#unless the eye also regenerate them

[notafagipromise]

Jon's waist must be SNATCHED because of his heroic action of undergoing double rib removal

[royaltea000]

Guy who never looks the same when I draw him

[theminecraftbee]

vault god facts for the new vault hunters watcher

(IE: hey hermitcraft fans HERE ARE YOUR GUYS TO DO LORE WITH)

so, there are four in-game vault gods. however, you'll sometimes hear people like hbomb refer to the "vault gods" when talking about the vault hunters devs. that, or blaming the name of douwsky, the janitor. those are not the gods i'm referring to here but ask me about my iskall headcanons as a result of this sometime.

each god has altars in the vault, which will ask for a specific sacrifice in order to give you favor with that god. they also have idols, which raise your favor and have bonuses depending on which god the idol belongs to (as well as bonuses to things like amount of mana and how fast you recover from status effects).

having favor with a god can confer upon you bonuses within the vault, and has a compounding effect the more favor you have.

raising favor with one god will eventually lower favor with another (assuming update 12 keeps that mechanic), so the hermits will eventually develop certain gods they each individually have more of an affinity towards, depending on their play style. this can be seen in the vault hunters stat screen, so keep an eye out!

you used to be able to get negative favor with the vault gods, and they'd hurt you in the vault. this has largely been removed in this version of vault hunters (unless they put it back in update 12, i haven't quite caught up with the mechanical rework from this update). pete had a whole arc about this in season 2 of vh smp.

when vault god favor activates at the start of a vault, the gods have quotes they state in the chat. from these, you can pick up a bit of their personalities.

they have official art! that being said, even with this official art, people like to interpret them a lot of ways, so go crazy go nuts!

it seems the final boss may have something to do with these figures...

the four gods are as follows:

idona, the malevolent is the red vault god. their altar asks you to kill mobs as sacrifice. when you have favor with idona, you earn more soul shards while killing, have higher strength, and are more effective at killing mobs.

tenos, the omniscient is the blue vault god. their altar asks you to give up levels as a sacrifice. when you have favor with tenos, you find more items while looting, those items are rarer, and generally you'll get more out of the vault.

wendarr, the timekeeper is the yellow vault god. their altar asks you to give up mana as sacrifice. when you have favor with wendarr, mana regenerates faster, you can have more time in the vault, and generally things that take time will move more in your favor.

velara, the benevolent is the green vault god. their altar asks you to give up health as sacrifice. when you have favor with velara, you can get regeneration, have more hearts, and generally you'll be healthier and heal faster. additionally, velara is the god that punishes you for using healing potions in the vault by cutting your healing efficiency by a large amount. only use vault potions if you don't want to anger them.

and that's some vault gods knowledge for you to lore with! have fun! :D

[lovelylivewirez]

Figured I should post this on it's own since @au-sonic-smackdown has already begun (but I kept forgetting so... a few days later it is lmao)

I'll take this as a chance to ramble a little about this AU as well- putting under the cut tho bc it's gonna get a bit long and is probably a bit disjointed lol

So Sonic in this AU is immortal, right? He's like a demigod kinda. But so are Shadow and Tails (Shadow being the Ultimate Lifeform and Tails being a kitsune). They live far into the future, long enough to meet Silver as a child and see him grow, and will live far longer still.

Sonic is a nomad and lives anywhere as long as it's off the grid. He doesn't like other people knowing of his immortality out of fear that it will be exploited somehow. Eggman Nega would eventually prove that fear true, and some of his scars are from encounters with him.

(Some scars are from his childhood, but the prominent one running down his torso and the one in his ear, as well as a few other big ones covered by bandages, are relatively recent. They're indicative of some of the ways he has died before, if you're willing to take a guess.)

Shadow has taken over the role as Mobius' current hero, at least in the eyes of the public, but Sonic has remained a hero of legend. Silver also does his fair share of hero-ing, too, and is constantly chasing after Nega and foiling his plans with Shadow's help. Sonic will come in and help often, but leaves just as quickly as he came, often remaining unseen.

Meanwhile, Tails uses his kitsune powers to appear as a regular fox and hide his status as immortal. He poses as a local mechanic in Onyx City (the city from Archie Sonic Universe's Silver Age arc, but like. A good future instead of a dystopia) and helps Shadow and Silver covertly with his advanced tech.

When he's not saving the world from impending doom, Sonic either wanders the world to find places to nap in, hangs out with Tails or Shadow, or is hunted down by Nega.

Sonic's immortality allows him to regenerate and come back whenever he dies. The Chaos Energy inside of him won't let him die, he just heals and comes back, but it often leaves a scar, especially if the injury is severe. It's left him with chronic pain and fatigue. He uses a cane he carved himself out of a stick, unless in werehog form, where he just walks on all fours instead.

As a werehog, he's extremely irritable and pretty feral, but since he can control when he transforms most of the time (except new moons), he avoids transforming unless the boost in strength is absolutely necessary.

He's gotten pretty attached to lots of old things that remind him of his friends. Even if those things have started to decay, he hoards them in secret burrows across the world and refuses to let them go. His memory is not the greatest and has gotten worse as he aged, so he holds onto things that remind him of his late friends to ensure they live on in some way.

Anyways, that's all I have for now. Go vote for your favorite Sonic in the smackdown!

[mayashesfly]

Unassorted RadioStatic Headcanons

Alastor used to call Vox "my good pal" while Vox used to call Alastor "Al" after a long time into their business partnership

Alastor had been the one to find Vox when he first fell into Hell and was the one that mostly offered the start of their business partnership. He had been quite curious about the strange fellow and his striking blue eyes and face (Taking into account the headcanon Alastor is colorblind)

The other Overloads were getting on Alastor's case for not providing anything that was required from an Overload even though Alastor didn't even want to become an Overload. So "mentoring" Vox becamr a sort of excuse for him

Alastor was somehow able to get audio of Vox's non broadcasted lines in Stayed Gone during their battle. Which may or may not have partially causes the blackout as he used the information he gotten from Vox's lines to throw them back at him. Welcome home indeed :)

Alastor was the reason for Vox and Valentino's matching broken antenna after a fierceful battle between the two where Valentino interjected in the middle of it. (Their picture together showed the two with undamaged antennas)

Vox and Alastor was trying to patch up their relationship after Vox accidentally wronged Alastor with his "upgrade" mindset but Alastor took more offense to Vox bringing Valentino into their business and promptly fucked them up while he also got fucked up himself

Vox was the one that made the Radio Hack Star Logo. And Alastor was the one that provided the "Bar" and "Record Store" building as their first official place of business. "I'm so glad you've noticed the delightful smiles on the roof railings, my good pal!" "Delightful? More like tacky, you old-timey prick"

Their "vintage" and "upgrade" aesthetic used to be a harmless running joke between the two of them

Vox gave the idea of calling their business partnership "The AV" Alastor frankly loved it even though he wouldn't say it outloud to not overinflate Vox's ego

The way Old TV Head Vox blushed was through static. They would start at his cheeks before fully consuming his projected face when thoroughly flustered. Alastor would sometimes say he was "snowing, my dear"

The way New TV Head Vox blush though was through red lines on his cheeks, beating in tune to his heartbeat. Well, if he was truly flustered beyond belief. Normally, he just seemed to have a normal cartoonish blush if his heart wasn't truly moved.

Alastor was able to increase the strenght he would be given once he arrives in Hell while he was in the Living World which was why he was able to overpower the Overlords he took down. However, a certain present deal has restricted the powers he was granted through that method.

Neither of them actually put in their all when they fight each other physically. Even when things get heated between them, they can never truly bring themself to completely kill the other. (Even if they'll regenerate)

When Vox was human, he had heterochromia eyes. Which gave people some questions if he was actually mixed unless he covered up his right brown eye. He was able to keep it under wraps through the use of contact lenses despite the possible danger of using them (especially so early on in its development) so he could be a part of tv.

When controversy aroused because of his actual appearance, he may or may not have caused a little scarring in that area. (He hated how he looked liked)

He died shortly after, and the scarring and mismatched eyes never left him in Hell. Much to his chagrin.

Vox was the one that photographed them for That Picture since he knows Alastor wouldn't want anyone else to know that he even allowed himself to be photographed in the first place.

Alastor still has his copy of the picture, fully intact if not properly folded up in one of his pockets. Though we all know what happened to Vox's personal copy....

[samoankpoper21]

Duke! Gojo IB@gojonanami

A/N As soon as I saw this I KNEW I had to make an attempt at trying to write a scenario for this - tell me you read too many webtoons without telling me you read too many webtoons 🤭 S/O to @gojonanami for this prompt! My only hope is that I do this justice 🥺🥺Also your last name is Hamilton 🤣 It just sounds like a marquess last name 🤣

Word count: 2338

Noble factions trembled in fear or coveted his wealth, the lower class revering him akin to the Gods. Gojo Satoru. The name alone sounded deadly, goosebumps trailing one's skin.

Gojo Satoru rose up in ranks quickly due to his sheer strength; legend has it that he was born with the Divine Power of the Gods.

Every 20 years an individual was bestowed with the Divine Power of the Gods. The powers varied for each individual: there was the power of healing, immense strength, wielding fire, shape shifting, immortality, forming force fields, astral projection, regeneration, clairvoyance, and speed; each of the powers representative of the Gods. In Gojo's case however, the day that he was born, legends say that the Gods were clashing amongst one another resulting in Gojo being born with not one Divine Power but five: astral projection, clairvoyance, forming force fields, speed, and immense strength.

He was known as the emperor's sword. When the former emperor Rion of Novaland heard of Gojo's birth, he sought the boy out and trained him under the intense tutelage of the imperial knights where they were able to tap in to all of his powers. Once Emperor Rion heard news of this, he swiftly sent the then 15-year old to lead the Novaland imperial knights to numerous battles under the guise of defending Novaland. News of Gojo's victories spread throughout the land and beyond causing Rion's enemies to quiver in fear, forcing them to either pledge allegiance to Novaland or become victims of being conquered. He agreed to become the emperor's sword with the promise of earning his own land and the title of Duke.

All Gojo knew was war and blood so when Yaga ascended the throne, through the overthrowing of Rion, Yaga taught him that there was more to life than war. As promised Gojo earned his title, land, and new friends through Yaga's right hand man/scholar Geto Suguru and mage Shoko Ieiri.

*Current day*

The sound of swords clashing against one another could be heard throughout the courtyard. To the naked eye, all could be seen was a blur of white hair and his opponent being knocked on their ass, sword being pressed to the opponent's chest. "Satoru." Gojo sheathed his sword and made his way to the raven haired, circular spectacles man standing in the shadow. "You should be getting ready for the ball tonight. You don't have time to be practicing with your sword-"

"Suguru, you sound like my nagging wife." This comment caused Suguru to blush a little, Satoru smirking at the effect he had on the beautiful scholar. Suguru cleared his throat, continuing with, "Well maybe if you listened to Yaga, I wouldn't have to nag you." Satoru stuck his tongue out as they walked down the corridor. They walked in comfortable silence, each preoccupied with their own thoughts. Satoru couldn't believe how much he changed under the guidance of Yaga: he was still stoic and aloof, but when he was surrounded by Suguru, Shoko, or Yaga he turned into a playful teenager; that right having been stripped from him being on the battlefield since he was 15. They didn't mind it though; in fact they welcomed Satoru's playfulness. The only time he crossed the line was when he mixed up the potions in Shoko's lab and it ended up causing a huge explosion; since then he has been banned from going near the potions. He reveled in the change of pace: from being constantly on edge to being relaxed. Yaga had promised him that he would no longer have to yield the title of being the emperor's sword, unless it was absolutely necessary, that that's what Shoko was intended for. "The only thing I need you to focus on Satoru is to find a wife." Wife. He scoffed at the word. Who in their right mind would send their daughter to marry the emperor's sword? Even after years passed, Satoru noticed that people would flinch or either flee at the sight of him. He convinced himself that it was ok but still felt a pang when he experiences it.

"What are you thinking about?" Suguru's question bringing him out of his reverie. Satoru crossed his hands behind his back answering with, "How Yaga keeps holding these pointless balls in order for me to settle down."

"It's not pointless Satoru. We're forming alliances with neighboring countries while trying to get you to find a suitable bride."

"So why doesn't Yaga pester you?" Suguru brought his right hand to the left side of his chest, bowing, saying, "I am but a lowly scholar. My title dictates whether I will be lucky enough to be wed." Satoru stood there silently staring at the man bowed before him. He knew Suguru was right; being a scholar/the emperor's right hand man dictated that Suguru may have a fling or two but his loyalty is to the emperor. Satoru sighed. "Don't worry beautiful. I'll be there at the ball."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You were staring out the window of the carriage as your father and stepmother were lecturing you about your etiquette. "Y/N!" the shouting of your name snapped you out of your daydream. "Huh?"

"Have you listened to a single word we said?" your father shrieked. Your stepmother flapped her fan open covering her mouth as she noted, "Tsk. Such a disobedient daughter." You clutched at the fabric of your gown tightly wanting to explode. You already knew why you were being sent to the ball: your father being a marquess of a small land was looking to expand financially and politically. You were his ticket. Having already made your debut into society, you were known to be reckless, a free spirit. What was meant to be you defending another noble woman against her abusive husband spun into you being nosy, impulsive. Do you regret stepping in? Of course not. Your mother's last words was to always strive for justice regardless of the cost.

Your father began rubbing at his temples. "What am I going to do with you Y/N?"

"Father, you have nothing to fear. I will act like the perfect doll juuust for you." A slap across your right cheek reverberated throughout the carriage, your stepmother gasping behind her fan. "Is this some kind of sick game to you?!" your father fumed. "If only it was you and not your mother who was taken away!"

"Shh," your stepmother chided him, rubbing his forearm. "That's enough dear." You could feel the tears pooling at the corner of your eyes threatening to spill over. You wouldn't give these people the satisfaction. You straightened your back peering ahead when your stepmother continued with, "Who knows, she'll probably catch the attention of Duke Gojo. He's an eligible bachelor, has an expanse of land, and is known for...taming unruly animals."

"Unruly animal?" you scoffed. "You should speak for yourself. Have you no pride or shame? Crawling into a mourning man's bed before the mourning period is over?" Another slap reverberated throughout the carriage, this time your stepmother fuming, shaking. "You're just as unruly as HER." Since your mother's passing, neither your father or stepmother referred to her by her name Luciana. You were ready to rip the pearls that adorned your stepmother's hair when your father put himself between she and you. "Y/N stop it this instant! Marilyn has been nothing but sweet to you stepping in since your mother died."

"You never call mom by her name anymore! You act like she never existed! As if she's a ghost!" Your father paused as the carriage came to a halt, an abrupt knock letting you all know that you have arrived at the palace. Your father shook his head, hoping to clear his guilty conscious after your harsh words pierced his heart. "Come out when you're ready." He replied. "Don't forget to fix your makeup." your stepmother proffered.

Gojo was internally fidgeting. He hated social events like these. He could tolerate being at death's door but what he could not stand was the stares, whispers. "All hail Emperor Yaga!" The attendees all stopped to bow or curtsy shouting, "Greetings to the star of Novaland", as he made his way to his seat, Suguru standing to the right of him. "Thank you all for attending this ball. I hope that this ball serves as a wonderful memory for you all. Let us enjoy the fesitivities! May the Divine Power of the Gods bless and be with you!"

"May the Divine Power of the Gods bless and be with you!" the music resumed and senseless chatter began to fill the air. "Duke Gojo." Yaga's booming voice greeted him as he took his seat. "Greetings to the star of Novaland. May the Divine Power of the Gods bless and be with you." he bowed. Yaga dismissed Gojo stating, "You don't have to be so formal."

"In a formal setting such as this one must oblige."

"Hm. Have you found anyone to your liking?"

"I have not Emperor Yaga."

"At least go and socialize. Dance. Be happy. Try to smile a little." Satoru looked to Suguru for help but was disappointed when he saw Suguru stifling his laughter. Yaga dismissed Satoru with a wave of his hand. He reluctantly dragged his feet grabbing a glass of champagne on his way to "socialize".

You lost track of how many glasses of champagne you had, only 3 of the nobles had asked you to dance and you reluctantly agreed. You caught a glimpse of your father and stepmother making their way around each table, trying to strike a deal of some sort. You scoffed at how pathetic they looked and gulped down another source of bubbly. With each glass, the taste became sweeter, causing you to almost forget about the earlier events. How dare they look down on you and your mother? It's not like saying Luciana was hard. Where was the man that fought injustice alongside Luciana? The man whose fire and passion for injustices was just as brazen as Luciana? Scoffing and downing another glass, you realized that that man had died along with your mother. That man, known as your father, is no where to be found. You grabbed the tray of glasses from the waiter saying, "I'll take these thank yoooouuu."

"Miss, at least allow me to carry it to your table."

"You can bring it out to the balcony that's fine." The cold air hit your face causing you to let out a breath you hadn't realized you were holding. You began humming to yourself when you sensed another presence. You turned and nearly dropped your jaw and champagne. This man was breathtaking. You took in his tall stature, broad shoulders, white hair, and beautiful, cerulean eyes. "Forgive me. I did not realize there was someone occupying this space." He bowed indicating his leaving when you stopped him; unsure of whether it was the alcohol or your loneliness that forbid him to go. "No, no! Stay! You can stay." You mentally facepalmed yourself at the fact you demanded him to stay as if he was a dog. He gently smiled and came to stand beside you. He noticed the tray with 12 champagne glasses asking, "Are one of these for me?" you were in the middle of drinking another one when you motioned with your eyes that yes he could take one. He chuckled asking, "If I may be so forward why are you out here instead of inside enjoying the party?"

"Pft. What's there to enjoy? My father and stepmother only agreed to come to the ball because I'm their ticket to wanting to expand."

"Who's your father?"

"Marquess Hamilton," you took another glass from the tray and chugged that one. "Wanna know the sad thing though? My dad is trying to marry me off to Duke Gojo." Gojo paused at that, instinctively feeling his hand clench around the glass. Here it comes. He thought to himself. The rumors and the fear. "Is that so?" he asked.

"Yeah but I don't even know him, let alone what he looks like." Gojo spit the champagne out due to him laughing causing you to glare at him. "Stop laughing at me. I genuinely wanted to meet him."

"My apologies. I'm just trying to understand why you want to meet him. Haven't you heard the rumors? How he's a monster hellbent on war?" You stood there in silence, with your head down, cheeks rosy, Gojo worried that you may have passed out standing up until he heard a low, "Forgive my language kind sir but fuck the rumors!" Gojo was surprised by your outburst taking a step back. "How dare these people call him a monster! What right do they have to judge someone huh?! Were they out on the battlefield?! Were they born with the Divine Power of the Gods?! Of course not! Half of these swines and cads wish they had a portion of what Duke Gojo has! And the most infuriating part about these said rumors is that they haven't even heard his side of the story! So how can they judge someone so easily without even trying to listen?!" You stood there trying to catch your breath, your hands shaking. Gojo stood there amazed, happy. There was someone who actually wanted to get to know his side. Due to the tightness of your corset and the copious amounts of alcohol, you began to feel light headed and began swaying to the side. "Whoa there," Gojo caught you pulling you towards him. He peered down and brushed a piece of hair out of your face, hearing that you had fallen asleep. He chuckled as he picked you up bridal style. I have to marry this woman. I'll get her out of her father's clutches and then I'll marry her. He carried you back into the ball, this time no longer feeling uncomfortable with all the peering eyes, announcing to emperor Yaga that he had found his bride.

[dulcerba]

Why isn't Izuku dead? A Discussion on OFA + Secondary Quirk Characteristics

This is something I've wondered ever since the reveal that Hikage Shinomori died from old age at 40, because of the strain from having 2 quirks. The obvious explanation is that a human being cannot possess more than one quirk (unless you're All for One), because they will experience "quirk overload", where the mind (think like in the Nomus) and body (think like in Nine) cannot handle the quirk. This is the reason why only a formerly quirkless person can safely wield One for All.

But there's something missing here.

Izuku is shown to be the only user of One for All to be able to use past user's quirks. All past vestiges had only been able to use their original quirks and the power-stockholding aspect of One for All, even All Might. One For All has also been confirmed to have reached quirk singularity, which only makes the situation more confusing.

There are other people who have been in possession of multiple quirks without becoming Nomus, such as:

All for One

Gigantomachia

Nine

Number 6 (antagonist from My Hero Academia: Vigilantes)

Tomura Shigaraki

Izuku Midoriya

However, Nine, Number 6, and Shigaraki all underwent severe body modification to be able to handle the quirks. Healing quirks, such as Gigantomachia's Endurance, Tomura's Super Regeneration, and Nine's attempt to claim Cell Activation, are also able to undermine the effects of quirk overload. This leaves us with only two "natural" multiple quirks holders:

All for One

Gigantomachia

Nine

Number 6

Tomura Shigaraki

Izuku Midoriya

Izuku's capability to hold multiple quirks can't be attributed to his prior quirklessness, since he now has no less than seven quirks. Born without a quirk or not, that's still being in possession of more than one. By all accounts, Izuku should be braindead, or at the least, aging extremely fast/being in bad health, but he isn't.

Now, let's have a quick talk about Secondary Quirk Characteristics:

What are they? These are quirk characteristics that are inherited by a person even though they may be unrelated to their own quirk.

Fumikage Tokoyami - bird head that is unrelated to Dark Shadow

Koji Koda - rock-like head that has nothing to do with Anivoice

Mina Ashido - horns, eyes, and skin that are not part of Acid

These are usually traits that belonged to a person's ancestors as part of that ancestor's quirk. Sometimes, these traits will compile with others to form a combined quirk (such as Tsuyu Asui's Frog quirk or Shouto Todoroki's tolerance to fire and ice with his Half-Cold Half-Hot).

Secondary Quirk Characteristics can actually be compared to Darwin's Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. If the trait aids/does not hinder the body's ability to safely use their quirk (and by extension, to survive), then it will be passed on. There is even speculation that the designs of the cast are due to these secondary traits (like the Midoriya's green hair), making them much more colourful than their Pre-Quirk counterparts. This would mean that secondary traits can be inherited by someone regardless of if they are quirkless or not.

How does this relate to Izuku's strange ability to use multiple quirks?

Because of the theory that he is related to All for One (more specifically, the Dad for One Theory).

His ability for holding many quirks can be logically explained by two things:

He could possess a secret quirk that is a fusion between the All for One quirk and Inko's Attraction of Small Objects quirk. If so, the quirk might not express the same holes as in the palms of All for One and Shigaraki, since Izuku could theoretically "pull" quirks towards himself, or it could be another type of AFO-esque power (can gain quirks though DNA-consumption, can pass on quirks like Yoichi, etc). Whatever it could be, it would have to be something that can provide him with the protection from quirk overload. Even AFO might not know about his quirk, since he wasn't able to detect Yoichi's original Transference quirk. This suggests that All for One can't detect quirks that can actually manipulate the DNA of other quirks (unlike Aizawa's Erasure or Monoma's Copy, which just block/copy their effects), or that he cannot detect quirks that are in held by a family member. I don't really which of those it could be, since canon never really explained why Yoichi's original quirk was noticed.

OR

If he is truly quirkless like the series says, he could have inherited a Secondary Quirk Characteristic that allowed him the capacity to possess multiple quirks, even if he was quirkless on his own, making him the perfect vessel for OFA. Plus, it completes the family trio.

All for One - Takes/Gives Quirks

Yoichi - Passes On Quirks

Izuku - Keeps Quirks

Edited last on March 10

[willalove75]

Alcina's New Maid Pt. 14 Lady Dimitrescu x Reader

Summary: Alcina and Donna have a chat. You wake up and you and Alcina have a heart-to-heart. She tells you about the mold and her experiences with the cadou.

Warnings: 18+ minors DNI

Tags: Fluff, softness, canon violence, a dash of angst

Notes: Part 14! I'm SO sorry that this chapter is so late! I decided to make it a little extra long to make up for it💕

Click here for the rest of the series

A maid walks in with a tray in her hands after Alcina sits across from Donna. Setting it down on the coffee table, she looks up at Alcina.

"Tea or wine my Lady?"

"Wine, please." Alcina says as she pulls her cigarette case along with her lighter out of her bra. A slight blush crosses the maids cheeks while she opens the wine bottle and pours it into Alcina's glass. Donna gives Alcina a look, surprised she acted so casually in front of one of her maids. Meanwhile, Alcina lights a cigarette and deeply inhales. She blows the smoke away from the maid and Donna.

"I apologize for my lack of etiquette but I am unable to muster the energy at the moment to present myself as I normally would." Alcina says to the maid, resting her forehead on the heel of her hand as she holds the cigarette between two fingers.

"There is no reason to apologize, my Lady. We know the day has been," she pauses, nervously searching for the right word. "rather stressful." She hands Alcina her goblet, who immediately drinks from the glass.

"Tea, Lady Beneviento?"

"Yes please."

The maid pours the tea for Donna and hands her the cup.

"Thank you, that will be all. Please see to it that we are not interrupted unless, gods forbid, yet another emergency occurs."

"Of course, my Lady." The maid says with a bow before leaving the room and closing the door behind her.

Alcina downs the rest of her wine in one gulp and refills her glass.

"Oh how I wish I were still able to get drunk." She mutters to herself, looking down into the glass of swirling red liquid.

"Even regeneration properties can be a double edged sword." Donna says as she lifts her veil to take a sip of tea.

"What was it you wanted to speak about again?" Alcina asks.

"A few things, truthfully, including next weeks meeting."

"Ah, yes. Mother Miranda." Alcina says, taking another drag from her cigarette.

"But before that," Looking up at Donna, Alcina is unsure of what she's about to say. "I never doubted you when you told me how much you cared for the girl, however, I may have underestimated just how much you truly care for her. I don't think I've ever seen you look at anyone the way you looked at her, sister. You must truly love her."

Alcina feels a light blush creep across her cheeks and she tries to hide it by taking another sip of wine as she nods.

"I do, Donna. I do."

"She makes you happy?"

"The happiest I've ever been. I've never been happier, save for when I was given the girls. Although the love I have for her and the love I have for the girls are vastly different, all four of them have captured my heart."

"Well sister, the love between mother and child and the love shared between lovers are two entirely different kinds of love. I am very happy to see you so happy. It's been a long time."

"It certainly has."

"Now, regarding the meeting." Alcina takes another drag of her cigarette before putting it out in the ashtray. "Alcina you know my loyalty lies with you, however, I also will not stand against Mother for a foolish reason."

Alcina feels her body tense up as she stares into where Donna's eyes are behind the veil.

"Donna-"

"Please, let me finish." Alcina drinks from her glass and clenches her jaw, her grip tightening around the goblet. "But, I trust you and your judgment and I can see solely from the way you look at that girl that your reasoning for standing up against Mother if you must is anything but a foolish reason. Again, my loyalty lies with you Alcina. Wherever you go, Angie and myself will gladly follow."

A breath Alcina didn't realize she was holding releases as she feels her anger fade away.

"Thank you, Donna."

"What are you planning on doing for this meeting next week? You know you can't walk in, claws out and ready to attack."

"No, absolutely not. Mother's powers are far stronger than mine, even with immortality on my side I fear that if I go up against her, I won't survive."

"You won't." Donna says matter-of-factly.

"I plan on masking my feelings for her, for y/n. I don't know what Mother wants with her, or if she wants to test me. I'm uncertain of her motives. So my plan is to attend the meeting as usual, keep y/n close by my side at all times and if I have to protect her, I will without hesitation."

"I think that is a wise plan Alcina. How do you think she is going to handle the meeting? Has she met any of the other Lords?"

"No, she hasn't. She only met Mother."

"Do you have any concerns of her meeting the other Lords?"

"Not particularly. If I could keep her from ever having to interact with that child Heisenberg I would, but only because he is insufferable. I have no qualms with Salvatore, although I do not trust him. I would not put it past the poor creature to use whatever he has as his disposal to try to make himself appear more valuable to Mother. He's so desperate for her affection, it's pitiful."

"He is not the only one who pines for her acceptance, Alcina."

Alcina shoots Donna a glare and continues.

"Regardless, I have no fears of her meeting the other Lords."

"And for the rest of the meeting?"

"I have no doubts that she will be on her best behavior, more than likely nervous, but that's to be expected. But she's diligent and obedient and she's well aware of the dangers of stepping out of line in front of Miranda so I have no concerns regarding her or her behavior."

"Very well then, I'm glad to hear of your confidence in her."

"How do you think the mold will affect her?"

"Truthfully, I am not sure. It may not have any effect on her given she was only exposed to traces of the mold. The salve contains mold, but is not entirely composed of it. If she were to be truly infected, I believe any mutations that were to occur, would have by now. Given she only drank half of a bottle and subsequently threw most of it up, I don't think there was enough in her system to have any true, noticeable effects. I would keep a close eye on her just in case."

Alcina goes to speak but is interrupted by the door slamming open. Angie flies into the room and flies around Alcina.

"Sheeeeee's awakeeeee!! Your little friend is so cute even after she rolled down the stairs!"

Alcina swats at Angie to try and get her away. Angie stops just above Alcina and Alcina looks up into the dolls eyes and glares.

"Get out of my way." Alcina growls.

"Ohhhh someone's touchy! What? Can't handle being away from your lover for five minutes?! Tsk tsk, how would Mother Miranda feel knowing you've become so attached to a human!" Angie's screeching cackle echoes through the room.

Alcina begins to shake with anger, her claws slowly extend, digging into the arms of the chair.

"Angie! That is enough." Donna scolds the doll.

"Oh come on Dondon! I'm just playing!" She says as she floats into Donna's lap.

Alcina makes a disgusted face at the horrid nickname and her claws retract.

"Donna, thank you, for everything." Alcina says as she stands.

"Of course, I'm glad I was able to help and I am glad she is okay."

"What about me?!" Angie whines.

"You are nothing but a nuisance." She spits.

"Oh come on Alci! You're no fun!"

"Do not call me that."

"Ugh! No fun!"

Alcina decides to leave the room before she loses her quickly thinning patience and rips the doll to shreds. Making her way towards her bedroom, she hears a group of heartbeats coming from the room. Worried that some mutation happened, Alcina throws the door open to find her three girls sitting around you.

She's relieved and happily surprised when she sees Daniela laying next to you and Bela and Cassandra both sitting on the edge of the bed.

The four of you turn around when the door is thrown open and you see Alcina step into the room. A look of worry on her face melts into happiness as her eyes scan each of you.

"Hi mother! We hope you didn't mind us sending Angie to let you know y/n was awake, we didn't want to leave her." Daniela says, curled into you.

"As much as I detest that doll, I don't. Thank you for letting me know." She says as she walks further into the room and stands at the side of the bed in between Bela and Cassandra. She reaches out her hand and gently brushes the hair out of your face. "How are you feeling, draga?"

Truthfully, you still felt like shit, but you weren't in any pain anymore. Your body was sore and you felt exhausted.

"I'm okay, sore, tired."

"Daughters, why don't you go downstairs?"

Alcina's suggestion was met with a chorus of whines and displeasure.

"But mom!"

"Do we have to?"

"Why?"

"Because she needs to get cleaned up and rest."

"But-"

"My word is final."

Reluctantly, the girls get up and make their way out of the room. But not before each giving you a hug, with Daniela kissing your head before floating away.

Alcina sits on the edge of the bed and gently cups your cheek, caressing you with her thumb. The two of you sit in a comfortable silence for a few moments.

As you look into her eyes you see the softness that made you fall in love with her. You can see how she's looking at you, with adoration, with love, with concern. For someone who wears such a strong mask all of the time, everything she's feeling and thinking is etched into her face right now. How can someone think of her as vicious? As evil? Your mind starts to spiral at the thought. How could she kill Stefana like that? How can she be so kind and loving, yet so ruthless? The push and pull of your thoughts start to overwhelm you and Alcina immediately picks up on it.

"What's the matter?"

"I-I'm just having a hard time processing everything, is all."

"I'm sure, between getting shoved down the stairs and then healed the way you were, it must be difficult."

"It's not only that." You say as you look down. "Its," you voice trails off and Alcina lets out a small sigh.

"How I killed her?"

Your eyes slowly look up, meeting hers. Expecting to see frustration in her eyes, you're surprised when the softness is still there.

"That, and that you killed her, period."

"Darling, you do know she's not the only person I've done that to, yes? She is far from the first person I've had to kill."

"How many people?"

Alcina pauses for a moment to think.

"I stopped counting decades ago, I believe I lost count around 75 or 80. I'm sure it's well into the hundreds by now, a thousand even."

She says it in such a casual manner you wouldn't believe she was talking about murder if someone joined in the conversation right then. This woman, the woman you love, has taken the lives of so many. It's not really something you thought about or took into consideration before this since you were never exposed to it.

Your mind begins to wander, spiraling a bit at the thought. Alcina notices you get lost and she pulls you out before you go into a complete spiral.

"Draga, I know this must be difficult for you, but you did know of the rumors surrounding this castle, didn't you? I heard you tell your aunt the day you were sold to me that they were sending you to your death. Surely you were aware of what goes on here."

"I was, but, I don't know. It's so hard making it make sense. It made sense when I thought everything in this castle was evil, that you were bloodthirsty and killed for fun. But now, I know you. I know your heart, I know that this castle isn't filled with evil, that you all just do what you have to to survive. You, the girls, you're all so amazing, and I love you all so much and it's so hard for me to think that you also do this horrible things too because that's not who you are."

"Oh, draga." She says as she lays down next to you and pulls you into her. "You are truly one of the sweetest souls I've ever come to know." Placing a kiss on your head, Alcina hugs you tighter. "I know it's difficult to rationalize, and I hope this doesn't change the way you feel towards me, towards the girls, but that is who we are. I believe Zina has said this before, nothing is 100% good or 100% evil. Yes, the girls and I have all of those wonderful qualities that you love, but we also have dark ones. Ones that make us monsters to the outside world. Humans are complex creatures, once there's a mutation involved, the complexity increases tenfold. I have to admit, I tried to shield you from the horrors that go on here as best as I could, it's one of the reasons I explicitly told you to stay away from the dungeons. But I knew in time that the façade would crumble and you would see what truly happens here. I just hoped it wouldn't be at your expense, and for that I am so deeply sorry."

Alcina hugs you a little tighter and buries her nose in your hair. Both Alcina's and Zina's words repeat in your head. "Nothing is 100% good or 100% evil." "They have good in them, sometimes you just have to look a little harder to see it." Trying to reconcile both parts of Alcina and the girls into one isn't something you're going to be able to do instantaneously, there's a part of you that's afraid you're going to lose your humanity if you do. But as you're laying here in Alcina's arms, the only thing that matters is how much you love her, how much you care for her and how much she loves you.

"I love you, Alcina." You whisper as you curl into her more.

"I love you more than you'll ever know, draga mea."

Alcina places a kiss on your temple and her hand goes to rest against the back of your head. As she does, you're both reminded of the dried blood matted in your hair. Honestly, you're still covered in blood, dried blood now, and even though Alcina changed, she still has a decent amount on her as well.

"You should get washed up, you still have blood caked in your hair." Alcina says softly. "Can you get up?"

She moves to let go of you and you try to sit up. There's no sharp pain, but your whole body hurts, your whole body feels like one gigantic bruise. Alcina notices you struggle and helps sit you up.

"Here, let me, I don't want you hurting yourself further." She stands up and scoops you into her arms bridal style and walks you into the bathroom.

"Let me help you bathe, I want to make sure all of the blood gets out of your hair."

"You have to shower too, right?" You ask.

"Yes, but I can do that after you're done." She says, smiling down at you.

"Would you, you don't have to, but, would you want to join me?"

"Draga, please don't feel like you have to-"

"I don't, I promise. I just want you close is all."

Alcina's heart is so full she feel like it's going to explode inside of her chest. As you look up at her with the biggest eyes, she falls in love all over again.

"Of course, draga mea."

She sits you on the bench and you start to take off your clothes as Alcina fills the tub and removes her dress and underwear. Normally when you see her naked, you immediately want to pounce on her. This time, all you see is her beauty. There's a nervousness to her you never would have expected, but oddly, it comforts you to know that even with the mutation she's still able to hold onto her humanity.

Alcina picks you up and brings you to the tub. After she steps in she lowers the both of you into the water.

You let out a soft hiss as the water hits your skin but you quickly adjust to the temperature.

"Is it too hot?" Alcina asks with concern in her voice.

"No, it's perfect, I just needed a second to adjust." You say as you look up at her.

She places a kiss on your forehead and lays your back against her chest. The dried blood from your skin runs into the water in light pink trails. Alcina cups the water in her hand and pours it over your back and shoulders, the warmth soothing you aching muscles. She pours some of the water over herself and you can feel the streams slide between your bodies. Scooting you forward, Alcina tilts your head back and begins to pour the water over your hair. Once she's satisfied, you're able to lift your head while she lathers the shampoo into her hands.

Looking down you realize that the water is stained pink, a sadness washes over you although you're unsure why. It's a big tub you're both in, for the water to be stained pink, there had to be a lot of blood on the two of you. You lift your hand from the water and watch as the pink liquid runs between your fingers back into the tub.

"Pay that no mind, draga mea." Alcina says as she begins to massage the shampoo into your scalp. She smirks when she hears you let out a sigh as she washes your hair. "Good," she hums. "just relax my pet, let me take care of you."

After she rinses out the shampoo, Alcina coats the ends of your hair with conditioner and begins to brush out the knots and matts. She washes out the conditioner and proceeds to shampoo and condition her own hair. Once she's finished with that, she pours a generous amount of soap onto a washcloth and begins to wash your body.

Alcina drags the washcloth across your skin with care, making sure she removes every ounce of stubborn dried blood that hasn't yet been washed away. As she washes you, she examines your body, her heart aching at every bruise she comes across.

The healing salve healed every cut and all of the major injuries you sustained, but tender bruises still remain. Where your ribs and wrist were once broken, deep purple bruises developed. As much as Alcina hates that they litter your body, it provides her some relief knowing you weren't exposed to too much of the mold. Enough to heal your major wounds, but not enough to cause any mutations or more harm.

She turns you around and holds your chin as she wipes the dried blood from your face. You watch her eyes as the scan every inch of your skin. Making sure not a single speck of blood is left. After one more once-over she nods to herself, satisfied. Her eyes flick down and meet yours and the corner of her lips curl into a faint smile. With your chin still between her thumb and forefinger, she tilts your face up and captures your lips in a gentle yet passionate kiss.

When her lips leave yours, she looks into your eyes for a few moments before placing a kiss on your forehead. The sensation of her lips lingers on your skin after she pulls away. Alcina turns you back around and washes herself. More trails of blood seep into the water as she washes off the remainder of the soap on her skin.

Alcina wraps her arm around your middle and pulls you into her. She reaches across the tub and pulls out the drain stopper. You watch as the blood stained water whirlpools around the drain and disappears. All of the blood, a mixture of yours and Stefana's, vanishing as if it was never there to begin with. Thinking the bath is done, you move to get up. Alcina pulls you tighter into her, keeping you in place.

"We are not quite finished yet draga. I want you to soak for a little longer. However, sitting in bloody water is not ideal so I am drawing a fresh bath."

When the water finally drains Alcina replaces the stopper and turns on the taps to fill the tub up once more. The sensation of the cool air against your wet skin sends a shiver down your spine and you shudder. Alcina feels you shake in her arms and pulls you closer. Her usually cool skin is now warm from the bath. The chill in your body melts as she wraps both of her arms around you while the tub continues to fill.

She shifts around behind you and you hear the clinking of glass bottles. You watch as she pours some of her oils and salts into the tub as it fills. The aromas rise through the steam, mixing and mingling together to form a relaxing and calming scent.

The two of you lay in the tub in a comfortable silence as the water continues to rise. Alcina rests her cheek on the top of your head and you feel her let out a heavy exhale. Tightening your grip a little on her arms that are wrapped around you, she hums in response and gently brushes her nose against the shell of your ear.

Alcina leans forward when the tub fills, her arm tightening around you, keeping you close to her, and turns off the taps. She rests against the back of the tub and you lean back against her chest. Another comfortable silence washes over the two of you as you relax in each others arms. Alcina's nails aimlessly dance along your sides and you trace random shapes across her thighs.

This truly feels like the longest day to ever exist. It feels like you were asked to help Alcina with filing days ago, not this morning. Like your confrontation with Stefana was so long ago. That all of the pain you endured from tumbling down the stairs didn't occur just a few hours ago. Especially since you sustained injuries that should have taken weeks to heal, not instantly. But now, here you were. Relaxing in the bath with Alcina holding you tightly against her. Without realizing it, you let out a sigh and allow yourself to fully relax into her.

"Are you alright, draga?" Alcina asks.

"Mhm." You hum. "It's just been a long day."

"It certainly has been." She says with a sigh. "I believe I still owe you an explanation." Craning your neck, you look up at her with confusion written across your face. "About the mold."

You feel the lightbulb go off in your head.

"Oh, right. What is it?"

"I might as well start from the beginning if I want to give you an accurate picture." She says.

Alcina begins to tell you about how Miranda lost her daughter, Eva, and came across the Megamycete, also known as The Black God and it bestowed her incredible powers. From there, she began experimenting on residents of the village to try and find a "vessel" that could host her daughters consciousness that lived on in the Megamycete. Eventually, she created the Cadou, a parasite that causes the host to mutate in hopes of creating a perfect vessel for Eva. Miranda used the parasite on the descendants of the four founders of the village. Donna, Karl, Salvatore and herself.

"I was the first successful experiment." Alcina says. "And by 'successful,' I mean I didn't die or turn into a moroaică or a lycan. But in Miranda's eyes I was still considered a failure because I was not an acceptable vessel for Eva."

"Why not?"

"Because the cadou didn't necessarily cure my blood disease. Instead, I now rely on the blood of humans to survive."

The puzzle pieces in your mind begin to fall into place.

"What was it like? When you got the cadou?"

"It was horrific. I had never experienced pain like that in my entire life. Every second was more painful and excruciating than the last. It took weeks for my mutation to complete and I was given nothing to help with the pain."

"Wait, so she just let you suffer?"

"Yes. She wanted to document how it affected my body and needed me to be conscious to properly document the outcome."

"So you just woke up in pain and continued to be in pain for weeks?"

"There was no 'waking up in pain.'"

"I don't understand."

Alcina sighs and you look up. Her eyes have a faraway look in them as she recalls the procedure.

"I was dying, as I told you before. Mother Miranda promised me immortality, great power, endless beauty, and a cure. With nothing left to lose I immediately accepted her offer and met her here in the village. She brought me into her lab and briefly explained the procedure. Not once did she mention the torture I was about to endure. I stripped and laid down on the operating table. Mother Miranda strapped me down and it wasn't until then did I think I may have made a mistake. That she was not honest with her intentions. But it was too late. She carved into my body and implanted the cadou."

"And you were awake the whole time?"

"Yes. I felt every single thing she did to me." You look up at her with concern in your eyes. Alcina looks down at you and sees the look on your face. "Please don't fret about it draga mea, it was a very, very long time ago."

"But still-"

"But still nothing, what has happened has happened. There is nothing either one of us can do that will change the past. The only thing I can do now is protect you from experiencing the torture I endured."

Nodding your head, you lean back against Alcina who wraps her arms around you again.

"So what happened after that?"

She continues to explain how Miranda trusted her, made her a Lord, and even allowed her to conduct her own experiments on maids of the castle under Miranda's supervision.

"So you implanted the cadou into your maids? Is that what Miranda came for the first time I met her?"

"Yes. The experiments still take place in the laboratory in the dungeons." A shiver crawls up your spine and doesn't go unnoticed by Alcina. There it is again, that push and pull between viewing Alcina as the woman you love and the ruthless murderer she is.

"You put them through the same torture that you went through?"

"Essentially. Most of the moroaică, were dead maids before implanting the cadou into them. But yes, some maids were alive when they were experimented on."

"Why would you do that? If you knew how horrible it was, why would you knowingly put someone else through the same thing?!"

"It's complicated, draga. Mother Miranda did not give me a choice in the beginning. And in order to survive, I needed flesh and blood. I was revolted at first, truly. The thought of killing people, eating them, drinking their blood was awful. But as time went on, I became accustomed to what I had to do to survive."

"Do you enjoy it?"

"Enjoy what?"

"Killing people, eating them, drinking their blood? All of it."

"Do you really want to know the answer to that?"

You pause for a moment to consider her question. Is that really an answer you need? Will you be able to live with yourself if you say no, will you be able to sleep at night not knowing how she feels? Although you have a feeling you already know what her answer will be. What if she says yes? Will you be able to live with yourself for loving someone who enjoys such horrific things? No matter how you answer her question, no answer is going to sit right with you.

The newfound relationship between you and Alcina is being rebuilt on trust and honesty. How can you possibly keep that going if you don't give her the opportunity to be honest with you? Even if it's at your expense. No, you don't want to know the answer, but she deserves the opportunity to be honest with you.

"No, not really. But it would be wrong for me to deny you the chance to be honest with me about these things. So, no, I don't want to know, but you deserve the chance to tell me the truth, regardless of how I'm going to feel about it."

"Draga, are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Ask me again."

"Do you enjoy killing people?"

"Yes."

Even though you knew what her answer was going to be deep down, her confession washed over you like a bucket of cold water. Here you were, laying in the arms of a true predator. Someone who enjoyed killing, who took pleasure in torturing people. She could rip you to shreds in an instant and would probably be able to find the joy in it even though she loves you.

Yet somehow, you still loved her. It made your stomach twist in all of the wrong ways knowing you were in love with someone like that. It made you begin to question your own sanity. Your mind raced a million miles an hour as you tried to sort through the thousands of thoughts and emotions that began to surface. Alcina was well aware of the fact that you were struggling to process what she said, that you were trying to make sense of it. She sat there in silence with her arms wrapped around you for a few minutes, allowing you time to process everything. She finally broke the silence when she felt you were starting to spiral.

"I know it's not easy to understand, or to accept." Alcina says, brushing your hair away from your face and pulling you back to reality. "I know how you see me, how you see the girls. You see the parts of us that the rest of the world refuses to believe exists. You see the humanity in us and I cannot begin to describe how wonderful it has been to be viewed as human instead of a monster. But we are both. We are humans. Mutants would perhaps be a more accurate term. Regardless, we are humans and monsters, draga mea." You recoil a little when you hear Alcina call herself and the girls monsters. It makes your blood want to boil. "I despise when people call us monsters, I truly do. But part of the reason that I hate it so much is because there is truth to it. It's an ugly, horrible truth, but it's the truth. We are monsters, draga. Even though we are more than that, it's still apart of who we are."

"Then what does that make me? Does it mean that I've lost my humanity? Don't get me wrong, I hate that you enjoy hurting people, it makes me feel sick. But it doesn't make me love you or the girls any less. That scares me Alcina."

Alcina's knuckle rests under your chin and she guides your gaze up towards her. Her golden eyes are glowing and you lose yourself in them for a moment.

"It makes you the most kind, most understanding person I've ever met. I never thought that anyone would ever be able to see past the horrors. That we would only ever be seen as monsters. Then you came along. For the first time since I became what I am today, a human saw me as more than just a monster. You saw the humanity in me I thought I lost long ago. You have every right to be scared, but I promise, no matter what, I will keep you safe. I will never harm you and I will do everything to ensure that no harm ever comes to you again."

And you believed her. There are probably hundreds, thousands of people who would call you stupid for believing her, but none of them know Alcina like you do. If she says you're safe, that she would never hurt you, that she would go to the ends of the earth to protect you, it's the truth.

She goes on to explain one particular experiment where the cadou was used on three maids. Over the course of a week, blowflies consumed their bodies and eventually assimilated their DNA and were able to reform as the maids. They became the Countess's three daughters. Bela woke up first, then Cassandra and then finally Daniela.

"They were all deemed failures, unacceptable vessels for Eva because of their vulnerability to the cold. None of them remember their lives before the cadou implantation and when they awoke I immediately formed a bond with them. Miranda decided to gift the girls to me, for me to raise as my own. After decades of being in this castle alone and isolated, aside from the maids, I finally had a family of my own, three beautiful daughters. It was the happiest day of my life."

You look up at Alcina and immediately notice the beautiful glow in her eyes as she thought back on the memory. A smile ghosting her lips as she talked about the girls. Her eyes slowly shift down to you and lock with yours. She leans down and places a kiss on your forehead and holds you tighter.

"So the mold I drank came from the Black God?"

"Yes, although there were only traces of the mold in the salve. It was not composed entirely of mold which is why you remained unaffected by it. I suspect that only drinking half of the bottle and throwing up most of what you did drink was also a factor."

"Will I have a higher tolerance to it now since I've drank it?"

"I do not know draga. Truthfully, I would never like to find out. The risks associated with infecting you with the mold or the cadou are dangerous. I will fight to the death to keep you from experiencing it, to keep you safe. To keep me from losing you. I can't lose you draga mea. I can't. I won't." Her tone becomes harsh and protective as her grip around you tightens. "Especially after today. I thought you were- I stopped hearing your heartbeat- you were on the floor, in a pool of blood-" Alcina shakes her head and squeezes her eyes shut, holding back tears. "I can't lose you. I'm certain it would kill me."

Even in her tight grip, you manage to turn around and wrap your arms around her neck. Alcina cradles the back of your head with one hand and the other sprawls out across your back.

"I love you, Alcina."

"Si eu te iubesc draga mea." (I love you too my darling.)

The two of you hold each other for a few minutes. Never have you felt more vulnerable, more in love, or felt this close to Alcina as you lay there skin-to-skin.

Neither of you realized the bath water had gone cold until goosebumps covered across your skin.

Alcina holds you close to her, her hand still against your back, and leans forward to pull the drain plug. She stands with you in her arms and grabs an extra large towel to wrap around the both of you. Exhaustion begins to make itself known in your body as she carries you into the bedroom. Alcina dries the both of you off and sits you down on the bed. She walks over to the wardrobe and pulls out two nightgowns in two very different sizes. The smaller one for you, the much larger one for herself.

Once you're both dressed, Alcina pulls down the duvet and you wiggle underneath it. She gracefully slides under the sheets next to you and covers you both with the duvet once more. You cuddle into Alcina as close as you possibly can and she chuckles. Sliding her arm underneath you, Alcina rolls onto her back and pulls you on top of her.

"Goodnight my love." She says as she places a kiss on your forehead.

"Goodnight Alcina." Your voice barely a whisper as you drift off to sleep.

When you wake up your whole body feels cold and sore. As your eyes flicker open, it takes them a moment to adjust to the dim light. You have no idea where you are. Sitting up in a daze, you realize you're laying on a cold, stone floor. A piercing scream jolts you out of your daze and you stand up.

"Alcina?" You call out with a shaking voice.

A second scream rings out and your eyes dart around as you try to figure out your surroundings.

"Where am- is this the dungeon?" You think to yourself. Another scream echoes through the air.

Turning to your left you see the rusted cell door is open and you step out into the dungeon. More noises echo down the hall and you follow them as your heart beats wildly in your chest.

Terrifying cackles and giggles grow louder and louder. The hall opens up to a larger room and you see three cloaked figures bending over something. The closer you get you realize they're on top of someone, a maid, who's flailing underneath them.

"Daniela? Bela? Cass?"

The girls turn around and you immediately notice there's blood covering their faces and running down the front of their dresses. Their eyes are wide and wild. Looking down, you freeze when you see Stefana on the floor, reaching out towards you. She has massive chunks bitten from her flesh.

"Help me! Please!" She screams. "They're monsters!"

You take a few shaking steps backwards and fall as the girls walk towards you.

"Alcina!" You cry out.

The sound of a dark chuckle fills your ears and a figure emerges from the shadows. Looking up, you freeze in fear when you see Alcina. Her eyes are swirling gold and she has the most sinister look on her face. She walks up to Stefana and looks down, her smile growing wider. Alcina reaches down and lifts Stefana by her shirt.

"Please-" Stefana begins to scream but Alcina bites down hard on her throat and rips it out. Blood splatters everywhere and you let out a blood-curdling scream.

Alcina tosses Stefana's body away and continues her walk towards you. The girls step aside so their mother could pass and Alcina stops in front of you.

She bends down to get closer to you. You can see the blood dripping from her chin, the crimson color blending in perfectly with her lipstick. You can smell the fresh blood, see how it coats her teeth. You look into her eyes and you don't see the soft, loving look you're so used to. In it's place is a feral, wild, terrifying look.

"Alcina," you sob.

"What's the matter, draga? Are you afraid?" Her tone is condescending, like she's mocking you. All you can do is nod your head as tears fall down your cheeks.

Alcina snatches you by the neck and stands up to her full height, keeping you eye-level with her. You dig your nails into her wrist, desperately trying to get her to let you go.

"Alcina, please! You said you would never hurt me!"

Her laugh is low and dark, it shoots fear straight through you.

"And you actually believed me? Silly girl." She says before she unsheathes her claws.

"Please! Alcina! I love you! Please don't, please!"

"This is what you get when you love a monster."

She reels her arm back and slashes at you. The last thing you see are her swirling gold eyes before everything goes dark.

[expectiations]

Please tell me you also headcanon that The Doctor, specifically 12, calls River "Mrs. Song" if he's annoyed at her or playfully teasing her. Cuz I could 100% see River in their house or just in the TARDIS on Darillium telling him to do the dishes or do something and the Doctor just replies "Right away, Mrs. Song" in an affectionate, teasing, playful, and any kind of way. Like It's just so UGGHHH- (Pardon me, just another Doctorriver enthusiast)

I personally headcanon that it started with 11. His glee over marrying her always bubbles over and despite changing bodies, has remained the same (the Doctor insists it actually becomes more with each regeneration. I just roll my eyes and say yes yes I know you're so down bad for her. Chill).

It starts with him introducing the two of them and realizing 'Mrs. The Doctor' sounds eurgh. And so is 'Mrs. Doctor'. He happily settled on 'Mrs. Song' because he is after all THE one and only Mr. Song, a badge the Doctor wears with pride and honour.

During the honeymoon period (which never seemed to end honestly), he kept on going around and introducing her as Mrs. Song. When he realizes just how much time and effort River has put into achieving her doctorate degree (and how proud she is of her academic achievements), he introduces them as 'Dr. and Mr. Song' instead (she's always introduced first. unless they're in unfamiliar, slowly more ominous looking territory. that's when he introduces himself first. because [and mind you, this is according to the Doctor] it would make him more of a target and keep less attention on her).

On Darillium, the same tradition continues. He would only call her Mrs. Song in private as mentioned in the ask above. But in front of the public eye, she's always (now) Professor Song.

No matter how much the Doctor claims to hate archeology and archeologists, the woman he loves is still one. I totally believe he only grumbles just to wind up River (something that would make a really young River hurt → 🥺 whereas older versions of River who has found out the Doctor's just winding her up just rolls her eyes → 🙄)

[frostfloweragainlol-alias-juno]

I need to know more about austin

Here some facts about him! (Not all but a good amount)

- His healing factor is faster than Wade’s (the lab he was created in gave him a maxed out version of Wade’s mutation and made sure his body was able to take on the massive cell regeneration), but it isn’t noticeable unless its about have to regrow limbs

He also has some side effects from it being that fast, if it isn’t something relatively small most of the times it hurts more than the injury itself

- Due to the time in the lab he finds very difficult trusting anyone, it took him a lot to trust Wade in the first place when he found him (after he escaped from it) and brought him home and even more to trust who that he introduced him to (aka his friends/family)

Including later on after the events of the movie Logan and Laura

But once he warmed up to all them he would do anything for them

- Always uses headphones to listen to music when doing merc business (Wade never wanted him to follow his footsteps but didn’t want to force him out of it if that’s really what he wants to do)

(He really likes Chappell Roan’s music among others)

- He loves musicals

- Blind Al/Althea is basically like a grandmother to him as she kept an eye on him when Wade was out doing merc stuff

- Laura and him basically act as siblings, they really get along since they had a similar experience in the lab

- he didn’t know Wade gone through when he got his powers for a long time

(i headcanon Wade has some type of side effects due to his body basically having cancer all over, and he avoided telling Austin that as long as possible especially when he just brought him home )

[hanayanaa]

V ISNT DEAD GUYS!!! : )

ALWAYS BACK UP YOUR DENIAL WITH PROOF AND EVIDENCE KIDS

1) well okay, first off, the classic rule that if a character dies off screen, they're probably not dead. classic time tested rule!

2) they made so much merch of her, not to mention she's literally the face of the franchise as one of the first characters liam made for the show. They aren't going to kill off such an iconic and integral character this early on. remember, we still have SEVERAL more seasons to go!

3) the lyrics of eternal dream, which are supposedly about V's inner thoughts and wishes, states that she is tired of this dream (life), which is more of a nightmare for her. I'm going to annotate the entirety of it on genius sometime this week hopefully /srs, but the last line is "I can't end this dream", a desperate cry, for she can't escape her living nightmare, where she is hurt and used and traumatized so much, but also, in our case, potential evidence of her coming back? nola klop, her va, also said that this version isn't the whole song, since she mentions being excited for the full version. and since it's about V, a full version, along with that line, implies she will return. mostly that latter point though, ill admit the single line might be a stretch LOLL but i figured eh might as well include it...

4) J's still off reading about stock prices or whatever in tessa's space ship lol. J's doing J things and she might've gotten bored and went exploring and ended up finding and saving V. we literally have no idea what she's doing besides getting a command to look after tessa's vehicle, which she can probably do from a relative distance. she's stated as a workaholic, but that means she'd also probably get bored quickly if she has nothing to actively do, if there isn't anything for her to be actively guarding, she might wander off while simply occasionally checking the ship. (I also want more J too she's so fucking funny)

5) she had her eyes closed during the final scene where we see her! If she had kept them closed, then she should be fine in regards to getting bootlooped at least. maybe she was scared, or was embarrassed in a way, not wanting herself or anyone else to see her in this raw, vulnerable state she hates and fears so much. and unless the sentinels tear out her heart/core, she'll probably be fine and can regenerate herself. (side note: alice has an id card like nori and yeva, doll's mother. she was one of the patient zero drones who were purposefully infected with solver in order to see it's effects and conduct research, so she'll probably be back as well, considering she's most likely a solver user. beau might be back, i can't say for sure, all depends if she decides to revive him or not. the disassembly drone corpses in cabin fever labs were probably because alice used a combination of sentinels and solver manipulation to take them down and remove their hearts, which we can see she keeps in an old oven, which is why they can't regenerate themselves anymore and are effectively dead. the hearts are the "worm" thing uzi mentioned would come out of V if alice cut her up.)

6) while the show itself has a lot of gags, it's also brimming with genuine love for detail and lore, like they're fucking around, but they're also not fucking around. V has a lot to tell us still, since she's been extremely mysterious and quiet about her own personal past, probably due to trauma and being terrified of being vulnerable, since she was so often hurt when she let her guard down. a lot of things about her aren't really directly mentioned, and are just IMPLIED, the most prominent examples being her genuine inner thoughts, since there are many zoom-ins to her face and expressions, but we are only left to guess on what she's really thinking. so they're not going to let her go just yet; in fact, i think the next episode will be one centered around her (probably more flashbacks? who knows, but i think since she's been important, but not centered on really until now, she'll recieve her own time in the spotlight.)

7) similar to the point above, her character arc is far from over, and if she were to die now, it'd be a crime against her character and the entire story. she was and still is a vital part of the team, but everyone else was so wrapped up in their own plans or infatuations that poor V ended up getting almost completely ignored. even though she loves everyone deep down, and protects them with her life, she never once got a thank you, or asked how she's doing, or anything. all she got was mostly light arguements and insults back-- the last thing uzi said to her was "you, ew! you're mean!", while the last thing V said to uzi was "uzi, I trust you." one could argue that because of her snarky attitude, she's kind of walking into these scuffles, but...really? no one ever stopped for one second to think about that person right next to them and think about who they are beyond that snark? not even N, who's been with her since the beginning, and openly admitted to having a crush on her? or tessa, her superior, who presumably rescued her from the dump, gave her clothes and hair and companionship? she squealed upon seeing N, but didn't give a single glance at V aside from an argument near the end of the episode, and a reflection of V looking solemnly back in her helmet. i genuinely think that because of these mistakes, she'll come back... eventually, at least, so hopefully they can learn from their mistakes and treat her better this time around, for they are getting a second chance, and everyone can slowly start healing together. V has a very broken heart, so for her to fully heal, i unfortunately don't think that will happen for a long time, but she can begin the process slowly, if her teammates start treating her more kindly, as a peer, someone whose thoughts and opinions and feelings matter too, rather than just someone to be snarky and argued with.

to summarize, she has an almost 99.9% chance of coming back because she's the face of the franchise, along with having a bunch of merchandise, it'd be kind like of shooting yourself in the foot to kill off the literal most iconic character, the literal icon. the final lyrics of eternal dream and the mention from her va that this current version isn't even the full length version, implies V will come back, especially since the song is from her point of view. lastly, her character arc is far from over, since while being a vital part of the team, her teammates have been ignoring her for the most part ever since episode 2, even though she's been there with them this entire time. bringing her back gives everyone a chance to make it up to her, and brings both parties to a point of healing. lastly, her character arc aside, she has much to tell us about the lore, since she is implied to know and be hiding a lot, but since she is so mysterious due to her painful past, it is hard for her to open up. the last two points are connected, as if she is more comfortable, she'll open up more, revealing more about the lore and story along with it.

Out of all the characters ive loved throughout the years, i genuinely do think she is the most tragic one. considering the only real decision she was ever allowed to make was sacrificing herself to the sentinels, possibly in an attempted suicide to finally end all of the pain welled up in her heart? yeah.

she's probably one of my favourite characters of all time, even though ive only recently watched it, she has already made a permanent mark on my heart. i really, truly do hope that she comes back, because she deserves it. she deserves to heal and be appreciated for who she is, and she deserves a space where she's comfortable enough to let down her walls and be her honest self again. i think if she comes back, we'll see a much more vulnerable and timid side of her we haven't seen before except for occasional rare moments. she'll still be snarky, but it'll take her a while to recover from the initial shock of all her emotional turmoil surrounding her sacrifice, as well as get used to all the new attention she's getting. after that, however, she'll recover and start healing and come back as a stronger, happier, and still very snarky V. ♡

[gayometer]

Hello!

Can i request platonic odin, thor and loki x reader from the light of my life fic but is cunning and manipulative like makima to everyone else who isnt their family, they also can control forces such as wind, gravity and blood along with all other makima’s power like regeneration, control, etc. they are the god of devil and control and look like the younger boy ver of makima with her red hair and yellow eyes which has circles on them.

Thank u!

Not as innocent

Writer's block go BRRRRRRR

Also this is still gn but I guess masc appearance? Cause of the entire "younger boy version"

Also Makima.....BARK BARK

Does not believe it.

You're his sweet youngest child, you can't even control a cat, how can you manipulate an entire deity?

Regeneration and wind control is what he would prefer you focus on.

Although the blood control thing is something he sees as extremely useful, you can't counter someone who can control your blood.

Odin is still as protective and won't tolerate anyone saying you did something, and if there's proof?

"You gave them a reason"

You don't even fit what you're the god of! God of Devils? You're an angel.

Although, why does one answer with "woof"?

Does not believe it pt. 2

You're an angel, you can do no wrong.

He's glad you can regenerate, that's less infirmary visits if you get hurt.

The whole wind and gravity thing it also pretty neat to him, but you can regenerate that's more important.

He won't use his hammer while sparring with you, he goes easy and still wins.

Your gravity barley affects him, he's stronger.

He'll still teach you some things, but you're too cute to harm.

Thor isn't really an expert at socializing, but he's pretty sure devils don't bark.

He did however witness one of your "named human sacrifices" and he didn't bat an eye.

He's most likely the one to know about the switch, you can barely trick him after all (unless you're Jack apparently).

He can't control blood, but at least you can control him cause he HAS seen you make a lesser god pop just by controlling their blood.

Lowkey scared, he'll pass it off a respect, he's older so why should he be afraid of you?

Besides you completely change your act around your brothers and father, so he's safe.

Although a neat little "trick" you do with him is lowering the gravity and making him fall on his back.

Also make winds strong enough to blow him away. It's little fun and he gets you back by teleporting behind you and giving you a little scare, nothing serious you're still his precious little sibling after all.

He doesn't bat an eye at the manipulation, or when any deity comes to him saying you did something wrong, they always get the same two responses.

"You did something to them then, we did teach then how to defend themselves"

"Nah, you're lying you can't trick me"

[hazbmymhotel]

I forgot to post chapter 12 here! So here's the text!!

I made references to my wife's fanfic throughout:

Chapter 12) Making plans

“You can't be mad at ME for your bad choices, Angel!” Vaggie crossed her arms and glared at him.

 

Both Angel and Husk were damp from bathing and in comfortable clothes. Angel had wrapped himself in a plush, soft robe, but that didn't help him feel any better.

 

Angel looked at her flatly. “I absolutely can be mad at you, Vagina. You said he had to be sleepin’ to deal with whatever was happenin’ to him.”

 

“And why isn't Husk pissed off at me?” Vaggie asked, rolling her one eye.

 

Husk sat in Angel's lap, having only been wrangled into an oversized T-shirt. He swatted at the crochet in Angel's hands.

 

“He's very high.” Angel sighed, “Cherri might’ve dosed him a little too much.”

 

Vaggie rubbed her forehead. She stood from her chair and looked down at them on the couch. “Let me make this clear, hallucinogens will also make a connection.”

 

“You could’ve made it clear this mornin’.”

 

“You both fucking ran off after you stole three souls!!”

 

“I made hot chocolate!!” Roberto announced excitedly, bursting into the room from the kitchen with a tray.

 

“Yesss,” Husk said, sitting up between Angel’s legs.

 

“I'm good,” Angel held his hand up, so Husk grabbed two. “Babe.” He took one of the mugs and set it on the coffee table. “Okay, fine, you're right, Vaggie,” he rolled his eyes. “So what do we do to fix it? Husker can't stay awake forever.”

 

“It's not like sinners need sleep,” Vaggie scowled…but she did accept a hot chocolate.

 

“Anchor and Giovanni are making cookies!” Roberto matched Charlie’s excitement, clearly thriving in the hotel already.

 

Angel puffed out a breath. “Good. Glad. See, Vaggie, I made a good decision today…so tell me what we do about the fuckin’ labyrinths issue.”

 

Vaggie sat back down.

 

“Vaggie? This is where you speak,” Angel told her.

 

“Well…the labyrinths are just a few levels of the backrooms…” Vaggie sipped slowly.

 

Angel frowned. “You have no fuckin’ clue.”

 

“Eugh!” Vaggie groaned at him. “I have no fucking clue! They've been a problem for Heaven for longer than I've been around.”

 

“So even Heaven doesn't know?!” Angel groaned and crocheted faster, aggressively. “Why is it targeting’ Husk and nobody else?!”

 

Vaggie considered for a moment. She looked at Roberto. “When Arackniss attacks a body, does it regenerate?”

 

“When he unravels somebody?” Roberto asked. “No. Usually all of them disappear into the air…they don't come back.”

 

“Husk was supposed to die,” Vaggie concluded.

 

“He's already dead. ” Angel ignored his phone as Cherri started blowing it up with texts. Husk turned and started pawing at it from under his leg. Angel grabbed the other mug of hot chocolate from him, placing it next to the first.

 

“He was supposed to die like he was exterminated,” Vaggie clarified. “There's a possibility that those souls go to purgatory.”

 

“And that those souls ,” Alastor said as he walked into the room, “are being devoured and cannibalized!!” He stumbled slightly.

 

“Are you fucking high?!” Vaggie demanded as he stood next to her chair.

 

“Mmmmno,” Alastor wiped his lips free of golden liquid.

 

“Whatever you and Lucifer are doing is fucked , Alastor! You're going to end up as fucked over as Husk!” Vaggie snarled.

 

Husk looked up with a mmmrow.

 

“Fuck off, Vagina!” Angel shouted. “He's not fucked over! We just have to figure out a fuckin’ solution!”

 

“I doubt consumption of angelic flesh will send me to purgatory,” Alastor told her. “Though, I could test it if you'd allow me a bite!” He didn't react as she shoved her spear into his face.

 

“Shove it! Don't talk unless you have a solution!”

 

“Why not arm yourself, Husker?” Alastor asked.

 

Husker looked at his arms, then crawled back into his place against Angel’s stomach. He yawned. Angel gave him a firm shake.

 

“Hey!!” Husk’s fur puffed out.

 

“Husk…can you take anythin’ with you into the labyrinths?”

 

“I keep losing my cane,” Husk grumbled and sat up, looking at Angel with betrayal. He licked the fur down on his arm to calm it down.

 

Vaggie tried not to react. She would not view Husker as cute .

 

“Boss, you sure did pick a cute wife,” Roberto praised.

 

“ I’m the wife,” Angel said firmly. “Or we're both the husband.”

 

“Oh!” Roberto nodded. “Can I get anythin’ for you, boss?”

 

“Weapons that can go into dreams?”

 

“Mmmmmm,” Roberto hummed, unsure. “Okay…” he turned and left the room.

 

“Yeah, I'll never see him again,” Angel sucked his teeth.

 

Husk finished smoothing his arms down and crossed them. He looked down, startled again by his chest. He plucked.

 

“Husker, stop!” Angel grabbed his hands. “Come lie on me.”

 

“You won't let me sleep, Mommy,” Husk groaned.

 

Vaggie covered her mouth, “I'm not going to ask.”

 

Alastor looked bored. “Angel Dust…what did you do to Husker’s chest.”

 

“Oh!” Angel tugged Husk to him, in spite of his complaints. “I, uh…I think I sewed him up with a piece of my soul?”

 

“Excuse me?” Vaggie lowered her hand.

 

“Like this?” Angel gripped his own chest and tugged.

 

“Uhhh…air?” Vaggie scoffed.

 

Angel grabbed Husk's hand, using his claw to slice through the string.

 

“Oh!!!” Vaggie shouted, surprised as it became visible. “Angel!”

 

“It's how I took control of the new guys…” he wiggled the string, so Husk batted at it. “But I'm not rippin’ anythin’ open like Nickie did. Here, Kitten, a souvenir.” Angel wrapped the string around his neck like a ribbon. Husk purred noisily.

 

“Yes, it seems as though fate favors you, Angel Dust,” Alastor checked his nails. “By the way, wherever did you get that yarn you're using?”

 

“Found a couple of bundles layin’ around. I thought these colors looked good together.” Angel held the partially finished sweater against Husk. “Red and gold looks good on you, Babycakes.”

 

Alastor's eye twitched.

 

“Okay, Boss!” Roberto walked back into the room. “I think I got something!”

 

Angel jumped, forcing Husk to wake up again.

 

“Ugh,” the cat grumbled.

 

“You do??” Angel asked. “Lemme see.”

 

Roberto held out several loose herbs and small flowers from Charlie's garden.

 

“...Roberto, what the hell is this?” Angel sighed.

 

“Chamomile and lavender, sir,” Roberto was clearly proud of himself. “They stop nightmares.”

 

Angel opened his mouth to say something snarky, but Vaggie cut him off.

 

“That's actually not a bad idea,” she said.

 

Husk grabbed the throw blanket from the couch, wrapping it around his shoulders protectively. He nestled into the back of the couch, trying to snooze without Angel noticing. He hissed noisily when Angel tugged on his ear.

 

“Awake,” Angel told him. “What do I do with it?”

 

“You can make a tea, boss, or you can put it in your pillow. A bath with herbs could help,” Roberto rambled happily.

 

“You work with my Ma a lot, don't you?” Angel sniffed them. At least they smelled nice.

 

“Yes!”

 

“...We could try it,” Angel turned them in his fingers. He tied them together with an embroidery thread.

 

“Guess who made cooookies?” Charlie sang, walking into the room. She answered herself, “Our new gueeests!”

 

Giovanni looked bored, but Anchor seemed pleased with himself.

 

“I don't understand why we're here,” Giovanni complained. “Angel Dust, what the fuck, man. I thought we were cool.”

 

“I have no fuckin' clue who you are,” Angel said simply, giving Husker another shake.

 

Giovanni looked offended and hurt, “we've had sex.”

 

“Oh, me too,” Anchor said casually.

 

“You and half of Hell, shnookums. Now which one are you?”

 

“...Giovanni,” he said, deflated.

 

“Well, Giovanni, uh, good job on following orders. I guess I won't, uh, lash you or whatever it is my Dad does,” Angel reached for a cookie from the tray.

 

“He usually shoots our legs,” Anchor provided. He walked around the room with the tray.

 

“What an asshole. We don't normally do that here,” Vaggie said.

 

“We never do that here,” Charlie gasped.

 

Giovanni frowned. “What do you do with fuckers who get out of line?”

 

“We make them sit through a Charlie lecture,” Angel gestured his thumb at her. “I'd rather get shot.”

 

“That's not nice, Angel. It's not in the spirit of friendship!” Charlie moved to make a speech, but Angel held out his hand to stop her.

 

“See?” Angel asked. “It's the real torture. But you get a room for free, here.”

 

“And you do, too, if you work on the program,” Vaggie growled at Angel.

 

“I was busy dealin’ with the spooky ass Zipperman and saving Husker’s life.” Angel tucked the herbs into Husk’s makeshift collar.

 

Husk grunted and gnawed tiredly on a cookie.

 

“It's really fuckin’ scary, actually. I'd be scared of zippers, too, if it was tryin’ to eat me,” Angel tugged Husk back to his lap, squeezing him protectively.

 

“Just let me sleep,” Husk complained, “I'm coming down. ”

 

Vaggie rubbed her temples. “You saw it?”

 

“When it ripped Husk open…I'm guessin’ to cannibalize him?” Angel laid his head on Husk’s.

 

“Right you are,” said Alastor. “I wonder which part of Husk it would keep for its skin.”

 

Angel made a face. “Herbs and shit are gonna be a short term solution if anythin'...we need something that'll kill it.”

 

“If you could see it, maybe you could kill it,” Vaggie considered. “I'd recommend keeping an angelic weapon on you. Both of you. Even if Husk can't hallucinate with it, maybe we can figure out something.”

 

“I'll just tie it to his hand and tell him to start slashin’...speakin’ of. Husk. Husker!” Angel gave him a firm jostle, but the cat just groaned quietly, eyes closed.

 

Angel frowned, staring at him. “He's out cold.”

 

“It's as good a time as any to test out the herb theory,” Vaggie sighed.

 

Angel smoothed Husk’s ears back with gentle touches. “Yeah…can one of you get my knife?”

It was dark in the hotel. Hours had passed, and nothing had happened with Husk as of yet. The cat moved a few times in his sleep, finally settling into a loaf under his blanket, all of his limbs tucked beneath his torso.

 

Angel had his feet on the coffee table, one arm over the back of the couch, and another draped protectively on Husk. He munched popcorn, watching the television screen.

 

“Are you sure this is a good movie to have on?” Charlie asked, tucked into Vaggie on the other side of Husk. “What if a horror movie gives him nightmares.”

 

“If there aren't any zipper sounds, I bet he won't even notice,” Angel said. He grinned when Roberto brought him a soda. “Thanks, Robbie, you watchin’?”

 

“No thanks, Boss. I'm gonna hit the hay…it's like 3 in the morning,” Roberto gave a little wave. His wings fluttered softly, giving a tiny: Zzt! As he left.

 

Husk's ears twitched and he stretched his front paws out in front of him. He opened his eyes tiredly, trying to figure out what was happening in the film.

 

Angel shoved another mouthful of popcorn into his mouth, sucked into the movie.

 

“She shouldn't go in there,” Charlie whimpered, and Vaggie hugged her closer.

 

“What are we doing?!” Lucifer exclaimed, flicking on the lights.

 

Charlie and Angel Screamed. Vaggie grabbed her spear. Husk leapt up, fur poofed down to the end of his tail.

 

“DAD!” Charlie hung over the back of the couch, horns and hair fiery in her terror.

 

“Hey, pumpkin!” He strolled over to the couch. “Having a little ‘Voxflix and Chill' session with the gang?”

 

“Ohh, that's not what that means,” Angel held his chest, breathing hard. “Husk! You're up!”

 

Husk rubbed his head, “With a fucking headache.”

 

“Sorry, Kitten,” Angel smoothed the fur on his head down. “I'll get you a water, I bet you're dehydrated as fuck.” He stood with a stretch. He'd changed into pajamas hours ago.

 

Husk watched him walk away before turning to the girls. “When did we get home?”

 

“Wow, you were fucked up,” Vaggie said. “You guys got home sometime after lunch, but you've been asleep about 9 hours…any nightmares?”

 

“No.” Husk plucked the herbs from his collar…and then fingered the string around his neck. “Did I get a makeover?”

 

“Ssssort of,” Charlie winced. “How's your chest?”

 

Husk noticed it as she pointed it out. He was clearly startled. “Ffffine?” He gingerly touched the stitch. A vague memory flashed through his mind, making his wing fluff in fear, “it unzipped me.”

 

“Yeah, we're working on that,” Vaggie grabbed the remote to pause the movie.

 

“What's all this about?” Lucifer sat in Angel’s spot on the couch, grabbing the half thrown container of popcorn.

 

“Husk's been going to the Backrooms,” Charlie answered.

 

“Ohohoh, you're a real lover of horror!” Lucifer praised, “that's some scary shit, little man.”

 

Husk looked at him flatly. He opened his mouth to speak, but instead grunted when Angel lifted him from behind the couch. He wanted to complain, but he worked drinking a large glass of water instead.

 

“I'm guessin’ you've been, your Highness?” Angel asked, climbing to sit where he'd plucked Husk from.

 

“Of course! I'd never ever EVER recommend it!” Lucifer ate another handful. “‘Course, sometimes it can't be helped. Those rooms crave what they crave after all.”

 

“And what's that?” Vaggie asked, backing away from Angel’s elbows.

 

Lucifer grinned, “Souls, of course! Mortal, immortal, inbetweens…all that nonsense! Especially souls that aren't fully stationed, you know. All those poor, poor unbaptized and aborted babies…”

 

“Really?” Charlie asked worriedly.

 

“No, I'm kidding on that last part! Babies get put right back in the cycle like ‘Boop!’” Lucifer tapped Husk’s nose, yanking back fast as the cat snapped his teeth. “Careful, Fella! That's addictive, and I only have so much flesh to give right now.”

 

Husk huffed at him. “So how do I stay out of the Backrooms?”

 

“You start by never going in. Once it has a taste of you, the Backrooms will never stop! It was stupid of you to take a thrill trip there.”

 

Angel, Husk, and Vaggie all gave Lucifer a look.

 

“Dad,” Charlie started, “we need an actual solution, here.”

 

“Sorry, Char-Char, but I don't have one!” Lucifer beamed. “I'd say you just enjoy your afterlife to its fullest before you're completely consumed, Mr Meow Meow.”

 

“Husk, get your hands off my fuckin’ knife, you're not stabbin’ the King of Hell,” Angel scolded him. He set his hand on Husk’s chest, feeling his own soul holding the man together.

 

Husk flattened his ears, and it left Angel aching.

 

“Dad, can you just look into it for me? I bet you have some information,” Charlie pleaded.

 

“Well, I could give it a shot.” Lucifer set the popcorn down and stood, adjusting his suit jacket. “But only ‘cuz you asked, Princess.”

 

Husk wrinkled his nose as Lucifer leaned over him to squeeze at Charlie's cheeks. Angel was clearly unphased.

 

“Off to it!” The Devil disappeared in a plume of golden smoke.

 

Vaggie yawned. “Okay, well, that's enough excitement for me. Husk, keep the lavender and chamomile on you…Angel, get us if something happens.” She got up and helped Charlie to stand. “Time for bed, sweetie.”

 

“Okay…Goodnight guys. Be safe,” Charlie smiled warmly at them before leaving the room.

 

Husk and Angel sat quietly. After a moment, Husk seid, “So…Alastor and Lucifer are up to something .”

 

“What??” Angel asked in surprise. “Is this about the angel blood Alastor's been zonked out on? Cuz he's gettin’ sloppy with hidin' it.”

 

“Probably. I'm no longer privy to Alastor's chatter at all hours….but I can smell him all over Lucifer. I can't say why , but Alastor has made power plays before. I'm sure he's scrubbing himself down in a shower…or a vat of acid.”

 

“Yeah, I got the feelin’ he hates sex. Alastor's told me ‘no,’ after all.” Angel pet the fur on Husk’s cheeks as they gossiped.

 

“He does. But Lucifer's a powerful ally, even if he's insane,” Husk nuzzled into Angel’s palms. “I'm so fucked.”

 

Angel frowned, thinking of the mixtape. There were several songs left, and he was too scared to listen. “We'll figure it out…we will. ” He kissed between Husk’s eyes. “I never wanna be without you.”

 

“You hardly know me,” Husk set his hands over Angel’s. “You lived without me before.”

 

“And I don't want to again. Say you'll be with me til you're gone…”

 

Husk pulled a hand away, flicking his wrist to summon the golden scroll that held Anthony's soul. “I already did. ‘Til death do us part,’ remember?”

 

Angel kissed him, holding Husk as close as he could.

[paradoxcase]

Chapter 24 of Nona the Ninth

The return of the Gideon skull!

For the record, that's when I figured out what they had done

Good news: you finally get to talk face-to-face with your necromancer who you a weirdly intense codependent relationship with and haven't been able to talk to in ages. Bad news: he looks and sounds exactly like Naberius Tern. Do you press the button?

The whole thing where Corona had to pretend to be a necromancer with Ianthe's help must have really contributed to their relationship being this weird sort of incestuous thing. From the last book I sort of got the impression that Ianthe felt like she was Corona's protector, and from what she said last chapter about still planning some way to be with Corona and the fact that she's been actively searching multiple planets for her, it sounds like she had plans to continue that relationship even after she became a Lyctor. I'm not sure if it was made clear at any point if their parents were in on this whole thing or not, but based on their relationship, I feel like they probably weren't? And maybe if they had discovered that Corona wasn't actually a necromancer, something like the Harrow Nova AU would have happened with her. I bet Corona is now glad to have escaped that situation and she's definitely unhappy with how Ianthe treated/is treating Babs, but she still has this weird and twisted up relationship with her

I'm not sure what Pyrrha was pretending here? It sounded like she'd told Ianthe what had happened. Or did Ianthe think she still had Lyctor powers, even when she was Pyrrha and not G1deon?

I'm dying to know what Pyrrha was going to say about Nona's yelling

I never really stopped and thought about the fact that Mercy must have been the one to make the entropy field. Palamedes calculated that it would result in permanent brain damage for Camilla if he did it, and Gideon probably only survived because she's Gideon, but Mercy and Cristabel must have tested this out at some point, right? Was Cristabel just extra thalergenic or something, or did she suffer permanent brain damage? Or did Mercy not run through the whole test herself? Or does the Eighth House have a natural advantage here as was suggested in Gideon the Ninth?

If blood wards age, and get weaker with age, doesn't that mean that John's blood ward on the Tomb should be pretty worn out now after 10,000 years?

It did seem clear to me that Nona's regeneration was much better than Harrow's was in Harrow the Ninth, but I figured that meant it was just like, regular Lyctor-level regeneration. It's interesting that it's actually faster than Lyctor-level regeneration, which maybe also supports her being Alecto, since John's powers came from Alecto and he seems to be the only person more powerful than the Lyctors. But if I understand correctly, I think Lyctors can survive headshots like the one Nona got, or at least BOE thinks they can, and I can't imagine that they didn't try to headshot a Lyctor at least once, since that seems to be their basic MO for killing necromancers

I hope this is not foreshadowing for something, but it probably is

We're 2.75 books into this story and this is the Griddlehark first kiss we get, where Harrow's body is being occupied by someone who definitely isn't Harrow and Gideon is kinda sorta dead and has huge open wounds all down her front

Also, I feel like Nona should be more frightened when a body that she identified as definitely being dead suddenly opens its eyes

That means that Gideon didn't only uh, wake up, I guess, because Nona arrived and has been mobile and able to brush her teeth for a while, because the only other option is that Ianthe manually brushes her teeth for her, and that seems unlikely

I really cannot think of a single time when Mercy would have seen Gideon's body. She saw Gideon's eyes at the end of Harrow the Ninth, and recognized them immediately, but I don't think she ever saw Gideon's body at any point? Unless BOE showed it to her that time when she sent Harrow to kill the planet that just happened to be right next to where We Suffer and Co. were and was like, hey, have fun, I'll be back in 4 hours? I guess she showed up at some point during As Yet Unsent to heal Judith, too, which must have been before that point, so maybe she saw it then?

You punched her out of an airlock, and then she tried to kill you in the incinerator, and then you shot her in the head. This is just how tales of epic romance go in this universe

This is what it means to love in this story isn't it? To own, to squeeze, to cosset, and to destroy

Just a guess, but I think John did not in fact allow her to bring Gideon with her and Ianthe just did it anyway

Is this why people have been saying that Pyrrha must remember the world from before she was resurrected, because she still remembers disco?

So far necromancer/cavalier relationships have been entirely a social construct, there are different rules for them and different ideas about what they mean and how they work across all nine Houses, and we've had cavaliers that switched necromancers, like Protesilaus, like this isn't a soulmate AU. I don't think there should be anything necromantically binding any particular necromancer to their cavalier unless they've actually Lyctorfied. So I can believe that Ianthe has some special necromantic connection to Babs but I don't think there's any reason for Palamedes to have a special necromantic connection to Camilla? Unless the like one step they took towards Lyctorhood counts? But Harrow was able to use necromancy through Gideon when they did the construct challenge back at Canaan House, and they hadn't taken any steps towards Lyctorhood at that point. Even if the phrase "one flesh, one end" somehow has necromantic power, Harrow and Gideon hadn't said that to each other yet at that point

Ianthe put a ward of some kind on her a while back, I wonder if that is protecting her from Number Seven somewhat?

I hope that's like, Nona describing ribs, and not actual teeth in her chest, because why would they be there? It can't have been a modification that John made, because Palamedes claims that her wounds are the same as they were earlier

That does confirm that the only reason Corona came to the barracks was to get Ianthe to put that ward on Judith

Ok, I have a prediction now, which is that since Nona is probably Alecto, or at least mostly Alecto, with maybe some Gideon and/or Harrow residue, when they go to open the Tomb the thing that Pyrrha was afraid of earlier where Nona's soul gets vacuumed out of her body into Gideon is actually going to happen for real with Alecto, and then they will have to try to figure out how to get Harrow's soul back into her body before it dies, and probably also have to deal with Alecto waking up as herself, whatever that turns out to mean

Which is probably why the next book is called Alecto the Ninth

I like how the one thing that breaks her out of pretending to be dead is the thought of getting poked with a needle, haha

So now I have to wonder though, what kind of partly-dead state is she actually in now? And why has she been pretending to be dead? I doubt she would be on Ianthe's side of things and she considers all of these people friends, except for Judith probably

[cursedfortune]

I make it a point to mention the things Mortem has done to herself through willpower (a witch's natural source, it's not magic but minor reality altering through will) or forging spells (leaning into magic alongside of their will).

Naturally, Mortem can see energy based on the witch she developed into in her youth. Energy, in this instance, encompasses everything. Souls are energy, emotions, magic, natural forces (ex. fire), the potential of a person can be measured in energy. For Mortem, she sees it all constantly and narrows her view, reaching out to pluck specific strings and call upon what she's focusing on.

If she wanted, she could force her will upon another and reveal things related to whatever energy aspect she's touching upon. Generally, she doesn't. It's less fun to invade privacy like that. Especially when a lot of the time, impressions of memories come forth to the surface. Usually it's more vague and she intentionally keeps it that way unless she has to go deeper for one reason or another (and often with another's consent).

Seeing energy is something witches can do to some degree, but the extreme it is with Mortem is solely due to the kind of witch she became. Her core ability is energy manipulation (encompasses all those listed about and then some). While her will is enough to make this happen, she reinforced it via making a gate upon her chest. The tattoo that encompasses her entire chest is dedicated to keeping open at all times a gate into the veil where energy of all kinds courses. Magic especially, due to the spirits and fae that inhabit it. Because of this, Mortem can never unsee energy truly. She can minimize her range sometimes, she can kind of diminish the intensity of it, but it's never gone from sight. She has permanently altered her way of seeing to the point when enemies blind her she can track them with just as much ease.

Sometimes even more. Since her eyes were also altered so she could see better at night, during the daytime or around bright lights she can find her eyes aching far more. An ache that last even with her spell of regeneration being there to try and repair what is being affected.

I don't really have strong associations with wildlife when it comes to Mortem, critters that represent her. But it's not far off to say how she approaches energy isn't unlike a spider's web. Or her plucking the strings of an instrument. I usually prefer the latter to represent because an instrument is more fitting. When she taps into someone like that, they feel it resonate throughout their being usually. Unless she has reason to be discrete.

There are many times she'll cast an area of effect and curse everyone in the vicinity with fear. Reaching out and grabbing hold of the unsee strings of fear and giving them a yank collectively. Cursing discord upon a group of soldiers that decided to hunt her isn't uncommon.

This open channel with energy, however, does it make it difficult to be around a lot of people. Her time in war, marching with the armies, it was absolute hell. She's tuned into everything, everyone constantly. It's one thing if she chooses to dampen it, but most of the time (and especially then) she couldn't risk of not catching an enemy approach or ambush. Her vast range of sensing things is like a sonar system. Enemies can and have overwhelmed her with a sensory overload but that's all the more reason why her spell of regeneration was built to be constantly regenerating her body. If she's attacked, she recovers even when her consciousness and focus is under direct attack. If she can keep puppeteering her own body, she can adapt and overcome.

Like everything with what Mortem has done to herself, it all has consequences. Both in small and large ways. The witch hunters learn these and take advantage. She continues adapting, ensuring to make herself the challenge mortals need to face to not grow lazy reaching for their own potential. But she is also fallible. Mostly that's a temporary fallible, because it has to be, but one way to end Mortem is absolutely a one-shot insta-kill deal. So it has to be protected, she had to adapt to the threats of her world (and eventually, beyond).

Her core ability of this energy manipulation was already potent due to her will, but her reinforcing it with magic has led to the full scope of this.

[ask-the-totally-real-peppino]

Looks at Pep's profile on toyhouse:

Oooh, interesting stuff here! Also lots of sadness in the links! More thoughts below:

<"–and even being rescued himself in a few situations.">

<"- he and Porto helped me home when I was struggling to move, let alone keeping my form together -">

<"Porto, and Bello, found me when I wasn't in the best place, and very vulnerable">

My first thought was imagining Pep in 'Sopping Wet Creature' form being in either Porto or Bello's arms, but it's more likely him having a panic attack and both of them helping him get home.

<"but I realised what they needed, and I gave it to them - I still have that scar... I didn't even know I could get new scars...">

Wait, what do you mean new scars? And hmmm, clones don't really have blood (at least not like regular blood), but given what we currently know (or at least theorize) about Pep, perhaps he was the only one that could've helped Mirtillo.

(On a related note: Mirtillo being purple and considered to be Pep's baby. And a certain picture with a baby wearing purple. I'm not saying they're the same, just that maybe there's some subconscious connections here. Maybe the loss hits harder because he has lost his child before. It's twice now that he was taken away from his family.)

Also the dramatic irony of having an idea of what exactly happened to his family hurts! And every single one of Pep's links being one-sided thoughts! I'm over here making myself sadder theorizing that the last parts of each one are the exact thoughts he had while searching for them! That even though he was able to see the world outside the tower, he couldn't fully enjoy that freedom because in the back of his mind he's thinking that he failed them, that he was too weak and couldn't protect them–

He hopes that maybe, just maybe, he could find them. To be able to hug them again, hold them all in his arms and never let go. He would never ever lose them again.

Okay, I'm done for now.

On happier thoughts, Happy 1 year to this askblog! (It's March 1st where I am) Thank you for sharing this story with us! We appreciate all the love and care you bring with your designs and writing.

Always remember to take your time and have fun with it! Take care of yourself, Bean.

(Shy Theorist)

(AUGH, Shy Theorist Anon, must you sucker punch me right in the heart on this joyous occasion!!! (silly/lighthearted)

But you bring up various points! And I will provide context for others where applicable, like right now;

[Pep's updated reference on toyhou.se] and the [links where he shares his thoughts on his fambily members]

First point about [Porto] and [Bello] rescuing Pep I actually hope to touch on soon! Well, 'soon' as in 'within the next few story posts' - when they will actually be up is yet to be determined jfgksgd - but you're not too far off hehe

Second point about Pep getting a new scar - this is a little confusing since I don't draw scars in my cartoony style (for some reason that I do not remember) - unless it's like [Halloumi's] missing eye scar, which is just a big 'X' - but a lot of the characters do have visible scarring!

We just gotta hit them with the unsilly beam, like this;

And there they are! Although Pep's 'scars' are just markings to mimic Peppino's scars - except for one - while clones do not typically scar due to their healing/regeneration factor, it is possible

[Mirtillo] and [the baby in that 'certain' picture] both being purple babies might be intentional, or it might be bc I have a bias for purple, I'll never tell - but I do confirm they are not the same being, since Mirtillo has been depicted as a newborn clone (the 'gummy bear' stage) and clones made out of human cadavers do not have this stage

And yes!!! Pep doesn't know what happened to any of them, and he misses them all so much!!!

But they just might be closer than he thinks...

... Any way, thank you so much! Your kind words really mean a lot to me, and I always love hearing your thoughts and theories - even if I am a coy bastard about them sometimes, fkgfksdf

I know I keep saying that hopefully we get back to it, and I really mean it, but it in the meantime I just do what I can, and drop a few crumbs now and then hehe)