#rubbing my hands together like an evil wizard

[saltymongoose]

I know its hard to believe it but think about it, Jeb was confirmed to have a bigger ego than Phobos himself, his goal of Being Nevada's Savior is more important than emotional attachments, he seems like the type of guy to not get attached because he thinks attachments will only make him weaker and easier to take advantage of, he likely developed a god complex after killing Phobos because, fuck man he killed Phobos of all people, by himself. he may not have come off as not considering Hofnarr a friend because him calling Hof 'old friend' in the game because he was manipulating, he needed to pull on Hofnarr's strings to have Hofnarr by his side so the plan would succeed, Hofnarr was just naive enough Christoff managed to pull it off. even Sheriff was victim of this, after the plan succeeded he even left Hofnarr behind to go do god knows what outside, then Hank came along and he was so focused on his job as Sheriff's bodyguard he left his "friend" for dead by the hands of Hank

he is no better than Phobos, only Phobos didnt make any connections in emotional senses and they had different goals

and to explain why would he help Sheriff in mc2-3 if he didn't think of the cowboy as his friend?- lets be real Sheriff probably ran begging Jeb to help him, which inflated Jeb's ego because of course Sheriff needed his help, if there's anyone who can stop Hank is him, Nevada's Savior, of course he'll help if it means his precious Nevada will be saved. Chritoff is an egotistical scumbag but its okay I kiss him on the head then put him in Hanks's bigass blender, will he blend?

of course we dont need to follow the canon, I myself have just nitpicked the canon and then gave Jeb a redemption arc, still, it makes sense why he wouldn't consider Hofnarr a friend and just use him for his goals.

-Plague Anon [|87

Huh. You know, Plague Anon, this actually makes a lot of sense. I feel like Jeb would definitely laud his self-imposed isolation as something that is entirely necessary to be the best Savior for Nevada. People who have this one goal as their fixation can tend to ignore everything around them anyway depending on how driven they are to reach it/how important it is to them (personal experience), and perhaps he also used this as a potential excuse as to why he'd willingly treat others as being so expendable. If he can convince himself that it was his only option and for the greater good, then he also absolves himself of all sins or wrongdoings.

[More under the cut :)]

I also took another look at the game because of this ask, and I realized that the way Christoff treats Tricky actually lends a lot to this as well. For one, the fact that Christoff still thought Hofnarr would be the exact same way at this time shows that he didn't bother checking in on him in the thirty year time skip between the Fall and the events of M:PN, so that shows from the beginning that they weren't as close as I'd assumed. (Outside of the stuff in the animations, which wasn't friendly either, let's be honest.)

Secondly, he doesn't really seem that concerned about Tricky in general. I mean, you'd think that if someone had a good friend and they turned into a zombie/Zed, they'd attempt to find some way to reverse that. Yet Jeb doesn't seem to really care, and still keeps that single-minded focus on shutting down Project Nexus. From the way it appears, Jebus couldn't care less about what happens/happened to Hofnarr so long as he was around to use for ending the Project, which fits in line with your theory (and Krinkels' words) about how their dynamic is. Tricky is harder to deal with than Hofnarr, but he has the same knowledge, so Jeb doesn't consider aiding him to be worth his time.

I also agree that the only sensible reason why Christoff would be so willing to help the Sheriff in the earlier animations is because of his savior complex (or that he just really hated Hank, which is another possibility). If we want to go into the flashbacks of M:PN as well, one could also argue that the Sheriff was another resource for Jeb to use, since he planned on having Sheriff and his Mercs help out while he handled things in the Nexus. It's another instance of Jebus using others for his personal gain.

So in conclusion, I've changed my mind. :)

Not only does this characterization fit more within canon at a second glance, but it also provides me with a lot more to work with when writing Jeb (especially angst, gotta love it). I already feel like this is going to get interesting, thanks for sending in this analysis, Plague Anon! :D ♡♡♡♡

[drizzit]

ANOTHER magazine cover for my swarmkeeper ranger because its the LAW

[astarioffsimpmain]

Cozy Up with: Gale

[Autumn photography by: coldoctober]

[Gale photography by: unknown - if it's you, please let me know so that I can tag you!]

Author's Note:

Okay so....... maybe it's become a series that I like to call "Cozy Up". LOL I'll probably do another one with Astarion since the first was pretty short, and I'm hoping to do more bg3 characters as well! Here's our beautiful, wonderful rizzard in some post-game domestic bliss: autumn-themed! Hope you enjoy.

You smiled as your eyes followed the colorful leaves in their path from the trees to the ground, carried on the wind like dancers performing a routine. The weather had turned crisp in Waterdeep, the night air boasting an even colder chill on the balcony of Gale's tower, where the breeze from the sea swept up to rustle the wind chimes that were a gift from your fiancé once you moved in. 

A shiver ran through you and you curled further under the massive blanket Gale had on the settee. It was your idea to sit outside. You didn't mind the fact that your ears and nose were numb. This was your first autumn in Waterdeep; your first autumn as a fiancé(e). Autumn was always your favorite season: the sweeping changes in the colors of the landscape, the crackling energy of something new and wonderful in the air, and the eerie glow of the large harvest moons in the evenings. You wanted nothing more than to experience this shift with your soon to be husband, who was currently fixing hot cocoa for the both of you in the kitchen downstairs, and probably supplementing Tara with some warm milk before he returned. 

You rubbed your feet together and admired the two pumpkins that sat on the balcony across from you, faces carved in them by you and Gale, glowing brightly with the spell the wizard had used on them. "It's a tradition in Waterdeep!" Gale had exclaimed with excitement while urging you to find a pumpkin you liked from the stall. 

You'd heard of the practice, of course - carving a face into a gourd and lighting it to keep the evil away - but in Baldur's Gate, there wasn't a guarantee your warding gourd would be left alone for very long if left outside where they were meant to be, so most people lit candles in their windows and drew faces on their doors with coal instead to ward off the evil. So many firsts for you this year, and so far, you were enjoying them all.

The clank of cups on a tray brought you back to the present and you turned your eyes to the patio door, where Gale had appeared with two steaming mugs and a dazzling smile on his handsome face. "Here we are! My mother's famous recipe." He said, carefully handing you one of the mugs by the rim. You sighed in audible relief as your cold fingers wrapped around the warm ceramic, the effect taking hold immediately. A single sip had a  satisfying chill running up and down your spine before your entire body began to warm from the inside out. 

"Mmm Gale, it's perfect, thank you." You hummed happily, your mug held close to your face to allow your nose to defrost as well. He chuckled in response and sat down next to you with his own cup, pulling some of the blanket over his legs as he settled in. Your pull to him was immediate, and you were nuzzling into his side the moment he was in reach. He opened his arm to you just as quickly and pulled you closer by your shoulders. 

The scent of weathered book pages and amber flitted across your senses, enveloping you in a sense of safety and belonging as you rested your head in your usual place under Gale’s arm. You looked out over Waterdeep over the balcony railing, and the city was littered with tiny flickers of candlelight as people ducked in and out of shops, restaurants, and taverns far below. Motion in your peripheral caught your eye and you smiled to yourself. 

Gale had conjured a mage hand to open the volume he was reading on the latest popular recipes for Waterdhavian weddings. He was insistent on making your meal for you on the day you wed, and would hear nothing against it. He was making something new everyday, bringing plates of his new dishes to you. "My love," he would say every time. "Try this one. How is it compared to the last? Should I keep looking? I'll keep looking, I haven't tried this other one yet.." and he would trail back off to the kitchen to start again. At first, you'd tried to dissuade him from trying every dish in the book, but your fiancé was nothing if not hard-headed, and you found yourself going along with it, content enough to try new food every night until the wedding. Each dish was better than the last, and that you certainly didn't mind. 

You chuckled quietly and allowed your eyes to fall closed, listening to the rhythmic sound of Gale’s heart beating beneath your ear. The wind was chilly, but your hearts were warm, as long as they beat together. 

~

fin

[apomaro-mellow]

idk how detailed of a prompt ur looking for but: Eddie thinks Steve's chest hair is hot for the bingo

im thinking of them going to the lake or something and Steve takes off his shirt and Eds nearly has a heatt attack bc yeah he'd seen Steve's chest before but he kinda repressed it? along with the whole upside down deal so he's like choking at the sight and at the newly found memory lol

but anything you come up with will be amazing im sure <3

every time i get a prompt i rub my lil raccoon hands together ehehehe

They weren't going to Lover's Lake. That had been the one thing everyone agreed on at first. Too much to unpack but it went without saying that no one wanted to relive the memory of what had happened in those waters. They all packed up and went about three hours away to a totally different town with a totally different lake.

"Summer time, a bunch of teens, a town where no one knows us", Eddie commented as they parked. "Did we just drive into another horror movie set up?"

"I think we can handle some random killer in the woods", Jonathan said.

Eddie couldn't argue. He knew for a fact that Steve had packed away his oh so trusty nail bat and that Nancy was strapped too. At a moment's notice, Robin looked ready to turn a beer into a makeshift molotov. But that was the last thought he wasted on the spring break from hell. Because the moment everything was set up, Steve pulled his shirt off like he was in a goddamn cologne ad.

That unnecessarily sexy way where he grabbed it off his back and pulled it of, shaking out his hair as if it would dare to fall out of place.

So here's the thing.

Eddie saw Steve shirtless that one time back in Hawkins. But it had been dark, and they were on a boat hunting an evil wizard and then in an underworld running from demon bats and there had been a lot going on, okay? He's ogled Steve plenty since then, now that he had time to, but he hadn't had an opportunity to see his naked chest again.

"Put on sunscreen!", Robin shouted, tossing it at Steve's head.

"Ow! Rude!" Steve picked it up and obeyed anyway, starting at his arms. Time seemed to slow. Or maybe Steve was purposely going slow, it was hard to tell. Then his eyes met Eddie and his next stroke up towards his neck seemed very intentional.

Eddie swallowed.

"Mind getting my back?", Steve asked.

Eddie didn't trust his mouth for once, so he just nodded, taking the tube of sunscreen and was definitely not thinking about squirting another kind of creamy white substance onto this beautifully dotted back. He tried to distract himself by looking at what the others were doing. Jonathan had already lit up a joint that he was now passing to Nancy. Robin was laid out in a chair, nose in a book.

Argyle was leading the kids down the shore to where they could rent out canoes. Or was it kayaks? All Eddie knew was that El was adamant on some sort of boating adventure.

"You okay back there?", Steve asked.

"Yep, yup, mhm. Almost done." He was done. The sunscreen was completely gone and he was just rubbing circles into his skin for no reason.

"You mind doing my chest too?"

"Wh-hat?", Eddie choked.

"I don't really like the feel of sunscreen on my hands", Steve justified and that was good enough for Eddie.

He still wasn't prepared for when Steve turned around. Eddie sat between his legs and god this might've been the closest they've ever been. Especially with this little amount of clothes between them, both of them in their swimming trunks and nothing else. Eddie squeezed some sunscreen onto his hands first, rubbing them together and warming it before pressing them to Steve's chest.

Goddamn it felt so....would it get thicker as he got older? It went all the way up to his collarbone and there was just a hint of a happy trail now but maybe with some time...

"They do know we're still here, right?", Nancy asked after letting out a puff. True, they were some feet away but still.

"I've got a spray bottle in case they go below the waist", Robin said, shaking said bottle.

Steddie bingo under the cut

[wiphur]

Till the Day I Die?

Fandom: Harry Potter

Pairing: Newt Scamander x Grindelwald! Gn! Hufflepuff! Reader

Pronouns: they/them

Warnings: Secret relationship, Grindelwald is like 100% more frowned upon in this world. Kinda ooc Newt?

Word Count: 1.0k

A/N: Posted from my old account. I wanted to repost some of the works I did on my old account because why not??

Being the younger sibling of Gellert Grindelwald caused some problems while you were growing up. For starters, your brother was very upset at your insistence to go to Hogwarts. You insisted, though, wanting to spend more time with people you actually knew instead of complete strangers. Another thing about the school was the houses. Gellert wanted you to be in the house most similar to Soscrofa, which would have been Slytherin. Instead, you were placed in Hufflepuff, most similar to Vulpelara.

He seemed to dislike everything that you decided for yourself. And, when he became a more evil man in the wizarding world (killing no-maj’s and such), he made you swear that you would always be on his side. It was hard disobeying him, so you swore. 

You didn’t swear that you would be single for the rest of your life, though.

Maybe that’s an exaggeration. Sooner or later, Gellert would have found some pureblood to marry you off to. However, you could find your own partner on your own, which was exactly what you did. You met a sweet and caring halfblood boy from your house who was funny and considerate. Meeting him was a dream for little 4th year you, so falling in love was inevitable. 

You and Newt both knew that your brother would not like this new development, so you kept it hidden. From everyone that could possibly have ties with Gellert Grindelwald. That was easier said than done, which led to private moments being sacred between you and Newt.

~~~

The envelope you had received in the mail that morning was neatly written and sealed with a wax seal- one of a niffler to be precise. It wasn’t signed, but the handwriting was easily identifiable. It was a letter from Newt. With a happy grin, you quickly, but carefully, tore off the seal and opened the letter. There were only three letters signed onto the paper in careful cursive. ROR.

The grin on your face widened and you turned your head to spot Newt’s gaze already on you. You gave him a barely-noticeable nod and he smiled back. You and Newt both had an hour off right after breakfast, so the time was already declared by process of elimination. 

As soon as you finished your plate of food, you told your friends that you were going to go back to bed before your classes started and rushed off to meet Newt at the Room of Requirement. The ritual to enter seemed rhythmic at this point and you quickly gained access to the room of your needs. To your surprise, it was different than it typically was. Instead of a calming room with couches and books and a fireplace, there was a practically empty room. The fireplace was still burning, but its hue was pale pink. There was a chest at the end of a fairly big bed. You grinned, realizing that Newt was already sitting atop the bed, staring at the ground nervously.

You hurried over and threw your arms around your boyfriend, so happy to see him. “Newt, oh my merlin, it feels like so long since we’ve been able to be together.” You murmured into his neck. His arms circled you and he breathed in your scent.

“Too right, darling. I’ve missed you too much.” He pulled back, his hands coming to rub your arms. “How was the test you were nervous about? All good?”

After knowing and dating each other so long, the nervous-ness around each other seemed to fade away, but you could tell Newt was nervous about something. His eyes wouldn’t meet yours and he seemed hesitant to talk.

“I- uh, I passed it. All thanks to your study guide.” He smiled sheepishly. “How about you? How was everything on your end?”

He paused for a moment, “It was all fine. A-all good for me.” His grin was awkward. Something was bothering him.

“Newt, what’s wrong? You’re acting really weird.” You moved your hand to cup his cheek. He nudged it lightly with his nose when he snuggled into it.

“Nothing, darling. I’m per-perfectly fine. Just wanted to talk to you about something.”

You pulled away gently, “Uh, that's not terrifying at all.” Sarcasm tainted with awkward fear poured from your words, making Newt’s eyes widen.

“No, no, no, no, nothing bad about us, darling. I love you, you know that.” You nodded, chuckling awkwardly, waiting for him to continue. “It's just- you know why we’re hiding our relationship.”

“Yeah, my brother.”

“Right. And you pledged allegiance to him. But, being with me is kinda the opposite of being pledged to him, innit?”

“Where are you going with this, Newt? I thought you weren’t breaking up with me-”

Newt took a deep breath, shaking his head, “Not at all! The opposite really!” He paused, hoping that would reassure you. It didn’t do very much. His words seemed to contradict his earlier statement. “After school is over, you don’t have to go to your brother’s side.”

“Newt, he’ll hurt innocent people- maybe even you or me!”

He nodded, “I know. But, he’d do that even if you weren’t with him. He’ll come after me as soon as he realizes that we’re still together. Then he’d think you were betraying him.”

Your eyebrows furrowed and you glanced at him with an unreadable expression, “This really doesn’t sound like the opposite of breaking up with me.”

“Wait,” He said, moving to grasp your hand, “Please. I promise.” You nodded. You would trust this man with your life. “A few weeks ago I was talking with Professor Ada and I found out that he is a certified officiant for marriage. I asked if he was able to officiate even during the school year and he said yes.”

Your breathing slowed. “Do you- Do you mean-?”

He nodded, leaving the bed and kneeling on one knee. “Yes. I-I do. Will you, Y/F/N, marry me?” He pulled a ring from his pocket. Your eyes couldn’t focus on it because of tears.

Tears flowed quickly as you nodded. You fell to the height as Newt and you kissed him with as much love and admiration as you could. You felt the love Newt returned during the kiss. You could taste salt from your tears. You pulled back, noticed Newt was crying, and hugged him tightly. He was sobbing quietly in your ear.

“I love you so much.” Newt mumbled. “I will always be by your side.”

“Till the day I die?”

“Till the day I die.”

[theresthesnitch]

Trick or treat!! 🎃👻

"Your mane is crooked."

James scoffs as he looks at Sirius. "It's just my hair. I think it's as good as it's going to get."

Sirus shakes his head, looking back at himself in the mirror as he straightens his blue plaid dress. "That's what you get for for transfiguring your own hair rather than wearing a wig."

"I thought it would be more authentic that way." James turns away from the mirror and looks at Sirius. "Has Remus seen your costume yet?"

"Not yet," Sirus says. He looks himself over, from the short skirt of his blue plaid dress down his stocking covered legs and ruby red heels, then up to where he's tied his hair in pigtails. "He know what it is though."

James snorts. "He knows that you're Dorthy, I don't think he knows you're Fuck Me Dorthy."

"Well, that's all part of the surprise." Sirius turns on his heels. "He offered to dress Teddy. Who, by the way, is adorable in his little top hat. Cutest Wizard of Oz ever."

"I bet he is," James says. "Ready?"

As soon as they walk out of the bedroom, something that looks like a small monkey with wings runs into Sirius's legs. "Hazza P! You make an excellent flying monkey."

Harry holds his arms upto Sirius. "Uppy, uppy!"

Sirius swings him into his arms. "What does a monkey say?"

"Oh, oh, oh," Harry says, imitating a moneky.

"You're perfect for the job," Sirius says, pressing a kiss to Harry's forehead.

"Harry!" Lily calls as she comes around the corner. "Where did you--oh." She pauses as she catches sight of them, then a knowing smirk comes over her face as she looks him up and down. "You're going to make him go mad."

"That's the goal," Sirius says with a wink as he leans in to kiss her cheek, but then pulls back suddenly. "Nope, I don't kiss evil witches."

Lily rolls her eyes. "She's intigral to the Wizard of Oz."

"It's offensive," Sirius says. "You could have picked someone else."

Lily shrugs. "I prefer Elphaba."

"Who?" James and Sirius ask together.

Lily sighs. "Sorry, I pushed the muggleness too far. I'll explain later. But, Regulus is going as Glinda, so I couldn't really pick the good witch."

"I can't wait to see Regulus in a pink ball gown," Sirius says with a laugh. "I bet it's a good look for him."

James pauses. "Wait, does that mean Kingsley is coming too? What's his costume?"

"Sidra got him to agree to be the lollipop guild with her, so he's a munchkin," LIly says.

James and Sirius exchange gleeful looks. "Does that mean shorts and short sleeves?" SIrius asks.

"You two are menaces," Lily says. "But yes, and don't stare too much or I'll have to hex you both."

Lily takes Harry from Sirius, give James a kiss, and they all walk into the living room together. Remus is bent over, adjusting the curtain over Teddy's pram and cooing at the baby inside. "Yes, who's a good wizard. Just the best wizard. You are. That's you, Teddy-boo."

SIrius sighs. "There really is no place like home."

Remus looks up, the silver on his face crinkling with his smile, but the smile quickly drops away and is replaced by open mouthed awe. Sirius walks up and closes his mouth with a finger under his jaw. "Mr. Tinman, I think you need some oil. Your jaw creaked open when you saw me."

"You can't wear that," Remus says.

"Why not?" SIrius says with a pout.

Remus rubs his thumb along Sirius's lower lip. "Because I don't think Dorthy's costume comes with silver paint between her thighs."

"Remus, language!" Lily says, mockingly cupping her hands over Harry's ears.

"Trust me, that was the clean version," Remus says.

"Come on! No time to change," James says, pulling SIrius to the door. "Regulus and Kingsley are already waiting for us."

Sirius turns around to walk backwards as James pulls him to the door. "Moony, Kingsley is wearing shorts. Don't you want to come see Kingsley's calves?"

"Kingsley has calves?" Remus asks distractedly.

"Come on, Remus," Lily says, clapping his arm as she walks to the door with Harry on her hip. "If you're lucky, you can convince his brother to take Teddy tonight so you can find out what's under his skirt."

"You don't want to--"

"Nope!" Lily says smugly.

Remus grabs Teddy's pram and pushes him to the door behind the others. "Trick or treat, Teddy," he says with a sigh. "Hopefully, it's a treat."

[srovtl]

Offering A Prayer to the Wandering God Chapter 7

Elijah: This is not Lady Verla. Lady Verla is not this ugly. She's not this pitiful...

Elijah: My god is dead. I, I killed her...

Rutile: Mister Elijah! No, you can't... If you dig your nails into your skin that hard, you'll hurt yourself again.

Arthur: You mustn't hurt yourself. If it's painful, you don't have to say it all at once. It's okay to take it slowly...

Arthur rubs his back as he breathes shallowly. Seeing that, I understand.

The guilt of destroying his God is breaking his heart.

Akira: (He couldn't accept reality because he was so single-minded...)

Elijah: If things stay like this, I won't be forgiven.

Elijah: There's no God left who can forgive me, love me, or lend me a hand.

Elijah: I am, all alone...

His white hands are shaking as he hugs his knees.

Finally, gazing at the palms of his hands with veiny veins, he spoke in a high-pitched voice.

Elijah: So... I've decided to become a god.

Bradley: Huh?

Shino: What did you just say?

Elijah: Verla as a God is no longer here. So I'm going to become a god.

Elijah: If I do that, I'll be forgiven. Good and evil are decided by God after all.

Figaro: What are you talking about?

Mithra: How do you even reach this conclusion? Are you one of those crazy people?

Confusion spread across the wizards' faces.

They all looked at each other, unable to fully comprehend what he was saying, and looked at each other or frowned in disbelief.

Elijah: No way, I'm serious.

Elijah: A god is one who gives and leads. So to show my love, I remade the dead Verla into a new one.

Elijah: If I can't restore her, I'll at least make her more beautiful... I want to make her so noble, so dignified, so god-like that anyone who sees her will bow down to it.

Akira: ...Is that why you collected the sculptures to use as materials?

Elijah: That's right...I didn't know how to get it or how to make the right trades, so I did whatever I was told.

Elijah: When that didn't work out, I stole and threatened, and sometimes I got hurt.

Nero: And that is why you are full of scars…?

Elijah: Yeah. It was hard to get the good stuff, and I was tricked into buying some cursed things, and some things had grudges attached to them...

Elijah: Still, I thought it was better than nothing.

Elijah: I tried casting some purification and protection spells, and tried some magic spells from books I couldn't read well, and somehow I got by.

Bradley: When you can't even do magic that well?

Bradley: You know some of the weirdness was caused by casting some insufficient spells.

Elijah: But still... It's a necessary thing to do to give offerings to Verla.

Elijah: This is my unconditional love... Isn't it the right thing to do for a god?!

Riquet: Elijah!

Riquet interrupted him as if he had lost patience.

He pierces Elijah with a strong gaze.

Riquet: I understand that there are all kinds of faiths in this world, and that there are people who believe in all kinds of gods.

Riquet: ………No, to be honest, I still can't fully accept it, but I don't reject those people.

Riquet: So, if you consider Verla to be a god, then that must be your faith.

Riquet: But... you lay a hand on that god, and you try to become a god yourself to forgive the sins you committed?

Riquet scolded, his fingers clasped together in front of his chest and shaking.

His clear, stern voice rang out, condemning him.

Elijah's reasoning was certainly absurd. But the way he shouted, as if to convince himself, made my heart swell.

Perhaps the only way he could protect his heart was to believe that.

Riquet: To repent, one must offer themselves to God, correct one's actions, and ask for forgiveness.

Riquet: And yet, to become a god and think you've been forgiven... you're just turning a blind eye to your own sins.

Riquet: Selfish, self-centered, and extremely despicable. Extremely blasphemous.

Rutile: Riquet….

Rutile strokes Riquet's back as he trembles with anger.

Nero also puts his hand on Riquet's thin shoulder, and turns to Elijah.

Nero: Sorry, but… I don't think that's love.

Nero: You say it's for Verla, but you're forcing it on her for your own sake.

Nero: That's desire.

If Riquet’s words were the bow and arrow of justice, Nero's words, like admonishment, were like pressing the wound and confirming the pain.

They quietly plead with him that this is what you had done.

Nero: If it were a human or a wizard, they could just cut off their relationship and it would be over. But a sculpture can't speak.

Nero: And if someone takes advantage of that and just throws their selfish desires at it, it'll end up wanting to chase them and raise its hand at them when it is able to move, it's inevitable.

Nero makes a slightly bitter face. He shakes his head uncomfortably.

Nero: And besides... I don't want that. Even if they drag my broken body around and say it's offering for me.

Nero: I can't be happy about that. Even if I were a puppet with no will or ego, I'd still want to yell at him, “stop it, you idiot.”

Bradley: ……..

Elijah: ...But...

Elijah: What was I supposed to do...?

Elijah's voice was awfully self-deprecating.

He just hung his head and stared at the dirty floor.

Elijah: If I have nothing to believe in, what can I cling to in life?

Arthur: Elijah...

Figaro: I know you don't mean any harm, but you can't become a god.

Figaro: I'm sure you know that too, but that's nonsense.

Elijah: …….

Figaro: So, do you want to be saved from this situation?

Elijah lifted his head slightly at the gentle, admonishing voice.

Through his long bangs, his pleading eyes looked up at Figaro, who stood there calmly.

Figaro: What you believe in hasn't been lost.

Figaro: But if you think you've done something unforgivable, it's best to settle that score.

Figaro: You won't be saved while you keep lying to your heart.

Elijah: I, ..I want…

At that moment, we heard a clicking noise.

We looked and saw the arms, legs, and wings of the surrounding sculptures beginning to move.

Elijah: This is bad, it's already dark...!

Elijah raised his head bouncing. The wizards also readied their magic tools.

The sculptures, who had been moving around, rattling and rattling, as if to check the movement of their joints, stopped moving for a moment...

And attacked us all at once.

Bradley:《 Adnopotensum》

Shino: 《Matztzāh Sudipas!》

Arthur: 《Pernoctant Nixzo!》

The three magical tools that rushed out first unleash their powers almost simultaneously.

Bradley's bullets and Shino's scythe shatter the sculptures into pieces.

The light that emerges from Arthur's grimoire engulfs the flying fragments. They disappear like melting snow.

But that is only for a moment, as a new shadow creeps up behind Elijah.

Elijah: Aaahh...! Stay away!

Elijah casts blind magic and slips through the sculptures.

Figaro: Elijah!

At that moment, the door next to us crashes open, making a loud noise.

The sculptures inside come pouring in, separating us from Elijah.

Akira: Wha!?

Nero: 《 Adnodus Omnis 》!

Riquet: 《 Sanretea Edif 》!

Nero, Riquet: That was close!

Shino: This is nothing new but, there  really are so many sculptures!

Rutile: We got separated from Mister Elijah...!

Mithra: That guy dressed in black is a real fast runner.

Arthur: Lord Figaro, what will you do?

Arthur: These things seem to have been affected by the disaster as well, but to have to deal with so many of them...

As the magicians lined up back to back, Arthur asked Figaro.

Figaro, holding his orb, answered calmly.

Figaro: We need a fairly extensive purification ritual. The sculptures are one thing, but the source of impurity... Verla is troublesome.

Figaro: I want to place magic circles in the four corners of the mansion, centered around the altar room where she is.

Figaro: I'll go to Verla's place. Bradley, Nero. Can you make magic circles on the four corners?

Bradley: I guess that's the way it is. I'll do some work for the pardon.

Shino: I'll go too.

Riquet: I'll come with you too!

Nero: Oh, thanks. Don't be reckless.

Figaro: If you find Elijah, please protect him, even if you have to get a little rough.

Figaro: I want Mithra and Rutile to put up a barrier outside the mansion.

Figaro: Make it a strong one so that the effects don't leak out to the surrounding area.

Mithra: Well... it's better than running around the mansion all the time.

Mithra: I'll handle it. Come here, Rutile.

Rutile: Yes, I'll do my best!

Figaro: Arthur and the Master Sage, come with me. Arthur, I'll leave the Master Sage to you.

Arthur: Of course! If you need anything, I'll help you.

Arthur: Let us save the god who resides in this mansion, and her only believer.

Rutile:《Ortonik Setomaouge》!

Mithra:《Arthim》

Mithra: That's about it. Leave the rest to the guys inside.

Mithra: If the barrier isn't enough when the purification ritual begins, I'll back it up.

Rutile: Alright... um, in those cases, how much resistance do you encounter? Is it pretty tough?

Mithra: Not at all? Just a light flick of the finger. Just the feel of “ oh it wasn't enough.”

Rutile: That's probably because you're Mister Mithra. My scale of it is different from yours.

Mithra: Oh, I see. Well, if you were to scale this down...

Mithra: I don't know... Your weakness is bottomless.

Rutile: Oh come on, I'm asking seriously.

Mithra: So, shall we try it together?

Rutile: Are you sure?

Mithra: I'm with you today. So I'll let you try a little.

Mithra: But can you do it...? You don't seem to have as much guts as Mitile.

Rutile: Of course I can! I'm Mitile's older brother, after all.

Mithra: Then, please conserve your strength until then.

Mithra: I'll loosen a part of the barrier a little for you.

Nero: 《Adnodus Omnis》

Bradley: 《Adnopotensum》

Shino: 《Matztzāh Sudipas!》

Riquet: 《Sanretea Edif》

Riquet: ...Alright, this is the third one.

Nero: The last one is in the eastern corner. Let's hurry.

previous chapter - directory - next chapter

[phontao]

rubbing my hands together like an evil wizard as i make my nightly rounds of the fear and hunger fandom

[cloudyyoungjaes]

I have no clue what despairing vacation is about- but I saw you reblogged that one post again and I'd love to hear about it! And why you made the decisions you did! 🥰

Rubs hands together oh boy.

(Mentions of cannibalism and decapitation)

So despairing vacation (DV) was a multi fandom roleplay group that was based on danganronpa. So basically a killing game rp. We ended our last iteration like two-ish weeks ago? Around that time with Despairing Vacation 4.

I joined in Despairing Vacation 1.5, which in the timeline it took place in between the first game and second lmao (though it took place after 2 happened in reality). I brought in Ahn because at the time my ass was obsessed with He is Psychometric and I love Ahn like a son. So naturally I chucked him in there and he got scars around his right wrist and more trauma than he had before the game started. I also uhhh fucked up his canon beyond recognition lol. (I’ll probably post his carrd here later—). Out of the three muses I have played in DV, he’s the only survivor. Because of this he can’t wear bracelets anymore lol. He still has his psychometric powers but it comes at a greater cost for him. He’s also the only kdrama character in despairing vacation lol.

For Sento…I was pretty obsessed with Kamen Rider Build and I related hard to Sento in terms of some of his underlying issues so I played him! I think originally I was going to play Gaon devil judge, Peter Stone law and order, Kiriya exaid, or taiga ex aid but I like Sento :). As to why he died: he was pulled for culprit so the people just scrambled to do smth and it was around the time that he returned to his original identity of Takumi. Sento (as Takumi) killed Shadow the Hedgehog by biting his neck off and as a result Sento (takumi) got executed. Sento basically had to pay for Takumi’s crimes (I’ll link his execution here lmao. Maybe). He a ghost now living in an Eyecon that takeru gave him lol. I miss him :(. I Also fucked up his canon by making the amnesia permanent. I’ll probably post the link to his execution. Maybe. Fun fact: I wrote it during the trial jfnsksnsjsnoasmks

As for Nitoh…I was still torn about who to bring; I think this time I was tempted to bring Gaon (again), Shen Wei, Tokatti toqger, Noel lupat…and then I said to Jason ( @/gameraramen) ‘hey wouldn’t it be funny if I brought in Nitoh wizard and tossed him in as victim?’ Because in Despairing Vacation he and Haruto are married and I thought ‘hey wouldn’t it be funny—‘. The decapitation was gale’s (@/galeforcewings (I think that’s gale’s tumblr)) idea because he wanted decap meanwhile the cannibalism was gonna be there because Jason’s character Chidori persona 3 has kamen rider Amazons’ lore in there. The only thing was that Nitoh’s housemate Mike ensemble stars was also picked to be victim so naturally it was a double murder and ah ha. Nitoh’s death was one of the darkest because you may not see it in the crime scene photo. But he doesn’t rlly have much of his body left + his head was on a serving plate. Tbh it was my only chance to be victim so I said ‘fuck it make it dark’ and at first we weren’t sure if the mods would let us (they came in and said ‘make it worse’). The chapter name in the murder server is called ‘women moments (gone wrong)’ because at the time Chidori was ‘dating’ Eve moonlit evilous and :miku: women moments.

God I hope all of it made some sense fjsnskskksksns

[royal1asset-if]

Snippet 6

The time has come for Conrad to have his own very snippet and I can't believe that it took me this long to construct and finish it.

But nevertheless I hoped that you my Readers enjoyed the story of our "Owl".

Without further ado, the story.

(MC's POV)

Your breath is shaky and the air is heavy on your lungs, the moon light's peering through the castle's windows. You're in the Mage's Division and on a quest of your own that you hoped to accomplish before this day ends.

Walking towards your destination, steps filled with worry and uncertainty. Rubbing your hands together filling the chilling night on your skin and teeth clattering due to the cold. Frankly, it's not really cold maybe it's just the trick of your mind but still you can't remove this dread on your mind.

The diffuculty of this quest out rivals the basilisk, mad wizards and other sorts of evil that is plaguing the land. No! this is the most terrifying so far, you can say that you're looking into the jaws of death and threathing to swallow you whole if you don't tread carefully.

Continuing forward, your hand slides down to your pocket seeking comfort on one particular object. Finally your skin came in contact with something rectangular and furry. Fishing out the box, you stopped on a window where the moon's light can illuminate it's contents.

You gently pushed the lid open and the diamond glint under the light. "May the Gods help me for the trials that is to come!" you murmur.

Setting your attention back to the ring, you have no idea to which Conrad's liking when it comes to this types of things. Come to think of it, you still have no idea his likes and dislikes. Everytime you ask him over dinner he just shrugs and looked at you with those impassive eyes. "What I like don't matters, what matters is yours." he says gently but there is no emotion in his tone.

Is it Love? or Is his ways of showing that he cares for you? Nevertheless, he assures you that he is happy with your company and shows it by showering you by food and gifts. Some of the gifts that you received cost very expensive and you still don't know where got the funds.

But you don't pry any futher because you know the reply that you get from him. "My love for you has no bounds!" you remember his voice crack and for a moment you saw a man vulnerable but only a moment.

Closing the box and pocketing it once more and continue walking, you will know his answers and saints be damned if you will not receive it not. Other will say that your too imposing in regards to this matter perhaps so but to you this will serve as your guarantee that Conrad which to live a life with you.

The two of you been dating for a very long time now and till now you don't know where the both of you stand, you can't read Conrad due he holds his cards deep to his chest. With every step you take, new thoughts will enter your mind. "Will he say yes? "Does he really loves you or is this all just a façade?" "You still don't know a single thing about him, is there really a connection between the two of you?

And another and another until your mind is heavy with questions pilling one over another. You tried to answer every question in your mind but alas with every question you answer 2 will take it's place. So deep in your thoughts you have to do a double take becasue you just missed your destination.

Crushing and digging the questions that plagues you right now into the deepest corner of your mind, these is no time to be distracted right now and you can't afford to make any mistakes.

Both of your future hangs on the balance and this will be the deciding factor, you have heard many times that love is the foundation of any relationship. You agree with this notion but then again what good is a foundation if it's not reinforced or cemented. And this the solution that you have think of to your problem.

Appoarching the door bedgrudgingly, you slowly reached for the knob. Having second thoughts if you shoud go down on this paths but the die is cast and sooner or later you will have to asked for Conrad's hand. So no time like the present is what they say.

Pulling the door open and immediately spotting a annoyed figure sitting on a chair. "Oh it's you!" Conrad looked at you shrewd, maybe guessing what are you still doing up at this time of hour.

Closing the door and gulping, there's no turning back now you have reached the point of no return. Steeling youself and approached closer towards your future husband. "Is this business or pleasure?" he eyes you closely and trying to read your intentions.

Why is it so damn hard? Such say it and be done with it. Surely you will not die right? Then why can't you form the words? You feel your mouth moving but no sound is coming out. "Look MC, I know you have tried weird ideas in regards to progressing our relationship but I suggest you cut to the chase!" his eyes narrow and you know that the longer you prolong this, the less chance you will have to confess.

"Look Conrad, I have something important to tell to you." you sigh and hands shaking.

"I can see that but I think you can speak while I'm working!" he begins to return his work.

"Please, it's urgent!" you blurt out and moving a little closer towards him.

(Conrad's POV)

You dropped down your instruments and looked at MC, you can see that their eyes plead you to listen and give your attention to them. Hearing MC says it's urgent or it's an emergency is not foreign to you. Being the King's agents has it's hazards and injuries is always certain to come.

But this time is different, the way MC pleads you is different. It sounds like desperation and fear, this is the first time you heard them like this. Honestly, you're distraught to what news will MC deliver to you but you masked it under your stoic eyes and face. It's not rationale for emotions to take over logic and you will not repeat that mistake ever again.

"Very well, you have my full attention!" you sit straight. "Please have a set." you gesture at the chair.

"No, it's better I do this kneeling down!" they got on one knee.

Your brain shut down for a moment, as if the world freeze for a moment. You know where this is going, MC is gonna propose to you but why it came as a surpirse to you. Surely, you knew that this ritual will arrive is just a question of when?

"Conrad, we have been dating for a while now and I can say pretty much that our relationship is very deep and profound!" they pause and gathering their breath.

"But I feel like I want us to be more than that, I want us to be more than a couple!" they looked to you intently and you feel their gaze is peering to the very deep of your being.

"I want us to start our own family, this life is small and fleeting and I want that before I die I have at least confess and proposed to you."

"So will you marry me?" they await your answer with holded breath but instead of giving a answer, you return a their question with your own.

"Why me?" you asked that question to MC but more like to yourself, your mind is on automatic now and is not functioning properly.

"Because I love you Conrad!" they shout resolutely.

"No, I mean is that." you paused and searching for the right words, your thin ice now and you must delicate, a skill that you found to be lacking.

"Besides love, Why me?" you repeat and await their answer.

(MC's POV)

Conrad watching and seating straight, waiting you to give him a reason why of all people you chose to propose to him. Is love not good reason enough? But you know Conrad too much, he is still trying to see the logic and sense in all of this. "Truthfully, I found you to be interesting when we first met!" you stop and looking for any reaction from him, as expected you found none.

"And everytime you dismissed or shun me out, I took it as a challenged and up till now everytime I look behind the past I can't help but chuckle. Thinking how I managed to capture your heart, when you turned many so down!" you look at the window behind Conrad and seeing the moon.

"But the past is behind me, I'm here in the present and I want to secure a future with you by my side!" you smile and felt a tear dropping.

Conrad stood up and approached you, looking you down and still wearing his stoic mask. Then what he did next surpirsed you, he hugged you closed and tightly. "Yes, My asnwer is yes!" he whispers behind you but to you is a shout of victory.

The two of you stayed like that for sometime and Conrad break off the hug, he helped you up to your feet and you noticed just now how your knee is sore for staying in that position for a long time. "I apologize for ruining the moment." his voice is low like a whisper.

Your hand goes to your pocket and fetch the box which holds both of your future. "It's alright and I have an idea how you make it up to me!" you offer the ring to him and Conrad offer his hand to you.

(Conrad's POV)

Metal sliding on your finger, this feels like alien granted you have wear rings in your past time but this one is different it feels heavy with promises and responsibilities. But your happy to feel the weight of it's metal and the cool of iron on your skin. "C'mon let's have some dinner!" you snapped your hands and decided to close up shop.

"Where? restaurants and shops are closed at this time of hour!" they state the obvious.

You walked towards your cupboard and procure the necessary ingredients for your dinner. "That's why we will be having it here." you grinned and tilting your head playfully.

This is not like at you at all and a feeling that your great for, you feel free and light as a feather. I's been a long time since you feel this open and bare and feeling you want to continue when your day marriage will arrived. "A cook, your full of surprises!" MC walked nearer to you and pulling you close.

"Control yourself MC!" you chastise MC for their hands is starting to roam in uninvited places.

"Why have dinner when we can devour dessert!" they give you peck on the lips.

"I don't want to upset your stomach!" you say in a sultry voice.

"But I can agree to the appetizer!" you pull MC very close and deliver a fiery kiss.

The night is spent cooking dinner and having plans for the future. Such as; Where the wedding be held and what day? What kind of house will be built and what type? How many children the two of you will have? But the two of you decided that questions can wait and that it's the time for dessert.

Both of you take time and turn tasting but what? Well, let's leave that to your imagination reader ;) But I can say that the delicacies were Sweet, Delicious and above all Passionate.

[dirtj0b]

Ohhohohooo yes, ohhh yes... today I went thrifting with my friend (who is excellent) and have adopted a new friend, I finally have the thing I need to start on my big weird project. No, my other big weird project. No, wait, the other one.

Ohh yes, I am rubbing my hands together like an evil wizard but really all I am going to accomplish is probably making my neighbors think I'm weird again.

[rosygaze]

rings and promises

pairing: vampire!eddie munson x female!reader

synopsis: in march of ‘86, you lost the love of your life to the upside down. when you have to go back a year later, you find out he might not truly be lost. 

warnings: vampire!eddie, angst, major character death, guns, the upside down, talks of marriage, this is a sad one y’all but it has a happy ending

word count: 6.3k+

masterlist

gif by @yellenabelova​

The sunset glow seeped through the windows of the RV, casting everything in a warm, orange haze. The motorhome shook and rumbled as Steve drove back into Hawkins. The reality of what you were about to do settled in and everyone sat in somber silence as if the Grim Reaper himself was looming over your shoulders.

Max, Lucas, Erica, and yourself all held metal lanterns that were going to help you track that bastard, Vecna, while the rest of the group was decked out in battle gear. Complete with spears, shields, axes, and guns. 

It was a crazy idea. When the plan was laid out, a part of you wanted to run and hide but you knew you were the only chance Hawkins would have of surviving this psychopath. Everyone had their part to play and you were supposed to stick to it. If everything went right, all of you would make it out alive and put an end to this horrible nightmare. Nancy was so confident about the plan but you couldn’t ignore the weird feeling in your gut. 

Steve announced that you were about ten minutes away from the Creel house and your fingers fidgeted around the metal handle. Breaths quick and heart pounding, you were terrified. You closed your eyes and tried to calm yourself down. 

A cold sensation on the back of your hand made you jump and open your eyes. You looked down and saw the ringed hand curl around yours. You turned your hand and entwined your fingers together, slipping into each other with ease from years of practice. Glancing up, you saw your boyfriend’s worried eyes peering down at you. 

“You okay?” Eddie Munson asked. His question almost made you laugh. If anything, you should be checking in on him. This week was horrible for him. Being accused of murder, hiding from the cops, and now getting ready to fight an evil wizard. Yet, here Eddie was, ever the gentleman and checking in on you. 

“I’m okay.” You said quietly. He squeezed your hand tight. 

“After we kill this son of a bitch, what if we go on a trip together? Just the two of us. We’ll take my van and go somewhere nice for the rest of spring break.” Eddie proposed. Even with everything going on, he was able to pull that charming smile that attracted you to him in the first place. 

“That would be nice.” You fiddled with the ring on his index finger. “We’ll make a new mix for it and everything.” 

“We’ll call it ‘The Lovers’ Guide to the Open Road’.” Eddie put his free hand out in the air as if he were showing you the eighth wonder of the world. You giggled. 

“That’s so cheesy.”

“Maybe but it did make you laugh, though.” He smirked down at you. Even with his attempts to distract you, you couldn’t help the nerves. Eddie must’ve seen the change in your expression so he furrowed his brows. “Tell me what’s on your mind, pretty girl.” 

You bit your lip, hesitating for a second. “Why do I have a horrible feeling about all this, Eds?” Voice only a whisper so that the others couldn’t hear you.  

“We’re gonna be fine, sweetheart. We’re gonna kick Vecna’s ass and we’re gonna win, just like my campaign. Trust me.” Eddie moved his arm around you, taking your joined hands with him, and pulled you close to him. You leaned your head on his shoulder, enjoying the little bit of peace he gave you just with his proximity. 

“How are you so calm right now?” 

“Oh, I’m not. I’m freaking out inside.” You laughed at his honesty. 

“I’m scared.” You confessed. 

“Me too but we’re gonna get through this. I know it.” Eddie rubbed your arm comfortingly and kissed the top of your head, lips lingering and eyes closing. He kept his lips pressed against your head. Your presence was keeping him calm too. 

“I wish I could go with you. See your concert.” Eddie’s part of the plan was insane. Summoning demobats with a guitar solo? Not once had you ever thought that you would hear those words strung together in one sentence. You’d kill to see that in person. 

“Don’t worry. I’ll recreate it for you after.” You hummed and continued to play with his rings. The two of you stayed in the same position until Steve pulled up in front of the Creel house. The kids stood up from their seats. Nancy and Robin came up to hug Max while Dustin and Lucas shook hands. You knew you had to go but you didn’t wanna leave Eddie. 

“Is it too late for me to change teams?” You asked. 

“I think so.” He sighed and removed his arm from you so he could help pull you up. “We’ve got this.”

You nodded. “Be careful in there. You come back to me, okay?”

“I will. I promise.” Eddie took in your features, committing them to memory before he pulled off one of his rings and grasped your left hand. He slipped the metal band on your ring finger. You gave him a questioning look. “For after?”

He didn’t need to say anything else. You knew exactly what he meant by this. A little courthouse ceremony with just your friends. The domestic life in a small apartment outside of this godforsaken town. Tears sprung to your eyes at the idea of your life together and Eddie cupped your cheeks. He made you look at him, into those deep brown eyes of his that made you fall in love every time. You nodded, enthusiastically. “I love you, Eds.” Your throat was tight.

“I love you. So much.” He breathed and kissed you deeply, pouring all his love for you into it. Eddie held back his tears. He let himself indulge for a couple more seconds before he pulled away. You pressed your forehead against his. Then you heard Max call your name. Turning, you saw the girl’s grave expression. 

“Time to go.” She said. You gave her a curt nod before turning back to Eddie. 

“I’ll see you later, okay?” Eddie told you and you nodded in response, not trusting your voice to speak. He pressed one last kiss to your forehead. Hands still joined together, you turned to climb out of the RV. Eddie only let go of you at the very last second. You took one last look at all your friends and gave a sad smile to your boyfriend before you shut the metal door. 

Beep. 

Beep.

Beep. 

The steady sounds from Max’s heart monitor filled the small, sterile room. Lucas was camped out on the chair right beside her bed while you and Erica sat on the bench by the window. She leaned her head on your shoulder and napped quietly. All three of you were exhausted by the events of the previous night. 

The plan had gone to shit. 

It started well enough. Vecna had put Max under his spell and it was time to move. You and Erica gave Nancy, Steve, and Robin the signal to go to the next phase. You swore you could even hear the strums of Eddie’s guitar in the distance. Then out of nowhere, Jason’s car came barreling down the street and everything got messed up. 

One of the stupid jocks had attacked you and Erica while Jason went into the house to confront Lucas. “That was for Eddie.” You said when you finally managed to knock the jock out with a hard punch to the face. The two of you ran to the house only to find the door locked. Inside, you could hear Lucas calling for Max and panic overcame your body. 

“On the count of three, we’ll run and push against the door, okay?” You stepped back a couple of feet to give you a running start. Erica followed your lead. “One, two, three!”

The two of you ran as fast as you could and used your shoulders to push against the door. Luckily, it swung open with the force of both your bodies against it. The sight that greeted you was the stuff of nightmares. Max’s broken body lay in Lucas’ arms. Her limbs were bent in unnatural angles. In the blue light of the lanterns, you could see the blood dripping from her eyes. You were frozen in your spot. She looked dead.

“Help!” Lucas cried out. That snapped you out of your shock. You snapped out of it and reached around for the walkie-talkie you wore around your body, trying different channels to see if anybody could come to your rescue. 

Then the ground shook. You pulled Erica close and dragged the two of you under the door frame as you watched the ground open. When the shaking stopped, you helped Lucas carry Max out of the house. Jason’s car was still in the driveway and in the panic, he’d left the keys in the ignition. Carefully, you set Max in the backseat and Lucas held her tight. She was alive but barely. You had to move. Once everyone was strapped in, you drove to the hospital, ignoring how your once quiet hometown was now up in flames. 

After a whole night of surgery, the doctors told you it was a miracle that Max survived. Unfortunately, she had fallen into a coma and they weren’t sure when or if she was going to wake up. When they wheeled Max in, you had to hold back from crying when you saw how frail she looked. Guilt racked your body. If only you’d stayed with her and Lucas, maybe you could’ve helped him fight off Jason. Maybe you could’ve stopped him from stepping on her walkman. Maybe you could’ve stopped this. 

The emotions were bubbling in your chest again, overwhelming you. The only thing grounding you was being able to feel Eddie’s ring on your hand. Your thoughts were cut off by a knock on the door. Carefully, you slipped from under Erica’s head and made sure to lay her sideways on the bench. You opened the door and gasped when you saw Dustin, Steve, Nancy, and Robin. Immediately, you pulled all of them into a big group hug. 

“Are you guys okay?” You asked but didn’t get a response. They looked behind you and saw Max in her bed. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t save her.” 

“It’s not your fault.” Robin put a hand on your shoulder. Lucas stood up from Max’s side and hugged them as well. 

“We hurt Vecna pretty good but then his body suddenly disappeared. We don’t know where he went.” Steve said, patting Lucas’ back. 

You nodded then realized something was wrong. A person was missing, your person. Your long-haired boyfriend was nowhere to be seen. Sparing a glance at your friends, you saw that they all had melancholic expressions as they looked at you. That horrible gut feeling from the RV was back.

“W-where’s Eddie?” You stuttered. You watched Steve, Nancy, Robin, and Dustin look at each other, mainly focusing on the youngest of the quartet. There was something off about Dustin. His eyes were red-rimmed and he had a deep frown on his face which was unusual. “Dustin?” 

At your call, he looked at you with watery eyes. He opened his mouth to say something but choked up and the tears fell down his face. Your stomach lurched. There was a ringing in your ears and you barely registered Nancy and Steve trying to get you to take a seat but you shrugged them off. 

“No! Tell me what happened! Where is Eddie?” The volume of your voice woke up Erica and made Dustin flinch. 

“T-the demobats. They were everywhere and they got into the trailer.” Dustin started. “Eddie… He stayed back to distract them. I begged him to come back through the gate but he wouldn’t listen. There were just so many and he…” Dustin closed his eyes. Steve grasped his shoulder for support. Please. Please don’t say it. You thought. “He didn’t make it.” 

An unbearable ache was building in your chest. Your jaw dropped and you heaved, feeling like you were about to throw up. This can’t be happening. It can’t. Eddie was going to come in here any second and gather you in a hug like he always did. He had to.

“He could’ve easily climbed out with me. He could’ve saved himself but he chose to fight. He saved me. He saved us.” Dustin could barely get the words out. The ring on your finger felt like it was burning. Rough fabric brushed against your hands and Eddie’s denim vest came into view. You gripped it tightly with shaking hands. The last of your resilience crumbled and you burst out into sobs. “He wanted me to let you know that he’s sorry and that he loves you. Eddie loved you so much. And I’m so, so sorry that I couldn’t help him.” 

Dustin’s voice finally cracked and he turned to cry into Steve’s shoulder. For a few moments, the only thing you could hear in the room was Dustin’s crying and Max’s machine. 

“He was supposed to graduate in a couple of months.” You spoke up finally, clutching the vest to you. Nancy was rubbing your arm in an attempt to comfort you. She whispered words of consolation to you. “W-we were gonna go on a trip after this. We had plans! Nance, we had plans.” 

Only then did they notice the ring on your finger. Eddie’s promise to you of a future together. Their hearts broke. “I’m sorry. It’s going to be okay. Just let it out.” Nancy told you. 

“He promised.”  You sounded broken. Defeated. “He promised me that he’d come back.”

Your knees buckled, finally giving out under you. Panicked hands grabbed at you and softened your fall. You could barely breathe and you could taste your salty tears. Then there were hands on your shoulders. Looking up, you saw that Dustin had kneeled in front of you, equally broken. Eddie meant so much to the two of you. You both paused for a second then hugged each other tightly and cried together. 

Eventually, the rest of your friends enveloped the two of you in a hug. The echoes of your heartbroken wailing were going to haunt them for the rest of their lives. 

Hawkins, Indiana had become hell on Earth. 

The Upside Down began seeping into the real world shortly after the earthquake. Spores floated through the once fresh air of your hometown and the military evacuated what was left of the town to the next city over. There they expected you to just keep on living as if nothing ever happened.

You tried to do that, to move on. It’s what Eddie would’ve wanted. But how could you when he haunted your mind every single day? 

A year after the earthquakes, a knock came on your door and you knew something was up. Your friends stood on the other side of the door which wasn’t unusual since they often checked on you. You thought they didn’t want a repeat of what happened to Max. What tripped you off was the serious expressions that mirrored the ones they had that fateful day in March of ‘86. 

They told you they had a plan to end all of this once and for all. It was another insane plan but at this point, you learned that weird shit was gonna happen for the rest of your life. Maybe if you joined them, you could stop them from happening. So you agreed. 

You found yourself in between Nancy and Robin in the big van that Chief Hopper was driving back into Hawkins. The familiarity of this situation was making your body shake with fear. At least the last time you were in a car that was hurtling towards possible death, you had Eddie by your side. You closed your eyes when the overwhelming emotions made your eyes watery. 

“We’re here,” Hopper announced. Outside the windows were the dilapidated remains of Forest Hills Trailer Park. 

Hopper and Steve stepped out of the car first, scoping the area if it was safe to come out. Two knocks came on the door and the rest of the group filed out. In front of you was the old Munson trailer. The last time you were here was when you helped Wayne Munson clear out what was left after the gates opened up and destroyed half of the trailer park. 

You gripped the barrel of the sawed-off shotgun that Nancy had fashioned for you. Flashes of Eddie’s smile as he greeted you from the very steps you were climbing now flitted across your mind. You stepped over the pile of rubble and entered the trailer. You bit your lip and looked around. 

The kitchen counter was split in half. You remembered sitting on Eddie’s lap with his denim vest on the counter while you helped him sew new patches to it. Every time the sharp needle pricked your skin, he kissed your fingers. Cooing at you and yelling expletives at the darned metal thing that was hurting his girl. When you finished, he thanked you with a million kisses and put the vest on. The very same vest that you wore over your jacket now. 

To your left was the only part of the home that wasn’t destroyed by the gate. Eddie’s room. The door was open and if you ignored your circumstances, you could picture yourself going into his room and finding him on his bed. Maybe he’d have his guitar on his lap or his nose in a book. It didn’t matter because the second he saw you through the doorway, he’d drop whatever it was and open his arms for you. 

This place used to be filled with love and happiness but now it reminded you of everything you’d lost. 

A single tear fell down your cheek. 

When your name was called, you brushed the tear away and faced the group again. There were those sympathetic smiles again. “You ready?” Steve asked you. 

“Yeah.” You said way too fast. The glowing red gate to the Upside Down had moved from the ceiling of the trailer to the ground. Everyone looked at you worriedly but said nothing. Circling around the gate; Hopper, Steve, Nancy, Robin, Eleven, Dustin, and you all stared down at the gate. 

Hopper didn’t hesitate to drop himself into the hole carefully, disappearing from view.  “Everyone come on in!” The chief’s voice made you all jump in surprise.

Steve led the charge and easily crawled through the gate, followed by Nancy and Robin. You handed your shotgun to Robin and bent down to push yourself through the hole. Steve’s hand came into view and you took it to help you through. The two teens came in last and then all of you were in the Upside Down. 

It was your first time being in this damned dimension and your jaw dropped at how it was an exact copy of Hawkins. Red lightning flashed in the distance and thunder growled. You followed Chief Hopper’s lead as you trekked further into the town and closer to the Creel house. Lagging behind the group, you fell into step with Dustin. You glanced at your young friend and saw the unease in his body. It must be hard for him to be back here. 

“You doing alright?” 

Dustin looked at you and it made your heart pang, seeing how much he’d changed over the year. His once perpetually, happy eyes had lost their sparkle. “I should be asking you that.” 

You waved him off. “I wasn’t here when…you know…” Trailing off, you felt your throat constrict. Do not cry. This is about Dustin. “If it ever gets too much, just tell me okay? I’ll take you back. No judgment.” 

He gave you just the hint of a smile. “Thanks.”

The group entered the woods. The thick trees combined with the dark atmosphere made it hard to see clearly. An unsettling vibe was in the air and it wasn’t just the threat of demo-whatevers lurking. No, it was different. You could feel someone watching you. The back of your head tingled and goosebumps appear on the back of your neck. 

Then, out of the corner of your eye, you saw something fast move to your left. You drew your gun in the direction but saw nothing. Squinting, you swore you saw something in the trees. Something that looked human. 

“What is it?” Nancy asked you. Everyone had stopped and brought their respective weapons up. 

“I thought I saw something.” You said quietly. 

“I saw it too.” El said. You looked at her and you both had matching worried expressions. After a few seconds of monitoring your surroundings and it looked like there was nothing. Whatever you saw had just disappeared. 

“Alright, let’s keep moving. Stick to the plan,” Hopper announced and kept walking further into the woods. Reluctantly, you followed. The feeling of being watched still lingered. 

You continued walking for a few minutes, hoping that your fearless leader hadn’t gotten you lost. In the dark, you had to focus extra hard to make sure you weren’t stepping on any vines that would alert Vecna of your location. Of course the one second you take your eyes off the ground, that’s when you slipped on something. Dustin was able to grab your arm and stop you from falling. 

“Thanks, Dusty.”

“No problem.”

You looked at what caused you to trip and your brows knit together. Crouching down, you took a closer look. It didn’t look like a vine nor a puddle of whatever goo covered this place. It looked like… 

A sharp gasp came from you and you picked up the offending item from the ground. A black bandana with skulls and crosses. 

The very same one Eddie was wearing the last time you saw him. 

Wide-eyed, you looked at Dustin. He told you that they left Eddie in the trailer park when they figured that it would be impossible to get him through the gate again. In the stress of being in the Upside Down, you realized that you didn’t see anything when you walked past that very area. Not that you wanted to see what would’ve been left of Eddie but something should’ve been there. 

So, how did this get over here?

The realistic explanation would be that some demonic creature had dragged his body here and it fell off but something in your gut told you that wasn’t right. Could he be…

“There!” Robin yelled. She put her flashlight up to illuminate the figure but it stood firmly about 50 feet away from the group. The light couldn’t reach fully reach it. The only thing you could see was the pair of glowing red orbs floating where its face should be. Bringing your gun up to your chest, you prepared to fight. 

“Dustin, stay behind me.” You whispered to him. 

The figure just stood there, unmoving. You felt a weird sense of familiarity with the creature in the dark and you couldn’t put a finger on it. From what you could see, the silhouette had a big head and a small body. It didn’t look anything like the demogorgon. You tried to regulate your breathing, to calm your shaking hands. 

Then the creature moved abruptly and Hopper fired shots at it but it swerved easily. Your eyes went wide. All the creatures you encountered before were fast but not as fast as this. When it got close to Steve, he swung his bat of nails at it but it easily knocked the bat out of his hands. Nancy aimed and shot the creature right in the middle of its chest but the bullets deflected easily. 

“How did that happen?” Dustin asked. 

Now that it was closer, you could see it more clearly now. What you thought was a big head, was actually a mane of fur. Or hair? Again, it moved quickly, and suddenly, it was right behind you. You pushed Dustin behind you then there was nothing in between you and this monster. 

You were about to pull the trigger on the gun but Robin’s flashlight shined on it, giving you your first good glimpse of it. It was as if someone threw a bucket of cold water all over you when you caught a glimpse of a familiar logo on its chest — the Hellfire Club. You lowered your gun as your jaw dropped. The light traveled up its chest and the creature lifted its head. You finally saw its face.

No.  

Eddie Munson stood in front of you again. He almost looked exactly like he did when you last saw him. Leather jacket, tactical vest. It’s like he was plucked straight out of your memories. Except his shirt was tattered and dried blood stained the white fabric. He looked deathly pale even in the blue hues of this alternate dimension. Blood dripped from the sides of his mouth and his eyes… His eyes weren’t the warm chocolate brown you loved so much. Instead, they were bright red and looked straight at you. Hot tears streamed down your face. 

“Eddie?” You gasped. Eddie tilted his head at your voice but didn’t respond. 

“Oh my god,” Dustin exclaimed. 

“How is he alive?” Steve said. 

Your brain was running a million miles a second. “Eddie?” You tried again. 

Tentatively, you took a step forward. Eddie snarled. Then you noticed the pointy canines that weren’t there before. Before you could get a closer look, he lunged at you. You heard everyone scream and you closed your eyes, bracing yourself for the impact that never came. You opened your eyes and saw that Eddie was frozen in place. He struggled against an invisible force. Beside you, Eleven had her right hand in the air, holding him in place. She squeezed her hand and Eddie let out a choked sound. “Stop! Please, El. Don’t hurt him!” 

“He will kill you.” She told you.

“He won’t. He won’t hurt me.” You begged. El loosened her grip but still kept him restrained.

“Kid, you better get away from him. That’s not the same guy anymore.” Hopper told you, his gun still cocked and aimed for your boyfriend’s chest. 

“No! That’s still him.” You weren’t being rational. You knew that but the chance to get the love of your life back was standing right in front of you and you weren’t going to throw that away. When you turned back to him, Eddie wasn’t struggling as much. “I don’t know if you can understand me or even hear me but I know this isn’t you. Whatever happened… whatever’s making you act this way… I know you can fight it.” 

He didn’t react to your words. He simply stared at you with those red eyes. 

“You’re Eddie Munson. You grew up in Hawkins, Indiana. You love Dungeons and Dragons and metal music and fantasy books. You’re passionate and smart and the kindest person I’ve ever known.” He started shaking in El’s grip. Behind you, you could hear El’s struggling grunts. Your friends tried to stop you again but you simply put a hand up to stop them. You were going to get through to him even if it was the last thing you did. 

“Do you remember how we met?” Silence. “We were 8 and we were in the playground. Some kid pushed me over to get to the swings and I banged up my knees real bad. You saw me on the ground crying with bloody knees and you immediately helped me. You even used your shirt to wipe the blood. I remember you just kept talking to me and asking me all these random questions. And I was so confused that I didn’t even feel the sting when you brushed away the gravel. After that day, we were inseparable.”

Eddie had calmed down as you talked, no longer resisting El’s hold. He breathed deeply and the red light in his eyes dimmed ever so slightly. You tried again to take a step towards him. This time he let you get close. 

“You’re my best friend and the person I love the most. Losing you was the worst thing that ever happened to me so please, please. I know you’re in there, Eds. Come back to me?” You put a hand on his cheek. His skin was impossibly cold and you fought the urge to flinch. “I love you. I always have and I always will.” You whispered.

Eddie let out a breath and closed his eyes. He nuzzled into your touch. You put your other hand on his neck and tangled your fingers in his matted hair, just like you used to do. When he opened his eyes, you were greeted with those familiar brown eyes that you thought you’d never see again. A sob escaped your mouth. 

He mumbled your name. “Are you really here?” Those big, expressive eyes searched yours, looking for reality in the illusions that plagued his mind. Eleven let go of Eddie when she felt that he wasn’t going to attack anymore.

“I’m here.” Your voice cracked. “I’m right here.” 

“Christ, I missed you.” Eddie pulled you to him and you threw your arms around him. You sobbed into his shoulder. You couldn’t believe this was happening. If this was another cruel dream, you hoped you would never wake up again. 

“I lost you.” You choked out. Eddie’s arms were tight around your waist. His strength caught you off guard. Eddie had always been strong but this was different. 

“I know.” Eddie buried his face in your hair. You smelled sweeter than he remembered. 

“You promised you would come back and you left me. You jerk.” You punched his arm lightly. 

“I know. I’m sorry.” He kissed the side of your head. 

“H-how are you alive?” You managed to ask when your sobs subsided. You pushed him back ever so slightly so you could look at him. 

“I don’t know.” Eddie shook his head. He looked behind you. You turned and saw Dustin’s watery eyes. Stepping aside, you let him tackle Eddie in a hug. You could hear Dustin’s sobs. “Hey, buddy.” Eddie rubbed Dustin’s head affectionately as the boy cried in his chest. In the dark, you could see the tear tracks that slipped down his cheeks. 

“That was really cool what you did but also really stupid,” Dustin said once he let go of Eddie. 

“Yeah, dying to a swarm of bats. Pretty metal if I have to say so myself.” 

“So, you remember dying?” You asked him. 

“I do. The last thing I remember was seeing Dustin then everything went dark.” Eddie reached for your hand and, for the first time in a year, your fingers slipped into each other easily. As if no time had passed. “Then I heard a voice, telling me to wake up. It said I needed to join him. To serve him.” 

“Vecna.” Nancy spoke up. The fear in her eyes was clear as she was the only one who had experienced his visions. Eddie nodded at the older Wheeler. 

“I woke up alone and I was okay. I mean, physically. The bites were gone but I knew something was different about me. I felt so thirsty. Like if I didn’t get something to drink, I’d claw my throat out. Then I saw these.” Eddie bared his teeth and you saw the fangs again.

“Like a vampire?” Robin asked.

“I’ve read enough books in my life to know what fangs and an insatiable thirst meant.” Eddie glanced at you hesitantly. He was worried about how you would react to this new development but you simply moved even closer to him, gripped his arm, and held his hand tighter. 

“A vampire? Are you serious?” Steve asked, still not believing that he was actually here and not some group Vecna-hallucination.

“As a heart attack, Harrington.” Steve rolled his eyes at the man. Yeah, that’s Eddie. 

“What else happened, Eds?” You pushed for more answers. 

“He got in my head. I felt stuck in there and I couldn’t get out. He… made me do things. Horrible things. A-and I could see what I was doing but I had no control over myself.” Eddie’s jaw clenched. His tone was angry but you could see the shame in his eyes. “Until now. You pulled me out of his trance. You saved me.” Eddie put his cold hands on your face. 

“Like Kas!” Dustin practically shouted. 

“Who?” Steve threw his hands in the air, frustrated and confused by the lack of answers.

“Kas the Bloody Handed. Vecna’s lieutenant. Dude, you’re literally a DnD character!” Dustin bounced excitedly. “He betrayed Vecna and killed him. It’s prophesized. You’re the key to killing him!”

“And how do we know you’re not gonna turn Dracula on us again?” Chief Hopper who had been very quiet throughout the reunion finally spoke, voice gruff and eyes hard. He knew Eddie Munson. Of course, he did. He booked him multiple times for driving over the limit and he wasn’t sure he trusted the kid. Especially now that he had just tried to kill everyone just minutes ago.

“We don’t. I don’t even know if I’m fully out of this. But I want to help.” Eddie was determined to make things right. He couldn’t stop himself when Vecna had him take out those army men patrolling Hawkins but he could do something now. 

“If he was making you do things, would you know what he’s up to?” Nancy’s mind was whirring with ideas. 

“I do.” 

“And can you help us take him down?” Hopper asked.

Eddie’s face hardened. Then he smirked. A hint of the old Eddie coming to the surface. “With pleasure.” 

Chief Hopper looked at Eddie for a beat and put his gun down finally. “Alright, let’s go.” 

Your friends all gave Eddie a hug and followed Hopper’s lead. The two of you lagged behind the rest of the group. Eddie wanted a moment alone with you. 

“Hi, sweetheart.” He said, softly. You almost cried again hearing his old nickname for you. 

“Hi, Eds.” Your hands were entwined together. You were slowly getting used to the feel of his cold skin against yours. 

“I wanted to talk to you.” Eddie had a serious expression on his face. 

“What is it?” Tilting your head, your brows knitted together.

“You know that I’m not…myself anymore, right?” Eddie looked at the ground. “As Hopper said, we don’t know if or when he’ll take back control and I will never forgive myself if I end up hurting you.” He tried to pull his hands away from yours but you held on tight. 

“If it happens again, then I’ll pull you out of it. I did it once and I can do it again.”

“B-but what if this is what I am now? A monster.” Eddie almost shouted but his voice cracked towards the end.

Your heart broke when you saw the broken look in his eyes. Moving your hands to his neck, you made sure he was looking into your eyes as you said the next words. “Edward Munson, you listen to me. I don’t know what Vecna made you do but it isn’t you. You weren’t in control. I know you better than anyone. You are not a monster, Eddie. Far from it.” 

His eyes softened and a tear fell down his cheek. Eddie put his forehead against yours. “You’re too good for me.” 

“I hate when you say that. Do you even know how much you mean to me?” Your thumb brushed away his tear.

“I think your speech earlier gave me a clue.” Eddie took your hand in his and gently touched the ring on your finger. He ran his thumb over the metal. “You kept it?” Eddie’s voice cracked. 

“I never took it off from the day you gave it to me.” You confessed and Eddie kissed your knuckle tenderly. “I’m yours, Eddie.” 

He pinched your waist, playfully. “Even if I’m part of the undead now?” 

“Even then.” A big smile spread on your face. An equally big smile tugged on his lips and those fangs came into view again. You eagerly tugged him down and crashed your lips against his. Eddie sighed into the kiss and made a whining sound. He cupped your jaw and pulled you impossibly close. 

You were still wrapping your head around the fact that you had Eddie back. The fact that you could kiss him again, be able to hold him in your arms. For some reason, you were lucky enough to get a second chance and you couldn’t be more grateful. Eddie’s lips moved against yours. He parted slightly to slip his tongue into your mouth but one of his teeth poked the tender skin of your lip. You yelped.

“What happened? Did I hurt you?” Eddie fawned over you. His thumbs brushed under your lips. 

“No, no! You just poked me.” You were breathless after the kiss. 

“Can’t even kiss my girlfriend without hurting her.” He mumbled.  

“Hey, I’m okay. You didn’t hurt me.” You pushed his chin up so he’d look at you again. “We’ll get through this together, Eds. I promise.” You kissed him again, sweetly and softly. Just what he needed after being stuck in this terrible situation. 

When he pulled away, he hugged you tight. You pressed your cheek against his chest, slightly missing the steady beat of his heart. You rubbed your hands on his back. “I love you, too. I never got to say it back.” Eddie said. 

You closed your eyes and let yourself forget about Vecna, the Upside Down, and vampires. 

You had your Eddie back. 

And you were going to be okay. 

[messers-moony]

Hope 2 | R.L

Paring: Remus Lupin X Wife!Potter!Reader

Summary: Life is unfair in numerous ways but it seems like it’s out to get the Potters in every way shape and form.

The huge eight-foot man who introduced himself as Hagrid was bringing Harry around London. It was amusing to see Hagrid turn his cousin - Dudley - butt into a pigtail after trying to eat his birthday cake. It was the first birthday Y/n, and Remus hadn’t shown up. Harry didn’t blame them. Of course, to be fair, they didn’t know where Harry was. 

“Um, excuse me, Hagrid?” 

“Yes, ‘Arry?”

“Where- Where are we going?” Harry questioned hesitantly, and Hagrids lips curled into a smile, “‘Er gon’ meet with som’ of yer folks.” Hagrid answered. 

Harry wanted to jump with joy, “Moony and Y/n?”

Hagrid nodded, and Harry smiled brightly. It took a couple of minutes and walking of a couple more blocks. But eventually, they were coming up on an old-looking building made of black stone bricks. In front of the door was a familiar sandy-haired male with green eyes. He was accompanied by his wife with h/c hair and gleaming e/c eyes. 

“Y/n! Remus!” 

Y/n turned to see her little nephew running up to hug her tightly, “Hey Harry.” 

Remus ruffled his hair while Harry hugged his aunt, “Hey there, mini Prongs.”

“I missed you.”

“Awe, I missed you too, Harry.” Y/n replied, pulling apart from Harry, “I’m sorry we didn’t show up right away. But we’re here now. I hope that’s okay. We wouldn’t miss your birthday for the world, okay?”

He nodded, “I know. I can always count on you.” 

“Good.” Remus stated, “Now c’mon mini prongs. Gotta get your school supplies.”

Walking into the Leaky Cauldron with Hagrid, they were greeted by multiple people. Many people were flabbergasted by meeting the famous Harry Potter and were welcoming to see Y/n Potter. In the back of the Leaky Cauldron, Hagrid tapped his wand against the brick wall, causing it to open into Diagon Alley. Harry’s mouth was agape at this new form of Magic. 

It was astonishing. The narrow alleyway was packed with people. Clusters of them walking in groups. Some were carrying animals, or brown-wrapped items Harry could suppose were books. Y/n smiled and intertwined her hand with Remus’. She could remember the first time she stepped into Diagon Alley. James was acting like such a prat. 

“Woah!” James gasped, “Look at all the cool stuff!” 

Fleamont chuckled, “Yeah. Isn’t it cool, sweetheart?”

Y/n nodded, completely entranced in the stonework in the alleyway. It was littered with different shops, and the roads were an uneven stone. Euphemia and Fleamont shared a look of pure glee. Their children were magical born, and they were finally experiencing it first hand. Of course, they had their incidents where Y/n would make lights flicker or James blowing plates. 

As they began walking, James began to run off, bumping into people left and right, “James! Get back here!” Fleamont scolded, but he was out of sight. 

Euphemia sighed, “He’s gonna be a handful.”

“Definitely.” Fleamont agreed, running a hand through his dark brunet hair, “Perhaps he’ll be even worse than me.”

His wife glared at him. Despite James disappearing, they took Y/n into Flourish and Blotts to get their books. They needed books such as The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1), A History of Magic, Magical Theory, A Beginners’ Guide to Transfiguration, One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, Magical Drafts and Potions, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and finally, The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection. 

They didn’t find James until they reached Quality Quidditch Supplies. He was already eyeing the new broom on display. His mouth seemed to be salivating at it. Y/n rolled her eyes at James, drooling over a piece of wood. Euphemia chuckled and motioned Fleamont to reel him back in. It seemed that Euphemia would never get a break, and her heart would be in a constant attack of worry. They had a mischief Quidditch player on their hands. 

“C’mon Harry,” Y/n beckoned, “Lots of stuff to get.”

His smile faltered just a tad, “But I don’t- I don’t have any money.”

Harry’s embarrassment made the tips of his ears red, “That ain’t true. ‘Course ye got money.” Hagrid replied bluntly, making Y/n nudge him harshly, “Hagrid!”

“What?” Hagrid queried, confused, “‘S not like ‘m lyin’.” 

“Yes, but you don’t just say that.” Y/n scolded, laughing lightly. 

“Oops?”

Harry looked up at his flustered aunt, “Come on, Harry. We’re going to Gringotts.”  

They began walking to the bank of wizardry. The goblin at the front allowed them to the vault, where Harry was able to pocket a couple of handfuls of galleons, sickles, and knuts. Hagrid made a separate trip for Dumbledore as the other three waited patiently. When they exited Gringotts, Harry began to buy all his supplies. 

Their first stop was getting him a wand at Ollivander’s. Harry pushed the door open, and it sounded a bell off, but no one appeared the be in the shop. Remus and Y/n stood behind him as he let out a hesitant, “Hello.”

It took a minute, but then an older male appeared with hair as white as snow and wispy as whiskers. Ollivander smiled brightly at the familiar people in his shop and at the little boy who resembled the older female greatly. 

“Ah, Y/n Potter.” Ollivander said, “James broken his wand again?”

Y/n released a shaky breath, “No, not this time.” 

“We’re here actually for Harry here.” Remus motioned to Harry, “He’s getting his first wand. He starts at Hogwarts this year.”

Ollivander's lips quirked, “He yours?”

“No, sir.” Y/n shook her head, “He’s James and Lily’s son.”

“Where are they? I’d love to see them, you know.”

Remus shifted awkwardly, “You haven’t heard?”

Ollivander shook his head, “My parents are dead.” Harry informed, “Someone killed them.”

Everything clicked into place in Ollivanders mind. How stupid could old age make him? He had just sounded terribly insensitive, “‘M so sorry. Pardon me and my old age. I didn’t mean-“

“It’s perfectly fine, Ollivander.” Y/n smiled reassuringly.

The older man smiled and began giving Harry wands. The first one was horrid. It made wands on the shelf fall onto the ground, making a vast clatter noise. The boy smiled sheepishly and placed it back in the box. The next wand caused a shatter of a vase which Harry cringed at. It took a couple of minutes until Ollivander came out with the following wand. It was 11 inches long, made of holly, and possessed a phoenix feather core. 

Harry waved the wand, and nothing disastrous happened. Remus and Y/n smiled with joy. Ollivander charged him seven galleons for it, and Harry placed down the golden coins with glee. Ollivander could remember the way James had done the same while Y/n beside him. Their identical toothy grins as Fleamont paid the man.

“My wands cooler than yours!”

“No way!” 

James nodded in triumph, “You’re just lame.”

“And you’re boring!”

“No way!” James gasped, “I am far from boring!”

Y/n crossed her arms, “And I’m not lame.”

Euphemia chuckled, redirecting her children to look at the counter while the two parents stood behind them, “Ignore them. They like to try and be better than the other.”

Ollivander grinned, “Ah, siblings. What amazing pairs they make.”

Fleamont scoffed, “Yeah, try having two at the same time. Felt like the crucio curse.” 

“What do you say?” Euphemia beckoned, and both twins turned to Ollivander, smiling gleefully, “Thank you!” 

“They’ll be a handful.” Ollivander informed Euphemia and Fleamont, “But they’ll change the world, and they’ll do it together.” 

The older man smiled at Remus and Y/n as Harry went outside to see Hagrid carrying a giant golden cage with a beautiful snowy owl inside, “That boy is something else.”

Remus chuckled, “We know. Little mischief-maker, just like James.”

“Perhaps he is,” Ollivander replied, “But he’ll change the world.”

The rest of the day went by blissfully. After getting all his school supplies, they retreated into the Leaky Cauldron to eat dinner. The tavern was practically empty as they sat at a long narrow table. Hagrid at the head, Harry to his left, Remus across, and Y/n beside Remus on the other side. They were eating in silence before Harry spoke up. 

“What happened to my parents?” Harry questioned, and before anyone could answer, he continued, “Truthfully. No lies.”

Hagrid and Remus turned to the female at the table who swallowed thickly, “Something horrid, Harry.”

“How horrid?”

“Harry-“ Remus began. 

“A death I wouldn’t wish upon anyone, even my worse enemy.” Y/n answered, staring at the soup in front of her, “The way they died doesn’t matter.”

Harry crossed his arms, “I believe it does.”

“In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t.” Y/n replied, taking deep breaths in and out, trying to stay calm, “It doesn’t matter how they died. They’re dead, and they aren’t coming back.”

Tears collected in her eyes when she muttered, “No matter how badly I want them to.”

Hastily Y/n wiped her face and placed her napkin on the table. She sniffled before standing and pushing her chair in. Y/n leaned down to kiss Harry on the forehead before retreating to the room they got upstairs. Harry sighed and stared at his bowl of soup that remained steaming hot. Remus rubbed his face with his palms. 

“Harry,” Remus called, and Harry’s green eyes met similar ones, “Your parents died at the hands of a very evil Wizard. He went as dark as one could go.”

Harry looked intrigued, and Remus continued despite his throat beginning to constrict, “His name was Voldemort, but most people call him ‘You-Know-Who.”

Hagrid flinched at the actual name being said, “James risked everything to try and save you and your mother. When he died, Lily tried to save you. In the end, it all worked out because you were saved. You didn’t die like you were supposed to.”

“Why did aunt Y/n leave the table?”

“Talking about this is still hard for her.” Remus replied, and Harry could see the tears in his eyes too, “It’s hard for me too, but- but you need to know.”

“What were they to you?” 

“James and Lily were everything to me, Harry. Everything and so much more. Your mother saw the good in people when they didn’t see it themselves. Your father? Well-“ He chuckled, “He was a trip and a prat. But he cared for those around him. Treated me like family and took care of me like a brother.”

Harry fiddled with the sleeve of his sweater, “James was a mischief-maker that one.” Hagrid said, “Always up to no good.”

“Him and that Sirius boy.” Hagrid chuckled, “Dynamic duo those two.”

Remus let out a tearful chuckle, “Yeah, that was Padfoot and Prongs.”

“Always up to no good.” Remus whispered. 

The following day Remus had waken up to what he swore was the most perfect sight. Y/n was still sleeping beside him. Her head was nestled under his chin, drinking in his body heat. Her hair was laid against the fluffy white pillow. Their legs were intertwined together. Gently Remus kissed her forehead before seeing the clock read about nine o’clock. 

Remus took five more minutes to admire her before waking her up. He began to kiss all over her face, and Y/n scrunched her nose, waking up as his lips kept attaching to a new place on her face. He smiled as she opened her eyes to meet his green ones. 

“Mornin’ love.” 

His Welsh accent was to die for, “Morning, Rem.”

“You ready to take Harry to Platform Nine and Three Quarters?”

Y/n shook her head, “No. Not really.”

“Hey,” Remus said softly, stroking her hair, “You’ll be okay. We’ll be okay.”

“There are so many memories there, Rem.” Y/n replied, “Like- Like meeting Sirius for the first time.”

“Or seeing you come back after fourth year with an entirely new style.” Remus chuckled, “Or- Or seeing James almost fall out of the train. 

Remus caressed her cheek with his thumb, “We’ll make it through, love. Harry needs us today.”

“Yeah.” She replied breathily, “He does.”

They both ventured out of bed into the cool air of London. Remus, Y/n, and Hagrid walked Harry to Kings Cross. When they arrived, Hagrid had departed from them to do something for Dumbledore. Harry was bluntly confused when his ticket read Platform Nine and Three Quarters. Last he checked, that wasn’t a platform. 

As they reached the main floor of the train station, Remus and Y/n recognized the Weasleys almost instantly. Molly had embraced them tightly as they all went through the platform. Harry gave his trunks to the man at the end of the train and turned to the only family he had left. His eyes glistened with tears, and he tried to hold them back but failed. 

“Harry,” Y/n knelt to his level, “You’re gonna be okay. I promise. James and I made lots of friends at Hogwarts.”

He smiled at the mention of his father, “Do you think… Do you think he’d be proud of me?”

“They’d be beyond proud, Harry.” Remus replied, smiling, “You’re everything they wanted you to be.”

Harry turned back to Y/n and hugged her tightly, “Please make sure you write to us.” 

“‘Course, Auntie.” Harry replied as they pulled apart, “Love you guys.” 

Y/n stood beside Remus, “We love you too, sweetheart.” 

Harry smiled and wiped his cheeks before hopping on the train. He found a compartment alone and watched out the window as the train began moving. Y/n and Remus watched as the train hauled by. Kids who started waving their last goodbyes to their parents. 

“Mum, dad!” James exclaimed from inside the compartment, “We love you!”

Euphemia and Fleamont chuckled tearfully, “We love you guys too!” 

Truthfully James never wanted to leave his parents. They were his entire world. When Kings Cross was no longer in sight, he plopped down in the seat beside Y/n, who put her head on his shoulder. His left arm wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her tightly to his side. 

“We got this, sis.” James assured, “We always have each other.”

It didn’t take long for Harry to get in trouble. As a matter of fact, it made Y/n laugh that within the first month, he had already managed a detention. She had settled for a letter rather than a Howler. Remus had made sure to tell him his fair of scolding words (“Say hi to Minnie for me!”). Harry smiled when the letter arrived in the morning. 

Harry definitely made sure to say hi to “Minnie,” which made McGonagall smile like an idiot despite her usual strict nature. She could see and hear James saying the name when she gave them detention or Sirius’ pouty face begging her to have some form of mercy on them, for they had just turned the Slytherin robes red. Ever the dramatics that Black. 

When he arrived back at the Platform, he nuzzled into Y/n and Remus’ arms before departing to the Dursleys. But all was good because in just a month he’d see them again for his birthday, which he did. They took him to Diagon Alley to get his second-year stuff along with some ice cream to celebrate his twelfth birthday. 

He spent a week of his summer with them in their little house in London. It was far better than Privet Drive, and he felt a lot safer. But after the week was up, he was forced to return to the Dursleys. Within a week of being back, he’d managed to screw everything up. A thing named Dobby had quite literally dumped puddling all over one of the Dursley’s guests, and that got him trapped in his room. 

Thankfully, Ronald Weasley, who had become his close friend, had saved him. Harry went to the Burrow for the first time and met everyone else. Molly had notified Remus and Y/n of his entrance. Sadly, they couldn’t make it to the Platform for reasons. Molly wouldn’t tell Harry, but he was okay with it. 

Until Ron and he smashed into the brick wall, making them late for the train. It was then Ron had a brilliant thought of taking the flying car to Hogwarts. It did work until they got stuck in the Whomping Willow and then got caught by Severus Snape. A letter was sent home to Y/n and Molly. Both of which made two very different Howlers to their children. 

Molly’s howler was scolding them, and it made Ron’s ears turn pink. Y/n and Remus’ howler was a different story. The moment it opened, laughter rang through the Great Hall. Familiar laughter of Remus and Y/n. It made McGonagall furious and happy at the same time. 

“Merlin Harry!” Remus’ voice rang out, “You’re brilliant, aren’t you!” 

“Remus, we’re supposed to be scolding him!” Y/n retorted jokingly, “I’m scolding myself for never thinking of it!” Remus replied. 

Y/n chuckled, “Obviously, you shouldn't have done that, Harry; however, as long as you’re not harmed, we aren’t mad. Just be more careful next time.”

Remus was still dying of laughter, “Remus is still dying of laughter. We love you, Harry. Stay safe.”

Ron looked appalled with the coolness of the howler, “Bloody hell, you have a cool family.”

“They’re pretty cool.” Harry shrugged, smiling. 

Y/n and Remus would be lying if the whole petrifying thing didn’t scare them. They were worried for Harry’s safety but weren’t surprised when Harry ended up saving them all like last year. When they were on the Platform, Remus began getting on the train with him after kissing Y/n goodbye. 

He was grunting and groaning at every movement. The bags beneath his eyes looked more prominent than usual. Remus moved sluggishly, which was very unlike him. But Harry didn’t question it until he began to get on the train at Harry’s side. 

“Uncle Moony?”

“Yes, Harry?” Remus replied after sitting in a compartment, his cloak covering most of his body. 

“Why’re you on the train?”

He chuckled, “I’m your new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor.”

Harry smiled, and Remus fell into a dreamless sleep after a rough full moon the night prior. Hermione and Ron joined them not too long after as Harry began telling them about Sirius Black. The year went by as eventful as usual. Harry found out the accurate way his parents died along with Remus and Y/n. Peter Pettigrew being the culprit and then leaving before someone could catch him. 

Afterward, Sirius had been staying in the guest bedroom at Y/n and Remus’. He didn’t want to go back to Grimmauld Place. That was the last place he wanted to go. So despite not wanting to be a burden, he took the position that Y/n offered him. Ever so kind, just like James. When he walked through those doors, Y/n had hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek. 

“It’s good to have you back, older brother.”

Sirius could’ve cried on the spot, “It’s nice to see you again, little sis.”

The next couple of years were a trip. Fourth-year Harry had managed to get his name pulled out of the Goblet of Fire, leading to a new adventure of challenges. After finishing his fourth year, Cedric Diggory had died, marking the return of Voldemort, which had traumatized Harry in more than one way. That summer, he decided to stay with Y/n, Remus, and Sirius. They were all fantastic help throughout the entire thing. Through his nightmares, Y/n would make him hot chocolate and sit on the couch with him as he talked. 

Fifth-year was dreadful. Delores Umbridge had come into the office as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, and the Order of the Phoenix reformed. Her detentions were terrible and horrid, especially for the first years. They were just kids, for Merlin’s sake. It made Y/n fume when she saw the back of Harry’s hand. The night they ventured to the Department of Mysteries was almost the worst night Harry could have dreamed of. 

Sirius had almost died if Y/n wasn’t as quick as she was. Bellatrix was stunned to see her spell deflected but kept firing nonetheless. When they got home, it was silent. Remus had made tea for himself and Sirius while making hot chocolate for the other two. Harry had laid his head on Y/n’s shoulder and fallen asleep. 

Truth be told, sixth year wasn’t any better. Dumbledore had died, and Harry was left to find the rest of the Horcruxes. It was then Sirius learned the actual death of his brother, making him mourn him all over again. Seventh year Harry, Ron, and Hermione ventured out to find the rest of them. 

When Harry returned to Hogwarts through the passageway to the Room of Requirement with Snape as headmaster, the war had officially started. In the end, everything had fallen into place. When Harry used the resurrection stone, he saw them. He saw James, Lily, Remus, and Sirius. Harry almost wanted to laugh at seeing them all together. They looked so happy. 

“Where- Where’s Y/n?”

Remus gave a solemn smile, “She made it. She’s still out there. Waiting for you.”

“Does that mean…”

“Turns out my sister is a tougher cookie than I thought.” James stated, and Harry turned to him, “She misses you.”

James chuckled, “As I do her.”

Harry turned back to Remus, “Does she know?”

“She was there when it happened.” Remus replied, “I had to give her one last ‘I love you’ and kiss goodbye, right?”

A noise rumbled from a distance, “It’s time, sweetie.” Lily stated. 

Harry released a shaky breath before dropping the stone on the ground. He had to do this for Y/n, for Ron, for Hermione, for everyone. He was ready. When he stepped in front of Voldemort to die, all he could think about was his Aunt's eyes. The way they glittered with tears when she let him go for the first time. The way they creased when she smiled at his first Christmas. The way they gleamed with mischief when she gave the Weasley twins new prank material. 

His last words would be ones he’d never regret, “Thank you, aunt Y/n, for everything.”

Because through everything, she was the only constant. She was the only one to hold him through anything. Through every nightmare, every battle, every tear, every smile. She was there with her radiant smile and caring nature. 

When Harry defeated Voldemort, the world stopped. It was done. It was over. But the pain wasn’t gone. The trauma wasn’t bypassed. This was more than a war. Harry walked into the Great Hall to see crying parents, kids, and siblings mourning their dead loved ones. His eyes zoomed on Y/n sitting crisscross beside her husband, holding his hand tightly. 

Wordlessly Harry sat beside her and leaned his head against her shoulder. Y/n tilted her head onto his. No tears fell from her eyes despite everything she had gone through, two wars, friends dead, parents dead, brother dead, and now husband dead. 

“His last words were- they were,” She choked, and Harry rubbed her shoulder, “I love you more than Moony loves the moon.”

Harry smiled, “Dad said you were a tough cookie.”

Y/n chuckled, and Harry relished in the sound, “He said that if anyone could get through this, it’s you.”

“Damn it, James.” She said to no one, still holding Remus’ hand. 

“We’ll get through this.” Harry said, “And we’ll do it together.”

“Together.”

[self-proclaimed-chaotic-good]

Welcome to the Forgotten Realms | Hawkins Crew

Prompt: Going Inside a Book/Story

Words: 3166

Fandom: Stranger Things

A/N: Writer’s Month is over, but I’m still going to try and finish this, just three more prompts to go. I’m drawing from my limited knowledge of DnD 5th edition and light research on 1st edition, so if some of it isn’t accurate, how many people would actually know the difference between 5th and 1st? Also, while trying to wrap up the ending, it gave ‘Welcome to Jumanji’ vibes and I pictured a Nigel character popping up, but still looks like Rhys Darby. Lol look at me creating lore for a world that I might not visit again. Or won’t I?

Summary: The older group decides to play DnD, much to Eddie’s delight. A sudden storm cut off the electricity in the middle of a session, but when they looked around to find that they weren’t in Hawkins anymore.

-

Eddie rubbed his hands together gleefully like an evil mastermind as his new friends finished their character sheets. He had minis that he had painted in his spare time that were close enough to what they wanted their characters to look like, each of them standing right in front of each player. 

Nancy was more familiar with the mechanics since the kids usually played in the basement, having picked it up quickly and helping the others when they needed it. Jonathan had admitted that Will spoke about their campaigns but never really broke down the mechanics unless he asked him. Robin was catching on, piecing her character together in no time. That left Steve who was frowning at his sheet before sliding it over to Eddie. Dustin had actually helped him build his character beforehand, but he wasn’t sure how to play him.

“Does this look… right?” Steve asked after filling out his character’s backstory.

Eddie leaned over, eagerly scanning through his character sheet and smiled. “Steve, Stevie, Steve-O. I feel like you’ve thought this character through before.”

“Ah, well,” Steve muttered sheepishly, scratching the back of his head with his pencil. “Henderson’s always wanted me to play with them, so… the roleplaying part is kind of… I don’t know.”

“Embarrassing?”

Steve nodded. “This is why I didn’t take drama, man.”

“Well, you should have, or else you wouldn’t be having this problem,” Robin said, giving him a pointed look. “And maybe you would have been less of a douche in high school.”

“Thank you so much, Robin, I appreciated your needed input,” Steve replied sarcastically.

“Hey, everyone’s gotta start somewhere,” Eddie said, patting Steve’s shoulder. “This is everyone’s first game, so we’re gonna take it easy and learn how the game works together. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. DMs love questions, unless they’re dumb.”

“I guess Steve can’t ask anything then.”

“You know what, Buckley, I’m not going to be driving you around anymore.”

“Nice try, dingus. This whole time you still drove me to school and work when you thought I had a license. There’s no way you’re going to suddenly stop giving me rides.”

“Anyways,” Eddie interrupted, “Superior Wheeler. Big Byers. How are your characters coming along?”

“We’re just about finished,” Nancy said.

Jonathan nodded. “Yeah, we figured that it’ll be easier if our characters know each other so we’d have someone to bounce off on.”

“It’s a very common method to do and helps with backstories,” Eddie said, nodding in approval. “What race and class are you?”

“Nance is a high elf ranger and I’m thinking of being a drow rogue.”

“Interesting. Very interesting.” Eddie folded his fingers together and rested his chin on them. “Drows are usually lawful evil aligned, but for my campaigns, I’m not too strict on those things as long as it creates a good story. To have a high elf and a drow know each other, that’s really interesting. Buckley.”

Robin held up her character sheet and shook it. “I think I’ve made it more complicated than it had to be. I made a Forest Gnome Wizard. It’s complicated for me because I just realized how many spells I have to manage. But we’re just level one, right? So, it shouldn’t be that bad for now, but, like, I’ve done this whole backstory that is too similar to Batman.”

Eddie nodded sagely. “Many players, no matter how seasoned they are, have done this. It’s an easy trope to fall on, but if you add your own twist to it, it could work.”

“What if when she talks to animals, instead of the high pitch tone people use, it’s gruffy like a heavy smoker?”

Jonathan snorted. “Is your voice going to be okay after that?”

“See, I made it harder on myself than it should be.”

“What if you made your character’s normal voice high pitched and when you speak to animals it's at a normal pitch?” Steve said, holding back a smile.

Robin scrunched her face. “That’s even worse.”

“I am not going to sit through a two hour session with that voice,” Nancy said firmly.

“Thank you, Nance.”

“Oh! Why didn’t I think of this?” Steve said, facepalming. “The kermit voice!”

“No! I told you to drop that already!” Robin shouted. “What’s your character anyways, dingus? I bet it’s boring.”

Steve glared at her from across the table. “Human Paladin,” he muttered.

“See. Boring.”

“Hey, now. We haven’t started playing yet,” Eddie tried to mediate. “If everyone’s ready, we can begin.” He held his hands out, eyeing them all. When they all nodded, he clapped his hands. “Alright, let me set the scene for you, adventurers.”

-

“Uh, guys, I don’t know if we should be going in a super scary tower without a plan,” Robin pointed out.

“Haunted, too,” Steve added.

“Yeah. Super scary haunted tower.”

“The guy at the tavern said that something strange is happening here. There’s people going missing and no one has ever used this tower in years until now,” Jonathan said.

Nancy nodded her head. “Exactly. Seeing light in the tower around the same time the first disappearance happened? There’s got to be a connection. We have to at least try.”

“Okay, so what do we know about this tower?” Robin looked down at her character sheet, then at Eddie. “With my wizardry background, would I know anything about this place?”

“Roll me a history check with advantage. You’re quite studious and one of the top of your class,” Eddie said, pointing at the D20 in front of her.

Robin nodded, shaking her hand and tossing the dice carefully. She grimaced, then rolled again, the corner of her lips turning up. “That’s an unnatural 20 for history.”

“Good. Yes, you have heard a considerable amount about this ancient wizard’s tower during your studies. He was a promising wizard that grew his power at an exponential rate. The academy was once proud to call him their own, but now they use him as a cautionary tale.”

Everyone leaned forward as Eddie unraveled the lore of the tower’s creator, Nancy furiously taking notes and Jonathan jotting down what stood out to him. Steve sat, memorized, as Eddie’s soothing voice wrapped around him, painting the picture in his mind. Robin nodded along with his words, pausing when she saw Steve staring at Eddie intensely, marking that down in her mental notes for later.

“He realized that the academy was limiting him. The prospect of harnessing dark magic grew more and more tempting by the day, haunting his dreams at night. It became too much when the academy was attacked. Their mistake was thinking that if they shielded their students from the darkness, they would never be harmed from it. As it were, you cannot protect yourself from something you have no knowledge of. The students fell one by one, overcome by power that they could not understand.”

He paused for effect, a thunderstorm with bad timing rumbled outside, causing the lights above to flicker. They all stiffened, looking up until the lights steadied. The younger kids were at Sinclairs, so they weren’t worried about them galavanting. After their stunt last time with the whole Vecna thing and running from the police, the parents of the Party made it a point to take turns having movie or game night at their houses. This also encouraged the older kids to spend more time together.

Eddie exhaled slowly, seeing the others doing the same as they tried to get back to the game. “Until, finally, our wizard fled into the restricted section of the library and poured through its knowledge. He casted a spell so great that it destroyed all of his surroundings, killing every enemy and every friend. There he stood, in the middle of the rubble, without a scratch on him. Though, he felt his blood boiling, his veins turning black, nails extending into claws, and his eyes bleeding. For a moment, his heart stopped. Within that moment, the power of the darkness took over and flooded his body with unsurmountable power.”

“Who is he?” Robin asked quietly, not wanting to break the atmosphere.

Eddie’s brown eyes scanned over the players as he smirked. Just as he opened his mouth, the power went down. There was a collective gasp around the table and shuffling as they reached over to each other to ground themselves.

“The backup generator isn’t kicking in,” Nancy said.

“You guys have a backup generator?” Robin asked incredulously, feeling Nancy stand up next to her. “Where are you going?”

“My dad was so paranoid about Russians stealing electricity all over the country that he bought this expensive generator thing,” Nancy explained, “He’s kind of late on that, though. There should be extra flashlights and candles somewhere over here if the kids hadn’t gotten to them yet.”

“Here,” Jonathan said, flicking on his lighter. 

He found Nancy and helped her look through the cabinets for the emergency supplies. Their eyes adjusted to the dim light, not finding anything familiar in their surroundings. Nancy frowned, reaching out to touch one of the side tables. Her fingers touched something and she tugged on Jonathan’s sleeve to come closer. She had found a candle and he quickly dislodged it from the table and lit it up.

“What the hell,” he muttered, touching the wall that was no longer covered in wallpaper, but cold stone bricks. “Guys?”

He turned and saw that Nancy had done quick work in finding the other candles, handing each of their friends one. Steve scanned the area, scanning the dark corners of the room before announcing that it was clear. Robin ran her hands along the walls until she found a wooden torch hanging from a metal sconce. Eddie, being tall enough to pull it out, brought it over to her to light up.

Now, with a brighter light source, the party could see what had become of the room. Eddie stumbled back with wide eyes, convinced for a moment that he had fallen asleep on the couch of the Wheelers basement and would wake up at any minute. Steve stepped towards the table that they were playing at, frowning as he lifted the object that was now on his chair. A sword. A frickin’ sword.

“We’re not in Hawkins anymore,” Eddie mused, looking at Robin.

“No shit,” she muttered, “What is this? This isn’t the Upside Down. No creepy vines or particles in the air.”

“It’s like we were taken into a dungeon,” Jonathan said, joining Steve at the table where he found a traveler’s pack and knives at his seat.

Nancy looked at the new items on the table, their character sheets and minis gone and replaced with their character items and clothing. She gingerly picked up her new crossbow, testing its weight and how to hold it. She turned to Robin who was flipping through a book filled with runes that she couldn’t understand. Robin’s blue eyes widened, her jaw dropping as she scanned through it.

“I understand what this is,” Robin said in disbelief, “I can read this.”

“Holy shit,” Eddie muttered, “Are we in the game? Not the type of level of immersion I was imagining. I was thinking more like LARP or something, but…”

His eyes caught the sight of a thick leather book, replacing his DM notes and Monster Manual. He ran his fingers along the embossing of the cover, a shiver running down his spine as a whisper tickled the back of his mind. So, the others were their characters, he presumed. Steve was a paladin, Robin a wizard, Nancy a ranger, and Jonathan a rogue. He usually played a bard, but this? This screamed warlock. So, who was his patron?

 A noise from above jolted everyone from their state of shock, Steve taking position in front of the group with his great sword held at the ready. Nancy grabbed the nearest bolt and took a minute to figure out how to load the crossbow.

Footsteps neared the top of the stone stairs ahead of them, a warm glow leaking underneath the wooden door. Steve gripped the hilt and planted his feet in anticipation before the footsteps moved away. He exchanged a look with Nancy and Jonathan before moving towards the stairs. Robin jerked forward.

“Be careful, dingus,” she hissed.

Steve grimaced and gave her a nod, making his steps light as possible as he ascended. As he drew closer to the door, he began to hear bustling and chatter outside, like a bar or something. He turned to look at the group with a frown, lowering his sword to peek through the crack of the door. It was a bar. Well, some medieval bar. Tavern, as Eddie would describe it.

He made his way back down and described what he saw. They agreed to go up together, changing their outfits and packing their things before moving. With all the weird shit that they had dealt with throughout the years, they knew it was best to just roll with it and find out what’s going on to stop it. Steve was at the front again with Eddie, Robin, and Nancy in the middle, and Jonathan at the back. They pulled over the hoods of their cloaks and walked out, the sound of the tavern hitting them full force.

“Ah, adventurers!” A man with a full blonde mustache exclaimed, getting up from his table with arms spread open. “I’ve been awaiting your arrival. I am Sir Arthur Calthorn.”

“Have you?” Eddie asked, stepping forward.

“Oh, yes, indeed, Edmund the Banished. I’ve sent a letter to your guild for aid. Have you read it?”

“Guys?” Nancy held out a piece of parchment that appeared in her hand towards them.

“No fucking way,” Eddie muttered as Robin took it from her. “This is the exact letter I wrote out for you guys at the start of the game.”

“So, what? We gotta deal with this evil wizard again?” Jonathan asked.

“Precisely, Pentaxl, known by many circles as Ghostwalker for his quiet deposition and silent and quick movements. Nance Swifttaker, the deadliest and most precise shot of all the realms, a pleasure to see you as always. Magenta Silvertongue, genius polyglot and one of the most powerful spellcasters to ever grace the academy.” The man, Calthorn, nodded over to Nancy and Robin before clapping a hand on Steve’s shoulder. “And the brave Steven Oathkeeper, slayer of beasts and protector of man.”

“Why do you guys have cool introductions?” Eddie whined under his breath. Nancy smacked him in the shoulder, shaking her head.

“You must help us with the darkness that threatens to spread throughout the Forgotten Realms. If the darkness spreads, then all of humanity is lost.”

“Cool. This isn’t crazy at all,” Steve muttered, sharing a freaked out look with Robin.

“And what realm are we in exactly?” Robin asked.

“Abeir-Toril,” Eddie answered before Calthorn could say anything. “One of many planets that exists in the Torilian System or the Realmspace.”

“Sharp as always, Edmund the Banished,” Calthorn said, snapping his fingers.

Eddie grimaced. “Don’t call me Edmund.”

“We need to get back home,” Nancy said, bringing back the situation at hand. “We’re not from here.”

“Of course, Miss Swifttaker, but in order to return to your homeworld, you must complete this mission,” Calthorn said, nodding to the letter. “And a key will be granted to you to take you back. Now…”

He clapped his hands and the group was teleported outside of the tavern where horses and a carriage awaited them. They looked around at the bustling and seemingly thriving city that they found themselves in, a steady traffic of carriages through the main road, market stalls lining the other side of the street, layers upon layers of districts passed that, leading up to a grand building in the middle.

“Now, come along,” Calthorn urged, climbing into the carriage. “We will be needing to meet with the counsel before you five set off.”

“Uh, normally I wouldn’t get in the car with strangers, so what’s the call here?” Robin whispered.

“He said that we will be given a key once we stop the darkness or something,” Nancy said, “And it’ll take us home. Unless we find some other way to get back without having to deal with all of this… whether it’s some kind of dream or whatever, we just have to keep moving and stick together. That’s all we can do for now. If we gain more information about this place, we’ll know where to go next.”

“See, this is why Wheeler, sorry, Swifttaker, is the leader,” Eddie said with a grin. 

Jonathan nodded sagely. “So, who’s going in the carriage with the guy?”

“I’ll take one of the horses,” Steve offered, “I’m assuming that carriage can only fit four people, so…”

“I’ve got the crossbow, so I’ll take the other horse,” Nancy said.

“Okay, cool, but do you guys really think that we’ll be attacked in the middle of the city?” Robin asked, looking around. “Do you guys even know how to ride a horse?”

“I learned when I was little,” Steve said with a shrug.

Nancy nodded. “Me, too. It was during a rare Wheeler family vacation.”

“Ugh, rich people,” Eddie teased with a roll of his eyes. “I guess us peasants will take the fancy carriage, then. After you, m’lady.” 

He held a hand out to help Robin in and did the same for Jonathan, much to his amusement, after Jonathan squeezed Nancy’s hand and kissed her on the forehead. Eddie turned to Steve and smiled.

“Guard the carriage for us, won’t you, big boy?” he said with a wink.

“I don’t know, am I getting a kiss on the forehead, too?” Steve played along.

Eddie’s grin widened. He leaned forward and planted an obnoxiously wet kiss on his forehead before patting him on his reddening cheek. Nancy raised an eyebrow at Steve who looked dazed until she nudged his shoulder. Once everyone was in the carriage and the other two on the horses, the group set off for what Calthorn called the Guild Quarters.

“God, I feel like I’m going to wake up any minute, having fallen asleep because of how boring the campaign was,” Robin said, her eyes darting around out the window.

“Hey, you guys were totally enjoying it!” Eddie protested.

Jonathan sighed. “Just when I thought I’d seen everything.”

The carriage merged into the traffic, being carried away towards the center of the city. Nothing looked familiar to anyone except Eddie, who’s eyes kept getting impossibly bigger the deeper into the city they traveled, seeing the map he made come to life right before him.

“Well, whatever is happening, hopefully this is a cool send off for you three before you leave for college, huh?”

Eddie turned away, feeling something pinch in his mind. A low growl echoed through his brain, a cold feeling like tentacles wrapping around him made him flinch.

“Eddie,” a familiar voice purred.

[drarrily-we-row-along]

Day 112: Intimacy

"Come on," Pansy said as she sipped her pink cosmo, "Sure, pulling fit blokes and having anonymous sex has it's appeal."

"Merlin, Pans," he grumbled, raising a hand to the bartender for another gin and tonic, "I am not nearly drunk enough for this conversation."

"I'm just saying," she said, spreading her hands and giving him a cheeky little grin, "sex with random strangers is good but there's something to be said for the intimacy that comes from knowing and loving the person you're sleeping with."

He groaned and resisted the urge to cover his ears, but only just. There was only one person Draco might consider monogamy with and he'd been in love with him since he was eleven. To distract from his own thoughts he said, "Gross. Your love affair with Ginerva is repulsive."

"It's not some sordid affair, you arse. We're married!"

"Don't remind me," he groused. "We're always surrounded by bloody Gryffindors now."

And as if his words had summoned them, the door opened and Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Harry came pouring in.

"They're awful."

"Oh come now," she said, leaning toward him, "Surely there's a certain handsome wizard who also happens to be the vanquisher of the forces of evil for whom you might make an exception."

"Shut it," he said.

A wicked grin tugged on the corner of her mouth, "Rumor has it that he's quite a lover," she said. "And don't pretend those bulging quidditch player thighs don't do it for you," she added, "And that arse-"

"Shut up," he hissed as the rowdy Gryffindors approached the table.

(Read more below the cut)

She held up her hands in surrender before turning her attention to Ginerva.

Potter slid into the seat next to Draco as he did almost every time he was out at the same time as they were. "Hey stranger," he said, all smiles and dimples and sparkling green eyes that Draco could have very easily lost himself in.

"Good evening," he replied, attempting to keep his voice calm and disinterested.

"How are you?" Potter asked, angling toward Draco's and raking his eyes over his body.

People believed that Harry Potter was oblivious but that couldn't have been further from the truth. The other man was perceptive and observant as anything when he wanted to be. "I'm well, thank you."

Potter sighed, "Come on," he said, bumping Draco's foot under the table. "How are you really? I haven't seen you in-"

"Five days," Draco replied.

Potter laughed, "But who's counting?"

He was saved having to answer when Ginny and Ron got into a fight and distracted the whole table. Draco breathed a silent sigh of relief and allowed himself to watch the drama unfolding before him.

-------

At a perfectly respectable hour, Draco stood up from the table, "Well, as lovely as this has been, I'm off," he said.

Everyone, save Potter who'd left for the loo a few minutes prior, waved him off and wished him a good night, and he set out, trying to decide which club he was going to go to. The last time he'd been at Pulse he'd found a very handsome bloke to take home, dark hair, dark skin, strong, and handsome; it was just his eyes that were wrong. And Merlin, he'd been delightful in bed. He'd almost let him stay over, in fact.

"Draco!" someone called behind him, "Draco!"

Before he'd really let himself think it through he turned around and saw that Potter was chasing him down the sidewalk. His heart beat a little faster and his mouth went a little dry.

"Hey," the other man said.

"Hi," Draco replied like an utter idiot.

The corner of Potter's mouth tilted up and that infernal dimple appeared. "Listen," he said, licking his bottom lip, "I keep trying to ask you but then I get too nervous-"

"You get nervous?" Draco asked incredulously.

Potter rubbed the back of his neck, "Not often but I can't seem to keep my head when I'm around you."

Draco huffed a laugh.

"I'm serious," Potter said emphatically. "I have all these great plans, all these clever things to say, and then once you're standing there in front of me I'm just this scared, stupid teenage kid all over again."

His heart might as well have turned into a puddle for all the good it was doing in his chest.

"So I'm just going to say it," he said, nodding once. "Draco Malfoy, I really like you. You are clever, and kind, and funny, and you are bloody gorgeous. I really want to get to know you better."

He blinked at him, "Well, I was thinking about going to find someone to take home with me-" he started to offer.

But Potter was shaking his head, "No. Well," he amended, "It's not that I don't want to," he broke off and cleared his throat, "It's just that I don't want to be a one night stand that you take home and kick out of bed in the morning."

"I don't let my one night stands stay over night," he replied.

"Right," Potter said, "Of course. It's just," he halted again. "One night isn't enough. I'm pretty sure that one night would just make everything worse."

"What are you proposing, then?"

"A date?" Potter offered.

"And if it ends with sex?" he asked curiously because Merlin he hoped that it would end with sex.

"I would very much like to have sex with you but I want more than one night."

He looked at him for a long moment, heart beating hard against his rib cage, "I would be amenable to that. As long as you aren't a complete disaster."

"Yeah?" Harry asked hopefully.

"Yes," Draco replied with a little smile.

And this was the first night of the rest of their lives together.

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

Day 111: Smile | Day 113: Cooking

[umbrellasspookyplace]

Paradigm Shift

Overview: After the events of No Way Home, both Norman and Otto realize that perhaps Dr. Strange's magic didn't work as well as they thought it did. The two realize, when a mysterious woman claiming to be Otto's dead wife Rosie finds them, that they aren't exactly home again. The three work together to get the two back home, but it isn't as easy as "scooby doo-ing this shit"

Chapter 1 Lemme know what yall think! :’) I’m really excited for this AU!! Comments are really appreciated. 

To think it all felt like a dream….

Or that’s why Otto thought to himself after he slowly opened his eyes. The Wizard’s spell unraveled as the bright lights around him disappeared. His being rematerializing in a dingy back alley. The former villain gently rubbed his eyes to make sure that he was really awake. As if the last few days had been something his mind couldn’t even comprehend. Being transported to an alternate universe, seeing multiple Peter Parkers, learning that multiverse theory being true, learning that magic was real, seeing Norman Osborn come back from the dead-Wait just a second!

Otto snapped his head around, realizing that his former employer and friend was alive!

“Osborn? Osborn?!” Otto shouted loudly in frantic search of him. The thoughts of time and reality itself being entirely written. Not only was the damage to his inhibitor chip fixed, but death itself was reversed!

A groggy groan came from a dumpster close to him. His actuators made quick work of investing, dragging a somewhat conscious Osborn from behind the trash. Otto couldn't help but feel relieved.

"Norman!" He cried enthusiastically, pulling him for a tight bear hug.

Norman let out an exasperated gasp as he attempted to push Otto away.

"W-Watch it, Octavius!!!... I-I think I still have a few cracked ribs…" he groaned as his friend let go, looking a bit embarrassed.

"Ah… Apologizes, Osborn. I guess I'm just a little excited, all things considered," confessed Otto. He gave Norman a somewhat giddy smile, something out of character for the scientist. He was usually so quiet and brooding, yet he seemed like a freshman in their first day college chemistry class.

Norman winced slightly as he dusted himself, examining the area. Everything looked familiar yet different at the same time. Just like when they originally were transported into the alternate New York. Was this really their universe?

"Is this it? Is this really home?" Norman questioned, still skeptical of the whole affair. "Everything is so different. Like we're in the future…"

Otto scratched his chin, mulling over the question.  

"Well… Compared to you, I'm from the future because you ceased to exist in 'my' universe… Perhaps the same thing applies here, Osborn." Perhaps with the changes done, they were in the future. A better one where all the awful things they've done, never came to pass.

Norman scoffed at Otto's intellectual ramblings.

"There's only way we can figure that out," Norman replied walking towards the main street.

"Wait Osborn. You can't go out in public looking like that. You'll stick out like a sore thumb." Otto gestured to Norman's Green Goblin costume. Unless he wanted to plaster "evil villain" all over himself, Otto was right. Norman needed a disguise. For now at least until he could make it back to Oscorp and settle all his affairs. Explain himself to all the people he's hurt, especially Harry… His poor son. Norman had to find him to apologize. To make things up to him for all the awful things he had done.

"Norman."

Norman jumped a bit, pulled from his thoughts due to Otto's large and firm hand on his shoulder.

"Take this," Otto smiled as he generously offered his trench coat. "It's a little big but this should cover you up."

Otto couldn't help but chuckle at Osborn struggling to put on his coat. His actuators assisted him, slipping it on with ease. As well as reducing the amount of pain Norman must be feeling from his wounds. That young Peter Parker must've really done a number on him, Otto thought.

Straightening himself as much as he could, Norman scoffed at his new look. Not too pleased by his new appearance. It wasn't stylish or flattering at all. It cramped his flamboyant style.

"I look like I'm going to flash myself in front of a group of young women, Octavius. This is ridiculous," he complained, pouting like a young child. Otto laughed again, patting his friend once again on the shoulder as he made his way out of the alleyway they materialized in.

"To be fair, I think that's an improvement from homicidal aerial bomber, Norman." Otto joked nonchalantly.

Normal rolled his eyes, unable to think of a good comeback. His gaze then focused on Otto's actuators. Just how in the world is he going to hide those things? They were massive! Norman could disguise himself. However, there wasn't anything that could cover four massive mechanical tentacles coming from some guy's back.

"Otto, you're one to talk. How do you plan on covering those tentac-"

"Actuators," Otto grunted, correcting Norman.

"Ugh fine. How do you plan on covering those actuators?" Norman asked in a somewhat sarcastic tone.

"Easy. Observe," Otto replied. A cocky smirk pursed his lips as he took a deep breath. He was silent for a moment as his actuators started to slowly slink towards his back. They retracted to the point where they barely hung below his knees. His secondary coat covered them just enough. In fact, Otto was almost the same except for looking a bit bulkier in the back.

Norman was shocked at his friend's transformation. He was unable to comprehend the versatility of those things. Just what else could they do?

"My god…. I didn't know you could do that!?" He blurted. Honestly, Norman always thought there were just bulky hindrances… He had no clue they were capable of doing that!

Otto scoffed as he walked onto the sidewalk.

“You’ve been gone for some time, Osborn. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.”

“Apparently so.” Norman crossed his arms, taking in the sights of the city. Everything was different. So far from what he remembered. The entire city moved with time. Buildings towered higher. Cars were modernized and sleek. The whole world felt… Optimized in a weird way. Osborn glanced over at his companion. It was obvious that Otto was just as intrigued by their surroundings. He seemed to take everything meticulously. His eyes scanned everything that crossed his line of sight. Analyzing everything in detail that interested him. Muttering his own scientific observations to himself. He wasn’t even aware of Norman’s own presence at this point. Yet it was surprising how he was still able to maneuver through the crowd with ease.

“Octavius,” Norman whispered to Otto, reminding him of his existence. “Just what do you think of all of this?... Everything is so different. Nothing like I remember. Just look at that!” He pointed at the smartphones in the crowd’s hands. “Everyone seems to have one of those things! Just what are they!?"

What was considered normal to the whole world, was foreign to them. Completely Foreign.

“It’s hard to stay, Norman…” The larger man admitted. “This is all kind of a reality check to me.”

Otto searched around for a newspaper stand or something that had a paper of some kind he could read and figure out what was going on.

“Aha! Duck right into there, Osborne,” said Otto, pointing towards a 7/11. --------------------

Norman’s eyes lit up with excitement. He placed a hand on his stomach as it growled from hunger. Perfect timing.

“Excellent!” he cheered, grinning as he walked inside. Otto followed closely after him whilst making sure they didn’t attract any unwanted attention. “I was starting to get a tad famished! Time to eat!” Norman rubbed his hands together mischievously as he headed towards the frozen food spot. His heart set on a good ol’ frozen burrito.

Otto sighed a bit as he followed suit, keeping an eye out for any papers.

"Please remember, Norman. We've got to focus on where we are," Octavius reminded, noticing the stack of newspapers near the door. "Plus we don't necessarily have any money right now…" He picked up one of the papers. The date on it was 2022. Way ahead of the time he remembered, just like the universe the two just left. The headline reported how Spiderman, coupled with a few heroes he didn't recognize, took down a few local thugs that raided an armored bank truck.

"Tch… Amateurs," Despite being reformed, Otto could resist the urge to criticize sloppy work. Examining closer, he wasn't able to tell if that Spiderman was the Spiderman they knew…. It seemed this was going to be more difficult than he imagined. The next stories detailed various political officials Otto never heard of. Something about a failed rocket launch in San Francisco. No help there. Nothing else seemed to be of any use to either of them. Damn.

Otto let out a sigh before catching the glare of the shopkeeper at him. They weren't too pleased at the slightest…. A visible scowl plastered on their face.

"Hey, pal. This isn't a library. You wanna read? You pay!" They shouted before pointing at Norman who was munching on a microwave burrito. "And what are you?! Homeless?! This aint no fuckin soup kitchen either! You gonna pay for that buddy?!"

Norman halted mid bite before grinning widely.

"Of course, sir! You see, I'm the CEO of Oscorp! Once I get back to my office, I'll send over a check as payment!" No way he was serious… Otto's jaw hung to the floor from Osborn's madman statement. Just what was in the HELL was he thinking!?

The worker let out a sarcastic laugh before pulling up their cell phone.

"That's fuckin rich pal! Oscorp!!! And I'm the owner of Origin Industries!!! I'm calling the cops-"

Otto panicked, grabbing Norman by the hand. Octavius's sudden grip caused Norman to drop his freshly nuked meal. A tiny frown on his face as he stared at the remains on the ground.

"No no no!!! There's no need for that! We'll just be on our way!!!" He stammered, still trying to fix this dumpster fire. It was a foolish attempt. Otto bolted for the door, dragging Norman along.

"Hey! HEY!!! COME BACK HE-"

Instantly, as Otto darted towards the door, a car violently crashed through the building. Narrowly missing the two older men. The actuators sprung to life to protect them and the shopkeeper from any incoming damage. Everyone in the 7/11 starred in shock and horror at both Otto and the destroyed car. It was total silence.

"Shit! Let's go, Norman!!!" Otto shouted, running out before anyone could do anything. Osborn being dragged away by his actuators in the process. The shopkeeper froze in shock as the police connected.

"911 what's your emergency-" *click*

The shopkeeper dropped their phone before collapsing to their knees in disbelief. Still speechless. ------------

Unfortunately for the duo, outside wasn't much better. Both Norman and Otto got swept into a crowd of screaming people. Otto's towering mechanical arms didn't help much either. The sight of them causing the people around them to scream while pointing their phones to record them. The sea of people questioning who they were, where they came from, if there were heroes or villains, and if Otto was going to hurt them.

"Damn it!! This isn't good, Norman!! We gotta get away from here!" Otto shouted, trying to dodge everyone around him. All eyes were on them. The total opposite of what he planned. Blast.

Norman chased after him, keeping pace while pushing through the crowd. The smaller man seemed to get some sick kick out of the attention. What a lunatic.

"Those arms of yours aren't making things any better, Octavius!" Norman teased, ignoring the seriousness of the situation. The Green Goblin side of him was gone from his mind, yet he felt even more liberated than with him present. Like he was his true self. Clear of any fears or dark desires. A perfect balance.

"Enough! This isn-"

Another car was flung at them, Otto's actuators caught it with ease. The crowd completely disappeared while fleeing for their lives. Octavius grunted as he threw the car off to the side. He made sure that no one was in the car's path when tossing it. Next, he turned to see if anything else was coming their way. This day was getting worse and worse by the second.

"Norman, stand close!!! Now!!!" Otto hissed, his massive arm wrapped around Norman. Like a mother bear protecting her kid.

Emerging from the distance was a slender individual. A psychokinesis user from the looks of it. They looked like something from a knock off Chris Angel show. The individual laughed wickedly as they raised their hands to the sky. Their powers caused a good number of cars to hover in the air.

"Well, well…. Look at what we have here~ Are you guys with the others? They're your friends?" A crooked smile appeared on the villain's face.

"NO! NO! Not at all!!!" Shouted Octavius, hoping to diffuse this situation. Somehow. His mind was racing. He played back every possible outcome he could think of. A deep frown appeared on his face. Things didn't look too good for them…. A confrontation on this level was the last thing he wanted.

"Yeah! We honestly don't care about what you're doing!" Added Norman, Otto jabbing him slightly in the ribs. He hunched forward in pain, shutting up.

"You're not helping, Osborn!" Otto angrily hissed. His actuators quickly hovered  around the two in a protective formation. Each of them being closely guarded from any potential attacks.

"No…" groaned Norman. "But I did buy us some time…" His finger was pointed in the distance. A powerful icicle blast colliding with the danger before them. Their attacker roared in pain, crumbling to the ground and dropping the cars. They smashed to the ground. A few cars almost crushed innocent bystanders, but were frozen in place by another ice attack.

"Woah there! You're having quite the tantrum today, Ozzie! Looks like you need another chill pill!" teased a muscular woman with long white hair. Her toned body showed through what looked to be red and white rave clothing. Besides her was a taller comrade. He was dressed in a mustard yellow puffer jacket and matching cargo pants.

"Cherry… '' her partner groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You need to focus on him instead of making the same cringy joke! Over and over again!" He lectured her out of annoyance before looking at the two older men. "Hey! You two are… Oddly familiar-"

A tinge of fear rose from within Octavius as he began to slowly step back. They needed to get out of here before they got in over their heads. Neither of them were in proper fighting conditions. Norman's body still felt like a bunch of snapped twigs. Otto's arms would've been tied into shoelaces if he went toe to toe with a psychic.

"HEY SNOWFLAKE! EYES UP!" the woman named Cherry shouted as another car propelled towards the heroes. Her hands grew bright with white energy. She quickly pitched the orbs of energy to intercept the attack. The impact of her attack caused an explosion that blasted back the car.

"RETURN TO SENDER, YOU PSYCHIC FREAK!" gloated Cherry. She was smiling triumphantly. The counter attack made her a tad cocky. The man so aptly named Snowflake grunted, focusing his attention back onto the fight. He fired another ice attack from his hands. Assisting Cherry as they battled the villain before them.

"Norman, we need to get out of here. Now!" demanded Otto, searching for a way of escaping without getting noticed. This fight wasn't going to last forever and he didn't want to be around to see who was the winner.

"There, Otto!" Norman exclaimed, pointing towards a sewer cover.

"Genius! I knew there was still some intelligence inside of that scrambled head of yours, Osborne!" Otto's actuators made quick work of the manhole cover, tossing it aside like a frisbee. They both raced for it and jumped inside of the sewer, making their way out of that nasty situation. -----------------

For a good twenty minutes, the older men ran before panting from exhaustion.

"Seriously, Otto. Can you not use those things to move us around any faster?" Norman asked in between breaths, leaning against the grime covered walls. Moments like this were what reminded them of their age. It was dreadful.

Otto leaned as well, breathing harder than Norman. The larger man wasn't accustomed to so much physical movement. Unlike his more physically fit counterpart.

"I've already told you, Norman... There isn't enough space down here to make that work… We'll just have to make due until we can figure things out. Maybe if we find Peter, maybe we can-"

"Sshh… '' Norman raised his hand to silence Otto. His ears perked up. Something was off… He could feel it. Once again, lady luck was not on their side. Norman slowly reached behind him, slipping out one of his few remaining pumpkin bombs. The actuators hissed viciously as they hovered in front of their master. The shape of a woman inched out of the darkness. The sounds of high heels echoing in the vacant sewer.

"It seems like I've finally found you~..." purred the unknown woman. Her features slowly came into the light as she approached. The shadows around her slithering around like serpent limbs. Like a magical reflection of Octavius's own robotic creations. Otto's eyes slowly widened in horror. There was no way! It was impossible!....

Norman held the bomb tightly in his hand, moving forward to put himself in a protective manner. He focused on creating a diversion so they could both escape the situation if things went south. Close quarter combat would be too much of a risk for either of them.

"Listen, my dear. My colleague and I have had a very long day so far, so we'd appreciate it if things didn't get any more troublesome," Norman explained, his hyper focused eyes locking with the woman's predator gaze.

The woman got closer, unintimated by Norman's threat. She even laughed at him.

"I always love a man who's straight to the point. You're just the same as I remember, Osborn" she cooed, stepping into the light. She was dressed in rather ragged looking clothing. Like the cross between a witch and a hippie. Her long brown hair dripped over her shoulders.

Norman's eyes sharpened even more from his name leaving her mouth. She knew them, but he didn't know her. This couldn't be good for them.

"Oh sweetheart. You don't know the last of it-" Norman readied his pitch, his gaze unbroken when all of a sudden! "Argh! Octavius!?" Norman snapped his head back in shock to see his friend tightly gripping onto his wrist tightly. Just what on earth was Otto doing?!

"Enough, Norman!" Otto's voice boomed. It was loud, but oddly… Sad? He looked up at his friend. Heartbreak and pain in his eyes. 

The woman, fully visibly now, looked like Rosie. Otto's dead wife. Standing right in front of them. Her presence shook Otto to his core. Emotions were flooding his entire being. He couldn't grasp the situation. A ghost was standing before them both. 

"Rosie…" Otto whispered softly. His fast beating heart aching deep within his chest. Was it really her? Was it really the woman he loved? The same woman who he had lost because of his own selfishly blind ambitions?

Rosie gave them both a seductively charming smile.

"Hello Otto. It's been a long time…"