence. Be a part of these inspiring practices and set off on the path to a sparkling smile that will captivate hearts and sets you apart from the rest.

Armed with the correct information to conquer the world, that is, oral hygiene, go forward and show off your beautiful smiling face to all the earth! Let it be evidence of your dedication and drive to achieve the highest quality dental implant specialist in brighton.

Be grateful for the joy that comes from an enthralling smile. Begin your journey to happiness and start today!

[african-clairvoyant-thefire]

MAGIC MIRROR OF VISION TO WIN HAZARD GAMES

To meet the expectation of customers all over the world, the magic mirror that will meet your concerns. “ISRAELITE”, is now at your service to provide you with whatever you need. This magic mirror has the possibility of achieving the following things: You can see the results of all LOTTERY games and win every time, see the solution of a problem in a dream, see the future, etc … thanks to this powerful magic mirror, you will be the absolute master of your destiny.

CONTACT US

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[sanctum-of-ramshackle]

What would happen if all of the SCP escaped from the foundation and go to Twisted Wonderland? I could sense chaos

SCP!MC/Yuu: Hello, I’m Dr. MC/Yuu, the head researcher of the SCP-TWST-2020 case and I’ll be answering this question. As you know, the SCP Foundation has specialized containments for each and every SCP as well as areas of the US or in other parts of the world are highly monitored for anomalies that are classified as Keter and Euclid.

For example, SCP-1098-RU is located in Russia and it’s an old mansion with fencing surrounding the area that’s now heavily guarded and being monitored by the Russian branch of the foundation. (If you’re curious about that anomaly, then brace yourself since it will give you nightmares.) If any unauthorized people were to attempt breaking inside that “haunted house” are taken in by the foundation and use amnestics as we don’t want to draw more attention.

So what I can say is if all anomalies were somehow able to escape from their chambers and enter to the magical world called Twisted Wonderland, then Hell will break loose. Any laws of physics don’t really apply to some anomalies like SCP-145, which may cause more trouble for unfortunate souls and tech geeks like Shroud. I advised everyone to not interact with any of them unless my presence is nearby.

So yeah, there will be chaos if Keter/Euclid classified SCPs were to enter into the other world.

[SCP-TWST-2020 Chamber]

SCP!MC/Yuu: *Filling out some reports*

Grim: *Testing on a mind teaser exercise game by them*

[The coffin opens but someone is trying to sneak back inside.]

SCP!MC/Yuu: *Not looking back* Put that anomaly down before I’ll shoot you in your kneecaps.

Ace & Epel: *Freezes and carefully placed a mirror down*

SCP!MC/Yuu: Ace, Epel, what are you doing now?

Ace: Uhh…

Epel: We needed a mirror.

SCP!MC/Yuu: A mirror? That’s it?

Epel: Well…I accidentally broke the one on Vil-Senpai’s vanity and as punishment, I need to find a temporary mirror while a new set arrives.

SCP!MC/Yuu: *Rolls their eyes* You could’ve asked me to buy one. I’m your head researcher, remember?

Epel: Sorry, MC/Yuu…

SCP!MC/Yuu: It’s okay. Just tell me anything next time. Now head back to your dorms. You don’t want to keep your dorm leaders waiting.

[The Next Time]

[Dr. MC/Yuu’s Laboratory]

SCP!MC/Yuu: *Dissecting a newborn of SCP-7999*

Vil: *Barges into Dr. MC/Yuu’s lab with fury* Dr. MC/Yuu.

SCP!MC/Yuu: Hm? *Pulls off their safety goggles and mask* Vil? Why did you barged in here? I’m working on a possible fungal infection or a hazardous species.

Vil: Oh. *Leaves the lab* I need a shower and sanitation.

[Half hour later]

Vil: *Waits outside*

SCP!MC/Yuu: *Exits the lab with clean clothes on* Okay, what were you about to ask me?

Vil: Where in Great Seven did Epel get that cursed mirror?

SCP!MC/Yuu: Cursed mirror? What are you talking about?

Vil: That mirror showed me a scene of a heinous crime when I was applying make-up for today.

SCP!MC/Yuu: *Worry grew on their face* Oh no.

Vil: What? Don’t tell me it’s an anomaly of yours.

SCP!MC/Yuu: It sounds like SCP-987. Now…The Curator is after the boys.

Vil: *Gasps* Oh wait. Who is that?

SCP!MC/Yuu: Let’s just say an invisible entity who watches over its precious mirrors and gets extremely furious if one of them breaks from an unwanted assailant.

Vil: Did you say “mirrors”?

SCP!MC/Yuu: Yeah, there’s more than one and the collection is still continuing. Come on, let’s get that dreadful mirror before anyone else sees it. I’ll call for back-up.

[Pomefiore Dormitory]

[SCP Field Agents surround the whole building and everyone evacuated from their rooms.]

SCP!MC/Yuu: *On a radio with a lieutenant* *BZZT!* This is Dr. MC/Yuu. Any updates on the anomaly? *BZZT!*

Lieutenant: *BZZT!* Negative. The anomaly is still by the vanity. *BZZT!*

SCP!MC/Yuu: *BZZT!* Is everyone in the Pomefiore dorm evacuated? *BZZT!*

Lieutenant: *BZZT!* All clear. *BZZT!*

Epel: Is it necessary to call every agent? It’s just a mirror.

SCP!MC/Yuu: Is it necessary to prevent an anomalous being from breaking your necks? It’s just another anomaly.

Epel: …

SCP!MC/Yuu: That’s what I thought.

[Hours later, the mirror was contained and agents escorted Dr. MC/Yuu plus the object back to the SCP Foundation.]

SCP!MC/Yuu: Oh yeah. Epel, Ace, you both owe me a bunch of apologies and you’re buying me lunch back at the Lounge.

Epel: We only borrowed a mirror!

SCP!MC/Yuu: Yeah, with a lingering entity attached to the mirrors! You’re so grounded!

Ace: Not again.

SCP!MC/Yuu: Only for a week.

Ace: …Okay, I can handle it.

[thecreaturecodex]

Forchoreai

“Forest God” © Cosme Lucero, accessed at their ArtStation here

[The planes in D&D have been through several iterations. In 1e, the Neutral Good with Chaotic tendencies plane was called the Happy Hunting Ground, named after something that white people made up and claimed were Native American beliefs (notably, the phrase first appears in James Fenimore Cooper). So it’s for the best that its name changed to the Beastlands in 2e, and that in general its description has been good at avoiding Native American stereotypes. At least since the Planescape days. I haven’t read the 1e Manual of the Planes.

I bring this up because the forchorai, from “Creature Catalog 3″, is a denizen of that plane. Its overall vibe reminds me of the Ceryneian hind and other uncatchable animals from Greek mythology, as well as Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr, the goats that Thor kills, eats and resurrects every day. It appears to be a wholly original creation of Peter Zelinski.]

Forchoreai CR 8 NG Magical Beast This majestic stag stands taller than a man at the shoulder, with pearlescent antlers. It has a calm, benevolent expression.

Agathions are spiritual creatures, but those modeled on carnivorous animals still feel the need to hunt as part of embodying the virtues and values of their type. Celestial animals do eat each other as they roam the wilds of Nirvana, but also turn their attention to greater game. One of these empyreal prey animals are the forchoreai—sacred, magical stags that are born to die and be renewed in the process of the hunt. Each forchoreai is philosophical about its deaths, as it knows that it will return and be all the wiser for the experience. When not being hunted, a forchoreai may act as a guide for mortals traveling through the wilds of Nirvana.

A forchoreai is more interested in fleeing than in fighting, both in order to preserve its life as long as possible but also to pose a worthy challenge for those that would hunt them. They are not slowed by thick vegetation, and often talk to animals and plants in their environment in order to gather intelligence about local hazards and terrain they can use to their advantage. Most forchoreai have a sense of sportsmanship, and only use their magical powers, such as invisibility or mirror image, against similarly magical foes instead of against mere celestial animals. They fight when cornered, or if attacked by a truly evil creature rather than a hungry predator or animal exemplar.

Forchoreai all have antlers, regardless of sex. These antlers are coated in mother-of-pearl and are fantastically beautiful, as well as being functional weapons. When slain, the antlers of the creature remain, and are an art object worth the average treasure value of a CR 8 encounter. If the forchoreai is killed permanently (such as by an evil weapon or in the area of a desecrate spell), the antlers crumble to ash. Some fiends and hags value this material for making cursed versions of healing items, such as potions of poison or periapts of foul rotting.

Forchoreai               CR 8 XP 4,800 NG Large magical beast (extraplanar) Init +13; Senses darkvision 60 ft., Perception +23 Defense AC 21, touch 15, flat-footed 21 (-1 size, +5 Dex, +6 natural, +1 dodge) hp 95 (10d10+40); fast healing 2 Fort +11, Ref +12, Will +7 SR 18 (25 vs. divinations) Defensive Abilities freedom of movement, rejuvenation, uncanny dodge Offense Speed 60 ft. Melee gore +14 (4d6+7), 2 hooves +9 (1d6+2) Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft. Special Attacks pearlescent antlers Spell-like Abilities CL 10th, concentration +13 Constant—freedom of movement, nondetection, speak with animals At will—detect snares and pits, speak with plants 3/day—invisibility, mirror image, pass without trace, quickened protection from evil 1/day—heal (DC 19), tree stride Statistics Str 21, Dex 20, Con 19, Int 14, Wis 18, Cha 17 Base Atk +10; CMB +16; CMD 32 (36 vs. trip) Feats Alertness, Dodge, Improved Initiative, Quicken SLA (protection from evil), Run Skills Acrobatics +14 (+26 when jumping), Knowledge (nature) +8, Perception +23, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +20, Survival +12, Swim +12; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception, +8 Stealth Languages Celestial, Common, Elven, Sylvan, speak with animals SQ insightful reactions Ecology Environment any forests and plains (Nirvana) Organization solitary Treasure special (see above) Special Abilities Insightful Reactions (Ex) A forchoreai adds its Wisdom modifier to initiative checks. Pearlescent Antlers (Su) A forchoreai’s gore attack is treated as magic and good for the purposes of overcoming damage reduction. Rejuvenation (Su) A slain forchoreai returns to life without penalty 3 days after it is slain. A forchoreai can only die permanently if slain with evil-aligned weapons, or in the area of a desecrate or unhallow spell.

[starryevermore]

ever after: poison apples and glass coffins (4) ✧ natasha romanoff

ever after ✧ a fairy tale anthology | ao3

pairing: princess charming!natasha romanoff x snow white!reader

summary: in which you are snow white and natasha romanoff is your princess charming.

word count: 1,756

warnings?: talks about carving heart out (both of a person and a pig), reader is poisoned via an apple, pet name (baby), not proofread

ONCE UPON A TIME, there was a land far far away where a princess had a wicked stepmother. Your stepmother had long since despised you, believing you to be her competition in rising to the throne. Though it could never be proven, it was rumored that she had been the one to kill your father and had forged documents that would declare her the one to take the throne. She had made it clear through her honeyed words that she would soon get rid of you, too. And it seemed she was finally making good on her promise. 

You knew the moment the guard joined you on your walk that it was time. This guard was new, and you could tell by the way she didn’t bow when she saw you, in the way she insisted on showing you a path that led deep into the woods. 

“How do you plan on killing me?” you asked, pausing in the middle of the path to catch your breath. 

“Excuse me?” she asked. 

“Every guard is trained to bow and greet me by my proper title, and you did neither. It could’ve been excused as newness, until you began to lead me off my usual trail.” You looked over at her. “So, shall I die by a blade? Poison? Being bludgeoned over the head?”

“The queen wishes for your heart to be carved out of your chest.”

“Ah, so she has proof that I’m dead. Clever, I’ll give her that. So, would you rather me sitting, standing?”

“You’re not going to fight?”

“I could fight. But, I also know that the Queen will not stop until I am dead. And that is not a life I wish to live. So, what’s the easiest way for you to do this?”

She stared at you for a moment, before saying, “My name is Yelena Belova.”

“What?”

That’s...not how you were expecting things to go. Did every hired assassin introduce themselves? That seemed like an occupational hazard. What if a target got away and was able to tell the authorities their attempted killer’s name?

“And I’m not going to kill you.” She looked off into the distance before looking back to you. “I know a few things about lives not wished to live. This...wasn’t the life I would’ve chosen for myself.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“I don’t have a choice about what I do. But, I can look the other way if you were to run. Cut out a pig’s heart and give that to the queen. She wouldn’t know the difference.”

“Are you—”

“Run, Your Royal Highness. Run, and never come back.”

And run you did. Ran all the way to a cottage in the middle of the forest, one well lived in but filled with a mess. Not knowing what else to do, but knowing that you could not run any farther, you began to clean to busy yourself. What was the worst that could happen? The owners be upset that you cleaned? They throw you out? Or would you be killed? But it never got that far. Seven dwarves arrived as you were cleaning, confused by your presence. After explaining who you were and why you were there, they decided you could stay with them for however long you needed. And, not having anywhere else to go, you agreed. 

Meanwhile, the Evil Queen had found out that the heart Yelena brought was not yours. No, the damned huntress brought her the heart of a swine. Somewhere out there, you were alive and breathing and still posing a threat to stealing the throne out from under her. Oh, this wouldn’t do. This wouldn’t do at all. 

Her Magic Mirror was able to find you quickly. You were playing maid to a group of dwarves. You thought you were safe. And, well, she knew she had to use that to her advantage. She didn’t mind having to play the slow game if it meant the reward would be all the more delicious. She lured you into a false sense of security. Waited a whole year before she struck. By then, you thought you were free. That Yelena’s ruse worked. 

She used her magic to disguise herself as an old woman and journeyed out to the cottage, carrying a basket of apples. The dwarves had just left to work in the mines, so she knew that you would be alone.

She knocked on the door to the cottage, and you soon opened the door. 

“Oh, hello!” you said. 

“Hello,” she said. “I live just down the way, and my apple trees just yielded their first fruit of the season. I was wondering if you would like any?”

“How kind! Would you like to come in? Have a glass of water?”

Naïve little princess. Did your mother never teach you not to speak to strangers, to not invite them into your home? Oh, no, of course she didn’t—she died before you could even toddle. 

“Oh, yes, that’d be wonderful.”

The queen took a seat at the rickety old table, watching as you poured her a glass of water. You took the seat opposite of her after placing the glass in front of her, your warm smile never leaving your face. Oh, how it sickened her.

“Dear, would you make an old lady happy and try one of her apples?”

“I was planning on baking them into a pie—”

“Please, I insist,” she said, pushing the basket closer to you. “Just one bite, and I’ll be happy.”

You stared at her like you wanted to say no, before reaching into the basket and pulling out a shiny red apple. You bit into it, your eyes widening at the taste. “Oh, it’s very sweet!”

“And so will your fate.”

“Excuse me?”

But before the queen could taunt you further, you were couching and sputtering, clutching at your throat until you finally collapsed on the ground. The apple fell from your hand, rolling down the floor until it stopped right at the queen’s feet. 

A smirk curled across her face as she admired her handiwork, before using her magic to teleport back to the castle. Her work was now complete. Nobody stood in her way anymore. 

Eventually, the dwarves made their way home and found your unmoving body and the bitten apple. Knowing your story, it didn’t take long for them to put the story together. They mourned for you, oh how they mourned. 

They couldn’t stand to bury you. It broke their hearts too much. Instead, they built you a coffin made of glass and put it in the forest, surrounding it with flowers, so that you could be surrounded by the beauty of nature.

A few weeks after your death, the dwarves were tending to the flowers growing around your coffin when a blonde woman walked up to them. She had a cold look in her eyes until her eyes settled on you.

“Who are you?” the only dwarf who wasn’t crying said. 

“Yelena,” she said, stepping closer to the coffin. “I-I was a...friend of hers. I’d helped her escape the queen. What happened?”

“The queen found her, and she killed her.”

“How?”

“Poison apple.”

Yelena stared at you. “How long ago?”

“About three weeks ago.”

“For someone who’s been dead for three weeks, she looks awfully alive,” she said. 

“What are you trying to say?”

Yelena remembered how her sister Natasha had always been soft on you and you on her. How their parents used to joke with your father that the two of you should just be wed given how many play weddings you two would have. It was a long shot, but it just might work.

“There might be a way to save her. Stay here, I’ll be back before sundown.”

It didn’t take long for Yelena to find Natasha. Sisterly instinct, and all that. Natasha was riding along a path through the forest, seemingly lost in her thoughts, when Yelena called her to her, startling both Natasha and the horse.

“What’re you doing out here?” Natasha asked, petting her horse to calm it back down. “Aren’t you on the run from the Evil Queen?”

And, technically, she was. She’d been running ever since she gave the queen the pig’s heart. 

“That’s why I’m here. Rumor has it, the queen finally got rid of the princess.”

Nat’s heart skipped a beat. She remembered you, from when you would play together when her and her family would visit, how she always convinced you to skip class at boarding school. “A shame.”

“It was a poison apple.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“You might be blind to your feelings, but not everyone is. I know how you used to be soft on the princess.”

“It matters not. She...It could never be. She’s gone now.”

“No, because it’s a poison apple that killed.”

“I don’t follow?”

“One of the queen’s poison apples. Which means—”

“It was magic that killed her...No, surely you can’t be thinking—”

“You’ve heard how Prince Steve was awoken from his curse with true love’s kiss. Maybe it will work with Y/N.”

“But what if it doesn’t?”

“But what if it does?”

“...Take me to her.”

Natasha moved back on the horse and let Yelena sit in front of her, handing off the reins so that Yelena could lead the way. They soon arrived in the clearing where your coffin sat, the dwarves still waiting for Yelena’s return. Natasha’s heart stuttered in her chest as she dismounted her horse, stumbling up to your coffin.

“Who is this?” one of the dwarves asked.

“Natasha, Y/N’s true love.”

Natasha gave Yelena a look. “Maybe. We’ll find out.”

The dwarves opened the lid to the coffin. Natasha took a step closer, reaching out and smoothing your hair. Then she leaned over, pressing a soft kiss to your lips, before pulling a way. After a few seconds, your eyes finally opened, searching wildly, until they settled on her.

“Nat?” you asked, your eyes finally focusing on who was in front of you.

“That’s right, baby, it’s me,” she cooed, a soft smile curling across her face.

“I-I think I was poisoned.”

“Yeah, you were. But you’re all better now.”

“H-How?”

“A little thing called true love’s kiss.”

“And I’m your true love?”

“Uh huh,” she said. 

“That’s good, wouldn’t want any other true love.”

“And I wouldn’t want any other true love, either.”

And so, YOU LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER.

[jigglypurin]

Lego Racers

      I distinctly remember the smell of the big box PC game's packaging as my parents pulled out of the Costco parking lot. Peppery, for some reason. I was about four or five. I couldn't help but crack the box open on the way home to read the manual and stare at the art, still bathed in that odd peppery smell. Rocket Racer, the game's final boss and posterboy, looked at me with his smug grin, and I knew I had to beat him. I was relatively new to playing video games and using the computer, but I knew enough to put the disc into the big tray, and wait for the autorun to hit Install.

      LEGO Racers is a 1999 kart-style racing game released for Windows (and N64 and PS1, but I never touched those), and it is the game I most closely associate with my very young childhood. There were definitely others I played around the time, my first personal console being a Gameboy, but I'll get to those eventually. When I think of Lego Racers, I lovingly remember the feeling of being at the family Windows 98 computer in what we called the sunroom (basically an afterthought built-on room to our house that faced west and had gigantic windows), and having my very first truly heart-poundingly tense moments before triumph in a game.

      I don't exactly remember how long it took me to finish. I spent most of my time in front of it coming up with little characters and making them the coolest little cars a five-year-old could imagine. Then, I'd take them into the test drive area and show off to the little pixel crowd in the stands.

      The game's box art and intro cutscene proudly display the game's seven circuit bosses: Captain Redbeard, a stock pirate fella with a simple but sleek treasure chest-engine car - King Kahuka, a hindsight racist tribal islander stereotype with a throne shaped car - Basil the Batlord, a vampire with a rad dragon-headed red and black low-profile car - Johnny Thunder, an Indiana Jones parody with a rather non-descript but cool looking car with head and tail lights - Baron Von Barron, Johnny's archnemesis with a sleek retro Jeep - Moth (whose name I will not say in its entirety), a blue alien queen with a cool blue moon-rover, and finally, Rocket Racer himself, whose autograph is scrawled across the game's cover art;  a man with his very own circuit named after himself, and a machine that screams *speed* with its arrow-shaped nose, cockpit style windshield, and rear rocket boosters. To my little 5 year old mind, these boss racers were on another level; truly skilled drivers I would need to give my all to defeat. 

      Gameplay-wise, it's a standard kart racing fare. Press gas at the right time during the countdown to boost, avoid obstacles, get power-ups and win. But getting to build and race your own car creations was half the fun as well. Legos being a special interest of mine as a kid made the game much more than the sum of its parts. I had a huge plastic tub filled with them. I still love building Lego cars to this day. It's unfortunate that the game is 2-players at most. Obviously important were the items: Red bricks were attacks like cannonballs and rockets, Yellow were hazards like oil-slicks and a mummy's curse that played with your controls, Blue were shields, and Green were speed boosters, with smaller White bricks that acted as level-ups for your items. I pretty quickly figured out that Green was the best. Why hit everyone or protect myself when I could just get so far ahead they couldn't touch me?

            The game has 13 tracks, 12 of which you will see before you are halfway finished. Each grand prix has 4 tracks, so the latter half of the boss racers simply have mirrored versions of the former's. Each track is based on a distinct Lego set from tech themed space and arctic, pirate laden and tomb raiding adventure and island, and wizard and warrior style medieval and magic. As you start a grand prix, you get a short scene of the boss driver taunting you and showing off their car. Against the boss, there was little room for error if you wanted 1st overall. Like most kart racers, you got points based on your position at the end of each race. And no matter what, the boss racer will finish first if you do not. No lie, making it to the final track with gold in sight never failed to get my little heart racing. Especially since you stopped dead in your tracks upon any crash. Getting hit by an enemy's attack was one thing. Annoying, but you could recover. Crashing into a wall and having to back up? Agony. Many of the later tracks had just such obstacles jutting out at right angles to end any hope of victory.

      After finishing a grand prix, the game shows you two cutscenes (unless you got 2nd or 3rd, then you get one, and it's not particularly flattering), first of your character triumphantly dancing upon a gigantic 1st place pedestal, showboating their gold trophy with fireworks and flash bulbs. After that rush of dopamine, because being five and winning enough points in the circuit to earn your way to 1st was already so much, the game gives you an extra mind-blowing moment of the circuit's boss racer, kicking the sand and 'aw shucks'-ing as they accept their defeat and present you with a brand new set of bricks to use for your cars and drivers (which initially, I remember scaring me as a kid? at least at first? They first appear in silhouette and I had no clue what was happening. I was an easily scared kid, you will learn more about that. It comes up a lot). I was stunned. Not only did the boss just tell me I'm a better racer - now I can *play as him*? And build *his car*? Transcendent. 

      Aurally, the sounds of this game are completely burned into my brain. The goofy, catchy theme that plays on the main menu, the bouncy garage theme, the squeaks and clicks of placing bricks, and the loud, distinct sounds of each powerup. Just watch a few moments of gameplay and you'll see (hear) what I mean. A few of the track themes as well I can still catch myself humming from time to time. 

Some good specific memories:

-A moment where my sister, 6 years my senior, was watching me, rooting for me as I took on Johnny Thunder's grand prix. On the final track, the reversed Captain Redbeard stage, I managed to snag a last minute un-powered up green boost brick. My blood ran cold and my pulse jumped as I leaned back in the chair, and barely rocketed ahead to take the win. We both cheered.

-The day where I both finally defeated Moth, an extremely fast racer with exceedingly difficult tracks, and finally met Rocket Racer himself, face to low-poly face. His cutscene is, for lack of a better word, epic in the mind of a child. Veronica Voltage, another racer who heads the Time Attack mode, congratulates you on your series of wins against the previous boss drivers, and says there's someone you should meet. A midi-orchestra begins to play. A massive metal door raises slowly, and Rocket Racer walks out of the shadows to your drivers shock. He acknowledges your skill and challenges you to race on his own track before turning and walking toward a swirling portal, laughing as he says "I'll be waiting for you... at the finish line." Tiny me was awestruck. This game rocks. Rocket's track, funnily enough, is kind of a joke once you've got it down. It's chock-full of green bricks and white upgrade bricks, so you can get the way overpowered Space Warp boost that just teleports you further ahead on the track. While Rocket also knows how to use those bricks well, at this point, you probably know how to use them better.

-Cracking open my big CD case some years later, age 10 or 11, and installing it on my own laptop. Getting to play Lego Racers in the comfort of my own bed was a dream come true. 

This first one is a little rambly and more about the game itself than my memories surrounding it. Honestly, that's because the game follows me to this day. I still own the disc. It's not installed (new lappy doesn’t have a disc drive lol), but I reminisce on it often. I've since emulated the N64 and PS1 versions, but neither hold a candle to the one I grew up with. It's a warm reminder of my days where Rocket Racer was the coolest motherfucker, getting a new Lego set would make my week, and little victories in games meant the world.

[saturniandragon]

Palestinian accounts, please read:

I'm getting multiple Palestinian accounts coming to my inbox.

Look, I get it. People are dying. But I can't do anything about it. I don't use USD or EUR. Best I can do is donate through my country's official government-verified Palestine help aid. Other than that, I can't do anything.

No fundraisers. I'm sorry.

Any friends or mutuals who want to interact with me, just go to my dm. Or my social media links on my blog desc. Thank you.

This wasn't a decision I took lightly, but I had to do it.

Now that that's out of the way

New to my blog, or a recurring visitor? In any case, hello! My name is Adra (short of Adrastea, my dragonsona name). Here you'll find various things of my interest, which you can check in list of my major interests!

I'm a digital artist, a fic author (none officially published atm), and also a staff in Indonesia's statistics bureau (Badan Pusat Statistik, BPS)! I'm 23 (as of 2024) years old cis bisexual man who uses government-assigned he/him pronouns.

My sideblogs:

@su-35bm-flanker-e for Ace Combat and aviation stuff

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Secret sideblog #1 containing horny stuff, unlock at friendship level 3 (or just, you know, ask me nicely)

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Why not check out my most popular posts as a starter?

Some of these aren't that "popular" but I just love revisiting them from time to time.

Enjoy your stay, and don't break nothing!

Don't talk to me or your daughter ever again

teldryn

hazard to society

onion scrolls

responses to fuck you

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skyrim + tumblr

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nb dragonborn mod

skyrim + discord

unashes your yam

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picks up a potion i will never use in the game

my child is fine

oc: merri'sa

thu'umblr

hermaeus mora plush

zanri al-anaqi: short bio

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Update 2

bread seller miraak by jirosan

responses to i love you

fictional alien race part 1

fictional alien race part 2

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love language

ace combat + screenshots of despair

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stealth archer appreciation post

ebony blade

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ahravani al-karim

oc: adrastea

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a new face touches the beacon

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skyrim mod concept

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systema saturnium (lore about my alien dragon characters)

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oc voices!

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New gaming laptop!

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so, have you found a reason to boop yet? buddy.

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eso fanfic: shadows of the past

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the myth of AK-47

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No noise november

Cat

[hpkinktober]

Almost a month after HP Kinktober ended, I have finally created a complete masterlist of the wonderful Drarry works we were gifted with from this astoundingly creative community. Since I am only human, please let me know if anything is wrong with this post (broken link, mispelled author name, etc). 

Day 1: Foreplay 

Love Me Like Red Wine by @triggerlil​ (M, 290) 

Harry prepares a meal, but Draco can't focus on the food. It's not his fault that Harry's so damn attractive.

Foreplay by @ladderofyears​ (E, 100)

In which Draco wears sky-blue, lacy bikini knickers. 

Kiss Him All the Way Up by @chuckweasley​ (M, Digital Art) 

Is Harry into feet? Does he want to kiss Draco on every square inch of his body? Is he kissing a trail from his toes up? You decide!

Water Spirit by @laurisophi​ (E, 703) 

Harry wants to surprise Draco for their anniversary and show more of himself.

"You look like a lake spirit, bath by the moon, covered in green.” He kisses your shoulder and one hand slides over your back, your side, your hip.

A ficlet for the first day of HP Kinktober 2020: foreplay.

Day 2: Instant Darkness Powder 

Under the Cover of Darkness by @manixzen​ (M, 2k) 

Thanks to Pansy, Draco's stuck at a party with a whole bunch of drunk Gryffindors. And now they want to play party games. If only Draco can slip out unnoticed before this gets any worse.

Instant Darkness Powder by @ladderofyears​ (M, 116) 

Auror Partners Harry and Draco are trapped in the dark. Flirting ensues.

A Smoke Afterwards by @chuckweasley​ (M, Digital Art) 

I wonder who’s holding the lighter...

Day 3: Polyjuice 

Prompt: Polyjuice by blackswingsblackwords (T, 349) 

In which there is (supposed to be) roleplaying.

Polyjuice by @ladderofyears​ (E, 100) 

Harry takes Polyjuice Potion so Draco can fuck himself. 

Polyjuice by CuriousEmWanders (E, 985)

In which Draco lets his curiosity and obsession get the best of him. He just needs to know what Harry looks like. How else is he supposed to find out?

Day 4: Amortentia 

Occupational Hazard by @ladderofyears​ (E, 100)

Potions Master Draco has been brewing Amortentia. 

Prompt: Amortentia by blackwingsblackwords (T, 463)

In which there is a secret relationship. 

Smells Like You by CuriousEmWanders (E, 3.1k) 

Draco may not smell anything in his Amortentia, but that doesn't stop him from taking it to help him submit to his Dom de jour. 

Day 5: Spell Play 

A Magic Number of Orgasms @ladderofyears​ (E, 100) 

Harry and Draco experiment with a sex spell. 

Just Let Go by @manixzen​ (E, 3.4k) 

Draco struggles with letting go of his need for control, both at work and at home. Harry can help.

Prompt: Spell Play by blackwingsblackwords (T, 1.1k) 

In which an exhausted dad dates a smitten hero.

Day 6: Parseltongue 

Lucky Bloody Serpent by @ladderofyears​ (G, 100) 

When Harry gets a pet snake, Draco gets (a tiny bit) jealous.

a simple thank you can go a long way by @crimsonhead-ache​ (E, 2.7k)

The one where Draco needs to thank him and Harry allows him.

Also Parseltongue.

And dicks.

Draco’s Favorite Thing by CuriousEmWanders (E, 1.2k)

Draco has a thing for when Harry talks to him in parseltongue, and he's glad Harry doesn't know. Or does he?

The Hottest Parselmouth by @chuckweasley​ (T, Digital Art) 

Draco cannot handle how hot Harry is when he’s speaking parseltongue, even though he has no idea what Harry’s saying.

Day 7: Creature!Fic 

I’ll Huff, And I’ll Puff, And I’ll Blow Your House In... by @ladderofyears​ (M, 100)

There’s a Werewolf on the loose and he’s out to get Draco! 

Thirst by @fluxweeed​ (E, 4.4k) 

The path of Malfoy’s scent is obvious; Harry hasn’t fed for days, so his senses are sharp. Deadly.

And Malfoy smells so good.

Day 8: Imperius

Imperius by @ladderofyears​ (E, 100)

Harry and Draco are put under the Imperius Curse.

Non-con warning 

Day 9: Legilimency 

Legilimens by @ladderofyears​ (E, 100)

Draco shares his sexual fantasies with his lover Harry. 

Day 10: Dark Magic Ritual 

Reanimation Ritual by @ladderofyears​ (M, 100) 

Draco performs a Dark Magic ritual to bring his dead lover Harry back to him. 

A Moment of Intent by @manixzen​ (E, 4.6k) 

Auror Harry Potter and Curse Breaker Draco Malfoy are on another case, this time a Dark Arts Ritual gone wrong. Surely, they won’t botch up yet another crime scene.

Day 11: Invisibility Cloak

Tryst Behind The Tapestry by @ladderofyears​ (E, 1k)

It's Eighth Year and Harry and Draco enjoy some very sexy - and very invisible - fun after dark has fallen at Hogwarts.

Invisibly Arouse (E, Digital Art) by @chuckweasley​

The boys get frisky under the cloak!

Day 12: Duelling

Duel by @ladderofyears​ (M, 365) 

Harry and Draco practice duelling and things get a little heated.

Prompt: Dueling by blackwingsblackwords (T, 534)

In which a lesson is learned.

Cut Me Open (and use me) by @triggerlil​

Draco is the heir to the throne of England. Harry is a nobleman who wants to reclaim his honour. Somehow, these two things are intimately linked. Enter a sword, a dagger, and the hands of God, and you have a story about two men with tongues like knives, learning to lick love off sharp edges.

Day 13: Mirror

Deep Dark Truthful Mirror by @ladderofyears​ (E, 2k)

Draco shows Harry a very old, very powerful magical object: a mirror that will show his deepest, darkest sexual desires.

Getting Ready for Harry by @chuckweasley​ (G, Digital Art) 

Harry likes Draco in glitter and cozy sweaters...don’t we all?

Day 16: Magic Sex Toys 

hot damn, hot water, hot shower by @crimsonhead-ache​

Harry was more than ready for a long soak, a nice glass of firewhiskey, and twelve hours of sleep.

Too bad life never works out the way it's planned, or is it?

Colour, love?  by @choulatte​ (E, 7.7k) 

Holding Harry’s gaze, Draco took out the lube and let his fingers dance over the golden cockring he'd previously kept hidden, liberally coating it in the slippery substance. He watched how Harry’s eyes followed his movements, a desperate groan escaping the other man when he finally recognized his fate.

Draco merely smiled.

Both by @chuckweasley​ (E, Digital Art) 

Harry knows Draco likes to be filled.

Day 17: Room of Requirement 

No Fantasy Required by @manixzen​ (E, 4.1k) 

The Room of Requirement has never quite recovered from the war. It seems hell-bent on fulfilling every need of students and faculty alike, in or out of the room itself. Professors Potter and Malfoy really wish it would stop trying to do the students’ homework, though.

The Room Of Requirement Always Provides by @ladderofyears​ (E, 100)

Just a hundred words of Draco and Harry having some smutty fun in the Room of Requirement.

Day 18: Herbology 

Knowledge by @ladderofyears​ (E, 100)

Harry and Draco inhale sex pollen.

Day 19: Hair Pulling 

Yeah, Pull it Harder by @chuckweasley​ (E, Digital Art) 

The sex is very good. 

Day 20: Veritaserum 

Neither Of Us Have To Say A Single Word by @ladderofyears​ (T, 365) 

When Draco is being badly bullied, Harry steps in and looks after him. Pre-slash.

A Bit of Honesty by @manixzen​ (E, 3.6k) 

A Hogwarts ball, a spiked punch, Professor Potter and Professor Malfoy on chaperone duty… what could go wrong?

Day 21: Dragonhide 

Dressing Up by @ladderofyears​ (T, 333) 

The Potter-Malfoy family negotiate the tricky issue of Halloween costumes.

All Wrapped Up by @chuckweasley​ (E, Digital Art) 

The boys take care of each other the best they can. 

Day 22: Gillyweed 

The Shape Of Love by @ladderofyears​ (E, 200) 

Harry and Draco take Gillyweed and make love in The Black Lake. 

Day 25: Tattoos 

Tear it down piece by piece by moonstruckmuse (E, 7.8k) 

Draco just wants to get rid of this stupid Dark Mark. Why is this so complicated?

His to Adorn, to Cherish, & to Keep by @maesmora​ (E, 1.4k) 

Draco Malfoy is many things: calm, collected, in control. At least until Harry Potter gets his hands on him, and those aren't the only things Draco lets Harry put on his body...

Day 26: Exhibitionism 

how can anybody have you and lose you and not lose their mind too? by @crimsonhead-ache​ (E, 3.8k) 

As soon as he received that letter in the post last week from Potter’s boyfriend, he knew he would be in for it. 

Day 27: Formal Wear 

I guess that’s just me, honey, I guess that’s how I’m built by @crimsonhead-ache​ (E, 4k)

The way they adorned Potter’s body like they were made for him made him want to kiss his seamstresses’ feet. The lines, the colors, brought out his skin tone like nothing ever could.

Well, except perhaps the ropes Draco keeps in the bottom drawer of his bedside table.

Harry Potter and his Great Big Suit Kink by @swisstae​ (M, 2k)

Harry really doesn’t want to say it. Not because he thinks Draco will judge, mind you, but because it’s so embarrassing. Harry Potter—Saviour of the Wizarding World—turning into an incoherent mess at the sight of his boyfriend wearing a suit.

Waste Not, Want Not by @dragontamerdame​ (M, Art) 

Harry may have gone a bit too far. 

Day 28: Floo 

the rush I get touchin’ you is somethin’ else by @crimsonhead-ache​ (E, 3.1k)

Harry frowned though; instead of feeling his joggers that had adorned his lower-half, now he felt the air hit his bare legs.   He was going to murder Draco.

come through the fire my love by @triggerlil​ (T, 534) 

Harry prepares for date night with Draco... until the man calls him through the floo to tell him he'll be late. Draco's just lucky Harry has a thing for fire.

Day 29: Wandless Magic 

Without a touch by moonstruckmuse (M, 207) 

Learning to do wandless magic. 

[yan-twst]

CYOA - Twisted Wonderland

aaand here it is, finally! Chapter one of my choose your own adventure fic for twst! This is the very first chapter; it’s a bit of a slow start, establishing the plot and all, you know? As was decided by the poll, the reader is in Diasomnia (however, I’m sure y’all can probably figure out a way to worm out of the dorm quickly and meet more characters). Anyways, without further ado, here’s the fic!

You sometimes wished that your dorm wasn’t so… Gloomy. Sure, Diasomnia had some cool things; the whole “Valley of Thorns Castle” aesthetic was cool, and the fact the hallways were lit with green torches always looked cool at night, not to mention the TVs and games in the common room, but… As you tried to study for the upcoming quiz, you quietly cursed the controlled climate. Yes, you knew that rain and storms were natural in the area; but didn’t the school control the dorm’s climate with fae magic?! It was way too difficult to concentrate on your potions notes when the rain outside felt like it was lulling you to sleep as it fell against your windows.

Your roommate was snoozing in his bed- either he’d already studied, or he’d given up on the quiz. Either way, you couldn’t deny that it was alluring to just forget the damn thing and go to bed. It wasn’t that late, but you’d been going to sleep at awful hours lately, and your body sorely demanded you get some sleep. And yet, glancing down at the recipe for the minor memory erasing draught you’d have to concoct tomorrow, you knew that if you went to sleep now, you’d be dealing with Crewel’s biting critique and a terrible grade tomorrow.

A snore from your roommate broke your concentration, and you glared at the sleeping boy. Usually you and him got along just fine, but in this moment, it felt like he was testing you, as he slept sweetly and your sleep deprived self stressed over a notebook. Hearing another snore, you decided to move to the common room- maybe there you’d concentrate a bit better, and also not be tempted by the siren’s call of your bed. Picking up your phone and your notebook, you left the room, closing the door softly so as to not disturb your roommate, and made your way down the eerie halls of the dorm.

“Vice dorm leader…?” immediately, you noticed that Lilia was in the common room. After that your nose registered a smell so odd it almost made you turn around and leave. It wasn’t a bad smell, just… Incredibly odd and off putting: and you quickly pinpointed the source of it to be some charred, blackened and bizarre dish that your vice dorm leader was holding. 

“Oh? Hello there.” he said with a chuckle. You wouldn’t call Lilia a close friend by any means, but you did know him well. As a vice dorm leader, he did his best to help out the Diasomnia students, and he was also fond of pulling small pranks here and there; you’d been a victim of his tricks and also gone to him for help a couple times in your two years of being at NRC. “It’s an odd hour to be hanging out… Or could it be the smell of my cooking that brought you here?”

“Your… cooking?” so that charred thing he was holding was… food? You’d been warned- mostly by your fellow second year Silver- that Lilia was not a good cook (in fact, Silver had made it seem like his food was somehow a health hazard), but you’d imagined the usual cooking oopsies. Too much salt, not enough seasoning, maybe burning some of the food; the usual mistakes people made when cooking. However, looking at the blackened and mysterious substance in the plate he held… You wondered if perhaps Silver had been right in making Lilia’s cooking sound like some sort of biohazard.

“Indeed, I’ve been cooking some cookies. I wanted to cheer Silver, since he’s been studying hard for a quiz. And there’s nothing quite like some cookies to snack on while studying, right?” said Lilia. Cookies…? You walked closer and squinted at the plate; so those were Lilia’s cookies…? You were pretty sure you could see eggshell shards on the otherwise charcoal black pieces of what you hoped was dough. Did he… Did he not see the problem with them?

“Oh, the potions quiz for tomorrow? Yeah, I’m sure he’s been studying… I doubt Crewel is going to go easy on us.” You said with a nervous laughter, trying to divert the topic from the so-called cookies. The last thing you wanted was for him to ask you to taste test or something. A bite of those cookies would probably take you out of commission for a good week or two, and while being sick to miss class tomorrow and avoid the quiz was tempting, you really weren’t sure if it was worth it to risk some crazy horrible food poisoning for that. 

“Fufu, you’re also working quite hard, I gather? Did you come to study here?” asked Lilia, pointing to your notebook. You nodded. 

“Mhm, my roommate was being a bit loud, so…” you shrugged with a smile. You weren’t gonna throw your roommate under the bus and tell Lilia he was snoring like a train and that drove you out of the room, you were at least kind enough to omit that particular piece of info. “Well, I’m probably just going to look over the notes a bit and then go to sleep. I can only study so much to make a potion without actually being at the lab, after all.”

“Ah, Silver did mention that Crewel was making you all make a draught from memory.” Lilia hummed. “Are you having trouble with this? I can always try to help, after delivering these delicious cookies to Silver.”

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly bother you with this, it’s ok, vice dorm leader!” you said, quickly shaking your head. You didn’t want to waste Lilia’s time; he was a third year, after all… If your work was hard as a second year, he was probably drowning in schoolwork and studying, right? Not to mention you kind of felt like you should show more respect to him: he was an ancient fae and you were pretty sure he was a war veteran despite being in high school. 

“Oh, please call me Lilia. We’ve known each other for too long for you to be using titles, (name). I still remember the day the magic mirror sorted you into Diasomnia, right after my dear Silver was sorted.” he said with a smile, his pointy fangs catching your eye. “You’re close friends with Silver, aren’t you? I’m quite grateful you spend time with him, he’s a good boy.”

“Oh, um, well… Then I’ll call you Lilia, if that’s really ok…” you said, a bit bashful. You didn’t miss how he talked about Silver; you knew that the 2nd year did constantly refer to Lilia as ‘old man’, but you’d brushed it off to perhaps him being close enough to Lilia to use that as a nickname, but… The way Lilia spoke, it almost sounded like a father being happy his son had found a friend. “Yes, me and Silver are close. We’re in the same class, I usually give him my notes when he falls asleep in the middle of lectures. He also helps me study, sometimes.”

“Oh, you do? I must thank you, then. It’s quite kind of you.” Lilia said with a smile. “Oh! How rude of me, I haven’t offered you a cookie, have I? They’re freshly baked, you should try them. It’s the same recipe I made for Silver when he was younger.”

“Er-!” you paled. Crap, this was what you’d been fearing. The stress of the request made you not even stop to think about the odd wording of ‘making cookies for Silver ever since he was younger’ or the implication Lilia had somehow raised Silver; your brain was blaring alarms telling you to NOT put those… Things anywhere close to your face. But at the same time, Lilia was smiling so happily as he picked one of the charred objects and stuck it out in your direction.

“Lilia. You shouldn’t be giving that to humans.” a deep voice made you freeze before you accepted the cookie with a reluctant hand. You quickly turned around to spot the dorm leader entering the common room, arms crossed as he stared at Lilia. “You’re going to kill them if you make them eat that.”

“Oh, come on Malleus, don’t say that! My cookies are delicious.” Lilia sighed, taking back his baked treat and taking a bite for himself. You internally cringed at the noise of what you now absolutely knew to be chunks of eggshell and god knows what else in the object. “Don’t you see you’ll give (name) a bad impression of my cooking if you say that?”

“... It’s my duty to protect my dorm members.” said Malleus, walking closer to you and warily eyeing Lilia’s cooking. You held back a sigh of relief- yup, he’d definitely saved you. If even Malleus Draconia was scared of Lilia’s hellish cookies, you probably would have keeled over and died if you’d put that in your mouth. “Besides, it’s late. Why were you baking?”

“I was making a treat for Silver, since he was studying. This little one just happened to walk in when the cookies were ready- they’re studying for the same quiz Silver is cramming for.” said Lilia, gesturing to you. “It seems Crewel is having his fun in stressing out the first years, fufu. What potion is he making you all make?”

“Oh, um, it’s… A minor memory loss draught. It’s got a lot of steps and ingredients, and it’s way too easy to mess up, so…” you said, a bit nervous. You felt… A little bit silly now, for stressing so much over it. Right now, you were surrounded by one of the strongest mages in the world- who was also the prince of the dark fae- and an ancient and wise fae who had probably fought in great wars and aided the Valley of Thorns royalty. To them, making a weak potion was probably as easy as blinking. 

“A memory loss draught… That does indeed have many steps to its preparation, if I’m not remembering wrong.” said Malleus. His words made you relax a little- you’d half been expecting some comment like a minor memory loss draught? That’s child’s play, why are you stressing out? or something. Your dorm leader was known to be a bit haughty at times. “You look exhausted. I assume you’ve been studying a lot?”

“Wait, I look tired…? Crap, is it showing in my face?” you said, cursing internally. You had a few friends in Pomefiore and you just knew they’d be fretting over you if your eyebags and exhaustion were so evident your dorm leader, who was not too good at picking up clues, could notice.

“I’m afraid so, my dear. You look like you’re ready to drop any second now- I know you’ve got a lot of work, but perhaps you’re pushing yourself too hard.” said Lilia. You grimaced; great, now you’d somehow managed to worry the two of them. It felt… Wrong to have two powerful and important beings even express concern over your wellbeing: you were just… Some puny human who got sorted into Diasomnia, you weren’t even particularly close to either of them. Hell, you’d only spoken to Malleus a couple of times before, for fuck’s sake.

“Hmm, Malleus, could it be that you still remember how to make that potion?” said Lilia, tilting his head. The taller fae nodded, making Lilia hum in understanding. “I see, I see. Well, (name), I’m sure you’d get an amazing grade if you were to study with Malleus. He’s quite good in potionmaking when he concentrates, I promise you. Besides, it wouldn’t hurt at all for him to get closer to his own dorm members now, would it?”

“That’s-!” you visibly stiffened, looking at Malleus. Sure, you weren’t as scared of him as some of the other students were, but…! You still couldn’t just treat him all willy-nilly like some random kid; he was one of the most powerful mages in the world and crown prince from the Valley of Thorns. The mere idea of dragging him off for a study session that benefitted only you made your gut twist. Although the idea was anxiety inducing, you couldn’t help but notice a spark of… Curiosity? In Malleus’ eyes, almost as if he was entertained by the idea of it all; still, you couldn’t just accept something like that.  “I couldn’t possibly-!”

“... or you could go study with Silver. I was going to go check up on him, so you could come with me.” said Lilia, perhaps sensing your panic. 

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