#peacock supernatural academy

[averysmallcetacean]

I need a second season of supernatural academy right now or I'll spontaneously combust

[averysmallcetacean]

I LOVE Jae - they are definitely my favourite character in Supernatural Academy

Jae is objectively the best character on Supernatural Academy because not only are they allowed to say things like "SEXUAL tension", theyre also canadian and love nanaimo bars (theyre just like me fr)

[bfastt]

one of the most underrated shows out there 🗣️

[keepofkandrakar]

i want her hair so bad. the cut?? the fringe?? the WAVES?!?! oh i love it so!

[averysmallcetacean]

A thought I just had - when Santra tells off Max and Brax for calling Mischa and Jessa - is it actually trackable? We know that there is no internet in Stratford (and the same can be assumed for elsewhere) because the wards block signals. Given that the four are essentially supernatural police I kind of doubt that they would care about the human world and it's inventions (e.g. mobile phone calls) - especially when you think about how they act in the human world. So like, do they even know about phone calls and how to track them?

My theory is that Santra is just saying that to make Jessa and Mischa feel more scared and alone (and so more easy to manipulate into joining them) + make them resent the government even more (for taking their ability to talk to their friends away)

@eka-paige I'm theorisingggg

[bearfoottruck]

Anyways, enough political stuff. Some of you have heard me talk about the 2022 animated series Supernatural Academy (here's a full playlist of every episode if you're interested). Though named after a book series by Australian author Jaymin Eve (here's her website), the series is actually more closely-related to - albeit still loosely based on - the book series Supernatural Prison. Here are some other differences between the books and the show, plus some trivia, based on a preview I read of the first book:

The TV show takes place in a high school-esque setting, and all the characters are in their teens. In contrast, the book series takes place in a more college-esque setting, and the characters are in their 20s.

In the books, Stratford is said to be located in Connecticut, which is indeed a real life town...albeit far less magical, of course.

The books have more sexually explicit material, and characters use swear words such as "shit" and "fuck". In contrast, the TV show is only sexually suggestive at best, and rarely - if ever - uses swears, saying nothing worse than "asshole" or "screwed".

In the books, Jessa is said to be 5'4", which would make Mischa the same height. Brax is also said to be 6'6". However, in the TV show, he barely seems to be much taller than either of the twins.

Brax and Max not only have a last name - Compass - but they have two other brothers: Jacob, a fey, and Tyson, a wizard.

[sparrowmoth]

hii i don't know anything about the show you just reblogged but the two girls at the front have malvie hair colors and that has colored me interested! what's the show about?

Hi Anon! 💕 If you're a Descendants enjoyer, I think Supernatural Academy would be right up your alley. The two girls are twin wolf shifter sisters and technically the main characters, but their friend group (found family) plays a big role, as well. All of their friends are incredibly loveable, but I have a soft spot for their canon aspec nonbinary faerie friend, Jae. 🥰

I don't want to spoil anything, so I will just say the plot begins with the twins meeting for the first time. One has been raised in the human world, not knowing who she really is, and the other has been raised in the hidden supernatural world. They soon discover the secrets of their past and the role they're destined to play in an ancient prophecy.

It looks like a kids show at a glance, but it's actually TV-14 so they're allowed to swear and show some blood, which is always fun lol. The queer rep is really good and handled well, and even though the twins have the expected male love interests, those relationships are actually pretty sweet.

So, if you're looking for something cute and fantastical with some good old cliches that feel fresher for the queer rep and that you can binge watch in a day (16 episodes, 30 minutes each), I highly recommend Supernatural Academy.

It grows on you quickly, trust me. I started it thinking it would just be some silly time killer, but the characters reeled me right in. If you decide to watch it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 💖

[averysmallcetacean]

1) They have family in Bucharest so probably there or like Romania in general

2) Probably a bat shifter cause personally I think it would be fun to fly around in the woods etc which would be easier if you were a smaller animal (to avoid flying into trees... cough cough Brax) + like bats get fun wings and good hearing + I feel like it would be easy to hide and spy on people + ur a smaller target in battle but can still scratch peoples' eyes or whtv

3) Jae cause like come on... they are awesome and I think it would be fun to hang out with them + I want to give them a hug (platonically)

4) Elda redemption arc (it's been quite heavily hinted at and there could be some fun stuff with Elda and Terra helping each other with their magic), Brax's situation being fixed, more Jae and Hali (I headcannon that they are in a QPR but like regardless their dynamic is fun), It'd also be fun to see more of their parents/families (Brax and Maxs' father, Jae's family) also I want to know Santra's sister's name and what she ends up doing

Please read‼️

DNIs:

If you’re racist

If you’re against lgbtqia+

If you’re ableist

If you ship any of the following [adultxchild, relativexrelative, bullyxbullied and/or jaexanyone]

If you sexualise the characters

Headcanons (you don’t have to read this if you don’t want to):

Brax is bisexual

Jae is non binary and aromantic (canon)

I believe Max and Brax’s dad is a dragon shifter otherwise how else could Brax be one????

Brax can become pretty territorial over his possessions

Brax hates being constricted after his fight with Jae in faerie and after the four threatened him

Jessa and Max are quick to anger while the others silently rage

They sometimes sneak into one of the pack members rooms and have sleep overs (never the same person twice in a row)

Brax feels extremely guilty for how Jae feels after he pulled them out of the faerie realm

Tessa bakes treats for the pack

They all have friendship accessories (necklaces, bracelets, anklets, etc)

Brax sometimes puffs out fire when he sneezes

Max is very protective of Brax

Questions:

Does anyone remember where Max and Brax’s parents are based?

Which supernatural being in the show would you be? (If y’all want I could create a quiz or find one)

Who is your favourite character? And why?

What do you hope to see in season 2? (if we get one)

[vampireacademyshow]

Hello my Supernatural fandom. I am here in the tags to beg you, as a Supernatural fan (and bonus: Destiel shipper), to please please please sign this petition below.

If you haven’t watched it, I urge you to check out this really fun supernatural vampire show that I believe a chunk of the fandom would enjoy.

“ It revolves around Rose Hathaway who is a guardian-in-training Dhampir, and Lissa Dragomir, who is a Moroi princess, and follows their life and adventures at the St Vladimir's Academy, a boarding school.”

It includes WLW ships, a core female friendship, badass hunters amongst others. You may watch the trailer HERE.

[avengersfluff02]

Masterlist (add to it later)

MARVEL:

Steve (haven’t seen The First Avenger):

Bucky (same as Steve; haven’t seen FATWS):

Tony (haven’t seen Iron Man 3):

Clint:

Natasha:

Wanda (haven’t seen MOM):

Pietro:

Peter P (haven’t second half of second slo movie and haven’t seen third solo movie, and haven’t seen What If):

Yelena:

Cast:

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

STARKID: (add characters and actors later)

Little White Lie:

AVPM (not seen)

Me and My Dick:

AVPS:

Starship:

SPACE tour:

Holy Musical Batman:

Apocalyptour: 1

AVPSY (not seen):

Twisted:

Ani (haven’t seen):

Trail to Oregon:

Firebringer:

The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals:

Starkid Homecoming:

Black Friday:

VHS Christmas Carol:

Nightmare Time 1 (have seen Witch in the Web):

Nightmare Time 2 (have seen Abstinence Camp, and Killer Track):

Jangle Ball Tour:

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

Tin Can Brothers:

Flop Stoppers (haven’t seen it):

Spies Are Forever:

Solve it Squad (haven’t seen it):

Wayward Guide for the Untrained Eye (haven’t seen it):

This Could Be on Broadway (haven’t seen it):

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

Shipwrecked Comedy

Edgar Allen Poe’s Murder Mystery Dinner Party (haven’t seen it):

The Case of the Gilded Lily (haven’t seen it):

Headless: A Sleepy Hollow Story (saw first episode):

Unsolved Babesteries (haven’t seen it):

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

House of the Dragon (add characters after and cast?)

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

Game of Thrones (add characters after and cast) (I have only 3 more episodes of season 8 left...)

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

We Are The Tigers (add characters after and cast)

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

Heathers (movie/musical) (add characters after and cast)

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

Pretty Little Liars (add characters after and cast) (seen season 1)

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

Supernatural (been jumping around, but seen most of the series, and saw season 15) (add more characters and the cast later)

Dean:

Sam:

Cas:

Jack:

Gabriel:

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

H2O: Just Add Water (I know all the lore, but have only seen season 1 so far)

Cleo:

Emma:

Rikki:

Bella:

Claire Holt:

Cariba Heine:

Phoebe Tonkin:

Indiana Evans:

Others that you want:

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

Mako Mermaids (Mako Island of Secrets) (I know all the lore, but am halfway through season 2 (on season 2, episode 9))

Lyla:

Nixie:

Sirena:

Zac:

Ondina:

Mimmi:

Evie:

Weilan:

Rita:

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

Vampire Academy (2014 Movie)

Rosemarie "Rose" Hathaway:

Vasilisa "Lissa" Dragomir:

Dimitri Belikov:

Christian Ozera:

Mason Ashford:

Zoey Deutch:

Lucy Fry:

Danila Kozlovsky:

Dominic Sherwood:

Cameron Monaghan:

Sarah Hyland:

(Anyone else you want)

_____________________________________________________________

Vampire Academy (2022 Peacock Series) (I have not watched the series yet)

Rosemarie "Rose" Hathaway:

Vasilisa "Lissa" Dragomir:

Dimitri Belikov:

Christian Ozera:

_____________________________________________________________

Vampire Academy Book Series (2007 - 2010)

Vampire Academy

Rosemarie "Rose" Hathaway:

Vasilisa "Lissa" Dragomir:

Dimitri Belikov:

Christian Ozera:

Mason Ashford:

(anyone else)

Frostbite: (I will start reading Frostbite sometime this week)

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

Other TV shows (that you request/I forgot to add)

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

Other musicals (that you request/I forgot to add)

[maerenee930]

4, 9, 11, and 48 for the 50 question ask game

aww, thank you so much for asking these ellie!! ☺️🩵

4.) which television series do you use as a form of escapism?

- so not so surprisingly lol, i have a quite a few series that i use as a form of escapism 😅 those series are the umbrella academy, the office, psych, doctor who, derry girls, misfits (but like tbh, just first two series cause i have a hard time with no nathan lol), supernatural, schitt’s creek, steven universe, russian doll, wandavision, quantum leap (the original series and the new one 🥰), bob’s burgers, gilmore girls, the haunting of hill house and altered carbon 😅🖤

(i’m sure there are probably a lot of other shows lol. but those were the ones that i though of like right away 💙)

9.) what is you favorite environmental season? why?

- summer. summer is my favorite 🥰 i love the sunshine, i love it being warm, i love being able to swim 💙 ooh or those days where you swim for hours and then when you get out of the pool and get dressed and then it hits you that you’re reeeally tired so you decide to take a nap, those are some of the best naps! and i usually take those naps in the summer lol. or i love being able to take a nap in the summer when the sun is shining through the window and laying in the warmth of the sun ☺️ i love the sun being out until after 9pm. i love how the sky looks when the sun does finally start setting in the summer. when it gets all pink, purple-ish blue 🥺 omg and i love being able to wear flip flops! i love how summer time makes me feel 🖤 i mean not everything is perfect or suddenly/magically better and all my problems are gone lol. but summer just gives me a little hope. there are more things i love about summer but i’ll leave it at that for now lol.

so my answers for the other questions are under the cut 😅 i realize that like always, i wrote a lot and don’t wanna make anyone have to scroll through all this if they don’t necessarily wanna read all of it lol

11.) what is one song that’s able to bring you to tears?

- so there are quite a few songs that are always able to bring me to tears lol. but one for sure is The Way by Fastball. (it always does and has since i was a kid. also. if you don’t know the song, i recommend looking it up. it is a good song and the lyrics are beautiful! it just breaks my heart.) ooh!! i also have to mention the song After All by Peter Cetera and Cher. (it’s my parents song/the song they danced to at their wedding and it always makes me cry 😅 idk totally know why it does, but it does lol. like no joke, i saw Cher in concert in 2019, and i had no idea she was gonna sing that song, and when she did, i was recording a video and crying while i sang along lmao!)

48.) which animal would you be the most terrified to encounter?

- there are a lot of animals i’m terrified of lol. idk if this is the one that i’m like the most terrified of if i were to ever encounter them but, i am legit very scared peacocks. like no joke, i am 😳😂 i am very terrified of them! like they let them walk around at the zoo and people will purposefully like mess with them and try to piss them off and they are sooo scary when they’re mad! but i always just assume they’re mad when ever i’ve gone to the zoo, so i’m just always very on edge when i’m at the zoo or if they’re in the same/general area i’m in lmao.

50.) what purpose do you get out of using tumblr?

- the purpose i get out of using tumblr is that it’s an escape for me. it’s where i can go to when everything feels like too much and i can let myself get distracted by all of the random, chaotic, funny, crazy and interesting things that are on here. i use tumblr as a place where i can indulge in my love for all of my favorite shows, characters, movies, musicians/bands, songs/albums and actors/actresses. where i can fangirl hard over those things with people and friends who love them just as much as i do 💙☺️ and i can let myself get distracted in the things that make me happy and it gives me a little break from my mind/anything and everything that’s going on.

i use tumblr/my blog as journal. this is somewhere that i feel safe and comfortable enough to get out my thoughts and feelings. i know/realize that journals are usually very private and most people use like actual notebooks or maybe the notes app on their phone and maybe not the internet 😅 but idk… i just feel like this is a safe place for me. this feels right to me to come here and use my blog as a journal for myself.

thank you so so much for asking these ellie 💙

i can’t tell you how much i appreciate it and you so much! this was a very good distraction that i really needed these past few days.

i hope you’re doing well and that things are going alright 💖

[averysmallcetacean]

screamingggg /pos - This fanart is so good - I love supernatural academy and Jae is my favourite character

A nonbinary aromantic character? sign me up.

This is Jae from Supernatural academy!

[suchananewsblog]

Peacock Cancels ‘Vampire Academy’ After One Season

The students at St. Vladimir’s Academy will not be returning for a second year. Peacock has canceled Vampire Academy after just one season. The decision comes less than three months after the season finale of the teen supernatural series aired on October 27. “So Vampire Academy has been canceled,” actress Jonetta Kaiser, who played the magical vampire Sonya Karp, wrote on Instagram on Friday. “If…

[tvrundownusa]

tvrundown USA 2024.06.27

Thursday, June 27th:

(exclusive): The Bear (hulu, season 3 available, all 10 eps), My Lady Jane (APrime, Tudor fantasy YA series premiere, all 8 eps), Supacell (netflix, London superhero drama premiere, all 6 eps), That '90s Show (netflix, season 2B available, next 8 eps), Unicorn Academy (netflix, cartoon, season 2 available, all 9 eps), The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse (netflix, anime, next 13 eps)

(movies): "Young.Wild.Free." (BET+, urban drama, 105mins), "Killer Beat" (TUBI, thriller, ~95mins), "Sins of the Bride" (TUBI, thriller, ~90mins), "Drawing Closer" (netflix, Japanese romantic teen drama, 2hrs)

(streaming weekly): The Boys (APrime), Evil (Para+), Criminal Minds: Evolution (Para+), Blue Lights (BritBox, next 2 eps, season 2 finale), Suicide Squad ISEKAI (hulu, anime series premiere, first 3 eps), Domino Day: Lone Witch (SundanceNow|AMC+, modern supernatural drama series premiere), Hart to Heart (Peacock), The GOAT (freevee, season 1 finale), Makeup x Breakup (AllBlk), College Hill: Celebrity Edition (BET+), The Chosen (exclusive app, streaming in primetime, season 4 finale)

(broadcast): NBA Draft (ESPN, 2nd Round, live), NHL Awards 2024 (ESPN, annual special), U.S. Olympic Trials (USA, gymnastics, track & field), "Race for the White House" (ABC, pre-debate special), Presidential Candidates Debate (CNN|ABC|hulu, live, ~2hrs), +simulcast on (PBS, CBS, NBC, FOX, BET, Univision, Telemundo, and others)

(also new): "Hunting Housewives" (LMN original movie, 2hrs), Masters of Illusion (theCW) / . / World's Funniest Animals (theCW)

(hour 4 - latenight): The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (COM, post-debate special)

[legendsofmyriad]

Legends of Myriad: Arc One - Chapter 18: Helping Hand

Chapter 17 | Chapter 19

Arc One Masterlist

-- -- -- -- --

Seedy didn’t even begin to define the hotel lounge Esther found herself in. Despite the smudgeless reflective walls and intricate golden rivers running geometric patterns on the surfaces, the stench of dirty dealings and dodgy trades was impossible to mask. Passing by, shadowed faces glimpsed her with disinterest, and smirks of satisfaction sealed agreements. At a booth, a poor soul wept while the perfumed suit facing him reclined to watch the spectacle he had orchestrated. Esther heard a stream of pleas, but they were swiftly muted. 

Mechanised servers on squeaky wheels delivered drinks, navigating the cluster of central tables and chairs. A spitting threat followed the clatter of a tray as a grizzled customer shoved at the unlucky assistant, and the silver machine behind the bar cocked his head to the others before returning to his tap-cleaning duties. 

At least I’m not the only one involved in shifty business, Esther thought to herself. Her guide led her to a private booth at the far end of the lounge and waved a flat palm to the plump seats. 

“Please, sit,” he said. “Unless you would like to conduct our conversation standing. It wouldn’t be the strangest request I’ve had, but I’m more than happy to comply.” 

“You’re happy to comply because you assume you’ll get what you want,” Esther asserted, perching herself on the velvet bench and locking her stony gaze onto him. 

He held the contact with a cold, unwavering stare while giving his commands to the bodyguards, captivated by the faint flecks of amber in the sage green. Her eyes glimmered with vibrancy, exuding an energy and life that he rarely witnessed in Lumen. There was certainly an otherworldly essence to her. In that respect, his employers were correct. But everything else seemed exaggerated. Contrary to the whispers, it was not a supernatural entity in their midst, but a mere young woman. Steadfast, perhaps, but not incorruptible. Resolved, but not wholly out of reach for his talents. 

Esther scoffed at his attempt to intimidate her and noticed her reflection in the ceiling. She had been so consumed by her work she hadn’t even thought to check a mirror in weeks. The woman staring back at her appeared persistent and unpolished, a complete contrast to the poised and put-together girl who had first entered through the gateways all those months ago. 

She couldn’t help but admire her new image. A thrill kindled within her at the dirt on her face, the grime in her fingernails, and the steeled intensity that could have fought off a thousand battle-hardened warriors. Hours of intense study in the academy library convinced her she knew what focus was, but now she truly understood what forms it took and what it tasted like. It wasn’t just the acquisition of knowledge; it was the strength to use it. 

The slick-haired man sat down with a flourish, unbuttoning his blazer and fanning out the sides like a peacock on display. “Apologies, but protocol needs to be adhered to, and my bodyguards must have their orders.” 

“Makes me wonder who the robots are,” Esther mused, resting her forearms on the glossy table. “The servers or your guards. Seems nobody around here dares to move an inch without explicit instruction.”

“That is how structure is kept,” the man replied, amused by her astute observations. “I am Ralph Gridley, representative of the industry families.” He extended a hand and withdrew it again when she pointedly refused to entertain his civility. “And your name is?”

Esther’s eyebrow quirked, and she sank into the firm cushions behind her, crossing one leg over the other and tapping her foot as though she had somewhere else to be. “If you’re going to arrest me, or attempt to use some barbaric practice, I would advise you not to.”

A server approached their table with a squeak and set down two glasses of a clear, fizzing liquid. Ralph mopped the beads of condensation from his glass with a napkin and took a sip.

“While we are aware of your vigilante activities,” he said as he dabbed at the corner of his mouth, “that is not why I have brought you here.” 

“If it’s friendly conversation you’re looking for, then I get plenty of that in town.” 

Ralph snorted bitterly. “You will be searching for centuries if you wish to find friendly conversation among the lower classes.”

“That’s funny,” Esther said. With a delicate hand, she picked up the second glass and swirled the drink within. The bubbles popped into miniscule droplets and hissed in protest at the rude disturbance, ice cubes chiming against the rim. “I’ve had many pleasant conversations with the hard workers of Lumen. They are good people.” 

“I’ll take your word for it, but I had more refined company in mind for you.” 

The carbonated concoction left a vile aftertaste in her mouth as it slid down her throat. “In exchange for what?” she questioned, setting the drink aside. “If it is one thing I have learned about Lumen, it is that you don’t get something for nothing. So what do you want?” 

Ralph scrutinised her with a keen eye. While he hadn’t been working for the industry families long compared to his more experienced colleagues, he had ascended the ranks to rub shoulders with the elite and the accomplished. Yet he had never encountered someone like her. Something percolated from her very being, something he both feared and found intrinsically fascinating. Deep down, he craved to speak with her on a more personal level, to unravel the layers that she so carefully guarded and see what lay within. 

“I have been made privy to some rather disturbing news about an organisation planning to assassinate one of the heads of the industry families,” he explained. “Unfortunately, we do not know who the intended target is. I am tracking down suitable protectors with exceptional skills beyond that of a bodyguard to monitor them. You will be compensated, obviously. It is imperative we keep the order. Without order, there is only chaos. I’m sure you understand that this is in everybody’s best interest.” 

If a glance could kill, Esther’s razor gaze would have brutally disembowelled him multiple times over. Her first intention was to refuse him, but part of her advised her to reconsider. She had the opportunity to wriggle her way in and help the people of Lumen from inside the belly of the beast. But would they misunderstand and spread a distrust of her? Would they see her standing side by side with them and consider their Green Flame lost? 

“I will be here at the hotel for three more days,” Ralph told her as she mulled over her options. “You may return here once you have made your decision. A car shall take you back to wherever you are currently staying.” 

“No need,” Esther said, rising from the comfortable cushions. “I’ll walk.” 

Drawing her hood up, she scurried under the hotel’s striped overhang to avoid the deluge battering everything unfortunate enough to be caught outside. Speedy droplets smacked into the dipped fabric like a rumbling drumbeat and rolled off into the ducts below the city. 

As she gazed out at the oil-smeared roads and the thin fog, she tried to imagine how the place would look during the sunnier months. Do they even get summers here? she wondered, stepping out after the last rushing car and dashing across the street. Does the sky ever clear? Have the people of Delorem seen the sun or is that property of the industry families too? 

Summers on Solgarde were vibrant, full of warmth, and hope, and laughter. The fields of Cavell would bloom, filling the breeze with the powdery, floral scent of wildflowers and buzzing insects as they hopped within the vegetation. Evenings drew in late and the sky blazed with a riot of orange and lilac hues to drive away the wispy clouds. She’d never experienced a peace like those packed summer days. And now here she was, soaked, saddened, and desperate to feel the mercy of the sun again. 

Factory horns blared a deafening roar over the howling rain and the city’s foundations shuddered as its workforce was released from their duties. Vibrations accompanied each blast, and a flock of birds nearby shot into the clouds with a screech and a flutter of wet wings. 

At the rounded corner of the main street, a hunched woman scrambled to retrieve a scattering of boxes. Instinctively, Esther hurried to help. Scooping them out of the rain, she managed to save the majority from total disintegration. 

“Thank you,” the woman panted, coughing the rasp from her voice. “Wind this time of year is awful. Mixes with the toxins and carries them further than the factories.” 

“Just catch your breath,” Esther encouraged, shifting the weight of the boxes under her arm. “And when you’re ready, you can tell me where we’re heading.”

The woman’s shock slowly dissolved at the friendly smile on her helper’s face and she bowed her head north. “Kingsrose district. But it’s a fair walk.”

“I don’t mind,” Esther assured her. She crooked her elbow for the woman to hold on to and they gradually crossed into the northern reaches of Lumen, avoiding the open areas and staying under cover until the torrent petered out into a light drizzle.

The bustle of the commercial avenues eventually gave way to the residential quarters of Kingsrose Plaza. At the major intersection, golden vines coiled around a sleeping metal stag. Cascades of clean water splashed from the structure and collected in the basin below. 

“I fell in that fountain when I was a girl,” the stooped woman chortled. “My older brothers were running on the wall and I was so eager to join their fun that I jumped up and slipped right in.” 

“I can’t imagine the Kingsrose family took kindly to that.”

“Oh, they didn’t mind. I got a stern telling off for being so reckless, but they just sent someone out to filter the water.”

“There were no punishments?” 

“Of course there weren’t. We were children.” 

It dawned on Esther that she had only picked up on vague rumours about the Kingsrose family and knew nothing concrete. She observed the familiar uniforms and glum faces of those working for the other four families, but the flower and crown emblems were a unique sight. Since most of her research had been conducted in the city centre, she’d never had cause to visit other territories or speak to any of their workers. 

“I’d have happily worked for Miss Penelope all my life,” she continued, “but my joints aren’t what they used to be and I had to retire.” 

That word knocked Esther off guard. Retirement seemed to be an unfamiliar concept on Delorem, and she had not heard of anyone retiring during her months there. “You’re retired?” 

The woman lifted her left sleeve to show her the Kingsrose emblem on her arm. A bold black trail encircled the design, standing out against the faded colours of the original tattoo. “Some years ago now,” she said, shuffling the elastic cuff back down to her wrist. “A bit of advice for you: your curiosity is a wonderful thing, but it will get you caught, Green Flame.” 

Esther’s eyes widened in horror as she stumbled away, almost dropping the parcels. “What?” she squeaked. “What are you talking about?” 

“Only outsider we’ve had in three hundred years is this Green Flame,” the woman explained, taking the packages from her one by one. “Everyone around here knows how things work, and your questions make you stick out. Oh, don’t look at me like that. I could have turned you in while we were walking, yet here you stand, free as you were when you took those boxes.”

Esther reeled. Rain droplets trickled from her bottom lip as she stood with her mouth hanging open. As the adrenaline ebbed, a wave of foolishness washed over her. Even though she didn’t want to believe it, there were people in Lumen who would betray her to the authorities for a meal or a better life. “I… It didn’t occur to me that…” 

“Course it wouldn’t,” the woman said, her kind eyes turning steely and determined. “You’re not from round here so you won’t know not to ask questions, but let me tell you something; if you want to survive here, act and think like us. And not just the decent folk trying to make ends meet. Think like the industry families, and the middlemen in suits and the well-to-do, but do not allow them any opportunity to figure out who you are. You are the first shred of hope we have had in a long while. Don’t you let that flame go out.”

Too late, Esther thought, recalling her conversation with Ralph Gridley and his proposition. They already know.

* * *

By the time Ether arrived at the Silver Smoke Club, her cloak hung lopsided and a trail of water painted a puddle in the musty carpet. Fume-infused droplets stung her eyes, and she blinked until the blaring blue and purple lights sunk into their bulbs. The smattering of patrons threw her disinterested glances before returning to their drinks. 

With a rusted squeak and a click, the double doors behind her locked out the howl of the elements, and she traipsed to the glowing bar top.

“Have you taken a dip in the river?” Lucy, the owner, jested, biting her cheek to stop herself from laughing as the dishevelled woman grappled to get onto a barstool without getting it wet. “Here. Let me help.” She leaned over the surface to unclip her cloak and wrung it out in the sink. Once the worst of the oily rainwater had been removed, she left it over the steel basin to dry.

“Thanks.” With a groan, Esther pushed herself up onto the stool closest to the radiator and let the blasting warmth ease her shivers. The heat blanketed her within minutes, and the drained flush in her cheeks settled. “I’ve seen drowned sewer rats that aren’t as soggy as this.” 

Lucy set a glass of sapphire liquid and a pristine napkin on the countertop. The bubbles rushed to the surface and popped to release the tantalising aroma of fresh blueberries. “Get that down you.” 

The mellow refreshment tingled on Esther’s tongue and she savoured every sip. Rain on Delorem wasn’t like at home. It bit, and it corroded, and the first couple of times she’d been caught out, she’d been left with a barking cough and a sore throat for days. But Lucy had taken care of her, imparting knowledge on how to traverse the city in a downpour and ensuring she had a drink ready to relieve any lasting discomfort. 

The clinking of glasses and the laughter of patrons consumed the bar area, and as she watched the bartender she had befriended expertly mix drinks and chat with customers, she wondered if the thought of turning her over to the authorities had ever crossed her mind. She knew who she was and what she had undertaken while in Lumen. Given the frequent visits by officers and authority personnel, she could easily slip a note with their drink or ask for a quiet word. 

What would it take for that trust to break? What would the industry families offer Lucy if they tracked her down to the club? All that was needed was a whispered name, a jab of a finger in her direction…

“Hey.”

Blinking away her doubts, Esther straightened up in her seat, tapping her nails on the side of her glass. “Sorry. Did you say something?”

“Are you all right?” Lucy asked. “You’ve gone pale.” 

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. I was thinking.” 

“Must have been some thought. I clicked in front of your face and everything.” 

“It’s nothing. Just…” 

“Just?” 

Esther’s mouth opened to respond, but the words stuck. Instead, she sighed and mumbled, “just stuff.” She swilled her drink and drained the rest. 

She was determined to provide some help to the overworked souls of Lumen, but she had to be cautious about who she trusted. Even those known for their sympathy and compassion might be swayed by the right offer. And where would she be then? A prison cell? In the rain facing death by electric current? Or worse? 

Yet, amidst the misery and distrust, there were those who remained kind. People who deserved better than forced servitude and a life locked in a struggle to make ends meet. 

“Do you know how much longer you’re planning on staying?” Lucy queried. “Not that I’m trying to get rid of you. You are way quieter than most and you always pay on time.”

“When my research is done, I suppose.” 

“Lets hope it takes a few more months. It’s been nice having you here.” The bar manager went to refill Esther’s glass, but she declined the offer with a shake of her head. “Looks like this place is taking its toll. You sure you don’t want another?” 

“I’m certain, but thank you,” Esther replied, stifling a yawn with the back of her wrist. An exhausted ache idled under her eyes. If it hadn’t been for the raucous buzz, she may have fallen asleep where she sat. But she still had work to do. Information to gather. An offer to consider.

No, she told herself decisively. I won’t do it. If an organisation is planning to assassinate members of the industry families, then good. Someone needs to rip them down, and it’s better coming from one of their own people than an outsider. 

Lucy ruffled her dark auburn undercut and tucked the stray strands in place, stretching the rivers of purple and silver that glittered down her neck and disappeared beneath the collar of her shirt. When she first arrived, Esther had been captivated by her tattoos. After discovering she was from another world, Lucy made it her responsibility to support her, teaching her about some of Lumen’s customs and how their society functioned. She had done as much as possible to help her, but each day the weary researcher returned more drained and disheartened than the last, recalling the day’s incidents over a drink and a discouraged sigh. 

“Perhaps a couple of days off will help clear your mind?” Lucy suggested. “Ever since you got here, you’ve been running around doing your research. I understand you’ve got a job to do, but you need to take care of yourself.”

“Wish I could, but my work is rather time sensitive. And considering how things are here, the sooner I’m done, the better.”

“At least let me send up some warm water so you can have a bath. Can’t have you catching a cold.” 

“Thanks, Lu,” Esther said as she hopped off the barstool with a tired smile. “You’re an angel.”

-- -- -- -- --

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[averysmallcetacean]

OMG OMG OMG I LOVE THIS

So I recently finished watching Supernatural Academy and it also happens that I'm trying to figure out my artstyle so here's to my favorite aro nonbinary they/them :3

(click for better quality)