#tomes of madness volume 1

[mrtva-vrana]

Witchden | Tomes of Madness Volume 1

March 2024

Bandcamp

[dilatorywriting]

Monster Mayhem: Donkeys & Dragons [PART 4]

Gender Neutral Reader x Malleus Draconia Word Count: 6.7k

Summary: 'Never tickle a sleeping dragon.'

🌶️Obligatory Warning for Some Descriptions of Violence & Mild Suggestive Content

[PART 1] [PART 2] [PART 3] [PART 4] [EPILOGUE]

As detestable as they were, at the very least your assailants were well organized.

You were plopped neatly at the center of the room, in a very conspicuous location that would have made it difficult for a hypothetical someone to, say, just flat-out torch everything in sight without also catching his very tiny, mortal, companion up in said firestorm.

The group of them split off to tend to their tasks with a frankly shocking level of competence and foresight. Was this how adventurers were actually supposed to work? They didn’t just—I don’t know—saunter into an abandoned castle on a whim and a prayer, with no real end goal in sight and nothing but the perpetual bounding of a singular, shared, braincell to keep them on their toes? There was a plan? What was this madness.

“How much time do you think we have?” one of them called, busy working to set up some sort of wire trap that, in your humble ‘I have faced this legendary dragon and survived’ opinion, looked like it would do exactly diddly squat.

“Enough,” the Elf Wizard shrugged, thin arms crossed tight across his equally gaunt chest. “These vermin don’t have the same concept of time as we do. It may return soon, but we may also be waiting hours.”

Hours? Hours? You fought the urge to groan. And then remembered it hardly mattered if you did or not, because you were still trapped in a bubble of perpetual Silence, and that just made you want to groan louder.

Assumed-Rogue nodded tersely in response and continued constructing his pseudo-trap. The long, red, stripes of his sleeves were odd things—very in-your-face bold for a dude whose job you assumed it was to slip through shadows unseen. But then you noticed that the threads he was spinning were pooling from those slashes of crimson, and alright, that was fairly cool. ‘Your failure of a stealthy design gets a pass this time, good sir.’

“You’re certain this is one of the Briar Beasts, Lord Flamm?” Armored Lady piped in, busy shifting through the various swords strapped at her hip.

“Of course,” he hummed, flicking through his spell tome. “Have I ever led you astray before?”

Armored Dude snorted from his place across the room. “You’re not the issue. I just have trouble believing one of those monsters would still be alive at all after all this time.”

‘Lord Flamm’ snorted. “And why not? They’re like cockroaches—thriving through the worst of the world and gorging themselves on its corruption. This one is no different.”

Your brows twitched irritably.

Thankfully, Silence was not an indefinite spell. And after about ten minutes of muzzled misery, you felt its sticky, gauzy, gunk wash itself out of your throat.  

“I’m getting the impression that you’re really not a fan of dragons,” you said, testing your volume.

Lord Flamm stared down at you with a hawk-eyed sort of sneer. His pale, green, glare felt like a tangible thing crawling along your skin.

“They are unnatural,” he huffed after a moment. “No creature should walk the planes of this world for such a great span of time. Immortality is a perverse transgression against the sanctities of life and existence.”

“You are literally an Elf,” you replied, incredulous. His face scrunched up like you’d forced a whole lemon into his mouth, and then he dropped another dome of Silence over your head.

Another ten minutes crawled by, and words returned to your tongue.

“Don’t you think you’re being a bit hypocritical?” you hummed, casually testing the arcane restraints binding your limbs. Those seemed to hold themselves in place with a great deal more fortitude than his on-again-off-again Mute Button, which was as frustrating as it was respectable.

“It’s not nearly the same. I was born into my burden,” he sniffed.

You blinked, confused. “I mean, so was Tsunotarou.”

Elf Wizard made a punched-out sort of noise, like you’d decked him right in the spleen.

“You named the beast?” he gawked. “Like a pet?”

“Look, man,” you grouched, offended on your scaly friend’s behalf. “If anyone’s the pet here, it’s me!”

Lord Flamm’s face went white, to red, and then nearly puce.

“Wait,” you spluttered. “That came out wrong—”

And then you were gagged once more.

The next time your muzzle was lifted, Lord Flamm was already pacing along the little, invisible, edge of the spell’s cage. You cleared your throat and he came to a stop a few feet away from where you were bound.

“I can see what’s happened here,” he said, stern, and you arched a brow in disbelief. You didn’t even have any solid idea what the fuck was going on, and you’d been living it for the past few weeks. He cleared his throat and glowered down at you. “You’ve been taken in by the monster’s wiles.”

You spluttered. “Not to just keep repeating myself, but really, if anyone did the ‘accidental seducing’ thing here, it was—”

He waved you off with a puckered grimace. “That hardly matters. At the end of the day, you are still the creature’s prisoner, and it is my duty as a man of integrity to assist you however I can.”

You frowned. Because while this whole thing had technically started as a hostage situation, it hadn’t really felt like one lately. Sure, Tsunotarou still threw tantrums that shook the foundation when you’d tried to put up a makeshift bathroom door, but he also listened to all your stories with the rapt attention of someone genuinely invested in the garbage pouring out of your mouth. He tucked you into your big mattress nest at night with his scaly nose, and endured all your griping with nothing but good humor. He showed you his treasures and told you terrible, dry, jokes that you were sure you only found so funny because he certainly hadn’t meant to be.

You sighed and dipped your head, expression shuttered.

Lord Flamm stepped forward and you felt a thin, gloved, finger tuck itself beneath your chin to tilt you back up to face him.

“I will save you,” he promised, something genuinely sturdy and righteous coating the words. “If you ask it of me.”

You took a deep breath in through your nose.

“There once a man from Trebucket,” you chirped, letting the jaunty tavern melody roll off your tongue like any good Bard ought to.

Lord Flamm arched a thin brow, in equal parts amusement and exasperation.

“Who really only wanted to find the dragon so he could fuck it—”

His face twisted in rage, and to the surprise of literally no one, you were Silenced yet again. Though this one felt the most like a victory so far.

And thus, the cycle repeated itself. Every quarter hour or so, the spell would drop and you’d start babbling some sacrilegious, borderline pornographic, nonsense that had him cursing you all over again. You counted each round of mockery softly in your head. Half to keep time, half to—

Your gaze trailed past the intricate, stone, entryway and caught. Perched atop the overhang were two gargoyles. Which was quite odd, seeing as you’d spent half a month living out of this room now and had never noticed them before (and you certainly would have, what with your host’s propensity for pointing out the gothic carvings each and every time one popped up in the castle’s architecture). Not to mention, they looked an awful lot like the pair of grey monsters which had been guarding the entrance when you’d first slunk in—the very duo that you’d sworn had tracked you and your friends with beady, gemstone, eyes and dug their pointed talons through solid rock.   

Ancient buildings always seemed to have a life about them—never quiet, never still. Always settling with strange noises and shifting shadows that danced oddly along surfaces that were forever decaying. And this castle was no different. So it took you really listening, really closing your eyes tight and straining your ears against the perpetual white noise, to make out the low grinding of the Gargoyles as they shifted atop their perch and curled their sharp claws.

You tilted your head at them, curious, and the one on the left seemed to bristle. As much as stone could bristle. The one on the right very softly dipped its chin, almost like a bow. Its purple, glass, eyes flashed in the lowlight.

‘Wait,’ that look said.

And so you did, sitting straighter and at proper attention.

The group of Dragon Slayers was still milling about making preparations. Eventually, one of the two yet-unclassified hench people slunk from the room, and when your gaze slipped back to the gargoyles, the one on the right was gone.

You made eye contact with the remaining carving, and it curled its lip at you like a grumbly hound.

There was a scream from beyond the threshold, and then a great clattering of noise not unlike an earthquake, or the resonating crunch of a building crumbling at its base.

Immediately weapons were drawn, shoulders hunched in panic. Defensive magic swirled through the air like ink in water.  

“What’s going on?!—”

With a shrieking roar, the remaining gargoyle lurched forward and collided with one of the armored attackers. The impact was like a crack of thunder, and it rattled around your skull like a gong.

And with that—dragon or no—the battle against the Hunters had officially begun.

With a panicked squawk, you began worming your still very bound self out of the dead center of this tornado of chaos. You flopped across the floor like a particularly determined caterpillar, or someone trussed up a in a sleeping bag with no limbs. You made it almost a solid twenty feet before you were scooped up by the back of your collar and dropped onto your knees.  

“Not so fast, you little cretin.”

And then there was a curved knife at your throat and a set of hands trapping your own. You gulped and the blade bobbed against your chin. Stupid rogues with their stupid stealth. You grit your teeth and clenched your fists, willing the meager scraps of magic that twirled in your veins to bob to the surface. You could feel the trace rumblings of a Thunderwave reverberating down your limbs, and it was certainly no Fireball, or Lightning Bolt, but maybe it would be enough to—

There was a spray of red, red, red and the Striped Rogue at your back collapsed in a puddle of gore.

Standing over the corpse of the felled assassin was a boy. Or, well, something that very much looked like a young boy. Or, not young. Just… It was strange. He was small, slight, with a cheerful youthfulness to him. But the mirthful expression lighting his crimson eyes chilled your bones like the seeping cold from a long-forgotten tomb. It was like looking at someone with dozens—hundreds—of faces. A kaleidoscope of lifetimes. It was disorientating.

“Hello, you,” the little demon cooed. He reached out to tap a clawed finger against your forehead and the arcane binds holding your limbs shattered on impact. “Let’s get you out of here, hmm?”

Something tugged at your brain as you gaped at that mess of choppy, black-and-pink, hair, and the glittering irises that matched the blood splattered across his cheeks almost too horribly well.

“Are you… Lilia?” you asked, dazed.

“Well done, little human,” he trilled, lips curling in delight as he hauled you back to your feet. “But there will be time for proper introductions later. Let’s get you somewhere safe first, before my silly ward really does tear this whole castle down.”

“Tsunotarou is here?” you frowned, anxious. “But these people are here to kill him.”

“We’ve done our best to keep him away for as long as possible,” Lilia hummed. “But I doubt he has much more patience for skulking about in the shadows. He never did,” He sighed, long and world weary. “And I loved this old haunt so much too. I hope it survives.”

“You—” you gawked. “You’re talking about the castle?!”

“Of course,” Lilia smiled, perfectly sweet. “Swatting these pests is going to cause more damage than they’re worth to begin with—”

You were yanked out of the path of an encroaching blade, and Lilia sidestepped the pair of you smoothly to safety.

“You’re not going anywhere!” the Paladin thundered, hand whipping out to leash a whirl of vibrating, bright, magic around Lilia’s wrists. “This fight is mine! And you will have no other!”

“Ah,” your savior sighed, looking down at the faint, yellow, glow circling his skin. “Now that is a doozy.”

The great sword came down with a crash, and Lilia ducked away from the destruction with ease. He gave you a light tap on the shoulder, pushing you forward, and you felt the flush of a Haste spell nibbling at your limbs.

“Go on ahead,” he said, with all the nonchalant politeness of someone lamenting that they were going to be late for afternoon tea. “I’ll be with you in a moment.”

BOOM went the now glowing sword as it sliced through the air where your savior had been standing not a moment before.

“Do not take me so lightly, wretch,” the Paladin spat, and Lilia’s civil little smile twisted into something that sent shivers racing down your spine.

“If you insist,” he beamed, with a level of enthusiasm that was bordering on sociopathic.

You didn’t stay to see the fallout. Lilia’s orders to flee aside, you knew well enough what a cat looked like before it pounced—that smug, animalistic, satisfaction that came after deciding that it was going to play with its meal for as long as it liked. And the grinding, snapping, howling noises coming from their direction was enough to reinforce that looking back would be a very terrible idea indeed.

You’d only just made it past the threshold and out in the grand hall beyond when there came a whining groan that sounded familiarly enough like the protesting noises the banister would make whenever Tsunotarou dropped too much of his weight on top of it. You peered back into the room, and from the darkness at its rear emerged a long, thin, snout.

The Great, Ebony, Dragon slithered forth from the blackness like a snake through the grass. The sharp drag of his claws against the stone was earsplitting, and when he spread his wings behind him, he seemed to cast the entire cavern into shadow. Faster than you could blink, one, two, three of the Slayers were scooped up by those massive, pointed, teeth and tossed through the air—wherein the pair of gargoyles descended upon them like a set of well-trained attack dogs. Your dragon swiveled to spit black smoke across the rest of the echoing room and its occupants. Between the swirling smog seeping from his throat and the blackness of his wings, the brilliant, green, glow of his eyes were the only source of light in the gloom. It was all horribly eerie, but mesmerizing in a way that reminded you exactly why so many ballads and epics had been written about the terrible might of Dragons.

He reared his head back and roared. His bellowing seemed to shake the very foundation of the castle, and the sparks jumping from behind his canines bit through the smoke with harsh little pop-pop-pops. And man oh man, he reallymust have been taking it easy on you and your duo of idiots, because this would have had the three of you shitting your pants on the spot.

From there, the battle more or less became a one-sided massacre. The stone soldiers flew through the air, decimating the opponents as their master demanded. Occasionally there was a flash of pink, and then a cheerful laugh followed inevitably by a noise that was all kinds of unpleasant. And at the center of it all was your newfound friend—picking apart the opposition with all the careful rage of someone determined to sear the consequences of these Hunters’ folly into the memories of their lineages for ages to come.

And then—amidst all the quite frankly epic fighting that you would have to tell Ace and Deuce all about when they came back to visit—you noticed that not far from where you were hiding observing was a familiar, angry, gaunt face. Lord Flamm’s elaborate black and maroon robes swirled around his ankles as he paced, and he was leering at the chaos unfolding not a hundred feet away with an expression that calling murderous would have been kind.

You bristled immediately, limbs lancing through with a tight sort of indignation.

He was just—right there! Standing all the way out here! When the rest of his party was busy being chewed to itty-bitty pieces!

And sure, rationally you knew that Wizards were squishy, glass-canons not meant for close combat more intense than a round of rock-paper-scissors. Sure, when you and your idiots had been facing down a dragon, Ace and Deuce had ordered you and your equally ill-armored self to run for it. Someone had probably hurled the Elf from the room the moment combat began, or demanded he whirl away to safety.

But you wanted to be angry. Because this was the man who had strode, eyes wide open, into a hornet’s nest with the sole intention of crushing the poor bugs beneath his heel. He deserved to bear the brunt of the miserable, stinging, backlash.

It certainly didn’t help that he was glaring down Tsunotarou with near frenzied loathing. The tome in his hands was flipped open to a dense spell that you couldn’t even begin to make sense of, and he was casting. Something tedious, and extravagant, and with enough somatic nonsense to make your head spin. His gloved fingers glowed beneath a growing mote of magic that shone horrible and bright in the natural shadows of the castle. Whatever sort of magic it was, it was strong enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end and push frantic adrenaline through your veins. Sigils swam through the air, and you swore you could feel it sapping at your own tiny pool of mana. If this was some kind of spell that would gobble up magic, then a dragon who was nothing but magic—then Tsunotarou—he would—This spell might actually—

You ran at that wretched little bitch with everything you had, and tackled him to the ground just as a bolt of crackling, pale, force magic boomed from between his fingers. The spell shot wide, and you thanked every divine being you could think of for the enduring shittiness of Wizard Muscles.

“I should have known you’d risk your life to save that unholy monster,” he seethed, rolling back to his feet and sending you tumbling off the side.

You stood firm and silent between this awful, garbage, Elf and the Dragon he so hated.

Lord Flamm raised a hand in your direction, incensed, and then you watched as something sharp and frightened slithered its way across his features. No sparks danced along his fingertips, no black miasma curled from his palms. You shoved your hands into your pockets and rocked back and forth on your heels like the most obnoxious piece of shit you could be.

“Wow,” you drawled, low in your throat. “That was impressive. I mean. How many times did you cast all those spells on me earlier? I’m shocked you have anything left.”

The already dark look coloring his face twitched into something truly foul.

“You were doing that on purpose,” he snarled. “You vile, loathsome, bumbling ignoramus of a bard!—"

“Ah, stop, stop!” You beamed, fanning yourself with a limp wrist. “You’re going to make me blush~”

You ducked out the way with a yelp as a mote of fire whizzed past your ear—singeing far too many hairs at it went. Because fuck fuck fuck. Cantrips were still a thing. And he was powerful enough that those simple, little, bits of magic would still probably be more than enough to fry the meat off your bones.

“It’ll be enough to kill you,” he seethed—like he could read your thoughts—teeth tugged into a hideous, gaping, sneer.

Your mind zipped through every possible escape route and settled frantically on the only option that had ever truly seemed to save your ass.

“What white teeth you have?” you tried.

He roared and another shot of brilliant, red, flames careened over your head.  

You ducked out of the way with a squawk just in the nick of time, nearly faceplanting into a wall in your haste.

And thus ensued a terrifying but morbidly hilarious Benny Hill chase through pillars, and behind rocks, and into holes. You killed your singular, daily use of Misty Step just trying to get out of one of said holes. And your brief attempt at tossing up a Mirror Image to throw off his groove did little but get you whacked with a Counterspell that made your bones ache.

Just as you’d burned through the last of your meager magic and were genuinely preparing to just try and deck the guy again, black smoke began to curl through the hall—soon followed by the ominous roll of thunderous growls and the heavy grindingof a gigantic beast clawing its way into the room.

You threw yourself at the dragon with more enthusiasm than was probably proper for a situation like this, and he immediately ducked his head to catch you against his snout. He curled himself around you with a rumbling snarl and your vision was drowned in a shifting sea of ebony scales. You squished yourself into his bulk with a shuddering sigh, fingers clutching a bit uselessly at the slippery surface of his natural armor.

A burst of orange flames rolled harmlessly off Tsunotarou’s scaled side and his lips curled unpleasantly over his canines. You could see the licks of emerald fire rolling off his tongue—dancing along his white teeth and lighting the hall in an ominous, sickly, glow.

Before the pair of you, Lord Flamm looked half-mad. If not fully consumed. His party wiped, his hostage freed, and the creature he hated so fiercely baring down on him with no escape.

He let his head fall back with a discordant trill of laughter and grinned at the approaching dragon without a hint of repentance. Fear, perhaps. Panic, certainly. But no remorse. He raised his hands once more, and another dredge of his own fire sparked along his fingers.

“And he shall smite the wicked and plunge them into the fiery pit.”

The Great Briar Beast of Old opened his gigantic, black, maw and choked the hall in a torrent of emerald fire.

And Lord Flamm and his Dragon Slayers were no more.

You stared intently at the singed corridor, as if waiting for one of the piles of ash to jump to its feet and pull a sword. Which you might have excused as paranoid fretting if you hadn’t heard of necrotic magics capable of doing exactly that. But after a long moment of waiting with bated breath and tight fists, the monsters did not rise from their graves, and all seemed to be truly well and over.

You let out a gigantic gust of a breath and collapsed bonelessly against the dragon at your side. After a solid minute or two of just awkwardly trying to find a good way to hug a giant lizard more than a dozen times your size, Tsunotarou slipped out of his scales, and then he was warm and fleshy in your arms once more. Still too big, still earth-shatteringly strong, but human-shapedenough that you could merrily settle into his embrace without the risk of becoming a pancake.

“Tsunotarou!” you chirped past the lingering haze of smoke. “You’re okay!”

“Me?” he gawked at you. It was an awkward angle to make eye contact, seeing as he’d latched himself onto you like a particularly determined koala, but he managed nonetheless. “You were worried about me during all of that?” He blinked those wide, neon, eyes at you like you were some horribly long and tedious math equation that he couldn’t even begin to make sense of. “You were the one who was captured!”

“They were Dragon Slayers,” you entreated, brow furrowed. “They didn’t need me for much of anything. Of course I was worried more about you.”

When the constipated look on his face refused to fade, you prodded him gently in his side.

“Look, I promise if we ever run into Bard Poachers I will be exponentially more cautious.”

He didn’t look particularly convinced—whether because he was trying to suss out of if something like ‘Bard Poachers’ were an actual, factual, threat upon your person, or because you’d just openly hurtled yourself at a clearly overpowered, feral, wizard with no regards to your already shitty constitution to speak of, so a promise to ‘be more cautious’ was about as good as saying that maybe next time you wouldn’t outright flirt with death. Only subtly. A lil’ bit.

You reached up to smoosh your thumb along the sharp slant of his frown and smooth out the harsh edges that were practically digging into his jaw.

“Tsunotarou, if you keep making that face, it’s going to get stuck like that,” you warned.  

“Malleus,” he interrupted, firm. You blinked up at him slowly and your hand fell back to rest in the nonexistent space between you.

“A what?”

“Malleus,” he repeated, and you felt the weight of the word dance through the air like sparks. Like an invocation, or a curse. “My true name.”

You waited a moment in shocked silence before slowly repeating your own name back at him. He startled and snorted a laugh into your neck, some of that lingering, terrible, tension finally seeming to seep out of him.

“I am well aware of what you are called, Child of Man.”

“…I know that,” you mumbled, fighting the urge to fidget. Malleus, Malleus, Malleus. The syllables sat heavy on your tongue, like your mouth couldn’t figure out how to push them past your lips. “I thought you said that dragons don’t give out their real names.”

He drew back just enough to cup your cheeks in his ashy palms, brushing a clawed finger back and forth against one of the small cuts littering your jaw.

“There is power in a name,” he said. “It is not a gift readily bestowed.”

Then why—

You swallowed, nervous, and one of his thumbs tracked the movement along the hollow of your throat.

“This way, if you call for me, I will always hear you,” he promised, eyes going flinty and venomous as he gazed at the cinder piles of smoking intruders. “And something like this will never happen again.”

“I—I mean,” you spluttered. “Me being—And this being—I mean—” You cleared your throat. “That hardly seems like a good enough reason to—to—” To put something so important into the hands of someone who literally broke into your house less than a month ago. To give something so precious to someone so human.

“Isn’t it?” he smiled, that sharp anger melting back into something painfully soft. Your poor heart kickstarted itself all over again. He ducked forward to press his nose into your temple, and you could feel the soft puff of his breath as his grin sharpened into a smirk. “Though I would have liked to bestow my titles on you in other ways as well, if this little hero would be amenable.”

You squawked, and the only thing that shook you out of the immediate spiral into ‘did he really just ask me to—am I really going to be stuck in every goddamn bard’s trope existence of—of—'  was the merry laughter that bubbled up from somewhere behind you. 

“Careful, my Prince,” Lilia hummed from his place perched atop a particularly large heap of rubble. “If you come on too strong, you’ll only scare them away. Humans are flighty like that, I’m afraid.”

You could feel Malleus’s pout against your forehead.

“Not my human,” he grouched. His hands dropped from your cheeks to encircle your waist and clutch at your lower back. “And that besides,” he continued testily, “you were the one who only just this morning insisted I take decisive action.”

“That’s true,” Lilia agreed with a gentle bob of his head, resting his pointed chin against his palm. “But perhaps three sentences at least before the proposal?”

Malleus blinked, slow and serpentine, before flicking his neon gaze back to you. “That does seem fair I suppose. What do you think?”

“I think,” you gawked, trying and failing to process any of the words that were coming out of their fanged mouths, “that I am having a stroke.”

“NOT ACCEPTABLE!” boomed a voice from overhead. “YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO FALL ILL AFTER ALL THE EFFORTS WE TOOK TO KEEP YOU SAFE!”

You jolted in shock, and Malleus’s talons flexed reassuringly at your waist as he gently turned you back-to-chest so that you could face your accuser. He nestled his chin into your shoulder, and you could feel his horns bump against your skull as he tried to burrow in as close as possible. Which all would have been thoroughly distracting, but then you noticed that one of the Gargoyles from early had landed directly across from you. Its spiked head was swiveling back and forth as it appraised you like some particularly ruffled cockatoo. And that in itself was bizarre enough to help you focus on something other than the weight along your back and the steadily rising heat in your cheeks.

“Uhm, hello?” you tried.

“WE HAVE ALREADY MET!” It screeched. “THERE IS NO NEED FOR INTRODUCTIONS!”

“It talks,” you blanched.

“OF COURSE I SPEAK, YOU IGNORANT ENTERTAINER!” The Gargoyle thundered. Its yellow eyes flashed in indignation. “HOW COULD I NOT LEARN TO COMMUNICATE IN A RESPECTABLE FASHION WHEN SERVING SOMEONE SO MAJESTIC AS HIS MAJESTY?!”

“I think,” the other Gargoyle said, slipping forward so silently you could hardly believe it was made of such strong stone at all, “that what Sebek is trying to say, is that we are happy to finally be able welcome you into our home, even if it is under less than ideal circumstances. And that we are very pleased to be able to speak with you.”

“THAT IS WHAT I ALREADY SAID, SILVER!” the spiky one snarled. No one else looked particularly bothered by his ceaseless volume, so it was probably normal. He stuck his carved nose into the air with a harumph. “AND I HAVE HEARD OF THE WAYS OF YOU TRAVELING STORY TELLERS! IF YOU BREAK MY MASTER’S HEART, YOU WILL SUFFER AN ETERNITY OF TORMENT AT MY HAND!”

Malleus growled, low and rumbling, from over your shoulder. Instantly his stalwart guardian cowed—head dipping like a kicked a puppy.

“Of course,” it continued, much softer. “I don’t think this human would do that. And—And I think my master has made a very good choice in his mate, and I will be happy to serve you too.”

Lilia sighed a sigh that sounded very much like a doting mother overflowing with parental affection. Like the kind of noise one may hear on a cozy Sunday afternoon while helping prepare dinner, or while sitting on a little, floral, couch and sifting through little paintings of grandchildren. There was still blood splattered all along his cheeks.

“It’s so lovely to have the family all together again,” he cooed. “And I do think that you will make such a marvelous addition.”

“Oh. Well. Thank you,” you nodded jerkily, just as your knees buckled and you collapsed to the floor.

.

.

On the first day of the new month, Ace and Deuce made their way back to the forgotten castle nestled in a pool of lava.

“We should never have left them,” Deuce grumbled for what was maybe the ten thousandth time. Ace was sick of hearing it. He was even more sick of the fact that despite being constantly inundated with various versions of ‘oh, we’re such terrible friends,’ the little, twisting, spike of guilt in his gut never grew any duller. Wasn’t that how it was supposed to work? Something-something-repetitive-exposure-therapy, or whatever? This sucked. He wanted a refund on this whole ‘conscience’ thing. Maybe it wasn’t too late to sell his soul and become a Warlock or whatever. Surely that would help.  

“We didn’t have a choice,” Ace reminded him. Again. “They’re okay. I know they are. We’re going to show up and they’ll be, I don’t know, lying in a bed of gold being hand fed grapes or something.”

Deuce made a rumbly, whining, kind of noise that made him sound even more pathetic than usual and Ace sighed, determined to instead focus on the rickety rope bridge swinging beneath their feet.

The ancient, looming, monstrosity of a building was just as cold and dark as it had been the first time. If anything, it was more filthy. With walls stained with seeping ash and the charred, skeletal, remains of something that Ace was definitely, absolutely, not going to think about scattered throughout the grime.

The two of them made their way to the heart of the castle until they were standing at the entrance of a grand, cavernous, chamber that may have once been some sort of ballroom.

Ace didn’t know what he was expecting. Slaver’s coils maybe. A chain around your ankles and rags drooping from your shoulders. Or maybe you wouldn’t even be there at all—long since swallowed down as a little, midnight, snack.

He certainly wasn’t expecting to see you lounging contentedly atop a mountainous heap of soft blankets, with the master of this castle—terror-incarnate, death from above, an eldritch beast ripped straight out of legend—curled along the lumpy hills of your grandiose pillow fort, its great head nestled at your back as you reclined against its scales and chattered away. Like the goddamned, rambling, idiot you had always been.

One of the dragon’s large, green, eyes shifted towards the intruders at its door, and Ace froze in place. You paused your chattering to raise your hand with an excited little wave. Your tattered traveler’s clothes had been replaced with something silken and soft enough that it would probably melt in his fingers, and it swayed like mist around you as you made your way to your feet. You were practically dripping in platinum, and diamonds, and emeralds, and—he was going to stop counting them before he gave himself a conniption.

And yeah… it wasn’t exactly a throne of gold and gemstones, but it was almost just as impressive. And immediately indignation swept through Ace with a horrible kind of vengeance. Because how dare you actually be living it up over here when he had been so fucking worried just lying about all that cool stuff to keep Deuce from storming the castle gates?

“You made it!” you chirped, perfectly merry despite the gigantic maw full of sharp teeth hovering at your shoulder.

“Of—Of course we did,” Deuce stuttered, his blue eyes flicking back and forth so quickly from the dragon, to you, to Ace, to the dragon, to you—that Ace genuinely thought he might be having a seizure. “We promised we would.”

You stopped in front of them with a considerate little hum, sharp eyes tracing and cataloguing their varying reactions. After a moment of what was obviously some very smug preening and even smugger ‘I win this round’ silent gloating, you slipped out of the piles of entangled jewels with an exaggerated shrug. With the exception of an intricately carved emerald pendant hanging softly between the hollows of your collarbones, the rest of the infinitely expensive and rare gems fell to the ground with a series of clattering chatter.

“All that shit is so heavy,” you whined. Whined. Like you had any right to complain about anything at all for the rest of your existence. You leaned forward with a wink. “I was just hoping it’d make your thieving, money-hungry ass, jealous.” You smirked, proud. “And it looks like it worked, you goddamn traitors.”

Ace was about to splutter out the most scathing remark his spiteful little brain could come up with, when Deuce ruined everything by rushing forward like the blubbering idiot he was and scooping you up into a bearhug.

“You’re okay! You’re okay!” he wailed. “We missed you so much!”

“Speak for yourself,” Ace huffed, and twinged miserably when it came out sounding far too soft. He cleared his throat and decided to take a different approach. “You know, last time I was sort of joking about the whole ‘bards and dragons’ thing. But it looks like you’ve made yourself real comfortable. And here I thought you were always super opposed to the ‘fucking my way out of my problems’ stereotype.”

However, because the universe seemed determined not to give Ace any kind of win for the rest of his natural existence, instead of getting all embarrassed and mousey, you just huffed and turned up your nose at him.

“Well obviously not as a dragon,” you complained. “Do you know how big he is? How would that even work, huh?” The aforementioned dragon lowered his gigantic head to settle on the ground at your side, and you leaned against him good-naturedly when he grumbled low in his throat. “Yeah, no,” you said to the beast, rolling your eyes. “Nice try, but no.”

Deuce immediately choked and started hacking up a lung, and Ace wanted to die.

“You can talk to it?” the redhead asked instead of keeling over.

You shrugged.

“Not like this. But I’ve learned to interpret most of it.” You wiggled your fingers. “It’s my sixth sense.”

Ace’s nose scrunched. “Yeah, right. If anything, it’s your ‘I’ve been dicked down by a dragon and think that makes me soooo special now’ sense—”

The great, ebony, monster growled and the Fighter’s mouth snapped shut like someone had taken a hammer to his jaw. You snickered goodhumoredly and elbowed your companion gently at the base of one of its long, sharp, horns.

“He’s just joking around,” you said to the winged horror. “You don’t have to get all defensive.”

There was another grumpy sneer, but the dragon simply settled more heavily at your side with a defeated sort of huff. The gust of a sigh sent a wave of scorching heat along Ace’s front, and he fought the urge to cow immediately and beg for his life. Because apparently that wasn’t going to be necessary, because you had—you had—

“Are you in love?” Deuce blurted, because unlike Ace, the Barbarian was pure, and good, and still didn’t fully understand how eggs worked, let alone the concept of Fuck or Die.

And then you surprised him yet again by getting as flustered as he’d expected you to when he’d accused you (rightly) of bending over for a goddamn fucking dragon.

But before you could answer, the dragon lifted its head to press its temple against yours. Or, as well as it could do that when it dwarfed the lot of you the way an elephant might hover over a mouse. Mostly it just ended up being a very, very, delicate head bump. A deep, warbling, purr started from its chest and rolled all the way up and past its sharp, white, canines.

“Uhm,” you tried again. “You guys are invited to the wedding, I guess.”

“The what?!” Deuce howled, before promptly falling to his knees to fan himself like a devasted matron in a church.

You sighed and rubbed at the back of your head, clearly embarrassed. You mumbled something under your breath that sounded a bit like ‘it’s kind of a whole saga, y’know.’ And Ace, in all his infinite good will, decided to take pity on you just this once. And also because you were clearly loaded now, and all good friends know that sharing is caring, right?

“Come on then, Bardy,” he smirked, leaning down to kick Deuce flatter to the floor—half to knock the guy out of his frantic spiraling, half so he could perch on his back like a chair. Because the stone floor looked really uncomfortable, and he had a feeling that trying to slip into that nice nest of blankets of yours would not end well. “Tell us a story.”

.

.

.

[TAG LIST] CLOSED

@marvelous-maxi, @ilikefanfics4, @jackalope08, @crocwork-clockodile, @cosmicobubisi, @buttplugs-stuff, @pomefleur, @decemebercircus, @ailynyan, @genzombie, @meliade-ot, @sunlightocean, @theofficialantitherapist, @hermiona18, @sailorenthusiast, @fantasy-dating-sim-trash, @thefiasco-onyourblock, @insideous-beez, @its-clockwork-princess, @liliasleftpinkytoe

@novaloptr, @imlost-sendhelp, @matcha-berry @preciosayorgullosa @whoretaglia, @kookygirlwholikescookiesandcoke, @nanauedorian, @trixeraptops, @voxnipop, @starkling25, @thedum1, @horcrux-alchemist, @sleepykitty21, @apathicace, @instantregret101, @nekanecorvus, @looney-mori, @re-ducing, @my2phetaliaheadcanons, @naughtybodypillow, @rendy-a, @carmen-404, @candy284, @thealiennamedterry, @their-name-is-fake, @huetolog, @glacticrose, @seraphinariddle, @rabioa, @sn00zl4x, @dreasimping, @jeidoreech, @ai-dev, @galaxyshine24-7, @fatally-incorrect, @juulranch, @camrastuff, @nocteetdie, @stargaryengirl,

[almxwild]

Uzumaki by Junji Ito, Tome 1

Spirale by Junji Ito, French Edition

At first glance, Kurouzu looks like an ordinary country town. But beyond the gloomy appearances, there's a deep, terrible, unspeakable evil hovering over the inhabitants.

A hypnotic pressure, a sticky malaise that corrupts the hearts, souls and minds of helpless victims. Suddenly, Shuichi's father swears by spirals, which he collects in all shapes and forms.

He abandons his job and his sanity to embark on a despicable quest, the outcome of which will prove fatal.

His wife, who has gone mad, soon follows him to the crematorium, having pierced her eardrums with scissors…

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

The French version was published by Tonkam in the "Frissons" collection, in three volumes released between June 2002 and December 2002.

[of-wildflowers-and-stars]

Would you write a part 2 for snippet #6? It could be from the villain's pov, as to explain how they disappeared, if you wanted and feel it's right for your story. Your writing brings light into my life, so thanks a million!

#6 part 2

part 1

Moonlight pooled below the windows, seeping into the floorboards and illuminating the unlit silver sconces lining the doorways. The dormitories had always been most beautiful at night, Villain thought distantly.

They’d been pacing the shadows of the hall for nearly an hour waiting for Hero to return. They’d intended to question them ruthlessly about their nightly outings. Hero wasn't quiet. Every floorboard creaked, door hinges whined, and Villain swore the very air itself made a noise wherever Hero went. Every night since their meeting at the library, Villain had had to listen to Hero’s noise echo through the silent halls. They were tired of being woken by their upstairs neighbor.

Their impatience reaching a climax, they turned back to their room. Perhaps they could get some sleep while Hero was out. 

It was colder in their room than they remembered. They flopped immediately under the covers of their bed. The wind rustled the papers on their desk. Villain sighed, taking in a deep breath of cold night air as the breeze played with their hair.

Their eyes shot open. They hadn't left the window open.

A pen knife met their temple as a shadow leaned over them.

“Where is it?” they hissed. The shadow shifted into the moonlight. Hero had a mask on the top half of their face, their wild eyes bright through the crudely cut holes.

“I’ve no idea what you're talking about,” Villain jerked away, falling off the bed. Hero was on top of them before they could stand, pinning them to the ground with their weight and the pen knife at their neck.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about,” Hero spat, still in a whisper. Villain watched them frantically glance around the room, their wide eyes always returning to the walls.

“Hero,” Villain spoke at normal volume, making Hero jump, "you must be more specific than that.”

“The book villain” Hero matched Villain’s volume, as they’d hoped, "Where is the book?”

“Well, as you know Hero, I am quite the literate. There was a fantastic read on the theoretical usages of lichen if you would like a recommendation.”

Hero cried out in frustration, releasing Villain’ arms to grasp the head and sitting back on their heels. Villain felt a hot trickle on their neck from where Hero pulled away too quickly.

So much for a clean game.

“You–you have no idea–no idea–what you've done,” Hero gasped.

Villain bucked, throwing Hero off them. They kicked the knife under their bed and pressed a boot into Hero's chest.

“On the contrary, dear Hero, I believe that's all I have.” In reality, Villain wasn’t sure why Hero thought the book was so important. They’d lifted it from Hero’s bag after they'd overheard Hero whispering about it. Since then, they’d read through it multiple times and found nothing out of the ordinary. It was a standard, albeit ancient, spellbook, the margins crawling with generations of notes.

“Did you read it?” Hero gasped urgently,”Did you open it?”

Something made Villain uneasy. They eased their boot’s pressure on Hero’s chest. “Yes.”

Hero’s eyes rolled back and they shuddered.

“Hero what–”

“Who was the author Villain?” Hero asked, the wild look in their eyes returning. They looked like they’d gone mad.

Villain pondered the question, picturing the title page in their head. It was different from the normal author of basic spellbooks, but Villain hadn’t thought much of it. It was rare but it sometimes happened that the library stocked older publications. Still, something snagged in their mind. They’d seen that name before in another book. An ancient tome depicting the most powerful characters of history.

Seeing the dawning realization on Villain’s face, Hero gripped Villain’s ankle. “Who, Villain?”

[dailyadventureprompts]

Ally: Yurik Krivenko, the Seditious Scholar (To Wed the North Wind, Part 1)

( Hey, this is the first entry for a multi-part adventure prompt, the rest of which you can find by clicking on the “To Wed the North Wind” tag below, or by clicking HERE)

Setup: Needing his expertise as the foremost expert on an artifact they require, the party seeks out Yurik only to find him having been imprisoned by the crown for treasonous writings and a not insignificant number of murders as he attempted to escape arrest.  Needing his knowledge more than they need to maintain good relationships with a foreign monarch, the party hatches a plan to spring him. 

Adventure hooks: 

Diplomacy is still an option, while the sovereign cares little for the party’s plight or their quest, they could be cajoled to release the scholar by means of a hefty bribe, or a bit of palace politics. 

Yurik’s prison is the preeminent spot for political captives, a well guarded fortress of ancient infamy intended to stand as much as a symbol of the petty monarch’s power as it does to keep captives secure. Built into a promontory that overlooks a clashing, reef filled bay and supplied only by a single road cut into the seacliffs, The place may be invulnerable to direct assault. That said, a cunning party may be able to plan an infiltration, or to use a dangerous set of sea caves to sneak inside the ancient fortress’s foundations. 

Background:  When one hears “sage of ancient lore”, often they will conjure the image of a white bearded wizard pouring over tomes, or a one eyed oracle dispensing the knowledge of the cosmos. While Yurik may be both bearded and one eyed, he bares little resemblance to the classical notion of “ sage”; an old soldier toughened like leather after a lifetime of campaigns and harboring grudges like a porcupine has quills. He is a drunk, violent, and foulmouthed guide on the party’s journey, with few qualms about expressing his opinion through colourful curses or threats of harm to any who get in their way. 

Over years of work as both an enlisted soldier, mercenary, and brigand, Yurik developed a great love of fables and folktales, as listening to them around the campfire proved his only true reprieve between the long days of his grisly vocation . He can recount dozens from memory, speaking with a true storyteller’s elegance and passion, for a moment letting the visage of grizzled psychopath fade and instead resembling a whimsical and eccentric grandfather doing voices to entertain children before bed. 

After taking his pension and share of plunder after winning a particularity nightmarish battle, Krivenko bought a manor house outside a town famous for its book trade and set to work building a vast library of his people’s history and customs. Publishing and circulating many anthologies himself, It was just one of these volumes ( an unflattering history of the monarch’s dynasty which included several asides dealing their direct ancestor’s comical indiscretions with livestock) that landed him in prison for nearly a decade ago. 

Outcomes and Rewards: 

Freeing Krivenko means the party has made an enemy of the monarch who’s territory they must search for the Grail of winter. They can Expect armed patrols combing the coutnryside for strangers matching their description, and the crown’s elite agents looking to ambush or capture them at every turn. 

The Sage may just be worth the trouble he causes, as his familiarity with the vast archive of lore required to both find and safely use the chalice of rime can cut down their search from weeks to merely days. 

Veteran of more wars than most men his age have remaining teeth, Kirvenko can teach maritally inclined characters the skills they need to live as long as he has. A true savant when it comes to fighting dirty, the old man will instruct the heroes on ways even the weakest of them can fight like as fiercely as a mad dog. 

[hackedmotionsensors]

Hey I feel like you’ve already answered this but what are some of your favorite iron man or Captain America comics and why? What story lines would you recommend? I’m curious about the more modern stuff. What’s some of your fav comic artists when it comes to marvel?

OKAY SO. 

holy shit this got long so UNDER THE READ MORE WE GO

This is always kind of a hard question to answer because I personally have not read everything in regards to either Iron man or Captain America. I’ve read the Tales of Suspense stories a lot because I keep trying to start over from the very beginning. And that’s not always helpful if you just wanna dip your toes or give Iron Man/Cap a go.

So what I CAN tell you is here’s what I did when I was first getting into comics around 2012.

I went to Borders/Barnes and Noble and a I read a bunch of the compilations they had in the store. Someone has already done the work FOR you so its really easy to just pick up a book and read from there. 

I started out with Invincible Iron Man  (I’m gonna link to Amazon but I suggest not buying from them because Bezos is a demon [comixology is owned by amazon as well but it is a convenient app]) 

Marvel has its own comics app but if you also read and pay for other comics its not ideal. There are places to “read comic books online” and for older stuff I definitely do this now but for newer comics I’ll try to pay for them especially if its indie. Support indie comics!!! 

Anyway. Invincible Iron Man. A polarizing story in terms of Iron Man lore. But its definitely an easy one to get into and read especially if you’re coming in from MCU and are just testing things. You don’t necessarily need to know all of his history but it covers the basics. 

Next I’d try Demon in a Bottle It’s the original alcoholism arc. A must read for general Tony’s lore. This isn’t the one where he ends up a hobo on the street where Cap helps him escape from a burning building. But this is where he goes off the rails the first time. Bethany Cabe is his current girlfriend and tries to help him. And he kind of recovers. I’m not sure this is exactly a FAVORITE but it has a lot of the important shit for Tony. His temper is something that doesn’t get talked a lot about I think but he DEFINITELY has one. The art is very..........lol its not BAD per say but its also not like wow what gorgeous art. 

Another important Tony lore is Armor Wars So you wanna read the first few times Tony and Steve fight about REAL SHIT. This is it. This is the classic story where he realizes his tech is being used by bad guys and HE’S THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN STOP THEM NO CAP NOT EVEN YOU BECAUSE YOU’RE A GOOD GUY AND I MIGHT HAVE TO GET DIRTY. It has the classic Steve sitting in a dark room waiting for Tony to come back with his date and then throwing his shield at Tony going “I don’t want your trash”

It also has a lot of good Tony being in a morally grey area. *chef’s kiss* 

And then basically read all the fun stuff with Kurt Busiek in Vol 3 (This isn’t an amazon link but the marvel database so you know roughly where to start) 

VOLUME THREE HAS SUCH HITS LIKE

The Sentient Armor: Tony accidentally kills Whiplash in a lightning storm. The Armor comes to life. The armor falls in love with Tony and WANTS TO BECOME ONE WITH TONY. Tony does not want this. Tony is beat up and kidnapped and taken by the armor to a deserted island. The Armor is like Tony I love you so much GET IN ME NOW. Tony is about to die from a heart attack. The armor RIPS ITS HEART OUT AND SHOVES IT INTO TONY. Bye Tony I love you now we’re one forever. RIP

Tiberius Stone’s 2 arcs (they’re not in consecutive order but they’re both hella gay): Tony’s old boarding school friend shows up again and is a TV mogul and is DEFINITELY NOT Slandering Tony in the press or blowing up his buildings or framing him for MURDER oh my god Tiberius is a pain in the ass and we definitely boned down as teenagers but he would never frame me for MURDER but his TV devices that seep into your brain like the boob tube thing from Batman Forever are pretty suspicious. Oh no Tiberius IS a bad guy and he got me naked (why?) and hooked the both of us up to the TV machine and now we’re trapped in his horny tv dream why am I dressed like Alice in Wonderland???  ALSO HE SLEPT WITH MY GIRLFRIEND!!!!??

(This is why I will FOREVER get upset that Killian in Iron Man 3 isn’t Tiberius Stone. He IS LITERALLY FOLLOWING THE TIBERIUS STONE PLAYBOOK INCLUDING THE PHYSICAL LOOK WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE FEIGE YOU OWE ME MONEY!!!!)

Also at the beginning of Vol 3. Tony gets the absolute holy hell bejesus shit beat out of him. And that lasts for a WHILE and seeps into the Avengers Vol 3 (which you should also read its fun and I like that George Perez actually tries to make people look ethnically diverse but also you can tell Clint from Cap)

There’s also a part in vol 3 where Monica from FRIENDS shows up at a party and that’s a wild thing that happened.

But basically I think you can start just about anywhere with Iron Man and have a good time if you’re a deep Tony fan. He has a lot of great stories and its why he’s my favorite. Even this last run with Slott I still KIND OF LIKE ANYWAY??? bc its Tony. Its not always written to what a lot of long standing Iron Man fans would say is canon but I mean.....he’s got 57 years worth of comics behind him so he’s bound to change here and there. He was once a super villain, died, brought over as a teenager from an alternate timeline, and then merged with another Tony I forget the details but its silly lol

Side universe reading Iron Man Noir, Ultimates (Hickman’s run is very fun but also Ultimates 1 and 2. DO NOT READ ULTIMATUM IT IS GROSS, I HAVE READ IT FOR YOU ALMOST EVERYONE DIES ITS GROSS.

Ultimates is literally half of the basis for the MCU. Don’t read Ultimates Iron Man tho. Not only is it written by a creep its also extremely stupid and doesn’t even really make sense in terms of what happens later in Ultimates. It basically gets RetConned immediately.

Also Ultimates universe has Gregory Stark. Tony’s fun evil twin brother who for some reason is blonde. I can’t really give you a specific story to read with Ultimates because its the most god awful confusing universe to try and find stories from so I literally don’t even remember. I’d check an Ultimates fan blog for that.

AS FOR CAPTAIN AMERICA.

I love Steve Rogers. I really do. I think he’s a fun character. B U T. His comics for me can be very boring. He has some great arcs as someone who is supposed to be a representation of what a GOOD AMERICA can aspire to or whatever. But America often times SUCKS A LOT (our current times being very obvious). Cap definitely fights for what he believes and so that’s why he often takes off the garb of Captain America and runs around in a slutty v neck and a cape as Nomad. Or when he comes back from the dead and his BFF is the new Cap (WITHA  KNIFE) and wears the sexy Secret Avengers uniform. Very sexy. We stan the Colonel Rogers uniform very much. But his early comics are a lot of “OH MY GOD I KILLED BUCKY ITS ALL MY FAULT BUCKY!!!!! RICK JONES PUT ON BUCKYS CLOTHES THIS ISNT CREEPY I PROMISE”

A GREAT run in Avengers is the Cap’s Kooky Quartet or as I call Cap Joins the Baby Sitters Club. This goes WAYYYYYY back to Avengers 17 

It runs for a very good while before Giant-man and Wasp come back because Giant Man can’t shrink back down lmfao idiot. But its a lot of fun and establishes Cap as being a really good leader even tho he’s thrown into the hot seat because he was out on a mission and everyone else was like “We’re taking a vacay bye Cap. Good luck with the kids” *John Mulaney doing Andy Cohen impression* HUH WHAT WHY

I have no idea what to Rec really lol I know @sineala is part of a SteveTony 616 discord and they do readings every month(?) of either very SteveTony based arcs or specifically Steve or Tony arcs. But I think they have a better grasp of Steve stories than I do.

I would say most recently the run with Mark Waid and Chris Samnee as the artist is a VERY good read. The story is pretty nice and dry lol but the art. Holy shit.

I know there are a bunch of artists that really REALLY get Cap but Chris Samnee is probably my number one favorite Cap artist. Even his sort of retro style works with Cap SO WELL. And I like Mark Waid’s writing. Or at least I don’t think I’ve ever been really mad at it like with Dan Slott or Gillen (We will never forgive for what he did to Tony’s backstory and taking Maria from him) lol

Uh...but as far as I could tell the entire run where Bernie is his girlfriend is VERY good. She first shows up in Captain America 247 . Cap is an illustrator on the side (or as his main job) and man what a dope. His art habits are worse than mine like get a desk Steve. But this arc through Bernie goes through a lot of Steve being kind of stuck in the past and not knowing how to embrace the modern or future and Bernie is there being the coolest fucking chick in the world who’s studying to be a lawyer, watches Wrestling, listens to Bruce Springsteen (I think lol I forget), dunks on Cap for being a weirdo old dude. Very put together woman of the 80s. She proposes to Cap and because I think the writers changed he’s like I HAVE TO LEAVE IMMEDIATELY BYE. 

This isn’t on any of the main timelines but its a good read Captain America Man Out Of Time. Basically Cap coming to grips with the future and realizing the past sucked ew. lol Also he listens to Radiohead which Tony gives him a personal concert for because of course he does.

And then of course there’s this fucking TOME of a story Captain America: The Winter Soldier .

Im gonna sound a little negative but I don’t mean it against anyone’s favorite but I have the most exhausting time trying to read this story. I’ve tried at least three times lol. I think maybe Brubaker’s weird obsession with the Cold War (Remember when he called people who were yelling at Slott for being a creep a ‘Bunch of Commies’) is just so fucking heavy handed that I can’t personally get through it. I would much rather watch the movie.

HOWEVER. There’s good old Bucky coming back from the dead. Natasha. Sam Wilson. Sharon Carter. All big players in this story. So uh lol good luck with this one. If you’re also a Bucky fan this is a must read but as I only peripherally like Bucky I don’t care to read this one. 

So I’d check out this arc.

Also a personal fave of mine is 

It starts here on Captain America 402 . Its the best story IN THE WORLD. ITS SO ICONIC. NOTHING CAN COMPETE. I LOVE CAPWOLF SO MUCH lol

[dccomicsnews]

DC is keeping out the summertime blues with a full line-up of all-new books, novels, and special releases that will be hitting comic shops on Tuesdays with something for everybody featuring fan-favorites and the World’s Greatest Super Heroes!

The warm weather season isn’t exactly looking like it’ll be bright beach weather days and frosty double-dipped ice cream cones by sundown. Stickball along the concrete curb and courtside quarrels over who wore the Bat Suit best (Affleck or Keaton? Dick Grayson or Bruce Wayne? Definitely Kate Kane!) will more likely be a debate left for 2021. After all WB is pushing its entire blockbuster line-up, so both The Batman and The CW’s Batwoman may have to wait to get in on the ballot. 

What fans can count on, is a whole line-up of new books! June is shaping up as a huge publishing hit for the DC with a series of ongoing adventures, highly anticipated graphic novels and all-new collected volumes ready to fill the imaginative void that might strike even the most expert social isolationist among us. DC is delivering on epic story-arcs from James Tynion IV with the June 9 release of Batman #92 which is bringing The Designer’s mad scheme to a close. Audiences who have been following this thread are no doubt mesmerized by this new Bat-nemesis!

If you’re looking for something to appeal to your bombastic-widescreen sensibilities, strap yourself in as Dark Night: Death Metal brought to you by the blockbuster team of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo unveil the first issue of the earth-shattering sequel to their epic Metal series as the Justice League find themselves at the mercy of none other than The Batman Who Laughs and his dominion of the Dark Multiverse. This is going to a brawl for the ages that is promising the span the DC multiverse with the fate of mankind hanging in the balance.

June also marks the milestone 80th Anniversary of The Joker with a 100-Page Super Spectacular in the works and a tome celebrating 8 decades of the Clown Prince of Gotham with original works from today’s greatest talents and classic tales that remind us all why this villain is unparalleled in and annals of infamy, and will always be heralded as one of DC’s greatest characters. Not to be outdone, June also features the reveal of the Catwoman 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 which will feature exclusive variant cover art of the femme fatale in all her glory!

Check out the list below of books scheduled to bloom in June (also available same day digitally at participating stores and digital platforms):

Tuesday, June 2:

New Comic Books:

Action Comics #1022

Batman/Superman #9

Birds of Prey #1

Catwoman #22

Catwoman 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1

Detective Comics #1022

Event Leviathan: Checkmate #1

Far Sector #6

John Constantine: Hellblazer #6

Justice League Dark #22

The Last God Sourcebook: Tales from the Book of Ages #1

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #104

Shazam! #12

Swamp Thing Giant #4

Wonder Woman #756

New Original Graphic Novels/Collected Editions:

Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed (OGN)

Absolute Fourth World by Jack Kirby Vol. 1

DC Goes to War

Martian Manhunter: Identity

The Joker: 80 Years of The Clown Prince of Crime

The Terrifics Vol. 3: The God Game

Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Just War

Young Justice Vol. 2: Lost in the Multiverse

Batman #92

Dark Night: Death Metal #1

Tuesday, June 9

New Comic Books:

Amethyst #3

Batman #92

Batman Secret Files #3

Batman: The Adventures Continue #1

The Batman’s Grave #7

DC Classics: The Batman Adventures #1

Doom Patrol: Weight of the Worlds #7

The Flash #755

Harley Quinn #73

The Joker 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1

Justice League #46

Justice League Odyssey #21

Legion of Super-Heroes #6

Lois Lane #11

Nightwing #71

Superman Giant #3

  New Original Graphic Novels/Collected Editions:

You Brought Me the Ocean (OGN)

DC Poster Portfolio: Stanley “Artgerm” Lau Vol. 2

DC Comics: The Astonishing Art of Amanda Conner

Dial H for Hero Vol. 2: New Heroes of Metropolis

Year of the Villain: Hell Arisen

  Tuesday, June 16

New Comic Books:

Aquaman Giant #4

Batman & the Outsiders #13

Daphne Byrne #5

Dark Nights: Death Metal #1

Detective Comics #475 Facsimile Edition

The Flash Annual #3

The Green Lantern Season Two #4

Hawkman #24

MAD Magazine #14

Metal Men #7

Nightwing Annual #3

Strange Adventures #2

Superman #22

Wonder Woman #757

Young Justice #15

  New Original Graphic Novels/Collected Editions:

Catwoman Vol. 3: Friend or Foe

Batgirl Vol. 7: Oracle Rising

Doomsday Clock Part 2 Slipcase Edition

Joker: The Deluxe Edition

Super Friends: Saturday Morning Comics Vol. 1

Superman/Batman Omnibus  Vol. 1

  Tuesday, June 23:

New Comic Books:

Aquaman #60

Batgirl #46

Batman #93

Batman: The Smile Killer #1

Batman Beyond #44

Books of Magic #20

The Flash #756

Green Lantern 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1

Harley Quinn & the Birds of Prey #2

John Constantine: Hellblazer #7

Justice League #47

Justice League Dark #23

The Low, Low Woods #6

Plunge #4

Red Hood: Outlaw #46

Suicide Squad #6

Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #11

Teen Titans #42

  New Original Graphic Novels/Collected Editions

Primer (OGN)

Year of the Villain: The Infected

Justice League Vol. 5: Justice/Doom War

Legends of the Dark Knight: Matt Wagner

Legion of Super-Heroes: The Silver Age Omnibus

#gallery-0-8 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-8 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-8 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-8 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed (Graphic Novel)

Primer (Graphic Novel)

Tuesday, June 30:

New Comic Books:

Batman: The Adventures Continue #2

DC Classics: The Batman Adventures #2

DCeased: Dead Planet #1

Event Leviathan: Checkmate #2

Harley Quinn #74

Justice League #48

Lois Lane #12 (series finale)

New Original Graphic Novels/Collected Editions:

Batman: Arkham Asylum (New Edition)

Infinite Crisis Omnibus Hardcover (New Edition)

Nightwing: Year One Deluxe Edition Hardcover

Red Hood: Outlaw Vol. 3: Generation Outlaw

To find a comic book store near you that’s open and operating, check out the DC Comic Shop Tracker at www.dccomics.com/comicshoptracker. Check the page often, as it will be updated with new retailers.

For more information on the World’s Greatest Super Heroes, please visit the website at www.dccomics.com, or follow on social media at @DCComics and @thedcnation. 

In June…DC Books Go BOOM! DC is keeping out the summertime blues with a full line-up of all-new books, novels, and special releases that will be hitting comic shops on Tuesdays with something for everybody featuring fan-favorites and the World’s Greatest Super Heroes!

[sellyoursoulforagoodfic]

Hiding Things to Save Them Chapter 1

Trevor Belmont x reader

Summary: So Trevor may or may not have a secret family . . . This gets discussed one day at the castle.

Word count: 733

“Am I correct in assuming the pair of you are essentially homeless?” Alucard asked seemingly out of the blue at lunch.

The three of them had taken a week or so to recuperate after the battle with Dracula. During that time, the topic of what came next was strictly off the table, a sentiment that hadn’t needed to be spoken for them to share it. The period was all about them relaxing and healing after their mad dash to save the world. This had given them the time to make some repairs to the roof and windows of the castle as well as suitably replace the old seal of the Belmont Hold. 

Sypha enjoyed the free time digging around both the Hold and the castle’s several libraries with Alucard. It’d become a common sight to see them curled up on a couch together reading in companionable silence. Trevor would never understand how, but the pair were incredibly excited about the act of reading through the dusty tomes together. He, however, killed the time by digging for useful weapons in the Hold or just sleeping. Basically anything that would keep his mind off the steaming pile of shit that was his life now that their task was over. He was an old hand at avoiding thinking about it, but it wasn’t likely that his friends--it was odd to think of them as such even after everything--would let him fall into his old coping mechanisms. It understandably became more difficult to accomplish this grand skill of avoiding his problems, but he’d been managing. Right up until the dhampir asked that question.

While Sypha went off on a little tirade about how Speakers always had a home no matter where they were as long as with they were with their people, Alucard’s golden eyes stayed locked onto Trevor. Apparently his silence spoke volumes on the matter, and the human didn’t like how well Alucard seemed to be reading him. At the end of her little speech, Sypha trailed off, realizing that neither man was really listening to her.

“It’s hard to have a home when the church is actively trying to kill you,” he said vaguely.

Alucard nodded at that. “Perhaps you could call this your home, then.”

“I thank you for the offer, Alucard, but there is more to the situation than you realize.”

“Because you are chased by the church? Oh, yes I would know nothing about that.”

“Alucard . . .” the hunter’s voice was warning.

“Or maybe you’re just longing for your days of drinking yourself stupid and sleeping in the dirt.” It hurt. They’d all become so close during this journey. Without a doubt they were his best friends, and he was trig to offer this man a home. The thing he lacked due to the cruelty of humans. Yet the man was being difficult and not accepting help.

“Adrian!” Sypha’s voice using his real name snapped him out of his anger enough to look at Trevor once more.

Perhaps I have missed something . . . he thought upon seeing the way he was clenching his teeth. It was easy to see how the Belmont was biting back either an equally-cruel response or a physical attack. That was when his thoughts took off like an angry swarm of wasps. The peculiar phrasing of Trevor’s response to the ‘home’ question, the drive to stay alive despite how the world hated him and wanted him dead, how every time he answered questions about his family by being a little too insistent . . .

“You have a family . . .” the blond breathed his realization out in a surprised whisper.

Those familiar, icy eyes widened in what could only be described as pure terror. “H-How--How did--” he couldn’t force the words out.

“What are you talking about? Alucard, what are you saying?” Confused, Sypha’s gaze flashed between the two men.

“You do, don’t you?” Alucard only had eyes for the hunter as he probed for confirmation. “I hope you are aware that you can trust us; I don’t offer my home to just anyone.”

There was a long period of silence where Trevor just stared at Alucard. The terror slowly backed down to passive fear, but it didn’t leave his features entirely. “I know,” he finally relented, voice so quiet that Sypha could barely hear it. He cleared his throat and tried again. “I know . . . You’re right, Alucard. I do have a family. . .”

[thesoundofaghost-mp3]

Movies:

Charlie's Angels 2

Garfield (1st)

All Matrix

Midnight Kiss

Spiderman VS Doctor Octopus

Tomb Raider

Underworld 1 + 2

Dungeons And Dragons (Matrix Producer)

Bats 2 Human Harvest (La Nuit Des Cahuves Souris 2)

Corpse Bride

(Added 05/10/2019:)

xXx (Vin Diesel)

Gone In 60 Sec./ 60 Sec. Chrono

So Close (2002 - 2004 International)

Initial D Battle: 01 (anime)

Initial D The Movie (2005 - 2007 International)

War Of The Worlds/Guerre Des Mondes

The Fast And The Furious (1)

2 Fast 2 Furious

Terminal Gang

Agent Cody Banks (2003 - 2004)

Americars: Mustang Mania (Discovery Channel)

Returner (2002 - 2004)

Love Battlefield (2007)

Webs (2004)

All Harry Potter Movies

(Added 16/10/19:)

Sweeney Todd

B99 Season 1

(Added december)

Wanted

Tomb Raider (Le Berceau de la Vie)

The Dark Knight Rises

Une Virée en Enfer (Paul Walker)

Added 26/02/2020

The Fast and The Furious Tokyo Drift

Revenger

Batman Forever

Pirates of The Carribean Jusqu'au bout du monde (3)

B&T 1 + 2

Music DVDs:

Bullet For My Valentine - Live at Brixton

Black Eyed Peas - Bridge to Elephunk

Evanescence - Anywhere But Home (Live 2004 at the Zenith de Paris)

Tokio Hotel - Zimmer 483 live in Europe

CDs:

Pierce The Veil - Misadventures

Pierce The Veil - A Flair For The Dramatic

Evanescence - Fallen

Evanescence - The Open Door

Eyes Set To Kill - Broken Frames

The Offspring - Smash

Twenty One Pilots - Blurryface

Crowned Kings - Wise Guy

Simple Plan - Simple Plan

Simple Plan - No Pads, No Helmets...

Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown

Blink 182 - Blink 182

Linkin Park - Midnight To Midnight

Bring Me The Horizon - Sempiternal

MCR - The Dark Parade

Nirvana - Nevermind

Tokio Hotel - Scream

Tokio Hotel - Schrei

Gravity Kills - Superstarved

Fugees - The Score

Moby - 18

Lana Del Rey - Born To Die

Black Eyed Peas - Monkey Business

Black Eyed Peas - Elephunk

Black Eyed Peas - Bridging The Gap

Eminem - The Marshall Mathers

Cascada - Everytime We Touch

50 Cent - The Massacre

G-Unit - Beg For Mercy

t.A.T.u /Тату 200 По Встречной (Russian "200 MPH in the Wrong Lane")

Compilation CDs:

L'Album Rock Volume 3 (blue case, 2CDs in one)

Sony 2disc Old School "40 of the hottest old school hits" (2016) light blue n pink

MTV Fresh2 (1996)

Fonodisco Holidays Macarena

Rock Sound Volume 104 (2006)

Sampler 159 RockHard (2015)

Singles:

Evanescence - My Immortal

Evanescence - Bring Me To Life

Evanescence - Going Under

Gwen Stefani - Rich Girl (ft. Eve)

Gwen Stefani - Holllaback Girl

No Doubt - Don't Speak

t.A.T.u - All The Things She Said

Daft Punk - One More Time

Shaggy - It Wasn't Me (ft. RikRok)

Justin Timberlake - Cry Me A River

Tokio Hotel - An deiner Seite (ich bin da)

Tokio Hotel - Spring Nicht

Black Eyed Peas - Let's Get It Started

Black Eyed Peas - Don't Phunk With My Heart

The Rasmus - In The Shadows

Eiffel 65 - Blue (Da Ba Dee)

50 Cent - Candy Shop

Christina Aguilera - Genie In A Bottle

Eve - Let Me Blow Ya Mind (ft. Gwen Stefani)

Cher - Strong Enough

Cher - Believe

Eminem - Cleanin' Out My Closet

Eminem - Just Lose It

Aqua - Barbie Girl

Shakira - Hips Don't Lie

Shakira - Whenever Wherever

Destiny's Child - Say My Name

Will Smith - Men In Black

Fugees - Killing Me Softly

Fugees - No Woman, No Cry

One-t - Bein' A Star

Moby - Natural Blue

Moby - Porcelain

Moby - Honey

Scorpions - You And I

Janet Jackson - What I'll Do

Madness - Shame And Scandal (In The Family)

Mettalica - Until It Sleeps

Bomfunk MCS - Freestyler

The Cranberries - Zombie

Video Games (PS2):

Need For Speed - Most Wanted

Need For Speed - Carbon

Need For Speed - Prostreet

The Sims Bustin' Out (Permis De Sortir)

The Urbz Sims In The City

Tomb Raider - Angel Of Darkness

Tomb Raider - Legend

HP And The Chamber Of Secrets

Capcom Classics Collection Vol.1

Echo Night: Beyond

Call Of Duty 2 Big Red One

ToCa Race Driver 3

Madagascar

Books:

De Augurken Koning + The Pickle King

Harry Potter Books (Pocket)

HP: Prisoner Of Azkaban (Big)

HP: Deathly Hallows (In english)

Les Chasseurs d'Ames - Alyson Noël tome 1, 3

Pizza Au Sang - Ange Gabrielli

Berceuse pour Bérurier - San-Antonio

More Flanimals - Ricky Gervais

[earthboundpenguin]

Midnight Sonnet

@jlaireweek​ - Day 1 - Shakespeare

(Read it on Ao3 here)

Tap...

Tap...

TAP!

Claire sighed and stumbled out of bed, muttering under her breath as she made her way over to her window.

“I swear, if it's that change-thing NotEnrique again, I'm going to drop kick him so hard -”

But when she looked out the window, the little green troll was nowhere to be found. There was, however, an extremely awkward teenage boy standing on her lawn with a small handful of pebbles. Claire hastily opened her window.

“Jim!” she hissed, “It's the middle of the night! Go home, before my parents see you!”

He ignored her warning, abandoning his collection of small rocks and dramatically getting down on one knee. “But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?”

“Jim -”

“It is the east, and Juliet is the sun!”

“Jim, the play was three days ago. Are you okay?”

“Never better,” he grinned and got to his feet. Readjusting his book bag, he quickly scanned to make sure the coast was clear before shimmying up to the overhang in front of her window. His blue eyes sparkled with moonlight and excitement. “I just got back from Trollmarket,” he explained, “and I have a present for you.”

“Couldn't this have waited 'til, I dunno, morning?”

“Oh. Um…” Jim’s face twisted into a guilty expression, as if he were just now realizing it was almost midnight. “Sorry, I -”

“Whatever, doesn't really matter now,” she rolled her eyes, the corner of her mouth twitching upwards in a small smile. God, he's such an oblivious dork. A cute, oblivious dork. Sighing internally, Claire leaned against the inside of the window frame. “So, what's the present? Am I allowed to visit Trollmarket yet?”

“Um… not yet. Sorry. But this is the next best thing, I swear!” He flipped open the top of his messenger bag and pulled out a large leather-bound tome.

“A… book?”

“A Brief Recapitulation of Troll Lore,” he stated, passing the book to her through the window. He added with a smirk, “Volume One.”

“Really?” she accepted the tome with a smile. “How many volumes are there?”

“At least forty-seven.”

“Holy shish kabobs, forty-seven?

“Yeah, apparently there’s a lot of Troll history. The ‘brief’ part is kind of a lie.”

Claire quirked an eyebrow at him, “So where are the other forty-six?”

“Oh, umm…” Jim awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, “At my house. I can kinda only fit one volume in my backpack at a time.”

“Well then,” she continued with a glint in her eye, “I guess I’ll have to come over to your house a lot until I’ve read them all.”

Even in the dim light, she could see a faint blush color Jim’s cheeks. “You… my house?”

“Duh. That way you don’t have to risk life and limb climbing up here with a book every night. Besides,” she winked, “something tells me it won’t take me long to read them.”

“They’re written in Trollish, you know.”

“Then I guess I’ll be learning a new language, too.”

He gave her a look that was part shock, part adoration, “Wow. Um. So… you’re not mad at me?”

“I mean, you did wake me up in the middle of the night,” she teased, setting the book off to the side so she could place her hands over Jim’s. “But no, I’m not mad. This is great, seriously. Hopefully someday I’ll get to go to Trollmarket, but until then I can at least learn all about it.”

“Thanks for being so awesome about all this, Claire. I know it’s a lot to take in,” he sighed. Then he smiled, “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”

“You really don’t have to.”

“Thou art more lovely and more temperate.”

“Seriously, Jim -”

He took one of her hands, looking at her with sincerity and tenderness, “Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May.”

Her breath caught in the back of her throat. “Jim…” she whispered.

They exchanged a glance that lasted a short eternity.

“We… we have school in the morning,” she cleared her throat, extricating herself from his grasp.

“Oh. Right. Um…” he glanced down at the yard below. “Guess I should get going, then.”

“Yes, you should,” she smiled and leaned in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek.

The small gesture immediately flustered Jim and nearly caused him to lose his balance and fall off the overhang, but he caught himself just in time before tumbling over the edge. “I’m good!” he exclaimed.

“Shhh, my parents are going to hear you!” she whispered, her heart beating much faster than usual. “Go home, Romeo. And please don’t fall off the roof.”

Jim grinned at her, “As you wish.”

Claire watched as the boy deftly navigated back down to ground level. As he walked over to where he’d left his bike, she murmured softly under her breath so that no one else could hear, “Good night, good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow…”

He glanced up at her as he straddled his bicycle. She waved him off, and she could barely make out his lopsided smile before he pedaled down the street and into the night.

“... That I shall say good night till it be morrow.”

[thiskryptonite]

Tagging: August Knight & Allison Montgomery

Timeframe: January 13th - 19th (1 day in the faerielands).

Location: Faerielands

Word Count: 4217

Notes: August steals away to a restricted area to see what he can pilfer from the High Queen, but is discovered by Allison. TW: fire, burns, violence @morningsmead

August

He laughed as another joke was told amidst a small group of fae that lay in various positions and state of undress, their bodies languid across the Grecian lounge, between them a fountain of liquid silver flowed in a pond, it rippled as two fae splashed playfully together. Taller than he would have expected, the silver shimmered across their iridescent skin as they laughed in an almost singsong manner, another mimicked the voice of a mad king who’d existed millennia before while spitting pillars of fire to exaggerate his point. Another played with his hair while four more draped themselves across the smooth tiles. It was warm, springtime, in fact, and August almost felt overdressed. He smiled, and slowly moved away, he was not sure how much time had passed but he’d been enthralled by little more than the aesthetic of it all. Beneath the perfume and the smiles, the wine and the haze, there were half spoken truths and hushed whispers, they were all cursed here, just as the others. August could perceive the magic around him and it flourished, some he recognized, others he did not. When eyes were off him, he slipped from the crowd and into an unoccupied room, the chamber was just as lavish as the ones August had come through. Of course, he went for the books, the collection one of the most extensive he’d ever seen.

Allison

Floating from one group to another, Allison couldn’t help but revel in the party. Everyone singing, dancing, fighting, and — a quick glance to the darker corner of the hall revealed other things. She had been avoiding the fae for so long she’s forgotten what it felt like to be among her own kind. The air was warm, much warmer than Ashbourne, and she was grateful part of her had decided to keep a dress, just in case. More revealing than anything else she owned, the light material plunged low down her front and back, held together by sparkling bands at her waist. The slit running up to her upper thigh meant it was easy for her to move but it also meant someone got a flash every so often. She didn’t care. For the first time since she’d been trapped, Allison finally felt at home. She was considering going down to the fighting ring with her third glass of wine when dark hair caught her eye. Following the movement through the crowd, Allison was surprised to see August slip out of the hall and into one of the rooms. Crossing the hall, she went through the same door and closed it quietly behind her, continuing to nurse her wine. “The party not exciting enough for you August? You know, they don’t usually let humans in here. Not as guests anyway.”

August

Had they been anywhere else, August might have felt the approach of somewhat familiar magic, but as it happened, the young witch was caught unaware. His hand in the proverbial cookie jar, so to speak. He was holding a 15th century manuscript from a witch who recounted their experience through the bonfire of the vanities. He hated humans. “Witch.” He corrected, apples and oranges to some but not for him. The book closed, though August had no intention of reshelving it unless he was going to be forced to. His eyes moved across iridescent skin and those same, ethereal eyes that matched those of her kin. He shouldn’t have been surprised to see Allison here, she was fae after all, but he welcome the intrusion. “Almost too exciting “ he breezed, “your people certainly know how to throw a party - what happens to the humans who get brought here?” He could only imagine.

Allison

Laughing, Allison inclined her head. “Fair enough.” The room was beautiful, as opulent as any other and she wasn’t surprised that August had already picked up a book. No doubt the shelves were stacked with one of a kind volumes that hadn’t seen the human work for centuries, if not longer. Moving across the room, she came to stand beside the witch and glanced at the book in his hands. Interesting choice. “It can be a lot,” she admitted. “I haven’t been to one in years. And the humans I’ve seen - well, let’s just say it’s certainly an experience.” She picked up another book and thumbed through the pages . “How are you liking it so far?”

August

The stillness of the library contrasted the music and clamor of what was going on outside this refuge of peace, in an otherwise bustling party. It was not at all unlike the fae at the party, upon arriving, he’d been the subject of every wayward gaze, in another room he was simply another attendee. In another it was impossible to take a step without someone pawing at him, another whispering with their eyes come hither. Really, it was nice to be alone, or, almost alone anyways. Even if his intention in coming here had been to pilfer from a collection that would hardly miss a few tomes, he couldn’t do that with Allison breathing down his neck.

“My aunt raised me on stories of the Otherworld, and the Fae, too. She told me once that only a fool would trust a Fae, I’m sure if she saw me here now, she’d remind me of such.” August said, she had called him foolish many times. “I think she must have been jealous, in a way; columns of marble and gold, treasures and poetry, and science and magic.” It was a shame, really, that all this was kept away from so many, it made him wonder what would happen to it, should the race continue their decline. “There are parts that I enjoy, and others I don’t, but I think that can be said for just about anything. I think this is my first formal event ever where I was actually invited. Usually I end up crashing.” he looked a bit sheepish, not really ever enjoying admitting to anything that indicated his age. “What kept you away for so long?” August recognized that this was a once in a lifetime chance, and he’d likely never see these halls again, he supposed it was possible to grow bored of it all when you were eternal, but he could probably spend the rest of his days scouring this library alone. But he’d always preferred books to people.@bonefida

Allison

“Your aunt sounds like a smart woman,” Allison said, glancing up from the book in her hands. She’d encountered her fair share of superstitions when it came to the Fair Folk, some of which were laughable, but she had no doubt witches had a better idea of what they could do. The book in her hand was talking about some ancient thing or another. A few words jumped out at her, vampire, night, evil, nothing she didn’t already know. She loved a good read as anyone but she hadn’t come here to hide away in the library. “Oh, you know. Things happened. Hearts were broken. People died. The usual.” Allison was never good at holding her alcohol and she was already working on her third. Still, this was a party. She didn’t want to think about the past right now - there was fighting and dancing and art to look at and none of it was happening in this room. “Come on August,  if this is your first formal party then you can’t spend it in here. Let’s go out and dance.”

August

Whatever his differences with his family were, and contrary to what anyone may have thought. August had loved his Aunt with all his heart. “She was,” he said, the manuscript still in his hands, it had no value here. So why should he leave it behind? His fingers tightened around it slightly as he listened to Allison’s explanation, it was no big surprise, it seemed all their fates to be plagued by the specter of death. Though the Fae perhaps most of all. He was about to voice discontent, make some excuse about too much wine giving him a headache and needing the quiet for now when the door burst open and another fae, eyes ablaze, pushed through. Unlike Allison, he looked displeased to see the witch in their presence, worst so, that August was somewhere notably off-limits to anyone considered a ‘guest’ in these halls. “What’s the witch doing in here?” Came the ragged question, undoubtedly pointed at Allison, though the fae was charging towards August, his hands ablaze. The idiot.

“Fire in a library? Smart.” August retorted, though his own features had contorted some into a scowl, his hazel eyes darkened as he glowered at the creature. Though the fae was menacing in presence, August was not intimidated so easily.

Allison

This was why she didn’t visit the faerielands much anymore. Sure, it was nice to drop her glamour and be around her own kind but on the other hand, there were so many fae who refused to leave for fear of the evil humans. She knew it wasn’t as safe out in the world than it was in the faerielands but she also refused to stay trapped. The outside world was beautiful and there were so many more good people than bad - to lump them all together was unfair and judgmental and she wanted no part of it. Which was why she found herself sliding in front of August, hands raised in a defensive position. The room was small and her reaction time had slowed - the charging fae pulled up but one hand just scraped across her jaw. Burning pain followed by an the sudden rise of bile in her stomach had her groaning in pain. “August, don’t do anything. He’s right, you shouldn’t be here.” Turning her attention back to the angry fae, staring into his blazing eyes, she adopted a mockery of a sheepish grin. “It’s my fault. We needed some...privacy and there was no one in here.”

August

August practically snarled as Allison stepped between the two of them and took the blow that was intended for him. There was a growing trend of women in his life who were throwing themselves into harms way on his behalf, first Aria, now Allison. He was willing to suffer whatever the fire fae had seen fit to dish out, so long as he was prepared for what was to follow. But seeing the blow land upon someone he’d only ever known to be intelligent, kind, and respectful. Well, it was infuriating. He conjured images of witches scorned. What shall I make you? August thought, an eternity was a long time to live as a cockroach. Already he felt himself smile, the other should consider himself fortunate that there were no resources here that August could use. And Allison was here to be a voice of reason. “Why do you stand between us?” The fire fae’s flame extinguished and he stepped away, ashamed? Though, that didn’t seem right, either. Her answer seemed to bring the fae little but disgust, but he was satisfied. “Regardless. This room is off limits to him. You know this already.” The fae stated evenly, but he’d made a motion to leave. “Don’t linger long, there are greater pleasures than...” his disgusted gaze lingered in August, while the witch did little but keep his mouth shut and stare daggers into the other. “that.” the door shut again and August let out a breath. “Thanks for that,” he still held the book in his hands, “guess we should probably head back, huh?” @bonefida

Allison

Breathing through the pain, Allison gave the departing fae a sharp nod. He was right - August shouldn’t have wandered into this room and as a good fae, she should have escorted him out right away. She’d seen the disgust and shame mix on his face and it was as if a he’d twisted a knife in her gut. It had been so long since she’d truly been an active participant of the fae culture - maybe she didn’t fit anymore. Her cheek burned where fire had grazed it and she could taste bile in the back of her throat as the skin began to bubble. It would be fine once she went to ground but for now, she’d bear the mark for all to see. Again. “You go ahead August,” she smiled weakly at him. “I suddenly don’t feel much like dancing.” Leaning against the bookcase, she picked up her wine glass and downed the rest of the dark liquid. “And I’d say leave the book,” she added on with a pointed glance at his arms. “But somehow I don’t think you’d hear me. So, don’t get caught. Not here.”@allyourfavesarequeer

August

The remarks landed on Allison and the fae looked as though she’d been struck, though the fire fae departed, it looked as though the damage had already been done. “Fucking price.” August stated evenly, his eyes still burning into the door where the fae had left. August was not in any rush to incur the ire of more of his kind, but August suspected that they at least would have some time not before anyone else came back through that door. If he hadn’t known Allison from any other fae at the party, he probably would have breezed past and not batted an eyelash. But when he looked at her now he did not see changeling eyes or iridescent skin that reflected and shimmered and caught every stray piece of light. He felt the same presence he always had, a lingering contemplation that pulled him along the same thread of fascination as when she treated the yellow-ribbon meadow with her presence. August couldn’t just leave her, especially not when she’d just save his ass.“That makes two of us,” August breezed as he stepped closer and placed the book on the table adjacent, the book was scorched, evidence that it had survived this long, but only barely. He’d stopped at a page that had dictated verses of Dante’s that, among so many other priceless works, were tossed into the great fire. His tongue had curved around the old latin with ease, it was familiar for most witches, though he did not know how old Allison was, or if she’d recognize it at all. “What a hot head,” August said as he shook and tried to peek at her burn. He was no healer, but his aunt had made sure that he at least knew some first aid. Being magical helped. “People like that have nothing better to do than fill the air with their spiteful opinions, don’t let it get to you. He’s not worth it. He’d have torched everything in here just to get at me if it wasn’t for you. Mind if I take a look?”

Allison

She was surprised when, instead of rejoining the party, August stepped closer. Her eyes flickered to the book on the table, an eyebrow raising as she took in the title. Latin wasn’t something she read very often anymore but it was easy to remember and the words came to her easily. For the first time in minutes, August had surprised her again. It was so easy to forget he was young, even by human standards. An old soul indeed. A tired smile spread across her face as he tried to comfort her, grateful for the effort. “Probably not everything. I like to hope he would have stopped short of burning the books. Even the most hot-headed of fae understand how priceless the little information that we have here is. Especially in Ashbourne.” Allison hesitated, before turning her cheek towards August. “It’s not too bad,” she fibbed. “I’ll be able to heal after the party.”

August

"I think that makes you the optimistic one, of the two of us," August smiled as he stopped short the book not forgotten but reserved for later; he would take in each word, the original had been translated by several different people over the years, finding something like this was a testament to the resourcefulness of the fae. He liked to think that Allison was right, still, August had seen such hatred in the eyes of people before, it was hate that often burned out of control. His hand moved carefully to examine the wound, she was downplaying it. Still, he doubted she wanted to wear that burn on her face all night until she found a healer. "May I?" August asked, he wasn't going to perform any magic without her express permission first, it would be a minor spell, but he could ease the sting. 

Allison

The winter season in Ashbourne meant the ground was hard and cold - Allison didn’t relish the idea of spending a night in it. And she was curious what August could do. It wasn’t often she required the help of magic outside of her own. “Thank you,” she said as way of permission. “So,” she started, slightly more subdued than before the intrusion. “How are you enjoying the Sarau? Other than the slight disregard for anyone that’s not fae.” The door to the library was heavy and it muffled most of the music and laughter from the main room. Once upon a time she would have been in the thick of it all but now, the earth fae just wanted to go home and curl up in bed.

August

With a couple words in soft Latin, August drew the heat from the small burn on Allison’s face. She’d need to see a healer to prevent any scarring, but absently he couldn’t help but feel like the immortal had, at times in her life, had worse. Scars on the heart burned twice as bad. The question was simple, yet complicated due to the nature of the Sarau in general. “I think I’ll be telling tales of this night for the rest of my life,” he winked, “it is beyond... any frame of reference I might’ve had.” He paused for a moment, contemplative. “Pools of liquid metal, music that harmonizes with the air itself, food that tastes richer than I ever thought I’d have.” August thought again, “I grew up with very little, places like this, they were... just out of my reach. I feel out of my depth, but I’m trying to at least look like I belong.” 

Allison

The burning heat of her cheek cooled and she reached up to touch it. While the surface was still bumpy and raw, it no longer felt like her face was in an open flame. Once she got out, a quick jump underground would fix it all right up. Ignoring the way it pulled, she shot August a grateful smile. Allison nodded. She could imagine just how overwhelming it all was - her first year in the human world had been very much the same. There had been strange technologies and iron, everywhere. She'd learned quickly to avoid the larger cities and to avoid touching most things for too long. It was partly why she'd kept to the forests and mountains so much. "I missed it," she admitted, a wistful look in her eyes. "Just a little. There's nothing like this anywhere else in the world and nothing in Ashbourne can match the opulence of the fae realms. But you're doing fine." Reaching out, she tugged at her sleeve. "You look very dashing tonight. Still very much not fae but you don't quite stick out like a confused human."

August

Allison offered him some gratitude, and it was all the repayment he needed. In his mind he'd call them square, though truthfully it was just nice to see the fae smiling again. She seemed to fit in well here, it came as no surprise that Allison had missed these halls in her time away from the fae realm. He could sympathize, though truthfully he wondered why she would ever choose a place like Ashbourne over this. Then again, he supposed that there were bound to be cobwebs in every dark corner. He couldn't help but flush, "thanks, I uh..." his flush deepened, "I got changed like, six times before I finally settled on this." August chuckled lightly, embarrassed that he'd even care about such a thing, "but you look effortless. It's obvious that this is a home for you," he wished the fire fae hadn't chased that mirth away. She'd come in eager to dance, to enjoy the party, but apparently the other had stirred up some unwelcome memories. "I'm glad my meager attempts to blend-in didn't go completely unnoticed." 

Allison

His warm flush brought a quick smile to her lips. This might be his only time at a Sarau and she wasn’t going to let him waste it looking after her. There would be time later to mope - for now, she wanted him to put aside the fire fae and actually experience what a real fae party was like. “Well now, we can’t have you hidden away in the library when you look so nice.” Leaving her empty glass, Allison’s skirts swirled around her legs as purposely did not look behind her until she got to the door. If August was quick, who was she to say if he took the book? She hadn’t seen anything after all. Opening the door, the light from the party filtered in and highlighted the damaged skin across her face but she was still smiling. “Come on August - I believe I owe you this dance.”

August

August sighed when some life seemed to return to the fae, though he wondered how much of it was simply for his own benefit. August quickly slipped the book into his jacket and was quick to follow behind, “Now you’re going to make me blush,” August teased, following her lead easily. The party was in full swell as they returned to the world which the library had offered them a brief reprieve from. The music, the smells, the sights, it was glorious and beautiful and intoxicating and wondrous. And infectious. August smiled, eager to dance, though he doubted he’d meet the expectations of the fae.  “You might have to lead, I am not a great dancer.” 

Allison

Allison shook her head. “Don’t worry about it – I’ve got you.” Gently taking his hands, Allison placed one around her waist and held the other. She tuned into the music, counting out the beats in her head until it started over and led August onto the floor, the two of them slipping seamlessly into the music. There was nothing on earth like fae music and it was just one more thing Allison hadn’t realized she’d missed. Relaxing, Allison glanced up at her dance partner and grinned. “You’re doing great August – just go with the music and try not to think too much.”

August

On the dance floor, it was easy to forget yourself. At least, it was supposed to be, from his experience, but that was not dance in the way that this was. Posture needed to be held, form need to be followed, but at least August was a fast learner. Still, he did not have the reprieve of merely moving for the sake of moving, eyes were upon them, but this was nice in its own way. Like wine out of a glass compared to beer out of a plastic cup, apparently he could enjoy both, though he'd always been something of a lush. "This music is... Surreal." August spoke, amused as he followed Allison's lead easily, he'd found that her steps were easy to trace, he wondered if she'd made them so. A few turns around the room and he was starting to slip more easily into it, relaxing into the steps. "Are all fae so skilled at this dance?"

Allison

“This is how I like to dance,” she said as they twirled around the floor. “Others choose to dance differently.” She nodded towards a couple that were dancing decidedly different than them, the two of them entwined so tightly that they looked like one. It was beautiful in its own way but it was Allison’s style. “It all depends on how you want to dance. There are a couple set dances, if you want to call them that, but it’s really not that strict.” As August began to relax, Allison slowly let him lead, adapting to the way he stepped until their dance had changed from her steps to his. “See?”

August

He felt himself easing back into the world of the Sarau, the library had pulled away whatever familiarity he'd garnered like a great rug that was swept from underneath him. Allison did not seem to mind that August had no real hidden talent for dance, but if this was the fae's preferred style than he could surely adapt. The lights, the music, it was a sort of spell all on its own and as August followed her gaze, it was not hard to see that others found it just as enchanting. Absently he wished it was always so simple, the quiet pace, the familiar presence, but he felt the eyes of the court upon him; them, really. He was an outsider, but for a moment he could have sworn he belonged.

END

[undertheinfluencerd]

https://ift.tt/3yN61V1 #

Doctor Strange is becoming a major force in the MCU in Phase 4, thanks to his recent spotlight in an episode of  What If…? as well as the highly anticipated sequel to his 2016 movie and a major appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home. His future is bright on screen, and his comic book past may hold some clues to where it’s going.

RELATED: 8 Sam Raimi Trademarks We Hope To See In Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness

Doctor Strange has been a major element of the Marvel Universe since its earliest days, and remains a key force in the present, with deep connections to the mystical dimensions of the comics as well as the centers of power in Earth-616. Comic book fans know they’ve only seen the beginning in the MCU for the Sorcerer Supreme.

10 Didn’t Have His Own Comic Book At First

Doctor Strange debuted in 1963, in Strange Tales #110. He was co-created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, with Ditko bringing in the original concept. Doctor Strange wouldn’t have his own solo comic for years because of the fact that Marvel Comics was actually dependent on DC Comics at the time for distribution.

The number of titles they could release in any given month was limited, leading Strange Tales, originally a horror anthology that started in the ’50s, to become a split book featuring Doctor Strange until issue #169, when it became a proper Strange title.

9 Clea From The Dark Dimension Was His First Love

In the MCU, Doctor Strange’s primary love interest so far is Christine Palmer. In the comics, his first major love interest was a woman named Clea. She first appeared in Strange Tales #126 in 1964 which happened to also be the debut of Dormammu, one of the most powerful entities in the Marvel Universe.

Clea is the niece of Dormammu and hails from the Dark Dimension. As the Sorceress Supreme of her dimension, she is one of the most powerful magicians in the Marvel Universe. It’s possible she appears at some point in the MCU, given her strong connections to Strange and Dormammu.

8 His Stories Held The Origin Of Eternity

Doctor Strange comics were the origin of a number of significant characters, including Eternity. Eternity is far and away one of the most powerful cosmic beings in the Marvel Universe and his debut in Strange Tales #138 began to expand the Marvel cosmos significantly.

As the living embodiment of the universe, Eternity opened the door to many more abstract characters, including the Living Tribunal, referenced in an episode of Loki and who first appeared in the comics in Strange Tales #157.

7 Shuma-Gorath Is A Key Rival Of His

Another major cosmic and magical being connected to Doctor Strange is Shuma-Gorath, who is likely to be of interest to MCU fans. Shuma-Gorath is one of the Old Ones, a tentacled monster from another dimension with the power to shape reality.

He debuted in Marvel Premiere #10 in 1973 and would become a major opponent of Strange over the years. He could very well be the tentacled monster glimpsed in multiple episodes of What If..? and if he is, he could appear in live-action in Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness.

6 He Formed The Defenders

Doctor Strange is nominally a member of the Avengers in the MCU, but in the comic books, he was the founder of another superhero team. Strange put together the Defenders, initially consisting of himself, the Hulk, and Namor, to combat another race of ancient squid entities, the Undying Ones.

RELATED: 10 Strangest Alternate Realities From Marvel Comics What If..? Series

Though the roster would morph considerably over time, and the team would come in and out of action, Doctor Strange remains at the head of the group and a new iteration that just debuted in Marvel Comics.

5 He Shared The Stage With Cloak And Dagger

Doctor Strange would ebb in and out of popularity over the years, leading to his sharing another version of Strange Tales in the 1980s with Cloak and Dagger. Following the cancelation of his first two volumes due to low sales, Strange returned to the title that originated him.

He only shared the book with Cloak and Dagger, characters who spun out of the Spider-Man comics, for 19 issues between 1987 and 1988. Doctor Strange returned to a full solo title. The third volume of Doctor Strange ran for several years before being canceled in 1995.

4 He Was Part Of The Midnight Sons

The mystical side of the Marvel Universe became very popular in the ’90s, leading Marvel to create the Midnight Sons brand for a subset of its comics, including Doctor Strange. During this time, Doctor Strange joined the supernatural team of the same name, made up of many members including Blade, Moon Knight, and Ghost Rider.

This group could potentially appear in the MCU, given the upcoming debut of Moon Knight as well as Blade. The Midnight Sons responded to many dark mystical threats, a number of which appear to be rising in the MCU.

3 He’s Part Of The Illuminati

Doctor Strange is part of many groups in the Marvel Universe and one of them, the Illuminati, is the most secret and possibly the most powerful in the comics. Consisting of Professor X, Iron Man, Namor, Mr. Fantastic, and Black Bolt, this elite group of heroes seeks to stave off major threats to Earth before they have a chance to emerge.

RELATED: 10 Things Only Comic Book Fans Know About Marvel’s What If? Series

The most significant and perhaps most controversial event that the Illuminati are involved in is the forced exile of the Hulk from Earth. The group casts him into space after he destroys much of Las Vegas, which leads to his landing on Sakaar and eventual return as a warrior king.

2 He Served As The Right Hand Of Doom

Avid comic book fans know Doctor Doom is one of the most powerful supervillains in the Marvel Universe. In 2015’s Secret Wars event, he was the most powerful, so much so he altered reality and Doctor Strange became his right hand on Battleworld.

Strange serves as Doom’s chief advisor in his cruel kingdom, where he has also forced Sue Storm to become his wife. Strange eventually rebels, aiding the resistance by releasing trapped superheroes into the false reality to fight Doom. For his betrayal, Doom kills Doctor Strange.

1 His Connection To The Darkhold

The Darkhold is a mystical tome and significant source of knowledge of black magic in the comics. It’s appeared in the MCU in WandaVision and might have a big future on-screen given Doctor Strange’s connection to it.

The Darkhold is actually the dark counterpart to the Book of Vishanti, the ancient book of white magic that Doctor Strange studies as the Sorcerer Supreme. Given that the Scarlet Witch is now in possession of the Darkhold in the MCU, Strange will likely be compelled to seek it out should she begin using chaos magic on a greater scale.

NEXT: 10 Best Alternate Versions Of The X-Men

#marvel #avengers #marvelcomics #spiderman #mcu #ironman #comics #captainamerica #thor #avengersendgame #marvelstudios #xmen #dc #marveluniverse #art #cosplay #tomholland #hulk #disney #comicbooks #dccomics #peterparker #tonystark #blackwidow #marvellegends #endgame #deadpool #marvelcinematicuniverse #loki #bhfyp

The post 10 Things Only Comic Book Fans Know About Doctor Strange appeared first on undertheinfluencerd.net.

#entertainment, screenrant #tumblr #aesthetic #like #love #tumblrgirl #follow #instagram #photography #instagood #likeforlikes #s #likes #art #cute #o #girl #followforfollowback #a #tumblrboy #grunge #fashion #photooftheday #tiktok #l #photo #sad #k #frases #f #bhfyp

[aion-rsa]

Marvel Gifts: Avengers, Spider-Man and More in our 2019 Holiday Gift Guide

https://ift.tt/35H4GkC

From Blu-rays to bikes and beyond, here are the Marvel gifts you'll want to give...and get!

facebook

twitter

tumblr

It's a fantastic time to be a Marvel Comics fan! Between the stellar MCU releases to the comics and merchandise, there's endless gift ideas for Marvel maniacs. Here are a few of our favorites!

Avengers: Endgame

This year's biggest film event is not only a must-have physical media release, but arguably the greatest example of superhero filmmaking ever. The unprecedented achievements of the MCU that led to the production of Avengers: Endgame have yet to be fully realized by us mere mortals, with this film being a landmark moment in nerd culture that proves how fully the geeks have inherited the Earth.

Buy Avengers: Endgame here

Spider-Man: Far from Home

Spidey's latest big screen outing was a hugely satisfying adventure that removed any lingering doubt that Tom Holland's take on the webslinger is the best ever. With Marvel/Sony having worked through their issues (for now), we have all gotten an early Christmas present -- the promise of more amazing Spider-Man films to come.

Buy Spider-Man: Far from Home here

Venom

No one is going to declare Venom to be a A-list superhero flick, but buoyed by Tom Hardy's bananas performance, it is way better than a Spidey-less symbiote film has any right to be. Delivering pure goofy dumb fun, that's this one's greatest asset.

Buy Venom here

Captain Marvel

Take your movie collection higher, further, faster with Captain Marvel's movie debut, complete with all the Brie Larson awesomeness included therein.

Buy Captain Marvel here

Deadpool: The Ultimate Collection (For Now)

Don't miss a sarcastic, ultra-violent moment of Deadpool fun with this collection of the first two Deadpool films in 4K Ultra HD.

Buy Deadpool: The Ultimate Collection (For Now) here

Thanos Hallmark Christmas Tree Ornament

Make trimming your tree a snap (too soon?) with this Thanos ornament that features the Mad Titan wearing the Infinity Gauntlet.

Buy the Thanos Hallmark Christmas Tree Ornament here

Peter Porker: The Spectacular Spider-Ham: The Complete Collection, Vol. 1

You loved him in Into the Spider Verse, now you can see where the fun began in this collection of Spider-Ham comics. Debuting in what was originally intended to be a one-shot appearance back in 1983, Spider-Ham became an instant hit among comic readers/pun lovers the world over. Soon he was joined by other animal-inspired takes on the denizens of the Marvel Universe like the Fantastic Fur and Hulk Bunny for his ongoing title, the first volume of which is collected here. Let the hammy humor commence.

Buy Peter Porker: The Spectacular Spider-Ham: The Complete Collection, Vol. 1 here

Little Golden Book: Avengers: Battle on the Moon

Young readers will love this cosmic adventure in which Captain Marvel, Iron Man and the Hulk facing off against enemies on the surface of the moon. For adults who grew up on Little Golden Books, they'll love introducing the next generation to the format that is packed with fun storytelling and great illustrations.

Buy Little Golden Book: Avengers: Battle on the Moon here

Part of a Bigger Universe: Unforgettable Quotes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Think of this book of memorable and inspiring quotes from the first three phases of the MCU as Chicken Soup for the Nerd's Soul.

Buy Part of a Bigger Universe: Unforgettable Quotes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe here

Captain Marvel Single-Speed Bike by Schwinn

Unless you have the ability to fly, one of the best ways to get around is this Captain Marvel single-speed Fixie-style bike by Schwinn. With 28-inch wheels, fixed gear capability, dual alloy caliper breaks, this is a stylish set of wheels that is just as cool as its cinematic counterpoint.

Buy the Captain Marvel Single-Speed Bike by Schwinn here

Lego Marvel Avengers Hall of Armor Set

Builders of this Avengers-inspired Lego set can craft their own instant Iron Man armory. With 524 individual pieces and five included mini-figures, this is the ultimate Iron Man Lego playset.

Buy the Lego Marvel Avengers Hall of Armor Set here

Marvel Avengers Iron Man Gaming Chair

Whether you decide to use this as your work, computer, movie watching, or gaming chair, this beautiful seat is full of comfort and style. Created by Neo Chair, it measures 23" X 22" with 23.5" back size and his full reclining capabilities and can hold up to 400 pounds. And yes, we absolutely think that Tony Stark is narcissistic enough to own one of these.

Buy the Marvel Avengers Iron Man Gaming Chair here

Spider-Man: Far from Home Spider FX Mask

Even not equipped with Edith, this Spidey mask offers up plenty of role-playing fun.

Buy the Spider-Man: Far from Home Spider FX Mask here

Marvel Studios Character Encyclopedia

An A to Z of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this exhaustively researched tome showcases the strengths, weaknesses, and background information of all of your favorite heroes and villains.

Buy the Marvel Studios Character Encyclopedia here

Thor Mjölnir Tool Set

For the truly worthy there is thus 28-piece tool set that comes packaged in a durable replica of Mjölnir, Thor's mighty hammer. Released by Buyton, this is the ultimate gift for home improvement buffs.

Buy the Thor Mjölnir Tool Set here

The Thing T-Shirt

This unisex T-shirt available in various colors and sizes allows anyone to show off their fondness for the ever-lovin', blue-eyed Thing. Clobberin' time has never been so fashionable!

Buy The Thing T-Shirt here

Captain Marvel Goose Plush

From Hasbro comes this plush version of Captain Marvel's Goose the Cat that hides a very special feature -- if you press on its chest, the sweet-seeming kitty's true Flerken nature is revealed!

Buy the Captain Marvel Goose Plush here

Funko Marvel 80th Anniversary Advent Calendar

Mark down the days until Christmas with this Advent calendar that reveals 24 mini Funko Pop! Marvel characters. From Thanos to Captain America, these are treats that will make the wait until Santa's arrival a fun one.

Buy the Funko Marvel 80th Anniversary Advent Calendar here

Garmin Legacy Hero Series Captain Marvel Smartwatch

If someone on your shopping list is both a techie and a Marvel maniac, impress them with this Captain Marvel smartwatch. Part of Garmin's Legacy Hero Series, this beautiful piece includes all of the typical smartwatch acoutrements (fitness tracking, notifications, etc), as well as "Captain Marvel watch faces and goal animations plus specially designed Garmin connect badges, avatars and insights to elevate the superhero experience." In other word, it's a high-end gift idea that is, as you may have guessed, beyond Marvelous.

Buy the Garmin Legacy Hero Series Captain Marvel Smartwatch here

Capcom Marvel Super Heroes Arcade 1Up Cabinet

Featuring the Capcom games Marvel Super Heroes, X Men: Children of the Atom, and The Punisher, this release from Arcade 1Up brings the thrill of retro-gaming home.

Buy the Capcom Marvel Super Heroes Arcade 1Up Cabinet here

facebook

twitter

tumblr

Feature

TV

Movies

Books

Chris Cummins

Nov 29, 2019

Shopping

Marvel

from Books https://ift.tt/2stKkx1

[comixconnection]

Upcoming Graphic Novels: Super Heroic Collections!

It’s time for our second month of Graphic Novel Previews from your friendly neighborhood Counter Monkeys here at Comix Connection! Remember, if you want to make sure you get a copy of any of the titles we’ll be spotlighting here, please get your orders in to us (at the store of your choice) as soon as possible so we can make sure to order enough copies for everybody who wants one. This month we’ll be featuring books that range all across the bounds of fiction, but let’s start with some collected editions of superb superheroes!

If you want to order any of the books featured in these posts, please let us know at the store of your choice (Mechanicburg: 717-591-2727 or York 717-767-4871) as soon as possible so we can make sure we get enough copies for everyone!

You can find all of our previously spotlighted graphic novels RIGHT HERE. Our first featured book today is Batgirl: The Bronze Age Omnibus HC 1 by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino.

Throughout the 1970s, Barbara Gordon, a.k.a. Batgirl, was one of DC's most popular heroes. Now, the adventures of Gotham City's greatest heroine are finally collected in an oversize omnibus collection! This massive tome features numerous appearances by Batman and Robin too and collects numerous issues from Detective Comics ranging from the 350s to the 500s as well as Batman #197 and Batman Family #1, #3-7 and #9-11.

Batgirl: The Bronze Age Omnibus volume one will be published in hardcover by DC Comics for $99.99 and has a slated release date of late December, 2017.

Turning now to a more modern collection of the adventures of another redheaded heroine, we have the first volume of the new solo series starring Marvel’s rebirth-prone mutant mistress of the mind, Jean Grey Volume One: Nightmare Fuel.

When the teenage Marvel Girl traveled through time and arrived in the present, she learned the terrible fate that had befallen her adult counterpart: Possessed by a cosmic entity called the Phoenix, she was trapped in an endless cycle of death and rebirth. Determined to escape that future, young Jean sets out to write a destiny of her own...but when she has a premonition that the Phoenix is coming for her, she'll have to fight tooth and nail not to become its next victim! Jean enlists the help of some of its previous hosts -- but will this ultimate “brain trust”  have the answers she's searching for? Or will Jean have to search out stranger assistance? Collects the first six issues of the new series.

Jean Grey Volume One: Nightmare Fuel will be published in softcover by Marvel Comics for $17.99 and has a slated release date of mid-October, 2017.

While we’re on the subject of rebirths, let’s turn back to DC Comics for some fancy new deluxe collections of some of their best Rebirth titles!

After suffering an unimaginable loss, Diana must rebuild her mission as Earth's ultimate protector and champion. However in the midst of her grief, her Lasso of Truth stopped working! Dive down the rabbit hole as dark secrets from Wonder Woman's past unravel her present. Plus, in the definitive tale of Diana's first year as Earth's protector, paradise has been breached, Ares stirs, and the Amazons must answer with a champion of their own...one who is willing to sacrifice her home among her sisters to save a world she has never seen. Collects Wonder Woman: Rebirth #1 and Wonder Woman #1-14.

Wonder Woman Rebirth Deluxe Collection Book One will be published in hardcover by DC Comics for $34.99 and has a slated release date of early October, 2017.

Dick Grayson is back in Gotham City, fighting to reclaim the life that was taken from him! Soon after, Nightwing takes off for the city of Blüdhaven, hoping to find a fresh start in his alter ego’s life of crime fighting. Instead, he finds foes who've waited years for payback against the one-time Boy Wonder as a serial killer stalks the streets, framing him for crimes he didn't commit. Collects Nightwing: Rebirth #1 and Nightwing #1-15.

Nightwing Rebirth Deluxe Collection Book One will be published in hardcover by DC Comics for $34.99 and has a slated release date of late October, 2017.

The Suicide Squad's newest challenge? A prisoner so powerful that even these murderers and thieves can't control him: General Zod! Then, Amanda Waller needs Kryptonite and only Lex Luthor has it! Meanwhile the dark energies of the Black Vault are driving everyone in Belle Reve Penitentiary to acts of violent, bloody madness. Everyone except Harley Quinn, who's somehow been cured of her craziness? Plus: welcome to Evil Anonymous, the support group for super-villains in need, where no problem is too insane or homicidal! Collects Suicide Squad: Rebirth # 1 and Suicide Squad #1-8 and the Harley Quinn and the Suicide Squad April Fool’s Special #1!  

Suicide Squad Rebirth Deluxe Collection Book One will be published in hardcover by DC Comics for $34.99 and has a slated release date of mid October, 2017.

Continuing our focus on deluxe hard covers, let’s swing back to Marvel for a look at the Spider-Gwen Volume 2 HC!

In this second hardcover collection of her adventures, Gwen Stacy has lost her spider-powers -- which makes this bad time for her to find herself in Frank Castle's crosshairs! When  Gwen’s rock band pals The Mary Janes head to a haunted house, will drummer Gwen be going along for the fun, or will she be one of the ghosts? Then, Thanksgiving should be a happy time with friends and family -- but not when crime lord Matt Murdock and his ninjas crash the party! Is it time for Gwen to put a stop to the Kingpin of Crime, or does Matt have a thing or two to teach her? Next, the Mary Janes get loud, and Gwen spends some time with her ever-expanding super social circle: Captain America, She-Hulk, her BPFF (best pig friend forever) Spider-Ham! And her new body-swapping bud, the All-New Wolverine! Collecting Spider-Gwen #7-15 and Spider-Gwen Annual #1, and All-New Wolverine Annual #1.

Spider Gwen Volume Two will be published in hardcover by Marvel Comics for $34.99 and has a slated release date of early January, 2018.

Remember, if you want to make sure that you get a copy of one or more of these – or any of the other graphic novels we’ll be highlighting here in the coming days – don’t delay to get your orders in! Choose whichever location is more convenient to you and give us a call there or just let us know to order you a copy of the title(s) of your choice the next time you stop in to pick up your comics!

Note that as with any special order you make, you are agreeing to pick up all books that you order within one month of arrival. We cannot cancel orders once they have been submitted. Thank you!

[trademarkhubris]

i remember very clearly seeing hank discourse on my dash last year, and more specifically a post where ppl were annoyed about hank technically being a millennial but not acting like one and its a /crying shame/ i was in deep depression mode and wasnt interested in anything when i saw this post

(it was so bad i didnt go see pru, which i really wanted to see when it was first announced because /p.crim/ and /john b.yega/ in the /same movie/!!! what the fuck depression!!!!!!! but also with some insight pru + depression seems as good a mix as nitric acid + glycerol)

but anyways @ this post from a year ago i agree and also hank is my main bitch i love him

[comixology]

Want to check out some indie comics, but aren’t sure where to start?

Here are The ComiXologist podcast co-host Lou’s five recommendations from our Best of 2016 Indie Comics sale!

Derf Backderf’s PUNK ROCK & TRAILER PARKS

PUNK ROCK & TRAILER PARKS, Derf Backderf's first full graphic novel, is an evocative, hilarious, and ultimately poignant book that is set in and around recession-ravaged Akron, Ohio, in 1979, at the peak of the Rubber City's unlikely and lively punk rock scene, a pop culture phenomenon that spawned distinctive acts such as Devo, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, the Waitresses and so many other groups that Melody Maker referred to Akron as "the new Liverpool." The fictional PUNK ROCK & TRAILER PARKS follows the triumphs and travails of one colorful young man, Otto, who lives in the family-owned trailer park in a small town on the outskirts of the Rubber Capital. He backs into the punk counter-culture by chance and through talent, wit and sheer force of personality soon becomes a local star. The story follows Otto during a remarkable year as he chases fame and love and has memorable encounters with punk luminaries such as the Clash's Joe Strummer, Wendy O. Williams of the Plasmatics and rock scribe Lester Bangs. 

HEX 11 Vol. 1: THE MAGIC AGE RISES

HEX11 is the epic story of one young witch living in a futuristic dystopia where magic has been discovered as a new technology. When she stumbles on a firefight between a demon mercenary and a black market magic dealer, she finds herself in the center of a sinister corporate conspiracy. HEX11: VOLUME ONE collects the first 6-issue story arc of this hit ComiXology Submit series; the premiere title for independent publisher HEXCOMIX. Nominated for the Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity, with art by Lisa K. Weber and script by Kelly Sue Milano, HEX11 is an exciting drama series for all sci-fi/fantasy fans.

HENRY & GLENN FOREVER & EVER

Two men. Two myths. One legend. The greatest love story every told has finally been released in graphic novel form. This epic tome features twenty short stories about the domestic life of "Henry" and "Glenn" and sometimes their neighbors "Daryl" and "John." Among other hijinks, Henry and Glenn go to therapy together, battle an evil cult in the forest, and profess their love for each other, all while dealing with jealousy and other normal relationship problems and trying to figure out if their soft-rocking neighbors are actually Dungeons and Dragons playing Satanists. The saga of Henry and Glenn is a true testament to the power of love to overcome even the biggest, manliest egos of our time. The book collects four serialized comics, adds 100 never-before published pages, including new stories, pin up art, and full color covers from the original series.

FIRST LAW OF MAD SCIENCE VOL. 1: WORK UNTIL YOUR FAMILY IS SAD

Super-scientist George Baker's newest invention, electronic retinal implants known as "Cyber-Eyes," are nothing short of amazing. So amazing, in fact, and so cheap and easy to get, that some 40% of the population has gotten them within their first year on the market. But they aren't perfect. Far from it. When things start going inexplicably and bizarrely wrong with the original test subjects, George and his family will have to find out why, before the problem spreads and causes worldwide panic. Along the way, they'll uncover ancient civilizations, corporate conspiracies, sinister cults, other-dimensional creatures, awesome robots, subterranean cities, and secrets humans were not meant to know. It's going to be a wild ride. Collecting issues 1 through 5 of First Law of Mad Science and the one-shot First Law of Mad Science: Three Card Games. 

INK FOR BEGINNERS: A COMIC GUDIE TO GETTING TATTOOED

Thinking of getting your first tattoo? Tattoos are an awesome, rad and powerful way to decorate and celebrate your bod! Kate Leth brings you advice (and a few horror stories) culled from both her own experience getting over 30 tattoos and interviews with a few dozen tattoo artists. Ink for Beginners touches on all sorts of tattoo topics, like choosing designs, booking consultations, aftercare, tipping policies, how to prepare for your appointment, and even where it hurts most to get a tattoo. This comic should help to make your tattoo experience as great as possible.