#save me alice asylum

[hardlygaming]

Alice: Madness Returns (2011) - Billingsgate Docks

[geareduptom]

Would you be down to draw one of your favorite ships from one of the AU's you've created? 👀

Having to pick one was tough and I struggled to debate on which ships even were my favorites from each au. So I just turned this into a answer for each au. Cause I wanna draw em all.

I also ran out of motivation to re-draw the sketchs since it wasn't letting me size the canvas up and it was smaller than I anticipated so I tried to use my Snip tool to make it not Tiny.

Answer written: (Below)

Pretty Pill's Au: Julex. -Alex and Julius are always there for each other even though Alex has to leave by the beginning of the au. -(Moved from one asylum to another since their methods of 'curing him' weren't 'working')

Missing Alice: Tied between Julex and Osix. - Oswald kinda has Felix hostage through the whole thing but it slowly turns into them just hanging out and Felix being weirdly helpful. - Felix also get's to learn about Oswalds motivations and even his past which exposes Felix to a lot of realizations.

-Julius is legit possessing Alex and chose to save his soul before it could pass on, Alex may be in a dolls body, but the two work on escaping together and Alex values Julius's efforts to save him. Especially when he chooses Alex over himself in the story. (His crush is cute ok lemme have this.)

Alex Shot Cupid: ..... You knew it was going to be Julex right. It'd be silly if not lmao.

Field King: Okay.... so. Weirdly enough Osix is my favorite Ship out of this au. Don't get me wrong I still looooooovvveee Bendystraw for this au.

But they both were tortured by sovereigns and were saved by a Sovereign, had to slowly adjust to the situations thrown at them and even had issues trusting each other. Only to find they both share a lot in common.

And Felix is very cute when taking care of Oswald's remaining 35 kids.

The bois need comfort and why not from someone who understands their pain.

4 Dumbasses living together: Bendystraw

This was my first Bendystraw au and I've seriously clung to this thing for 5 years and you'll have to tear it from my cold dead hands.

It was a close call with the Osix in the story, but the only reason Osix didn't win was due to the fact that Felix doesn't really listen to Oswald through out the original story of the au.

It's changed a bit now, but even with the new additions. Felix and Oswald's souls are Deteriorating through out the whole story which drives the 2 pretty crazy and twists their love into something almost evil

if it weren't for the small moments where Felix and Oswald break through the warped soul connection and connect even if for 5 seconds they'd lose a lot more points.

The Sun Crashed : Another Tie. (Catnap x Dogday) & (Alastor x Simon)

I would have added Picky Piggy X Maggie Marco....

But then I'd go on and on about all of the ships I put into the au and all of them would be listed cause I love them all almost equally but the Sun Siblings relationships beat out the rest cause I like the argumentitive Simon and Alastor moments and just the cute Dogday and Catnap ones.

[lesbianneopolitan]

hey hey, figured i'd send stuff in for the ask meme! ٩(^ᴗ^)۶ 14) what's one thing you own that you're sure no one else has? 27) most controversial take? 28) favorite ship and why?

Deep/Fun Questions to Ask!

14) what's one thing you own that you're sure no one else has?

this Rutledge Asylum tag, from the universe of American McGee's Alice!

it was a reward in McGee's Patreon once, the numbers were limited to the people that were signed up to the Patreon at that time, so it's literally unique lol

27) most controversial take?

fiction doesn't affect reality in a 1:1 scale, there's more nuance to it than some people think

I can't believe I count that as controversial though but like *cries*

28) favorite ship and why?

I flip-flop between fave ships like it's no one's business- but I would say that atm it's Ame x KAngel (Amecest) and Togachako

Ame x KAngel because I've always thought it's pretty tragic falling in love with yourself or another version of yourself, like, so lonely that the only person that can truly comprehend you is yourself, plus, even if KAngel doesn't stop being Ame, there's beauty in Ame actually being saved by the angel she herself created- like, you hate yourself but you also love part of yourself, even if KAngel is an act and not the real you, and thus a lie, and it's insane but I partially relate to these when it comes to selfcest

and Togachako because it holds a special place in my heart due to me and my gf being p similar to that ship, WOOPSIE!!

[cornerofhell]

For a BarclayPierce prompt: Maybe something where Andy adopts Alice after the events of Curse and Andy is able to visit Nica? ☺️

You betcha!!!!

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

She'd grown up in hospitals. Not even just for check ups on her spine. It seemed almost every sneeze or booboo lead her to one, despite it usually being something minor. Her mother's worry was constant.

But at least she was there.

A few months. Nica had been at the asylum for a few months, and every second that ticked by she hated it. It was a nightmare she wanted to wake up from. Her family destroyed. Not a moment of peace. The stares of hatred from the residents and doctors. Hardly knowing where she was because of the drugs they pumped her full of.

And that son of a bitch was still out there.

The woman thought of that as she was wheeled down the hallway to the visitor's lounge by a nurse. She pondered who could possibly be visiting her. Wasn't like she had many people left, and Alice was in foster care, not that she'd want her to see her like thi-

"Auntie Nica!"

The door to the visitor's lounge was opened and Nica's eyes grew wide as she saw that precious little girl she hadn't stopped thinking of, running towards her. Not with a glare or malice, but a look of relief, and a smile.

"ALICE!" She wrapped her arms around the little girl tightly, as if to make sure she was real. "Oh god sweetheart, I- how are you-"

Nica looked over to where the girl had ran from, and saw a bearded man sitting next to her doctor. Said doctor had a smile that one would wear after sucking on a lemon.

Alice was gently peeled away from Nica's arms by the nurse, as the rules required, so the little girl ran over to sit by the man the woman swore she recognized, as she was wheeled over to join the group. Said nurse took a step back, so Nica could finally take a good look at her niece's savior.

It became quite clear who the man was once she got a close look, her jaw going slack as Doctor Foley spoke. "You've been working on yourself a bit and we've faced some progress, so I thought I'd give you this. Nica, this is-" "Andy Barclay."

The man who tried to submit evidence at her trial, the man she had taunted Chucky about his futile attempts at killing, the man who Alice sat comfortably beside."What are you-" "He's Alice's foster father. " Nica could have sworn he looked at Andy with... some form of malice, but shook it off, turning towards the fellow victim.

"Alice has been begging me to see you. Sorry it took so long, we've been trying to get her settled and-" "No no! Don't- don't apologize, you taking her in was more than enough." Alice reached over and grabbed Nica's hand, grabbing the aunt's attention, and for the first time in months, a smile reached her lips.

"Auntie Nica, I know you didn't do it, Andy saved me from... The bad guy. He's a superhero! He's really nice." Nica's eyes flicked back to Andy, and their eyes met for what seemed like a full minute, almost reading each other's minds within such a small time span.

A sense of relief washed over the woman, and she nodded, turning back to face her niece and squeezing her hand, feeling the eyes on her as she lied and yet told the truth at the same time. "Foster care can be scary, a lot of bad guys. I'm glad you got a good guy, honey."

Out of the corner of her eye, Nica swore she saw Andy smirk at her reference, and knew she was right. Her niece was in good hands.

Maybe there was hope.

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

Alright so: Alice was possessed by Chucky, but the cops got there before Tiffany and sent "Alice" into foster care when her grandma was found "dead by natural causes". Fatal flaw is, Andy tortured Alice's location out of the Chucky head and in the nick of time, he got Alice. Hiring a priest to get Chucky's soul out. Alice now knows Chucky isn't a good person, and Andy helps her through it, while trying to find a way to get Nica out, and to figure out why her doctor is so attatched.

Nica knows they can't talk about Chucky around her doctors, but even still she knows Alice is safe in Andy's care, and it gives her hope that she's not "insane" like everyone thinks, and also a happiness that she's not hated for once for something she didn't do, and has some family left.

Please ask for more of these, this was so fun.

[ometochtli2rabbit]

MAYA:

13.0.12.13.5

oxlajun[13] CHICCHAN|KA'AN [snake] - ox [3] XUL

galactic tone: ascension/ universal movement

sun sign: SERPENT| snake/red/east

ask for flexibility and fluidity

NAHUA:

mahtlactli-onei [13] - COATL [snake]

Citlalicue Chalchihuitlice

toznene {parrot]

lord of the night: Itztli

trecena [13]: Chalchihuitlicue

x: ome[2] - QUECHOLLI (precious feather/launched spear)

"The Courtship, Success Magazine Cover", J.C. Leyendecker, 1905.

"The Successors of the Empire", Kateryna Lysovenko, 2022.

The thirteen day period (trecena) that starts with day 1-Acatl (Reed) is ruled by Chalchihuitlicue, goddess of lakes, rivers and seas, goddess of horizontal waters. This trecena signifies the transitory nature of all that we may gain in life: it is a reminder to view success and failure, gain and loss, as matters of fate and not as matters of personal worth. The elementals do not reward nor punishment our efforts but, rather, construct the maze within which we might perfect our hearts. The 13 days of this trecena reveal our hearts to us, based on whether we have decided to live within the house of shadows or to seek the secret of happiness elsewhere. These are good days to travel to new places; bad days to hide in fear.

As this trecana ends {13 day period], let us examine our ideas of SUCCESS:

Prince: New Power Generation (Pt. 2)

Alice Cooper: The Great American Success Story

Gladys Knight: Overnight Success

George Strait: Overnight Success

Anita Pointer: Overnight Success

The Weather Girls: Success

Loretta Lynn: Success

Rilo Kiley: Pictures of Success

Nipsey Hussle: Can't Spell Success

Bonnie Raitt: What is Success

Tony Rebel: Success

Kiara Simone: Success

The Who: Success Story

Night Ranger: The Secret of My Success

Ariana Grande: Successful

Young MA: Successful

Tamara and the Dreams: Successful Bisexual

Neil Young: Kansas

Skeeter Davis: Ladder of Success

Ray Davies: Ladder of Success

Christina Aguilera: Believe Me

Interpol: Success

Linda Perry: Success

Roxette: Dressed for Success

Jodeci: Success

Graham Parker: Success

P!nk: Save My Life

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils: Commercial Success

Mobb Deep: Still Shinin'

Soul Asylum: Success is Not So Sweet

Tomahawk: Sweet Smell of Success

Frank Sinatra: Mr. Success

Rod Stewart: Jodie

Judy Collins: Sweetheart on Parade

Elvis Presley: Never Say Yes

Bob Dylan: Love Minus Zero/ No Limit

Elton John: House of Cards

John Frusciante: Blood on My Neck from Success

Violent Femmes: Rules of Success

Elvis Costello and the Attractions: Success

The Rolling Stones: Shattered

Morrissey: We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful & My Life is a Succession of People Saying Goodbye

The Stranglers: Sweet Smell of Success

Buzzcocks: Successful Street

Iggy Pop: Success

Pink Floyd: Chapter 24

Queen: Life is Real (Song for Lennon)

Sinead O'Connor Success Has Made a Failure of Our Home

Duran Duran: Success

Nat King Cole: You Can Depend on Me

Paul McCartney: Angry

Depeche Mode: Alone

Lana Del Rey: National Anthem

John Lennon: Woman

[starboishifting]

— 🗝 : what is your most niche dr and why did you make it?

my most niche d/r is one i don't even have in my bio; it's based on the 'splintered' series by a.g. howard, which was my absolute favorite thing in the entire world when i was a tween/young teen. it's a dark and twisted tale of wicked wonderland magic that swept me completely off my feet when i was a child.

the base moral of it is that this girl is alice liddel's three-times-great grandaughter (alice liddel as in alice in wonderland alice). she can hear the plants and bugs speaking, and she has these flashes of memory that seem far too realistic for a child's mind to have come up with in dreams. her mother is in an asylum, completely and utterly mad, and the girl (alyssa) has come to find out that maybe, her mother (and her) aren't quite so mad after all.

in a quick summary, she falls in love a few times, saves the world a few times, gets married a few times, etc etc. life is good, some people die but no one minds, it's great. they're all free on kindle unlimited if you have it, i definitely recommend giving them a read. they're pg-13, so don't worry about inappropriate-ness, though there are many incredibly dark themes and elements that are described in detail.

thank you for the ask, i so loved answering it

[captainjacklyn]

Another DOL post..I'm never stopping with these, it's just fun for me to share my characters which I am disappointed to not be able to draw. My art skills can be easily bested by that of a six year old's hand paint.

He indeed identifies as a male though if you saw the previous post about him (the first post about him really) Elias can change his genitals, due to his human DNA being mixed with several different animals.

Degrees of Lewdity :

ReLaTiOnShIpS :

ROBIN

"Robin? You better be careful with him, if I find out that you're planning something- Uh? Oh, you just want to get to know him? Very well, I guess that's alright, I'm not even sure why I got worked up. It's his fault if he gets into trouble...doesn't mean I wouldn't go out of my way to protect him."

Looks after Robin.

Acts like a mother for him, highly strict and demanding when interacting face to face but behind the scenes, he does everything he can to look after him and make sure he's safe.

The only one Elias genuinely cares for.

*pat pat* you stay there and play games while I sell my body to take your debt okay?

Good.

Manipulates this one like crazy, "I'M DOING ALL OF THIS FOR YOU HOW DARE YOU TALK BACK TO ME-"

His words not mine.

SYDNEY

"He's my partner if that's what you were wondering, I've spent quite a good amount of time with him. Don't fill his mind with too many lewd thoughts if you plan on seducing him, his purity is rather useful. He even gifted me a dress last week..Mhm? Yes..I am fond of Sydney."

Elias doesn't particularly understand his own emotions.

He just likes having Sydney since his privileged life/status makes it easier for him as well.

Did go out of his way to spend time with him at the beach, proceeded to question every single idea which led him to do so.

WHITNEY

"Whitney tried to use me for quick money making on multiple occasions, you ram your knee in the balls and run, he doesn't take hits there very nicely."

Yeah no.

They don't get along.

Elias just ignores him whenever he tries to interact, will dismiss him when the time comes.

I've tried to allow it, but from the shaming to the constant abusive scenarios, there isn't much to allow.

KYLAR

"He got his ass thrown into prison, and for all I know, he just belongs to the asylum. I assure you that I attempted to aid him, he wasn't treated very kindly so I assumed to have found someone I can understand and relate to. Turns out he was a perverted psycho...Oh really ? I'll give you this one fact, Kylar never loved me, he just wanted to keep me as a possession."

Dismissed Kylar.

You think this guy wants to make out with the equivalent of a pathetic wet rat ? He doesn't even know if he likes the librarian who treats him with kindness.

Nuh-uh.

Nah.

Stans are coming after me, but my boy openly defended a dude who decided to stalk him in response.

BAILEY

"...What about Bailey? He has done many things for me as a child, I know that our hearts have never been one, I see that now. But if it means seeing her again..I'll pay him off, I'll pay Robin's debt along with my own and we'll run from this god forsaken swill of a town."

The first reason as to why Elias is so hardworking is because he believes that once his debt is fully repaid, he'll be able to see Monika.

Otto Hightower and Alicent toxic dad and daughter~

Woohoo and the line of trauma doesn't stop there cause Elias also treats Robin like SHIT-

The pressure of needing to save those he cares for is so great that it causes him to install his own suffering on them as well.

You're stronger than you think Elias, you're strong enough to stand as a wall between Robin and Bailey, between Sydney and Himself, between the Orphans and this Fucked up Place.

Burn your feelings to the ground and carry on.

Woah too emotional on the last one chill-

[fakebatmanfan]

Opinions on Haunted Knight Jervis?

I love Haunted Knight Jervis. Matter-of-factly, I love that comic in general. I always recommend it to people when they ask me about comics. That, and Joker's Asylum.

If you're wondering if I'll write for him or not, I will, but only SFW, NSFW and yandere alphabet or general headcanons because he's not one of my main Jervi, if that makes sense.

I've said this before somewhere, but I find Haunted Knight Jervis oddly charming. Like, when he saves Barbra Gordon from those thugs - UGGGGHHHHH!! My heart!

It's super interesting how he only talks in Alice in Wonderland quotes, too. He really has that nuance I crave with Jervis, because, though you can tell that he's very far gone, he's clearly also extremely intelligent.

[braveclementine]

Volterra and Volturi

Warnings: None

Copyright: I do not own any Twilight characters or locations. I do own Davina Mikelson and Marcel. I also own the backstory for my OC. I do not condone any copying of this.

Davina P.O.V.

As Alice drove, she chatted about what the rest of the family had been doing. I found that they had moved to New York. Carlisle was teaching at Cornell part time which was, you know, just fantastic. So glad he was enjoying himself.

Emse was doing some historical reconstruction of some seventeenth century building. Emmett and Rosalie had gone to Europe for a honeymoon. Jasper was learning philosophy at Cornell. Alice meanwhile, had been doing some digging about her own past.

"My name was Mary Alice Brandon. I had a little sister named Cynthia. Her daughter- my niece- is still alive in Biloxi."

Mississippi.

"Did you find out why they put you in. . . that place? What would drive parents to that extreme? Even if their daughter saw visions of the future. . ." Bella asked.

"I couldn't find much about them. I went through all the old newspapers on microfiche. My family wasn't mentioned often; they weren't part of the social circle that made the papers. My parents' engagement was there, and Cynthia's. My birth was announced. . . and my death. I found my grave. I also filched my admissions sheet from the old asylum archives. The date on the admission and the date on my tombstones are the same."

The Cullens had been completely together- Edward was not with them- and they had been spending Spring Break in Denali with Tanya's family.

'Maybe Carlisle and Tanya are together' I thought blandly and was glad that I hadn't dragged Sam up there when I'd wanted to. That would've meant running into Carlisle and Sam probably would've tried killing him.

I sighed, peering out the window.

Once we got to the airport, I quickly made sure that my wig was in place before getting out of the car. Alice quickly bought three tickets to Italy. We would have to make a stop in New York and then board another plane through a connection to Italy.

There were no problems in the airport. People barely looked at me, which was such a relief I could laugh. My passport wasn't even looked at twice. Soon, we were on the plane. Bella's leg was bouncing up and down and Alice muttered, "It's faster than running."

Bella simply nodded.

I pulled out the book I'd brought with me. Yes, I know, I brought a book to save Edward from his demise. But really, if we were going to die, then I wanted to be enjoying a book.

I was reading The Necromancer: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel. It was the fourth book in a series of six. It truly was a shame that I might not have the chance to finish the series off.

Alice lifted the phone off the back of the seat as the plane rose into the sky while Bella eyed the stewardress. I listened in to see who Alice was talking to. ". . . changing his mind. . . a killing spree through the city, attacking the guard, lifting a car over his head in the main square. . . mostly things that would expose them- he knows that's the fastest way to force a reaction. . . No, you can't! Tell Emmett no. . . Well, go after Emmett and Rosalie and bring them back. . . Think about it, Jasper. If he sees any of us, what do you think he will do?"

Pause.

She nodded, "Exactly. I think Bella and mom are the only chance- if there is a chance. . . I'll do everything that can be done, but prepare Carlisle-" His name sent shocks through my heart, "- the odds aren't good."

She laughed with a catch in her throat, "I've thought of that. . . Yes, I promise. Don't follow me. I promise, Jasper. One way or another, I'll get out. . .And I love you."

My heart caught in my throat. I felt so bad for her.

She hung up and closed her eyes, leaning back in her seat, "I hate lying to him."

I nodded. I hated lying to Sam. There was definitely a chance none of us were getting out of this.

Not that it mattered to me. My parents- dead. My brother Kol- dead. There was Sam and my werewolf sons. . . but they could get along without me. They'd be okay without me. They could survive. Sam had Emily. They had each other.

I rubbed the tattoo on my wrist. I loved them. I truly loved them. They were my family now. I wish I didn't have to leave them.

"Tell me everything, Alice. I don't understand. Why did you tell Jasper to stop Emmett, why can't they come help us?" Bella asked.

"Two reasons. The first I told him. We could try to stop Edward ourselves- if Emmett could get his hands on him, we might be able to stop him long enough to convince him, you're alive. But we can't sneak up on Edward. And if he sees us coming for him, he'll just act that much faster. He'll throw a Buick through a wall or something, and the Volturi will take him down."

She paused, thinking deeply and then added, "That's the second reason of course, the reason I couldn't say to Jasper. Because if they're there and the Volturi kill Edward, they'll fight them. Bella. If there was any chance we could win. . . if there was a way that the four of us could save my brother by fighting for him, maybe it would be different. But we can't, and, Bella, I can't lose Jasper like that."

Especially since he'd spent so much of his life fighting.

"Couldn't Edward hear you, though? Wouldn't he know, as soon as he heard your thoughts, that I was alive, that there was no point to this?" Bella asked in confusion.

"You can lie with your thoughts." I answered quietly.

"Exactly." Alice said sadly. "If you had died, I would still try to stop him. And I would be thinking 'she's alive, she's alive' as hard as I could. He knows that."

Bella gritted her teeth in frustration. I could only imagine her anger. If Carlisle had tried pulling this crap I would be angry too. After all, they didn't want us anymore. They had casted us aside like an unwanted dog that bit to much. Carlisle hadn't even bothered to say good-bye to me.

"If there was any way to do this without you, Bella, mom, I wouldn't be endangering you two like this. It's very wrong of me."

"Don't be stupid. I'm the last thing you should be worrying about. Tell me what you meant, about hating to lie to Jasper." Bella said, shaking her head.

She smiled grimly. "I promised him I would get out before they killed me, too. It's not something I can guarantee- not by a long shot."

"Who are these Volturi?" Bella asked. "What makes them so much more dangerous than Emmett, Jasper, Rosalie, and you?"

I mostly stopped listening at this point. I knew they were dangerous. Aro could hear every thought in your head with one touch of your body. Marcus could test familial bonds, test and see where they were weak, gauge how strong they are.

There was Jane who could cause pain by looking at you. And then her opposite twin Alec who would cause no feelings at all. Then there was Demetri who could track you down knowing nothing but your name. Felix was as strong as Emmett, maybe stronger. Chelsea keeps the guard together with bonds and can also break bonds. Renata was Aro's shield. Santiago who also possessed great strength. Heidi was a bit of a fisher, able to lure the humans into Volterra for the others to eat.

I shivered, pulling out my earbuds. I drowned myself in babymetal so that I couldn't hear anything else.

I let the heavy metal with cute Japanese little girl voices sing in my head until I felt a jarring motion and realized we had landed in New York. Huh, it had felt rather short.

I pulled out my earbuds as Bella made Alice get up. We ran to get to our connection, but it was worth it as the plane took off almost immediately. I immediately set myself back into Baby metal, trying to fall asleep.

A few minutes- hours really- Alice motioned to both Bella and I excitedly. I groggily extracted my earbuds from my ears, wondering what she was so excited about. Night had fallen outside the windows.

"What's wrong?" Bella muttered.

"It's not wrong. It's right. They're deliberating, but they've decided to tell him no." Alice said with a smile.

That was good?

"The Volturi?" Bella muttered again.

"Of course, Bella, keep up. I can see what they're going to say."

"Tell me."

"Can I get you ladies a pillow?" A male flight attendant asked. I knew my wig was slightly loose so I didn't dare look at him.

"No, thank you." Alice said.

"Tell me." Bella said again.

"They're interested in him- they think his talent could be useful. They're going to offer him a place with them."

"What will he say?" Bella asked curiously while I gingerly fixed the hairline on the red wig. The bun was starting to give me a headache. I would be able to take it off once we were in Italy.

"I can't see that yet, but I'll be it's colourful. This is the first good news- the first break. They're intrigued; they truly don't want to destroy him- 'wasteful,' that's the word Aro will use- and that may be enough to force him to get creative. The longer he spends on his plans, the better for us."

Okay so it was good news. Good.

"Alice?"

"What?"

"I'm confused. How are you seeing this so clearly? And then other times, you see things far away- things that don't happen?" Bella asked curiously.

"It's clear because it's immediate and close, and I'm really concentrating. The faraway things that come on their own- those are just glimpses, faint maybes. Plus, I see my kind more easily than yours. Edward is even easier because I'm so attuned to him."

"You see me sometimes." Bella added.

"Not as clearly." Alice said.

"Clear enough you saw her cliff diving." I grunted.

Bella sighed, "I really wish you could have been right about me. In the beginning, when you first saw things about me, before we even met. . ."

"What do you mean?" Alice asked curiously.

"You saw me become one of you." Bella muttered so quietly I almost missed it. I almost sighed aloud.

Alice did sigh. "It was a possibility at the time."

"At the time." Bella repeated dully.

"Actually, Bella. . . Honestly, I think it's all gotten beyond ridiculous. I'm debating whether to just change you myself." Alice finally said.

I froze and so did Bella.

"Did I scare you? I thought that's what you wanted." Alice asked, confused, staring between the two of us.

"I do! Oh, Alice, do it now! I could help you so much- and I wouldn't slow you down. Bite me!"

"Jesus Bella." I hissed. "Shut up."

"Try to be reasonable." Alice said. "We don't have enough time. We have to get into Volterra tomorrow. You'd be writhing in pain for days. And I don't think the other passengers would react well."

"If you don't do it now, you'll change your mind."

"No. I don't think I will. He'll be furious, but what will he be able to do about it?"

"Nothing at all."

She laughed quietly and then added as an afterthought, "You have to much faith in me, Bella. I'm not sure that I can. I'll probably just end up killing you."

"I'll take my chances." Bella said stupidly.

"You are so bizarre, even for a human." Alice pointed out.

"Thanks." Bella said.

"Oh well, this is purely hypothetical at this point, anyway. First we have to live through tomorrow."

"Good point." Bella sounded excited. She looked sideways at me, "Will you be a vampire?"

I shook my head, "There's no point. Instead of a life time of sickness and suffering, it would just be endless forever suffering. No thanks."

"When you're a vampire, you might capture Carlisle's attention." Bella pointed out. "He wouldn't need distractions."

I scoffed, "Why would I chase a man who doesn't want me? If he doesn't love me as a human then he's not going to love me as a vampire. I shouldn't have to change myself to permanently to get his attention. Besides, Vampires aren't allowed on the Quileute rez so I'd much rather stay human thank you very much."

Bella was silent for a moment, probably lost in her own world again.

I fell back asleep and didn't wake again until the sky was turning pink and orange. I noticed Alice's late night enthusiasm was gone as we started to touch down in Florence, Italy. She was already talking to Bella and I listened in as I stretched, getting ready to exit the plane.

". . .got very close. He changed his mind at the last minute."

"He wouldn't want to disappoint Carlisle. Not at the end." Bella murmured.

"Probably."

"Will there be enough time?" Bella questioned.

"I'm hoping so- if he sticks to his latest decision, maybe." Alice said, but she didn't sound particularly hopeful.

"What is that?" Bella and I asked together.

"He's going to keep it simple. He's just going to walk out into the sun."

I didn't know if it would be enough. There were a lot of things that could be say. Reflective surfaces taped to his skin, glitter, sparkles, diamonds imbedded in his skin- hey rappers did weird things like that all the time- etc. There could be a very good reason for why his skin was sparkling. Grand effects for whatever.

". . . wants the biggest audience possible, so he'll choose the main plaza, under the clock tower. The walls are high there. He'll wait till the sun is exactly overhead."

"So we have till noon?" Bella asked.

"If we're lucky. If he sticks with this decision."

"How far is it from Florence to Volterra?"

"That depends on how fast you drive. . . Bella? Davina?"

"Yes?" We asked together, looking at her. I pulled on my leather jacket, fixing my wig slightly when no one was looking.

"How strongly are you opposed to grand theft auto?"

I grinned.

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

We careened down the road in a bright yellow Porsche. Honestly, I was having the time of my life, beaming, the wind down just slightly to feel the heavy breeze rolling through.

"There's Volterra." Alice announced after about fifteen or so minutes of driving. We'd been weaving in and out of traffic which had been terrifying at first, but I knew Alice wouldn't crash. I wasn't even wearing my seat belt.

I looked over to the see the city that looked like it was built on a mountain. It was all the same tan colour and it looked like a maze of walls and roads and buildings. The main plaza was probably smack dab in the middle, making it a literal maze. The surrounding area was forest of green trees and luscious fields.

We were so totally dead.

Alice drove through the roads, showing me that there were indeed layers to the city. She beeped as she tried not running people over. Everyone jumped out of the way, everyone was also wearing red which was really, really weird.

"Why are they all in red?" Bella asked as Alice moved through a large crowd of people.

"Saint Marcos Day festival." Alice replied with complete indifference, "They're commemorating the expulsion of vampires from the city. It's the perfect setting."

I snorted from the irony.

"The Volturi will never let him reveal himself."

"We have five minutes." Bella was practically crying in the front seat. I could feel my heart beating faster as my stomach churned at the deadline.

"Bella, just breathe." Alice said.

Police officers stopped us at the next check point. "Let's go." I muttered to Bella, throwing my door open. Bella threw her door open as well and we started to run.

"Where are we going?" Bella shouted after me.

"The clocktower of course." I shouted behind me.

Bella and I ran, pushing past people in red as much as we could. We ran up stairs, down alleyways as we searched for the clocktower.

The sun was beating down on us and I stripped off the leather jacket, wishing I'd brought something different so I could just tie it around my waist. Instead, I just held it under my arm as I sprinted, pushing past more people.

Me and Bella came to a stop as we reached a wall of people that were watching a parade go by.

"Come on." I muttered, starting to push through people. If I had to cross the parade to get to my son, I would.

Me and Bella dashed through an opening in the parade, continuing to cut through people. I could see the clock tower in front of us.

Pushing through the crowd of people, we suddenly found ourselves in front of a fountain. 'Well damn' I thought.

The clock hit twelve.

"Fuck." I cursed aloud, jumping up on the fountain, running along the edge of it like a balance beam, except it was wider than a beam.

I could see Edward walking out of the door and I could hear Bella screaming Edward's name behind me.

"Damn you Eddie." I muttered, sprinting towards him. I could hear splashing in the fountain and I knew that Bella was running across the fountain. I leapt off the stone fountain edge as he finished unbuttoning his shirt. Bella suddenly tore past me, water flying off her shoes as he stepped out into the light, tackling him backwards into the church.

Bella and I shoved him together into the clock tower, the doors slamming behind me. "Bella? Mom?"

I huffed, furious now that Edward was alive and in my sights, "You complete arsehole Edward Cullen!"

Edward looked slightly abashed, but he couldn't keep his attention on me for long, turning to Bella instead. I rolled my eyes, leaning against the stone wall. We'd probably have to stay here until night set. I hoped Alice could find us.

Was Bella really going to forgive Edward so quickly? Oh yep, they were kissing. Well damn.

I really hoped we took planes straight back to Forks and then they could go to Alaska to see the others. The last thing I wanted to do was see Carlisle again. The others- fine. My kids- fantastic, Esme- wonderful. Carlisle- fuck me.

Wrong choice of words.

Screw him.

No, wait.

Shit.

Suddenly, there was a noise like an elevator and I looked over to see two pale, male figures making their way over to us.

One was slightly smaller with blond hair while the other was bigger, hulk like, with dark hair.

"I won't be needing your services after all, gentlemen." Edward said, holding Bella close.

"Aro wants to speak with you again." The bigger folk said.

"No rules were broken." Edward protested.

"Nonetheless, we should take this conversation to a more appropriate venue." The smaller man said, looking at me and winking. I raised an eyebrow. Now that he was closer, I saw the blond was more of a dirty brown blond.

"Fine." Edward said. "Bella, Davina, why don't you two go and enjoy the rest of the festival?"

"The girls come with us." The bigger man said.

"Ooh lovely." I snarked under my breath.

"No. You can go to hell." Edward said.

"Eddie." I said sharply, raising an eyebrow.

Alice stepped in at that second, lowering the head scarf she had been wearing. "Come on guys. It's a festival. You wouldn't want to make a scene."

"We wouldn't." The dark haired man said when a third figure appeared. She was mostly definitely blond with large red eyes.

"Enough." She announced, tossing her hood back.

"Jane." Edward whispered.

"Aro sent me to see what was taking so long." Jane said, looking up at the darker haired man, then the lighter, looking at the other three, then me, before turning and going back the way she came. There was a no nonsense air about her and it made Edward follow after, Bella's hand tightly in his own. Alice followed after and I went with them.

The other two vampires waited till I passed by to bring up the rear.

The bigger man held out a red robe for Edward to put on, which he did.

"Go ahead." Jane said as she reached the part where the stairs turned downwards. We walked past and now the three of them were bringing up the rear.

Now that Edward was safe, I truly wasn't scared. We would meet Aro. We would either live or die. Personally, I preferred life, but it truly wasn't the biggest worry if I died. Although, admittedly, I hadn't redeemed myself yet and would probably be going to hell.

Eternal hell.

Lovely.

We finally filed into an elevator. While the others stood upright and stiff, I leaned against the wall. The better looking man, the small one who had winked, was staring at me. I looked back.

"Don't touch. I bite." I said, raising my eyebrows.

He grinned, "Oh, I like you."

I titled my head a little in acknowledgement. Jane snorted up front. The elevator music was horrible.

"Opera. Terrible." I muttered as the doors opened. The man snorted in laughter. The bigger man rolled his eyes.

We stepped into a lobby of sorts, a human woman behind the desk. I was surprised, but perhaps I shouldn't have been.

"Is she human?" Bella asked up front. I was walking between the man that seemed to like me- or at least I amused him- and Alice.

"Yes." Edward said.

"Does she know?" Bella asked after a few seconds.

"Yes." Edward was being quiet, like he didn't want anyone else to hear, which was ridiculous because I could hear which meant the vampires around us certainly could.

"Then why would. . .She wants to be." Bella answered her own question.

"And so she will be." The man next to me said.

"Or dessert." Jane said calmly ahead of us.

I rolled my eyes.

Jane opened up two double doors in front of us and revealed a large room that looked like a dome. In fact, it probably was. There were quite a few windows, but not enough for the light to fully reach the ground and make the vampires around us sparkle.

There weren't many vampires at all, two guards near the door, a young man in the middle of the floor, and three sitting upon thrones up on an altar.

"Sister, they send you out to get one and you come back with two." The vampire who must be Alec said. "And two halves making three. Such a clever girl."

I bit my tongue to keep from making a sarcastic remark.

The vampire sitting upon the middle throne- most likely Aro- stood, throwing his arms out wide. What a happy surprise! Bella is alive after all!" He stepped down the steps as we stopped.

He clapped his hands together, walking with normal speed towards us. Honestly, he wasn't that bad looking. His long black hair was pulled back in a ponytail and despite his three thousand year old age, he didn't look a day over thirty. His eyes of course, were red and I liked to image what they would look like if they were golden.

"Isn't that wonderful!" He finished. He reached out for Edwards' hand, "I love a happy ending. They are so rare."

I agreed. They were pretty much nonexistent.

He said something in Italian that I didn't bother understand because- I didn't know Italian. But whatever it was made Aro turn to look at Bella and he said, "Her blood appeals to you so much. . . it makes me thirsty."

I nearly snorted, but kept my attitude. Pretty sure a royal vampire king wasn't the kind of vampire I wanted to piss off.

"How can you stand to be so close to her?"

"It's not without difficulty." Edward responded.

"Yes, I can see that." Aro laughed, still holding Edward's hand. I had thought he only needed to briefly touch it, not hold it for extended periods of time.

I shifted my attention to the two vampires on the other thrones. Caius was even more handsome than in the painting. Not as good as Lucius Malfoy, of course, but still, rather decent. Marcus on the other hand looked like he had never gotten over the English days of King George.

I had clearly missed conversation as Aro turned his eyes to Bella and said, "Fascinating. I would love to see if. . ." He finally dropped Edward's hand, stepping back, "you are an exception to my gifts, as well." He held out his hand. Bella, after some hesitation, stepped forward and gave Aro her hand. "Would you do me the honor?"

I let my gaze wander until it landed on the other vampire again who winked. I smirked and then turned my attention back to Aro who was looking rather perturbed.

"Interesting. I see nothing. I wonder. . ." He turned his back, walking slightly back to his throne, "Let us see if she is immune to all our powers. Shall we, Jane?"

I hesitated for a fraction of an inch. Jane, of course, created pain with her mind. I did not want that to be used on Bella, but at the same time. . . I did not think that it would.

"No!" Edward protested, going to move in front of Bella when I stepped in front of Edward.

"Don't." I warned him. "Edward, stay calm and stay here."

Edward hesitated under my stern gaze and I raised an eyebrow. Jane turned her attention on Bella. Edward went to move and I put my hand on his shoulder. "Don't."

We waited, watching as Jane continued to gaze at Bella. Bella gazed back and nothing happened.

Aro started to laugh. I took it back. It was terribly creepy and I was really starting to dislike him. I let go of Edward's shoulder, moving back into the background.

"Remarkable." Aro said, clapping his hands together. Jane stared at him. "She confounds us all."

Aro turned to me, "And who are you?"

"Davina Michaelson." I replied.

"Ah yes, the Cullen mother." Aro said softly. "Carlisle's mate."

I rolled my eyes. "Not really, but sure."

"And does Edward have difficulty reading your mind?" Aro asked.

"No." I replied.

"Might I?" Aro asked, holding out his hand.

"I quite like my privacy, thank you."

"Mom." Edward hissed under his breath.

I wavered, glancing at him and then at Aro who looked intrigued.

If I was going to tell someone all of my deepest, darkest secrets, this vampire was the last person I wanted to know. Not to mention, Edward would be able to see everything as it flashed through Aro's mind.

It was uncomfortable feeling. Aro would know every moment of my life from the moment I was born to now. He would know about my relationship with Carlisle, what happened with my parents, and how I had nearly killed three different vampires using wooden stakes and a lighter.

"Edward, stay out of his head and mine." I said, holding out my hand.

Aro ignored it, stepping forward, his hands on either side of my face, pressing his lips to mine. I was shocked and froze. Memories flooded my mind. My first step, my fourth birthday party, playing in the ocean with Sam, my Uncle Josh greeting us at Fort Knox, Azim, my first kiss, the bombs, the death, the screaming, and everything else up until this moment.

Aro didn't let go of my hand for a very long time. It was cold, like all vampires hands, and there was a smoothness to it that suggested age. Almost soft.

We stared into each others' eyes before he finally let go. "You have one of the most traumatic lives I have ever seen." Aro whispered. "How do you handle it at such a young age?"

"I'm Davina Michaelson. I survive." I stated flatly.

"Strange, and your blood does not appeal to me, nor anyone else in this room." Aro murmured, almost to himself.

"Pretty sure that's a good thing." I said and I saw the man smile out of the corner of my eye. Felix on the other hand rolled his eyes.

"Indeed, although you were Carlisle's blood singer. . ." Aro said slowly.

"He has a theory that I'm one side of the spectrum for every vampire. Either the side that does crave my blood period or the side where I'm the blood singer. It's just lovely." I said sarcastically.

Aro smiled, bemused, "So what are we going to do with you now?"

"You already know what you are going to do, Aro." Marcus said from his throne, slouching like he didn't know what good posture was.

"They know to much. They are a liability." Caius said.

Well, so much for thinking he was good looking. I'd stick with the guy who seemed to like me.

"That's true." Aro said.

"Okay so, we're liabilities now." I stated, "But when we become vampires, that makes us not liabilities, right?"

Aro looked at me, "I did not realize you planned on becoming a vampire."

"Alice promised Bella to change her after we saved Edward from trying to die." I replied.

Edward shot me a look.

"And yourself?" Aro asked, raising an eyebrow.

I titled my head, thinking. "I told Carlisle to give me a few years. I wanted to be at least twenty five or older."

"And you're twenty now?"

"Almost twenty-one." I responded. "Coming April."

Aro tilted his head to the side, judging me. I looked at Alice, "You could show him."

Alice nodded, taking off her glove, extending her hand to Aro who took it in almost delight. I watched as Aro and Alice stared at each other. "Mesmerizing." Aro responded in an almost breathless whisper, "To see what you have seen. . . before it has happened." Aro moved in front of Bella, "Your gifts will make for an intriguing immortal." He caressed her cheek. I pursed my lips. I wondered what her gift was going to be.

"Go now." Aro said, backing away from us. "Make your preparations."

"Let us be done with this." Marcus said from his throne. "Heidi will arrive any moment." He stood up.

"Right, time to go." I said, hooking my arm through Alice's.

"Thank you for your visit." Marcus said to us.

Right, well at least he was polite.

"We will return the favor. I would advise that you follow through on your promise soon." Caius said, not rising from his throne. "We do not offer second chances."

Wow, just a ray of sunshine.

"Goodbye, my young friends." Aro said in delight to our backs as we exited the room.

"Nice fishing Heidi." The young man said as we passed by a tall vampire wearing a red dress and black gloves with heels. I felt sick, watching the people file past, especially when I saw that there were two children in the group.

"You have children in the group!" I protested as Edward and Alice led me and Bella faster and farther from the group.

The man looked at me, at first amused, and then almost apologetic. "It happens."

I swallowed hard as I heard the screams. Edward and Alice pushed us through the doors, blocking out the screams.

We went up the elevator.

"Which one are you?" I asked the man. "Santiago or Demetri?"

He looked just the faintest surprised that I knew the names and he said, "Demetri."

"Ah, the tracker." I said with a nod.

He smirked. "Indeed I am. And I think you would make a lovely vampire."

"I'm sure." I smirked.

He brushed my cheek lightly as the doors opened.

"Careful," I warned lightly. "I still bite."

He laughed lightly as I exited the elevator.

"Mom, you shouldn't flirt with him." Edward muttered.

"Yes, well as I am single and not seeing anyone, I have every right to flirt with whoever I feel like." I muttered.

Technically, the Volturi weren't bad people. I supposed if I did become a vampire, I could always come back here. I could see a life as part of the guard, specifically alongside Demetri. But then again, I don't think that would help with my attempts at redemption.

I knew all three of them would be curious about what Aro had meant about my life, but it wasn't any of their business. Edward was safe. Him and Alice would go back to Denali with their family, leaving us alone again.

I wondered if the wolves had caught Victoria yet, or if when we disappeared, she went too.

We caught another plane out of Florence- I had redone my red wig as I had taken it off once we'd landed in Florence the first time.

We landed in Rome and I called Sam.

Emily was the one who picked up, "Davina? Are you alright? Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything is fine. I'm on my way home. I need Sam to pick me up at the airport. Or any of the boys for that matter. We land early in the morning, I have no idea what time it is there right now. I just thought you should know."

"Okay, I'll pass along the message." Emily said, sounding exhausted.

"Thanks Em."

I hung up, leaving the bathroom and rejoining Edward, Alice, and Bella as we got ready to board the long flight from Rome to Atlanta.

I fell asleep during the flight as I was exhausted, dreaming about bombs, running, screaming, and vampires.

I woke up with a headache, feeling sicker than I had in days. I drank a sprite to keep it down. Once we landed in Atlanta, I hurried to the bathroom to throw up and once the plane from Atlanta to Seattle was ready to leave, I felt better.

I fell asleep on this flight as well, feeling well rested when I woke up as the flight landed.

Edward, Alice, and Bella were the first off the flight and then Jasper was there, standing in front of Alice.

Aw shit, the family was here.

I looked around quickly, ignoring the blond and red head in the corner. I couldn't deal with Carlisle right now.

"Davina!" I heard a familiar young voice call.

I broke out in a grin, seeing Seth, Jared, and Sam there. I ran over to them, hugging them all fiercely. "Hey guys."

"Why are you wearing a red wig?" Seth asked in confusion. I took it off, stuffing it in my bag along with my fake passport.

"No reason." I lied. "Are you ready to go home?"

"Sure." Sam said, glaring over my shoulder.

"Sam, ignore them." I muttered.

"Are you alright?" Jared asked in concern.

"Yep, just flirted with a few vampires, saved Edward's life, no big deal."

"Alright, well come on mom." Jared said.

"Wait," I paused, really taking in the fact that Seth was here with Sam. I looked from Seth to Sam and then poked Seth's right arm. "Do you have a tattoo there?"

"Oh yeah." Seth grinned, "It's honestly so awesome."

"What colour wolf are you?" I asked.

"Grey." Seth said excitedly. "Leah's one too."

"What!" I exclaimed.

Sam slung an arm around my shoulder, "You smell terrible."

"Thank you ugly." I muttered. "Come on, let's go."

Carlisle P.O.V.

My anxiety swelled as Davina stepped off the plane, looking more beautiful than ever. I felt better than I had in months and I took a moment to see just how sick she was. She was thin, the unhealthy kind of thin, and she didn't give us the time of day, heading straight for the wolves when she landed.

Alice and Edward hesitated, noting my reaction.

"She thinks you hate her." Alice said, sounding apologetic, glancing between Edward and myself. "I think. . . I think you have some things you need to tell both of them Edward."

Edward looked completely ashamed of himself, but was more focused on Bella than anything else, "Yeah, I will."

That wasn't comforting at all.

[victorluvsalice]

AU Thursday: Valicer In The Dark -- Score & Story Ideas Inspired By Other Sources!

Hey, remember this surprisingly-long post of score & story ideas I had for the Valicer In The Dark universe? And how, at the end, I mentioned I still had loads of ideas, these based off other stuff I enjoy or find intriguing in some way? Well, it's taken me longer than anticipated, but here is my surprsingly-long follow-up list of some of those stories! Because you know me and my crossovers -- if I can, I will. :p

-->First up, here's a score idea based off of something unexpected -- the summary of what would have been Alice: Asylum! Now, if you know me, you know that I was never really into this weird prequel/sequel/whatever-the-hell-it-turned-into-before-EA-said-"Nope" entry into the Alice series (justice for Alice Otherlands), and I actually don't know that much about it. But I do know two key things that were apparently part of the final draft, thanks to the wiki:

1. That Wilton Radcliffe, Alice's family's lawyer and that dickhead keeping her rabbit from her in Alice: Madness Returns, was apparently helping Bumby with his activities

2. That Radcliffe, while he was off-screen, somehow sired a daughter, named Angela

That coupled with the fact that I still needed to establish where Alice's beloved toy rabbit (Mr. Bunny, as per my own headcanon) had got to in the VITD universe inspired me to create a score where, after getting a little more settled into their lair and establishing a name for themselves as the Three Pillars, the trio decide to go after Radcliffe to see if they can get Mr. Bunny and whatever's left of Alice's inheritance back. However, when they get to his house, they find it recently abandoned. Searching the place reveals a diary where Radcliffe's role in Bumby's activities is revealed, and his plans to flee the city before the Bluecoats discover he was a collaborator. Specifically, he notes down that he has a meeting with a former "client" on the very day the trio has broken into his house --

Where he intends to hand over his daughter for enough money to get a ticket on a ship heading to Skovlan (a neighboring country, not doing so great after a war with Akoros, where Duskwall is). After Alice recovers from the "when the fuck did he have a child" shock, the trio immediately rush off to the Docks to save Angela and take Radcliffe down, at which aim they of course succeed because fuck Radcliffe. In the process, Alice discovers that Angela has taken Mr. Bunny as her own (renaming him "Rabbity"). Angela, upon realizing that Rabbity is in fact Alice's old toy, offers to give him back, but Alice is content to let him stay with Angela (though she does take the opportunity to give him a big hug first). The trio thus drop Angela off at the new, better Houndsditch run by June, and she quickly becomes fast friends with Charlie. :) Better ending for her than being stuck in eternal limbo, right?

-->I'd already decided a while ago that I wanted to incorporate stuff from Fallout 4 into my personal Duskwall -- "A Murdered Shared Is A Murdered Thirded" is going to have Smiler's parents mention sending Bumby's ledger off to "Miss Wright at Publick Occurrences; she'll make sure everyone knows what he was doing before next Embers," in the final chapter, for example. As for actual scores for the Three Pillars to get involved in, I have two quests so far that I would like to adapt to fit my universe:

Unlikely Valentine -- AKA the quest to save Nick from Skinny Malone! I imagine in this universe the Three Pillars are hired directly by either Ellie or Piper to try and figure out where Nick went while investigating a possible kidnapping by the "Triggermen" -- a new gang on the scene (consisting of a lot of Hounds, since that's the playbook that specializes in guns) that operate out of some half-completed vault some old rich dude once tried to have constructed to protect him and his from another cataclysm. Of course, the twist is that the "kidnappee," a woman named Darla, is actually leader Skinny's new girlfriend and was not keen on going back to her parents, so Nick ended up locked up while the gang tried to decide what to do with him, and the trio have to rescue him AND make sure Skinny and Darla don't decide to just kill them all. And, like in the main game, the other twist is that the trio were expecting Nick to be human, but discover during the rescue that he's a mechanical being -- specifically, that he's a Hull, a steampunk robot animated by a ghost! You see, what happened to this version is Nick is that he died in a scrap with Eddie Winter's gang shortly after the death of his fiancee, Jenny, but the Bluecoat squad he was working with didn't want to lose him and his brilliant detective skills, so they paid off the Spirit Wardens to trap his ghost but NOT dispose of it, and commissioned a human-like robot body for him. Hulls are GENERALLY created with some sort of magical device in them that blunts the mind and free will of the spirit inside so it can be trusted to do tasks, but the Bluecoats were certain they could rely on Nick's loyalty to the department and didn't bother with that. Not like he'd try to escape, right?

...Nick escaped and set up shop on his own in Charhollow the minute he could. XD He's still wrestling with some identity issues (these stemming from the fact that he's now a ghost in a mechanical body that doesn't quite feel like his, but that he doesn't dare leave for fear of losing his mind and becoming a Specter), but he's doing his best to help those who need help in Duskwall, and he is much loved by his community. They just all also happen to be so used to him that nobody thought to tell Victor, Alice, and Smiler what his whole deal is. XD Fortunately the three recover quickly from discovering what he is and manage to get him out without anybody getting killed, and Nick probably becomes one of their contacts from that point on. Nothing like a private detective to help you gather information! (And yes, it would be nice if they could help him finally take down Eddie Winter in a variant of the "Winter's End" quest, but I haven't figured that one out yet...)

When Freedom Calls -- AKA the quest to help Preston take out these damn raiders threatening his group of Quincy survivors! This one is much less fleshed out at the moment, but I know it involves the trio accidentally walking into Preston, holed up in some ruined building in Six Towers (I want to make it a museum, I'm jut not sure of what yet -- one commemorating the Emperor's actions during the Cataclysm?), fighting back against a gang trying to kidnap one of a group of people he's protecting for her mystical powers (much like Jared of the Corvega group of raiders wanted Mama Murphy for her Sight). They end up joining the fight on Preston's side to try and find a way to get his civilians safely out of there...a task somewhat complicated by the arrival of a deathclaw-like Horror (a strange electroplasmic entity that can do Bad Things to people) on the scene. Mainly this score is to establish Preston as a character in my version of Duskwall -- a former Bluecoat who, after his squad was betrayed by a colleague and murdered trying to do their duty, decided to found the vigilante squad the Minutemen to help those whom the Bluecoats won't and take down some of the more unsavory sorts in Duskwall. He considers the Three Pillars "honorary" members after they rescue him and his little group, and I'd imagine they and his Minutemen end up on pretty friendly terms, since the Three Pillars are FAR from the worst criminals in the city. Hell, Preston might even be able to provide a score or two in the future, much like how he's a quest-giver in the game. Wouldn't be THAT hard to adapt some of the named Minutemen-related quests, like the ones for Abernathy or Finch Farm, to the world of Duskwall!

-->Somewhat in-keeping with the Bethesda theme, here's a story that would be loosely based on that one Skyrim quest "A Night To Remember" and The Hangover movies -- "A Hangover To Remember!" Admittedly, I've never played Skyrim nor watched any of the Hangover movies, but I have read quest write-ups and movie plot summaries, and I think I can make this work regardless. XD Basically, what happens is that the Three Pillars are at The Ball & Socket one Names (aka night, since there's no proper "day" in Duskwall), when Smiler ends up challenged to a drinking contest by a demon. Victor is like "Smiler, I don't know," but the demon makes a solemn vow not to tamper with any of the drinks during the contest, and Smiler seems game, so the contest happens. They apparently win, and everybody gets a round of drinks to celebrate...

And the next equivalent-of-morning, the trio wake up with raging hangovers in one of the guest bedrooms of none other than Lord Governor Powerwallet's mansion in Whitecrown, with an Iruvian wildcat hanging out in the en-suite bathroom, a kidnapped Bob Wickerman of the Beornen cult (the cult based on the Wickerman ride at Alton Towers, which has a pretty nasty rivalry with the Advocates -- Bob in particular loathes Smiler, and the feeling is mutual) stuffed in the wardrobe, Victor sporting a new tattoo, and all three of them wearing rings that look like wedding bands. The trio thus have to retrace their steps and figure out what the fuck they did and how to fix any chaos they caused. And while I haven't quite figured out the story behind everything they did (the cat in particular is a mystery), I do know that the reason they're all wearing rings is because they got drunken-group-married at the Ministry of Joy...and while telling them this, the Advocates also reveal that, if they'd been sober enough to sign some paperwork, they could have gotten actually group married because of an interesting loophole in Duskwall's laws (basically, the government will recognize "unusual" marriages if they happen under the purview of a god that could be reasonably seen to back the marriage up -- and as Mar-Mal just wants all their Advocates to be happy, they'll back up pretty much ANY marriage). The trio are like "...why weren't we informed of this before?!" XD Anyway, they eventually get back to the pub, where they find the demon, deeply amused by everything -- as you might imagine, what happened is they tampered with the victory drink, as technically that drink was not part of the contest. XD They are delighted by the chaos though, and tell the group that they have earned themselves a boon for giving them a most entertaining night, no strings attached. And after confirming there are truly no strings, the trio tell them, "Okay, we just learned that we can actually get married if we do it under Mar-Mal -- we want you to do whatever is in your power to make sure our actual wedding goes well." The demon agrees, and there's a follow-up story about the trio getting properly group-married. :)

-->Speaking of stories based off of things I know mainly from pop-cultural osmosis, here's a tale that I would currently describe as a mixture of The Usual Suspects and the tropes "Rashomon"-Style and Once More With Clarity! This one has the trio at a Bluecoat station, having been arrested for a robbery that occurred the previous Names. The captain there doesn't think such a small crew could have pulled off the heist (which happened at a fancy house in Brightstone known for its security), but interrogates them anyway. All three cop to the theft, but tell contradicting stories about how they did it -- Alice says she stole the item by successfully fighting off the guards; Victor says he stole the item by using magic and distracting people with ghosts; and Smiler says they stole the item by talking their way past the guards and using their alchemicals against anyone who couldn't be charmed. The disgusted captain says that he doesn't believe any of them, that they're all just lying to try to get credit for a bigger score than they could pull off, and releases them. The trio reunite outside the station and talk about what they told the guy, and laughingly admit that the captain probably wouldn't have believed what really happened either -- cue a flashback to the actual time of the "robbery," which reveals that the couple being "robbed" were actually having a hell of a fight, and the wife threw the item that was "stolen" out the window -- nearly beaning poor Victor as the trio passed by (having just completed a different job). And when they objected to him nearly getting concussed by the item, she screamed "OH JUST TAKE IT" before going back to yelling at her husband. So they just took it and promptly pawned it. XD What can I say, I think I'm funny.

-->Back to things that I have actually personally experienced, here's a score that was inspired by an episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver -- specifically, the episode on freight trains and how miserable the safety standards around them are getting (you know, the one with a faux Thomas The Tank Engine episode at the very end narrated by Matt Berry). The story stuck with me, and resulted in me coming up with a score where the Three Pillars (now known as a group that will help unions and workers, not the factory owners and elites) get hired by two Rail Jacks named John Last and Oliver Weeks to help expose the lax safety standards the owners of the rail lines at Gaddoc Station are enforcing (not entirely sure HOW they would do that yet, but it's definitely something I want them to do). As an added twist, while skulking around the station, they end up encountering some Beornen trying to sabotage a train, which they have to prevent because it puts their own mission at risk. Might be a good way to introduce the whole "Advocates vs Beornen" dynamic, in fact!

-->Okay, so -- back in the very first post I made about various score and story ideas, I mentioned wanting to do one that is kicked off by Smiler overindulging their Pleasure vice at the Golden Plum restaurant, causing the owner and head chef, Chef Roselle (who, incidentally, I've discovered I've referred to by both "he" and "she" pronouns in previous write-ups, so now he's genderfluid and changes pronouns and presentation depending on how he wakes up feeling. Most people think she's a brother-sister team; the trio are one of the few who know the truth thanks to this score), to recognize them as an up-and-coming scoundrel and indulge in a little light blackmail to get the Three Pillars' assistance in getting rare ingredients for new dishes. Which the Three Pillars are reasonably happy to do, with the caveat that Smiler gets first taste of what results (which Chef Roselle is happy to agree to). Now, I'd already decided that the dish that Roselle is so keen to make would be the local equivalent of pineapple pizza (for the LOLs, and to give Smiler a chance to eat one of their favorite foods from the more modern AUs), so all I had to do was justify the pineapple's existence in Duskwall --

And then I came across a certain tumblr post showing off how pineapple skin is weirdly fire- and heat-resistant. Which contained within itself a link to another post about how 18th Century Europeans considered pineapples major status symbols (given they were new and exotic fruits from far-off lands and thus were worth up to $10,000 in modern money, so only the rich could really get their hands on them), and thus a whole business of allowing people to rent them to show off their wealth and make a splash at dinner parties and suchlike popped up. Cue me deciding that, okay, the local equivalent of pineapples in this universe is the Dragon's Bane fruit, named for its incredibly heat-resistant skin, which comes from the tropical Dagger Isles and is extremely hard to cultivate in Akoros's much colder climate. As a result, it's pretty damn expensive and considered a major status symbol by the rich, and some enterprising Dagger Isles merchants have set up a business allowing the upper classes to rent the fruit to show off to their buddies. Those merchants are not about to sell any fruit to Chef Roselle to be cooked, not without some proof that people will like the dish she's trying to make -- which puts her in a bit of a Catch-22 situation, as she can't prove people will like the dish without Dragon's Bane fruit to make it. So he turns to the Three Pillars, hiring them to get their hands on a Dragon's Bane however they can --

And oh, look at that, one Lord Rowan just rented one to show off at one of his parties. XD Cue the trio infiltrating the party and stealing the fruit, and Rowan being furious that they managed to get one over on him yet again. XD We do love humiliating the landlord of all of Six Towers over here!

-->Now, if you guys know anything about me, you know that, in addition to being the Queen of Valice and Valicer, I'm also a big Back To The Future fan -- that trilogy was my life for ages, and I still have a fondness for it and some of the related media (the Telltale Game in particular was freaking great -- the final episode of that was literally the only thing that could lure me away from Alice: Madness Returns when I first played it). So naturally I wanted to put Doc and Marty into my version of Duskwall! And while I was coming up with how they'd fit into the wider world (Doc in this universe is a Leech who travels around the city doing repairs in his motorized cart when he isn't working on his own inventions, with Marty as his assistant who aspires to be a great musician), I had a thought about doing a score with them. Not a time travel-related score, though -- rather, I wanted to explore the consequences of a rather poor decision Doc makes at the beginning of the first movie. You know, the whole "partnering with a Libyan terrorist group to steal plutonium, pretending to make them a bomb, and then giving them a dud made out of pinball machine parts while he took the plutonium to power his time machine" thing? The thing that nearly got him killed until Marty was able to use his accidental time travel to warn him? Yeah, that. I thought it might make for an interesting score if the Duskwall Doc had done something similar and wanted the Three Pillars' help in getting the gang he ripped off to leave him alone --

And then I thought, "Hey, wait a minute -- I was already planning on making the gang Doc ripped off Iruvian because that felt like the closest equivalent to Libyan in the setting...but the book already HAS a major Iruvian gang in there as one of the factions -- the Red Sashes! Why not make it so they're the ones Doc ripped off, and now the Three Pillars -- who have been desperately trying to avoid getting involved in that whole war between the Sashes and the Lampblacks in Crow's Foot -- have to help them in some way?"

And so I did! I haven't got the whole score planned out yet, but the gist of it is that Doc made a deal with the Red Sashes to get some parts he needed for an experiment in exchange for a bomb, only to give them a fake because he didn't want them to actually blow up anything and possibly kill people. The Red Sashes of course now want his blood, so Doc hires the Three Pillars to help him negotiate a deal that will keep him alive and poor Marty out of the line of fire. The Three Pillars are annoyed but take the job (Doc's offering them a decent amount of dosh, or possibly to build them something useful), and the Red Sashes task them with sabotaging the Lampblacks in some way. Maybe THEY'VE got their hands on a bomb, and the Sashes figure that, if Doc gave them a fake bomb to use against the Lampblacks, the least he can do is make sure the Lampblacks don't blow them up in turn? *shrug* I'm sure I'll figure it out when the time comes! Probably going to be a very tense score, that's for sure!

-->In contrast to the above, here's a fun, much more low-stakes score inspired by one of my favorite British TV shows -- Taskmaster! If you're unfamiliar with it, this is a comedy game show run by Greg Davies and Alex Horne, where each season five comedians go spend time in the Taskmaster house doing utterly ridiculous tasks. Greg watches back the footage of how they did and gives them points, and whoever gets the most points by the end of the season gets to take home a fake gold replica of his head. Oh, and each episode starts with an in-studio prize task, where contestants donate objects to win according to a certain theme, and whoever wins that particular episode gets to take all the objects home with them (if they so choose/are able to -- one contestant once offered HIMSELF as a prize. And then lost the episode. XD Phil Wang, I sincerely do hope you did end up spending a few days at James Acaster's place!). It's an incredibly funny show that I thoroughly recommend you check out -- and even better, it has its own YouTube channel, meaning even us Americans have an easy way to watch it! :D

Anyway -- how did I adapt this weirdness to Duskwall? Why, by making Greg and Alex the owners of a traveling Taskmaster carnival of sorts! They go around to various cities in the Imperium, find a place to set up, get the local gentry to donate some silly, moderately-valuable prizes according whatever theme they come up with, then get the local citizens to compete for them by doing a bunch of goofy tasks -- five people competing against each other per go. My idea for this was that the trio would come across Alex while he was scouting for contestants, learn about the whole thing, and go "you know what, sounds like fun" and sign up, competing against each other and two other citizens (who, like in my "Tasksaw" story, may in fact be the local equivalents of Josh Widdicombe and James Acaster XD). I was just wondering how best to do it, as of course if you're doing Taskmaster, you need a Taskmaster House to set the tasks in and around --

And then I was like, "hang on -- the trio live in Six Towers, a neighborhood that is known for having abandoned houses all over the shop. Maybe Greg and Alex take over one of those temporarily for their games?"

And then I was like, "Ooooh -- if they're doing that, then they'll have to get permission from Lord Rowan...who might see an opportunity to try and use them to get rid of the Three Pillars..."

So yes -- currently, things start out with the Taskmaster and his assistant arriving in town and going to Lord Rowan to get permission to use a house in Six Towers for their games. Lord Rowan grants permission (perhaps even contributes to the "prize task"), but lets them know that, if a certain trio come to compete, that he want them to "take care of them." Alex makes a note, and indeed Victor, Alice, and Smiler end up in the games --

And find that Alex is weirdly nice to them, in particular making sure they always have snacks and tea. Turns out Alex chose to interpret "take care of them" as "make sure they're having a good time," because the OTHER interpretation is against the spirit of the game, as the Taskmaster himself lets Lord Rowan know when the guy comes to complain that they're still alive. Greg is more than happy to MOCK contestants, sure, but MURDERING them? Come on, mate. Lord Rowan is VERY annoyed, as you can imagine. XD Of course, he may get some small consolation in that I can't guarantee that any of the trio are going to win their round, but I'm hoping not. XD The real fun of this one is going to be setting my three against some of the weirdest, best tasks from the show -- and there are a LOT of them, trust me. Gonna have to take some time and refresh my memory before writing this one!

-->While we're on the topic of scores and stories inspired by fun and silly stuff, how about one inspired by 2023's The Smiler Takeover at Alton Towers? This was an event that celebrated The Smiler coaster's tenth anniversary by having all the other rides get a bit of Smiler-related theming and setting up some fun stage shows around the coaster in X-Sector -- the Fear Test with Dr. Gladwell and Agent Joytide; Meet the Ministry with a contortionist and a magician; and The Celebration of Happiness with Felix E. Lated! Who, as you may recall, happens to be my Smiler's uncle. However, the thing about Felix is, while I was looking up stuff on the Takeover on YouTube, I discovered he had two very distinct looks during the event -- a brunet Felix with no glasses, and a blond one with glasses. The brunet Felix is the one who is Smiler's uncle (I saw him first, and he looks a bit more like the guy from the Smiler Shop TV video that serves as Smiler's adoptive dad, Matt), but while trying to come up with story ideas for the VITD verse, I thought I might be able to do something with the fact that there were two Felixes...

And cue the creation of a score where the trio are hired by some angry people who paid someone to entertain at their party, only for the guy to never show up. That someone being, apparently, Felix E. Lated. Causing the conversation to go like so:

Smiler: [nervous grin] Oh, uh -- sorry, there's a conflict of interest here. That's my uncle. Client: You're related to that blond bastard?! Smiler: ... [suddenly much more serious] My uncle has brown hair; can you describe this guy you hired?

Yup -- turns out there's a con man in town who is impersonating Felix despite not actually looking much like him, taking people's money for shows and then just never doing them. Smiler is of course like "well, this just became personal" and the trio get the help of the actual Felix to track this guy down and get the money back. I'm not sure how the actual tracking him down goes, but I do know that the score ends with Real Felix and Fake Felix having a sing-off --

And it turning out that Fake Felix can sing. Like, he's pretty much on-par with Real Felix. Smiler is immediately like "why don't you go legit and actually do the shows, you're good!" XD I don't know if Fake Felix will be convinced yet, but I wouldn't be opposed to the score ending with there being officially two Felix E. Lateds in town. XD

-->Time to return to "scores inspired by various video games I've played" -- now, you guys already know that when my friend Squid first got me into Baldur's Gate 3, my VITD trio immediately went "free real estate" and inspired me to come up with a crossover where they end up in the BG3 world thanks to Nautiloid Shenanigans, get infected, and have to find a way to get themselves and their new companions cured and get home (complete with Not-Incorrect Quote collection). However, I also came up with a much more standard score (aka no getting yanked into another universe necessary) inspired by the opening tutorial missions on the Nautiloid! This story starts with the trio being hired by a woodworker named Larian (known for his high-quality craftsmanship), who has been recently hired to make boxes for a group that he considers kind of shady. He wants the Three Pillars to look into what they're doing so he can figure out if he wants to keep working for them or not. The trio agrees and investigates, and finds that the boxes are being used to transport unconscious people for unknown purposes --

But partway through their investigation, they get separated, and Smiler is discovered, knocked out, and boxed up. Victor and Alice realize that they've been kidnapped and hide in some supply crates, and the trio all are transported to the bad guys' base. Smiler wakes up in the storage room for the people, manages to free themselves thanks to the lid not being nailed on correctly, and wanders around until they find some unfortunate dead guy sprawled in a chair with his brain exposed --

And the brain calling for help. And if you're thinking, "wait a minute, is this entire score an excuse to get Us into the canon Duskwall timeline," well, you're not entirely wrong. XD Anyway, Smiler successfully frees Us from their skull prison, and shortly thereafter reunites with Victor and Alice (who are somewhat concerned about the brain creature following Smiler around, but Smiler assures them it's friendly, and not their own brain, so...) Anyway, they find more experiments in their travels, and deduce that the bad guys are attempting to turn people into various Horrors, though they're not entirely sure why yet. They do agree that the group needs to be exposed, though, and start looking for a way off what they assume to be a regular boat --

And then suddenly the side of the vessel is clawed off by some demonic hands, and the trio abruptly realize they're in an airship hundreds of feet above the Void Sea. Well, that makes things more difficult. D: They flee to the helm as more devils start attacking, and find the leader of the bad guys fighting a large air demon -- apparently this guy made a deal with said demon to get this airship afloat and start making his Horrors (haven't actually DECIDED on the reason why, maybe it's just standard 'I want to take over the city mwahaha' bullshit), but has not appropriately satisfied the demon's dark desire in return. And when you fail to satisfy a demon's dark desire, they get to work toward your destruction, so... The trio quickly realize that the bad guys are going to be hoist by their own petard very shortly and resuming looking for an escape. Fortunately, the airship does have lifeboats on the side in case of emergency, and the trio and Us are able to scramble into one --

But, unfortunately, as they start lowering themselves down, the demons attacking the airship notice them and decide to start harassing them too, trying to knock them out of the boat just for fun. Leading to what I think is one of the more badass scenes I've come up with for the trio: Victor -- who, at this point, has figured out the Meta word to make things levitate, but has only levitated light stuff, like books -- clamping his hands onto the sides of the boat as Smiler holds Us safely on their lap, then looking at Alice and saying "Do it" --

And Alice, a la that moment in the Jules Verne Otherlands short, using her Vorpal Blade to slice all the ropes holding them up. Cue the boat plummeting toward the Void Sea below, and Victor desperately pushing himself as hard as he can to make the spell affect the boat so the drop isn't fucking fatal. He does succeed, but it takes a lot out of him --

And oh, I imagine this taking place after he's picked up his "Phobia" trauma of the Void Sea and everything in it, so the minute they land, he's also fighting off a panic attack. ...At least until Us starts eating his fear, leading him to be like "wtf why am I calm now." (Us: Spicy!) He actually appreciates it once they figure out what's going on (though Alice gently scolds Us to "ask first next time"), and they manage to get themselves back to shore as the airship crashes into the water. Cue the gang insisting Larian pay them more (which he is happy to do when they explain what they just went through), and getting a new "pet"/companion in Us, who -- as per their home canon -- uses their powers to disguise themselves as a kitty to the rest of the city. :) Because brain kitty is best kitty.

-->Like scores based on CRPGs that everyone agrees are some of the best games ever? Well, here's one based on everyone's favorite vampire game, Vampire: The Masquerade -- Bloodlines! Or, rather, the Unofficial Patch version of that game, as the score in question is based on one of the cut quests that the Unofficial Patch restores -- "Night At The Library!" If you're unfamiliar with it, this is a quest you get via e-mail from Beckett (after meeting Gary Golden and completing the "More Fun With Pestilence" sidequest Downtown), where he asks you to meet with an associate of his, Scott, in Santa Monica. Which leads you on a wander all around Santa Monica tracking down the notes Scott left behind, and then infiltrating the library Downtown to rescue him from a Sabbat ritual and kill the Lasombra overseeing it. It's a fun little quest, and I thought it might be amusing to inflict it on my crime trio. XD

So! The Duskwallian version of this nonsense (perhaps called "Eternal Night At The Library" because, well, Duskwall does have eternal night) starts with the trio meeting the visiting Beckett, who in this reality is one of the contacts for the Advocates -- they occasionally work together to help Beckett learn more about the history of the world and its forgotten gods. Beckett is still a vampire in this verse, but he's a BITD-style one, meaning he feeds on life essence instead of blood -- he's still got the classic cat-like red eyes and claws though, since I've decided he's from Tycheros, a land where everyone has demonic ancestry and thus demonic "tells" on their body. Anyway, the group is introduced, and Beckett asks if they'd be willing to go meet with his friend Scott in a smoke shop in Silkshore about a cult they've been investigating recently while he attends to business somewhere else in the city. The trio are game, and go to the shop --

Only to find Scott isn't there -- but he did leave a note. Which leads them to a coffee shop at the edge of Crow's Foot, where another note leads them to a particular pier on The Docks -- where Victor's ability to sense supernatural creatures helps them avoid an ambush by another vampire. They manage to defeat it (I'm thinking by knocking it into the water, as vampires are pretty damn tough opponents) and find a hastily-scrawled note stained with blood directing them to a library in Charterhall -- which, fortunately, was where Beckett was going anyway. So they catch up with him and bring him up to speed, and together they infiltrate the library and find a secret passage into a basement, where they discover poor Scott's life essence being used to fuel some dark ritual by a couple of members of the cult he was investigating. The gang and Beckett stop the ritual, and a fight ensues with the leader of the cult, who has control over a demon that lets him manipulate Shadows. It's a tough battle, but the trio and Beckett prevail, and Scott is saved. Beckett and Scott thank the trio for their help, and perhaps in addition to some Coin, the trio also get a Duskwallian version of one of the occult powerup items from the game -- Beckett may not actually hand any of them over in canon, but I'm sure he could get his hands on one of them!

-->And now a brief return to scores based on things I have not directly experienced but have read about, with a major story based on an episode of Leverage! Which, as I understand it, is an excellent show about people using their crime skills to help the helpless and take down corrupt rich bastards that I should be watching, but finding time for new things is unfortunately difficult. *sigh* Anyway -- one of the reasons that I'm aware of Leverage is that it has its own OT3 of Alec Hardison/Parker/Eliot Spencer, and thus I keep running into it when I look up OT3/polyamory stuff (memorably, finding someone's Leverage OT3 video for the song "Parachute" led to it becoming one of my favorite songs for my Valicer trio -- and hilariously, I do specifically associate it with the VITD version XD). And looking up where a particular awesome gif set of the trio disarming a bomb came from led to me learning about the episode "The Rundown Job," where Hardison, Eliot, and Parker all have to stop someone from releasing a horrifying biological weapon on D.C. in a twisted attempt to prove that the United States is not equipped to deal with such an attack. I was like, "well, that's dark and I'd love to do something with that for VITD," but the idea wasn't quite gelling in my head as a disease-based threat --

And then I remembered Duskwall is a city full of ghosts and horrors, turned my thoughts toward the trio taking on a supernatural threat instead, and -- well. The story as it currently stands in my head starts with the trio having been arrested again (perhaps by the same guy from the "Rashomon"-style story, who now knows not to underestimate them) -- but while they're waiting interrogation, a Spirit Warden arrives and asks to talk to them. The request is granted, and the Warden proceeds to tell the three that one of their own has gone rogue and decided to solve the Shattered Isle's ghost problem once and for all --

By summoning a soul-devouring Horror to lay waste to the city. His fellow Wardens tried to tell him that the damn thing wouldn't stop with just eating the souls of the dead, it would consume every soul in the Shattered Isles, but he wouldn't listen, and now he's locked himself up in his house, preparing the ritual. The Spirit Wardens can't get inside because the guy has naturally warded his house against them, and this has happened so fast that they haven't been able to get any other factions to help (not to mention, they're not sure how effective the local Bluecoats really would BE against this thing). Plus they don't want to cause a panic by spreading the word around willy-nilly. And at this point, not only do the trio have a bit of a reputation as "freaking unkillable," the Spirit Wardens are well aware that they can do things like take down a Jabberwock in the Deathlands, so... The Warden gives Alice a special knife that can kill the Horror so long as it's still in the book that it's currently trapped in, draws them a quick map to the house from the police station, and helps them escape. The trio naturally BOOK it to the house and manage to work their way past traps both mundane (I of COURSE have to have my own version of the bomb defusing scene) and mystical, and make it to the basement to stop the guy --

But while they reach him in time to prevent him completing the ritual, he's managed to do enough of it that the Horror is partially free of the book and trying to claw its way out on its own. And with Alice and Smiler locked up in making sure the guy can't finish what he started, Victor does the only thing he can think of --

Throws himself on the book to keep it closed, sacrificing his soul to save Duskwall. Alice manages to finally knock the guy out not long thereafter and stabs the book, murdering the half-summoned Horror, but for a moment it looks like Victor's been Hollowed in his attempt to save the city...

Then he slumps to the floor, calling for Alice and Smiler in a weak voice. Turns out his soul wasn't entirely eaten (though he very much is suffering Level 3 "Soul Mostly Devoured" harm), and Alice and Smiler are able to get him home so Elder Gutknecht can have a look at him. Gutknecht tells them that it was a near thing, but there's enough of Victor's soul left to slowly regenerate, though it will take some time. Alice and Smiler are very grateful, though they do wonder why Victor's entire soul wasn't eaten --

Cue Victor whispering, "It couldn't...get past...the glass." Which Alice and Smiler realize in shock refers to the "unbreakable bell jar" they had Victor imagine around the core of himself back when they first started playing with hypnosis as a new polycule. AKA, their post-hypnotic suggestion (designed to make sure their games couldn't mess with his core personality) straight up saved his soul. As you might imagine, they have a lot of feelings about this, as do I. End of the score involves Alice and Smiler collecting their payment from the Spirit Wardens (which fortunately includes things like a vial of pure life essence that they can use to speed up Victor's recovery) and a lot of cuddling.

-->And finally, let's end with a story based on, and titled after, a song -- "Used To Be Young." I've talked before about how this particular Miley Cyrus song makes me think about the trio in their older years -- specifically, when they choose to retire -- so I figured, why not turn the music video into my head into an actual story? As per the linked post, the plot would focus around the trio's very last score as the Three Pillars, stealing something random from some rich toffs...and having a harder time than they expected thanks to not being as young as they used to be -- Victor nearly falls while climbing something and it takes him longer to recover; Alice isn't as fast on her feet while fighting some guards and gets hurt; Smiler -- actually, I'm not entirely sure how Smiler is affected yet, since they're the charming alchemist of the group, but I'll figure it out. XD Point is, while they pull off the job, it's more work than they expected, and a few injuries are suffered...

And while Smiler is patching them up back at their lair, Victor admits that he's not sure he can do this anymore. Some discussion reveals that it's been like 30 years since they first met and became the Three Pillars (putting them in their late 40s), and they all decide that that's MORE than enough time spent as career criminals. So they deliver the item to the client and ask them to please spread the word that the Three Pillars have officially retired. From there, they decide to check in on the greenhouse to see how that's going, and we get some major indications of how long it's been and how much they've affected the world around them. The specific ones I have in mind are:

a) The greenhouse being bigger than it used to be and absolutely FLOURISHING, with a whole staff of people tending to it

b) Six Towers in general being in much better shape, with working streetlamps, well-paved roads, and houses in much better repair

c) Smiler maybe encountering their now-elderly parents and letting them know that they're actually free to take over the shop they run for the Advocates now, giving them a happy retirement in Mar-Mal's grace

d) Alice DEFINITELY encountering the grown-up Angela and Charlie, who are now married and have at least one child, a baby girl named Beth -- who, yes, has a familiar rabbit doll

And after all that, the gang gets to go home, have supper, and head to bed, reminiscing on the good times and looking forward to the years ahead. :) Just a nice little epilogue showing that things have turned out very well for our favorite trio.

...yeah, that really went longer than I expected. XD But I hope that all impresses upon you just how much I love this universe and how much I want to write all the things for it. Hopefully you're with me in wanting to see what adventures the trio gets up to going forward! Now I just have to get this all into a rough timeline...

[readnburied]

A Favorite Book by My Favorite Authors

Okay, so it took a long time for me to finally decide and write this post because I really want to bring a variety of posts to this blog. Though I have a lot of favorite authors, I’ve selected my top few and my favorite book from their works. So here’s a list of my favorite book from my favorite authors. 

Insanity by Cameron Jace

This is book 1 in the series of the same name and follows Alice Wonder who is stationed in an asylum after killing her classmates. Little does Alice know that there’s a world beyond hers where fantasies become a reality and monsters lurk, ready to invade and kill the people of her world. Monsters, only she can slay. 

Though I’m obsessed with the entire series, since I’m only supposed to talk about one book, I chose this one because this is where it all started and I love the setting of Oxford University. 

Zodiac by Romina Russell

This is book 1 in the series of the same name and follows Roma who’s trying to save her planet Cancer from being destroyed. The entire zodiac constellation is in danger and if Roma doesn’t step up and confronts the monster then the entire Zodiac will be on the verge of extinction. 

This is another series I’m obsessed with because of the world that the author created. I love the setting of this book as I’m an astrology and astronomy fan and this series fulfills that need of mine. 

Escape by Nenia Campbell

This is book 4 in the Horrorscape series and follows Gavin and Valerian as they embark on one final game and decide who will be the winner. Who will be the one in control. Rules are broken and people are killed and in the end it’s the prey with the predator. 

Obsession is a small word for what I feel for this series but this is my favorite book in the entire series because I’m in love with the characters and Gavin’s family is just insane. I love how it all ends and I just wish I could read this book for the first time all the time. 

Scorpia Rising by Anthony Horowitz 

This is book 9 in the Alex Rider series and revolves around the life of Alex who is on the lookout for the greatest criminal organization Scorpia for the sole motive of revenge. But when old friends reach out and death threatens to take hold, Alex Rider must do whatever he can to protect the ones he love even if he has to sacrifice himself in the process. 

Though these books are meant for younger readers I personally think these books are timeless and can be enjoyed by any age group. And this is my favorite book in the entire series and so this book is on this list. 

All’s Well by Mona Awad

This is a standalone and revolves around the life of Miranda Fitch who is a drama professor in a college but is envious of practically everyone around her due to all the difficulties she’s facing in terms of her health. When the time comes for the annual play her students want to perform Macbeth while she wants them to perform All’s Well. And when she comes across three generous men who make her an offer she can’t refuse, Miranda’s life takes a turn for the better. She thought her life couldn’t get any better until she realizes that there’s always a price to pay. 

I have yet to read the author’s latest works but of the books I’ve read so far this has been my favorite and I loved the ending and the climax within the story. 

Babel by R. F. Kuang

This is a standalone book and follows the life of Robin and his friends who get admission in the prestigious Oxford University in the translation department. However, they soon encounter problems in terms of racism and competition and Robin needs to figure out what’s important to him and what he’s willing to do to get it. 

This book is so intelligently written that I can’t help but fall in love with it. I loved the writing style and the whole academia setting and I really want everybody to read this book. 

Digital Fortress by Dan Brown 

This is a standalone book and revolves around Susan Fletcher who is a mathematician working with the National Security Agency. But when the Agency comes across a code they cannot break, it is up to Susan to solve the problem. However, when she discovers the danger that threatens to destroy the agency, Susan is caught up in a roller coaster of secrets and betrayal and getting out of it might just kill her and the man she loves. 

I read this book a really long time ago but I remember it to this day. And most importantly, I remember the emotions it invoked within me and I absolutely love a book that can do that. 

Phantom Heart by Kelly Creagh

This is book 1 in the series of the same name and follows the life of Stephanie Armond who has just moved into a new house with her family. She soon comes across rumors regarding the house and she soon realizes that the rumors carry a heavy dose of truth in them. But when she meets Lucas who holds a lot of interest in her house, she has no choice but to accept that the house is haunted, and the man haunting her house is the same one who takes her breath away in her dreams. 

I love this author and all the books by them. And I was having a tough time deciding between this book and Enshadowed, which is book 2 of the Nevermore series. But in the end Erik and his many beautiful masks won my heart and I ended up putting this book on this list. 

And that’s it. These are my favorite books from some of my favorite authors. Let me know if you’ve read any of these books and what you think of them. Do you love them as much as I do or not? 

[greyastronaut]

Tattoos and regret <3

Part 2 of ?

Warnings- I'm gonna try and make it sad but I'm not the best at that, Oc

"Dallas?"

"What?" He said as he lit a cigarette

Alice cleared her throat, and whipped her face, "Umm... I- we need to talk..." Alice mumbled losing her nerve, "Remember how you showed me the paper that you, Johnny, and Pony were in for the fire... and..." She stuttered out shutting her eyes hard.

"The murder... of the soc boy," she said

"Yeah... and we got out of jail time somehow but I ain't complaining, Johnny doesn't need to be in jail..."

She scoffed

That got Dally's attention and ticked him off, "What?" Dally said taking a long drag from his cigarette, "I'm just saying murder isn't a light crime," she said folding her arms, "Ya okay but he saved those snoty kids..." Dally said getting annoyed that they were even having this conversation.

"That just shows he's a good guy! It doesn't even come close to taken a life!" She said her voice raising

"He saved like 5 others! KIDS!"

"WHAT ABOUT THE BOY WHO IS DEAD DALLAS!"

"HE DESERVEED IT!"

"MAYBE SO! THAT DOESN'T MEAN HE SHOULD HAVE DONE IT! THAT BOY'S FAMILY DOESN'T GET TO SEE HIM...ever again..."

"WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH US?!"

"CAUSE I'LL NEVER SEE HIM AGAIN! ...." she took in a shaky breath, "i was out of town at boarding school imagine how it feels to go back home and find out that some greasers killed your older brother!" Her hands started shaking she hated this topic, "AND NO ONE TOLD YOU, CAUSE THEY WERE AFRAID YOU'D BREAK AGAIN! THAT- STUPID BOARDING- SCHOOL DOUBLED AS AN ASYLUM...!"

The tears that had been forming in her eyes started falling

"Your brother. Some greasers." Dally said coldly

"Dallas..." she whimpered, as she sat on the floor holding her stomach, she felt nauseous, "I should have never trusted you I knew you were like every other soc! Why did I let you talk me out of it!" Dally said coldly making his way to the door.

"Dallas... please... I can't lose more people... I love Johnny but he killed my brother... he was the last thing keeping me alive..." she mumbled

"So why are you still here?"

She sat in silence and processed what he had just said and he watched her carefully

"Because of you and Johnny," she anwnwered

"You sure cause you said he should be in jail..!"

"I didn't say that!"

"It sure as hell sounds like it..!"

"DALLAS!" She yelled as he walked out and slammed the door, she cried for a while before getting up and driving herself home and cried her self to sleep.

She woke up in a little later and cradled her stomach whispering sweet nothings to it, she got up and walked to her father's office, and when he found out he didn't yell at her or reprimand her or tell her to go to her room, nothing.

He was barely listening.

She sighed and went to tell her mother.

Her mother listened, but she cried and blamed herself.

She went back to her room and sat at her vanity.

Little Ms. Perfect, was ashamed of herself for what she had done. She was ashamed of what her brother at done. It was 3 years ago. She loved Johnny like a mother. She rubbed her tattoo. She took in a shaky breath as she picked up her phone.

"Hello, Diana?"

Author's note: I had a real struggle writing this 😭 don't forget to read part 1, thanks for reading <3

For part 1 and the rest

[c1ssie]

it's playlist o'clock 🎶 this is a never-ending, always growing list of songs that are cissie coded to me!! yay!! slay!! this post is so long i hope everyone is asleep!!

lost cause aly & aj. just save me from another year looking through my rearview mirror.

who's afraid of little old me? taylor swift. i want to snarl and show you just how disturbed this has made me; you wouldn't last an hour in the asylum where they raised me.

good luck, babe! chappell roan. and when you think about me all of those years ago you're standing face-to-face with "i told you so". you know i hate to say it, "i told you so".

somewhere only we know keane. is this the place we used to love? is this the place that i've been dreaming of?

running up that hill kate bush. there's so much hate for the ones we love. tell me, we both matter, don't we?

hold me now thompson twins. perhaps i should leave here and go far away, but you know that there's nowhere that i'd rather be than with you here today.

light on maggie rogers. if you keep reaching out then i'll keep coming back, 'cause if you're gone for good then i'm okay with that. if you leave the light on, then i'll leave the light on.

stand still, look pretty the wreckers. sometimes i find myself shaking in the middle of the night and then it hits me, and i can't even believe this is my life.

tongue tied grouplove. my eyes on your eyes like peter pan up in the sky.

too much dove cameron. if you say i'm too much, baby, go find less. if you can't keep up, stay below, i guess.

don't dream it's over lauren daigle. try to catch the deluge in a paper cup.

all-american bitch olivia rodrigo. i don't get angry when i'm pissed i'm the eternal optimist i scream inside to deal with it.

we can't be friends ariana grande. i don't wanna feed this monstrous fire, just wanna let this story die and i'll be alright.

feather sabrina carpenter. floatin' through the memories like whatever, you're a waste of time.

i want to hold your hand t.v. carpio. when i touch you, i feel happy inside. it's such a feelin' that, my love, i can't hide.

that's what i want lil nas x. like tell me "that's life" when i'm stressing at night be like "you'll be okay" and "everything's all right".

the giver chappell roan. and other boys may need a map but i can close my eyes and have you wrapped around my fingers like that.

that don't impress me much shania twain. now, don't get me wrong, yeah, i think you're alright but that won't keep me warm in the middle of the night.

landslide the chicks. well, i've been afraid of changing 'cause i built my life around you.

holding out for a hero ella mae bowen. somewhere just beyond my reach, there's someone reaching back for me.

yes, and? ariana grande. say that shit with your chest and be your own fuckin' best friend.

i love you, i'm sorry gracie abrams. that's just the way life goes. i like to slam doors closed. trust me, i know it's always about me.

dreams the cranberries. and now i tell you openly you have my heart, so don't hurt me.

hard times paramore. walking around with my little rain cloud hanging over my head and it ain't coming down.

end of beginning djo. you better save it for the middle of the night when things aren't black and white.

bloom baby bloom wolf alice. look at me trying to play it hard. i'm so sick and tired of trying to play it hard.

angry woman ashe. you can do whatever you want, i'll do whatever i like

boyfriend dove cameron. the universe must have divined this. what am i gonna do, not grab your wrist?

pynk janelle monae. let's count the ways we could make this last forever.

the archer taylor swift. all of my heroes die all alone, help me hold onto you.

special extra section for songs/lyrics that relate to specific people

sweet nothing taylor swift. re: tim to you, i can admit that i’m just too soft for all of it.

suddenly i see kt tunstall. re: cassie. everything around her is a silver pool of light. people who surround her feel the benefit of it, it makes you calm.

apple charli xcx. re: bonnie. i've been looking at you so long now i only see me.

thousand miles miley cyrus. re: yj. i told myself i closed that door, but i'm right back here again.

twinnem coi leray. re: bart. go best friend!

true blue boygenius. re: bart. you can't help but become the sun ... and it feels good to be known so well. i can't hide from you like i hide from myself.

young folks peter bjorn and john. re: yj. and we don't care about our own faults, talking 'bout our own style. all we care 'bout is talking. talking only me and you.

[ficsforgaza]

˗ˏˋ CREATOR MASTERLIST ˎˊ˗

You may use our tags #Sponsor a WIP and #Open Requests to show you all creators who have WIPs to sponsor or who are taking requests!

Creators organized by fandom:

↳ Fandoms A and B

Ace Attorney, Across the Spider-Verse, Alice in Borderland, Alien Stage, Arcane, Armello, Assassination Classroom, Attack on Titan, Ayakashi: Romance Reborn, Baldur’s Gate 3, Banana Fish, Beastars, Black Butler, Bleach, Blue Exorcist, Blue Lock, Bocchi the Rock, Buddy Daddies, Bungo Stray Dogs,

↳ Fandoms C and D

The Case Study of Jeweler Richard, The Case Study of Vanitas, Castlevania, Chainsaw Man, Code Geass, Cowboy Bebop, Court of Darkness, Cyberpunk 2077, Daiya no Ace, Danganronpa, A Date with Death, Dead by Daylight, Death Note, Death Parade, Degrees of Lewdity, Demon Slayer, Detroit: Become Human, Diabolik Lovers, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K., Disco Elysium, Doki Doki Literature Club!, Dragon Age, Dungeon Meshi

↳ Fandoms E through G

End Roll, Ensemble Stars, Erased, Fairy Tail, Faith: The Unholy Trinity, Fallout, Far Cry, Final Fantasy, Find Love or Die Trying, Fire Emblem, Friday Night Funkin’, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Fruits Basket, Fullmetal Alchemist, Gachiakuta, Gangsta, Genshin Impact, Gintama, Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (MDZS), The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles

↳ Fandoms H and I

Hades I & II, Haikyuu!!, Heaven Official’s Blessing (TGCF), Hell’s Paradise, Hetalia, Hitman, Honkai Star Rail, Howl’s Moving Castle, Hypnosis Mic, Ib, Identity V, Ikemen Prince, Ikemen Villains, Imaginary Friend Asylum, Inuyasha

↳ Fandoms J through L

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Jujutsu Kaisen, Kaiju No. 8, Kamisama Kiss, Kingdom Hearts, K Project, Kuroko’s Basketball, League of Legends, The Legend of Zelda, Life is Strange, Link Click, Little Nightmares, Long Live the Queen, Love & Deepspace

↳ Fandoms M and N

Madoka Magica, Mahoyaku, Mass Effect, Metal Gear, Miraculous Ladybug, Mob Psycho 100, Moriarty the Patriot, My Hero Academia, Mystic Messenger, Naruto, Night in the Woods, Noragami

↳ Fandoms O through R

Obey Me, Obscura, Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, Omori, One Piece, One Punch Man, Osomatsu-san, Ouran High School Host Club, Our Life, Outer Worlds, Overwatch, Palia, Persona 4, Persona 5, Pokémon, Portal, Princess Tutu, Project SEKAI, The Promised Neverland, Psycho Pass, Rainbow Six Siege, Record of Ragnarok, Red Dead Redemption, Resident Evil, Revolutionary Girl Utena

↳ Fandoms S through Z

Saints Row, Sally Face, Scum Villain’s Self Saving System, Sk8 the Infinity, Skyrim, Soul Eater, Splinter Cell, Spy x Family, The Stanley Parable, Stardew Valley, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Super Mario Bros, Tears of Themis, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Tokyo Ghoul, Tokyo Revengers, Touchstarved, Tougen Anki: Dark Demon of Paradise, Tower of God, Trigun Stampede, Twisted Wonderland, The Uncle Who Works for Nintendo, Undertale, Valorant, Vinland Saga, Voltron: Legendary Defender, Watch Dogs, What in the Hell is Bad?, Wind Breaker, The Witcher, Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop, Wuthering Waves, Xenoblade Chronicles, Yona of the Dawn, Your Turn to Die, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Yuri!!! on Ice, YuYu Hakusho, Zombie Land Saga, 18Trip

[floral-sacrifice]

shoutout to american mcgee’s alice for giving us a game protagonist that speaks up for herself !! she not only asks why she’s supposed to do xyz, but also asks why her . (incoming yap under the cut)

it’s been a minute since i played the first game, but when she comes back to wonderland , cheshire cat is like “girl ur mental instability is destroying wonderland. chill” and she’s like “no i WONT chill. i’m gonna go on this adventure for my OWN benefit.”

in the second game (which i’m way more familiar with) the duchess is like “go get my pepper grinder and pepper these pig snouts” and alice is like “pepper them urself bitch…” and moves to leave. then the duchess says “no wait i have a reward if u do this” so ofc alice does it to get those teeth n pepper grinder weapon. the citizens of the mysterious east are like “omg it’s the chosen one she’s here to save us” and alice is like “i’m literally only here because 1) i fainted again oops and 2) i’m trying to find the caterpillar” but she ends up helping anyway !! bc she gets it !!! she sees their suffering and sees how it reflects her own (it’s literally her own mind) and she helps them !!

i mean the game opens with alice literally losing her sanity and screaming over wonderland’s destruction. when alice gets to chapter 5, she obviously helps the insane children in order to destroy the train, but she also feels for them. they accuse her of ignoring their plight (mirroring the children in her real life) and choosing to look the other way in an attempt to save her own psyche, and they point out how it’s not helping. alice admits that she’s afraid to see the truth. but when she finds out what the extent of the truth is in the factory?? she’s pissed. she comes up to the dollmaker swinging like “you piece of shit murderer , abuser, disgusting waste of space, you’ll pay for what you’ve done” she had that sense of righteousness that solidifies her personality as a protagonist. she does the work not because she’s a push over, but because it’s the right thing to do. she doesn’t give a fuck if it’s hard or not. she’s warned countless times through her journey by the cat that the way forward is extremely difficult and it may take even more of her mind from her. her response? “you don’t scare me, get another job” as she walks forward into the burning reminds of her childhood retreat. she’s already dealt with the queen in the first game, she’s withstood her psychological attacks, she’s seen her own face staring back at her through the mouths of someone she once trusted.

and when alice finds out who the doll maker really is ? she knows nobody would believe her. so she KILLS HIM. by pushing him INTO A TRAIN. the same train that he made to destroy wonderland, to destroy her mind, with the end goal of turning her into a lifeless doll that he can pimp out w the rest of the children.

the point is that throughout american mcgee’s alice, she acknowledges the danger, but she adapts to the situation. she shows tremendous fortitude as her world LITERALLY falls apart, as she faces abuse in the asylum, and later abuse under her employer who she TRUSTED to help her. as her world and mind are literally destroyed, she doesn’t break, doesn’t crumble. she’s seen shit. she’s just killed a man. but she knows it was the right thing to do. she doesn’t allow it to destroy her. she moves through this constantly changing landscape of her own mind, if not very happy about it, at least accepting and doing what she can to fix it. she doesn’t let anyone boss her around. whenever she’s faced with injustice, she IMMEDIATELY calls it out (carpenter, wasps, rabbit, game one queen, etc) she’s not afraid of consequences because she knows that she can deal with them. her skull is literally opened and her brains played with in the asylum, and she’s like “i’m not gonna let you win” and she Gets OUT. she CURES HER OWN CATATONIA. none of the treatments are working, so she enters her own self to find the root of the problem (red queen) and kills her. then she packs up and leaves at the end of the first game. she’s like “ok bye time to enter the workforce as a very young woman, i’m gonna be employed by who i think is a good person working to help kids” (she doesn’t know the truth yet obviously but intention matters)

i’m literally just like. ahhh i love alice. in any iteration. books, movies, games, she’s so cool and badass. aauuuughhh

in almost every other children's book where the main heroine is swept away to a land of whimsy she's shown having a lovely time; braving dangers occasionally, trying to find her way home, sure, but ultimately delighting in the magic around her. meanwhile alice spends her entire time in wonderland like

[raubtierfuetterung]

Howl‘s Moving Castle the Book is even better than Howl‘s Moving Castle the Anime. I have been enchanted. It’s wise and magical and witty and I fully believe in it as a true story. (I don’t mind if I get branded mad, I think those who understand what I’m on about are the ones who truly matter!) The book has been written with blood from my wrung out heart I feel. It’s like it’s been a part of me even before I read it.

It has all the good stuff I liked in the anime and none of the unironic kitschiness. It forms a Holy trinity with Harry Potter and Krabat. And maybe Alice in Wonderland too. OH AND FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST BROTHERHOOD!!! But I think Howl’s my favourite 😭😭 I want to become a great wizard more than anything. And I will! (Mental Asylum calling, I know I know, but do I care….? I want to be a weird uncle like Howl…) (yes, I know that the Psychologists call this schizotypy, I do see that to the average prosaic surface level mind I present just a girl prone to insanity. But you do realise that science is just inventing names and vague descriptions of empirical evidence? Whilst magic is the transgression of the Laws of Nature, breaking free from the physical form and human nature? Magic is the deconstruction of everything that has been witnessed by science. Wizardry, the transgression of organic matter, is the only freedom there is. Scientific work, with all it’s microscopes, engines, spacecrafts, power lines and explosives, is like vermins constructing their burrows. (Most people don’t think that a vermin has free will. But miraculously they do think that an enlightened homo sapiens sapiens lab scientist does. They are dumbly proud that they are a bunch of dull, unfree vermins IN OUTER SPACE. How great, this is so shameful ) It might be considered beautiful and kind of cute and it might come in handy for the species doing it. But it is not magical. It is caged in itself. It is slaves of the flesh admiring their own chains as a wondrous, mystical exhibit. Meticulously describing the way they drag across the paved-to-death-street. Giving names to the metal components it’s made of in Latin. And religion is the same. All about the flesh. Science and religion are both so far from magic - truth and freedom that is. The being of everything possible that is. Creation just for the beauty, just for the mind that is. Borderless, shapeless One-ness. Pure intellect, none of the flesh. I really wonder how science has ever been associated with coldness, intellect and magic when it is so obviously about the flesh, about carnality…when they build explosives and drive cars, develop medical equipment and artificial fabrics to satisfying their lust for revenge, their disdain and desire for the flesh, penetrating only their greed and human emotional-bodily needs, when they employ science to kill their enemies in the masses and save their dirty pathetic worthless human vermin lives. I think a life is not worth a dime. And a dime is not worth anything. Worth is not a category to think in! Political power is carnal and lowly. Emotions are the primitive rage of the flesh. And science serves it’s primitive madness, it serves the fear for life and the hate of the enemy equally. It serves primitive violence and hunger for power and want for domination. A vain, power-hungry and cruelly arrogant seeking of knowledge on matter. Seeking to answer the question: How can we kill this [thing]? And when will [thing] kill us?

Oh oh oh I’d rather be eaten by lions than be hit by a car, I’d rather be eaten by the lions. The arrogance of the human species ashames me, because oh there is only ever arrogance paired with violently primitive ignorance. Fear of death makes us despicable )

The most magical thing there is is death. Death is the most magical and beautiful thing there is. Dying, and being pleased to die: this is the most significant act of wizardry. The hour of my death will mark the threshold of my journey to wizardry, freedom!

I think I shall be one of the few who truly grow to love death. I shall know and befriend death, the withering and the tides, the winds and the dunes, the shooting stars and the continental plates