#yes he is singing mary on a cross to her

[mary-saccharine]

You go down just like holy Mary~

FORGOT TO POST THIS HERE HOLY SHI—

[nthspecialll]

Something that rips me apart while being in camp is seeing Abigail and how little she interacts with the others. Most of the characters have interactions or encounters with other characters where they tell their story, fool around or just socialize. It is every day chit chatter, but not Abigail. Abigail's few only encounters are shouting at the campfire that being a mother sucks, talking to John about their child, Susan telling her to take up sex work or Micah trynna hit on her.

She has events, but none of them are as light hearted as Mary-Beth and Karen discussing a romantic curse, Bill praising Javier to the heavens to Sean because of a Job, a bigger group singing songs or Hosea giving advice.

Even in the two events she has with other girls that are nice, she is being a provider, she is being a mother, not to Jack but to the girls as she comforts them.

A lot of the times she will also sit on her own by the tent next to Jack, whereas a lot of the others will be sitting by the fireplace, even if they aren't talking, they are socializing.

She is similar to the gang, yet so different because she is a mother. Yes she is a theif like Mary-Beth, but she is also a mom. Yes, she is an attractive catch like Karen, but she is also a mom. There is a rift there that none of the other characters can relate to and because of that she gets isolated even if it isn't intentionally.

It really breaks my heart to see, often times she also sounds so damn tired when you speak to her or when you hear her muttering "what would I do without you?" to Jack.

Another thing that makes it worse is the fact she has zero support, there is no one there for her. There is a chance of her coming up to ask Arthur for five dollars because she needs to clothe her child yet John won't help. She carries a completely different burden and worry from the others, that they would not relate to. The only one who can is Arthur, because he too has had a child.

Arthur does help whereever he can, taking the role of John the best he can because he is a provider, but it is still quite clear there is a line that the two of them don't cross. Both of them know that John is meant to care for Abigail because he got her pregnant and it is his responsibility, and especially in this time period there really is this idea of "he is meant to help, so he will," the problem is though that John doesn't help, so Abigail is left on her own. Arthur only steps in in the worst times when she truely is at rock bottom.

[redvelvetcupcakes21]

For @gay-hypersexual

Hope you like it!

Chimney didn't figure that game night date would lead to the greatest show ever.

He was happily munching on popcorn as he realized the fun that was actually occurring would over take game night for him, Maddie, Hen, Karen, Buck, and Tommy.

It started as a joke.

Actually it started before that.

Tommy was cool.

In a lot of ways, Tommy was a cool guy.

But he sucked at charades and pictionary, add to that that Buck didn't know a lot of pop culture stuff- the couple was doomed to lose every round during game night.

It wasn't until a round with Chimney and Maddie led to Karen and Tommy being partnering off.

"How was I supposed to know you meant Marie Antoinette?" Chimney asked, trying to not laugh as Maddie rolled her eyes in annoyance. Clearly upset that her husband couldn't figure out the answer based on her drawing of a large decorative cake.

Maddie threw her hands in the air, "I drew a cake! Is that not a clue?"

Karen and Tommy, unprompted and insync, began to sing "Cake, cake, cake, cake."

The four friends looked at each other before looking at Karen and Tommy quizzically.

"What?" Karen asked looked affronted as Tommy shrugged and just explained "Its Rihanna."

Hen raised brow at that, confused by how effortlessly the two had the same exact reaction.

"That was the first thing you two thought of?" Hen asked, pointing at them back and forth.

Karen looked back at Tommy, a coy smile matching his as they high-fived each other, both laughing over about being "Team Navy!"

"You were in the army?" Buck asked, looking even more confused along with Maddie.

Hen and Chim could only groan in their hands.

"You know what? Just for fun, let's have Karen and Tommy be partners." Chimney suggested, ignoring Hens pout and mumble about being partnered with Buck.

Once it was settled that the points wouldn't matter and that it was just for fun since Chimney and Maddie were winning anyway.

("Boooooo!")

Karen was up to the board first, the topic was movies still.

She drew what looked like an ugly dog.

"Coyote ugly!"

"Yes!" Karen screeched excitedly.

Hens jaw dropped in awe."No. Freaking. Way." She shook her head. "That was a fluke!"

"You don't even guess the ones that I draw that are obvious!" Buck complained, crossing his arms.

"Try another one." Chimney suggested, tossing more popcorn into his mouth and grinning at how Maddie was giving him a look that warned him to not start something with their friends.

Karen took another pieces of paper from the hat they used to collect suggestions.

"Oh, okay." She frowned, jutting her lower lip and thinking what to draw.

She drew a rough sketch of a brain with hearts surrounding.

It took no more than a second for Tommy to snap his fingers and point at Karen with the widest grin. "A beautiful mind."

"YES!" She screamed, meeting him halfway for a hug.

"Nope, no. No freaking way. Because hoooow!?" Hen asked, with Buck at her side and looking at the drawing.

"That's clearly a brain and the hearts are pretty." Tommy explained simply.

Karen poked him playfully in the shoulders, " Just like us." She smiled jovially, she stuck out her tongue st her wife.

"Oooh. You think you two can keep this up during charades? Gesturing is a lot harder than drawing. Maybe this is a fluke?" Chimney hoped he sounded indifferent and not egging.

He wanted to see Hen and Buck loose their cool a little.

Or a lot because both of his friends were not comprehending how Karen figured out Tommy's gesturing to his flexed arms to mean "The Hulk" or how miming wrapping himself in something could mean the "The Mummy."

Chimney nearly choked on his popcorn as Hen, Buck, and Maddie accused them of cheating somehow when after Tommy correctly answered "Harlem Nights" when all Karen did was mime putting on a hat and playing the saxophone.

"It's not cheating." Karen argued, hands under her chin as she jokingly added, "Tommy just gets me." She feigned the dreamily sigh that caused the others to roll their eyes.

Tommy on the other hand looked giddy. "It must be our lesbian and gay aliance." He smiled, earning a laugh from Karen and a "What the hell am I? Chopped liver?" from Hen.

Buck looked mildly less annoyed about all this now, snorting a laugh as he added "Of course we would forget about the bisexuals now."

"I'm sure this is all a fluke." Maddie stated, patting Hen on the back as she walked up to take Karen's spot. "Let me try."

Karen nodded, smiling gleefully and taking back her glas of wine. "Go right ahead."

Maddie took her own piece of paper out, "Oh, this should be easy!"

She mimed putting something over her head and making a slashing motion with her hand.

"Scream?" Tommy suggested.

Maddie shook her head "no"

"NIightmare on elm street?"

No again.

"Friday the 13th?"

No again.

"Can I try?" Karen asked already standing up and taking the slip of paper out of Maddies hand. "Oh. This is easy." Karen mimed yelling, throwing her arms up and looking drastically around.

"I know what you did last summer!" Tommy jumped up excitedly just as Karen yelled again "YES!" and jumped into his arms.

"Oh this is some bull!" Hen declared, noticing how Buck was smiling at how excited Tommy was. Hen frowned, perplexed she asked "Weren't you just pissed off about this a few seconds ago? Why do you look so happy now?"

Buck bumped his shoulder into Hens. "He's been feeling guilty still."

"Guilty?"

Buck gave her a knowing look.

Hen could feel her expression soften as she realized what Buck meant. "Really? He does know we forgave him, right?"

Buck shrugged, "Yeah, but he still feels bad and he always felt like Karen never exactly forgave him either so seeing them like this...I don't mind losing a few games if that means Tommy and Karen are having fun together. I want Tommy to feel like he can be himself around us."

Hen looked up and saw Karen and Tommy laughing over their new found power. "You know this means that he's just going to come over to our place for wine Wednesday with Chimney, right?"

Buck nodded, lips pressed together to keep from laughing, "Oh, get ready for craft beer Thursday because it's coming."

Hen rolled her eyes but laughed maniacally along with Buck as they overheard Karen invite Tommy for wine Wednesday.

[namelessdumbass]

Rite Here Rite Now

It was amazing and funny. Copia girlies and boys fucking won!

I expected different outcome, tbh. Tobias managed to surprise me and also made me a tiny bit sad (reasons will be explained in the spoilers below).

The film consists of like 95% of concert footage and 5% of off stage/plot stuff. The quality of sound and editing is just 🤌 I expected the live of Twenties to be good and gosh Ghost delivered. And Mummy Dust...Tobias let Mary Goore out! But i honestly prefer Terzo's version (CaD) better. Sorry not sorry haha. Ghouls/Ghoulettes footage. Everyone who loves them will be very veeeery well fed!

Dance Macabre live...i was'nt wrong when i called it a satanic gay party 😁

The movie is worth watching and i do hope Ghost releases it as soon as possible for all those who were not able to go.

The spoiler free review ends here. Don't read further if you don't want to spoil it for yourself. And please, don't copy them and paste it everywhere for the sake of ruining other people's fun! Seriously, don't fucking do that!

If you accidently clicked here, don't worry! spoilers will be below and you still have a chance to avoid them :)

Alriiiiight:

Movie starts with Saltarian who tells fans to record for the first 2 minutes, to show how happy they are etc and posted a qr code for fans to upload those recordings. I guess it will be put up on RHRN website. We'll see. There were also photos of fans who attended LA ritual. I fucking loved the person who showed up in a giant Plushia suit. I LOLed! Then fans were asked to put down the phones and enjoy the movie. The beginning was narrated Star Wars kinda style (a little bit) with the small recap of the chapters and about Copia's worries that he might die. And yes, it literally began in space lol. The movie is basically is like what we saw in small snippets Ghost posted earlier. Plot mixed with a really good show.

And the plot: -Short footage of Copia and Ghouls arriving. ALmost the whole set was the same as any other concert from Re-Imperatour + a few awesome exceptions. -Dews does that annoying thing with guitar, Rain stops him, takes his pick and throws it into the crowd and Dew...he freaking showed him YouSuck sticker on the backside of his guitar. Peak Dew moment! -Copia asked the right question about the Clery. He also does not quite understand what it does, why and where it goes. I suppose Tobias decided to thicken the Ghost lore a bit and will have more clarity in the nearest future. -Remember when Copia jumped at the end of the Watcher in the Sky? He ended up in one of those stage boxes (for equipment or something) and is taken to the stage B. While he's carried to it by Kevin he has a chat with Nihil's ghost. Nihil says he recorded not 2, but 3 songs. That probably means that we'll hear a new one. (UPD: the new song we heard during the credits, "The Future is a Foreign Land" is Nihil's 3rd song! Confirmed by Tobias himself in a new interview). He also tells Copia to breath in deep and then farts. -On the Stage B Copia sings "If You Have Ghosts". 3 Ghoulettes played piano and violins and the 4th one did the haunting ghost-like opera vocals. It was beatiful. Copia kissed her hand. -He then wore boxing robe and went next to crowd. Almost the whole scene was shown in the trailer. -Btw, remember that silly moment when Nihil's eyes were crossing? Well, Kevin was also included in that staring contest. -Twenties live. The skeletons, the performance and one of those skeletons who crawled between Dew's legs...that's hot. -Nihil calls Copia "son". Copia calls Nihil "Dad". Cardi will insult him later, don't worry. -Nihil/Seestor cartoon during MOAC. Yes, that's when Sis hit him with the car. Basically it's what happens after "Kiss the Go Goat" mv. Sister leaves and Nihil runs after her. "I'll never let you go". They end up kissing in a coffin on a graveyard , later Nihil wakes up naked in a bed in a motel and we see Sister leave. -There was a moment in a movie when we see Ashley (stage crew) bring Copia a new pair of shoes and put the on on his feet. Tobias, goddammit what the hell was that? :D -Seestor was a in wheelchair all the time -She and Nihil encouraged Copia throughout the whole movie and gave him a piece of advice. -About the baloon from the poster. Copia flies on it after finishing the set...or he imagined that because a few moments later after Nihil/Seestor flashbacks he ends up on the floor and watches Seestor die. All of the Ghouls and Ghoulettes also stood right next to her. -Copia has a twin brother -Copia didn't die and became the head the Clergy (Father Imperator or something like this). He found out about his new position from a letter Seestor left for him. -New song during credits (credits show dictators, assassinations, wars and the use of nuclear war). Years 1984 and 2024 mentioned. The song is not heavy. -Ghouls/Ghoulettes real names mentioned in the credits -Funny post credit scene with Copia. He had no piant on and had a new cool drip (with black jacket and red and black cross). Seestor is also a Ghost now. Tobia's children cameo. They're also Ghosts. -Papa V is teased the same way Copia was teased in a chapter 1. They even used the same music (Pro Memoria). No face reveal. Either he will be revealed in new Chapters or at some point during the new tour???

-aaaand my biggest disappointment: no footage of Primo, Secondo and Terzo. Literally ZERO.

I mean, Nihil is a Ghost, Seestor also became a Ghost, even Tobias' children made a cameo as Ghosts, but nothing for previous Papas? Really?! The same could have been done for them, but i guess Tobias doesn't care about them anymore :( And it hurts. I know that's my fault that i had so many expectations and hopes, but holy shit :( As a newbie who never saw previous Papas, i'm so sad i'll never get a chance to see them and there won't be any new footage of them. Being Terzo widow is so hard. Guess that's why i'm a bit salty Copia lives (sorry, guys, i like him, but i also hate him haha)

And yes, as it turned out the twins theory from Square Hammer was true...but not for Terzo 😭

I enjoyed the movie nevertheless. It's fun and kinda gives you an opportunity to see the band "live" if you've never been to a ritual before. And yes, the movies was'nt just about Papa IV and his fate, i believe it was also Tobias' message for us to enjoy the life rite here rite now! As i said, Copia's girlies and boys truly fucking won. Congrats, lads, your Papa lives and will live! I bet that feels amazing. Thanks for reading! P.S. since you know the plot, don't spoil it for the others please.

[blueberrypancakesworld]

If you’re taking headcanon requests, I have a very specific idea for Frollo that’s been living rent free in my head for awhileeeeeee.

Imagine Frollo being summoned as a ghost into the modern world by a nonbinary spirit medium or witch. Just, let this man loose his entire mind as a FAR too lovely witch is running around chatting with ghosts, and trying to calm him tf down in the process XD

Probably doesn’t help that “nonbinary witch” would probably sound like evil itself to Frollo lol

The horror of the new day

Frollo x nb!reader

warning : just some funny things and a very confused Frollo

Info : Thanks for this request @add-a-bit-of-neurospice it was an interesting idea/concept but was like I said really,really fun to write. Frollo just in our time and dies again of the ,,sins" he sees everywhere :) I hope you like it and have fun reading ;)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hell had been his home since he had fallen into the flames in front of Notre Dame, the stone had crushed his body and the flames had not left him as ashes, he had been in hell.

His faith was right after his soul had left his body he found himself in. The infinite inferno was burning again, an eternal flame that tormented him until he threatened to lose his mind.

Time was irrelevant and he no longer had any feeling for it except the pain of seeing the souls of his victims and enemies pass by, but he hardly paid any attention to them.

Until one day in infinite time he felt his body rise from the flames and was freed. It had to be God he was convinced as the flames around him. Around him became less and less.

The darkness enveloped him before he heard a distant voice calling out to him, saying his name. Looking around for the person, his soul coalesced into the image, his body easily visible around the ring that had suddenly appeared.

He was heavier than the flames, heavier than the pain and it held him. It held him until the darkness around him receded, his voice became clearer and when he lifted his gaze he was standing in a room. ,,What is this?" he asked, confused as to why his jellyfish had ended because when he ascended he was supposed to be in the clouds, singing and becoming an angel.

,,Oh my Lillith, it worked!" he heard the voice more clearly and saw the right person. The first thing he noticed was the pointed hat and the necklace with the pentagram. A witch someone he would have burned immediately if he still had the time.

But when he looked further at the she-devil, he saw pants instead of a dress and her hair was short. A demon. ,,Demon, why did you call me?" he asked, a hint of fear in his voice, it must be a powerful being if it could summon him with a ring. ,,Demon? Oh no, I'm a witch, a medium do you understand Frollo?" the person asked him and continued to walk around the room excitedly, collecting ingredients, clothes and books and muttering to themselves.

It was a sight that confused and unsettled him. It couldn't be his time, in his time there was no glowing sun on the ceiling, no clocks that seemed so small and thin.

And this glowing book on which his summoner was typing only confused him even more. Suddenly he felt the ring that had summoned him glow and he understood even less what was going on. ,,Okay, Frollo, listen. You are in the year 2023 and I have to ask you a few questions for a assignment," he listened to the demon and gradually realized that hundreds of years must have passed.

Hundreds of years in which he suffered that felt like the eternal time of an hourglass. The world and especially the church seemed to have changed.

The more he saw of this wonderful space, the more he realized that there was neither a cross nor a holy image of Jesus and Mary. ,,Two thousand and twenty-three... and you demon summoned me?" he asked hesitantly and stopped in front of a glass box with a sun in it and saw a snake inside.

The demon's soul animal. He turned back to the strange creature in disgust. ,,Yes, I did, to be more precise, my first summoning. How do you feel, or rather, what was it like to fall to your death like that?" The person asked again and the spirit looked down at the ring.

The world was strange to him things had changed and yet the hellfire had stopped. Talking was not a sin and if it meant staying away from the fire why not...nothing could be worse than hellfire. ,,I fell dear summoner creature, the flames had surrounded me but not caught me. It was the stone that broke my body before the fire could take me," he began to tell, walking around the room and seeing the interested look on his necromancer's face.

He saw how the summoner continued to make notes while he told his life story.

It felt good to talk again and not just think about pain. And the longer he talked, the more interested his counterpart became. Maybe he even told untruths, lies, but in order to be heard, to be right and not get caught in the fire, he would tell this witch, this demon everything.

Even after death, his justification and his guilt had not changed. But why should it? He had a listener who believed it and that was all that mattered in the here and now.

Even though he had to admit that the longer he looked around this strange room, told his story and listened to the witch, he was still interested in these new things around him. Maybe he would have to make a contract to take on this kind of witchcraft.

He even had to smile once when he managed to scare the stranger. When he showed him the picture when he died. However, this only led to the stranger turning on music or something similar on the glowing book and starting to pray wildly and say prayers.

It was very confusing and these words like cell phone, light bulb and non-binary were things he called divine and devil. But all this time he started to like the company when he sat down in the chair that was touched by the witch, giving him access.

Even if his gaze went to the suns around him, his gaze was always on his savior while Frollo strove over the ring…for a moment he was completely grateful to have been saved…maybe there was still hope…for his soul in the end.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope you enjoyed it @add-a-bit-of-neurospice

[queerprayers]

Officially, in the western church, today isn't the Annunciation. This is Holy Monday, and the Annunciation is moved to avoid coinciding with Holy Week. I think if it were during the Triduum I would appreciate this, making space to hold both days separately. But it's Monday, and they can't stop me from thinking about Mary during Holy Week. March 25 is a traditional date of both Jesus's death and conception, as well as the Creation—a spring equinox of redemption. Holding space for all these things has always been appropriate. Birth and death coexist; Jesus's beginnings were the beginnings of his mortality. The angel announces the future, and whoever listens must live through all of it.

What did it mean for Mary to say yes to this? We laugh at the "Mary did you know?" lyrics, because we know she knew. But she also didn't have to know the details of God's plan to say yes to what every parent says yes to—witnessing. Acknowledging the bringing into the world of a frail being, perhaps giving your body to make this happen, praying that you will die before they do but knowing that is not promised. And every parent living under a violent state knows what it is to hope it's not your kid that's next (whether you're a Black parent teaching your child how to talk to cops, or a Palestinian parent hiding in rubble, or a Jewish parent under Roman occupation who's seen the crosses outside the city walls).

Do you think, at the foot of the cross, Mary thought of her response, "Let it be unto me according to your word"? After bearing that Word inside her, teaching him how to walk, waiting for God to change his mind, to reveal a ram caught in a thicket so her son wouldn't have to die after all, do you think she remembered her teenage self, magnifying the Lord? "The Almighty has done great things for me"—and to me. Great as in too big to look at all at once, bloodstained things. The power of the Most High is overshadowing her—the shadow of the cross—his flesh broken, and someone (including her perhaps) will take him down and wash him for burial.

What does it mean to hold space for that day when an angel tore into her life, breaking it open for God—during Holy Week? If we desire a feast, we should wait until Easter, I agree. But today I honor a lady of sorrows—I desire an acknowledgement of the violence of agreeing to live and love and create when it will be torn away. The story never ends there, but we must live through this week (and whatever weeks of our lives hold these things) saying yes, witnessing. Judas quit before the miracle happened—he couldn't witness death so he didn't witness the life (on this earth). Mary kept saying yes, even at the end.

We can never know everything we are saying yes to when we surrender to God. She knew in one sense, yes, but no one knows what it's like to lose a son until it happens. And no one but her knows what it's like to be the Mother of God. We already know what God wants us to do, but we don't know until it happens how much it hurts—and what the dawn will bring. What swords will pierce us, what promises will be kept.

When we say the Magnificat, we usually add a Gloria at the end—Mary did not have those words (the Trinity would not be formulated for another couple hundred years), but we have them. When we sing her song, we hold space for the ways we see God exist, and she saw those ways intimately. She held the Son and was surrounded by the Spirit, and now the Father holds her. As we live through Holy Week every year, every year she says yes. God's love continues unfolding. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Your assigned reading for today (should you choose to accept it) is @tomatobird-blog 's comic "Thirty Years." A blessed Holy Monday (and Annunciation) to you all.

[period-dramallama]

I wanted active female mentorship, Anya.

The sword-fighting training scene is so good and it makes me angry that we didn't get an equivalent scene for Elizabeth and Catherine.

I'm not saying I want Katherine to be all sunshine and rainbows. I want a Katherine who is pissed off at being excluded from power. I want a Katherine who would gladly peel Anne Stanhope's face off with fishknife. I don't mind a Katherine who loves Tommy S and enjoys bonking him. I'm not saying I want Katherine to never lose her temper or be cross with Elizabeth.

But you don't train a pawn. You don't mentor a pawn. You want your pawn to be ignorant and obedient. You don't care about your pawn beyond what they can do for you.

"You think I'll always be here to protect you?" John Dudley, for all his hand-throwing, is actively training his sons. It's clear that he's given them many lessons before and he'll give them many lessons in the future. He's thinking in the long-term about his dynasty and his family. They need to have skills to fight for their interests, at court and in the country beyond. He probably has less free time than Katherine does but he invests his time in his sons.

And hitting your children is bad!!! Don't hit children!!! Not good very bad!!! But I think there's a difference between Dudley and Grey. I think there's a lot more love with the Dudleys, and he's protective of his children while Henry Grey really...isn't. (Which fits the historical record, IMHO. What the hell was Grey thinking in 1554??) If you watch the scene where Grey is insulting Elizabeth, Grey is doing the talking but John is watching Robert because he knows Robert will lose his temper and the microsecond Robert moves to hit Grey John is ready to intervene.

It's so frustrating to me to see FEMALE writers succeed at writing a morally ambiguous sketchy mentor who's cunning but loving when the character is MALE but not when the character is FEMALE.

Jane and Elizabeth are in the schoolroom and what's Katherine doing? Arguing with Tommy S and then having sex with him. IN EARSHOT.

No. That should have been a lesson about Tacitus/Cicero/Sallust some Roman political thinker. And Katherine should have been teaching it and if Tommy S came in she should have told him to sod right off, she's busy. I want a sense that Katherine is actively teaching the girls statecraft, and drawing on her experience as regent of a wartime state.

And this could tie into other plotlines. Yes, Katherine doesn't want to believe that Tommy S is capable of abusing Elizabeth. But she also knows that if that were true, Elizabeth would have to leave- and she doesn't want that. Elizabeth needs protection and her political training isn't finished. That's the tragedy: not only is Elizabeth abused under Katherine's nose but she has to go out into the world before she's ready. Katherine and John are mentors who are both taken from their children before their children are ready and their children are left in perilous situations.

Katherine tells Elizabeth off in front of her brother and the whole Council. Katherine should have told Elizabeth before the Council meeting what she would be reprimanded for. She should have scolded Elizabeth for not thinking about the consequences of her actions but she should have talked to Elizabeth about what to say at the Council meeting. And at the Council meeting she should have aided Elizabeth, she should have defended her and said that Elizabeth was being conciliatory and loyal to her brother and that Mary is overreacting. Instead she left Elizabeth out in the proverbial cold. What a shit mentor!

(That letter subplot is stupid anyway but never mind).

Robert is an engaging character, but after the Jane singing fiasco it should have been Katherine reprimanding Elizabeth.

For one thing it's not in character for Robert Ride or Die Dudley to be objective on the subject of Elizabeth. But given Robert is impulsive and only a year older than her, for him to be the sensible one only makes her look more immature.

(It doesn't help that Alicia is too old to play a 13 year old. Game of Thrones season 1 had a similar problem where Sansa was aged up to be 13 but she still acted like her 11 year old book counterpart making her seem disproportionately immature. Elizabeth is already immature compared to her real self, but if she was played by an actor who looks like a kid- someone who looks like they're close in age to Bella Ramsey- then she'd be more sympathetic.)

"It's not about Jane it's about Katherine and Thomas" it should be about Jane!

Elizabeth sees Jane being pushed as Edward's future wife and she worries that Katherine will now give Jane her love, respect, and tutelage. So she sabotages Jane so that she will stay as Katherine's only pupil. Selfish and immature but not spiteful, and not just about attention and certainly not about ffffffucking Thomas Seymour.

I couldn't resist quickly rewriting that scene.

Katherine: What in God's name are you playing at?

Elizabeth: what are YOU playing at? You think you can push Jane at Edward and I wouldn't notice? You think I will just play along?

Katherine: [sarcastically] Well done, you noticed. You discover my plan and immediately sabotage it. Oh yes, that will really make me trust you with information!

Elizabeth: what does it matter what you think of me now? You have Jane, Jane will be queen as Edward's wife, she'll give you everything you want, so what do you need me for? I'm just the useless bastard who makes trouble, so I'll make trouble!

Katherine: so that's what you think? You think I have no plan for you? You think I can only have one daughter, one heir?

Elizabeth: if you have a plan you don't see fit to tell me about it! What is this great plan?

Katherine: I don't know yet! *aggravated sigh* I don't know who you will marry, but he'll be a man who needs a wife who can govern. And I will not teach a girl who torments the weak for sport.

Elizabeth, tearing up: It wasn't sport. So she has no power, I have no power! What about me?

Katherine: no one is ever entirely powerless, Elizabeth! Even if you don't control your circumstances, you can control your behaviour! Don't you think I felt powerless, when your father owned me? Owned me! But I could still control myself. I didn't go around bullying children! I could make the best of things and keep my dignity as an Englishwoman should! God, I begin to fear you've learned nothing from me.

Elizabeth, head bowed: you want me to apologise to Jane.

Katherine, calm now: since you feel powerless, I'll leave you to decide what you do now. *sighs* and in future I will keep you better informed of my plans, if you can show me you're old enough to hear them. Either way, we will speak no more of today's little performance. Yes?

Elizabeth: yes. I'm sorry.

[danicadenniss]

DreamWorks Trolls

Branch: Troll Of The Wildglade

Chapter 4: Capture With Fear

In the Trolls Brotherhood AU, Warning that it's going to be violent, Branch's darkest fear about the fire. Dante Reyes survived from the fire.

Next day, at the Village's museum of historical, a female tour guide show Talons Bounty Troll Hunters' fallen leader during the fire, since 20 years ago in the forest.

Female Tour Guide: That's was Talons Bounty Troll Hunters' fallen leader was killed by the fires in the woods.

A White South African teenage girl with long light auburn hair, green eyes, pale skin complexion, some freckles on her cheeks and wearing a white collared, button up shirt, a light gray undershirt, a blue sweater with 3/4 sky blue sleeves, a dark pink above the knee skirt with lilac and bubblegum pink checkered capri leggings and lavender Mary Jane's flats and writing down on her journal, she don't want to hunt down trolls, but she want to have peace and quiet, and raised her hand up to ask her.

Female Tour Guide: Yes, Cady, what is it?

Cady Heron: I don't want to hunt the creatures, it's not safe for the trolls. The trolls' leader died after battle it's enemy, 20 years ago, before I was born, Dad is working with Gabby to protect the nature from harm. My grandfather dislike Talons Bounty Troll Hunters hunting trolls. The trolls are singing and dancing with the clan called Wildglade. A one of the trolls turned gray who hate singing and dancing. (The orphans are laughing and playing each other, by running in the museum's hall. The tour guide tell them to stop running.)

Children: Hi, Mrs. Gloria!

Gloria: Kids, please no running, okay, you guys know the rules.

Children: We're sorry, we'll walked slowly okay.

Little girl: The trolls are singing and dancing in the forest every day.

Gloria: Yes, Abby, Pastor Chunch want to protect the wildlife from the hunt.

Abby Schmidt: My friend, Travis and I are playing our instrument, but the trolls like to sing and dance.

Travis: I don't like mean people hunting trolls.

Little Girl: I don't want all the trolls died after the attack.

Little Boy: Me too!

The children are playing their instruments and they dancing with each others just like the trolls.

Arthur Slugworth walked into the museum with a horse and a cart with it. William Afton dislike music, like the trolls, he say.

Arthur Slugworth: Alright, children but you no better to play all the instruments, and it's will be recyclable! (horse neighing) Now go to take all the toys or we will clapped all of you in jail.

The hunters took their instruments away from the children and they recycling the instruments and they laughed evilly, the children are crying and wailing, they want them to do chores.

Victoria Kord: So, Regina, nice suit, today. The training is starting now!

Meanwhile, at the training room for teen hunters will train to hunt down trolls in the forest. They got their suits on their hunt for trolls.

Regina George: Gretchen, Karen, how's did you too get here?

Black teenage boy: (whispered) I don't know!

Polynesian teenage girl: The trolls' home?

Agent Rimes walked into the room.

Agent Rimes: Alright, rookies, listen here, there are rapids creatures, go cross to the woods, jump over the logs and kill and grab all the trolls by bringing them to the prison by poison all the lands, we'll be success our goals. Where's Cady?

Regina George: She's writing her diary again at the museum.

Agent Rimes: Remember focus on your skills, and don't get hurt! Good luck rookies.

The teens put their masks on and we walk into the field with their spyglasses and they looked at the trolls hisses, she used her dart gun and shot it, they ran towards to kill them. They held the guns and they ran fast into their marches. A black teenage boy and a Polynesian teenage girl are get hurt with the red X on their armors.

Karen Smith: Whoa, look at this. Haha!

Black teenage boy: Aw come on!

Polynesian teenage girl: Daiman, I hate hunting trolls so much!

The teens looked up at the trolls, they held their shields and they got to the trees with lot of trolls jumped out and tackled two of them.

Regina George: OH SON OF THE BITCH! (Use toxic chemicals gas and threw it against the trolls, and the tree got knocked down. Dante Reyes walked into the room and clapped his hands with an evil smile.)

Dante Reyes: Tonight, we'll hunt down creatures with our weapons to poison them.

Regina George: Yes, my lord, it's my turn to strings! My turn to hunt! (Pushed in the pushing bag)

The hunters walked out of the room in the darkness, back to the forest, in her bunker, Poppy drew the picture of her, her sister, her mother and her father before her sister's disappearance and her mother's death, she put it back in the box. That night, the teens walked into the woods, with their loaded poisonous dart guns and the butterfly nets are ready, the brothers continued staring at the clear, night sky with peaceful in Branch's heart. They stopped staring at the stars, something caught his eye. He see the hunters in the flashback as baby crying and seeing his father's sacrifice during the attack. End of the flashback, beyond his home, in the trees across the fields and below a mountain. The hunters putting their masks on, then they walked into the woods.

Branch: That's my land, hunters in our homeland.

John Dory: We got to check it out and fast.

Branch: We're going to check it out. See if they might provide danger to our clan.

Floyd: We're be fine.

Spruce: I'm agree with you guys (they grabs their weapons onto their backs, they swung down the the tree they were located on and landed safely on the ground. The brothers swiftly took off.

The bounty troll hunters loaded poisonous dart guns are ready, Dante Reyes walked in the tent. The bounty troll hunters smiled at the rookie with her new suit.

Dante Reyes: Tonight, we hunt down trolls! (Talons Bounty Troll Hunters cheer for his master plan)

Branch, John Dory, Spruce and Floyd continued to ran though the trees and across the valley and valley without having to stop. In order to improve their speed, they sometimes ran in all fours, a trait that their kind uses should they ever want to escape their foes. Unlike the other trolls,the brothers can ran longer distances, has a high stamina for it and many survival skills that were earned throughout the years. Now they're finally paying off. Finally, he reached the edge of the forest until he stopped shortly when they saw something embedded on the dirt. The dogs smell them as they see trolls while they barking at the brothers. They ran across the dogs barking and they were seen them running.

John Dory: (gasped and whispered) Dogs?

Branch: (gasped and whispered) Still fresh,

Spruce: (whispered) Guys, looks the hunters bring the dogs, they barking and stalking at us.

One of the dog: Woof!

Floyd: Who are they?

John Dory: (whispered) Hunters! That's man is their new leader and they want to hunt us down. Since Daddy sacrifice himself to save us all, 20 years since Clay's disappearance along with Viva back, we were kids.

Floyd: (whispered) It's not too late for you to leave. Forgot about us. Just be careful.

Ignacio Carapax: Hmmm! Oof! Oh what the? (One of the dogs barking) I knew, they across all of y'all in the forest. I'm going to the boss about the good news.

Branch: I told you, We'll return to the village. (The brothers looked up at the hunters and they gasped, Dante Reyes say)

Dante Reyes: Suprise, trolls!

Branch: No! It can't be! Listen to me! We must fight to the hunters. Gather Alder want everyone you know and run! GO!

Bounty Troll Hunters #6: We got them now!

Bounty Troll Hunters #9: Ha! Got him! (Branch whipped at the hunters' face)

Branch: Oh, you think so, huh? (hidden smirk, he has reached his end. As he dashed ahead, the hunters gasped when Branch and Floyd suddenly jumped and climbed on narrow edges on the vertical wall. The brothers stretching their hairs and grabbed onto a small rocky ledge of the wall. Waving a wave to the hunters, they swung forward like a slingshot.

The brothers: Yeah!

John Dory: See y'all next fall!

Dante Reyes: Don't ever do this! Regina!

Branch landed upright and hurried off to the exit.

Branch: (laughing, running as fast as he could. He dashed around a corner and ran up the rocky path. But just as they thought they were home free, Regina darted on his right upper shoulder, a rope was suddenly around his waist, trapping his arms, and was pulled to the bottom of the cliff.)

John Dory, Spruce and Floyd: Branch! (Branch groan, Arthur Slugworth and his partners Gerald Prodnose and Felix Fickelgruber used their butterfly nets and captured them as they scream in horror.)

Branch: What just happened? (shook his head and noticed the rope around him. They looked up to where the rope led by Regina.)

Floyd: Who is she?

The brothers looked up at her, a spotlight shined on fully as Branch see poison on his upper shoulder and he shivering with fear.

Branch: AH! No! You're poisoned me!

Spruce: O O Oh, how's could you!

Arthur Slugworth put John Dory, Spruce and Floyd in the bag and tie it up.

John Dory: I It's is... (Arthur Slugworth evil laugh)

John Dory, Spruce and Floyd: NO, NO, NO, NO! D'OH!

Spruce: (mumbled) NO!

Dante Reyes: (evil smile, the hunters holding the rope.) Though you trolls got away, didn't you, trolls?

Branch: (gasped, in the vision, Hernan Reyes' evil laugh, Thorn fight against him. Baby Branch crying and wailing for his father's sacrifice during the attack and the fires. End of the vision, he shivering with his eyes.) Big mistake, ugly! (growled and charged at him. But then another rope to grab his right foot, snared his hair, pulled him back painfully. Ahh!

Branch struggled to escape, managing to pull his arm free, but unfortunately, the hunters threw one more rope which bounded his wrists together.

Branch: Let's us go! (panting, that's he lost his father to the hunters.)

Poppy arrived on the table and see the hunters, they looked at her.

Arthur Slugworth: What was that thing? It's looked like gray but it looking dark. How's it got up here?

Poppy jumped up to try tackled him, Regina used her net to captured her and then he put her in the bag. The hunters tried pulling Branch up, despite his struggles.

Poppy: (mumbled) Hey, watch it!

Dante Reyes: (whipped his horse, with the jeep, the horse neighing) To the village!

He and the hunters walked to jeep while dragging them and straight back to the village. At the Village's museum, Clay and Viva has to escape from prison. Clay is taller and slender, his hair became messy lime green hair and he wear a green one suit romper with a diamond. Viva is slightly taller, her hair is curly, with one lock of her hair resting down on the right side of her face and pink yellow sparkling makeup. She wears a white leotard with golden colored trim and a pink star with golden trim on the the chest. She has red leg warmers with pink lozenges on them.

Clay: (gasped and held his pictures of his mother Ivy, his father Thorn who sacrifice himself to save them, because of his disappearance along with Viva, his grandmother and his brothers.) Mom, Grandma, John Dory, Spruce, Floyd, Branch!

The call of his brothers' help, his mother asked him to come home. He regains his memories, reminiscing those of his brothers, family, friends and himself. He fears of forgetting everything and knowing that losing his brothers.

Clay: I...AM CLAY, SON OF THORN AND IVY AND THE HEIR OF GLADE CLAN! I AM THE MIDDLE BROTHERS OF JOHN DORY, SPRUCE, FLOYD AND BRANCH! I must to save them from the hunters' threats! (running out of the museum, fast as he can to save his brothers.) I'm coming brothers! Help is on the way! I have to go now! That's is my greatest fear. Losing my brothers. I have to save my brothers! He had a big amount of guilt as he blame himself for leaving the forest, since his father's sacrifice during the attack and the fires in the woods. He ran into the church, with a plan and Viva's help to save his brothers.

Can Clay regain his memories and reunite with his brothers on the next chapter.

[shebeafancyflapjack]

Claimed

How Gore Mary found the best method of 'settling' her newfound daughter (Set in @idiotwithanipad 's Gore AU).

-

For as long as I can remember, I've loved to dance! Whenever I would finish watching a Disney film or one of those old musicals on a Sunday afternoon like Sound of Music or Wizard of Oz, I just wanted to spin and skip and sing forever! Why couldn't real life be like a musical? Why couldn't we just burst into a song and dance to express our emotions?! Surely everyone would be happier for it!

My dream life is now my reality! Perhaps I died from that mega headache I suffered and this is Heaven? Or perhaps I stumbled upon my very own Narnia? I dunno the truth and honestly, I don't give a flying fuck!

Just so long as I can keep dancing.

"Look at thee. Oh, how I love watching you take to thy heel, my darling girl." Mummy praises, bringing her hands together, "Thou dances like a child betwixt angel and nymph!"

Giggles escape my lips as I twirl again, hands above my head.

No one complimented my dancing back when I was...Back in my old home.

'Go do that in your room, you're in my way!' Said the woman who I called Mum but hardly ever looked my way, least of all with the love in her eyes that my new mummy has. Real Mummy, I should say. 'You look like a spazz!' The mean older girl I thought was my sister would say, pointing and laughing with her friends. The boy supposedly my brother would just try to trip me up. Dad...he enjoyed it, would sometimes tell me it was pretty...but never enough to pay for me to have real lesson. And then he died, so...

Shaking my head, I focus on my smile, which Mummy says is beautiful. That's good because I can't seem to stop smiling, hehe. I must be so happy. The past few days have been such a funny blur...

Was it days? I know I fell asleep at one point. But it felt like such a long sleep and as soon as my eyes were open, I was leaping back up onto my feet and tugging at Mummy's hands for us to dance.

Mummy's hands feel ever so sore. Hard, calloused, blistered maybe. It's hard for me to really...'see' what's wrong with Mummy. The world has turned so silly. A swirl of colors and shadows that often don't make sense. It would probably make me feel queasy if I wasn't so energised. A world of beautiful chaos.

The only shining, solid entity is Mummy. A tall silhouette of curves and strength and black locks of hair, surrounded by an aura of gorgeous embers. She is Hekate, Demeter and Hestia all round into one! My mummy: the Goddess, hehe!

I'm about to start my next performance for her when we're, rather rudely, interrupted by the strange fluffy beast. He growls for Mummy's attention.

"Excuse you, Mr. Floof, it's rude to disturb us, hehehe." I gently scald him.

It's not quite clear to me exactly what Mr. Floof is. Mummy's familiar? Servant? Or just her grumpy but oh so cuddly friend?

"Mummy, watch this-."

"Hush, child!" Mummy raises her hand at me.

A little stifled, I shrink, standing still. Mummy's tone is usually so soft with me that it's always a bit of a shocker when it suddenly turns harsh and strict. A sharp reminder to me of Mummy's position. This forest...this strange land, it belongs to her. She may as well be a Queen, though I've yet to meet any other subjects she has except for Mr. Floof.

Crossing my arms, I strain my ears to listen as the grumpy fluffy thing seems to be telling Mummy something, using grunts and possibly sign language with his paws. I really can't see much of him, though my mind conjures up a raggedy brown Direwolf like in Dad's A Game Of Thrones book. Or perhaps a Bear Man like Beorn from the Hobbit.

Mummy is humming as she listens; "I sees. Much appreciate this report, dear ally. I shall go 'vestigate it, I shalls. Silver, my dear?"

"Yes, Mummy?" I pipe, glad I've not been forgotten.

Mummy approaches and strokes my chin; "We must call for a teensy intermit of thy lovely show, little'en. Mummy has to go to work."

"W-work? Hehehe, what kind of work, Mummy?" Despite having studied gods and goddesses for years, the idea of one actually going to 'work' in their role sounded funny, and also intriguing.

A bony hand pats my head; "Nothing you needs be concerned with, swee'heart. It just be 'portent work that Mummy need to do to keep thee safe."

"Can I come? M-maybe I can help?" I offer, fiddling nervously with the velvet coverings on my hands.

For some reason, I feel oddly nervous at the idea of Mummy leaving me alone, like I'm some sort of toddler. But she's been at my side pretty much since my big headache stopped, and Mr. Floof picked me up and carried me to her feet. Fear stings my heart at the idea of her not coming back.

Mummy tuts and kisses my brow; "What a sweet offer, but you ist far too young for such toil, my love. Mummy would feel much better that you stay here and play. Our ally shall protect thee."

Deflated a little, I almost want to argue. But I know Mummy is right. I don't quite have the power that she has. Mummy has promised that I might have, one day, after many many many years of training. But that training won't come unless I can prove myself to be a good girl.

Which means obeying Mummy, always.

Letting out a sigh, I bow my head; "Yes, Mummy."

Her finger taps my nose.

"I shall return in two shakes of a lamb's tail."

"One and a half shakes?!" I plea.

Mummy laughs, raspy but true; "T'is a deal, my dancing angel. See thee soon."

There's a crackle of flames, a waft of thick smoke on sharp winds. And then Mummy is gone, her amber silhouette dissolved.

Close to me, I can smell that pungent scent of wet dog and slight burned leather.

"Wanna watch me dance, Mr. Floof?" I giggle.

A grunt is all I get in response. Dismissive and moody.

Following my nose, I feel my way towards him, colors and shadows continuing to swirl, but no clear beacon for me to focus on without Mummy here.

Finally, my hand finds his....mane?

"Hehehe, come on, you can dance with me! It's super fun!" I say, tugging at the matted fur.

A louder grunt. No, a grumble, followed by a swipe of his paw that lightly throws me back. Then a snarl, like a dog bearing its teeth, warning me not to try that again.

I huff and stomp my foot; "Fine! You don't have to be so mean."

A lower grumble, but he seems to settle. Tired. A worn out old working hound who only wants to rest. I feel a little guilty, but also lonely. Why did Mummy have to leave me? What's so dangerous out there?

I continue to hum and spin but it just isn't as fun without a proper audience. Pretty sure Mr. Floof doesn't care about my dancing. Is he falling asleep?!

With a great big sigh, I fall to sit on my backside on the grass. I've been awake for hours but don't feel the slightest bit tired. Oh, what I'd give to have my video games, or my books, or my tools to practice my craft. Are the gods okay with me not giving any offerings for a while? Or is Mummy the only goddess I need worry about?

Starting to get bored. Restless. My hands are flapping, hungry for stimulation. A thumping begins behind my eyes and I rub my hands over them.

Something thick and wet is caught on my palm. Strange. I'm not crying....What is that?

I sniff my hand. Kinda coppery, hehe...like...

My nose. It's coming from my nose, except it isn't snot, it's...Fuck. I can feel it under my ear too. How didn't I notice that before?

"Wha....What is happening?" I ask, reaching out my hand.

All the funny colors and playful shadows seem far less whimsical. I stumble forward, hand outstretched, because there's nothing...Nothing around me...I'm lost in the dark, I'm...

I wave my hand in front of my face. Nothing. Fuck, no, no, no..

As the truth smacks me in the head, the pain behind my eyes begins to intensify. Like a crack splitting straight through my skull. I jump back up to my feet, cradling my head in my hands.

For months, they'd been getting steadily worse. I complained to Mum, and she snapped at me to stop whinging and see my GP. Doc said I was probably just dehydrated. Sometimes, my vision turned blotchy, like little black dots hovering in front of me, then faded away. I hadn't mentioned that to him, seeing as I had my optician check up in April anyway.

How the fuck have I gone from seeing a few annoying black spots to losing my fucking eyesight overnight?!

Pain flares up, not just from my head, but from each and every bone in my body. My stomach is churning. I've only gotten high a handful of times before and come downs are always the worst; but this?!

What the hell have I been doing?! I...Did I hallucinate seeing a goddess? Some magical, grumpy beast? How long have I been out?

"H-help, hehehe? Is anyone there?! Hahaha."

What the fuck?! Why am I laughing?!

This the scariest moment of my life, I don't wanna fucking laugh!

"Please, hehehe, help me! I can't see! Hahaha. I think I need an ambulance!"

My cheeks are cramping like hell. My fingers touch the corners of my mouth. It's as if the muscles are paralysed. Why can't I stop smiling?! What's happening to me?! Where am I?!

A low growl approaches.

"J-Jess?" I call, daring to hope; "I-is that you, baby girl?"

Had she come to find me? If my mum reported me missing then she'd be the best one to track me down.

Another growl. Maybe a bit softer. A grunt? Less like a dog, more...ape-ish.

Fingers, hairy but very much human, tries to take my hand.

"N-no, no, who are you?! Who are you, what have you done to me?!" I demand, shuffling away, "A-are you keeping me here?!"

More grunts and rumbles, attempts to hold my wrists, my arms. The mute stranger tries to push me to sit back down.

"No, NO!" I wrench myself out from his grip and run.

There don't seem to be any shackles or rope or walls keeping me. There's nothing. I have no idea where the fuck I am.

Outside? I can hear owls hooting and critters scurring. I hear the leaves of trees rustle in the wind. Am I...Am I still in the woods I came in to do my ritual?

It's so hard to think clearly with this agony tearing through my head. All I can do is scream.

-

Oh, Husband, wherever you may be, is thou watching? Dost thou see what miracle hath occurred?!

Our little girl has returned! Praise be!

Never did I think I'ds have reason to sing my thanks to the stars again, not after fate in her cruelest form did cause my heart to harden so. But whether it be thanks to the Lord Jesus or the Queen of Heaven or to one of my darling's heathen gods, I be eternally grateful.

What a delight she is, John. I always knew she woulds have thy tinkling laugh, but she be so much more than I coulds have dreamed. Who gifted her with such pretty hair? And those eyes, oh they is as blue as the Summer sky. But most of all, she is but the sweetest little darling. Such joyful company, with as silly a way with words and stories as I, but also always wanting to help her mother. And how her eyes do fill with such sympathy and sorrow when she takes note of how my scars hurt me so when she wants a cuddle. How she managed to keep such a pure heart whilst being raised by cruel Winter sprites is a wonder.

But oh, John, it hath come at such a cost. She be such a fragile little thing. Blind as a bat, bleedin' that refuses to cease, skinny as a rake and, that which all my folk wisdom cannot explain, cursed to sleep for weeks on end! How I did weep and wail when she did not rouse for those first two morns. Took me right back to that darkest of days when you found our little'en in her cradle, her little chest still as stone.

Except this time, John, her chest did continue to motion ups and downs. Her pretty eyelashes did flutter as she dreamed. Every night there even be the slightest murmur from her lips. She only be sleeping, John. Not gone. Not a shell to rot. Our sleepy girl is all she be.

I did not expect her to rise again, fearing that I may has to search for another hundred lifetimes to find whatever I needs to break the curse. Till then, I lovingly placed her on the softest cornflowers and made sure she be tucked in, cosy as could be. Weeks past, both myself and dear ally kept our vigils. I sang her my lullabies and caressed her hair. Once I dids even catch dear ally curled around her, one paw over her shoulder as he snoozed. Such a kindly creature, deep deep down.

Then came the next rise of the full moon. When I bent down to lay a kiss upon our daughter's brow, after the setting sun, my bones did near collapse 'pon themselves when those sapphire eyes did open again. "Hello, Mummy." She dids say, giggling as if she hath not made me sick with fright, the cheeky little madam.

After conversing with dear ally, I cans only conclude that her spirit be tied to the moon's light. He did discover her on the last full phase. Only when it be at full strength, can it lend my little'en enough power to wake.

T'is awful, John. I will miss her so when she next lays down for her slumbers. But three nights be better than none at all.

I won't lose her again, dear Husband, to thee I pledge. I willst wrap her up, snug as a bug, and make sure nothing comes to harm her.

Hence why I am pained to leave her side in order to check for trespassers 'pon my woods. Mine ally did bring me troubling news of Living folk intruding past the treeline. Legends and warning tales, fuelled by centuries of mine and ally's presence here, have helped to steer people away. 'Spare the fools or the ignorant.

Four are stood in a clearing, gazing down at a spot of dirt and fallen leaves. They be silent as the grave. And then I do see, in how they do hold their hands at their fronts and bow their heads thus, this be just that. Near enough.

Two women, past my age when death took me, I reckon. A younger man and a maiden, maybe only a handful of years older than....

I squint, hovering closer.

The younger wench doth bare a striking resemblance to my little'en. Longer hair, more simple clothing, a harder look in her eyes.

"You ready, Mum? Arsenal are playing at six." The man one prompts, gruffly.

"Fuck sake, Bri, she was our sister." Tuts the maiden, though there's an air of humor to her response, as if she's not truly offended.

One of the older women throws them a sharp look.

"Kids, let your mum take her time! Brian, imagine if this happened to one of your girls!"

"Don't have to. Neither of mine are gonna be hippy freaks doing drugs."

"That had nothing to do with how Louise died."

The boy rolled his eyes; "So they say. Seems a bit of a coincidence to me though, brain aenyrusm ruptures after chugging a whole flask of magic mushroom tea. Nah, bet you if Mum had let them do a proper autopsy, they'd found some sort of link. If not that, then all her time hanging around those weird shops and inhaling that incense messed her up."

"Can you just save your fucking conspiracy theories for another time?" His mother scalds, and I see for the first time the urn she doth hold beneath her arm. "We're here to say goodbye."

"You sure you wanna do it here? She always rabbited on about Stone Henge." The maiden says.

Her mother shrugs; "She wanted a sacred site, she never specified which. Bloody difficult getting a permit to scatter ashes near there anyway. Old woman here was fine with it. Plus it's...where she is now, I guess. She's free. Just like she wanted."

"Karen-" the woman's companion tries.

"It's true, Aunt Sal. We all read her diary. Or 'book of shadows' as she titled it. She never felt like a part of this family, not since Dad died." The maiden shrugs, "Not that it was a surprise, she never made an effort to be part of it."

"Always in her room, talking to herself, or just being weird and embarrassing whenever she did show herself. Any wonder why there was hardly anyone at the funeral?" Her brother cringed; "This was another big cry for attention that blew up in her face...Or inside her head, I guess."

The man one laughed at his own joke and his sister smirked, struggling to suppress her own.

The pieces fall into place as I stare at the urn.

One who fell upon this land...The only maiden to have done so recently is....my little'en. And there she be. Her beautiful body, burned to ashes as I was and stuffed into a scratched vase.

"Anyone smell burning? Sis, did you drop a cigarette?" The man one asks.

"No I didn't. Could murder for one though. C'mon, Mum, let's get it done and leave her alone, like she fucking wanted."

The woman's knuckles whiten as she grips the vase close to her chest.

"I just...Just wish I'd known her. Just wish she hadn't been such a stranger to us. My own daughter." She sighs, sounding more tired than heartbroken.

Her friend grips her shoulder while her son reaches to pat her arm. They both console her, remind her it wasn't her fault, that she was a brilliant mother.

I listen to my embers crackle. A brilliant mother? Tush and flaps!

A thief be all she is! Stealer of little babies!

How long have they abandoned their wicked Fae forms and disguised themselves as regular folk? I peer at the 'mother', trying to catch a peek of pointy ears or hidden wings.

"Well. Goodbye, Louise. Hope you find peace, love, wherever you are." The kidnapper tips the vase upside down and scatters the ashes upon the earth.

At the spot where my little'en did take her final breath of life.

They all begin to leave, not a single tear shed among any of them. I've witnessed folk lay their dogs to rest with more harrowing grief.

How dare they, John?! How dare they steal our little girl to keep as their own, then disrespect her so?!

I'm about to launch a wave of my smoke at them, fuelled by a desire to throttle them with my magic, poison their lungs and burn their hearts out. One of my tendrils lunges close to the mother, the thief, ready to take my revenge after four hundred years when-

A scream. I hear it reach my ears on swift winds.

Silver!

-

"Artemis, Persephone, Pan, Hermes, Hestia, Demeter, Hecate, Apollo, Zeus and Hera," I rattle off as many names as I can, over and over.

Help me, help me, please.

The low grumble of the....thing near me keeps rising now and then, attempting to approach. Every time, I scream, and he shrinks back. Is he what took me? Blinded me? Or was he just the one left to guard me?

Hugging my knees to my chest, I sit and rock myself, pain throbbing through my skull.

This is Hell. This has to be Hell. Worse than any Christian Hell, worse than fire and brimstone. This must be what it means to drown in the river Styx, or be sent to the bottom of the pit of Hades where no light can reach.

Then comes a sudden rush of wind and the faintest orange glow in my lack of vision.

"Darling girl, what ails thee?" A raspy voice asks, "I'm here, sweetheart."

"A-are you talking to me?" I ask, looking in the direction of the voice.

The image from my shroom induced hallucination. The ember woman, the strange goddess. Fuck, am I still high?!

"Who...Who are you?"

"Silver, my love, t'is Mummy." The ember woman kneels down and the warmth she brings is the closest I've come to feeling anything except pain.

"M-Mummy?" I shake my head, face wincing; "Y-you don't sound like my mum, you're not..."

Even the silhouette isn't anything like Mum. Taller, stockier, different haircut. But the stranger's voice, even weaker and stained, is far softer than Mum's impatient snapping.

The shadow tilts her head, as if she's examining me.

"Silver, little'en, is your head causing thee great pains again?"

Was it that obvious? I nod.

"It...It feels like it's gonna explode. A-and my eyes...I can't see anything." My lip wobbles as I start to sob, along with the impulsive giggles, "Please, hahaha. I-I think I need an ambulance. A-and I need someone to call my mum."

"Shh. No need to fret." The figure reaches a hand out towards my head; "I has the best of remedies to makes it all better."

Frowning, I watch as strange shadows seem to swirl and form into slithering limbs around the orange outline of her arm. The smell of burning tickles my nose.

What the fuck-?!

I cry and stumble to my feet, palms raised.

"N-no, haha, stay away from me!"

"Silver-."

"What are you?! A-are you and that other thing working together? D-did you do something to me?!"

The smoke recoils and I can make out the woman raising her hands.

"We has done nought to harm thee, precious girl. Be not afraid. We only wish to take care of thee." She seems to move closer. Not walk...hover?

I shake my head again: "I...I don't need you to do anything, thank you, just...please take me to hospital. I need a r-real doctor..." my hand clutches at my burning skull.

"You be beyond the need of doctors now, my love."

"W-what the fuck do you mean?!" I stagger; "W-why won't you just let me go?"

"Because this be your home now, little'en. Your real home."

Okay so, whoever this orange lady is, she's crazy. Off her rocker. Found a teenager, high as a kite, alone in the woods and then took her back to Zeus knows where to....To what? Blind her, perhaps and then...make me her daughter?!

I should have known that going to summon ancient Pagan gods on a sacred site lost to time should have me ending up in my very own horror movie.

"You're nuts. Hahaha. You're...You're fucking crazy. Just let me go home!"

Turning, I run. I run as fast as my feet can take me. My boots don't fail me, as uneven as the ground often is.

Neither the woman nor the growling man-creature chase after me. This would be a relief if I had a fucking clue where I was going.

Annoyingly, the further away I get from the strange woman, the darker my vision becomes.

Wait....I giggle. Then turn my head.

Another giggle.

Did the first one seem to echo back to me slightly shorter than the second? I experiment, trying to distract myself from the pain. That must mean there's something there. Perhaps a tree? Or a wall? It's not very thin...

Isn't there a way that bats and dolphins use sound to see better than their eyes? Is it possible for me to do the same?

I don't want to learn that kind of skills. I want my normal eyes back. I wanna be able to play my video games properly. I wanna watch movies and see famous sites and sunsets and the moon...I want to see!

"Do you feel better now, Karen?" A familiar voice sounds close by.

I turn my head.

Aunt Sal? What are you...

"A little, I suppose. I've done all I can, I feel."

My feet freeze in place.

"....Mum?" I cry, reaching out my hand.

"Louise is probably throwing a hissy fit from the afterlife. 'I wanted a Viking funeral! You did it all wrong! You didn't play my favorite songs!'"

"Well, funerals are more for the living." Replies Aunt Sal.

"And no one wants to listen to fucking Evanescence." Brian. My brother. Cold and aloof as ever.

My family. They're here.

"Guys? Guys, I'm right here..." I try to feel my way towards their voices; "Mum, it's me, I'm here! I can't see but I'm here!"

"Feel a little guilty." Mum tuts.

"For the last time, there's nothing you could have done. You told her to see a doctor." My sister, practical as always to the point of emotional detachment. A step up from the Mean Girl I'd shared a bedroom with growing up.

"That's just it. She was my youngest. My baby." Mum sighs; "And I feel guilty because...I should be more sad. I feel like I should be tearing my clothes and all that stuff. I'm just...numb."

"It's only been a month. You might still be in shock."

"Hmm. Maybe. Just looking forward to going back to work and getting on with everything. And dreading having them all look at me as 'the mum of the little witch who died from magic mushrooms'."

Died.

I died.

The floor seems to disappear beneath my feet and I fall to my knees.

I'm dead. I'm dead. I'm dead.

I died, alone, in those woods...and my own mother is admitting to not giving much of a shit about me. Haha. Hahaha. I'd always thought she was just really busy with work or grieving Dad but...No. She just...says it. Holds nothing back.

"M-Mum...." I cry, just wanting her to hear me. Just one last time; "M-Mum, I..."

Something pushes into me. Then through me.

I scream as the pain in my head is doubled by the agonising discomfort in my torso. Tears stream down my cheeks as the voices of my family fade away. They walked through me. Haha, as in life, so in death, hahahahaha.

My hands reach for my face. My fucking smiling face. I want to rip it off. I want to pull my own tongue out to stop fucking laughing.

Just make it stop, make it stop, MAKE IT STOP!!!!

My hands start to warm again, as if a little fire had been lit beside me. I lower them from my face to see the shining glow of the strange woman again.

"I...Am I d-dead?" I ask her. Because if she can see me but they couldn't, then...

"No, darling girl. No." She assures me; "T'is all part of a great deception. Thou art brimming with life."

"B-but my mum-."

"That wasn't thy mother. Not in truth. Hear me, child. I be your mother. Your name be Silver Guppy. That....wicked wench dids steal yous from me, many years ago. You woulds not remember, you were just a babe in arms."

Mum....wasn't my mum? But that can't be right. I had her face, Dad's eyes. Everyone says I look just like my sister, despite being "the plain one". I've even watched the video Dad filmed of me in the hospital after I'd been born.

"That...That doesn't make sense...."

"I know, little'en. That why it be such a clever trick. Only Fae hands be capable of such convincing deceipt."

Fae? As in fairies? I would say I knew such things only existed in books or the hidden realm of gods and spirits but...if I'm dead then...that's where I am now.

Defeated, I hug myself tight and cry.

"Oh, love. Let it all out. That's it." The strange woman encourages, moving down close to me; "Forget about them, my angel. They was not worthy of a child as lovely as thee. You is safe now. Please. Let me look after thee."

Her hand is moving closer to me again. I gulp, tensing up.

"A-are you gonna...drug me?"

A slight laugh responds; "No, darling girl. No devils juice. No trickery. Just....a kiss. If thee be willing?"

A kiss?

I raise my head. Her eyes, two glowing tiny balls of flame, look back with fondness.

"Good girl." She smiles and leans in.

What touches my brow isn't a pair of lips. A set of teeth and leathery, wrinkled skin. I'm ready to cringe back before...

I close my eyes. The pain. It's gone.

Just like that.

Fingers as hard as the nimble branch of a tree strokes my hair; "All better, my love?"

"W-what did you do?"

"Told you. Just gave you the most powerful medicine there be." She taps my nose; "A kiss from Mummy."

Mummy. There it is again.

"Now open your eyes, little'en."

I shake my head; "I...There's no point. There's nothing for me to see, haha."

"Trust Mummy, darling. C'mon. Open them pretty eyes."

Taking a breath, I indulge the mad but magical woman. Slowly, my lids open, and I'm expecting the same darkness and faint glow of her mysterious orange aura...

I gasp.

It's back. My sight is back! Laughter, true and honest, erupts from my belly as I finally see where I am!

A forest. A forest that looks vaguely similar to the one I came to to do my ritual. But so much more beautiful! The sky has a beautiful pink tinge to it, same color as my fringe! The trees have ebony barks and shining silver leaves. It's like a forest on a whole other world.

And the woman...the stranger...Fuck, she's beautiful! I hesitate to believe she's even human. She has the body of a tall, stocky woman in her early forties...but gorgeous black locks that fall to her shoulders, a dress of sparkling black with an ethereal orange glow all around her.

Am I truly not high? Hehehe, I can't tell anymore. Is this real?!

"W-where am I?" I ask again.

"Told you, sweetheart. You is home. That be all the answer you needs." She smiles at me.

"...H-how did you cure my eyes?"

"Everything be hooked up to the brain, darling girl. If your eyes no longer work to sends it pictures then I shall sends them myself."

I'm not sure how that works but I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

It's no longer dark. I'm no longer in pain.

"My love, you look famished! How about a sweetie?"

A...sweetie?

"I...I can eat?"

The woman smiles and holds out her hand. A slice of double chocolate cake materialised on her palm. My mouth instantly waters.

"...For me...?"

She nods. I dare to reach forward. I pick it up. The sponge and icing feels solid as the ground beneath my feet. Cautious but suddenly ravenous, I bring it to my lips. I bite. Fuck, it's real! How long since I've eaten anything?!

I moan in pleasure, knees buckling again. The woman chuckles as I devour the whole piece.

"Seems I has a sugary tooth to spoil." She teases.

My stomach flutters as I blush, suddenly feeling like a little kid, for the first time in....well. Many, many years.

"Oh...You dear little thing." The woman reaches to touch my face, wiping away some icing with her thumb; "They mades you grow up much too soon, didn'ts they. Much too fast...and much alone...Be that true?"

I duck my head. How did she know? Did she hear what they said about me?

"T'will all be different now, my darling. You will wants for nothing here. Whatever my girl wants, Mummy will provide."

I swallow the last morsel and rub at my arm; "Hehe, that's kind but you don't need to-."

"Is not about need, Silver, love. Is about want. I wants to take care of you. I wants thee to be a happy little girl."

I blink, "Why?" People never give for nothing. There's always a catch.

"Because that be what real Mummies do." She says.

Real...Mummies....

Real Mummies enjoy looking after their children, enjoy listening to what they enjoy and finding out about them. Real Mummies don't treat being a parent like a chore or an annoyance.

"Oh, look at the state of thee." The woman tuts, picking at some of the leaves in my hair. "And so much dirt on these here garments."

"S-sorry...." I say, instinctively, prepared for a scalding.

But the woman just tickles my chin.

"I do thinks it be time for you to be treated to some new clothes. What about....a pretty dress? Woulds thou like that?"

A dress? I've always been too self conscious after my eating disorder to wear a dress, other than simple cotton ones for Summer.

"What...kind of dress?" I dare to ask.

The woman winks; "Picture what you'd most dream to don, my love. Mummy will do the rest."

Closing my eyes again, for a moment, I focus. Something elegant but comfy. Nothing too preppy or pastel. But not too gothic either. Something to match my hair but maybe that could be a bit longer too? I'd wanted to grow it out...

Ember sparks swirl around me as I open my eyes. Looking down, I see the black and pink gown that's replaced my shirt and leggings and skirt. It's...It's incredible! Laughing, I follow the compulsion to twirl on my boots, letting the skirts flutter outward.

The woman claps her hands; "Oh, look at thee! As graceful as one of Lucifer's swans!"

The compliment is bizarre but feels accurate. It makes me chuckle again. I just want to twirl and twirl and dance in this beautiful forest...

"This is....This is so incredible!" I turn my head in time to see that we're far from being alone in these woods.

Animals are wandering all around. Red squirrels enjoying their acorns on the branches. Badgers poking their noses out their dens. Gorgeous white stags and does wandering out towards the meadow, completely at ease among the presence of ghosts.

And there's more. Fairies, good fairies, sit chatting beside the squirrels. There are people standing nearby, tall and lithe with pointed ears. Elves? What I believe might be two centaurs trot together in the distance...

I did not die. I just finally found my Narnia. My Oz. My Middle Earth.

"Is...Is this all real?" I ask the woman behind me.

She smiles; "As real as you want it to be, little'en. T'is your home. You only need to ask and it shall be yours."

It's all too good to be true. I want to cry again but this time with tears of disbelief and overwhelming joy.

There's a roar. A great loud roar above.

I crane my head and see the most magnificent sight. A great blue scaled dragon flies above the canopy, it's magnificent pointed wings overshadowing nearly the whole forest.

Clasping my hands over my mouth, the tears fall.

"No need to fear them, darling girl. Them beasts be perfectly tame. Woulds thee desire to ride one?"

I sob, laughing also; "Yes, yes, fuck yes!!" If this is a dream then I never, ever want it to end.

The woman approaches me. She reaches a hand to touch my lengthened hair, nearly longer than hers.

"Before we do, I has but three rules for thee to follow."

Three? I blink at her.

"W-what are they?" I ready myself to the downside.

"Rule one. That which shall be very easy." She smiles and strokes my face; "Is that you be a good girl and always do as I say."

A...good girl? It sounded dangerous to agree to such a concept. But...if in return it meant magic and dragons then....

I nod; "I will. I'll be good."

"I know you will. Yous already be perfect." She grins; "The seconds is, you do nots ever venture towards the big house."

"The...The big house?" I frown. Right. There was a big old house....

"It be full of those who despise our kind; those who practice the Old Ways. They wills not hesitate to cause you harm, my child. They will nots care for how young you be, they will show you no mercy. Stay within these woods or close to Mummy or Mummy's ally. Understood?"

I nodded, feeling a little confused. I thought no one was in that house except an old rich lady?

But I agree. What could I possibly want in that house anyway?

"And....rule three?"

Smoke began to billow around the witch as her ember irises shone bright.

"The most important of them! The one ye must obey without fail!" The woman's voice thundered with authority.

Quivering a little, I wait with my breath held back.

She smiles, the smoke dispersing; "Thou dost whate'er makes ye happy, every single day! Think thou can manage that, my lovely girl?"

Her hands reach for me in my shock at her little trick and....she's tickling me.

Breaking into a fit of giggles, I try to push her off but she's much stronger. When was the last time I was tickled? By who? Dad...probably....fuck it's been so long...

"Can thee, cheeky little wench? Can thee?" The witch persists, needling my sides and armpits with those fingers as I squirm.

"YES!" I cry out in laughter.

She wraps her strange arms around my middle, strong enough that my feet leave the ground.

"Yes what, darling girl?"

Breathless, I surrender the last ounce of resistance that was holding me back. Fuck it. Whatever craziness this is, no matter how wrong or twisted, it's a thousand times better than anything I've had. Anything I'll ever have.

I slump in her embrace, still giggling, wrapping my arms tight around the one shining beacon saving me from an eternity of darkness and pain. With two little words, I give myself and my sanity over to her.

"Yes, Mummy!"

[ivpapaemeritusiv]

Chapter 14: And We Are Tied as One Eternally

Summary: Addeline gets a stunning surprise in the chapter, a once in a lifetime experience that she never dreamed of having. Although Papa and Sister are not too thrilled about the experiment, Swiss, the ghoul, has the utmost confidence in the woman's ability to shine.

Word Count: 3,300 words

The time had come for the band’s European tour. Addeline and Papa flew with Sister and their now almost one year old daughter. Elizabeth was growing into quite the striking child. Thin black hair cascaded to her shoulders, and her two front teeth peeked through when she smiled. Her eyes, mirroring her father's, lit up at the sight of familiar faces. She could utter a few simple words like "Papa," "Mama," "Ghost," "yes," and "no," struggling with "Sistra" instead of "Sister,” which tickled Imperator’s soul. Despite not yet walking, she could crawl faster than a grown person could stride.

Despite Elizabeth being just a girl, Sister adored her with all her heart. The clergy may have had their own opinions, but Sister saw the beauty and potential in her. Addeline knew deep down that Sister’s love for Elizabeth stemmed from the fact that she was her first grandchild, a secret that Papa was still unaware of. It was a special bond that would continue to grow.

Addy, now 7 months pregnant, was still quite small and quick on her feet. She managed to conceal her pregnancy with oversized shirts, choosing to divert attention away from herself. This time around, she felt much better than she had with Elizabeth with very little illness. Much to Papa’s delight, Addy had a newfound energy and did not place a burden on the band’s plans.

As the small family touched down in France, they reunited with the rest of the band at a hotel, where the tour buses awaited them, marking the beginning of their next musical journey together.

Addeline smiled to herself as Sister cradled young Elizabeth who had become quite fussy from the flight.

“I can take her Sister,” the mother offered, quickly having her hands slapped away.

“She’s fine,” Imperator snapped, “Perhaps if you all would keep your voices down the child could go to sleep.”

As Elizabeth's mouth found her thumb, she sucked on it to soothe herself, while her other hand gently played with Sister's hair, her eyes slowly closing in peaceful contentment. Imperator doted on the young child more so than the Cardinal himself even did.

“I’m taking this little one upstairs for a nap,” the new grandmother announced.

“Don’t you want to check out the buses?” Papa asked.

“I know what buses look like, Cardi,” she said, already walking toward the hotel’s entrance, “And right now I’d love to know what sleep looks like.”

“Suit yourself,” he responded.

He turned to face his wife as he signaled to one of the buses, “Shall we, my sweet?”

As Addy walked onto the bus that would be home for the next three months, she embraced the cozy quarters. She was stuck in the ministry for what felt like ages, and a change of scenery heightened her spirits.

As she settled into her seat, she couldn’t help but quietly mumble the lyrics to “Mary on a Cross.” Swiss, with his keen ear, caught wind of her singing and became intrigued. “Hey, can you sing that a bit louder?” he asked, recognizing potential in her voice. Addeline felt a bit shy since she had never sung publicly before, “Why?” she asked.

“I just want to see something. Can you sing a harmony like this?” the ghoul sang his backing vocal from a song and asked her to mimic it exactly, “You go down just like Holy Mary, Mary on a, Mary on a cross. Your beauty never ever scared me, Mary on a, Mary on a cross.”

Addeline felt a bit nervous singing for a professional musician. Although she had experience, she still considered herself an amateur. Nevertheless, she attempted to match Swiss’s melody with her own unique voice. It was the start of a musical collaboration between the two of them.

Swiss grinned and called out, “Hey Papa Emeritus, you’ve found yourself a singer!”

Addy blushed and modestly replied, “Before I joined you guys, before I married Papa, I was a singer.”

"You never told us that."

"It was nothing special, really... just weddings and bars. It paid the bills."

Swiss disagreed, “You never give yourself credit for anything do you? You sound great!” A thought ran through the man’s head, “You know, I think you’re good enough to join us on stage. Just put on the costume and rock with us. You could be the pregnant ghoulette.”

Addy was taken aback by the suggestion, saying, “Wait, me? Be on stage with you guys?”

The idea seemed like a dream come true. Just last year, she was in the audience watching her favorite band, and now she had the chance to sing alongside them. It was an opportunity she never thought possible.

Eventually, Papa Emeritus emerged from the back of the bus, curious about all the commotion, “What is all the fuss about?

“Hey, your wife can sing,” Swiss repeated.

Papa turned to the woman, “Ah, can you now?” he asked, “You never told me.”

“It's something I did in the past, Papa. I'm nowhere near as good as you guys.”

“Well, Amore, sing a bit for me and let me decide.”

Swiss chimed in, reminding her to sing the lyrics just as she had done before. Addy took a deep breath and let out a beautiful sound.

A smile crept across his face, and he chuckled, “Well, how about that?” he remarked.

“I told her she should sing with us in the next show,” Swiss threw the idea into the atmosphere, hoping Papa would catch it. He understood how important it was for Addeline to have purpose in her life and he thought this would be the perfect opportunity for her – to feel like she was contributing.

“Oh please, Papa!” she begged him. "I've always wanted to sing on a big stage!"

The man was very hesitant considering she had no experience in front of a crowd and her advanced pregnancy added to his concern.

“I don’t know, Amore. I don’t want you to overexert yourself. You must think of the baby.”

“But, Papa, I feel great! And I’m not that big yet – I can still see my toes,” she joked, “Oh please! Please!”

Even though he had his reservations, he did not want to shatter his wife's excitement. He figured it would be okay for her to be on stage for a short period of time although he was a bit cross with Swiss for putting him on the spot.

“Alright, my dear.”

“Really?” Addy yelled, jumping into the man’s arms.

He took her by the shoulders and held her firmly in front of himself, “One song,” he stated, “I don’t want to push you.”

“Just one? That’s it? It’s just singing on a stage, Papa. I've done it before,” she reminded him, “How hard can that be?”

This remark earned a laugh from the ghoul and a lecture from Emeritus, “Oh, my dear, it is much more than just that," he explained, giving Addy a stern look. "It is standing for long periods of time, dancing under bright lights on a hot stage, pushing ourselves further even when we are exhausted and don't want to carry on. It's strenuous and hard work, not for the weary. It's not like anything you've ever done, trust me. You will start off slow, my darling."

Addy let out a scoff at his speech, prompting him to point a firm finger at her, signaling for her to straighten up and act like an adult. She did so quickly.

“I’ll need to run it by Sister as well. The band is her project, after all.”

“Oh she’ll say no, Papa!”

“Let me handle her, alright, Amore?”

He turned to Swiss giving the man a look of angst. The ghoul shrugged at him as if to say, “What?”

“Choose one song and prepare her to the best of your ability.”

“Absolutely!” Swiss accepted, “I love a challenge.”

Papa then turned to Addy and said, “Addeline, my dear, you’re a ghoulette now.”

Addeline couldn’t believe her luck. She went from being an ordinary fan to the wife of Papa Emeritus, to the mother of his child and now a ghoulette in the band. Her journey had taken an incredible turn, and she was bursting with excitement.

After exploring the buses, the group of musicians decided it was time to check into their hotel. Swiss guided Addy to the room he shared with Cirrus and Sodo and after settling in, they began their practice session, with Swiss using the room's piano to create the music and his voice as a guide.

“Alright, let’s start with ‘Mary on a Cross,’ ‘Call me Little Sunshine,’ and ‘Cirice,’” he instructed.

“That’s not one song,” she said.

“Well, I’d like to see how well you do with those in front of a crowd so we can add more from the setlist if you can handle those.”

“More?” she was confused, “But Papa said—”

“—Eh, don’t worry about what he said. Surely, you can use your body or whatever it is you do to get him to give you what you want, right?” Swiss flashed his teeth. Addy rolled her eyes, “I guess.”

“That’s the spirit! Now, these songs have quite a bit of backing vocals, so I’ll tell you which ones to sing.”

After hours of practice, Swiss finally felt that Addy was ready for the stage. They worked on harmonizing, with Addy singing soprano notes with Cirrus for ‘Mary on a Cross’ and alto with Swiss for the other songs.

“Okay,” he said, “You need a costume.”

He called out to a groggy Cirrus, who had fallen asleep in her room. She appeared before them rubbing her eyes, “What is it?” she asked.

“Do we have an extra costume for Adds?”

“We have one or two,” she replied.

“Preferably, the biggest one you can find,” he chuckled, obviously joking since Addy was still the smallest person there even at 28 weeks pregnant, “Something that might fit a whale.”

Addy playfully pushed him and exclaimed, “I’m not that big!”

Cirrus chimed in, informing them that the costumes were on the bus still, “I think wardrobe will grab them and take them backstage for us. We can find her one then.”

Addeline’s nerves set in after hearing this. It was becoming a bit too real, “What if I screw up?” she asked.

“Don’t worry,” Swiss reassured her, “If you happen to screw up, you’ll fit right in. We screw up all the time, and the crowd actually loves it,” he chuckled.

Addeline stood, thanked the man with a friendly smile and told the ghouls she'd be retreating to her room. Their flight had been a long one and the practicing had worn Addy out, "I going to nap guys. I'll see you all for breakfast."

"Breakfast?" they laughed, "Are you skipping dinner?"

She chuckled back, "This is how I am these days. I get a big rush of energy for a few hours and then I crash."

Cirrus rubbed Addy's belly and the woman bid them goodbye once more, leaving to explore the confines of her room with Papa Emeritus.

When she was out of earshot, Swiss leaned in closer to Cirrus and whispered, “Guess what? She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s getting a solo.”

Cirrus playfully nudged Swiss and laughed, “Oh, you better hope she doesn’t get stage fright.” she warned him. “So, spill the beans, which part is the solo? I need to know when to zip it.”

Swiss grinned and explained, “The ending of Mary on a Cross.”

“Ah, that’s a pretty big part. You think she can do that by herself?”

“We’ll see,” the toothy ghoul didn’t mind taking the risk, “I gave her the high notes for that one. She might not be as sharp as you and Cumulus, but she can definitely get her voice up there if she’s pushed.”

Cirrus couldn’t contain her excitement as she rubbed her hands together, exclaiming, “I can’t wait to hear it!” The energy and anticipation among the ghouls were profound, and it was clear that Addy’s solo was going to be a showstopper.

*

The following night jump kicked the start of the year's first concert on the tour. All were bustling backstage, with Addeline among them. Sister Imperator, stationed in front of a computer monitor, oversaw the preparations as the original ghouls and Papa readied themselves for the stage. It wasn't Addeline's cue to perform yet, she settled beside Sister, awaiting further instructions.

Papa dashed out onto the stage after Imperium ended, belting out Kaisarion. There was a break during the song, where the ghouls stood out in their solos and Papa used the opportunity to run backstage to check on his wife, daughter, and mother. He saw Sister sitting in front of the monitor, reading a magazine, and Addeline intent on the TV which displayed everything that was happening on stage. He ran to his wife who was gleaming to see him. She held her hand out to him as he approached.

“My sweet,” he said, taking hold of her delicate fingers, “How pretty you look. Are you nervous?”

"Just a little," she chuckled, giving the man a quick kiss before Sister caught sight of the two.

"What are you doing, Cardi?" Imperator yelled, "Get back on stage!"

Just then, young Elizabeth rose to her feet and started taking her first steps.

"My goodness!" Addy exclaimed, "Look!"

Sister gasped, "The child is walking! Elizabeth is walking!"

The two women were overflowing with joy. The toddler unsteadily approached Papa, who watched in amazement. With her arms outstretched, she gained confidence and headed towards her father. "That's it, my Eliza," he encouraged, "Come to Papa." The child giggled as she reached him, crashing into his embrace. He lifted her up, holding her in front of his face.

She continued to laugh, cupping his cheeks with her tiny hands, "Ghost," she uttered.

Sister sprang up, taking the girl from Copia, "Go, C, now!"

He was now emotional after witnessing his daughter's significant milestone, finding himself back on stage, choked up, trying to sing through small tears. He powered through the next two songs and reached the part of the concert where introductions began.

During his Papa speech, he apologized to fans for his shaky vocals, "Good evening, everyone. I am so glad you are all here tonight because I need to share something very important with you all."

The crowd cheered at his every word as he continued, "You see, I became a father just recently," this earned him more elated screams from the electric crowd, "My young daughter just learned how to walk backstage, and I am quite overcome with joy."

A gentle, "Awww," broke out from the sea of people, "Oh, did you know I had a daughter?" he asked, "Well, I do. Someone actually let me fuck them. Can you believe that?"

Laughter erupted with a few females in the audience shouting that they'd be up to the task as well.

Backstage, looking at the monitor, Addy could hear his heartfelt speech. It touched her while Sister scoffed at the man for giving an overabundance of information.

Sister looked over at Addeline, "It’s never good to share too much, you know?”

She let that phrase sink into Addy’s brain before continuing, “People will use it against you. Remember that.”

The woman hung on Sister’s every word.

“I was quite energetic when I was pregnant with Cardi as well."

The color drained from Addy's face. She wasn't sure she heard the woman correctly and quickly tried to form the right words before daring to ask Sister to repeat herself. Imperator laughed, sensing the girl's confusion, "Well, didn't you know? You came into my office not long-ago hell bent on shoving it in my face did you not?"

Addy's mouth stood agape. All she could do was shake her head. Eventually, her shock dissipated, and she was able to form a small smile. She thought perhaps it was a turning point in their relationship.

“I don’t like the idea of you on stage,” Imperator couldn’t resist telling Addeline how she felt about the arrangement, “Although you might feel great, I think you’re pushing yourself too hard. I too was like you – pushed myself. I almost lost C because of it.”

The old woman became quite emotional as she talked about the past, “I know you don’t like me, dear and I’m not quite fond of you either but I think we both want the same thing do we not? A healthy boy.”

Before she could answer, Papa's presence loomed before them like a shadow, his aura commanding attention. With a gentle yet firm tone, he signaled to Addy that it was her moment on stage. He wanted the woman to come out discreetly so that not much attention would be drawn to her at first. He flashed a mischievous smile at his wife as she got up to follow him, “You know, you make a very sexy ghoulette,” he said.

Addy blushed and leaned on his arm, her face finding a comfortable spot on his shoulder. Together, they walked towards the stage, ready for Addy's big debut. The air crackled with excitement as they moved forward, a sense of anticipation building with each step towards the spotlight.

Addeline stepped on stage next to Cirrus and her keyboard where a mic was set up for her. She listened for the cue which usually came after, "This is a song that my Papa used to sing."

This incredible song played a pivotal role in propelling Ghost to the spotlight. Originally Papa Nihil’s creation, it captivated audiences as a heartfelt love song dedicated to Sister Imperator. The beauty of it was that the song resonated not only with die-hard fans but also with those who were new to Ghost’s music. It truly showcased the band’s talent and ability to connect with a wide range of listeners. Papa Nihil took every opportunity to shove this bit of his success down everyone’s throats.

The time had finally come for Addy’s solo, and it was a shining moment. Cirrus prepared to stop singing as Papa took a deep breath in anticipation of his upcoming high notes. However, his attention was quickly captured by an unfamiliar yet melodic voice coming from behind him. It was Addeline, belting out the words just as Swiss had taught her. Papa was pleasantly surprised and decided to keep singing, “Nothing wrong with that...” He made his way over to her with his microphone in hand, getting closer to her face as they took turns singing their own individual parts with one another.

The audience joined in, singing loudly and admiring Papa’s show of love for the new ghoul. As the song reached its end, with the beat of a final drum, Papa kissed Addeline through the mouth-shaped hole in her costume. The crowd went absolutely wild for this heartfelt gesture.

He proudly showcased Addeline, extending his arms as if he were bowing before a queen, and exclaimed, “Give it up for, ghoulette!” Addeline could feel the thunderous applause from the audience, which had always been loud when she was a part of the crowd, but this time it seemed even more deafening.

Swiss was thrilled to see how well Addy performed the song they had practiced together. The ghouls had the freedom of roaming the stage, which added a touch of mischief while entertaining the crowd, so he walked over to Addy and gave her a subtle thumbs up. It was a small gesture that the audience barely noticed, but it meant the world to Addy. The support and encouragement among the ghouls made the performance even more special. She graciously took a deep bow before gracefully exiting the stage.

[steele-soulmate]

Tattooed Wings, CHAPTER 593, Peter Steele & OFC, Soulmate AU

SUMMARY: Mary Claire Bradley meets her soulmate- literally- the famous Peter Steele of metal group Type O Negative. But will obstacles including trauma, stalkers, and toxic family members get in the way of their life?

WARNING: mentions of child rape (nothing graphic) PTSD, milk kink, soft smut, grinding, assault, fingering, hand jobs, blow jobs, 69, P in V sex, blood, noncon rape, violence, death, vandalism, graffiti, attempted kidnapping, break-ins, wild animal attacks, terrorist attack (sabotage) consensual impregnation, bareback, impregnation kink, creampies, terrorist attacks (shootings) hit and run pedestrian accident, precipitous labor, neonatal death, abandoned baby, child intoxication, death of a minor character, injured baby, kidnapped child

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHORESS:

Welp, I started writing another Peter Steele FanFiction. Let me know down before in a comment if you want me to start posting it!

WORDS: 1210

I giggled as I kept an eye on little girl and the babies just having fun bopping all over the Chuck E Cheese. I couldn’t help but notice Christopher refusing to interact with any of the kids, instead moving away from his mom whenever she would try to talk to him.

“Hey, can I try?” I asked her, nudging her elbow. “Mom to mom, sometimes kids need someone else to talk to.”

“Yeah, would you please?”

I smiled at her before taking a seat next to Christopher, my mommy senses telling me that the pack of Ratajczyk children were safe and off having fun.

“Hihi, your name is Christopher, isn’t it?” I hummed gently, giving him the choice to interact with me or not.

“Yes.”

I smiled at his quiet meep, taking the chance to ask him about his book, a tattered edition of one of the Magic Treehouse books.

A quiet spark appeared in his eyes before he began to excitedly chatter my ear off about Shakespearean history and the Tudor dynasty.

“Have you ever been to a renaissance faire?” he asked me, wonder and amazement crossing over his face when I informed him that I worked as a player for two of the biggest faires on the east coast. “Wow, that’s so cool!”

“Do you know who Jaques Ze Whipper is?” I asked him, taking out my cell phone

“Are you ready, kids?” James yelled as he beat out a tempo using his trusty whips.

“AYE AYE CAPTAIN!”

“I can’t hear you!”

“AYE AYE CAPTAIN!”

“Oooooooooooooh…

Who draws on a mustache and acts like a clown?”

“Jaques Ze Whipper!”

“If you ever see him you won’t ever frown!”

“Jaques Ze Whipper!”

“Is French whipping something that you want to see?”

“Jaques Ze Whipper!”

“Then come on everyone and sing with me!”

“Jaques Ze Whipper!

Jaques Ze Whipper!

Jaques Ze Whipper!

Jaques Ze Whipper!

Jaques Ze Whipper!”

My friend since childhood finished up the song by miming playing a little horn.

“That’s Vanessa’s Papa Bear,” he pointed out.

“I know he is, but he also goes by Jaques Ze Whipper at faires and other such events,” I shrugged.

“Wowiee…” He broke off and peered around me, catching sight of Peter on his knee, allowing little girl access to kiss the sleeping triplet’s foreheads. “That’s Vanessa’s Papa Pete.”

“He is, yes,” I confirmed. “He is the best daddy in the world to the kids.” And he is also the best daddy to me, my mind told me, but I batted that away with a light blush tinging my befreckled cheeks.

“Can he be my daddy?” Christopher wondered. “My daddy went to heaven.”

My heart broke into clear pieces as his whole story was revealed to me. His father had died, leaving behind a wife and a son. I collected Cristopher as he leaned deeply into me, welcoming my arm to wrap around him.

“He had been living in the hospital, and one day, mommy told me that we wouldn’t be visiting him anymore,” he frowned, picking at his jeans.

Poor baby, I frowned, looking up as Christopher’s mother reapproached us, having nipped off to pay a visit to the bathroom to powder her nose.

“I haven’t seen Christopher this calm in a hot minute!” she said before picking up on the somber mood between the both of us. “He told you about his dad?” I could only nod- no child out there should lose a parent so suddenly. “What would you do?”

“Be honest- what else could I do?” I shrugged, reaching up to wipe at my leaking eyes. “When Baby Violet Marie passed, Peter had some of her ashes made into bracelets for the kids to wear. The both of us also welcome the kids to come to us and talk about their emotions, and we also heavily encourage them to follow their interests- dance and theater for Elizabeth, color guard and Chinese for Katie and the babies are coming into their own- Baby Tommy is keenly interested in ballet and cooking though.”

“Oh,” she hummed, and I realized that Christopher had fallen asleep leaning up against me, his itty bitty fingers entangled in my loose curls. “I follow you on Instagram, I really wish I was more like you, but I work as a nurse for mentally disabled kids, so at the end of the day when I get home from my job, I just want to crash in bed. But first, I have Christopher to take care of- homework, dinner, tucking him into bed…”

“Don’t you have any upcoming days off?” I asked her, my heart only cracking all the more at her head shake as a “No” answer.

“Not since before Henry died.” She rushed to explain herself. “It is sadly extremely expensive to live today, especially in New York. I am working to save for the both of us to move back to my hometown in Minnesota. My parents still live there and the schools are nice. Christopher will only prosper there.”

“Ah,” I hummed, understanding her reasoning. “May I offer you some advice?”

“Sure, go ahead,” she answered as Baby Tommy appeared in the doorway to the party room, worry written clear as day over his chubby face.

“Wait a little bit if you can before announcing that you’re moving due to your husband’s death,” I advised her, looking up as little girl began to race towards me. “Moving so soon after his passing might lead to him rebelling against you in more ways than you might like.”

“Mommy,” he wept. “A man pushed kicked liddle gurl and took Baby Noah!”

“What?” I gasped, looking up as Peter and Elizabeth herded the kids back over to me. “Oh no!”

TAGLISTS ARE OPEN/ ASK BOX IS OPEN/ REQUESTS ARE OPEN/ PLOT BUNNIES ARE WELCOMED

If you liked this, then please consider buying me a coffee HERE It only costs $3!!!

PETER STEELE TAGLIST

@rock-a-noodle

@ch3rry-c01a

[acaciapines]

Uhhhh how about 17?

<3

doing these how i usually do! story above cut, commentary below.

 All I Need to Know - Thousand Foot Krutch

it’s underneath the shade of the palistrom tree—palistrom tree, and isn’t that something luz never thought she’d be able to say again—that mari, with her paws crossed in front of her, tilts her head into the sunlight that casts her edges in gold and says, “did we ever figure out how to make sure mami survives us graduating?”

luz pauses. “huh. i mean, i think she’s used enough to the boiling isles by now?”

mari stares at her for a long moment. “gus said they dump boiling water on the audience.”

“okay,” says luz, “but consider. do we actually believe him? ‘cause that doesn’t just kill humans, that kills, like, everyone. unless you’re king or sraf—most of the time—or firefly, i think? i think she could survive a little bit of boiling water.” luz nudges her daemon’s side. “what’s your real issue?”

mari huffs, turning away. “you can’t read my mind.”

“yes i can!” luz sing-songs, and mari rolls her eyes, but lets out a long whuff, tilting her head.

“fine,” she says, “i guess i’m just…i mean, all of this,” and she gestures with a paw to the palistrom around them, which is pretty much the best representation of how far they’ve gone in the past four years, “has been great, and i don’t want to let it go. but—we graduate. we do witch college. and then…what?”

“aww, mari.” luz flops down across her daemon, and mari grunts, trying to bite at her hair. “look at you all worried about the future. things are going to be good. we’re going to major in literally everything, continue to learn about how magic and glyphs and all that works, and king is going to follow in our footsteps, and we’re going to cry and be so proud. and wrestle him if he ever dares to usurp us as world’s coolest glyph-user. i don’t care if he’s a titan.”

mari rolls her eyes, but there’s something fond, there, too, that’s soft against the edges of luz’s mind, where their sharp bits don’t poke out so harsh anymore. “fine. fine! you’re right” she hauls herself standing and ignores luz’s giggling. “but we are reminding principal bump to not like, accidentally kill our mom somehow. quite frankly i’m still surprised hexside doesn’t have a higher body count.”

luz reaches a hand up to the sky, framing the fragile palistrom leaves between her fingers.

“it’s doing pretty good,” luz says, and she means hexside, sure, but everything else, too: at all the ways their world has changed, since they were fourteen and fighting and scared. “i’m glad we get to graduate here. together.”

“yeah, yeah.” but mari lands, small and fluffing out her feathers, on luz’s chest. “me too.”

Commentary

genuinely forgot this song was on my playlist. anyways.

post-canon stuff! now that i have the entire story written (I HAVE THE ENTIRE STORY WRITTEN, WHAT THE FUCK) i know exactly where i end in the owl house timeline, which is actually earlier than owl house canon does! as of now the fic ends about 6 months after belos's defeat. so here i decided well, let's do a lil thing around the time owl house proper ends! right before luz-mari graduate hexside.

its really interesting to write these drabbles now that the fic is done. bc like, before i was just testing things out--now i know exactly how everything goes, you know? unless i choose to ignore canon, all of these are now canon to how my fic will end! wild.

i think witch college is such a fun and cool idea. i feel like luz and mari probably will end up teaching there, at some point...glyphs are already sort of a language in owl house proper and i push that even further in my fic, so i like to think that adult luz-mari is out there teaching classes on how to translate witch-magic to glyph-magic and all the overlaps.

theres a LOT of knowledge gaps post-belos-defeat, basically. lots of stuff that was destroyed and has to be rediscovered.

also i think the idea of luz-mari king and sraf (the collector) all collabing on like, an academic paper is literally so funny. these three children are the most prominent scholars on glyphs in the entirety of the boiling isles! they do get into month-long fights over what they're suppose to call dust. stardust? sraf? dust? magic? some new word? who knows!! not them!!!

[jeanmoreausautismstickers]

Sirius sighs, shrugging. "Well, er, actually Mary, I've got a party to attend." Mary whirls around, glaring at him. "What?" Sirius runs a hand through his hair, looking down. "James is throwing a party, I need to go. I'm going to have to miss your show. Sorry."

Mary stares at him a moment, slowly crossing her arms. "You know what makes me crazy? I'm sorry, can I say this?" Sirius rolls his eyes. "You will anyway." "You know what makes me nuts? The fact that we could be together, HERE together. Sharing our night. Spending our time! And you're gonna choose someone else to be with!" Sirius shakes his head, reaching out to touch her shoulder. "No I'm not, Mare, it's just-" She slaps his hand away, continuing over him. "No you are, yes Sirius, that's exactly what you're doing! You could be here with me or be there with them, and as usual, guess which you pick!" Sirius shakes his head again. "No I just have to-" Mary scoffs, talking louder to drown him out. "No! You do not have to go to another party with the same twenty jerks you already know!" Sirius opened his mouth to interrupt again, but Mary's began shouting. "You could stay with your girlfriend on her fucking birthday! You could, God forbid, even see my show! And I know, in your soul, it must drive you crazy that you won't get to play with your little boyfriends!" She takes a breath, and Sirius uses it to interrupt. "You're being ridiculous."

Mary scoffs at him again, hand twitching as if she wants to slap him. "No, I'm not. No! I'm not! The point is, Sirius, that you can't spend a single day that's not about you! And you! And nothing but you! Marvelous, Marauder you! Isn't he great, just 18! The saviour of singing! You and you and nothing but you! Miles and piles of you!"

She reaches up, brushing a tear off her cheek before pulling the promise ring off her finger. She throws it into the lake behind them. "I swear to God, I don't understand how you can just stand there straight and tall and see I'm crying! And do nothing at all!" With that, she shoves past him, storming back up the path to the opera house.

Sirius stares after, not quite understanding what's happened, when his phone rings. He pulls it out of his pocket, accepting the call from Remus.

"Hello?" he mumbles into it. "Hey, you're still coming tonight right? I've got a surprise." Sirius's stomach flips at the thought of what the surprise might be. "Yes, yeah. On my way now. See you in a bit, darling."

[evereinefaust]

. . . ⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 ࿐ྂ

Pairing: Shuuya Kano X afab!Reader

Sypnosis: MC and the whole Mekakushi Dan enjoyed the summer on the beach, where the mischievous 3rd member decided to tease MC.

Word Count: 1,152

"It's hot" You placed an arm above your head as you looked at the sun, sweat kept appearing on your whole face. "Is it?" An orange-haired female sat beside you on the bench, she looked at you in ecstatic. "Yes, it's too much" You replied as you gulped some saliva. "Then, how about we go to the beach?" Momo inquired, happiness filled in her tone. "Sounds good, Momo" You smiled at her as you removed your arm from above your face. "Let's go inform the others then!" She let out a giggle as she stood up from her seat, grabbed your hand then took a run toward your home. You giggled alongside her.

After preparing some needed stuff for the beach, you, Momo, and Shintaro made your way outside the house. Everyone agreed on having fun at the beach since the season is perfect for this. Summer, though it's hot, everyone still enjoys the season. "Hurry up, oniichan!" Momo called on her brother as she opened the door. "Yeah, yeah" He grumbled as he walked towards the entrance with his hand rubbing the back of his head, expression probably annoyed. "Here they are" Once Momo opened the door, the whole Mekakushi Dan, and Ayano, were in front of the house. "Hi!" Ayano greeted as she flashed each of you a smile, hands behind her back. "Let's get going," Kido told them with her hands inside her pocket. "Yes!" You nodded at her then happily exited the house.

The whole Dan, with you and Ayano in addition, were walking towards a local beach resort nearby the city. While on the journey, you would probably notice that Kido and Kano fight more often. With Kano teasing and pissing Kido off, which will be beaten up later. Seto and Mary are having a normal talk. Ene, in her human form, and Momo starts to annoy Shintaro. Ayano trying to calm the short-tempered Shintaro. While Konoha and Hibiya don't seem to care much. You also heard Hibiya keep murmuring about 'this is such a drag' and 'they are so immature'. You just chuckled at your friends' unusual behavior, you were also impressed that they all get along together, but not that much.

"Wow! It's beautiful!" Momo and Ene said in awe simultaneously. "It sure is" Ayano seconded. The wind passed by your group as your hair flew away with the wind. "Come on, [Name]-chan. Let's go!" A certain blonde grabbed your wrist and then pulled you towards the beach. "W-w-wait a minute! Kano!" You yelled at him, face flushed because he was holding you. He just looked back at you and flashed you a grin, you can't help but smile back. The others followed the two of you as they settled the things at a nearby hut. They quickly changed into swimwear but still at the hut. "Kano, I'm still not in swimwear" You crossed your arms and then gave him a glare. "Oh come on [Name]-chan. Join me in the water" The male waved at you. He was in the water already, while you were watching him from afar. You are still in your [f/c] t-shirt and black denim, and you don't want to wet your clothes, especially your shoes. "I'll go change, and you Mr. Deceive, you come with me," You told him then went to the hut. "Okay~" He said in a sing-song tune then obeyed your orders.

Momo, Ene, and Ayano are in two pieces, while Marry and Kido are in swimsuits. They don't like to show much skin, and that's why Kano is teasing them when you and him go back to the hut to get your swimwear. Hibiya, Seto, Shintaro and Konoha are already in their swim shorts. Ayano successfully convinced the stubborn Shintaro to change. Now, only you and the cheerful #3 of the Dan are left who is still not in swimwear. "[Name]-chan~ What kind of bikini you've got?" Kano crept behind you while you were searching for your swimwear. "G-g-ghie! Don't do that again, Kano!" You scolded him when you suddenly felt a shiver run down your spine after Kano's statement, your face turned blue for a while as your shoulders started tingling. You were currently holding a [f/c] two-piece. "Oh~? So [Name]-chan isn't shy enough to show much skin?" He placed his index finger and thumb on his chin, examining the two pieces in your hands. "Unlike Marry and Kido" He laughed, but then he was kicked on his left rib. You looked at him and he was already lying on the floor, hands on his injured rib while his face showed agony. You felt like laughing but suppressed it, you looked to your right and saw an angry Kido. Her eyes are burning with fire. "U-uh..." You sweat-dropped.

After you change, you exit the shower room then see that they are already playing in the water. Speaking of water, when you exited the shower room a moment later, a bucket of water fell straight on your head, wetting your whole body in the process. "Iya~ A perfect way to wet you first before you go swimming~" You heard the prankster's voice filled with mischief. You were already shaking in anger, clenching the empty bucket on your head, you threw it at Kano. "Oops! That was close" He grinned when he evaded the incoming bucket and then went away, running. "Get back here you brat!" You yelled in anger, trying to chase the mischievous cat-boy. "Hahaha! I'm older than you, as you can see!" He laughed then went to the water. You gritted your teeth and then followed him there.

The two of you were chasing on the beach, splashing each other water and laughing. "Gotcha!" You tackled the blonde boy on the shallow water, your arms around his waist. "Hahaha!" Kano laughed and then looked at you. You sat on his stomach then gathered some sand in your hand, you smirked at him. "Revenge time~" You cheered then covered his face with sand. After your fun, in which you filled his whole face with sand, he stood up with made you fall on your rear. He wiped away the sand on his face and then looked at you. He grinned at you and you smiled cheekily at him. "Do you like summer, [Name]-chan?" He asked you then helped you stand up. "Yes. Especially when I'm with my friends" You replied then wiped some sand that was left on his cheeks. "Especially when I'm with you~" You took a peck on his lips which caught him off guard. "Let's join the others, shall we?" You offered your hand to him. "Sure" He grabbed your hand and then ran to where the others were. Special summer love on the beach.

[cait-writes]

Ch 1: Running in Circles

"I need to run away. Soon I'll be just like the others. Hide my face. No one knows it's pulling me under."

______________________________________________________________

"Sadie Marie, you gotta hurry up! We're on the road in five minutes!" I holler from the bottom of the stairs.

"Mom, I'm brushing my hair! Uno momento!"

"Uno momento my ass." I mumble as I make my way to the kitchen.

I quickly gathered my lunch and snacks for work. I shove an apple, a small bag of goldfish, and a water bottle into Sadie's bag. I was beginning to get my shoes on when my eight-year-old bounded into me.

"Woah child, you almost knocked me over. "

"Oops. You said we had to hurry, so I hurried!" she remarked as she slipped on her jacket. She took her backpack from my hands and went to the truck, her blonde hair swishing back and forth.

The commute to her school was filled with singing along to Olivia Rodrigo. As we pulled up to her school, I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw her sigh. "Back to school…" I spoke with a quiet voice. "Back to school. To prove to Dad I'm not a fool." Adam Sandler would be proud.

With a small smile on her lips, she leaned up and wrapped her arms around my neck, "Love you, Mom! I'll see you after work." She was quick to exit the vehicle when she saw her friends by the door.

I stole a quick look down at my phone before pulling away from the curb. I hadn't heard from Colten, my boyfriend, and my child's father, yet today. I've been with the man for close to ten years. We've had our ups and downs - more downs honestly. I'm trying - we're trying, to make things work for Sadie. Although it's nice to not have to respond right away, I can't help but feel off. It's like clockwork…around 6:30 am he'd send me a 'Good Morning' snap or leave a voicemail.

The day was uneventful in the Pediatrics department, at least for me. I love working in Peds, I love my crew, but the same ol' "cough, flu, stomach ache" results made the day drag.

After I discharged my last appointment, I was met with my supervisor Jill. "Hey Faithe, could I have you come with me?" Her voice was quiet as her eyes stared over my shoulder.

Anxiety hit me full bore, but I put on a smile and nodded, "Yes, ma'am. Lead the way."

We walked down the hallway to one of our conference rooms. As we walked past a few nurses' stations I couldn't help but notice some of the looks I was given. 'Thanks for the vote of confidence'. In the room, I was greeted by a police officer with a manila envelope. My heart sank. Was I getting fired? Sued?

"Hello, I'm Officer Daniels. Can you please state your name for me?" he stood with his arms crossed and legs slightly apart, the typical "police stance".

"Faithe Estelle Patrick, sir."

"Thank you. Ma'am, I'm here to serve you papers from a Mr. Johnston. With that, there can be no contact with the defendant and the minor living with him, your daughter. All questions can be answered in court in one week."

"One week. One week where I cannot see or speak with my child." I whisper a hint of anger in my tone. I sank into one of the chairs and stared at the papers before me.

That explains why he didn't talk to me. He was hiding before he whammed me with this. 'What a coward' I thought as I began flipping through the papers. He was motioning for primary custody of Sadie.

I sought refuge at my mother's house and slept on the couch. It wasn't comfortable by any means, but now that I was kicked out of my home and barred from having contact with Sadie, this was all I had. Colten allowed an officer and I into the house the day I was served to pack up a suitcase and a duffle bag with my work clothes and basic essentials.

Before I stepped out of the house I turned and looked at the man I once knew and loved, "Why are you doing this?" I whispered as I felt my eyes begin to burn. He had a smug smile as he slammed the door behind us.

Sitting in the court room I couldn't hide the anxiety I felt. I mindlessly rocked back and forth in my chair and picked the skin around my nails. The sting at least kept me semi-occupied instead of looking over at the plaintiff's side. Colten went all out and hired the best lawyers that his mother, a family law attorney, had suggested. I hired a lawyer, a decent one too, but even he was nervous.

The judge listened to both of our cases and I thought I was fairing well. My lawyer and I proved about 90% of the so-called "evidence" that Colten brought forth; however, when the topic of my career came up, my lawyer glanced over at me nervously.

I was a Registered Nurse who had traveling assignments. I've been lucky the past few years to where I was able to stay in my hometown and be home at night. There were times when I was gone for a month out of state on an assignment. Colten provided dates and ages that Sadie was during those times, claiming I missed crucial developmental stages in her life. In my opinion, he's her parent too. He's just as capable and responsible to be there and support those times too. I was sad to miss those moments, but money was tight. I was working to keep us afloat.

The judge somehow received a statement from my employer that I still was placed as a Travel RN, which the judge viewed as me not being locked in place, or stable. Who would watch Sadie during my time with her? How much notice would I receive before getting an assignment?

I was screwed. The judge granted Colten primary custody and awarded my main time during the summer and every other holiday. If I was within a 30 mile radius of Colten and Sadie, I would have to negotiate more time with Sadie.

They allowed me five minutes to speak with Sadie at the end of the case. She ran into my arms with tears streaming down her face, "I don't want you to leave!" she cried, "Why is this happening?"

I held her in my arms and discreetly wiped away a tear. Colten stood in the background with a spiteful look and his arms crossed against his chest. I couldn't show that he won, I couldn't show that he broke me.

I pulled away and wiped away her tears, "Baby, I don't know why. I'm so sorry. I will figure this out and we can make this work, okay. You're so strong and brave, and I know that you do amazing things in school." Her head fell to my shoulder and I rubbed her back, "We may not see each other often, but I'm always rooting for you. I'm always a phone call away. I love you, so, so, much."

She stepped out of my embrace and sniffled, "Times a million Swedish fish?"

I grinned, "Times a million Swedish fish."

The courtroom began to clear out and I gathered my things when someone tapped on the table, "Yes?" I asked quickly, looking up to see Colten. My face fell, "What do you want?"

"You know, this all could have been avoided if you would've just married me. We were engaged once, what's so hard about just settling down? I told you I wasn't going to wait around forever. You just couldn't get your shit together!" he whispered harshly. "You left me once before and jumped state lines - which is illegal by the way. I'm not dealing with that shit again, so I chose for you. Fuck up, and you'll beg to have me back so you can see your daughter."

"Our daughter?" I retort.

He rolled his eyes before taking Sadie by the hand and leaving the courtroom.

The next few weeks were monotonous. The same routine. Get up, get dressed, slap on some face paint to hide the dead look in my eyes, go to work, come home, and nibble on food before passing out on the couch. I managed to put a smile on my face and put on a good show for my patients and coworkers, but deep down, I knew my crew could tell I was struggling. I heard the gossip in the break room, they looked away when I walked into the room.

I want to run away. Run as fast as I can to the middle of nowhere where nobody knows who I am or my ex. Where nobody realizes what "home" is like. I want quiet. Colten hadn't let me talk to Sadie since that day in court and it was driving me insane.

One day I couldn't stand the whispering in the break room and I slammed my fists on the table, "If you guys want to talk about me, at least say it to my face. I'm right here!" I roared and pointed at my face. I scared a few people and I was glad. I threw my trash in the garbage before going back to my station. I snatched all the pictures off my shelving and threw my knickknacks into my purse.

"What are you doing?" my station mate, Kim, asked.

"I'm done. I'm leaving." I said, before slinging my bag over my shoulders and going to Jill's office. I was shocked when she sat there with an expecting look on her face.

She half smiled and handed me the resignation paperwork, "I understand. I wish you well. "

I nodded and signed the papers, "Thanks, Jill." I gave her my key fob and badge and left the hospital.

That morning I had packed my things at my mom's house. I guess I knew at some point I'd reach this breaking point. My truck's tank was full. With nothing left to truly tie me down, I pulled out of the lot and just started driving.

"You've got to be shitting me!" I groaned as white smoke billowed out from under the hood. I pulled off to the side of the road and turned on my hazards. "Of course, it had to happen in the middle of the fucking night."

I pop the hood on my Silverado and choke on the smoke that blows out. Wafting the smoke away, I locate the culprit. My radiator blew.

'Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!' I thought as I kicked my truck tire. One thing after another. I can't catch a damn break. I yank the tailgate down and hop into the back to see if I have coolant lying around, but I don't. As I jumped out of the back, a car pulled up behind me and I shielded my eyes from their headlights.

"Hey, are you alright, miss?" A deep voice called out.

I lowered my hands and a silhouette walked in front of the headlights and walked towards me.

"Uhm, yes but no. Funny thing actually." I mutter as I slowly make my way towards the front of the truck. I'm grateful someone pulled over, but in this day and age, you still have to be careful. "I'm pretty sure my radiator blew. I'm not sure where the nearest mechanic is, but from the looks of it it's still a ways."

A tall brunette walked up beside the truck and peered over the engine bay, "Yeah, I'm not too familiar with vehicles, but it looks like something sprayed all of the engine and the roof of your hood." he acknowledged. "You're just outside of Vegas about 20 miles. I honestly wouldn't risk driving into town, but that's just me." he shrugged.

"Yeah, I don't need to overheat it even more and have the fucker-sorry, I wouldn't want it to burn up." I admitted as I rubbed the back of my neck.

"I'd be happy to wait for a tow truck with you and drive you to a hotel. My buddy and I are heading home anyways, so it's not out of the way. " he smiled. "I'm Colby, by the way."

"Faithe. That would be great. I can wait in the truck and call-"

"I can call the towing company for you."

"Alright, thank you! Appreciate it."

We go our separate ways, him to his car and I to the truck. I'm looking up hotels in the area when a knock startles me. I roll down my window, "Holy crap, you scared me." I laughed and held my hand to my chest. My heart beat wildly.

"Sorry about that. I got a hold of someone and they'll be here in like thirty minutes." I thanked him and he went back to his car.

Roughly thirty minutes later another set of headlights pulled up in front of the truck. I gave the man my information and what happened. He confirmed that the radiator blew. Luckily, he had the parts available at his shop and said he could have it done by tomorrow afternoon.

When he pulled away with my truck, I slowly turned to the car. 'He seems nice. You'll be okay.' I chant. Before I opened the back door I patted my jeans and my eyes grew wide, "Fuuck!" I ran my fingers through my hair. I left my wallet in the truck. I'm without a vehicle and I don't have my wallet. That's just great.

I quickly get into the backseat, "Hey, not to be rude, but can you floor it and catch up to the tow truck? I forgot my wallet in there." I rambled.

The blonde passenger looked over his shoulder, "We can get the hotel for you, it's no problem."

"No, no. That's fine. I can get it, I just need my wallet."

"Faithe," Colby spoke as he looked up at her in the rearview mirror, "It's fine. We got it. You seem like you've had a shitty day. Call it our good deed for the day." he chuckled.

We held contact for a few moments before he turned his attention to the road. I was quiet most of the ride while they chatted. They had a chill vibe and I managed to relax enough to close my eyes.

I was suddenly woken up by a tap on my shoulder. I scanned the area before realizing where I was. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to crash on you guys."

Colby turned in his seat and held out a little card, "It's okay. You were tired." he shrugged. "Hotel is paid for. You're in room 303."

I didn't like that he paid for the hotel room. If they would've floored it like I had asked, I would've had my wallet and I could have paid for it. I don't like owing people money. It always leads to arguments or people expecting you to owe them everything.

I sighed and gave him a polite smile, "Thanks, guys. I owe you one. "

I realize on my walk to the room that I don't have any of my clothes. I roll my eyes at my stupidity, but I'm too tired to truly care at this point.

I fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.

I got the call that the following afternoon that my truck was fixed. The shop wasn't too far from the hotel so I walked there. Being a Minnesota gal, the blazing heat of Vegas made me huff. I fanned myself as I walked into the shop.

"You're not from around here are you?" the man asked.

"How could you tell?" I smirked and continued to fan. I grabbed my wallet from the truck and paid the bill.

"Them boys that you were with, they sure are funny! My kid watches their videos all the time. Sam and Colby, right?"

At the time the names were familiar until the guy mentioned their videos. I can't believe I didn't realize who they were before. Sadie would watch their videos from time to time. I slapped my palm to my head, "Damn it." I muttered. "Yeah, that's them. They're pretty nice guys."

I returned to the hotel after I stopped by an ATM. I approached the front desk with an envelope in hand. "Hi, I had room 303. If you could, can you send this to the guy who paid for my room? I don't have any information on them and want to pay them back."

"That shouldn't be a problem. I can't give you the information, but I'll make sure that it's mailed out today." the lady at the front desk grabbed the envelope and stamped it with their logo.

I decided that morning that I would head out to Santa Monica, California, and explore. I vacationed in Cali when I was in fourth grade, but my dad controlled that trip. Granted, I got to see Disney Land, SeaWorld, and Laguna Beach, there was the infamous Santa Monica pier that I desperately wanted to see.

This trip I want to do the things that I wasn't allowed to do when I was with Colten. I want to see the things I want and not be on a time crunch to appease his wants.

After six hours on the road, the pier grew on the horizon. The closer I got, I noticed old model cars lining the streets. A black '69 Dodge Charger immediately caught my attention and I quickly found a safe spot to park.

I stared at the car in awe. "She sure is a beauty!" I commented, looking over the clean vehicle. It was in immaculate condition and the owner beamed with pride.

"She's my baby. Had her since I was 16. She was my first car."

"You name her?" I asked, a lopsided grin on my face. Every car person named their vehicle. It gave them spunk. It gave them an identity.

"Black Beauty," he admitted with a sheepish grin.

"The name fits her well. She's a beauty. You have a great day, sir!" I shook hands with the owner and turned to walk away when I shoulder-checked someone. I was about to apologize when I was met with a pair of bright blue eyes.

"Well, well, well, would you look at that? Fancy seeing you again."

[kathyprior4200]

Heavenly Boss S2 E1: Hearing Homilies

“In the glorious expanse of the seven heavens, there exists infinite amounts of incredible phenomena. The third sphere of Heaven where those who love God and humanity dwell. The twelve wise men in the fourth. The warriors in the fifth sphere and the righteous in the sixth. The golden ladder in the seventh for those who devoted themselves to prayer. But in the higher spheres of the Fixed Stars, you may see Mary and other saints. The highest sphere of all is the Empyrean, where angels dance in circles of light around the Light which is God Himself. Divine white roses flourish with life and positivity. Although Seraphim sing around God’s throne, seeing the Empyrean and its angelic guardians is just as spectacular. One the sabbath day, on the 7th day of the seventh month, our corner of reality is treated to an incredible sight. For it is said that Jesus Christ Himself will appear from a shining beam of light, bringing together souls from all corners of Heaven together. A divine sermon takes place in the sky, where Jesus and the Holy Spirit Dove will give each of us a divine message from God about our futures. This advice will give us much to think about in our long prosperous lives. Anyone can attend…” Yeshua’s Gist.”

Azrael, the Angel of Death, narrated the scene, a Bible in front of him. The images showed the Virgin Mary and the saints talking to various angels and souls. It showed Jesus with long brown hair and a white face and him wearing a worn white robe with a dove over his head. The sun, the moon, and all the planets aligned and formed the seven heavens, while the stars and angels brightened the higher spheres. Azrael curled up his hand and the images faded. An open Bible hovered in front of him, surrounded by gold magic.

“Well, at least it’ll be fun for the outgoing folk,” he mentioned.

He tucked in little Quartet Enoch, the swan princess who giggled. Quartet had white feathery hair and a dark face with green eyes. She wore a blue dress with halos on it. Her mother, Flora, had long black feathers; she was an avian nature angel.

Quartet’s room was white with blue trim on the ceiling. She had a princess bed with a gold sparkling canopy, and a gold crown design on the headboard. An overhead mobile showed an angel playing a trumpet, a star, a harp, and a flower.

“Daddy, can we go see it someday?” she asked, eyes wide in wonder.

“Of course,” said Azrael. “I promise. When the day comes, nothing will be able to keep me and your mom from seeing it with you. Goodnight, my angel.”

“Goodnight,” called Quartet with a yawn. The Bible followed Azrael as he closed the door. Quartet wiggled in her bed and giggled with excitement.

0 0 0

Many years later, a teen Quartet woke up, excited. On her calendar, she had drawn a Christian Cross and the smiling faces of her and her father and mother. She put on her green dress with black skulls on it, her gold crown, white jacket, and white boots. She greeted some golden singing roses that were in pots along the hall.

“Hey, Mom! Hey, Dad!” she called. The kitchen was empty. A halo flickered above her head.

“Mom?”

She looked on the balcony. Black onyx pillars held several dome-shaped gazebos in a garden below. There was a tricking of a gold fountain with a statue of a raised sword with water gushing from the tip. No one save for a groundskeeper elf was present there.

“Dad?”

Quartet walked all throughout the palace, her hand on a golden rail decorated with eye designs.

She finally spotted them out front in the courtyard. They were speaking in hushed tones.

They turned to her. “Oh, hello ‘Tet,” said Flora, brushing a flower from her black feathery hair. Her dress was various shades of green and made of feathers. Her angel wings were folded back, and a halo hovered above her head.

“Are you ready to go?” asked Azrael.

“Yes!” said Quartet.

“Go change into this,” said Flora. She showed Quartet a beautiful golden dress with diamonds on the front shaped like a Christian Cross between two white angel wings. There was also a pair of white high heels and gemstones to attach to her wings.

“Huh,” said Quartet. “I didn’t know it was that fancy. Still very nice.”

Quartet snapped her fingers and lifted herself magically into the air. In a flash of light, the fancy dress moved toward her and was on her. Her original clothes were back in Flora’s arms.

“Better,” said Flora.

Quartet lowered to the ground and smiled, but then spotted her dad walking away.

“Dad, where are you going?”

Azrael turned to her with a somber expression. “To attend to my usual duties.”

A bloody scythe appeared in his hand and his dark wings stretched outward as thunder crashed in the background for effect.

“But I thought you were coming with us?”

Flora sighed. “There has been…a slight change in plans.”

“Let me know how it goes,” said Azrael before vanishing into the darkness.

Quartet gasped. “The ceremony isn’t canceled, is it?”

“No,” said Flora. She waved her hand and a portal appeared. Both of them stepped through it and it closed behind them. They stood before a large gold palace with Hebrew letters engraved into the ornate double doors.

“Mom, what’s going on?” Quartet asked.

Flora gave her a look. “I should’ve told you this sooner but…”

“But what?”

“You know that you visit your father for the weekend once every month, right?”

Quartet’s eyes went wide. ‘Sugar honey iced tea!’ she thought. ‘I completely forgot!’ She slowly nodded.

“Well, it’s that time again.”

The double doors opened and there stood a tall, elegant swan angel. His eyes glowed dark green and his black feathery hair was in a tight bun. He wore a white suit with a high collar trimmed with gold with his sigil on his suit. Two swan heads looped around his neck. A red necktie was in the middle of his suit, and he also had a red cape behind him. Hovering above him was a halo with a red carnelian crystal in the center. His face was feathery white, and he had a hooked beak-like nose.

He revealed a small smile. “Hello, Quartet. It’s great to see you again.”

Among other rooms in the palace were other angelic members of the Shem HaMeporash. Some were humanoid but manly angels who had features of lions, lambs, doves, swans, eagles, and other heavenly animals.

Quartet awkwardly waved back. “Hello father.”

“I see Azrael has let you slack off again,” Menadel muttered to Quartet as he strode forward. He briefly looked at Flora. “You know, Flora…if your daughter ever wants to fulfil her role better and spend more time with me…”

“That is, if you’re not preoccupied with the angelic council and half a dozen other things,” Flora remarked coldly. “I’ve said it before…Quartet stays with me and Azrael the most. He’s married to me.”

“Which is a big mistake,” he seethed. “Falling for the angel of death who’s so unlike yourself.” 

“He loves me for who I am. He didn’t hesitate to care for Quartet.”

“You were supposed to raise her during the time I was gone,” said Menadel. “I wanted to be there with you and her. But my duties to answer mortals’ prayers and monitor the inferior race of the Goetia demons was paramount.”

“And you called yourself a breadwinner husband,” Flora scoffed. “Just because we’re rich doesn’t mean you can go off and put more things on all our plates! I’m surprised you’re not on duty right now!”

“I wouldn’t miss this ceremony for the world,” he said. “And neither should you and Quartet. You were supposed to remain my faithful wife. If you were a mortal and cheated on me like you did…well, just be glad you aren’t one.”

“How low of you to suddenly degrade the very beings you try to help,” Flora narrowed her eyes. “Mortals were made in His image too, not just us angels.”

“Sinful mortals are like sinful demons…just as bad and more often than not, they become demons themselves. Hence why we need Quartet to be diligent with ensuring that no threats…”

“The only threat I perceive is your overbearing, straight and narrow attitude,” Flora spat. “She’s still a young teen!”

 Quartet hid her face in her hands briefly as she watched the argument. Quartet knew whenever she was with her dad, she witnessed his detachment from her and his preoccupation with rules. She hated when her parents didn’t get along.

Hence when he said to Quartet, “I hope you’ve been practicing for the ceremony. There’s much to do.”

“Sorry, Quartet,” said Flora. “But you’ll be spending the weekend and ceremony with Menadel. I’ll meet you at the ceremony later.”

Quartet glared at her mother, who gave her an apologetic look.

Flora vanished through a portal, leaving Quartet alone.

Half an hour later in the ornate living room, Quartet’s back hurt as she stood rehearsing her lines for the ceremony. Being a princess, if she decided to attend, which she was, Menadel reminded her of her important role to inspire her people. Quartet enjoyed singing and praising to her Lord…but eight times in a row was getting tiresome.

“He is Elohim, our benevolent, all-knowing Creator. Jesus the Christ is His extension, the savior of the human race and of Earth. Archangel Michael, He Who Is Like God, is His angel general and supreme protector, sword of flame the bane of all evil. Before there was only darkness, but God brought light and life. For all who are lost…for mortals lost in sin and for the denizens of Heaven seeking answers, you can always go to Him. Obey, pray, and serve each day…for He knows all of us best. His light is brighter than a thousand suns, the whole of this universe created by Him. Jesus devotes his life to Viv…”

Menadel raised his eyebrow. Quartet cleared her throat.

“Um, I mean to give, all He has to help rich and poor alike…”

“More passion. More faith,” Menadel pressed.

“Father, I’ve done this so many times now…” Quartet groaned. She flopped on a couch made of velvety red satin.

“It must be perfect, if you are to attend,” he said. “Heaven counts greatly on the influence of the Shem HaMeporash family. The ceremony starts in a few hours.”

‘Still cares about status over his own daughter,’ Quartet thought. She never thought she would have to recite a speech.

“Can I take a break?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said. “After you finish your closing lines.”

Quartet sighed and continued.

“Don’t forget your choir song and pyrotechnic display afterwards,” Menadel reminded her.

After she finished, Quartet raced to her room upstairs. This room was vaster and more spacious than her other mansion room…not as homey. White pillars supported a large, curved balcony that was all her own. A gold chandelier with teal glowing crystals hung on the high ceiling. The ceiling itself was painted with Adam reaching out to God. (A replica of a famous mortal work of art). White marble swan statues were everywhere around the room and throughout the mansion, with Menadel’s symbol on them. Her bed was queen-sized, no signs of her familiar nature posters. But there were some posters of Jesus, clouds, and the Ten Commandments…almost like her father set up this room for her (he did.) When she was younger, Menadel was comforting in subtle ways, like when he sang the Lord’s prayer to her as a lullaby. Or the times when he said he was proud of her after teaching her some magic and flying. But Quartet figured that Menadel only saw her as a valued potential member of the Shem HaMeporash…not who she was deeper down. The weekends she spent with him were a tedious nuisance.

Azrael may have been gloomy and distant, but he had a softer, understanding side that seemed to be absent in her real father. Azrael also didn’t emphasis the religious aspects all that much. He mostly let Flora nurture her but was there for Quartet as much as he could.

At least, Quartet hoped Azrael was trying.

Quartet picked up her blue backpack with stars on it and slung it over her shoulders.

She then picked up a Bible on her dresser and flipped open the pages. There was no way she’d be dragged along to the ceremony by Menadel. She could already see Menadel parading her around just to make Azrael and other misunderstood angels uneasy. She looked much more like her avian mother and father than she did to the humanoid Azrael. Azrael was an archangel, similar to Samuel…important, but not always liked. 

Quartet looked at her scroll of paper that read “Change Is Holy…the Benefits of a more Inclusive Christianity.”  She absentmindedly opened a small portal and tossed the wrapped-up scroll through.

Then she concentrated.

“Take me to see my savior,” she said, visualizing Jesus in her mind. Then her mind got distracted.

The Bible glowed golden, and a white spinning cross appeared under Quartet. Tendrils of white spun and danced around her. Quartet’s eyes briefly glowed white, and she walked through the portal. The portal closed behind her.

0 0 0

At E.L.F. headquarters, a calendar hung on the wall. On one square, Docile had written, “Samuel?” with a drawing of a dark moon and a whip and a sad face. Others read “Jesus ceremony,” “Calm Sunday,” “Choir Practice,” “Good Friday For Coffee,” “Eww, Horses,” “All Complaints Day,” “Three Wing’s Day,” “Cash Wednesday!”, “Lent Rent Pay Day,” “All Sols Day,” and “Symphony.” In several squares, Docile had written “Have Them Talk.” That was circled in red on the current date. The calendar had a picture of Docile and his friend Veronica together at the beach.

Docile wasn’t having much luck in getting “them to talk,” a.k.a. Tirred and Timmid. They were still sour after their breakup at Camael’s Corner in the Chasity Halo.

Tirred and Timmid were sitting on separate couches, arms crossed.

“Now guys,” Docile said nervously. “You know that both of you still have to work with me to save lives…”

The elves glared at each other.

“I brought you two here for a reason. We need to solve this dilemma so we can move forward. Let’s take turns telling each other’s sides of the story,” Docile said. “Who would like to go…?”

“I will,” Tirred grumbled.

“You didn’t even let our boss finish!” Timmid piped up.

“Who cares? I’d like to apologize and get it over with.”

“You’re gonna need to do more than apologize for spreading that nasty rumor about Docile!” she said.

“It’s true though, isn’t it? You let yourself be punished by Samael?”

“Yes, but there was no other choice,” Docile said. “His Bible is what allows us to get into the human world. The only reason why I haven’t fired you is that I’m giving you one more chance to prove yourself.”

“How so?”

“By not spreading any more rumors. By being nicer to your ex-girlfriend and co-workers. By…going on one more mission with us.”

Tirred smirked. “You’re always gonna keep me, aren’t you? You need me as a healer and fighter.”

“Well, I…I could always replace you!” Docile mentioned.

Tirred growled. “Replace me?! With whom?”

Purring came from the doorway.

Tirred fumed when Sunna skipped into the room. She wore white pants, a sky -blue blouse and little blue gems on her long brown braids. Her eyes were round and sky blue, her furry brown cat face lit up.

“Wha…no, not…not her! Are you joking?”

“Uh…” Docile looked over to Timmid who gave a thumbs up.

“No, mister!” Docile spat. “I’m not! It’s time for some tough love. Sunna’s a fantastic healer…her purrs are enough!”

“She’s a ditzy hippie and high on catnip,” Tirred scoffed.

“Go…back to your desk!”

“Urgh!” Tirred yelled as he stomped off.

Sunna swayed with a mystic air as she sang,

“All souls come from the land of love

The land of love, the land of love,

All around us and above

All souls come from the land of love”

“Before time, a realm sublime

God made us all divine

Sent us down to explore

To create and love and do it more”

“Make friends, make amends

Our journey never ends

We do what we will

And we’re all loved still

All loved still, all loved still”

“Success to enjoy, errors to solve

God is change, we all evolve

We are harmony, we are one

All shall return when our lives are done”

“All souls come from the land of love

The land of love, the land of love,

All around us and above

All souls come from the land of love!”

Sunna sat happily at her desk as the three elves sat with open stunned mouths.

“She’s getting worse,” called Tirred, making a crazy “coo-coo” sign.

“You know, sir,” said Timmid. “Adding someone new might be the right thing to do. It’s not good for business with customers that depend on us saving lives for them to have a…”

She raised her voice, “…selfish, inconsiderate bratty sadist in our office!”

Tirred seethed. “That does it!”

Timmid and Tirred stomped toward each other, Docile getting ready to separate them.

“Oh look, you have a visitor!” Sunna called to Docile, pointing to the doorway. The elves paused.

Walking through a golden portal was none other than Quartet. She froze as the portal closed behind her.

The elves turned to look in silence.

“Um…hello,” Quartet said nervously. “I don’t think this is where the ceremony is.”

“Are you…Menadel’s daughter?” Docile asked.

Quartet stepped back. “Please don’t mention to him that I’m here! Sorry to bother you guys, I gotta go.”

She looked at her Bible pages, waved her hand again and another portal appeared. Her eyes turned white and gold energy swirled all around her. The elves stepped back and covered their eyes. Sunna looked on in curiosity.

‘Please let it be right this time,’ she thought.

“Wait,” Docile called, arm outstretched, “Maybe we should call…”

Quartet vanished and the portal closed.

“…Azrael…he’s not gonna like this,” Docile finished.

Docile grabbed Sunna’s fish-shaped rotary phone.

“Hello…Lord Azrael? Your adopted daughter just took a Bible and teleported to heaven’s knows where. We’ll find her as soon as we can, but we’ll need some help. Okay, bye.”

Seconds later, the office door opened by itself. There stood Lord Azrael, scythe and all. He was not happy.

“How did this happen?” he asked as he ducked under the short doorway. “She was supposed to stay at Menadel’s.”

“She just appeared in our office holding a Bible out of nowhere,” said Timmid. “Said she was going to a ceremony.”

“Hold that thought,” said Lord Azrael. He vanished into black flames and headed to the ceremony. Minutes later, he teleported right back, looking concerned.

“She’s not there,” he said. “She’s not back at the mansion either. Where could she have gone?!”

Sunna padded over and sniffed the air. “N.Y.”

“Huh?” asked Tirred.

Everyone looked at her.

“What?” she asked. “I have a good nose.”

“N.Y. Wait…New York?!” Azrael suddenly cried. “That’s in the mortal world! She could be in danger!”

“What are we waiting for then?” asked Docile. “Let’s go find her!”

“Disguises first,” mentioned Azrael. He chanted something and waved his hand. Teal light enveloped everyone in the room, and they floated into the air. After several flashes of light, they appeared standing on the ground in their new human disguises.

Azrael appeared as a tall man with thick long black hair, a black goatee, sullen eyes and wearing a fancy all-black suit. He wore a skull ring on one of his pale fingers.

“Hello, Grimm Reaper,” Docile remarked as he stared at his form. He wore his usual uniform but now had white skin and short black hair and blue eyes. Tirred had white skin, thin black hair and darker eyes. Timmid had slightly messy white hair and blue eyes. Sunna, now an African American woman, admired her beautiful dreadlocks and brown cat-like eyes.

Azrael opened a portal and the group walked through. The portal closed behind them.

“Whoa,” the disguised elves said as they stared at the high towering skyscraper buildings around them. The Statue of Liberty stood radiant in the distance as people went on boat tours. The usual crowds of people were heading off toward Times Square for work, music, and shopping. Cars honked and yellow taxis maneuvered through the busy streets. Several gift shops were selling “Big Apple” and “I Love New Yok” shirts.

“The city that never sleeps,” Docile said. “Entertainment, everyone always moving and moving. Not so much different from Heaven.”

Timmid flinched at several thugs smoking and spitting in nearby alleyways. “Except for all the bad stuff.”

“And the misspelled signs,” Tirred grumbled, observing the “Welcome to New Yok!” signs everywhere.

“Sunna, sniff,” Docile said with a smile, marching forward.

Sunna intently sniffed a bag of catnip she had brought with her. She opened it and poured bits of it onto her tongue. Her eyes darted and her smile was one of bliss. A purr rumbled in her throat. The other E.L.F. members gave her sideways looks.

“Not that smelling!” Docile glared.

“Oh, right,” she said, pocketing the bag. “I still can’t smell anything in this city.”

“Can’t you do anything right?” Tirred spat.

“Can’t you be anything other than a nuisance?” she retorted. Timmid snickered.

“The next person I hear arguing will get a reduction in pay,” Docile warned. “Let’s go.”

The group walked by hot dog stands and men playing guitars on the ground. They visited “Rockiseller Center” where a beautiful Christmas tree was on display. Many people were laughing and ice skating around in circles. Holiday music played from the speakers.

“Christmas in July?” Timmid wondered. “I’ll take it.”

Timmid looked around and spotted a guy selling art. “Oh cool!” she said.

“Get some art over here!” called the bearded man. There were pastel oil paintings of dolphins and sunsets. There were keychains of the Statue of Liberty, Oscar award statues, palm trees, and a cartoon smiling glasses-wearing Vivziepop with blond hair and pink highlights in it.

Tirred rolled his eyes. “We’re on a mission, remember? That stuff is rubbish.”

“No, Tirred! I’m buying these!” she said in excitement. She handed the man some dollar bills and took several art and keychains with her.

“I’m a star at the Oscars,” she sang, pretending to use the Oscar keychain as a microphone.

Tirred rolled his eyes again and mentioned ahead of him. “Thanks to you, we just lost the group.”

“You’re no fun,” she said. “Let’s go find them.”

0 0 0

“Hey guys!” Docile called. “Check out this crazy costume!”

Azrael and Sunna snickered at Docile’s outfit. He wore a black jacket, a fake red pointed tail and fake stripped horns on his head. His mask over his face was an imp face painted red and white with fake sharp yellow teeth.

“This outta scare the pants off of any thugs around!”

A nearby woman screamed in happiness.

“Oh my gosh, everyone! Look! It’s New Yok’s Star, Blitzo!”

Docile glared. “What the buck is a Blitz…oh.”

In his costume, Docile glanced up at a billboard. An ad was displayed, showing a menacing imp with a pistol and an open-mouthed grin. Flames were in the background and the imp was riding on a brown horse. The title read in black, “HORSING AROUND: HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER! ™”

Docile was soon surrounded by a large crowd, lifting him up. “Help!” he cried as fans screamed and cheered around him.

“I’ll handle this,” Azrael grumbled.

“No killing!” Docile cried to him.

Crew members and guards held the crowd back as a white van pulled up. A director with black hair and a black beard was eating a granola bar.

“Blitz!” the director called, flanked by towering agents. “We’ve been looking everywhere for you! You were supposed to be on set five minutes ago!”

Docile took one look at the director’s upside-down pentagram necklace and flinched. “No way! I’m not going with you!”

“Very funny,” he said. “Now get in the car.”

“No, put me down!” he cried as one of the muscular agents picked him up. One of his fake horns fell off and several fans fought over it. A boy tore off his shirt and his chest read “I LUV HB!”

“I’m Blitz’s…agent,” Azrael mentioned. “And I demand you…”

Azrael was also picked up and both were tossed into the back.

“Sunna! Find Quartet!” Docile called. Sunna nodded and leaped over the crowd.

 Docile leaped forward, but the doors closed in front of him.

Before long, they were both dragged into the studio. Makeup artists began working on Docile.

“Let’s get him ready! He’s on in five!” called the producer.

“Five what? I can’t be on a sitcom!” Docile cried to no avail.

Docile was soon ready and standing next to Azrael.

“Alright, you’re on in 10…9…”

The producer vanished through the curtains.

“Why am I doing this? I can’t be on stage!”

“Just blend in so we can find Quartet,” said Azrael, pushing him gently forward. “Good luck.”

“And action!” called the director as the lights came on. Guitar theme music played, and the red curtains opened.

Docile was on a stage that looked horrible. It appeared to look like a desert with cactus plants and fake dead bodies near his feet. There was an animatronic brown horse off to the side with one eye missing.

An actor with a demon mask was pretending to groan in pain. “Oh…Blitzo you horrible scum imp…you have any last mocking words?”

Docile froze on the spot. Sweating.

“Say something,” whispered Azrael as a teleprompter appeared.

Docile then read his lines half-heartedly. “Oh yeah, uh…no, the ‘o’ is silent you…fucking…asshole.”

After a moment, the audience laughed as screens overhead displayed “LAUGH” in green. Azrael laughed under his breath.

Docile improvised. “B-but don’t worry…God will take you where you need to be, away from your suffering so you can repent for your sins!”

After an awkward pause, the screens prompted the audience to laugh again, so they did.

Soon enough after half an hour, the audience began to get bored with the show.

“Oh, Kniffty,” said Docile, holding up a one-eyed black cat animatronic and reciting his lines. “You’ve done it again! You’ve cleaned up every mouse in this here Hell hotel! Very nifty of you to do so!”

The audience laughed half-heartedly. The cat animatronic let out a meow. “It’s nice to meet you! I’ve always wanted to make new friends!”

“Me too, kitty!” Docile said with a smile. “In fact, it is time I give you a new home. Find someone to take good care of you!”

“We could take care of her,” said an actor dressed like a tall red man with antlers. He was followed by people dressed in black. “I always can provide a smile for those in need!”

Docile stared at the kitty animatronic…and a flashback came to him.

0 0 0

Back in Heaven, he was at a “HeavenCat Adoption Center.” There were kitty condos and fenced in yards for them to play in. Docile stared at a humanoid black cat girl with angel wings that looked like the animatronic. She only had one eye. Her furry siblings smiled at him from inside a box.

“They’re all so cute. And so…content. But…lonely.”

“Maybe you could adopt this one here,” said a fat cheetah lady, pointing to another open-window condo. “Long-lived, lanky and very low maintenance.”

Docile peered into the adjacent condo and spotted a hairless pink cat with bent whiskers and a fish bone in its mouth.

“Uh, no thanks,” Docile said. “Someone more family friendly?”

“No problem.” said the cheetah lady. “We have a nice selection of other felines.”

“Who’s that?” Docile asked, pointing to another condo.

“Oh her?” asked the cheetah. “That’s Sunna. What a crazy little thing.”

Sunna was bouncing up and down and playing with a live mouse, much to the distaste of the quiet cats.

“Serious hyperactive qualities. I hate to say it, but once she turns eighteen next month, she’ll be off on her own,” the cheetah mentioned.  “We have food stamps and shelters though, so hopefully it won’t be too bad. Menial work is just as important, so…as long as she behaves, she won’t go homeless…”

Docile freaked out at the word “homeless.” He adopted her on the spot.

0 0 0

“No, no, no, no,” he said, back in the present. “You can’t have her. She’s my kitty and I love her!”

“The audience went “AWWW” as the signs flashed the message.

“Alright, Blitzo,” said an actress with a cigarette in her mouth. “Let’s finish up this show so Hell can get more ratings and sinners…”

She grabbed the animatronic but Docile held on tight.

“Let go of her!” he cried. He cradled the cat in his arms. He tossed off his mask, tail, horns, and costume, leaving his regular clothes on. The audience gasped as his human disguise fell away as well.

“Ahh!” a kid in the audience cried. “It’s a booger elf!”

Docile narrowed his eyes. “Really?”

The animatronic cat scampered out of his arms.

“Wait, come back!” he cried.

The crew and producers tried to grab him, but Docile sent them back with light blasts from his scepter. Azrael shoved more people aside and grabbed hold of Docile. “Let’s go find our daughters.”  

The animatronic cat laughed evilly and with a paw swipe, cut one of the wires near the curtain. The prompting screens changed from “LAUGH” TO “AWW” to “FUCK,” in red.

To Docile’s horror, everyone in the audience stripped off their clothes and pounced on anyone nearby. Moans and groans and the sticky scents of semen and sweat filled the space.

It was pure chaos!

“I think I’m gonna barf,” Docile groaned as Azrael carried him outside the door into the blissful fresh air.

Docile jumped out of Azrael’s arms and hurled onto the pavement. He accidentally slammed the end of his scepter down onto the street.

The studio building erupted in a set of flames and explosions.

Docile and Azrael stared at the burning building in disbelief. After making the sign of the cross over their chests, Docile and Azrael hurried on.

0 0 0

Quartet looked around at the vast city she now found herself in.

“Where am I?”

“Hello!” called a man dressed like a duck. “Great costume!”

“Uh…thanks?” Quartet blinked, before brushing herself off and following the crowd of people. 

“Excuse me?” she asked, several people who ignored her and walked on by. “Can anyone tell me where to find Jesus?”

“In Heaven, sinner,” replied a gruff old man who bumped into her on purpose. “The unworthy have no hope of seeing him.”

Quartet asked around some more. “Where can I find Jesus?”

“In your heart, of course,” said a blonde woman wearing a Christian Cross necklace and a red shirt.

“Where can I find Jesus?”

“He will come on the final days of Earth,” said an elderly woman. “He’ll save us all…I hope. Just be patient.”

“Where can I find Jesus?”

“Jesus? He ain’t real, bitch,” said a black guy. “Get your religious propaganda out of my space!”

“Where…can I…find…Jesus…” asked a tired Quartet.

“He’s over at this church of Latter-Day Saints,” said a red-haired man. “They do sermons every morning.” He handed her a church pamphlet.

“Thank you!” Octavia called. She raced over toward the church building and sat on a bench. A child next to her gave her a weird look.  

“Don’t stare at the creepy bird lady,” said the child’s mother, pulling her child closer to her.

The sermon and lecture went on and on…but still no sign of Jesus.

Thoughts raced through Quartet’s mind as the pastor talked and talked.

“What kind of sermon is this? No music, no standing and clapping. No loud and proud ‘Praise Jesus!’ and harp playing like in Heaven! This is church, not a high school lecture! You humans are so boring.”

“Ugh, talking about funds for the church again? Don’t you people realize there are hundreds of starving and homeless humans out there? You have plenty of money…use it!”

“I already know my Bible verses and history. You don’t need to repeat the same thing three times.”

“Enough with the talks about Hell! Positivity is what makes people want to get closer to God. God is perfect and good; thus He should not be feared! No, don’t you dare teach children under five about Hell…heck teens can get traumatized by that shit.”

“Whoa…did I just swear in my head? Without it being censored? I guess it only gets censored in Heaven.”

“Politics again. Abortion is bad? No gays here? Modern up, Christianity…Jesus accepts everyone!”

“You keep saying ‘Jesus will come!’ Well, where is He? I’ve been sitting on my feathery bum for hours…”

Quartet covered her mouth as everyone glared at her. She had accidentally said her last thought aloud.

She spoke nervously. “Heh, heh. May the Lord be with you, amen.”

Quartet scurried out of the church, groaning in frustration.

She continued walking until she spotted Altar-P, a Christian-themed clothing store. There was a beautiful art print of a swan resting in a golden fountain. A cross stood in the background on a hill as golden rays of the sun lit up the whole area.

Quartet admired the art and took a selfie. She posted on Gracebook, Heaven’s version of Facebook:

“Found this amazing art print in the window of Altar-P. Whoever made this masterpiece rocks! #earththings.”

The locations on her phone were Earth, Chasity Halo, Patience Halo, Humility Halo, Kindness/Loyalty Halo, Charity Halo, Temperance Halo, and Diligence Halo.

About half an hour after Quartet left, Sunna spotted the swan art print. She happily took a selfie and posted her picture on Gracebook:

“What a beautiful piece of art! You never know what you’ll find in the mortal world! #earththings.”

Sunna scrolled through the posts on her phone. Her username was “Sunlightpurring777.” Her “friends” were Veronica, Portal99, and Cool Cat. When she saw an identical post from Quartet, she gasped. She looked at Quartet’s profile. “Tet,” “Happy,” “Lover of Life” were her profile descriptions with angel emojis. She had 77 followers and followed 256 profiles.

Sunna noticed Quartet posing in front of a mansion that looked like a castle with towers. She headed over to it, but Quartet wasn’t there.

She traveled all over “New Yok,” looking at Quartet’s posts, trying to figure out where she was. She read Quartet’s posts and traveled to the various places.  

“So, this is the Statue of Liberty! Wonder why it’s so green? #earththings.”

“It’s Christmas in July! Saw some beautiful lights and Christmas trees on display. Went ice-skating today, tried to do a spin…gotta see if I can magically heal my bruised knees. #funearththings.”

Sunna thought she saw Quartet ice-skating. She carefully went onto the ice but let out a cat-like yowl as she stumbled and waved her arms. “Whaaaa!” She slid on the ice on her belly…seeing the figure as just a teen girl with a wig and large glasses.

Sunna laughed nervously and got up on shaking legs. She had forgotten that she briefly didn’t have her supportive cat claws anymore.

Another post from Quartet:

“Why is New Yok called the Big Apple? I don’t see any apples around…save for that rotten one that guy is holding over there. #grossearththings.”

Sunna hissed at a hobo-man who had tried to snatch her catnip.

“What a weirdo,” several people muttered at Sunna.

Sunna spotted a Bastet figure on display at another store. She was tempted to buy it…until she spotted a smiling Jesus figure with sunglasses near it. Knowing she could only honor one, she decided to skip it. She tossed several coins and dollar bills into a homeless man’s cup. He promptly used the money to buy cheap beer.

Quartet’s next post:

“The people who destroyed the Twin Towers are probably sulking around as demons in Hell. Nice memorial wall, though. #sadearththings.”

A picture of a tired Quartet sitting on a bench:

“This city could use a proper clean-up and noise cancellation. Lots of crime, too. This world NEEDS Jesus, y’all! #whyearththings.”

Several dogs on leash barked loudly at Sunna, causing her to jump in fear. “Ahh! Stay away!” she hissed.

“Scaredy cat! Or should I say, scaredy bitch!” several men laughed as Sunna darted away from the growling dogs, her hairs on end.

Sunna was panting in exhaustion by the time the sun had set. Under an indigo sky was a golden church with a water fountain in front of it. The fountain had a spinning globe in the center, supported by two statue hands. She raced toward the church and turned a corner. Sunna arrived at a curved flight of stairs.

Sunna glanced at Quartet’s final post:

“Apparently, Jesus is supposed to make an appearance at this gold church, where he will come down and do His speech. Don’t want to use my Bible and accidentally travel to somewhere else unknown again. As a resident of Heaven, He should be able to see me.”

Sunna looked at the church in the background of Quartet’s picture…and it was the same one!

 Just then, Sunna spotted a figure at the top of the stairs in a prayer position. The moonlight highlighted a familiar figure with feathery hair!

Quartet!

Sunna sighed with relief and transformed back into her normal cat form.

“Hey,” said Sunna, walking up the stairs.

Quartet turned around, tears in her eyes. “Hey. How did you find me?”

Quartet stood up as Sunna walked over.

“Your Gracebook,” Sunna replied with a smile. She held up her phone and scrolled through the church pictures. “Nice pics by the way.”

“Oh, thanks,” Quartet sniffled.

“Are you okay?” Sunna asked.

Quartet sat on the ledge as Sunna did the same. Quartet’s Bible and bag were next to her. “I can’t believe I was so stupid! I’ve been wandering all over New Yok City to find Jesus! I thought that I could find a spot where it’d be easier for Him to travel down to Earth. Now I’ve probably missed that fancy ceremony! And all I have now is this…smog-filled busy city!”

“Well, it’s not that bad,” Sunna replied. “It may not be like Heaven, but it’s unique in its own light. I mean,” Sunna shrugged, “It was kind of fun exploring around outside of home for the first time.”

“Yeah…you’re right,” said Quartet. “Oh, my dad’s gonna kill me!”

“Um…which one?” Sunna asked.

“Menadel for sure,” Quartet grumbled. “I’ll probably have to repent for my sins and stay grounded for a century! And…”

Quartet sniffed again.

“What?”

“My other dad…Azrael…he’s so busy with work like Menadel, he doesn’t even care! I’ve waited for years to go to this ceremony, but now I won’t get to go with dad and mom.”

Sunna put a comforting paw on her shoulder. “Let me tell you something. Azrael may be busy a lot, but he is very worried about you. He’s here.”

“Here?”

“Looking for you right now,” Sunna mentioned. “Your mom probably is wondering where you are as well.”

“Urgh, now I feel so bad,” Quartet sighed.

“We all make mistakes, it’s okay,” said Sunna. “Azrael, Flora…and yes even Menadel…they may not always get it right when it comes to parenting. But I assure you…all of them are trying.”

“Y-you sure?”

“I know it,” Sunna said. “Divorce…meeting Heaven’s rules and expectations…not always easy at all. But love always wins in the end. You know my song?”

Quartet shook her head.

Sunna’s eyes lit up and she sang a slower softer version of her previous song:

“All souls come from the land of love

The land of love, the land of love,

All around us and above,

All souls come from the land of love.”

Quartet’s eyes lit up as she heard the glorious sound of a choir from inside the church. The vocals supported the rest of Sunna’s song. Quartet leaned in for a hug and was further comforted by Sunna’s purrs. Her eyes closed.

“When you feel like the world breaks

Know that God forgives all mistakes

There is always love around you

Your soul family has found you

Let the loving universe guide you

to the truth that’s always inside you

The souls and stars are your friends

In a sea of love that never ends

That never ends.”

The girls hugged for a while, then separated.

“Thank you, Sunna, that was beautiful,” Quartet sniffed. Sunna felt like a comforting sister.

Sunna held out a paw and Quartet took it. “You ready to go?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s get you home,” smiled Sunna.

Both of them opened the portal together, appearing in Central Park.

Docile gasped in happiness. “Sunna!”

Sunna and Quartet walked through, hand in hand before it closed behind them.

“Oh Dad!” Sunna raced over and hugged Docile. “Thank goodness you’re alright.”

From the shadows, a gang member pointed a gun at the turned heads of Sunna and Docile…

Slash!

Azrael waved his scythe in an uppercut motion. With a scream, the gangster’s body tore in two and the two halves landed in a gory thud onto the grass.

He turned around, making his bloody scythe vanish.

“Quartet!” Azrael exclaimed.

Quartet lowered her head. “Hey, dad.”

Azrael pulled her into a hug. “Your mother and I were so worried about you!”

“I’m so sorry,” said Quartet.

“Why did you run away from Menadel’s? You know he was counting on you to be at the ceremony. And you know I haven’t taught you spells like that yet.”

“I didn’t want to go with him! I wanted to go with you and mom! I tried traveling to the ceremony but…heh…it didn’t seem to work out…”

“Yeshua’s Gist! Oh, Quartet I’m so sorry…I thought that you going with Menadel was the right thing to do…since…he’s your real dad…”

Quartet hugged him again. “You’re my real dad! I’m just glad you’re here!”

They stood and hugged, tears in their eyes.

Just then, under the moonlight, a man dressed like Jesus was surrounded by a crowd. He had a guitar in his hands and was singing “New Yok.” A bold “I’m J#1!” tag was on his chest along with a red apple sticker. A band sign read “Jesus and the Three Kings”, with a drummer, a keyboardist and a bassist playing beside him with crowns on their heads.

Several fireworks shot into the sky.

“If I can make it there, I’m gonna make it anywhere, it’s up to you! New Yok! New Yok!” he sang.

The crowd clapped and sang and danced along. Soon, Quartet and Azrael found themselves dancing to the music.

“It’s Jesus!” Quartet smiled in amazement at the guitar-playing saint. “It’s a miracle! I can’t believe He had time to come down to Earth for a visit!”

Azrael chuckled with a bit of an eye roll. “Still want to ask him about your future?”

“You know what? I’m happy knowing about the now,” Quartet said, staring into her dad’s eyes with love.

Sunna and Docile smiled happy tears and danced as well. Docile did a mental count and froze.

 “Hey, where are T and T?”

0 0 0

Meanwhile in an alley, Tirred tapped his foot impatiently in front of the portal. Timmid was dragging a heavy bag full of CDs, art, Oscar statues, medals, trophies, and the like.

“Art is heavy,” she grunted.

“March, miss!” Tirred spat.

His eyes then went wide as he spotted a shadow figure point a gun at an oblivious Timmid. It appeared to be a gang member. From his scepter, Tirred fired a bolt of light at the figure and the figure dropped dead. More angry footsteps were approaching. Timmid looked around. “What was that Tirred?”

Tirred grabbed Timmid and carried her through the portal. She cried for her merchandise, but the portal closed.

0 0 0

Menadel tapped his foot impatiently. His eyes widened as Jesus gave out future advice to the last person.

“It’s an honor to see you again, sir,” Menadel said. “Perhaps you could grant me your wonderous wisdom?”

Jesus chuckled softly. “Sorry Menadel, but that’s all the time I have. I only get to the people that I feel called to.”

“B-but I’m the most prominent well-respected member of the Shem HaMeporash!”

“There were lots of children who needed my advice more. Even I can’t read everyone!” Jesus responded.

“Please, sir, I am worthy to be read!”

Jesus paused. “Say…it’s a shame your daughter couldn’t be here. I heard she had a great speech planned. Something about “a more inclusive modern Christianity?”

“Um…that’s the wrong script…”

“Is it? Because I think she sent me a draft earlier today.” He held up Quartet’s scroll. “I, for one, am super impressed! She’s truly a tremendous force…born under a great celestial alignment like Octavia from Hell. Here’s hoping she can make Heaven an even better place for all. Anyway, have a good day, Menadel!”

“Wait, sir…!”

He vanished.

Menadel stood in disbelief. He growled and seethed. “Noooooooo!”