#what is a calypso 😂😂😂😂

[heavensincarnate1111]

for the sake of my own mental stability i chose to not only block out the entire calypso’s island chapter in botl but also just choose to believe that the magic of the island is what really was making percy so infatuated with calypso

bc what do you MEAN calypso is prettier than aphrodite… AND HE SAID THIS THREE DAMN CHAPTERS AFTER ANNABETH KISSED HIM… AND IN THE PREVIOUS BOOK HE JUST SAID APHRODITE LOOKED LIKE ANNABETH

therefore, for the sake of my own health, i chose to believe that whoever washes up on calypso’s island is just automatically immediately “in love” with her and that’s where the challenge of staying with her or leaving the island comes from

[roguelov]

EPIC!anon again, wanna fuck around and write a reverse Love in Paradise situation where the reader ends up in The Dreaming after getting in an accident and falling into a coma, and Morpheus becomes enamored with them to where he’s in Calypso’s position in the song?

👀👀👀 WHAT DID YOU SAY????? I AM SO IN (I’m just gonna jump right into the thick angsty part of it 😂)

“Morpheus, I can’t stay here,” you pleaded. “I have a life outside of the Dreaming -“

“A life I can provide for you here.” Morpheus stated eerily calm. “I can give you anything you want and more.”

“My family -“

“Can visit you when they enter the Dreaming.”

“But they don’t know it’s real.” You wanted to shout and scream. “They think they are dreaming, dreaming of someone who is in a coma. That is twisted for them to see me, while my body suffers. Not to mention they may not remember our times together here.”

“But they will see you, how is that not enough?”

“My life is in the Waking!” You snapped. “Friends, family, loved ones -“

Morpheus stepped up to you, eyes heated. “You can have friends here, you can see your family, you have loved ones here. They are all here too.”

“You’re not understanding.”

“No, I do not believe you are.”

You huffed, turning your back to him. You marched away, leaving him behind.

Morpheus sighed. He could understand how this could not work, how did this go so wrong? Morpheus tried to work back into his mind from when you first came to now. You were broken knowing the cause of your permanent stay, but you hoped you would leave. Morpheus quickly took a liking to you, and was able to make you laugh and smile.

A smile he wanted to cherish forever.

However, your sorrow slowly crept back. You missed your life in the Waking. Morpheus tried and tried to make you happy, yet nothing seemed to work. Then Morpheus opened his mouth revealing he could wake you from your coma. Luckily, he did not say he had kept you longer than you needed or this conversation could have gone much worse.

Morpheus sighed then followed after you. You were now outside the castle, standing on a cliff overlooking the moat and river. A strange feeling stirred in Morpheus’s gut. “My love, step away from there.”

“I can hear them sometimes,” you admitted softly. “Among the beeping of the heart monitor, I can hear all of their muffled voices.”

“And you still get to hear them when they visit, now please -“

“You don’t know my life and what I’m missing, you don’t know what’s being sacrificed for me to stay.”

I’m missing so much. How much time had already passed?

“It will be fine, now please, come back inside,” Morpheus whispered, stepping closer to you.

You murmured, “They’re waiting for me, Morpheus.”

“As am I, now my love come back to where you are safe.”

“… just let me open my eyes, let me wake up.”

Morpheus now stood behind you. His arms snaked around you, like chains. “You need to stay here, stay here in my arms.”

Your bottom lip trembled as a tear slid down your cheek.

I want to go home.

[murasaki-cha]

Wait holy schist I just realised something about Percy Jackson as I was about to sleep holy crap!

You know how everyone has a crush on Percy because let's be fr have you seen the man. But in reality he's always the one being rejected which is straight up hilarious.

Only once did he reject Calypso when he left Ogygia. After that it was just:

Rachel "Sorry Percy turns out I'm not into you, I'm into your world and the adventure" Elizabeth Dare

Nico "You're not my type" di Angelo

Meanwhile Percy who's been making heart eyes at Annabeth for the past 7 years just going: "....wait what?"

Percy's just surprised people have a crush on him. Everyone has a crush on him and yet everyone rejects him it's hysterical 😂

[dootznbootz]

I was thinking about that Odysseus gray hair headcanon of yours (which i btw love and painfully sob about) and consider:

Penelope seeing him cry in bed, having the realization that when he's lying on his back while crying his tears follow the exact patch of his gray hair. Penelope being out for blood because of that.

Actually, he hates lying on his back after everything... It's something he cannot do anymore. He lies on his side most of the time. Or lies on top of Penelope. (His "favorite bed is made of bone." 😂 As the Water Wife is smaller so when he rests his head on her chest, he's basically right on her sternum. She's fairly flat. She gets SOME squish as she gets older and after pregnancy ofc 😌)

Having a weight on top of him is very upsetting. He usually flips them over or moves. He can no longer be the little spoon either. Penelope cannot lie on his chest. It's just something that has...changed :')

One thing she notices, is that he has 4 little cresent moon shaped scars on his triceps. (some faded ones on his palms too). Then she sees him crossing his arms and realizes they're from him digging his fingernails into himself. Something he used to do while crying on the beaches. The ones on his palms are from the times he was on his back in the cave.

Something that will eventually kind of come into play, is that for Helen, Paris and Deiphobus are dead. She can always be reassured they won't come to get her. For Odysseus, they're GODDESSES...Immortal and can't be 'punished' (nor should they considering they're immortals). Odysseus kind of lives with this fear deep down that they'll somehow come back into his life. They don't. Because THEY DON'T. But he can't shake that fear.

It reassures him that Penelope looks and feels so different. Penelope's smaller, she's fairly cold to the touch, he knows her birthmarks and scars, etc. Calypso was an Oceanaid while Penelope is a Naiad. He hates saltwater for many reasons. Circe felt too hot and felt like burning despite taking Penelope's appearance. Penelope's so cold. etc. Penelope is RIGHT.

Unedited Unfinished snippet of a random wip. Context: He had a bad nightmare.

Shaking with a blank, tear-stained face, Odysseus sat looking away from her. His nails dug into his biceps, the four crescent moon scars proving how often he did this while away. On his palms as well. The tapestry that he tore off the wall (the rod being what broke. Not her own craftsmanship, of course) wrapped around his waist and back. Protecting himself…

Penelope is soooo protective of him though. For example, once while talking with Penelope and Telemachus, Telemachus brings up Calypso (he knows from Menelaus) and asks his dad how he escaped her and how 'dangerous' she was. Was she like Scylla? Odysseus freezes. He doesn't want his son to know of such things. Stuff like that.

Penelope swoops in with distractions and a way for him to sneak away if he needs or to just shove his face under her neck to hide it for a bit. Water Wife is able to get rid of any tears shed so he can look "fine" and keep up appearances.

Odysseus hid his face in her throat, his hands clutching her waist close to him on their shared throne. Another tear spilled out from where it rested upon his lid only to be immediately pulled away. Penelope casually flicked it to the side. Cold hands cupped his face as she pressed a soft kiss to his forehead. "We can sneak out if you need-" "No." He pulled her closer. He swallowed and steadied his breathing. Vision too blurred to look at the dancers anyway. He had a prettier sight beside him. "I already made a scene." Penelope started to say something before stopping and took a deep breath. "Whatever you need, my Joy." "You," he rasped. "Just you."

I wrote this very quickly just to kind of give the vibes I guess. I also have a headcanon that after Odysseus made their bed, he made a throne bench because these two freaks were constantly squirming and were leaning over so much that it got annoying. It also felt very empty for 20 years :') )

People talk about him. About his episodes of PTSD and his lashing out. And she shuts them down. "He's not mad. He's been through all pains. I'd like to see you do well after going through what he's gone through."

She's out for blood on people who question or mock him. Don't talk about her Joy that way. You don't know anything.

[onlymimiwastaken]

I thought the suitors will be like “Game is game” and try to woo Odysseus but he keeps like rejecting them because he loves Penelope XD

Also How is Calypso and Penelope like in this AU?

LOL, FAIR! I just wanted to keep it a little more historically realistic (as it can be) atm 😂 I definitely think they are attracted to him, tho (thighs are thighs)

Calypso stays the way she is! I hc she's pan, and she doesn't really mind who ends up on her island, she's lonely so she falls for them anyways :^ But also because I don't think that swapping her gender would serve the plot any way better/want to keep the gender of immortals the same as it is in the myth and the musical. Calypso could be a lovely male name tho👀

Penelope only loves Odysseus, of course, so she doesn't give in with Calypso. But I can see her seeing Calypso as sort of a friend, someone who suffered a lot, because they've still lived 7 years together, hence the line "I love you, but not in the way that you want me to", that I believe she really means. (despite what the songs implied Calypso did, which is nothing to justify ofc) like in another AU she could've definitely joined the crew and left the island XD

[universitysunflowers]

rapid fire nonsense thoughts from the Epic listening party (Ithaca saga took me out)

so glad they got the stream set up they were all so excited?? love them so much the introductions are so cute (telemachus are you ok??); love that his parents are there it really is a family activity

they went on a whole odessey to get there its so fitting

"they don't know that they're stuck with me"

the matching sweatshirts they are literally so sweet this is the highlight of my day

the energy in this stream is unmatched i was not expecting prop acting but im here for it

Mico???

he cant see his wife and son with all those glasses

🥬

just chucked his own son off a wall s i r

they are committed to the vibes (the lighting? the rowing? the quick thought lights? spectacular.)

Teagan's little message are you kidding me???

this song is so good-

I-

Luke???

No baaaah dee

🥞

Cooking class????? Jorge????

so many pancakes

survive and remember them are some of the best songs you cant change my mind on that (the remember them animatic is one of my absolute favorites)

the lighting matching the saga is just *chefs kiss*

my goodbye is one of those songs that i listened to enough times that now its one of my all time favorites

stevens message these people are so amazing

storm never fails to give me chills

109,200 people watching this live are you kidding me

how many floating islands eury

"in private" sir thats a corner- ... did he just get slapped??😂

i love the trash bag wind bag the props add a level of sophistication to production

stevens entrance gets me every. time.

the fork trident 10/10 🔱🔱

the pink lighting for circe its so perfect🩷

are we getting the full cast audio??? you're telling eurylochus what??

Jay and Talya hes so gone for her this is odysseus level wife devotion

Hermes!!!!!!!!

guys its his roommate

troy understood the assignment his energy is unmatched (the absolute perfect hermes)

Janani as the chimera the girls are working together we love to see it

Jay and Talya the cutest combo he is so gone

all we hear are screams

Polities??? ghost Polites????

his mom 😢

mason you absolutely nailed the creepy dead vibe spot on

🦉

the slow dancing??? baby boys

rar rar rar

122,200 people this is the turn out they deserve

🦖

12 years ok then

Odysseus is dr doofenshmirtz?

the end of different beast is so good are you kidding me

the rules state what now-

jays face poor ody

scyllas entrance 10/10 just perfect

the mutiny intro its so good nvm the whole song is so good that music is amazing

the bromance ends in tragedy (Armandos little head pats i cant)

☀️🐮

Poor JP

⚡️

thunderbringer oh my god Luke is so perfect as Zeus

the lighting behind the cast they know how to set the mood

that animatic is so good oh my god i love it (luke is having the time of his life)

Ayron!!

Mico as Telemachus amazing perfect no notes i wish he could have been there

Argos the bestest boy

the animatice for little wolf is the best so perfect

the art for we'll be fine is so beautiful are you kidding me

that might be the cutest song in the entire saga

gigi's art is such a vibe its so pretty

"shes my wife" 😮

ody screaming athena's name kills me every time

Jay fangirling over the cast in the chat is so adorable hes so happy to be there

didnt even try tequila

luke looks so done

athena holding baby telemachus is the sweetest thing ever i cant

is she dead???? i need that answered???

Barbara as calypso is so perfect Not sorry for loving you is so sad im still not over this song

Hermes!!!!!

Dangerous is such a good song Troy absolutely kills it

love hermes just vibing while ody is fighting for his life thats their whole relationship in a nutshell

Princess Winion!!!!

Charybdis is so good one of my favorite songs

hes back our boy is back

"ITS STEVEN" jay trust me we are right there with you

return of the fork trident hi fork trident

I will never get over 600 strike never in my entire life

were so close to ithaca saga im not ok

"next to my wife" that line oh my god

Steven thank you for your service (that is a broken man)

oh my god i am unwell

Penelope???

150,000 people on this stream yes exactly

oh my god this song is so good

the suitors???

i am in love with this song are you serious

NO YOU CANT DO THAT WHAT IS THIS

song 37 oh my god

Ayron is giving me chills and mico is missing what is happening

only the ocean and i will know are you serious

*speechless*

WAIT WHAT

oh my god oh my god

"i built it" *screaming*

NO

ARE YOU SERIOUS

TELEMACHUS MY BABY

IS ATHENA WITH HIM????

oh my god

odysseus

oh

my god

...

baby boys back together look at them i cant

this saga is going to kill me

Jay hugging mico im dying are you kidding me

NO

OH MY GOD

ATHENA???

song 40 is about to be the death of me

the one time he says everything he does and its to Penelope this is just

the animatics in the background????

this song is giving me chills are you serious

the music i cant handle this

im crying i love them so much

i cant believe its over i need to go process this what just happened

[dwightschrute11]

What would Calypso do if her fellow Ravenclaw Johanna is yelling at Sebastian in her sleep? Girly sleep talks a lot!

Thanks for this funny ask @ravenwind-75 , had to draw another comic for it 😂

yea calypso got a bit too into the imaginary argument

[wainwrightjakobshammerlock]

Borderlands dash simulator

(big thanks to @magnuficent76)

🥯 reeses-is-in-pieces Follow

She strong on my fork til im rhys [EXTREMELY LOUD INCORRECT BUZZER] She fork on my rhys til im strong [EXTREMELY LOUD INCORRECT BUZZER] She rhys on my strong til im. Fork [EXTRE

🏙 prometheameth

What is the ceo of atlas doing on echoblr

💀 praisethetwingodz-deactivated

if u shame calypso worshippers for their "brutal" and "evil" practices your a jackass 😊😊😊😊😊

📀 vaultussy

you're*

💀 praisethetwingodz-deactivated

kill you're self heretic

📀 vaultussy

HUH????

💪 amarasarmrest Follow

OP is a proshipper. Also they're a cannibal bandit

🔥 firehawksotherhawk Follow

NAHHH why are they always proshitters it's like these streamers attract the worst kind of siren simps known to man glad to know my mutuals are normal

🎭 crackedmask Follow

💀 gayperionengineering-deactivated

"And why he ourple" has done immense damage to me, a fan of slag,

��� intergalacticheritageposts

Intergalactic Heritage Post

🗻 maliweeaboo Follow

haha why is this guy talking about slag in current y-

🧐 hammerlockandload

Me and the newest hunt! Don't you worry, the blood is not mine. On the most part.

🔫 gaygunpowder

I think I hauve space hurps

#i hope that's the good usage of this phrase #still gettin' used to this site #apologies to anyone from the corporation who sees this by any chance

🍈 borderlander

Today's my first day of my trip to Pandora! It's such a nice change of pace from the cushy worlds of my home galaxy! I love the scenery!!!

🍈 borderlander

hopital

🧭 onesh0tter Follow

rpf writers are so funny like

i havent even HEARD of most of these people 😂😂😂😂😂 who the fuck is timothy lawrence

#sasha??? who the hell is sasha??? #at least everyone knows who fiona is lmao #tho i doubt rhys would be into her

[lilopossum-9]

I just now watched episodes 6 and 7 (I held off because I was nervous about the effect they'd have on me (turns out that was justified)).

This show is going to kill me! Send help!! ☠️

Got to share my thoughts here (for therapy).

Calypso's birthday was all my dreams come true. I thought they'd never in a million years do a musical episode - then Con O'Neill took one look at the drag makeup and said "hold my pride flag". 🏳️‍🌈 What a voice!

Ed leaping immediately to protect Stede is the most beautiful shot of the series for me, I will never recover.

The way Stede shoves Ed so roughly against the wall but then they just melt into each other, so full of love and gentleness, made me cry 😢

Ed making breakfast and panicking and putting unnecessary twine on the tray to make it nice enough for Stede is the most wholesome, Ed thing to do. 🥰

I love that Stede's immediate response to Ed telling him about the mermaid is "how'd I look?" 😆

Izzy waking them up with a line about docking was literal fanfiction 😂😂

And then Ed left and I think I stopped breathing properly.

I just love how they're both growing into truer versions of themselves and it's messy and hard and they're feeling their way in the dark (not a euphemism), but I wish they could do that together and talk to each other. They are utterly devoted to each other: isn't there a world where Ed can retire and catch fish and chill on Stede's pirate ship as he polite-menaces his way around the carribbean until they're both ready to open an inn?

I'm just now realising they're both triggered by seeing the elements of themselves that they're ashamed of in each other. Ed is ashamed of killing and hates his fame, and is upset when Stede embraces those parts of him. Stede has always been shamed as a coward for being sensitive or afraid, so lashes out and calls Ed a coward when he leaves.

I am scared of next week because what if they end up separated? How do we endure the heartbreak?

How am I supposed to go about my life until then when my heart is on the Revenge?? 💔

[tunguszka20]

*my bestie showing me the new season (that's how you say it right? Tbh I've never played so I don't know) of Fortnite, because it's Greek mythology and she knows I like that stuff*

Her: And here's Aphrodite—

Me: Ahh my brain just started blasting that like... half a minute of EPIC when Aphrodite is there.

Her: She's only there for half a minute?? What?

Me: Well... yeah, it's just Athena having to convince her to let Odysseus go from Calypso's island—

Her: But only for half a minute? Why? She's Aphrodite! She's important!!

(also I told her who King Midas is. I mean, very, very vaguely but still I taught her something new 😂)

[sorceressofthesun]

Theory Time: Lotus Tea

I’ve listened to ‘Love in Paradise’ a few times now, and the more I think about each lyric, the more I believe Calypso would do anything to keep Odysseus on her island. Each line feels like it captures her determination and longing to make him stay, no matter the cost. I can picture her even slipping lotus—a mind-controlling substance—into his food or drink, blurring his memories of home and weakening his resolve. It would explain why he lingered for seven years, feeling unable to leave, as if caught in a web of enchantment woven by her devotion and subtle manipulations.

In the clip for ‘Not Sorry for Loving You,’ we see Odysseus finally able to leave, which made me wonder what changed that allowed him to break free. My theory is that something similar happened here as with the sirens—he discovered a way to resist Calypso’s influence. In the clip, he’s building a raft, something he wasn’t able to do back in ‘Love in Paradise,’ when he was so entranced he couldn’t even consider leaving. I believe that, by the time we reach the second-to-last song in the Wisdom Saga, enough time has passed for him to develop a resistance to the lotus mixture Calypso used on him. Perhaps it’s his longing for home and family that ultimately helps him break through the haze, allowing him to regain his willpower.

( I’d like to think Calypso eventually stopped using the lotus, but realistically, it seems unlikely; abusers rarely stop to self-reflect or acknowledge the harm they’re causing. 😂 )

What further supports this theory is Odysseus’s own words in the song ‘Open Arms,’ where he tells Polites that lotuses are a substance that controls the mind and even strips away free will. This line is key because it suggests that Odysseus is well aware of the effects of the lotus—and perhaps, over time, he learned to recognize and fight against its influence. It’s as if the fog starts to lift, and he begins to understand that he’s been held on Calypso’s island by more than just her charms. It also implies he’s actively fighting to reclaim his autonomy, despite the layers of manipulation. The fact that he eventually builds a raft and attempts an escape speaks to his resilience and determination. This knowledge of the lotus’s effects could be what strengthens his resolve, allowing him to break free after years of subtle coercion and magical interference.

🎵 My friend, I wish that I could say that I agree

But look at the way this fruit is glowing and filled with glowing seeds

It took me a while to notice just what kind of fruit they eat

It's a lotus, it controls your mind and never lets you free

That's what we'd get with open arms 🎵

Conclusion:

At first, I thought this was obvious, and I assumed everyone had picked up on it— until a friend mentioned they hadn’t considered it before ( thank you @firefly74 for making this theory possible 🫶) . Which made me realize that maybe it’s not as clear as I initially thought.

So, here’s my take: give the song a listen, and let me know what you think. Do you believe this theory makes sense, or do you think there’s another explanation for Odysseus’s eventual break from Calypso’s grasp? (Perhaps the willpower of family orientation and to get back home). I know her — Calpyso’s — manipulation is clear, but I’m interested in what might be going on beneath the surface, and if there’s a deeper reason why he finally found the strength to leave.

If you have any theories or thoughts let me know in the comments below!

[differentnerddiplomatopera]

I am starting an Iliad Promptober. For every day of October, I will present a writing prompt. You (hopefully) will write a short story based on the prompt and upload it with the prompt name provided

Work Text:

Rules: Due to you all having lives and busy schedules, the writings will only required to be between 100-400 words. (If you can write more, go ahead). It should say what day you are on in the title of your Fic.

Things Not Allowed in the Promptober: Romanticization of disturbing topics. Topics like sexual assault, domestic abuse, are topic that do appear in Greek mythology; however they are in fact disturbing topics, and should not/will not be made to seem fun/pretty/something to misconstrue. Ex: Odysseus and Calypso. He is a victim of s/a and the people who say ” he wanted it”, “it was his fault”.

This will not be tolerated or accepted. Make uncomfortable, depressing, and all around unpleasant topics apart of your focus all you wish. These are things that are in the real world and in the world of Greek Mythology. But these same sensitive topics will not be taken as a joke.

If you have a sensitive topic to add in your Fic, and you are not well versed in it, research it please.We as the audience, want to engage, and enjoy your content.

Finally, have fun, go wild, be free, (like that Odydio mpreg Fic, that was funny as fuck 😂, if you’re reading this, the second chapter is in fact important).

[camillescreations]

Does anyone have ideas for what the context of this cake scene from the episode 4/5 teaser could be about, besides it being for a wedding?

I mean, the cake does look a lot like a wedding cake. And it would be totally funny if the Blackbeard crew was screaming because of their wedding trauma 😂

But I don't know if they would spring an actual wedding on us this soon? Seems like it would need more of a build up maybe. And there's also a piñata in front of Pete, which gives me more birthday/surprise party vibes? I know one of the episodes (episode 6?) is titled "Calypso's Birthday" so it could have something to do with that. But idk. Maybe Roach baked a cake to cheer everyone up? Or as a celebration of everyone being back together again? Is the piñata part of that surprise?

Ahh I want the context now! I'm not even entirely sure if these two images are from the same scene, I mean the location and lighting seem to match but you never know lol

[myfairkatiecat]

💙💛💕 for KOTLC and Percy Jackson?

Ooooh ok

💙 Which character is not as hot as everyone else seems to think?

For KOTLC, I actually have no unpopular opinions on this because I think all my kotlc guys are super attractive. However I will say that cover art of Keefe is not it. I believe in that boy’s hotness it just isn’t on the covers

For Percy Jackson, I think I have to say Piper (even though I love her!!!) (hm. That was more HOO. Still same universe so I’m sticking to it)

💛 What is a popular ship you just can't get behind, and why?

For KOTLC, I have to go with Solinh. I just don’t understand it. I think they’re super cool platonically and the fanart is adorable but they’re…friends…..

For Percy Jackson, I am so sorry but people who ship Percy with Jason or Nico or literally anyone but Annabeth. Like I’m sorry guys but he has a soulmate. They are each other’s one and only

💕What is an unpopular ship that you like?

For KOTLC, lava cake 😂 I mean I’m only half joking. We are few but we are powerful and it’s sort of a crack ship but guys come on. It’s cute. As for something I really ship I think Dex and Linh—look I’m a huge Dexiana fan, but also he’s be so genuinely cute with Linh, they’d just separate off from the group and do their own thing adorably. So, if Tam ends up with Biana, I think Dex should get Linh (oh dear. I’m really breaking up Marellihn here aren’t I. Oops—)

For Percy Jackson, I know Leo and Calypso aren’t always loved by the fandom but I love them and that’s all that matters!!

Thanks for the ask!

[slxsherwriter]

Carry On

Fandom: Minutes to Midnight

Pairing: Gimple x female reader

Word Count: 2,459

Warnings: Weapons made from human bones, art from blood, generalized mentions of violence, mentions of the reader having a prosthetic

Author's Note: Bill's part in this is extremely small, but has that stopped anyone before? Not a chance. This was actually a bit of a fun concept to mess around with in terms of the movie's plot because it was so open. Spoilers for the film ahead, so read with caution. This ended up being just a tad longer than intended. And no, that isn't Otis below, as much as it may appear so 😂

The bag crinkled, the sound seemingly echoing out in the quiet forest that surrounded. Akin to a bomb going off. One that would have anyone else jittery and nervous as they moved through the dark forest. Another sound, this time far closer to paper ripping and you cursed. Ignoring the fact that you were making loud sounds, you were in the middle of a juggling act when a loud sound whizzed by your ear before a thud sounded. A large arrow stuck out of the tree beside your head. Staring at it, you were speechless for several seconds, the things in your hand dropping to the ground. Blood rushing by your ears as your heart pumped furiously as a result.

“The fuck…” Slowly, you turned and started out into the darkness that surrounded. No movement, no one standing there holding a bow. Frowning, you bent down to pick up everything that you had dropped, pausing every few seconds to continue to look around. There weren't any other sounds or any other arrows.

A crunch of twigs.

“Angus, I swear to god!” You straightened up and found yourself staring at a giant of a man in a mask. Bow in hand, he was simply observing you. On closer inspection, it appeared that the bow was made out of human bones. No arrows were loaded, even if the weapon remained in hand. His head was cocked slightly while watching you, as if daring you to make another move. This time, there was a frustrated sound that came from your throat.

“Are you just going to stand there, or can you please help me pick up this mess?” Tone a lot softer this time around; you waited to see if he would do just that. “I did promise I was going to get you a treat. The sooner we get back to the house, the sooner that you can have it.” Shoulders rolled back a little bit, posture straightening a little further. No further delay, Angus was moving forward and helping you get everything picked up. Silent as always, but that had never bothered you.

“Thank you very much.” He was able to hold more in his massive arms than you were able to in your one now that the bag had ripped. “Useless paper bags. I'll have to remember to bring my own next time. Teaches me to forget my prosthesis. All right, I think that is everything. Let’s get back, shall we?” He nodded and followed behind you, steps measured and careful, lighter than they had the right to be for a man so large.

The stone home came into view after several minutes of walking. Angus knew the trails a little better than you did but you had finally gained enough confidence to do it later in the day. Admittedly, it was later than you would have liked but that was what happened when you had to go two towns over to buy any groceries or supplies. Not that it was something that you would complain about. All three of the occupants were living better now than they had been.

“Any ones that I need to know about?” You asked the hulking figure behind you, pausing long enough to glance back at him and give a proper smile this time. He shook his head with a grunt. No. Good, that made things a little easier. “Are Calypso and Gimple home?” A nod was given this time. Equally as good. Then everyone could get the special treats that you had gotten for them. He barged through the door before turning to catch it with his foot to make sure it didn't slam against you.

The musty smell of the small lodgings hit you full in the face. If you hadn't been used to it already, it likely would have caused a few gags. No other sounds drifted through the area.

“Okay,” you offered as you set down what you had in your arm. “I'm going to get everything away and not make you do it. Here, this is for you.” You handed him over an entire pack of chocolate chip muffins. A happy sound left him as he snatched it quickly from your grasp before stepping close and pulling you into a crushing hug.

“You're welcome, big man.” The words came out laughed. “I'll find your sister and your brother after, so no need to go looking and send them in. Just go and enjoy your muffins.” He moved off to wherever it was that he wanted to go, leaving you on your own to start putting the groceries away. Mainly non-perishable since you did not trust the refrigerator that was in the corner. It was good enough for water but anything else? Questionable. Humming lightly to yourself, a habit that had been developed long ago when you found yourself on your own. Cans stacked safely where they wouldn't get crushed, jars tucked away just as carefully. It was always a game of would things get eaten or destroyed first and coming up with new plans to try and negate the latter effects. The presents for the other two were left out since there was little reason to shove them away. The door creeping open signalled the arrival of someone else. Likely, it would be Calypso. Gimple could never keep that quiet long enough to make you think that he was one of his siblings. Turning, you saw that you were right as the woman was creeping forward and eyeing the table.

“I see that you ran into Angus,” you laughed before reaching on top of the counter. Fresh strawberries and some shortcakes were produced. While it lacked whip cream, it was never something that seemed to bother the woman. Sweet, light, and a little fresh. “These are for you.” She took them with glee, an obvious smile present even around the mask. Unlike Angus, there wasn't any delay. She plopped her ass down on one of the beds, carefully positioning herself sideways so you couldn't fully view her face, before removing the mask and happily popping a strawberry into her mouth. The enjoyment from such simple gifts was always a pleasure to see. It wasn't like it was some big grand gesture. But, you had known how the siblings had always been treated and the fact that even such simple gestures had lacked through so much of their lives.

“I take it Gimple is downstairs?” She shook her head before pointing to the small connected building. His room, right. “Thanks, Calypso. Enjoy your treat.” Gathering up the remaining goodies, you headed in the direction that you had been pointed.

There wasn't much sound coming from the room, which itself was a little unusual. Knocking to announce your presence, a few seconds ticked by before the risk of opening the door was taken. Gimple wouldn't harm you, of that you were one hundred percent certain. But catching him off guard still wasn't something that should be done. The room was as quiet as it had been from the outside, Gimple settled on the bed with a sketchbook in his hands. A difference from the usual chaotic nature of his artwork down in the basement. Enough so that it caught you off guard for a few seconds. He didn't bother looking up from where his hand was flying over the page.

“Brought some treats back from the latest trip.” You would have expected him downstairs, prepping for tomorrow night. But, maybe there was some logic to the madness. He paused finally, just long enough to look up and give a small grin.

“Wasn't sure you were coming back.” You rolled your eyes, taking it as an invitation to finally move forward and settle beside him on the bed, though you knew better than to peek at what he was working on before he was ready to show it. Nudging him slightly since the pencil was away from the paper and there wasn't a risk of causing damage to what he was working on, you found yourself laughing.

“Yeah, because a trip to grab some groceries is what is going to do it. With my arm left behind and everything.” He hummed.

“It's still downstairs.” You hadn't brought it down to the basement but that wasn't worth asking about right then. While the current exchange was all a joke, you knew part of it still stemmed from some level of insecurity. By him and by the others. With the way that you had all grown up, they couldn't exactly be blamed. Finally, a low chuckle came from him and the sketchbook was set aside. Evidence that he was ready to receive what you had brought back with you. A new packet of colored pencils and a packet of his favorite spicy pretzels. He wasn't much one for sweets compared to his siblings. A little extra something for him.

“I should ask if you rigged it up again but I'm not going to and instead give you what I got you.” Eagerly, he took the proffered items. Stretching your legs out, you got yourself comfortable beside him now that he wasn't working. “You guys ready for tomorrow night?” The crumble of the pack told you that it was being opened without having to see it, eyes slipping shut now that you were back in the safety of the old employee lodging and beside him.

“Yeah, we’re ready. Angus has a few new toys he wants to try out.” An artist in his own way, of sorts. The weapons that he was capable of making out of bone were rather impressive. As long as you weren't on the receiving end. Ingenious really. “You're staying in here, right?” The inflection of the question meant that there was only one right answer. You gave his thigh a small squeeze.

“Of course. Wouldn't think of being anywhere else on a night like that. Know it’s the safest place to be. I have a book to read so I'll be able to keep myself plenty busy.” His body slouched a little further against the wall, your head dipping further along with it. “You just make sure that you are careful, please.”

“We'll be fine.” Every year they were. And had been for as long as recent memory went. But, you know that there was always a little risk that someone would end up causing trouble. One day, they would come across the wrong person, someone who was capable of fending for themselves. A thought that you did not relish. Nightmare inducing. Not that you were going to say that to Gimple.

“I know you are all more than capable. I just worry.” He kissed your temple with a laugh.

“Ain't anything you gotta worry about. Long as you stay here and behave.” Like you would dream of going out on New Year's Eve. Not a chance in hell. “You know what to do when Dad shows up.”

“Of course.”

“Then we are all set.” Trust him to think that it was just as simple as that. Every year it often was, then again you were always the only one that ended up planning for the bad and the unforeseen. As much as possible. Leaning into the touch more, you tried your best to let the odd feeling go. Worry was always a little normal before the big day but something just didn't feel right. “Besides, already got the girls. Just missing one. So everything will be nice and easy tomorrow night. That means, stop worrying your head off about it. Eat a fucking pretzel.” He shoved the bag in your direction, causing you to smile. Nodding, it forced you to remove your hand from his thigh to be able to take the offered gift. His hand came to grip the back of your neck, a light squeeze that had come to mean comfort given as you chewed the overly spicy snack. Not your thing but you weren't about to turn down an offering from the man.

Maybe, just maybe, you should have felt a little guilty about the death of strangers. But they weren't innocent. No. If Mr. Walter's had a say in the decision, then it must be true. The ritual had been ongoing for years, though you were never a direct part of it. The siblings took care of leg work while their father helmed the ceremony. He felt that it wasn't something that you needed to be a part of, that your talents were better used elsewhere. Mainly taking care of the three like you had always done. That fact never bothered you. You had all carved out a weird little existence out here in the woods. Perfectly content. The death of strangers was just a necessary once a year product of that life.

“Wanna see it?” Your attention was pulled from the thoughts that threatened to pull you under. Without asking, it meant the sketch that he had been working on. The artistic tastes of the man beside you would be considered in poor taste and odd by the majority of the population. But you always saw the beauty in it, the way that he did.

“Of course!” The response was far more eager. The swirls and patterns that littered the page made up a beautiful piece. Far less frantic than the typical blood soaked scribbles and scrawls that were presented. The same attention to detail just in a different medium with a little more, you faltered. Not precision but something else. Maybe less mania. “It's gorgeous, Gimple.”

“Thinking I'm hanging it right here.” He slapped at the wall above the bed absently. “Angus and Calypso won't want it.”

“I think it will look perfect there. Are you finished?”

“Almost…” He was cut off when the large frame of Angus appeared in the doorway, his boots kicking at the frame to gain attention.

“What's up, big guy?” His hands twitching at his side and his posture rigid. Something was wrong. The sounds of clattering and a loud crash came from above, and that had Gimple jumping out of the bed. Without a word, you slid from the comfortable space and moved towards the hiding space behind the wall as a precaution. That feeling heightened, but you did your best to ignore and settle in for what you hoped wouldn't be a long wait. Flashes before your eyes reminded you of being all but buried alive as a child, robbing you of the air in your lungs. Hating every second of it, you clutched at your pant leg and could do nothing but wait for Gimple to come tell you the coast was clear and the problem had been handled. Sooner rather than later, preferably.

[the-beleza-muscadine]

Hi Bel! I see you are also a fan of the danger noodle or booper snoot if you will (snakes) I would like to share my old one with you!

A ball python named Calypso!

He was the sweetest thing! He loved to wrap around my arm and rest his little head on my hand when I gamed! It took him 2 months to learn how to eat his pinkies properly.

He thought ass first was a good plan but then spit em out to stared at it like "how do eat?" He eventually figured it out 😂 anyways I digress here's the booper snoot poking his head out of his hide

Hope you have a lovely day!

OMG!!!! 🥺🥺🥺 What a total cutie!!! Omg I love ball pythons!!

Lmao that's so cute ahaha! Thank you so much for sharing 💎 I bet he was such a darling 🥺