#that’s close to a jabberwocky right?

[florilegia-or-what-you-will]

Reading Middle English poetry is like reading Jabberwocky only it’s supposed to actually make sense.

I’m fully expecting something to gyre and gimble in one of these.

[unsuredreamer]

Would you? Maybe

Chloe Charming 💙 x fem!reader

Here you go my loves, I hope you like it! If you do and want more let me know!

I'm also up for ideas 🙌🏻

Auradon. A seemingly perfect kingdom for anyone, anykind, some people described it as magical even, though there wasn't really anything magical about it, and all kinds of magic were long forgotten here, some forbidden.

A place where people aren't as kind as they are pictured to be, most of them even crueler than the worst villains. You would have thought differently.

Being sent here after told fairytales, you'd expect royals to be nice, welcoming. They might have been, although their children are the real pain in the ass.

You were wondering, why has your dad even sent you here?  It's not like you were needed in this world of mortals, well magical mortals.

Don't you think wrongly of course, you always wondered how it is here, and have always dreamt of living here, even just for a while.

It's just.

You'd never expect them to be mean to you purely out of spite? They whispered behind your back, they talked mean,  even laughed at you loudly, which was something not ordinary for you given in that you never once had done something bad.

You have been here for merely 2 months, it was quite a long time for one, but not so much for you, still yet getting used to the time going a bit faster here you haven't really exchanged a word with anyone other than the professors at the school and maybe 2 students.

Well, until now.

A girl with a big shiny sword hung close to her hip bumped right into you. being slightly taller than a normal sized teenager, for a god shrunken to this size, you stood still keeping your posture straight and your head high as taught to you by your dear mother. The girl wasn't so lucky, sat on the ground she groaned in pain.

"I am so so sorry!" You quickly yelled, trying to help the girl to stand, not really being aware of how loud you are. Yet another thing, to get a hold on, being different from your home grounds. "You're just so small and I-I just wasn't looking, and-"

"Hey, get off her! You prideful weirdo!" Another girl came running in, quickly fisting you away from the gorgeous blue haired girl that was just standing hazed 2 feet away.

You always admired her, her total bluntness and a kind hand, her swordsmanship. Welp, you were an observer if you couldn't yet decipher.

"Aye, I'm not prideful, why would you think that?" You shot back at the possessive girl, her gritted teeth told you she was certainly not the kind one.

"You have been nothing but walking around with your head stuck up, like you're all better than anyone here!" She shot fires up you "You're not by the way." glaring she spat out.

"Hey, Red calm down. It's nothin-"

"You better take your 'I'm a god, you better respect me before I make your life a misery' act out of here, before I make you a feast to the Jabberwocky! So much for being exactly like your father" Red, the truly rebellious princess of Wonderland, yelled cutting the other in process. Making a scene out in the gardens of the school.

Of course, you were not totally oblivious to your surroundings, you knew your royals, and your ways around the kingdoms, around Auradon especially. Actually ruling one of yours for quite a short time, you knew better than to get involved in silly high school fights. Being committed to get to know this world better.

You could take any kinds of insults, you really could, an insult she supposedly thought was very harsh. But you actually wanted to be exactly like your father.

Not so much a cocky god. You never thought of yourself as the goddess such great that everyone had to be bowing to you every second they see you.

You were a powerfull being, truly you knew how big of a power you posessed, but making others your play dolls was never in your intention, even when people higher above you insisted on you having maids and others sorta type

But you knew better than to make the girl regret her words, especially because you felt she knew she was wrong deeply in her heart, and also a bit broken. You walked past her, sparing her just a graceful smile and a kind eye.

Stoic you were indeed, no one would question, they just have been so distant as to not anger you? you suppose, you were confused as to why they feared you, not that you would actually do anything while going to school. You were just a kid after all

~•~

Later in the day, that you basically spent just sitting under a willow tree, contemplating of your life. Where you really that bad? Just a cocky god? A stuck up daddy's girl?

Of course you knew this stupid 'argument' if you could call it that, shouldn't vary of you thinking badly of yourself. You were someone after all. (Even though you didn't want to think like that, you had a life experience of being in the presence of literal gods with gods complex, however stupidly it may sound)

Your life-long session of rethinking your life was cut short, due to a loud thud of a sword crashing with the ground. The same gorgeous girl sat there beside you, scarring you in the process.

"Oh im sorry, I should've asked if I could sit-"

"No no, its okay, its not like I have someone to sit with me in the first place" you snorted placing your head ond your knees wrapped up in your hands "I could use some company, it gets so lonely here."

"I'm sorry, Y/n" the girl placed her hand on your shoulder, you jumped at the sudden touch, scared she quickly took it off. You frowned, missing her soft touch already. "for my friend.."

"It's okay, Chloe."

Yes, you knew her name.

How could you not? she was the captain of the Roar team, you grew to like the swording competitions here, lets say they were entertaining...not just for this one particular blue reason..

"She gets defensive quickly, and looses her temperament even quicker, and she's quite hard to maintain, she didn't meant those words I hope you know, you're like- wait" she stopped her rambling "you know my name?"

"I am a god darling, I know everything" You grinned as she looked away, blushing slightly "But so you know I don't use it to my own advantage, it's not like me to be this 'God' everyone thinks of" you shrugged, hiding deeper in your arms.

"You're actually so nice and wise and nothing alike these rumors, not like-" she began, probably wanting to ramble on again but you cut her off. Even though you would love to just listen to her talk for hours on and on.

"My family?"

"Yes" she took a soft breath in as you looked deeper into her soul.

The wind danced briefly around her curls of hair, brown with a mix of blue, she looked astonishing, Her lightly arched brows and deep dark brown eyes held feelings and thoughts you couldn't quite read.

And did you even want to? You could if you insisted on it,, but these were not your intentions for now. Not ever. You'd love to get to know her thoughts, coming only straight from her blabering cutely mouth.

Her soft, pink, plump lips, parted lightly as she exhaled the air, you admired her every feature.

The blue zip up blouse she wore slightly creasing as she sat in the same position as you, turning her head in the direction of the enchanted lake, Her gaze softening with every second she stared at the view before her, dazed, as almost always when she looked at something she really appreciated.

She looked beautiful. She was beautiful

But even those words were an insult in describing such a masterpiece.

She was a piece of art, a muse, the most precious and fragile exhibit in the museum. She was the moment you wanted to live in forever, take in, tresure. She was more than you'd anticipate heaven to be.

"Could you tell me about them? Y/n?"

The way your name rolled off her tounge so perfectly, so smoothly, almost like it was made for just her to say it.

It made you shiver, although you could not have felt the cold, you did feel the goosebumps on your skin. Nothing has ever made you feel like that. Ever.

"What would you like to know princess Charming?" She was a princess and she certainly was charming, creeping her way to your heart, digging a path through the maze of high walls you put up, just to tumble them down the second she looked into your eyes with that hazed expression. With a smile so bright not even the sun could compare. You could not look away, she trapped you into a trance, her orbs like a big rabbit hole dragging you deeper and deeper in.

"How are they like? Are they even a tiny bit like they are described as? Tyranical? Huge? Terrifying?" she took ahold of your leg, clearly needing some sort of physical touch, like she would die without it. Desperate,feeling like you would dissappear in a second, being just a mist, she had imagined you many times.

"They are not. Not much that I think of" You stated grazing her hand, she deeply inhaled at the sudden touch initiated by you, it hasn't gone unnoticed of course.

You took her ring off as you began playing with it. No protests coming from Chloe, as she just admired how swift you were with it, as swift as the queen of hearts with her deck of cards. She observed. "They are a bit fucked in the head, yes. I mean who would declare a war on their sibling?" You laughed, it was truly funny to you, considering it was not that serious as people might think it was "But, they are also just normal beings"

"My father, the one and only, Zeus, is the best father I could ask for, I might even go as far as to say he is a big plush toy, smiling from ear to ear, with a heart so red of love, a true bear" Chloe laughed loudly, showing her amazingly beautiful white teeth and creased eyes.

She was truly charming, living up to her name.

"Trust me, I know some of it" you both giggled, of course she was a daddys girl too.

"He was always so caring, he would spent every second of the day with me if he could, always showing me the best of both worlds, the mortal and the immortal" you stopped "From the begging he used to say I'm going to take his place at the olympus. He said he just knew i was the right one to carry his great legacy, that I had the power within me, uncomparable to his and those of his siblings" you stopped for a second, throwing a pebble in the water "My brother Hercules gave up on being a god for his love" you stopped again looking high in the sky "A ruler of Olympus could never be with a mortal, thus you have to marry a god, if you want to marry at all"

"But that would mean basically marrying your uncles or cousins, wouldn't it? why would anyone choose to marry their cousin?" Chloe looked confused, you just nodded and sighned.

"If you want to have children, you must marry. But I would nerver do that" you looked at her "I want to be the ruler, I have wanted that since I can recall" a tear fell down your face "But i also want to love"

It was only now she got the hand of your features, she alway admired you but not up this close.

You were truly a god, the soft but strong features confused her, you looked so dazzling at the same time looking like you'd tear her alive if she even was thinking of speaking a wrong word to you. Your eyes darted between the trees and the water of the enchanted lake, throwing pebbles with your hands once in a while. You spoke so smoothly, as opposed to how you carried yourself, your tone of voice was like a melody of million playing harps. Looking into the distance, telling her your life story of how you were the gold stained child, always cherished, always praised, but never too much. About how the gods were truly perfect, perfect parents, nothing alike these she was taught about at school all these years ago. She'd never even excpect some things that came out of your mouth would be the truest of truth a few months ago.

Although she alwas caught you cheering everyone on her tournaments. You never once turned down a sweet treat from Zellie, the sweetest student alive. You were always prepared in class. And you were the nicest person alive. All nothing like the gods described in textbooks.

"I have always wanted to fall in love. I suppose I'm sentenced on hundred years of being by myself" you spoke quietly as another tear fell down the same cheek.

Chloe turned to you, wiping the stain off your cheek, staring at your eyes. Her hand lingered in the same place as if it was glued, only her thumb moved ever so slightly, caressing your skin, almost like a ghost touch. Her little smile prominent. You got lost in her, a full force holding you down, not letting you move as much as an inch, fearing she would let go of you almost instantly. You exhaled sharply as her thumb grazed your lips.

"Would you give up on being a god if i told you I loved you?"

[collegeishardbutwritingisharder]

Male Yuu! Reader (Platonic Yandere) Part 2

The part 2! Let's hope that I can put the rest of the story into this! If not, then my bad! Note after nine months: I did not fit the rest of the story in here. Not even close. There are going to be so many more parts. I apologize for being gone for so long. I hope you all enjoy this and put down in the comments: which dorm you all would like to see next? That will definitely help me in the long run.

I felt a panic attack starting to form in my chest. Kidnap me? Keep me safe? From what!? I started to hyperventilate and fell to my knees.

"(Y/N)!"

Grim rushed to me and started to snuggle into my chest. He started to purr to calm me down. Thankfully, it was working. Focusing all of my attention on the rhythmic purring did wonders for my nerves. I got my breathing under control and cleared my mind.

"All right. I'm good."

I looked down at Grim with a weak smile. I needed to get business.

"Who... exactly are looking to keep me safe?"

Grim looked uneasy before spilling names.

"Basically everyone. Riddle wants to hide you in Heartslabyul. Teach you all of the rules. He said something about a Jabberwocky. I don't remember everything exactly. Riddle can be very boring."

Grim started snickering while I gulped. The Jabberwocky was a dragon-like beast, or at least in my world. How could Heartslabyul have a Jabberwocky? Or am I the Jabberwocky? Eh, that doesn't make sense.

"Then Leona said that you didn't need rules. What you needed was your pride to keep and protect you. He was yelling with Riddle, Floyd, Vil and Sebek for hours on end. It was funny to watch him struggle to get his way."

Pride... Pride... Leona kept saying that I needed my pride to protect me. Did he mean a lion's pride? Ohhhhh, this hurts my head right now.

"Azul and the tweels argued that you need to be underwater. Something about you drying out. Azul also talked about having an underwater garden to keep you in."

Oh boy, I wonder if any of Azul's failed debtors are in that garden as well.

"Kalim talked about how his family was expecting you at Silk City. He threw a tantrum when the others tried to tell him no. He nearly tried to drown Ramshackle with Oasis Maker!"

That... sounds about right. Kalim didn't appreciate it when I told him no before my brain washing.

"Vil wants to... basically make you into a doll. Or at least that's what it sounded to me. He was very passionate about keeping your beauty preserved. Rook agreed full heartedly. They both were so weird."

A lump formed in my throat. Did... Did I play in that idea just earlier? Is that why Vil picked a photo shoot?

"Ortho was there, talking about how the prefect had to start in the perfect place. Idia was there from his tablet, showing off some diagrams of some weird looking temple."

"Temple? Like... For the ancient gods?"

"Yeah! Just like those!"

That doesn't comfort me.

"Horton was there as well but... The only thing he did was watch. It was unsettling. Every once in a while, I was pretty certain a lightning strike hit the dead tree out front."

Great. If Malleus has his own plan, I'm dead. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO AVOID A TOP FIVE MAGICIAN?! I took a deep breath to calm myself down once again.

"Okay. Now that I have more information. It's time for a game plan. NRC is no longer a safe place for my existence anymore. Time to find a new one!"

I got up from my bed and rushed to one of the storage rooms. I started to search and quickly found the maps. Sometimes when I had free time, the ghosts and I looked over all of the maps and saw how the cartography of Twisted Wonderland has changed over the years. We even found one of the current Twisted!

I grabbed the current one before taking it back to where Grim was. I rolled it out and quickly got some pins. I started to stick them into different areas.

"Sunset Savanna is a no. With Leona as a prince, he'll send out troops to find me with no problem. Coral sea is also a no mainly because we can't breath underwater. Hmmmm, Shaftlands is Vil and Cater's territory. People know them there and would most likely send pictures of me. Scratch that, no matter WHERE I am, if Vil or Cater send out a bounty for me, people will take pictures of me."

I kept muttering to myself and apparently, I was boring enough to put Grim to sleep. His sleep comments were really comforting to hear. I haven't seen him in so long. I put my hand on his head and started to scratch behind his ears.

"Sweet dreams, Grimmy. I'll try to figure out a way to get us someplace safe."

I quickly put the map stuff away before crawling into bed myself. I know that I shouldn't be letting my guard down right now but... I need a night's sleep at Ramshackle. An actual comforting place. I wrapped Grim in my arms and held him close to my chest. Finally, sleep started to claim me.

When I reopened my eyes, I wasn't staring at Ramshackle's ceiling. The roof was much too tall and too dark. I'm in Diasomnia, aren't I?

"Human! You have risen from your slumber!"

I flinched at Sebek's loud tone. Yep, I'm in Diasomnia.

"Quickly! Stand up! We must get you ready for Waka-Sama! He is expecting you for breakfast!"

Sebek grabbed my arms and pulled me up. Grim fell flat on the floor, successfully waking him up.

"Mrow! What's happenin'?!"

Grim was put on alert and surveyed the room.

"This ain't Ramshackle!"

"OUT, YOU DISGUSTING CREATURE!"

Sebek kicked Grim to the wall. Grim let out a screech of pain. I quickly ran to his side and picked him up.

"Grim! Are you okay? What's wrong with you, Sebek!?"

I turned to Sebek and gave him the biggest glare possible. He flinched and had a pitiful expression on his face.

"No, no, no! Please don't be upset with me, (Y/N)! I'm only trying to protect you!"

"The only thing that needs protection is Grim from you! I'm leaving!"

Sebek snapped back to his guard mode and gripped my wrist.

"I cannot allow that. That... feline... must be confusing you. I'll take care of him for you! Silver can help you get ready!"

Sebek pried Grim out from my arms before taking him to the window. He held Grim outside of the window frame. Grim still hadn't recovered from the kick.

"Sebek, don't!"

Sebek dropped Grim without hesitation. I rushed over to the window to only see that we were in one of the highest towers over seeing a bunch of brambles.

"No... Grim..."

"Pest taken care of! Now, I'll go get Silver."

I was mildly frozen. I couldn't bring myself to leave the window sill. I was half tempted to fall out of it as well. Just to see if Grim was really down there. A hand grabbed my arm and led me away from it.

Silver gently guided me to a mirror before walking into the closet.

"Hmmmmm... Here it is. Father did get you a proper uniform."

Silver walked back in with a Diasomnia uniform but there were some modifications made to it. The spools of thread that they have normally on a belt were weaved into a white cape that reached halfway to my bicep. The other thing is that my cap looks like Malleus'. Without the little horn details that Silver has.

"There we go. I hope that you like the cape. It was my idea."

Silver started to help me with the uniform. The shock was just starting to wear off. I tried to move away from Silver and get my original clothes back. I'm glad that I changed out of the fancy clothes that I accidentally stole from Vil before bed.

"Hey, hey... Stop moving. I want to make sure that your clothes are on properly."

Silver gripped my wrist and was quick to immobilize me. I forgot that Silver was training to become a knight. Diasomnia was a dorm full of strong magic users and strong people in general. Bad dorm to be stuck in.

"There we go. Now, let me get the rest of the uniform on."

Silver finally finished before he let me move once again. I tried to reach the door but he just linked our arms together.

"Now, now. I understand. Sebek informed me about the creature. You don't need to worry about it anymore. If you want, after breakfast, you and I can take a nap in your room. Just to calm you down."

Silver started to walk to where breakfast was. I tried to break free from him a few times but I couldn't get him to budge one inch. The doors opened and there was Malleus sitting at the head of the table.

"Silver and my little bat!"

Lilia fell from above and landed in front of Silver and me. He grabbed both of us in a hug and squeezed us tightly.

"Hello, Father."

"Ummm..."

"Thank goodness, you've arrived! Malleus was starting to worry. Come along, little bat! Take your seat."

Lilia gestured to the chair at the foot of the table. Silver unlocked his arm with mine to let me walk to my chair. I looked around the room and noticed the door on the other side of the room. Although there was one problem. Whose name was Sebek. He stood there with a proud smirk, taunting me it felt like.

I turned away from Sebek and met Malleus' gaze. It felt as if Malleus wasn't even blinking. A small push was given to me, from who, I don't know, to get my legs working. I walked to my chair and sat down. There was no food on the table which confused me. I thought it was breakfast.

"Child of Man."

I twitched my head from looking at the table to looking at Malleus. His gaze really made me feel weak and powerless.

"Yes, Horton?"

"It's a pleasure to be able to feast with you this morning. It has been quite some time since we've been able to see you last."

I only nodded my head. He was right. I've been held captive for a while. Which caused a question to pop into my head.

"Yeah, well, I've been busy with other people. Sorry for worrying you but how did you know that I came back to Ramshackle?"

"Oh, silly, little bat! Your dear big brother visited Ramshackle every night since you went missing! Just in case, you've finally decided to return home!"

Lilia answered for Malleus but that caused a shiver to run up my spine. Grim didn't mention that Malleus was visiting every night.

"Were you hurt?"

Malleus' question was sudden and it felt out of the blue. My head snapped up to look him in the eyes and it caused me to think for a bit. I don't think that I was hurt. I mean, Deuce and Kalim did cause me discomfort when they hugged me but I wouldn't count it as harm.

"No... I don't believe that I was harmed."

"Oh, little bat. You shouldn't lie to your family."

Lilia budded into the conversation once again. Floating over to Malleus.

"He... lied to us, Lilia?"

"I didn't, Horton!"

"Sebek! Silver! Calm your younger brother down."

"Yes, sir!"

Sebek and Silver moved. Silver picked me up and caught me in a hug before sitting down in my chair. Sebek then pulled out a handkerchief and tied it around my mouth.

After being sufficiently muzzled, Lilia continued with his story.

"(Y/N) was first hurt by Professor Crewel! That ungrateful professor continuously calls my dear sweet child a mutt! Little bat, I want you to know that you are so much more than a lowly mutt."

Lilia looked at me with such a warm gaze that it mildly made me forget about the position that I'm in.

"So, the nickname 'mutt' isn't a good one..."

"No, Malleus. It's basically calling him incompetent."

Malleus's eyes widen before slamming his fist down on the table.

"How dare he! Doesn't he know that the Child of Man is more competent than most on this campus?!"

"I know! Humans can hold such weird judgements of one another. The next people that hurt him were those Heartslabyul first years that he enjoys to hang out around."

"Hmmmmm, I did notice how they would always drag Child of Man into their dangerous antics before."

"Mmmhmm! They've been hurting our dear human from the very beginning!"

Lilia then continued to recall all of the different slights that people have done against me. All of the different schemes that I was pulled into, the overblots, Floyd's mistreatment during the healing process, the Scarabian kidnapping, and the one that made no sense to me, the Pomefiore photoshoot.

"Thank you, Lilia. Now, Child of Man, please. Let us enjoy breakfast."

Other Diasomnia students then walked through the doors that Sebek was originally guarding. They were carrying silver dish trays and were quick to set them down before taking their own posts along the walls. Sebek also took out the handkerchief out of my mouth. The food looked really good, which meant that Lilia didn't cook it. I tried to get my arms free to get food but Silver still hadn't let go of my arms yet.

"Ummm, Silver. Buddy. I kind of need my arms to be able to eat."

The only response that I had gotten in return was light snoring. Silver had fallen asleep with me in his arms. Normally, I thought people would loosen their grip when they fall asleep. But obviously not Silver.

"Allow me to assist you, (Y/N)!"

Sebek shouted before pulling up a chair next to mine. I felt the eyes of all the Diasomnia students watching me. Sebek cut through the pancakes that they had made before putting some up to my mouth.

"Now, open your mouth, Human."

Sebek's tone was soft for once. What is happening? Why is everybody acting like I'm an infant!?!?!?

"Open. Your. Mouth."

Sebek's harsh tone came back along with a glare. I shook my head before gritting my teeth together.

"Don't be insolent! You should be thankful that your real family is here to protect and care for you now! Unlike those false 'brothers' that abused you. Now. Let me help you with breakfast."

I kept my mouth shut.

"Awwwww, there's no reason to be fussy. Let's see. Ahhhhhh."

Lilia put his hands on either side of my jaw before pressing on it. It was quite painful and I regretfully opened my jaw. Sebek then took advantage of my pain and fed me. I tried to spit the food out but Lilia changed tactics and forced my jaw closed.

"Chew it all up! As your father, I'll have to get used to feeding you like this! Especially if you keep choosing to be fussy over nothing!"

Lilia sounded so happy while force feeding me. I was feeling very cramped with three people all around me. Eventually, I gave up and started chewing the food myself. Anything to stop the dull ache that was beginning to form in my jaw.

"Ahhh!"

"Sebek."

Sebek lowered the fork from my mouth before turning his head to Malleus.

"Yes, Waka-Sama?"

Malleus stood from his own chair and walked over.

"I want to feed the Child of Man."

I looked at Malleus with wide eyes. Sebek only nodded his head before leaving his chair for Malleus to take his seat. Malleus took the chair before picking up the fork himself.

"Ahhhhh, Child of Man."

Malleus had such a soft look in his eyes that made me feel safe? In a weird way.

"Ahhhhhh."

Malleus put the fork with the pancakes in my mouth.

"It feels nice to take care of your younger brother, doesn't it, Malleus?"

"It does, Lilia. Is this how you felt when taking care of Silver and myself?"

"Oh, yes! Taking care of those who are the most dear to you is the best feeling in the world! Make sure you treasure these moments, Malleus. They fade much too quickly."

After what felt like three hours but was actually around ten minutes, breakfast had finally concluded. The Diasomnia students, who were just watching, took the plates before leaving.

"Now. I overheard from earlier. You and Silver were going to take a nap together, right (Y/N)?"

"That was the plan, I think. Although, I don't know how much Silver is going to want to take a nap now."

"I'm always willing to take a nap with you, (Y/N)."

I jolted a bit. I didn't notice Silver waking up. I guess he really is the King of Naps.

"Perfect! Then I suppose that having a little group nap wouldn't be a bad idea! Malleus, Sebek. Are you two willing to join us?"

"I would gladly attend."

"If Waka-Sama will take a nap, then I must be there to ensure his best sleep!"

I started to think fast. Trapped in a cuddle pile won't help me get out of Diasomnia in the slightest.

"W-W-Wait a minute!"

My shout got all of the attention, which was exactly what I wanted.

"I-If we take a nap now, you guys will have to get up in a matter of minutes for class! I-I'd rather wait until you guys will be able to hang out for longer!"

The quartet of Diasomnia students just stared at me for around thirty seconds before Lilia's face gained a smirk.

"Awwwww, my baby~! So worried for your brothers' education and your own father's as well! You're such a sweet, little boy! Alright, we can wait until classes are done for today."

Lilia then clapped his hands and two other Diasomnia students appeared out of the shadows. I jumped at their appearance. Lilia then cleared his throat to address the two students.

"Please escort my little bat to his room. He will need to stay there while classes are happening. Last thing that we would need is one of those brutish students from one of the other dorms stealing (Y/N) away from his true family."

"Yes, Vice Dorm Leader Vanrouge!"

Silver let go of me and I stood up. The two students flanked me, making sure that there was little to no room for me to run away. I just gulped before walking towards where I thought that my room was located.

"We're so happy that you've finally come home, (Y/N)!"

"The whole dorm was worried sick when the rumors of you being kidnapped by the other dorms came around. Dorm Leader Draconia and Vice Dorm Leader Vanrouge were so lucky to have found you!"

"Not to mention how lucky we are! We get to spend some time with our brother too!"

The students kept talking while I tuned them out. What type of hypnosis spell went over the entire campus? Could this be some sort of attack from RSA? Although that doesn't really sound like something that they would do.

"Hold it!"

One of the students grabbed me before I opened the door to the room I was in originally.

"Huh? What's wrong?"

"This isn't your room."

I slightly tilted my head.

"But this is the room that I woke up in?"

"This is Sebek and Silver's room. Your room is elsewhere."

"Follow us please!"

The first one started to walk up a bunch of stairs while the other stayed behind me.

"This room was prepared by Dorm Leader Draconia himself! He tried to make sure that it was to your liking!"

The student in front of me opened the door to what was a near replica of my Ramshackle room. If it wasn't for the fact that the view from the window showed the outside of Diasomnia, I could have swore that I was transported back to Ramshackle.

I took a few steps forward to observe the room. I wasn't expecting for the door to be shut and locked behind me. I rushed over and tried to get it to budge.

"Hey! This isn't funny!"

"Sorry, Little Brother! We all were specially instructed by Dorm Leader Draconia and Vice Dorm Leader Vanrouge to keep this door shut while we're at classes."

I stared at the door before letting go of the knob.

"We wish that you would be able to walk around Diasomnia but the threat of another dorm finding you is too large right now."

I didn't respond before just flopping down on the bed. I thought about my morning so far.

"Grim..."

Tears started to stream down my face. Anguish and anger wrapped around my heart. I clenched my fists together and started to punch the pillow while huge tears were unleashed. After a minute of just punching, I started to take deep breaths before wiping my face clear of tears. I will get out of here. For Grim!

As soon as my little pity party was done, I got up from the bed to take a look outside. The tower was quite high. I felt my fear of heights kick in and I backed away from it. I think I'd rather live here than escape that way. I decided to explore the room a bit to see if I could find something else to help me escape.

Malleus did a really good job at replicating my room, I'll give him that. Although there are a few minor adjustments. For example, the attached bathroom, the Malleus, Lilia, Silver and Sebek plushies on my bed, and what appears to be a family portrait of all five of us on the wall. They're really selling the family idea, aren't they? How did they even get a portrait like this?

"What a poor little boy."

"Who would keep him trapped in a tower?"

"Just like a little princess."

I heard new voices that I've never heard before. I started to spin my head around trying to figure out where they were coming from. Three small balls of light. Red, green and blue.

"Hello? Who are you?"

"Why, we're the good fairies!"

"Please child. Explain as to why you're stuck here in such a... dreadful place?"

I thought of the best way to explain my situation.

"Well. People who I thought were my friends decided to kidnap me. 'To keep me safe' they say. Although I've never felt more trapped in my life."

"That just won't do! Listen up, boy! We'll help you out! We can give you three blessings! But you must use them wisely, okay? They will only work once."

I nodded my head. If there's one thing that I pride myself on, it's my wisdom. The red fae started to glow brighter.

"My gift shall be the gift of free falling. This will prevent any injury from falling."

The green fae was next.

"My gift shall be the gift of speed. Use this to outrun your pursuers."

Finally, it was the blue fae's turn.

"And my gift shall be the gift of invisibility. For a short period of time, your entire presence will be hidden from existence."

I gave the faes a light bow.

"Thank you so much."

"It's no problem, child. We hope that our magic will be of great assistance to you. I hope that our paths will cross again one day."

We said our goodbyes and then the faes disappeared in a poof of sparkles. I had to use these gifts wisely. I do only have one shot after all. It might be best to use them later. I don't know Diasomnia's layout well enough to plan a good escape route.

My best plan of action right now is to play along with their delusion, despite how much it would kill me. Play nicely, you get the upper hand eventually. Although now, I wish that I had asked if memories of me would be erased for the time that I would be invisible.

To pass the time, I decided to take to the bookshelf. Maybe I could learn something that would prove a use to me. A majority of the books appeared to be children's books. Despite those being quite entertaining, they weren't exactly helpful for knowledge. Although there was one that held important information.

The book was called 'Be Careful, Titinia!'. It was an entire book on things that can hurt faes or weaken them. The main things that I took note of were iron, salt, ash wood and sweets. I want to avoid using iron since it causes them direct harm while salt and ash wood only weakens their powers. Sweets can be used as a distraction.

"I don't know why I thought that they would leave a book to help me escape. They aren't dumb."

I spent the rest of the time contemplating. My life, my decisions and that stupid, STUPID fall. This is what spurred all of this unnecessary panic. At long last, a knock broke me out of my thoughts.

"(Y/N)! We've finally returned from our classes! You should have seen all of the other sniveling humans! They were so pathetic! They were crying out for you. Although, I must admit, I was annoyed by such displays. As if they thought that they were worthy of being with you."

Sebek walked in, followed by Silver. He seemed to be very proud of what he was relaying to me.

"Sounds stifling."

"Oh, it was! Such whiny creatures!"

I took a deep breath before getting into my role. I think that it would be beneficial if I played nice.

"D-Do you want a hug? I want to help cheer up my Big Bro!"

Sebek and Silver looked over at me with huge eyes. It's like they weren't expecting me to say that. A bright, pink blush appeared on Sebek's face before he started yelling.

"OF COURSE, I WOULD ENJOY PHYSICAL CONTACT, MY YOUNGER!"

Sebek then wasted no time in throwing himself at me. He wrapped his arms around my waist and started to snuggle under my chin. I think that I even heard little gator squeaks coming from him.

"A-Am I allowed to join in the hugs?"

Silver looked a bit desperate while looking at me with fearful eyes. It was like he thought that I was telling him that I hate him or something.

"Of course! You're my big brother as well, Silvy!"

Silver then also gained a blush and a soft smile. He seemed to have enjoyed the nickname that I just came up with.

"Hey! If he gets a nickname, what's mine?!"

Sebek looked up at me with a pout. This is reminding me of taking care of toddlers instead of dealing with kidnappers.

"Hmmmmm."

I closed my eyes while I was running through the nicknames that I could come up with.

"Tic Toc Croc?"

Sebek wrinkled his nose at that name.

"Or maybe Bolt?"

Sebek gave a smile at that one.

"Bolt it is!"

Silver got behind me and pulled me flush against his front. So, now, I was sandwiched between the two guards. Sebek let out slight squeaks while Silver was just lightly snoring in my ear. Their warmth and the noises became a form of white noise that started to lull me to sleep.

"Awwwww, what a cute sight."

Lilia had arrived and spoke in a whisper. He jumped onto the foot of the bed frame to look at us.

"My little bat looks so sleepy~ Why don't you just close your eyes while I invite Malleus? We can have that nap that we planned earlier."

I tried to keep my eyes open to the best of my abilities. Silver actually started to sway which in turn, rocked me back and forth slightly. Lilia came back with Malleus.

"Little bat! I told you to close your eyes and sleep!"

Lilia yelled in a hushed tone. It was clear that he was slightly annoyed with me but didn't want to risk waking up Sebek and Silver.

I shook my head.

"I wanted to be awake to see Malleus."

Malleus' eyes widened a bit before he gained a huge smile.

"Child of Man..."

I think that I actually saw a few tears start to form in Malleus' eyes. He then walked over and joined us in our cuddle pile. Lilia let out a laugh before joining us as well. The amount of warmth and constant soft sounds made it even more impossible to keep my eyes open.

"Shhhhhhh~ Just close your eyes, little bat. We'll all be here when you wake up~"

I felt Lilia's fingers gently close my eyelids and from there, I was asleep. I don't know how long we napped for but when I woke up, I was the last one awake.

"Little bat! Did you enjoy your little nap? I sure hope so because Papa has a lot of plans for you!"

"Papa?"

I never even called my Dad papa.

"Yep, that's me! If you ever need something from me, call out 'Papa!' and I'll be there as soon as possible! Either way, we must continue on with our plans!"

Lilia was quick to leave the cuddle pile. Sebek and Silver were still holding on to me, almost as if they were afraid that I was going to disappear.

"Did you have sweet dreams, (Y/N)?"

Sebek was looking at me with a huge smile. It seems that the nap had really refreshed him.

"Y-yeah, although, I don't think that I really had a dream."

"We all have dreams, Child of Man. You probably just don't remember it."

Malleus was the second to get up from the cuddle pile. He also looked quite refreshed.

"Silver! Do you remember where I put the stroller?!"

I felt myself blanching at that statement. What does Lilia need a stroller for?!

"Father. I really don't think that (Y/N) needs a stroller."

"But what if he gets tired on our walk?!"

"I can carry him for you, Master Lilia!"

"Hmmm, that's an option. What would you prefer, (Y/N)?"

"I think that I would prefer if Bolt would carry me if I got tired."

I let out a noise of surprise when Sebek suddenly tightened his hold on me.

"Oookay, but next time, I'll make sure to bring the stroller. Just in case of Sebek not being there with us!"

Finally, Sebek got off of me which made it easier for me to get off of Silver. Although Silver didn't make it such an easy feat.

"Uh, Silvy? D-Don't you need to get up and ready for this walk as well?"

"Hmmmmm, yeah."

He finally stood up and took me with him. I tried to get up on my own feet but Silver was still holding me. It caused me to trip over my feet multiple times.

"I thought that we would be walking."

"We will be."

"Then... Can I walk?"

A slight blush appeared on his face before he set me down.

"I... apologize. It's just...I felt very comfortable with you in my arms."

"It's okay, Silvy."

It really wasn't. But sadly, I have a part to play. Man, if only Vil could see me now. Eeehhhh, on second thought, if only past Vil could see me now. I don't think I want to see present Vil anymore.

"Alright, boys, let's get a move on! We have to start our walk now or else we're going to be late for dinner! I don't want my children hungry for long."

Lilia walked out the door, leading the way that we're going to take. Malleus walked up to me and looped his arm around mine.

"Come along, Child of Man. Lilia will outpace all of us if we wait any longer."

I only nodded before I started moving. I ended up tugging on Malleus slightly before he matched my pace. Sebek and Silver closed the door before catching up to Malleus and I. It took us ten minutes to catch up with Lilia. Well, catch isn't the right word. Found is a better one for the fact that we had to roam the hallways of Diasomnia. We ran into so many Diasomnian students, who seemed to be more than excited to see me. Some even gave me hugs or other forms of affection.

"There you kids are! I was worried for a second that someone came in and stole (Y/N) away!"

"If there was someone so foolish enough to even attempt at taking my young kin, I would have boiled their insides before ripping them to shreds."

I gulped at Malleus' words. Having someone who is part dragon be possessive over you is worse than just having a human be possessive.

Finally, after playing the waiting game for so long, we continued on with our walk and we went outside of Diasomnia. The environment surrounding the castle was, as usual, spooky but perfect for a get away. We made it slightly deep into the forest before I decided it was time to use the other faes' gifts. I started to slow down a bit before stopping completely.

"Hmmm, what's wrong, (Y/N)?"

I took a deep breath before answering Silver.

"Just needing to tie my shoe, Silvy! I would hate to trip and fall after all!"

"Let me, (Y/N)!"

Sebek moved before I could bend down. What was the most interesting part was the fact that he untied my shoe to just redo the knot. I debated in my head to wait for a different opportunity. I decided to wait for only a little longer.

Sebek stood back up and gave me such a proud smile. I nod my head before giving Sebek my own smile.

"Thank you, Sebek. I appreciate it."

"You're welcome, (Y/N)!"

Sebek turned back around and I started to take the back of the group. I watched Lilia talk animatedly while Silver was trying to avoid falling asleep. Malleus kept his posture straight and focused on our path while Sebek was scanning the forest.

They were distracted. I try to activate Blue's invisibility. I watch as blue magic sparks start at my fingertips and go down my entire body. I couldn't even see me! Using the fact that I was now invisible, I started to walk away from the group as fast as I could. I was about twenty feet away when I heard this.

"AH! (Y/N)! WHERE ARE YOU?!"

"What do you mean, Se- LITTLE BAT!?! WHERE DID YOU GO?!"

They had no idea where I was but I still had some way before I could reach the mirror. I start running and I know that I'm making a bunch of noise at this point. Sebek, Lilia and Malleus obviously know where I am based on noise.

I turn my head and see Lilia nearly grabbing the collar of the Diasomnia uniform that I was wearing. I let out a small scream as I dodge his grasp.

"Little bat! It isn't wise to make me mad!"

I was so preoccupied with Lilia that I nearly got hit by Sebek's baton.

"STOP RUNNING, HUMAN! BEHAVE FOR YOUR FAMILY!!"

Sebek's eyes were blazing with fury. I had to make a decision quickly. I remember that Green gave me super speed and tried to use that. I saw green flashes on my feet. Next thing that I knew was that it felt like my feet were flying out from underneath me. I was moving faster than I could really control it. I nearly ran into twenty different trees.

I felt the ground shake and noticed that Silver had actually sent a spell into the ground and it was erupting beneath me.

"I'm sorry, (Y/N). But I can't let you escape."

The spell caused an explosion beneath me, sending me flying into the sky. I let out a scream, my fear of heights kicked in. I heard Sebek scolding Silver for using such a spell on me.

I quickly get my brain under control and focus on using Red's free fall. I saw my body flash red and I felt more confident. I then started to glide through the air trying to get to the mirror, I could see it. I heard an air whistle and noticed that Malleus was flying straight for me.

"(YYYYY/NNNNN)!!!!!"

I narrowly avoid Malleus' dive and quickly land on the ground in front of the mirror. I watched as I blinked blue, green and red to signify that the gifts had ran out. I looked around, noting how close the four of them were before rushing into the mirror. Once in the Hall of Mirrors, I look around before choosing a mirror to hide away in.

[fallenangelicss]

Sweet And Spice

PAIRING | Bridget | Queen of Hearts/James Hook

WORD COUNT | 1957

SUMMARY | Bridget's gone missing. Or at least, Red and Chloe can't find her after they get split up for a class they've been forced into. Worried something irreversible might happen while she's out of their sight, they recruit Ella to help locate her. What they uncover is far from what they thought they'd find.

RATING | General Audiences

WARNING/TAG(S) | No Archive Warnings Apply

A/N | First time writing for Descendants, hope you all like it!

EVENTS | @eclipsingbingo | Playing With Someone's Hair | @fandombingo | Unexpected Visitor | @anyfandomfluffbingo | "It's Not Like This With Them" | @multifandom-flash | The Jabberwocky | Heal The Cutie | I Did What I Had To Do | Don't You Dare Pity Me | @fandom-free-bingo | Whumper Turned Caretaker | Failure To Remain Impartial | Nervous Laughter | @character-a-character-b | Rivals To Lovers

AO3 LINK | Read Here

“Hey, Ella,” Red called as she saw the younger version of her newfound friend's mum walk out of one of her classes, a hand raised to wave her over. Chloe’s brows pinched together as her eyes scanned between her mother and Red, attempting to decipher what Red could possibly want with her mum instead of her own. Once Ella stepped over to them, Chloe shook herself out of her thoughts and shot Ella a smile, both of them waiting for Red to speak up once again. “Have you seen Bridget? We haven’t seen her since the whole Uliana incident.”

“No, I haven’t seen her either come to think of it,” Ella murmured, taking a quick scan around the hallway the three of them were in before a concerned look made its way onto her face. Chloe couldn’t tell what that look could mean, unexpectedly foreign to everything about this version of her mum. “But I can help you look for her since my next class is with her.”

“Great,” Red exclaimed, a large grin spreading across her face as she hovered around Ella. Still unused to the layout of Auradon or Merlin Academy, Red didn’t know where to begin looking, leaving that up to Ella to decide. Chloe may have a bit more luck in the sense of the direction, visiting Auradon occasionally to see her brother whenever there was an event taking place at the school, but it was still vastly different to what she had come to know. “Do you have any ideas where she could be? Any places that she goes to when she needs to think or… something?”

“Have you checked her dorm?” Ella asked to which both girls nodded in response to, Briget’s dorm being the first place they checked once they were able to get away from one of the classes they had been roped into. That made Ella’s face contort a bit more as she thought of all the unusual places Bridget might be lurking in between classes. She must’ve had a free period, Ella thought. There wasn’t enough time in between classes to hang out or do whatever, there was hardly enough to even go to your locker and get the book you needed. “She might be in the courtyard somewhere. She normally sits out there when she's looking for a new recipe to try out.”

“That’s perfect,” Chloe said, ready to start walking and go looking for Bridget. With how close Castlecoming was, they couldn’t afford for her to leave their sight. As Chloe walked through the hallway, a loud cough caught her attention. Spinning on her heel to see what was up, she came face to face with Ella who was staring at her with a raised brow. Right, Merlin Acadamy was different to Auradon Prep. With a sheepish smile, Chloe asked, “Would you like to lead the way?”

“Sure,” Ella responded with a crooked smile before starting off in the right direction, leading the newcomers to where Bridget could potentially be. They walked for a few moments in silence, Red and Chloe slightly behind Ella’s pacing as they eyed one another, attempting to have a silent conversation as to what Bridget may be doing and how this could be related to the prank that created their future when Ella turned around abruptly, walking backwards as she asked, “Why do you need to find Bridget anyway?”

“Uh,” Red floundered for a second, trying to think of a lie on the spot while Chloe was two seconds away from revealing the truth about everything. The longer they took to answer, the more suspicious Ella grew, her eyes narrowing a bit as her pace slowed, forcing them to shorten their steps to not overtake Ella. “She said she’d show us around to all of our classes but we didn’t know where to meet her after each one so we’re a bit lost.”

“Makes sense,” Ella nodded, spinning back around to lead them out of the school's building and into the large open space the grounds had. Red’s eyes instantly began scanning the area for her mum, hoping to find some pink peeking out from around a corner so she could relax and know her mum was safe. “I could also show you guys around if you ever needed it. Normally they have someone give new students a tour if they come late in the year but they must’ve forgotten to this time.”

“Yeah, must’ve,” Chloe trailed off, joining Red in her search. Ella looked to be the only one who wasn’t actively looking for Bridget, just leading them around and hoping they would stumble upon her, though Ella must’ve had to find Bridget on numerous occasions to not be concerned at all as to where she might be. “Does Bridget disappear often? You just seem really calm even though we don’t know where she is.”

“Bridget’s a big girl, she can take care of herself,” Ella easily supplied, shrugging her shoulders as they continued their search. The more they looked, the more Chloe was beginning to lose hope that Bridget might be in the courtyard, though the grounds seemed to stretch on for ages. If they didn’t find her soon then they might have to try a different location, though Chloe wasn’t sure how much longer Ella could stay with them before she was late for class. They had already been gone for quite a while so there was no doubt in Chloe’s mind that classes had already begun. “That and this isn’t the first time she’s lost track of time and missed a couple minutes of class trying to find something new to bake. I normally always find her in the same spot which should be right around here.”

Just as Ella said it, the three of them rounded a corner, in front of them but still a few metres away was Bridget sitting at a picnic bench, her skirt fanning around her seat as a closed cooking book was placed in the space next to her. Chloe could see the side of her face, a smile on her face as she looked down at something she hadn’t yet taken notice of. Getting ready to call out to the cheerful girl, Chloe was suddenly yanked back by her jacket, the breath leaving her as she was pulled behind the wall they just stepped around. 

“What was that for?” Chloe hissed, looking over her shoulder to where Red was clutching onto her. 

“Look,” Red whispered while pointing at Bridget. Chloe’s head spun back around to see what she was trying to indicate to look at. Squinting her eyes to try and help, Chloe was about to raise another question when she finally spotted what Red was trying to show her. Kneeled just in front of Bridget was Captain Hook. Chloe’s jaw dropped at the sight of Bridget’s hands being held by James Hook as the two spoke to one another.

“We’re too far away to hear what they’re saying,” Ella murmured, crouched on the floor as her head stuck around the corner and tried to get a better look. It was to no avail though as the picnic table and Bridget blocked most of Captain Hook. “We need to get closer?”

“How?” Chloe asked, not seeing any hiding points they could use to their advantage. Chloe didn’t get any form of response as Ella took off in a crouched run to a nearby tree, hiding behind it before Bridget or Hook could get wind of her actions. Chloe was again about to ask another question before Red followed in Ella’s actions, making quick work of getting to the large oak tree and hiding behind it. The two of them looked at Chloe expectantly, waiting for her to join them. Murmuring to herself, Chloe said before she made a quick sprint to the tree, “Here goes nothing.”

Taking quick steps, Chloe almost slammed into Red in her efforts to get behind the tree without being noticed. It seemed it didn’t matter what they did though as Bridget and Hook were too caught up in one another to pay attention to them. 

“You know,” Hook started, reaching a hand up to curl some of Bridget’s hair around his finger. The grin on Bridget’s face immediately widened at the action, a trickle of nervous laughter escaping her lips as she waited for him to finish his sentence. At the same time that Bridget’s laughter reached their ears, Red stiffened next to them, clearly not liking the sight in front of them. “The two of us are going to be awfully late to our next class.”

“If he doesn’t back away I’m going to feed him to the Jabberwocky,” Red hissed, hands scrunching into tight fists.

“That’s okay,” Bridget’s voice came out in an airy sigh, almost leaning into Hook’s hand. She looked completely smitten, like she was hanging onto Hook’s every action and word. “As long as I get to spend time with you away from the others then it doesn’t matter.”

“About that,” Hook sighed, backing up from Bridget only slightly, his hand leaving her hair to once again fiddle with her delicate fingers. Bridget’s brows furrowed at the unexpected retreat, a sombre expression captivating Hook’s face and making her more aware of what was happening. “I’m sorry about the whole Uliana thing that happened earlier. I told her it was pointless to steal your flamingo feathers but you know Uliana; she always has to be doing something she considers wicked.”

“Oh, that’s whatever,” Bridget easily brushed off, her shoulders bunching up in a shrug as she acted like being chased around the school by an angry Uliana who had been turned partly into a flamingo was no big deal. “I tried to warn her but she just didn’t listen.”

“Maybe next time you can save me one of your cupcakes before they get ruined?” Hook suggested, making Bridget grin shyly and her legs to swing back in little kicks.

“Why is he acting like this in front of my mum- Bridget? In front of Bridget?” Red said, having to save herself since they were in front of Ella. The two of them must be starting to look really suspicious since Chloe had also messed up in front of Ella, accidentally calling her mum as well, although she hadn’t been able to save it as gracefully.

“He must not be able to act this way in front of his own friends,” Chloe suggested, baffled by the turn of events that was playing out in front of them.

“Whatever the reason, I don’t like it.”

“Maybe we should leave them be for a bit,” Ella warned, her eyes stuck to the way Bridget and Hooked were glued to one another, their eyes never straying from the other as they spoke, secluded from everyone else. “It feels like we’re intruding.”

“I’ll make sure I bake extra next time,” One of Bridget’s hands lightly flicked to the cookbook by her side, its cover a mixture of pastels. Her lashes seemed to be fluttering wildly at Hook as a soft blush coated her cheeks. Hook’s face remained a mixture of content and smug as his thumb ran along the back of the hand that Bridget let him keep. Shyly, Bridget offered, “Maybe you can help me taste test, James?” “Yep, definitely time to leave,” Red announced, grabbing onto Chloe’s arm and pulling her away before she could hear any objections. Ella chased after them once she realised they were gone, but not after watching Bridget and Hook for a few extra moments. Before Ella caught up enough for her to hear, Red mumbled to Chloe, “I’m not watching as my mum flirts with Captain Hook.”

[polarpuppet]

“I need your help, Hatter.” Batman said as he entered the Madman’s room at Arkham. The room was covered in paintings of mushrooms, fake grass, and a relatively nice little place setting with a plastic tea set.

The blonde man sitting at the table tipped his hat. “What do you need help with? Come, come! Sit and join me!” He said happily, gesturing to the empty seat.

“It seems many of your fellow inmates have been brutalised to the point of hospitalisation. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?” Batman asked, observing the shaky look in the younger man’s eyes before he looked away, messing with an orange stripped cat. “Forgive me, but I haven’t a clue about them.” He mumbled as he took a sip of tea.

Batman looked around before back at him. “Your room seems nice. A lot of privileges went into it.” He said as Hatter pulled the cat close to him. “You’ll take Chessie from my decaying corpse, Jaberwocky!” He yelled, holding her protectively.

Batman knew he wouldn’t get much from him if he was defensive. A bit more of a calmer approach might help. He cleared his throat and smiled. “My dear Hatter, excuse my rudeness.” Batman said, years of listening to Alfred helping his accent shine. Hatter’s guard lowered some as Batman took the other teacup. “May I join you for tea? It smells wonderful!” He said.

Hatter smiled softly, the most calm expression he’s seen on his face in a while. “Yes you may! I’m so glad you remembered your manners!” Hatter lightly scolded him and poured him some tea. The cat walked over and lazily laid down on top of a mushroom cat bed. “Sorry for Chess. She’s still learning her manners, but she’s just a baby.” He said joyfully.

Batman took some sips and looked around the room again. “Hatter. Do you know where your friends are?” He asked. This question got a small reaction from the Madman, who looked scared and shushed him.”Careful, Jabberwocky, lest the Card Guards hear you scheming. They will drag you to the guillotine and then your screams will join the others.” He said.

Batman’s eyes narrowed. “They do what now?” He asked, his teeth grinding some. “Yes. They have taken the Queen of Hearts, The March Hare, and the Duchess.” Hatter said. “They even got the little Dormouse. She looked scared.” He mumbled nervously. “If they knew I told you, Jabberwocky, they would make my head roll too.” Hatter said in mild panic.

Batman smiled, trying to calm the distressed man. “It’s alright, my dear Hatter. Everything will be taken care of. I assure you, everything will be fine.” He said and took another long sip of his tea. Hatter calmed instantly and took a sip of his own. “Quite right. I much rather talk of other things of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings.” He said happily.

“And why the sea is boiling hot, and whether pigs have wings.” Batman replied, remembering the story Alfred used to read him at night. Hatter perked up. “Yes! Exactly right!” He cheered before he held out an Ace of Hearts card. “Return for tea whenever you wish, my dear Jabberwocky. I rather like your company over the Chef. His laughter is rather annoying.” He said simply.

Batman took him up on the offer many times, getting intel as best as he could from the merry man. He returned a week later, finding the blonde on his bed, his hat punched out, Chessie shaved, and most of his things ruined. Hatter looked up from his bed, beaten and bruised that he could barely lift his head. “Please, no more. Forgive me.” He begged, reaching out to him as Batman walked over and knelt by him.

The look on Hatter’s face, the sadness and terror. He knew he had to be gentle with him.”Dear Hatter, what has become of you?” He asked worriedly, Hatter’s expression perking up at the familiar voice and a small smile graced his lips. When did he start to enjoy that smile? “Oh Jabberwocky! It’s you, glorious you!” He said.

“They besmirched my humble abode and my precious Chessie baby!” He said sadly, trying his best to get up and failing. “You’re hurt, my dear Hatter. Let me help you.”Batman said, lifting up Hatter slightly. “No, no. The Card Guards will get you too. This was for a minor offence, but you, my dear Jabberwocky, will be in far bigger trouble if they find you helping me. Both our heads will roll!” He said, grabbing onto Batman’s cape, his eyes wide with pure fear.

“Please, please get my baby out of here.” He said, gesturing to Chessie, who was snuggled up to Hatter’s injured and bloody side. Was that from a stab wound?! “Hatter, I can’t just leave you here. What of Dormouse and the March Hare?” Batman asked, trying to think of a way to get both cat and man out in one piece. “Gone. Their heads have already rolled…”Hatter mumbled, his eyes looking heavy.

Batman’s head snapped up to meet those deranged eyes. “Gone? What do you mean gone?” He inquired. “Gone gone. The Card Guards pruned them like roses. Oh the lovely Rose.” He said as small tears went down his cheeks. “Taken, one by one. Discarded, now singing Golden Afternoon in the depths below.” He mumbled before his head fell limp. “Hatter?“ Batman asked as he shook him gently. “Oh my dear Hatter…”He said mournfully.

[welcometowriteblr]

WTW PRESENTS OUR 40TH EVENT!

CALLING ALL THOSE WHO ARE FEELING SLIGHTLY MAD! JOIN US IN WONDERLAND FROM APRIL 1ST

It’s time to fall down the rabbit hole. While you find your way around the strange yet beautiful world that is Wonderland, meet an array of new friends - and a menagerie of new enemies. Your quest: fulfil the prophecy and slay the Jabberwocky! Do you have what it takes to be the best Alice of them all? Our Oraculum is telling us that it could be you…but who knows what is real and what is a dream, right? Eat the upelkuchen, drink the pishsalver, and take on the wrath of the Red Queen! Make sure to imagine six impossible things before breakfast. Ready to have the best adventure of your life? Come join us at WTW (Welcome to Wonderland) and get yourself ready. Starting APRIL 1ST, it’s up to you to write as many words for Camp Nano as you can! Ready to have the best adventure of your life? Come join us at WTW (Welcome to Wonderland) and get yourself ready. Starting APRIL 1ST, it’s up to you to write as many words for Camp Nano as you can!

EVENT RULES AND DETAILS

With our upcoming event we have had many people join our Discord server. This is the perfect time for us to release our FAQ about how we deal with events and such inside of them. If you are participating, please read through this!

THE SERVER

We have a leveling system in our server. The more you talk, the more you level up. We will kick people from the event if you have yet to reach CROOK aka LVL 5 as it is extremely easy to reach. All you have to do is talk. This is non-negotiable. CROOK is reachable within a day.

You must also give yourself roles from the role menu when you join! If you need help just ask a leader or mod. You will be also be kicked if you do not do this. We only require AGE and PRONOUNS. Other roles beside these DO NOT COUNT! Please do not join and not give yourself roles!

JOINING ONCE THE EVENT HAS STARTED

Please try and join before APRIL 1ST. Anyone who joins a week late (APRIL 8TH) will not be accepted into the event. You must be active. We will be more lenient with the level rule if you have just joined but if you continue to not be active and haven’t reached common within a week you will likely be kicked from the event.

HOW IT WORKS

Most of the information is contained within the document accessible within the server's event channels. Rather than word count, the leaderboard will be based upon the PERCENTAGE of how close you get to your word goal. Anyone who reaches their word count before the final few days will be asked to increase their goal to make it fair for slower writers. Please do not hesitate to speak or join the server. We are extremely welcoming and active, but if you cannot respect our rules then you cannot participate in our events.

HOW IS A RAVEN LIKE A WRITING DESK? JOIN OUR SERVER HERE! (discord.gg/earlgrey)

[spahhzy]

Weiss: Jaune may I have a word with you.

Jaune stopped swinging at the punching bag as he sighed, wiping the sweat from his brow. He grabbed his bottle of water and a towel as he walked over to the heiress.

Jaune: What's up Weiss?

Weiss: I-i was just a bit worried about you. The battle with Cinder was won, but she escaped, and you seemed...

CC: Angry? Frustrated? Depressed? Why is he all that and more!

Weiss: Upset.

Jaune ignored the cat, who was busy prancing around the room.

Jaune: It's nothing Weiss. I know we'll catch her and put an end to this madness, Salem won't have any more pawns left to hide behind.

Weiss: I know Cinder is a 'touchy' subject, Jaune, but you are surrounded by friends you can talk to us.

Jaune: I had no one to talk to for twenty years. I think I'll be okay, Weiss.

Weiss flinched at that, and Jaune felt like a complete jackass. She was only trying to help.

Jaune: I'm s-sorry my mind has been stressed out, I don't mean to take it out on you.

Weiss: it's okay, though you certainly seem to take that frustration out on the Grimm, no doubt. You're a little more...uh brutal in slaying the Grimm lately.

Jaune: Really? I haven't noticed.

CC: All the sublty and nuance of a jabberwocky.

Weiss: You usually are more reserved and tactful, but lately, you've been actively hunting them down relentlessly...n-not that I was p-paying attention or anything!

CC: Oh, I knew there was another reason I didn't like her. She is acting like one of those girls in those comic books you read a tsu...tsunnnn? Ah, hold on, it's at the tip of my tongue, oh ah Tsundere! Icky. Always knew their was something else by sides her smart mouth that made me loooooaath her.

Jaune: I appreciate you checking on me, Weiss, but I'm fine just dealing with some nagging issues, that's all.

CC: How RUDE! I thought we were so much more than that, Jauney!

Weiss: Promise me you'll come talk to any of us about what's going on?

Jaune: I promise.

Weiss: Arc-promise?

Jaune: Hahaha, Yes, I promise under the name of the Arc that if I have anything on my mind I'll go see you guys.

Weiss: Good...have a good night Jaune.

Jaune: Have a good night, Weiss.

Weiss waves and leaves the room as Jaune takes another swig of his water.

CC: You'd think she'd believe you about your chronic case of curiosity~ "Don't worry, Jauney, there is no cure for me.

Jaune said nothing as he got ready to lie down but found it rather difficult to get some sleep.

CC: Aww, feeling tired, well, don't you worry, Jaune, let me whisk you away with a song~

Jaune said nothing just closing his eyes and ignoring the cat.

CC: 'Only you can make this world seem right,

Only you can make the darkness bright.

Only you and you alone can thrill me like you do

And fill my heart with love for only you~

Only you can make all this change in me

For ita true, you are my destiny.

When you hold my hand

I understand the magic that you do

Your my dream come true, my one and only you~

Only you can make this change in me

For its true, you are my destiny.

When you hold my hand

I understand the magic that you do

Your my dream come true my one and only you~'

Jaune didn't get any sleep that night.

[eikonoklast]

Day 19 (Taken): To Change

   Minimas brought them down to a lower level of Solution 9. The smaller fighter was unable to control the landing as he carried his lupine companion, the two tumbling onto the smooth pavement, Minimas gasping for air as he landed in a crumpled ball. Silver lie where he was dropped, fairly still. His sides rose and fell gently with sleep, his garbled vocal cords making soft growling noises as he breathed. His silver-tinged mane rustled in the breeze as his tail trembled slightly, lost in dreams. 

   Minimas watched him there for a moment as he caught his breath. Silver looked so…incredibly small. This person he'd seen as a rival since their first match - who had let Minimas win and refused to admit it - was lying helpless a few yalms away. The lalafell knew when he was outmatched, and Silver had intentionally missed with a critical bite to one of his wings. He had opened himself up to attack and it infuriated Minimas as a fighter to be shown mercy from someone he should've beaten fair and square. He held such a grudge about it that he had started hanging out with the other fighters who hated their fellow rookie's guts. Nightmare was always looking for ways to get stronger and that had led them all to places Minimas himself would never have gone otherwise…he clutched his arm, choking back the feeling.

   His bright red eyes narrowed. Still in his transfigured form, he got up and wandered over to Silver, his dark red whip-like tail lashing with anger. He looked at his talons on the tips of his fingers with a certain satisfaction, and then back down to the figure beneath him. Silver did not show any signs of waking. 

   I could just get rid of him. 

   Jabberwocky traced a dark, taloned hand over Silver's broad and exposed side. Still, he slept. He was so oblivious. It would be so easy. Too easy, though. He shook his head, disgusted with the thought. This isn't how I want to win. 

   Minimas noticed Silver's breathing was slightly erratic, his regulator making a strange high-pitched sound that would be difficult to pick up without Minimas’ large, sensitive ears. Confused, he examined it closely. It did not appear to be broken, but indicating poor health for its owner. And only one soul left, no less.

   Minimas sighed heavily, leaning against Silver's long mane at his back, his bare skin pressing into the wolfish fur. It was warm and soft. His sleepy, rumbling growl echoed in his cavernous chest almost like a purr as Minimas rested there beside him, thinking. He looked around them at the tall, shadowy buildings; filled with their beautiful lights and simple comforts. He sat and dozed off, wishing to share them. 

   Maybe…we could be friends.

   

Alisaie walked into the Backroom at Neon Stein, past the mess in the main room. Glass was shattered behind the counter and all of its contents had been flung out in somesort've blast. The speakers by the stage had been thrown with such force that one had busted a hole in the wall nearby, half of it sticking out. Tables and chairs were in the process of being picked up by staff as they cleaned the wreckage, a few of them with bandages from nicks and cuts. Thankfully nobody had seemed seriously injured, so she had continued on her way after helping how she could.

   In the well-lit strategy room Alphinaud stood with his arms crossed, looking somber. Y'shtola paced the security corner, discussing something about drones with Shale. The two were speaking quietly, with Shale staring intently at a series of screens. Alisaie approached her brother briskly, concerned.

   “Are you all right?” she insisted, looking him over. “What happened?”

   Alphinaud struggled to meet her gaze. “I was…” he trailed off. Finally he looked at her fully; resolve and regret nestled in his eyes. “I might have a lead.”

   

Silver sat up slowly, blinking away sleep. Behind him he heard a yelp as someone tumbled off of him, and he turned to find Minimas in his transfigured form, knocked onto the ground. Pain flared out from his chest like a lance being driven through it and he gasped, frantically pawing at his regulator with a shaky hand. Slowly and painfully his limbs snapped back into place, the transformation taking longer than usual as his body resisted the feeling. Minimas stared at him as Silver sat there trembling, gasping for breath. Fully himself again.

   “It really does hurt you, doesn't it?” Jabberwocky's true, distorted voice echoed.

   “Only if I stay long,” he breathed. 

   Minimas shrugged and tapped his own regulator, switching back to his much smaller form with practiced ease. He approached and held out a hand. “Where are you trying to go, anyway?”

   Silver grasped it and his companion helped him to his feet. “I just wanted to…” Silver paused, feeling embarrassed, his face warm, “I uh…I wanted to see the outside.”

   “All this for that!?” Minimas nearly screeched, stomping on the ground in frustration and withdrawing his hand as though Silver's were a snake. 

   Silver sheepishly scratched his head, his purple hair feathering lightly under his fingers. He looked out over the city - sprawled both above and below - as vehicles whooshed past on their way to parts unknown. “I guess I just…I want to see the world.” Minimas looked at him critically, one of his eyebrows shooting up in skeptical disbelief. “There's more to life than just what's in here!” he said defensively, his tail tip twitching as he wound his fingers together anxiously.

   “So you don't want to be a fighter. I can't fathom why you're there and you won't even answer that question,” the lalafell snorted. “You've never been outside though? Like…seriously?”

   Silver shook his head. “I- I've lived here all my life…” he trailed off, holding his fingers to his temple as he felt a headache coming on. He sighed.

   “Things have only recently changed, I guess,” Minimas said thoughtfully, turning to look out over the city. “Now that we know there's so much more outside the barrier.”

   “I want to see it,” Silver said quietly.

   “Why don't you just go outside, then?” Minimas sounded completely puzzled.

   “I'm under house arrest.”

   “You? You're under house arrest?” the young man laughed dryly. “What could someone like you possibly have done to get yourself stuck in your room?”

   Silver stared blankly. “I don't know.”

   Minimas opened his mouth and then closed it again like a large fish. “You're not lying, are you,” he said finally. 

   It wasn't a question. More of a statement. But Silver nodded anyway.

   “Don't you think that's weird? Like, at all?”

   Silver looked down at the drop-off near their feet. “It's normal for me.”

   “You are the worst heel Arcadion has ever seen. You can't bring yourself to beat anyone in the ring. Even in an unscripted match against someone like me where you're definitely, absolutely, one-hundred percent allowed to. And for some reason everyone still loves you,” Minimas sounded exasperated. “And all you want is to not be there whatsoever and to just go outside.” 

   “Please…”

   Minimas’ voice increased in volume with his exasperation as he wandered around the platform, gesticulating wildly. “And you don't even know what you want to do or why, and that is completely normal for you?” 

   Silver dug his fingers into his forehead as the headache spiked and his anxiety along with it. “Please stop,” he choked, feeling trapped. “I can't…I can't answer your questions, I don't know. Why is it so wrong that I don't have a plan!?” He felt like the walls of his muddy thoughts were trying to drown him, pressing in on every side. “I don't care! About any of it! It may seem like a joke to you but it's just what I want to do!” he yelled the last words, his lavender eyes boring holes into the young man staring at him.

   “I always thought you were such a freak, Silver,” Minimas spat, bristling. “I couldn't have even guessed how much of one. What kind've person can't answer simple questions about themselves? And who were those people!? What in the queen's name do they have to do with anything!?!? Why did they attack us? Attack you!?”

   “Shut up! Why don't you just leave me alone if I am so awful to deal with!? Should I make you?” Silver snarled. He held a hand to his regulator. 

   Minimas crossed his arms, sneering, “If you weren't lying about what you said earlier, I bet you won't. But you know what? Maybe I will.” The lalafell noted the slight tremble in Silver's hand and he looked away, disgusted. “You're pathetic. Go outside or whatever your stupid dream is, I'm done.” 

   Minimas’ regulator whirred to life with a flash of red light and he lifted off into the air, leaving Silver stranded on the platform. “Next time I see you in the ring, I will win,” he shot back as he flew away, leaving Silver alone, staring at the distant elevator. 

   The miqo'te's hand fell to his side. He fought back the choking feeling of sadness that was trying to claw its way up out of his chest and he knelt on the ground, pressing the heels of his hands into his eyes to stop the tears from coming. He trembled, knowing that to leave meant to change, and that to change always meant pain. 

   But I…I need to go there.

   

“What!? That doesn't…That doesn't make any sense.” Alisaie scowled, Y'shtola and Alphinaud sharing the details of their encounter. “He looks like him, sure. But this has nothing to do with that.”

   Alphinaud looked pained as he reached out a hand to rest on her shoulder. Alisaie seemed too distracted to even notice as she stared at the floor, processing the information.

   Y'shtola cut through, her pragmatic tone was like a shard of ice down Alisaie's back. “I saw it, myself. I know not why but the how would be very simple with clever use of regulator technology.”

   Alisaie stared directly at her. “You're telling me that's Chiteni? That kid? He can't possibly be older than us, even.”

   Y'shtola shook her head. “No, I am not. We know precious too little to make any assumptions at this time. But…I don't doubt what I saw.” The miqo'te gestured to Shale's monitors. “We've hijacked some of the patrol drones and are searching for the two of them at present.”

   Walking over to another station, Y'shtola had a young hyuran woman open up a file of somekind on a smaller screen. “I've been going over the logs and registration of Arcadion fighters based on the information you shared with us, Alisaie. His stage name is Silver Bullet. He registered a little under one month ago.” Y'shtola paused, her brow furrowed. “What's more: most candidates seem to be under the sponsorship of individuals or companies who pay for their entry into the selection process. They vouch for their skills and provide personal information that may be of use to the board. But as you can see,” she opened a file. It was largely empty, without even a photo. “This seems to be redacted or…maybe it was never entered. Nor is there a listed sponsor we could contact for this information.” 

   “He's a ghost,” Alphinaud said quietly. “Or maybe not even a person, to be more specific.” The way the words left his mouth felt unnatural and stilted, as if he himself did not agree with them. 

   Alisaie stared at the blank file. Her eyes searched the screen as if they could uncover more from the pixels on its empty surface, darting to and fro without seeing. 

   “That boy has his soul,” Y'shtola said quietly, her head tilted downward. “We need to find him.”

Author's Note: I am SO RELIEVED to have this off my chest oh my god lol The holding back constantly was absolutely killing me. But I'm actually really happy with the flow of this one. The argument between Minimas and Silver especially is deeply personal to me: as someone who sometimes struggles to explain myself because of brain fog or memory issues or sensory overload I really didn't realize I was just sort've…writing myself, honestly. I feel like my inability to articulate can make me frustrating to speak to, particularly when I'm in distress. And especially when talking to people whose thoughts mean a lot to me. So this one's from the heart. Let's hope they can reconcile next time, maybe? Assuming there is a next time, of course.

[mirrormazeworld]

TWST Theory : Grim The Jabberwocky-Deep Analysis Based on Alice in Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass

⚠️WARNING⚠️

CONTAINS SPOILER CHAPTER 6

I was talking about Yuu, today I'm going to talk about the other Ramshackle dorm resident who's going to overblot in the future, our cute furbaby Grim.

In chapter 6 Idia did a research on Grim and this is one of Grim's test result :

People assumed that Grim is Cerberus, the keeper of underworld. But when you look at him Grim is more of a cat beast rather than dog beast. But there's other possibility what Grim might be. We know that Grim is combination of beast and animal so I'm going to break it down and explain his animal part and his beast part one by one.

-Grim's Animal Part : Alice's Black Cat-

Had it crossed your mind why Grim is a cat and not any other animal? If it's true that Twisted Wonderland and Ramshackle dorm is based on Through The Looking Glass, that's because Grim is most likely based on Alice's black cat from said book by Lewis Carroll.

In the future, it's Grim who's going to overblot, which means he is the "main villain" from Ramshackle just like Malleus from Diasomnia because he represents Maleficent. But why I said Grim is Alice's black cat? Because that black cat is "The Red Queen", who is the final "villain" of Through The Looking Glass.

Alice goes back to her original world after she shakes Red Queen which turns out to be her black cat, which also means she needs to "defeat" the Red Queen (her black cat) to return back to her original world. Probably similar with Yuu who need to defeat Grim to go home.

-Grim's Beast Part : Jabberwocky-

What is Jabberwocky? Jabberwocky is a poem Alice found when she enters the mirror world. It's a poem that's written in backwards, therefore she would need a mirror to read it from its reflection. It's also the first poem and is also at the very first page of Through The Looking Glass book by Lewis Carroll before the story begins.

Who did we meet first right after we enter the Dark Mirror after we were guided by Crowley's voice? That's right, it's overblot Grim.

Jabberwocky is a nonsense poem about a heroic boy slaying a creature named Jabberwock. It's made of 'portmanteaus' : a word made up of other words. The new word can be derived from usual english word or the combination of two words. Just like chimera, which is a single organism that's made up of cells from two or more "individuals". Which explains why overblot Grim is a chimera.

When Alice found the poem, she didn't know the meaning of those portmanteaus, but in the book, Carroll had Humpty Dumpty explain it to her. But right now I'll explain some of those portmanteaus based on what Lewis Carroll said himself. Below are some examples of the portmanteaus and their meanings :

From JP fandom side, someone made a theory that Overblot Grim is the combination of all 7 dorms. And we can see that here.

If you look closely, Jabberwocky consists of seven quatrains. How many official dorms in NRC and how many students are overblotting? That's right, it's seven.

Some also said that Grim has something to do with the time loop. Jabberwocky has a rhyme scheme of (ABAB CDCD EFEF GHGH IJIJ KLKL ABAB)

Notice how the rhyme repeats at the first and final stanzas? And the two quatrains of the first and the last are mirror images to one another. Moreover, Jabberwocky can be seen as an inverse mirror image of itself through it's distinguishable beginning and ending. Pretty much like how the time loop is, going back from the final to the beginning.

Additional (after thoughts) :

This is purely just my assumption and I don't have any evidence of it, but I have a feeling that Grim is the cause of why there's something called blot.

In chapter 6, Idia wasn't so sure about Grim's amount of blot, that's because someone was casting a 1000 year old primitive, ancient magic on Grim to cleanse blot, pretty much like the curse in Idia's family, which is a curse from "The Age of Gods" (and Idia said he could only examine the outer layer of it, since there are many ancient magic on Grim that even with S.T.Y.X super computer it will need 100 years to finish it)

From chapter 6, it's hinted that Idia captured the overblotting NRC students because of an anonymous request from someone.

And suspiciously (again) Crowley seems to know something about Grim...

[crazylittlejester]

Coming over here to bother you about my EAH AU thoughts because I want to write but this stupid fatigue wall let me write my daily prompt and nothing else today. Spent a good chunk of time staring at the document file.

I'm thinking about the Zeldas. Obviously most of them will fit in as the miscellaneous princesses for their respective Links, but not all of the stories even have princesses in them.

Artemis/Athena: Obviously I could just have her be Athena, but I feel like she could also do a Mulan story. She could match with Warriors, they could be Greek mythology buddies.

Flora: I think the thing that really sets her apart is her role in TotK, but there aren't any old fairytales about princesses that turn into dragons, so the best I've got is this book by E. D. Baker that I read when I was a kid. It's probably close enough? I'm already going to have to fudge things for Wild anyway.

Sun: Her whole thing is being the reincarnation of Hylia, so I feel like she should be either a full-on mythological goddess or the avatar of one. I feel like there aren't really any good real-world mythology equivalents because LoZ lore has such a distinct vibe to it. Since Sky's story is going to be about fighting the Jabberwocky, she's probably also from Wonderland, I just need to figure out her role.

Fable: I feel like she'd fit into one of the Charming families alright. Alternatively she could be one of the princesses from Oz, most likely Gayelette if she's related to Legend because they both would inherit magical abilities and Gayelette was both a princess and a sorceress. No clue how that's going to work with Camelot. Maybe Legend could have dual citizenship or something. Although I could be mean and say she's a human princess who fades into obscurity because he outlives her.

Dusk: I can't find any good old fairy tales about princesses that involve puppets or wolves. I'm probably going to have to fudge the entire thing. Which shouldn't be horribly difficult since TP is literally just a fairytale anyway, but I was really hoping to find something.

Tetra: Definitely a pirate. Probably Blackbeard or Bluebeard. Maybe one of those lady pirates that were 100% lesbians. (Side note: The Great Sea could totally be the ocean that Atlantis is under. Wind's divine parent could be one of the gods that sunk it or something.)

Dawn & Aurora: I feel like being miscellaneous princesses actually works in their favors because that's pretty much what they are in canon. I can probably just gloss over the details a little bit and say they're cousins and that Hyrule helped rescue them while he was out killing giants.

Dot: I'm just going to say she's the princess from the story about the four brothers since it fits perfectly. Least amount of work to give her a role. Honestly sort of wish she could be Dorothy from The stories about Oz because of her nickname, but that wouldn't work. She deserves a QPR with Four so that's what she's getting.

Lullaby: I don't think she really does much in OoT other than be Sheik? So my best idea is Mulan, but with the whole ocarina thing she could also be a type of magical princess like Fable, but those are in surprisingly limited supply.

Honorary mention of ST!Zelda: She should be a ghost. A victim of train assassination, maybe Orient Express style. Ends up befriending ST!Link and they get along like a house on fire and she helps him get used to being a ghost after he dies in a tragic train accident.

- A MULAN STORY OH MY GOD THAT SOUNDS AMAZING FOR ATHENA/ARTEMIS

- I am still so so so so so obsessed with Sky and the Jabberwocky I am absolutely just eating that up dude, and I can’t wait to see what you end up deciding for Sun

- A PRINCESS SORCERESS FOR FABLE GOES SO HARD and you’re right that is mean >:( im eating it up tho

- I suppose red riding hood wouldn’t work for Dusk? There’s gotta be SOME fairy tale about wolves out there, I dunno the rules of EAH but there’s gotta be at least some vague one

- YEAAAAAAAH LESBIAN PIRATE TETRA MY BELOVED 😭

- Dot as Dorothy would be soooooo good, and slay her havin a qpr with Four

- Any Mulan story I see I will absolutely eat up and encourage, that’s one of my favorite Disney movies

- ORIENT EXPRESS STYLE. I LOVE IT.

dude i am so excited for all this I love it soooo much!!! please come bother me about it whenever!!

[george228732]

Fylass Through the Looking Glass - Chapter Four EX - Village of Serendipity

Dero finally decided to step out of the castle to finally check if those new suspicions on his head were true, but he had already figured out that he would tear up, no matter the answer he could get from all of this, but he was unsure if those tears would be from happiness, or disappointment.

He was afraid of the answer.

The outskirts made themselves present in his eyes, as Ades and Dolly were waiting in there, looking at the lilies outside, some were pretty, some others were red spider lilies, which weren’t ones that Dero, nor Ades liked around. It felt like a bad omen.

"...Are we ready to leave?"

"Yes. To the Tarot Card Village, right?"

"Indeed. If what I am thinking is true, we should find something that could help us with… the Jabberwocky as a whole." He lied for both Ades’ and Dolly’s sake, for he didn’t want them to know about Giselle’s existence. She and Ades were great friends when she was still Queen, but thanks to the Moon of Despair, Ades had to become King out of the lack of a head of royalty.

In case of Dolly, though, Dero had the feeling that she and Giselle were related in some way, for it’s rumored that the bearers of the same suit are always related in some way, and considering the resemblance, the knight become jailer had his suspicions, and wouldn’t want to fill the child’s head with questions she might not want an answer for, as much as he could want to have one.

"Hm, alright. After that, though, we still need to discuss THAT one other topic, if you please." 

"Oh? What other topic are you talking about?" Dolly asked.

"Don’t worry about it, just… adults talking about adult topics."

"Alright, then! Also, Dolly hopes that you don’t have many problems with sending out some of the knights to our mission!" Indeed, there were knights getting out of the castle towards the outskirts too, like Ava, Verin and TK, which were bickering in a friendly manner as they got out.

"Oh, My Queen! We are at your service!" Ava spoke up with glee.

"Dolly’s Knights! Dolly called you to aid us on our adventure!"

At this point, Dero and Ades didn’t have much say on what Dolly could do for obvious reasons, but they thought that this might be a good idea for protection; not that Dero would consider to have this much protection for the journey at hand, however, anything could be possible.

"Hm, alright. People, we are going to the Tarot Village to find something that will aid us in the defeat of the Jabberwocky, once and for all. We might need to talk with the Mayor of Tarot Village too, now that I think about it, for I heard she’s a prophet, and her predictions always have it right around this time of the year, right at solstice."

"Oh! A prophet! Dolly will be excited to see them!"

"A prophet on this land? How didn’t I notice beforehand?" Verin rhymed.

"Hm, I would love to see them too! We were forbidden to get out of the Castle, if only to get to the outskirts to paint the roses red, or on special missions that forced us to get out of the Castle, so it would be nice to finally get to visit Wonderland like we used to!" Twilight Knight said.

Ades got close to them, and gently patted them on the head. "Ah, well, it’s already time for us to get going, alright?" He chuckled. "We can recover our lost time after countless questionable Kings and Queens, at last."

Dero remembered how all of them were friends, but thanks to his demotion as Jailer, he couldn’t be able to reunite with them, only being able to hear the complaints and groans of the people inside the dungeons. It was great to have everything back, but at the end, Dero only wanted one more thing for his life to be complete.

"Well, it’s time to get going, shall we?"

After some more chit chat, the group finally decided to leave the outskirts of the castle, to get towards the Tarot Village, being the place where many of the Wonderlanders live. It usually was filled to the brim with parties, but after the Jabberwocky incident, being the catalyst of Wonderland and Underland’s eternal separation, the mood of the village went down a little. 

Dero was carrying Dolly on his back all the way through, and Ades couldn’t help but laugh a little, as the guards couldn’t help but to feel that something might be going on with them. 

"If we don’t keep catching an eye on these two, we might as well see how our Dero is going to be a dad." Ava said sarcastically to Verin, who quickly remarked, as Twilight Knight tried to find a thread of conversation, until he came up with something.

"Hey, uh… awkward question, but… have you guys had any nightmares last night? Not any "normal" nightmare, though…"

"...Now that you think about that, awful nightmares I surely had."

"Aw, Dolly had a bad dream as well… She can’t remember it well, though…"

Dero and Ades started to be quite suspicious about those statements; from what Dero could see in Ades’ expression, he had nightmares too, but in case of Dero, what he dreamed last night couldn’t be considered a nightmare per se. 

"...What did you guys dream about?"

"...I don’t remember." TK said. "The only thing I am able to remember was the end of it… It was dark, and the only thing I could remember were two green eyes floating in the vantablack space…"

"...We might need to attend some other business until we’re done with the Jabberwocky… There might be other threats around." Dero was certain that this was not normal, and considering those hints, and that talk with the moon above… Something horrible is bound to happen soon, much to Dero’s dismay.

"...Dolly’s scared…"

"...There’s no need to be scared, My Queen." He said. "...Or atleast, I hope so." He murmured as silently as he could.

The path was as joyful as it could be, but there was something in the air that the group couldn’t put a finger on, but seemed suspicious; looking at the ground, the path of dirt and grass became one of a conventional village, made of smooth stones comfortable to the feet.

"Oh, it seems that we’re already here."

Indeed, the village became itself present; its buildings were made of Domino Pieces, stylized dices, among more common houses which were made of popsicle sticks, but they seemed resistant enough for a storm. Whoever made the design of these houses deserves a raise, or better yet, to be fired.

"So… We’re here. What are we looking for, exactly?"

"We need to find the Mayor, of course."

"...Is that the Mayor?" Dolly asked, silently pointing at one specific individual at the center of the village. It was a lady, dressed as a high priestess, like the ones you would see designed in Tarot Cards, ironically enough.

"Yes. I am sure she is. Let me approach her." Dero said as he did as such. 

She was looking at the distance with calm expression, as an odd looking gray jay posed itself on her free hand, the other one being occupied by a flute. She was so serene, that Dero could swear the environment was getting brighter with her presence, as if someone was holding her dearly in their heart. That calm expression quickly became one of curiosity when she looked to her side, seeing Dero approaching her.

"Oh, hello. I assume that you are here on the Queen’s behalf, yes?"

"Actually, the Queen is with me; however, I wanted to confirm some suspicions."

"Oh, that is alright. My name is Aeon, if you didn’t know."

"My name is Dero-" Dero was quickly interrupted by the gentle steps of his Queen approaching him.

"Hi, miss! This is Queen Dolly, but you can call her Dolly!" Aeon was quite surprised to see her Queen just like that, on the outside; that, or because she wasn’t aware that her Queen wasn’t even half her age.

"O-Oh… Hello, dear… What brings you all here?"

"...We’ve been looking for someone special, and I am certain that they’re located around. Could you please guide us towards them?"

"That’s alright. Who is the person you are looking for?"

Dero pondered on the answer; if that letter was nothing but a hoax, his embarrassment couldn’t be outmatched easily, and his hopes would be at rock bottom, and he wasn’t even sure what she would look like at this point. He had to try, though, for he still had hope, against that future despair he was sure approaching.

"We are looking for a blonde lady, with red eyes, and a peach dress with a top hat, is there something with those characteristics?"

"...Not exactly those characteristics, although, from those descriptions, you could be refering to The Craftsman."

"...Craftsman?"

"Indeed. She’s a quite strange individual, a lady that doesn’t speak that much, and always has her eyes hidden. She lives quite at a remote house in that nearby forest." Aeon said as she pointed at one specific point in the woods surrounding the area. "If you see a lone house decorated with thread around, you should be able to recognize it."

The Jailer looked at that same spot, being able to see that it wasn’t that far apart from the place he found himself in Wonderland, around all those 9,000 years ago. He knew what he had to do.

"Thank you, lady-" He was about to speak, until he heard giggling from behind, realizing that it was Dolly, playing with the gray jay that Aeon was holding, and sure enough, she was starting to drift away.

"My Queen! Come back here!" Dero realized that the other Knights and Ades were already going after her, with Ades looking behind, telling him to keep going ahead, for he was sure that Dero could deal with this alone.

"Sigh. Thank you, Miss Aeon. May time be with you." Aeon nodded in a gentle manner, as she kept looking at the distance, until her expression changed suddenly.

"Excuse me, sir. I need to tell you something beforehand."

"...Go on."

"Yesterday, I had a strange prediction, disguised as a nightmare. I saw the four suits, looking at a broken sun and moon, with each star around slowly dying. The suits looked odd however, with their faces scratched out with chalk. I was about to send a letter towards the Queen’s Mailman, Wisp, but you people came beforehand, which is quite coincidental."

Dero was pretty confused.

"...I apologize if my predictions are that cryptic…"

"It’s alright. I’ll discuss this with the Suits later. Now, see you later, if you don’t need anything else to show me."

"I wish you luck, and time may be with you too."

Dero finally decided to leave the village, as he saw how he distanced himself further from civilization, having hope that Ades would be competent enough to catch her and take care of her as the Jailer tried to reach the house Aeon had mentioned.

The forest was dark and gloomy, being much different than the last time he crossed it with Giselle; it felt as if that charm was feeling incomplete. He will complete it, if lucky. It was so quiet that Dero could hear his own heartbeat, only the scurrying steps made by him being the only source of sound, becoming the already eerie place, into a place giving off such a heavy atmosphere.

It wasn’t too long until he realized that, in the exact same place he woke up in Wonderland the first time, now there was an old house, being unable to be found if someone didn’t know the exact same place.

"...This must be it…" Dero did their best to open the door, and the inside was… uncomfortable to say the least. The floor resembled a checkerboard, with brown walls, and red thread hanging from holes coming from the equally brown roof. There was no furniture, only being a hollow, yet messy room of a house.

Dero was about to open the next door, until he heard footsteps coming, and by pure instinct, he prepared for a possible fight, until… someone else opened the door.

She was as beautiful as he remembered her.

She was as shocked as he was at seeing her.

She was his Queen, and he was her Knight.

--------

@heiressofdoodles

@monsterhatdoodles (CREATOR OF THE DRAWINGS!)

@avathestarwarrior

@moon-mage

@ilikesillythingswooo

@loaflovesdoodling

@that-fanperson-meg

@the-chaos-axolotl

@den-of-the-blue-dragon

[mybrainisalibrary]

Finally got some time so here's a stream of consciousness drabble about Granny Relda prior to the start of the series:

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

Life is good.

Not perfect, no of course not, but good. You're happily married to a good man, with 2 boys that have suddenly become young men. You live in a town filled with magic and myths come to life. And it's a beautiful day, a sunny day, when your world is shattered.

Your boy, your youngest, he does something for his brother without considering the consequences. It's not the first time he's gotten into trouble, but it's the most dangerous because a monster is after him.

Before you can process what's happening your husband is rushing off to save him, without a plan, and by the time you get there your husband is horribly wounded and your sons are desperately trying to help him. He's rushed to the hospital and the boys raid the Hall of Wonders while you sit with him because there's nothing that can cure this injury from a jabberwocky, no potions or creams or magic wands, and your husband is dead by the next morning.

The funeral is a blur, and you know that for every Everafter that comes to pay their respects there is another celebrating the death of a Grimm, but you hold it together. And then - your sons leave, and you're alone in a house that was filled only days ago. You're homesick for Germany in a way you haven't been in decades, just to see some of the family you haven't seen in years, and you grab your coat and head to get the Ruby slippers and then it hits you - you can't leave.

The last place you want to be is here with the memories and suffocating silence but you can't leave. You have to stay to keep up the barrier, to prevent any number of violent Everafters from terrorizing the world.

And for the first time fear creeps in. You are the only Grimm left in town and many are restless - what is there to stop any assassination plots against you? So when Mr. Canis visits later that day, you offer him a room in the house.

Things get better, slowly. You get weekly calls from Hank. Jake has sent a letter so you know he's not dead too. (You knew anyway, you've been asking Mirror to check on both of your boys every day, every hour on particularly bad days.) There are Everafters who need help and mysteries to solve.

You are overjoyed when Hank returns to you with Veronica in tow. Veronica is a natural, she fits right in, and you feel you've finally turned the page on a dark chapter.

But there's danger, there always is in your line of work, and when a newly-pregnant Veronica gets too close to a magic blast from a rogue witch, Hank panics.

You try to reason with him, Veronica does too, but he's insistent on leaving. Their bags are packed that night, they're gone the next day, and you are alone again.

Of course there's still Mr. Canis and Snow and so many for company. But Jake is still traveling the world and you have a newborn granddaughter that you have yet to meet. (Veronica swears she'll talk Hank into a visit soon, she just need a few months to convince him.)

Perhaps it's that unfulfilled grandmotherly instinct that prompts you to reach out to the lost fairy boy in the woods. You've heard about him and you've had to chase off his pixies. He may be hundreds of years old, but he's still a little boy who could use a warm meal every now and then.

You're pleased to realize a few years in than you have a satisfying routine. Every day is a new adventure in Ferryport landing. You long to meet your granddaughters (Hank and Veronica have had another girl) but you check up on them through Mirror and you get letters from Veronica every few weeks.

You've just wrapped up a case on a dreary, drizzling morning, when it dawns on you that you're due for a letter from Veronica. You've been so busy you haven't checked on the kids in a few days. It's a Saturday and you expect to find them together, but you stare in confusion then concern as you see your granddaughters sitting in a police station. You check on their parents and nothing makes sense. Mirror has difficulty locating them, says there's powerful magic trying to block him, and when you finally see them they are asleep – still as death, but just sleeping.

You spend weeks, then a month, then a year, then longer, looking for answers and fighting red tape. The girls are alone, shuffled from place to place, and you are doing everything you can to get custody, but it seems hopeless. How can the courts turn over custody to a woman who will not (cannot) leave the tiny town where she lives hours away? You call in dozens of favors and several magical objects and finally, finally they send a caseworker to meet with you and you convince her to let the girls stay with you.

And then you have your granddaughters, you are so happy to meet them –

And their parents are still missing

[theshippirate22]

some things said by my mother while watching stranger things out of context (have fun trying to figure out wtf she’s talking about:

-that kid looks like the kind that would steal your shovel in the sandbox

-HEY! it’s my sandbox kid!

-who the hell is noah there’s not a kid named noah

-um is that guy gonna kill him? also why is he so gross.

-like seriously has he heard of a brush. or a shower. or standards of any kind.

-wow it’s a good thing they have a medical level sedatives in the house

-that guy is evil. i know he’s evil. he’s nice. WAIT does he die????

-i can’t believe you let him die

-*awkward laugh* you’re a predator

-is that a. werewolf romance novel. wow that’s the sound of all my respect for you disappearing

-wait does the sandbox kid have teeth

-he’s like WHAT DO YOU MEAN MY KID IS AN EMO

-the greatest villain of all time. a white man who thinks he knows stuff

-i don’t know what Harrington’s problem is. clearly Sanbox is ready to fight in the netherworld. he’s got a hand towel and a snorkel

-i mean, he is a pretty good babysitter

-that guy scares me and also is he drunk

-yeah i’ve been to that mall. i was alive in the 80s remember

-i’m sorry how long have their kids been missing

-okay so his dad hits him. that’s just an explanation not an excuse shut up

-you can tell it’s the 80s because they could afford a BUCKET of meat

-eating all the candy and getting fat? is he you?

-THAT MAN IS TIRED!1!!!1 It has been like four days and he hasn’t slept once and also the only shower he took is when they sprayed him with a literal hose to get off the radioactive gunk. goo, if you will

-Fun daddy/daughter activities in your area! closing the portal to hell

-I TOLD YOU D’ART WAS HIS FRIEND THEYRE 3MUSKETEERS BUT LIKE THERES TWO OF THEM

-I’m planning you a birthday party. and guess what? i did all the planning and made you be born on the same day as the bowlcut kid. we can have an eggo waffle bar

-you know what? The Thing™️ isn’t ugly yet. maybe it’s because he’s a 12 year old but still

-okay great? you tranked him? he’s still gonna be in trouble when he goes home without you

-um that’s not her dad right? why does he care so much

-i don’t know why you like him. he looks like a kicked puppy half the time. what do you mean that’s why you like him? i’m putting you back in therapy

-i’m sorry how old is the kid supposed to be? 17? why did they chose an actor that was a Man™️

-that’s how i felt the first time i took you driving. and i wasn’t even bloody and concussed.

-button up your shirt hotshot you’re embarrassing me

-oh that’s a BAD word

-i know you’re on a LOT of narco right now which is why i’m going to excuse the ten minute rant about the police guy. but can we please unpause it

-dang those officers have seen some STUFF. unfortunately, only the black one has learned from the past. the white one is just a miracle of science that he’s still alive

-SHUT UP ABOUT SEASON 3 WE’RE NOT THERE YET

-is that ted danson?? you love ted danson!!1!!1 wait. it’s not ted danson is it

-they actually can’t just murder people and then make it okay by playing the ghostbusters theme

-is he referencing star wars again?? i’m gonna start copyrighting them just because i’m annoyed

-that thing is kinda cute. oh it’s evil?…. it’s still cute

-what is with this show and spiders?? my heavens

-soooo the jabberwockies are like- wait, what’s it called? oh right demogorgan

-does Sandbox have a name? well he’s my favorite and i’m gonna call him Sandbox anyway

[like-rain-or-confetti]

Top 5

During a hostage kidnapping of the rogue and their S/Os child, when things were getting situated and the child was being let go. A police misfired their gun which ticked off other policemen to start a shootout, the child was caught during the crossfire…how does the rogue react

OUCH right in the FEELS. I took this as readers child from a previous relationship!

WARNING: CHILD DEATH.

The Riddler: "They aren't here yet!" He snapped. "I'm afraid the little one doesn't have a lot of time left. Now I can be there but that won't change that the child doesn't know me. They know you. They'll be more comforted by you." He was silent for a moment, a hand covering his face as he thought. "Are they in pain?" He asked quietly and the doctor shook her head. "No. They're too far gone." The Riddler squeezed his eyes shut with a sigh. "Alright." He entered the hospital room and climbed onto the bed beside the sleeping child. The Riddler pulled the child into his arms sitting back in the bed and cradling them close. The child's eyes lifted to him. "It's alright..." He said quietly, rubbing their back. They opened their mouth to talk but were unable to do much beyond mumbling. "(Y/N)'s coming. Don't you worry. (Y/N)'s coming to see you. They'll..." The Riddler swallowed back, tears rimming his eyes. "They'll be here when you wake up." He assured the child quietly. "They'll be here to tell you how much they love you and they do, little one." He said lowly. "They love you so very much. Soon we'll be going home...all three of us." He said softly. A long beep rang out and the Riddler squeezed his eyes shut, hugging the child close. Silently, the nurse flipped a switch and turned the machine off. "Don't be scared." He whispered, a tear running down his face.

Scarecrow: He caught the child before they could hit the floor. The child looked terrified as they struggled to breathe. Jonathan pulled them into his lap, his expression void of any panic or horror that he was feeling. Instead his voice was soothing. He hushed the child gently, speaking softly. "Hey...you're going to be fine. What do you want to do later, hm?" "M-Movies..." The child mumbled. "Yeah? Which ones?" Jonathan asked. He knew it was bad the second he saw it but he didn't want your child to be scared. There was a slim chance they'd make it but if he kept the child calm perhaps it'd help. At the very least, they wouldn't fear in their final moments. He nodded as the child spoke. "Yes, I agree. That's a very good idea. We'll have to tell (Y/N) when they get here, won't we? Don't worry they'll be here very soon. Just stay with me for a little while, alright?" He continued to try to get the child to talk to him until the child stilled, the life draining from their eyes.

Two-Face: Your gut-wrenching scream would never leave him. He knew it the second he heard it. Eyes wide, tears streaming as you let out a heartbroken wail. You sank to your knees. Screaming over and over again. As the gunfire stopped, you ran out. "Don't!" Someone called out but went ignored as you scooped your motionless child into your arms. "Not my baby, not my baby!" You wailed. Harvey ran towards you. You looked at him. "Ha-arghhhh!" You couldn't say his name, your sobs overpowering anything you tried to muster. His heart broke for you, unable to look at your child for too long. "This can't be happening!" You shrieked. "Harvey- you need to fix this! You need to make it okay!" You screamed hysterically as you rocked your child. You were falling apart before him and the sight could have killed him. He felt officers tug him back and he roughly pulled away from them. "Get off me! I'm not leaving them!" You continued to scream and sob, heart shattered. A cry that would never leave him for as long as he lived.

Mad Hatter: He pulled the child to his chest, cradling the back of their head with his hand. Tears streamed down his face. "Leave them..." He whispered into the child's broken body. He pleaded to the Jabberwocky. Not this one. Out of everyone in Gotham, it didn't have to be your child- his child! He considered this child his own. "Please...leave them!" He became aware of the slowly approaching officers and before they could reach out, Jervis snapped. "Don't you touch them!" He spat with a heartbroken rage, making a few officers step back. "They're mine! You don't get to- you don't touch them!" His voice quivered through his rage as tears pricked his eyes.

Black Mask: He scooped the child into his arms. They groaned in pain as they looked to Roman in helpless terror. "It's alright, I've got you. You stay with me, got it kid? I got you." He smoothed the gaur away from the child's face. "You're okay. I got you. Help is coming. (Y/N) is coming, you gotta stay with me for both of us, yeah? Talk to me kid." There's silence. "Kid...? Kid! Look at me!" Black Mask ordered as he moved the child head to look at him. He met no resistance as the child lost consciousness. "Someone get me some fucking help!" Black Mask roared. He couldn't take it. He couldn't imagine the look on your face when he'd tell you what happened. Your child couldn't die. Not here. Not now. Not like this. Roman rocked the child. "Come on!" He yelled. "Don't do this, kid!" He was overcome with rage, the child limp in his arms.

[codenamehazard]

.:Jabberwocky:.

Chapter 32: Jabberwocky

[TRIGGER WARNING: PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE, TORTURE AND TRAUMA]

Hey guys! Sorry I'm a bit late with this chapter! The character voice was giving me serious hell! (Writer's Block, my behated)

Though it's not surprising considering all that I have in store here! Good god, I had to fight to get the words on the document but boy howdy is it worth it!

I hope you've got some water as this is gonna be a doozy. I hope you like this chapter!

Without delay, let's jump in!

---

“No…”

My blood freezes in my veins and my heart races as I stare with wide eyes at the mirror behind me. I’m looking at it, I’m seeing it, but I don’t want to believe it. I refuse to believe it. I refuse to believe that the bastard is here in this hell-maze with me, that he’s here at all. I can deny it all I want, but the mocking smile in the mirror. I know what’s in front of me, replacing my reflection and confirming a fear that I always dread…

Kessler.

“Look what the rabbit dragged in.” The decrypted echo sneers as he begins to circle me in the mirrors that surround me, stepping in front of the other reflections as if they were spectators about to watch a fight. “The coward who denies the truth, even though it’s staring him right in the face.”

“So says the murderer that took everything from me just because he was too much of a fucking coward to face the Beast himself until it was too fucking late.” I snarl back at the twisted reflection, trying to use my rage and hatred to thaw the frozen blood and shake the fear away. “You took away everything I held dear, that we held dear; You killed Trish, you made Zeke betray me! You made my life fall to shambles and even fucking lied about what the Beast was actually doing, all for what?! All because you were too chickenshit to actually protect your family and fight the Beast.” The bastard fucking laughs at me like I was just a yapping ankle biter.

“Oh that is rich coming from you, Cole.” That fucking crone cackles with that sneer. “The one who kills for shits and giggles calling me a murderer. All the pain I caused was done for a purpose while you inflict pain because you are broken inside.” I can feel my blood seeth as he talks, energy gathering in my hand as I keep my eyes on Kessler. “Face the facts, Cole. I would say you’re no better than me, but I dare say you’re worse. All that I did was for a reason while you lash out like a pitiful, sniveling rabid dog who bites and scratches at all who get too close.” I could swear I can feel his stinking breath on my neck as he stops behind me.

“Try as you might, MacGrath… You will always end up alone and you will have no-one to blame but yourself. Because it will always be your fault.”

My rage flares red hot and an Alpha rocket rips from my hand towards the old fuck, but I damn near get blown to bits. In my fury I had forgotten the nature of the very place I’m in. The rocket just bounces off the mirror and I barely have enough time to get out of the way of a direct hit. I curse to myself as I feel the pain from the blast radius, why the fuck did I even think that was a good idea in the first place?! Kesslar cackles at me as I stagger to my feet.

“Still as predictable as ever, Cole!” The crone scoffs as he seems to grow bigger, like a looming shadow. “Lashing out when you know I’m right.” As much as my anger bubbles under my skin, the fear, it creeps back in. Feeling so small, being so helpless. There’s only one thing I can do. I turn and run down the closest hallway to get away from this specter and start looking for a way out.

I can hear the bastard laugh at me over the thumping of my boots and the rapid beating of my heart. Mocking and sadistic.

“There you go! Running away again like the cowering mutt you are! Running from the truth and running from responsibility when it comes to take its due! Breaking the promise you made to yourself so long ago!” I curl my lips at the barbing words, but I have to keep running. I can’t fight, not without obliterating myself in the process! “Maybe it’s for the best that Trish is dead. She isn’t here to see the whimpering coward the man she once loved has become!”

My rage claws inside my chest as I want to scream.

The mirrored halls, I swear they’re messing with my head. I think I could see things changing, I look at one shifting reflection, watching it change into a sight disturbing and familiar. It was myself from years long past, but something’s not right. It’s faded, black and white. Almost like I'm staring at a fading memory, but the eyes I can see, clear as day. They look tired, but also full of pure hatred.

Another reflection, this one more vivid and crisp, one I’m more familiar with. The reflection that greeted me every time I looked into glass windows or puddles back in Empire City. God, I looked like I was walking dead with how pale my skin was, and the black marks that decorated my body didn’t help either. I liked it that way, people left me alone, but now being on the receiving end of that malicious gaze and cruel smile? I’m having second thoughts.

“You!” I hear a new voice ring out as I run. It’s not Kessler’s but mine! It sounded clearer, less gravelly and tired. Oh please don’t tell me the other reflections can talk too!  “I see you, running away, running from the truth! The truth that you’re just as responsible for the destruction of my life! Actually, more responsible!!” I growl at that lie. I didn’t do jackshit to destroy the life I once had, if anything, I was trying to get it back! The blame is Kessler’s and his alone.

“I can hear your thoughts, Cole!” The faded echo barks out with loathing and hate. “You weren’t trying to get life back on track, you were just acting on your own selfish impulses! If you had just sucked it up and been a half-way decent person, Trish would have loved you in her dying moments! But no, your own ego was more important than the woman you claimed to love so much!” I do my best to tune out the venom, but the words cut like knives as I feel a familiar pricking against my eyes. No! I can’t cry, not now! Not when Kessler’s chasing me.

As one voice is tuned out, another erupts in cruel, callous laughter… This voice, it sounds more like how my voice actually is.

“Oh how the mighty has fucking fallen, o’ so called “Demon of Empire City!”” I hear the doppelganger’s voice call out. “Once on top of the world sitting on a throne of scrap, now you’re nothing more than a sniveling weakling running around helpless.” Rage flares in my blood, but I have to keep moving. I can’t fight here, I have to get out! Get away!

“You sicken me. You know that, Cole?” The echo sneers. “You’re a failure. You failed to protect Empire City from the Beast, you were too weak. Running with your tail between your legs to New Marias. Then you bow the knee to the Beast himself just because of some pathetic notion of “the right thing” or some shit like that. Now look at you, you have the power of the Beast yet you’re running scared when you could simply blow this whole place to cinders.” I want to scream at the voice, tell him to shut up, blow up the mirror that the doppelganger hides in, but I know I have to keep going. Doesn’t make the words any less infuriating and painful.

“Why don't you unleash all that power, Cole?” The taunting continues. “Are you too scared? Are you not as powerful as you claim to be or…. Perhaps… Are you getting soft, you pathetic failure?” Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!!!!

I pick up the pace, my hands covering my ears to drown out the cruel words and venomous barbs as they start to swirl around in my head. Now I am being hunted by three, making my heart frantic. The fear and pain, it was like I was losing Trish with the magnitude of it all. I want to get out of this hell, even if it means disappearing! I just want it to stop!

I think I see something, but I refuse to look at the reflections. I think I hear something, but I refuse to uncover my ears. Enemies everywhere even though they wear my face. All thirsting for my blood and tears. Such things I refuse to give despite the stringing at my eyes. Soon my own voice joins the hellish cacophony, screaming at these demons as that is all I can do.

The more I yell, the more I run around practically blind and deaf, the more confused I get. At this point I’m not sure where I’m running. I can faintly hear laughter every time I clip myself on a corner, ram into a wall or run in circles. I’m lost, so hopelessly lost in my desperation for freedom. My voice is going hoarse from shouting and screaming. The idea of just going fucking nuclear and unleashing hell in the form of the Beast’s Rage is becoming more and more appealing, but with the nature of this hell, that would surely kill me in the process.

I stop at a dead end and fall to my knees, my eyes welling with tears that spill over as I rage inside this mirror nightmare. I just want it all to stop. I want this to be a night terror that I’ll wake up from but I know this is reality. My arms growing tired from holding my hands over my ears, they go slack. I am now exposed to the full brunt of the devils’ venom….

Wait… Who said that?

A voice I didn’t hear before screams with a similar force that I did, but the words they speak aren't venom and hate, but…. Instructions? Directions? I can’t tell at this moment, but it’s something that isn’t loathing and malice. At first I don’t believe these words, thinking them to be a trick or a trap, but with the hateful sounds closing in and with no other option… I follow the directions.

It’s then I see who the voice belongs to. Another faded and blurry reflection, but this one looks unfamiliar. It’s still me, but he shares my tanned skin, his scars barely visible, his shirt grey and white, Amp shining like silver and the sparks off of his hands a brilliant blue… This is what Kessler wanted me to be… A hero.

The blue sparked reflection continues to point and shout directions, seeming to be trying to help me, but why?! I make it no secret, I am not a good person. If this is the hero Kessler wanted, he should be hurling abuses at me just like the others. I’d even go as far as to say he’s the one with the most right to hate me as I am the reason he doesn’t exist. Yet here he is, trying to help me.

I open my mouth to question, but my blue twin snaps. “Not the time, Cole! They ain’t gonna stop for you to ask questions.” I get the message loud and clear and keep running.

I follow the instructions, focusing on that as it’s better than the miasma that I’m being subjected to. I have so many questions to ask, what is happening? Why is it happening? Why are you helping me? Just anything to make sense out of this fucking madhouse, but I keep moving, hoping that I’m not falling into another trap.

My heart sinks as I see that I’m at a dead end and I’m about to bolt, but I notice something… At the end of this hallway is another mirror, but with a very different reflection.

I cautiously walk towards it and squint my eyes, it looks… Fuzzy, almost like a photo that hasn’t been developed. On closer inspection, I can see some things that make it look more like a reflection of my current self, black pants with kneepads, my vest. Visible, yet blurry… The only thing I can see clearly are the eyes of this copy. They’re closed, as if sleeping. What could this mean?

As I look over this mirror, I notice something else. The cruelty of the three devils hunting me, it’s gone. This area is quiet, still and peaceful. Here with my heroic twin, but why is this so? At this point, I care little for the question as I slam my back onto a reflective wall and slide down into a sitting position, hands holding my head as my chest shudders and heave with tears I’m fighting back.

“Not giving up on me are you, Cole?” My blue reflection asks. I sniff a bit as I struggle and shake my head. “Nah…” I reply in a voice that’s more strained than I’d like. “I just….. Need a breather.” The white clad hero nods his head and simply sits in a way that mirrors mine, back to back. “Take your time, Cole. Catch your breath.”

This peace is strange, but compared to the hell I was subjected to? It’s a soothing balm on my mutilated soul and I let some of the tears flow freely. A small relief to keep the dam intact, for now at least.

When the peace has passed, the heroic MacGrath pipes up. “I know you have a lot of questions, but since it’s just us, best get them out of your system.” I turn my head and I can see the blurred reflection turn in kind. I start off with a simple “Why?”

“Why what?” My blue twin asks. “Just… Why? Why is this happening? Why am I being tortured? Why are you helping me?” I ask back in kind. The hero frowns and shakes his head. “As much as I want to answer the first two, all I can say is your guess is as good as mine as I have no clue either… But I can answer the last question. I’m helping you because I can’t stand this suffering.”

“But why?” I continue to question. “You out of all the reflections have the most reason to hate me. I’m everything you would stand opposed to, hell I’m the reason you don’t exist. Why help me when you could come after me as some sort of punishment?”

“And subject you to this hell?” He balks “I wouldn’t even wish this on Kessler, let alone myself. Good or evil.” His eyes stare off into whatever silvery void the mirrored world has. “Besides… I got to see where my path leads to. Got to see that even though I did everything right, it meant jackshit in the end.” He turns to glance at me again. “That all I did was pointless. Utterly pointless”

I’m about to ask him to elaborate, but he shakes his head. Something must have gone completely fubar if he doesn’t want to talk about it even if it’s to bitch and vent.

“So…. Where’s the exit out of this hellhole?” I ask, the heroic twin turns his head and points to the mirror at the end of the hallway. I turn to look at him like he’s crazy. “Um, that’s a wall.”

“It’s the way out.” He simply responds. “It’s the only way out. The reason there’s a wall is because you believe there’s a wall.” I shake my head at this crazy talk. “How do you know if that’s a wall or not?” I question the reflection. He looks at me. “You’re going to have to trust me and by extension, trust yourself.”

“I don’t do trust fall-type bullshit.” I point out bluntly. “You should know this as much as I do.”

“Why would I lie to the only one of any of us in this damn mirror hell that has a future at all?” My blue twin points out harshly. “It’s a cold hard fact, Cole. Out of all of us here, you’re the only one who has a chance at living.” I stand and he stands in kind; both of us staring at each-other, man-to-man.

“While you are right, you are everything that I stand against. You’re selfish, egotistical, ruthless, sadistic, irresponsible, downright dangerous and destructive to the point of senselssness, but you’re also fucking honest about it.” He points out. “Then there’s also the fact when it came time to choose between a gamble that if it fell short would leave everyone to suffer slow and agonizing deaths or go with John and the method that was proven to give humanity even the slightest sliver of a chance to come out the other side. You chose what you felt was right. It may not be what Kessler wanted and there may have been selfish motivations behind it, but you still made that choice.” I look at my twin puzzled, but he’s right… Right about everything, good and bad.

“This is your ticket not only to escape this hell, but to escape Kessler for good.” He continues. “That bastard already took two futures away from you, your future with Trish and my future. Don’t let him take this one away from you too.” His words ring out in my head like a gunshot as I look towards the blurry mirror. “I know it’s a leap of faith, but please take it! Take it and get the hell out of here! Live the best life you can… For the both of us… Please…” The last words fall like a pleading whisper. Looking into the same blue eyes we share, I can see it. The same eyes I have, the eyes of a broken man.

I stare at my good twin for a moment longer before I nod my head.

With that, I turn to face the blurred reflection. I step back a few paces and charge up a polarity wall to act as a battering ram, hoping that this won’t backfire. Unleashing all of my emotions in one, booming battle cry, I charge.

I swear I can hear the ghost of a whisper in my mind. A soft “thank you” as I make contact only to fall through thin air.

I roll through the tumble and onto my feet before looking around, panting hard. He was right… It wasn’t a wall, it was an illusion… Was that whole maze and the horrors within an illusion too??

Once I’m not disoriented as shit, I start to look around this new place. I see bleachers, a trapeze and a barrier… Am I in the center stage of this fucking circus? Before I can start to explore, I hear a familiar female voice ring out with an Irish accent.

“It’s about bloody time you showed up!!”

[whlskr]

ASK MEME TIME! Bunnie: 12, 14, 22 Naomi: 4, 8, 27 Kadin: 2, 16, 32 Brook: 1, 18, 35 AND FOR YOU B, C, D about all of them >:D

Bunnie, 12, 14, & 22

12: How do they deal with an itch found in a place they can’t quite reach?

I feel like Bunnie would definitely bother Naomi until she helped. If they were not together, she'd simply be like a bear and scratch against a wall.

14: What animal do they fear most?

They have live-cams on the surface that the residents of the Undursa watch like Old Time Discovery Channel. I'd say they have some sort of unofficial deadliest animal poll going around base that Naomi and Bunnie watch with joy. Bunnie would be all about watching the animals on the surface but for sure has a mental list of one's she would not fuck around with.

I don't have names for a lot of the Cauterized wildlife but the guy on the cover is everyone's least(most?) favorite sharp friend on the surface. Huge green monster that prowls around deep wooded areas. Different residents call her different things but Naomi calls it the Jabberwocky based on a song from her childhood.

22: How does jealousy manifest itself in them (they become possessive, they become aloof, etc)? 

Bunnie is for sure a 'I simply won't leave your side' kind of jealous. :) No one else can get too close without also having to deal with her. Possessive, but in a 'I'm taking care of you' way. Having an unrequited crush for 20yrs will do that to you.

She'd never actually get in the way, but she's definitely be making sure you deserve her person and that you're treating them right. And she'd be quick to let you know if you crossed those generally reasonable lines. She totally would not fight you over Naom

B) What inspired you to create them?

Naomi needed a foil and had been one of my characters for years. I was evaluating the team and decided that it needed someone softer to bring it together. This was born Bunnie! And her sister. :) Brook is a more firm character that offsets Bunnie's non-serious demeanor. With Kadin, it created a well rounded team that could play off each other's strengths.

C) Did you have trouble figuring out where they fit in their own story?

Bunnie was created to fill in a gap, so it felt like the story always was missing her once I added her in. She brings them together in a way I love and appreciate. Bunnie is the glue to the team, irreplaceable 🙃

D) Have they always had the same physical appearance, or have you had to edit how they look?

Bunnie went through several rapid design changes. She was loosely based off an old webcomic character of mine named Lo. The blonde hair spilt off to the side comes from that design. When I showed her official design to my brother-in-law, he immediately said she looked like me with blonde hair/no glasses. I sat on that comment and decided to redesign most of my characters to reflect their voice actors. :)

Naomi: 4, 8, & 27

4: How easy is it to earn their trust?

Naomi isn't a particularly trusting person, though she just keeps herself at arms length from others. She has a small group of people she lives and trusts. If one of those people trusted someone, she'd follow suit however.

8: What were they told to stop/start doing most often as a child

Naomi was definitely a 'I will not shut up about my special interests' kind of kid and I can imagine her being told to be quiet often. She was a pretty extroverted child before everything happened to her. I imagine being repeatedly told to hold her joy closer to her chest created an adult version of herself that doesn't talk much about what makes them happy.

27: What causes them to feel dread? 

The smell of smoke and the sound of fire both make Naomi's stomach drop. It makes her scars burn. She avoids fire at all costs, which is thankfully generally easy in an underwater base.

B) What inspired you to create them?

Naomi was actually originally a waterbender ATLA OC. This was VERY short lived because I immediately fell in love with the concept of her character. She's for sure a vehicle for my own daddy issues, though she's got it much worse than I do. Naomi really is a character for working through my own issues at age 19. She's not nearly the self-insert she used to be. I've grown a lot in the last 7 years. Naomi's kinda like the scared kid I used to be. I love her very much, like she's a younger version of myself.

C) Did you have trouble figuring out where they fit in their own story?

Nope. The story was designed for Naomi. She's the main character, even if it's mostly told by Bunnie. Everything in Cauterized revolves around Naomi ❤️‍🔥

There was a period where I couldn't make sense of her team as a whole and couldn't figure out how they'd make it on the outside. The team was originally just Kadin and Naomi, after all.

D) Have they always had the same physical appearance, or have you had to edit how they look?

Naomi's appearance has changed a lot. I think I've changed her skin tone more than anything. Where she was an ATLA OC, her race was originally really ambiguous. When I cast you as her, I decided to rebuild her around your favorite parts of yourself, as you know :') Now, I think she feels like the character she should be. Her core character has never changed, but her outside appearance has gradually shifted.

Kadin: 2, 16, & 32

2: How easy is it for your character to laugh?

I like to think Kadin has a good sense of humor and laughs easily. I just think it's only around the right people. Kadin's good friends with the engineer Henry Gertsen. Their actors are good friends IRL. They probably get along really well and cut up together.

16: What makes their stomach turn?

Kadin has a sense of justice and seeing someone hurt really makes his stomach turn. He's not always the best at acting on that feeling, but always takes metal note of the underdog. He keeps watch over them for an opportunity to step in. Cruelty makes him sick, though he can be caught in inaction for fear of retaliation from command.

32:  Do they have a go-to story in conversation? Or a joke? 

Kadin, unlike Naomi, actively makes jokes about his burn. "Gotta hand it to him, he had one hell of a grip" type jokes.

B) What inspired you to create them?

Kadin is a really cool character that's hard for me to go into detail about without revealing too many spoilers. He was created to be someone Naomi could rely on. Originally, he was her love interest, though now he's like a complicated almost friend, more co-worker type friendship.

Naomi's kinda scared to interact much with him personally because she wrongly thinks he has some sort of negative feelings towards her over their shared burn origins.

C) Did you have trouble figuring out where they fit in their own story?

Kadin was one of the two original main characters, yet I've always kind of struggled with his deeper character. He's got a somewhat cold outer shell, calculating, though he's really a warm person who cares a lot. He's just very cautious and plans or ever move he makes.

Originally he was Naomi's guide on the outside and that's really not changed, he's just not her trainer any more. Funny enough, now Naomi's more his trainer over the bio-raptors at least.

D) Have they always had the same physical appearance, or have you had to edit how they look?

They were several years younger in the original. Kadin was 23 or something like that. He's 28 now. Naomi was 19, she's 27 now. Honestly, they've swapped skin tones. Kadin got an overhaul when I cast Mitul as him to match him a little(I'm planning on doing a little more, though).

Kadin was also originally trans and in a sense, that's not changed, but he's not trans in a traditional sense. I'd say he's more he/they/it which is as close to spoilers as I can get.

Brook: 1, 18, 35

1: What’s the maximum amount of time your character can sit still with nothing to do?

Brook is a never sits kind of person. Being forced to be still would probably be torture. She could sit through a lecture or a concert but she'd be totally bouncing her leg the entire time. She'd die after anything longer.

18: What embarrasses them?

Brook would be embarrassed by crushes or by a public slip up during the trials she runs with the bio-raptors. Those, I think, would be hey only two blush buttons.

35:  How do they treat the things their friends come to them excited about? Are they supportive? 

Brook is a very good big sister. She's very protective of Bunnie and looks out for her all the time. Their parents are both scientists in another lab and we're always pretty busy. As the oldest, Brook took it upon herself to fill in wherever needed.

This isn't always a good thing, however. She's not a very big fan of Naomi and could've been a better support to her. She thinks Naomi derailed Bunnie's life. Otherwise, Brook almost can't help taking control of a situation and fixing it. She's over all very supportive.

B) What inspired you to create them?

Bunnie was added for Naomi. In a sense, Brook was added for Kadin. She's a rival, a bright mirror, a foil. I wanted a firm, strong character that would step in when no one else would. She's a very important character to the team.

C) Did you have trouble figuring out where they fit in their own story?

She was designed to fill in a gap much the same way Bunnie was. It was pretty easy to let her full the hole in the story she was made for. She's the strong, supportive big sister of the team who's not scared to lay down her truth.

D) Have they always had the same physical appearance, or have you had to edit how they look?

Brook took a long time for me to settle on a design for. She's the newest character to the show. She's still in her original design as the one painting in doing is the only one I've made so far.

Apart from her place in the team, she's a very self-indulgent 'what I think an attractive woman looks like' + features from my best friend Jess who plays her. I realized after doing most of her character painting that she really just looks like a female version of my husband + a little of my best friend.

Thank you so much for the questions, Izze!!!