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shapard · 3 months

Text

Feather of Fate🕊️

Lucifer x Seraphim!fem!reader

Soulmate arc

Michael proves that he needs help

Angst, Gore (?)

A/n: So, Originally the chapter was longer. But it was wayyyy too long, so I choose to split it.

La Vaguelette

Chapter 8 > Chapter 9 < Chapter 10

Leonardo was reading peaceful one of his science books. One of many he owns in heaven.

He loves these kinds of pieces like electric, Atomic and the other things that the human created with his little help.

Even though sometimes it ended in war or weapon, which was kind of disappointing for Leonardo. Why would they create something to just destroy themselves?

He stopped reading as he felt the sudden familiar power of an opening a portal.

He looked above his book trying to catch what was disturbing his peace.

Leonardo watched as Michael came through a portal and carried you in his arms.

Of course it is Michael.

“The Seraphim?” Leonardo asked his smaller brother as he raised his finger towards his face to adjust his glasses.

Michael looked over at Leonardo, and cursed.

oh he is so fucked.

Leonardo was the responsible one.

Always listening to what father has to say and always do his job 100% correct.

Mostly he keeps heaven in control so nothing gets out of hand.

It was till they created Sera, and now he's thinking about getting his old responsibility back.

Sera couldn't be trusted anymore. She had one job and Michael did it for her.

Bring the seraphim back.

“What?! Nooo that’s just an exorcist who needed help-“

“What is she doing here?” Leonardo stated clear. He is not in the mood to play with Michaels dumb little games.

“Just doing my job.” Michael said, his emotionless eyes looking at Leonardo.

Leonardo sighed laying his book aside. “He said not to hurt her,” He looked down at your broken legs and hands. “And you obviously did.” His golden eyes burned into Michael’s soul, making him shudder.

“Calm down brother! You really think she’ll come without a fight? You’re too naïve.” Michael laughed nervously.

“I could’ve done it better.” Leonardo said in a matter-of-fact tone. "Maybe even Sera." An cold wind blow freezed the tips of Leonardo's Black hair.

Michael was not pleased with the comparison with Sera.

Michael stepped forward his icy blue eyes bored into Leonardo golden one. “I will handle it.”

…

Michael pulled you along with him. Not caring that you got a cut added every time you slammed against a rock, that laid on the floor.

You were in a place in heaven that looked identical to hell, maybe even worse.

The floor was worn out and every surface was uneven and had holes.

A place that was hidden before bare eyes.

A prison or worst a torture chamber.

Creatures were behind those bars and are more terrifying than anything in Hell.

Except maybe root.

It was Michael playhouse, his palace.

The place where he can live his sadistic and psychopathic ways fully.

And everything else is his Hunting ground.

Making people disappear out of nothing and bringing them in the depths of this lovely place.

Someone who lands in here never goes back, not at least in the form how they came.

They get completely mangled and stitched together like in the worst horror movie.

You are Michael's new subject that he got in his claws.

The one he’ll break and re-build.

You’ll be the one who’ll destroy her loving partner.

His perfect subject.

How is he still in Heaven you ask?

One of daddy’s Favorite.

He threw you into an empty dark room and you hit your head hard against the dirty cell wall.

Blood started oozing out of the fresh wound, but no reaction.

The pain is nothing compared to the old wounds.

It was just a little pinch.

The hole in your thigh pulsated harshly reminding you of its very existence.

You squinted your eyes open, only to realize that you were hanging high above from the ground.

You tried to move but the chains on your wrist held you in place.

It hurts.

The chains scratched your wrist open in a slow pace. Your broken hand was pressed firmly against the chain. It feels like your hands are getting ripped apart from your Arm.

It hurts so bad.

You wanted to scream but you can’t, his ice was still on your lips making you shiver from the cold.

Lucifer help

Legs were unmoving and you got in a panic like state.

You can’t move an inch.

Please Lucifer it hurts

You’re a damsel in need and Michael could you whatever he wants with you.

And right now, he was watching you suffer.

He probably got an erection seeing you hanging there with the broken limps He caused.

“So, you’re awake?”

He sat down on a chair that stood in front of your cell, your new home. “Choosing not to talk, huh?” He chuckled when the sound of moving chains echoed through the dark hollow walls.

The magic this place once held, was completely sucked out by Michael's evil thoughts.

“If you think that is the worst it can get, I must disappoint you.” A monstress scream and a slashing sound of a whip was what caught your attention.

It is unbearable.

The sounds of Angels that were getting ripped apart and sewed together to create some of Michaels weird obsession.

And you may wonder how Michael ended this way. He used to be a happy Man, and now he is a cold hearted psychopath.

And echo in those walls gave you the answer. A small whisper in the last bits of magic the Playhouse had.

It gave you the answer to this question.

He wants to create, just like his twin brother Lucifer.

But he can’t.

So, he took this place to make creatures for heavens protection. But these creation never worked. They were brainless and brutal monsters.

Killing everything that was near them.

And he fell deeper into despair.

He never could be Lucifer and it was pissing him off.

He wasn't as creative as Lucifer. He never could be.

Lucifer was God’s favorite.

So, Michael sabotaged him.

Making Lucifer fall for Lilith and letting the forbidden Apple into Lucifers grasps.

It was Michael's duty to protect. But he didn't protect the Apple, no. You could say he gave it to him like a wrapped up gift.

Lastly Michael gave father the Idea to create Hell.

And after that Michael talked to his brothers to banish Lucifer into hell.

For his sins.

And now Lucifers Playhouse is his. The precious thing that Lucifer had in heaven, he even took this.

And now he has you too.

All mine. thought Michael, driven by envy and Jealousy.

How is this place in heaven? How is he in heaven

“We’ll see each other tomorrow rotten Apple. Try to take some rest, tomorrow isn’t going to be a good day for you.”

…

The voices stopped.

The sound of heels meeting the cold floor was the only thing that kept you sane for a second.

It kept the voices away that talked through the walls.

Sometimes you could see how they dragged an Angel down into the surgery Room.

So that happens to those who betray him.

It was cold and lonely down here.

The sound of voices and clicking of the clock ringed in your ears. It was uncomfortable.

All you wanted was going back to your beloved Lucifer.

You couldn’t sleep because of the pain from the hole in your thigh that started to get infected.

The flesh around it grew fury red and the bugs started to slowly eat the flesh around it.

You closed your eyes to imagine that you were with him. That this all was a nightmare and you're alright.

But the pain reminds you that nothing is alright.

Everything will be alright.

"You Liar." You whispered and opened your eyes to look at the black surrounding.

The sound of heels hitting the floor grew louder and louder till it stopped.

You raised your head and looked into those golden eyes that brought some light into this dark place.

“I never dared to go to Michael’s playhouse, but I had to see it for myself. The Seraphim that father wants to have back. And yet here you are chained up by our dearest Brother Michael.”

Click.

He opened your cell and released you from the chains.

You fell right into his arms, and he wasn’t cold like Michael, no. He was warm like Lucifer; you miss him already. His hands raised and touched your forehead, he pushed your hair slowly out of your face and the warm feeling came back.

It reminded you when Lucifer and you first met. This unknown Angel was helping you.

Why?

As if he heard your thoughts, he Introduced himself as The Arch Angel Leonardo.

“I’m here to help. I can’t get you out of here yet, but I can heal your wounds.” Your hand and legs snapped in their right place, and you could feel them again.

A tear of hope streaked down onto Leonardo’s black coat, and he stroked your back softly.

The hope will not last long. Not as long you're here trapped into Michael's little Playhouse.

“You can rest for now.”

He laid you on the hard bed that was in the corner from the cell and his grip left your body.

It was a step back into reality.

The coldness hit your neck like a cold shower. You buried yourself under the thin sheet for any warmth it may have. And you finally slept out of exhausting.

_____

Lucifer was pacing around the hotel lobby, “We must do something!” He was terrified what will happen to you if he doesn't do anything.

He knows how heaven can manipulate and cruel.

But Michael was a different story.

He was not allowed in heaven, so how can he get you back? it was against the agreement they had.

But he will go regardless. For you he’d break this one rule he never over stepped.

For you he'd destroy heaven if it means to get you back.

Charlie stood there in silence, she felt like it was all her fault. She hadn’t put any safety measurements in her hotel to keep any attacker at bay.

And Michael took you away.

Now Lucifer lost you, and worse they all lost you.

And maybe she’ll lose her father of her dumb mistake.

Soulmates can’t be separated for a long time for a reason.

“Luci?”

A soft voice called out for him.

He spun around and glared at the person who stood on the staircase. “Lilith?”

Again, weird timing.

She stepped in front of him not even glancing at the other members.

She has something planned, Angel Dust thought as he looked her into the eyes.

They gave a dangerous look. A glint of hatred reflecting in them.

She's not here to be friendly.

_____

You woke up from the heavy sound of metal meeting stone. Voices were keeping you from going back to sleep.

Michael and another person were standing in front of you observing the scenery.

Michael looked at your healthy body. No Broken Limps.“Leonardo has to ruin all my fun.” Michael pouted and the other one just shrugged.

“He doesn’t like when you’re, you know, you?” The other person said looking at you.

You stood up and stretched your body, the aching pain of your muscles calmed in relief after some movement.

You looked the other person right into their golden eyes, just like Leonardo's.

His Grin was just like Lucifers just with Humane teeth.

Why do they have to be all related.

He bowed slightly and introduced himself as Azrael the Arch Angel of Death.

Your mind spins what type of Arch Angel is Leonardo and what was Lucifer?

You know that Michael is the Arch Angel of protection.

You know so much about Lucifer but also nothing.

With a snap of Michaels fingers, you were back up in chains.

You grunted at the sudden burning sensation from the chains. They were icy cold. “Your little lover boy seems to be in a little trouble my dear.”

___

Lucifer stepped back as Lilith stalked towards him, throwing affection comments on him.

What is her plan?

Lucifers back hit the wall with his back, there’s no escape.

He cursed.

Lucifer doesn't want to hurt Lilith.

Not in front of Their baby.

_____

“He spins lies and crawls between sheets.” Michael chuckled, and Azrael crossed his arms in front of his chest the smirk never left his face.

In front of you an orb appeared, it was deep black with a white aura flying around it.

“Let me show you something my dear.” Azrael said pointing towards the orb.

The orb showed the Hotel, or rather the scene that takes place in the hotel.

Lucifer and Lilith were standing both so close.

Lucifer wouldn't do anything, he loves you right?

___

Lilith pulled his chin towards him and kissed him forcefully.

Shoving her tongue into his mouth.

A passionate kiss was shared between. Or that's how it looked.

____

You looked at the orb Azrael made for you to look through.

Your hands ached from being chained too long, bruises almost turning black. And all you could do is watching helplessly how Lilith was kissing Lucifer.

No that's a Lie.

A piercing pain throbbed and spread in your heart. Like a knife that buries itself slowly into the soft flesh of your heart. The knife slowly gets dragged down, slicing your chest open in the process.

That's the nearest thing that could describe the pain you feel right now.

“He never loved you.” Azrael’s words echoed through your hollowed skull, your mind was screaming, and you couldn’t take it anymore.

The pain that resides in your heart and the words Azrael and Michael were planting into your minf.

Stop

This all must be a lie.

This must be fake.

Lucifer would never do that to you. “It’s real darling.” Azrael took your chin between his fingertips, a sadistic grin never failed to appear.

Your body felt numb, you slumped down when Azrael let you go.

You hang on the chains like a dead corpse.

Michael looked from the shadow; he loved the view.

Your suffering was pure pleasure to him, you suffer is his suffer and it filled his icy cold heart with desire.

He wants more destruction.

More of your breaking.

He wants to see you break into itty bitty pieces.

So, pity full.

Your eyes were empty, you’re shutting down. No more defense reflexes.

You wanted to die right here and there.

Were you not enough?

You should’ve known that this was all a lie.

It was all your fault after all.

You broke his trust in the first place.

Leonardo looked down at your figure and he was the only one who didn’t smile.

Since when is he watching anyways?

Is it pity? Is it caring?

Stop, stop.

Stop looking at me like that.

He should smile not taking pity on your own misery as something sad.

They’re all the same, Arch Angels are all the same, even Lucifer.

He wants to use you just like anyone else.

Leonardo will play with you and then throw you away like everyone else.

You were mad and disappointed. Lucifer made you feel like the only person he needed.

But in reality he just wanted you gone so he could have Lilith back.

And when you were captured by the one and only Michael.

And Lilith took the opportunity that you here chained up in here.

She lets Michael do whatever he wants with you. and in return she returns to Lucifer.

Wasn’t she known to be kind and loving and just left Lucifer with their child.

Then she replaced you, taking her spot back that she left long time ago.

Were you living to rot in your own misery.

Who would Love you anyway?

Not even your own mother glanced a second glance at you when you needed her the most.

You felt like a failure.

You couldn’t even keep your own Soulmate that is destined to stay by your side.

You looked up at Leonardo, his pitiful stare was stirring something in you. Something you never felt, it was indeed a sin.

In the end you never dared to sin. But the plates have changed. Your life already is horrible.

Anger, and the desire to kill build up in your chest. Filling the pain that is planted deep in the softness of your heart.

“don’t look at me like that. Go on laugh, laugh that I thought he would safe me out of here. NO ONE IS STOPPING YOU!” You clawed up to him, the chains were rustling and the skin of your wrist were scratch open.

You wanted to claw his face open. You wanted the pain to stop. Tears were falling uncontrollably, and the sobbing mixed with the horrible sight of you clawing to get out.

That someone will come and save you out of this.

But no one will come

You feel like you’re going to burst, you didn’t want this life.

You wanted Love, you wanted to be loved and someone to tell you that you're safe.

You missed him even though he betrayed you.

Love is the greatest curse of them all

God created you out of mere dust and let you stay in the dirt.

Not even God could love you.

Leonardo shifted his gaze away from you, “I’m sorry…” You laughed at his attempted apology. And your body fell lump.

"I got you" Sera whispered as she held you close to your body. You giggled and looked up to your mother. "You'll never leave me, right Mom?" And Sera nods. "Never."

She left.

"I got you sweetie." Lucifer's Forehead was on yours and he hums a soft tune that calmed you down.

You had a panic attack.

You dreamed about your mother again and Lucifer came to calm you down."I'll not leave you."

That’s what Lucifer said and look where he is now.

He's gone.

"You're alone, Y/n."

In the Arms of his beloved Lilith.

____

Lucifer was quick to push Lilith away with brutal force. He rubbed his mouth with his clawed hand in a disgusting meanor.

“Get the fuck off me.” He said while spitting the mixed saliva out of his mouth.

His lips felt like they’ve touched poison.

He was glad you haven’t seen this. He is scared that you’d misinterpret this.

He doesn’t want Lilith he wants you.

And he certainly doesn't want to lose you.

Little did he know that’s why Lilith did it and in fact you’ve saw the kiss they shared.

Lilith, who was now on the ground, smirked up to him.

“The damage already done love.” Her Voice was full of venom. That’s not the Lilith Lucifer used to know.

Lilith was kind and loving.

And now she’s rotten and disgusting like spoiled milk.

“What have you done?” He tilted his head rather asking himself what damage Lilith meant.

“Your little Angel. She’s the one you love and care so much and she’s the one who’ll burn this all down.” Lucifer raised his eyebrows.

“What you mean?” Angel dust asked, clearly knowing who’s she referring too. “Yeah, she’ll never do that.” Husk stated serious catching everyone in surprise.

He genuinely cares about you and that surprised the others.

The Husk cares about an Angel. Wouldn’t be the first Angel but the other is a demon that carries the name Angel.

The name of his new Identity.

Lilith laughed, “God has his Plans.”

Lucifers ears peaked at that, “God? Now you’re a puppet of him? The one who you said made you suffer? Really? That’s why you left me all alone with a child?”

He took a deep breath closing his eyes, trying to calm down his building anger.

“Where is she?” He asked calmly, his eyes remained closed as he waited for her answer.

No Answer.

“Tell him, you pig.” Vaggie said holding a spear deathly on Lilith’s neck.

“I could kill you in less than a second. You’re in the deathly position, Vaggie.” Lilith smirked up at her, tapping with her nail on the Angelic weapon.

Tap

“And in less than a milli second I can wipe you out of existence,” Lucifer opened his eyes showing its fury scarlet color, “So tell me, where is she?” He leaned down towards her face.

Fire danced along with his words, intimidating Lilith.

“She is in heaven.” She answered in defeat.

“Oh, we know. But where?” Angel said and his voice wasn’t welcoming either.

No one hurts his little sugar tits. Not even the Arch Angels themselves.

“In Michaels playhouse, your old one. That's where she is right now. But I don’t have any more Information.” Lucifer snapped with his fingers.

Chains appeared out of the ground pulling Lilith down a portal to God knows where.

Lilith screamed at Lucifer, to let her go. She doesn't want to go there where these chains will drag her.

“We are leaving.” Lucifer muttered, patting the dust from him.

“Where to?” Charlie asked looking her father in his red eyes.

“It’s time to bring Y/n back.”

Please be alright.

A/n: The Hazbin gang is on their way to Y/n. Let's hope they're not too late.

Thank you all for the Support Pookies<3

💫

Sadly couldn't Tag you

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#hazbin hotel #shapard #y/n #hazbin hotel lucifer #hazbin lucifer #lucifer #lucifer morningstar #lucifer hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel lucifer x reader #lucifer morningstar x reader #lucifer x reader #angst #hazbin hotel x reader #hazbinhotel #lilith hazbin hotel #michael hazbin hotel

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lambertdiary · 9 months

Note

can I request daltons family dropping by his dorm one day and catching dalton and the reader who he’s dating by surprise and it’s the first they’re seeing of the reader they didn’t even know he had a girlfriend ?

A/N: heyy! i'm so so so sorry it took this long to finish this but hopefully you're still around to read it! i had SO much fun with this idea, i think it's my favorite thing i've written so i hope you like it too!! feel free to let me know :)

Word Count: 2k+

Warnings: fluff, language, established relationship, ‘heavy’ makeout

MASTERLIST ✩ SEND ME A REQUEST

Unexpected

“I’m sorry you’re stuck with me on your birthday”

It was Dalton’s birthday today and Y/N wanted to do something really special for him, but due to a large amount of homework she needed to finish by midnight, they decided to postpone their celebratory plans to the weekend.

But that didn’t stop them from spending the rest of the day together. Dalton insisted they meet in his room after class so he could help her with her work, that way she could finish faster and they would be together, so it was a win-win.

They were both sitting on Dalton’s bed, surrounded by a few books and other school supplies “Stuck isn’t the word I would use” He said with a heavy book in his hands as he read through the pages.

“Well you are, we were supposed to do something fun today, but instead you’re here with me, helping me with this stupid assignment” Y/N put her laptop down and pushed herself out of the bed “Can I change into one of your shirts? This outfit is getting uncomfortable”

“Sure” Dalton fully turned his body to face the window, giving his girlfriend some privacy to change.

Y/N opened one of the drawers and took a black and white tie dye sweatshirt, quickly removing her top and replacing it with Dalton’s clothing “It’s getting late, I thought we would be done in time to at least go get some dinner” She was clearly frustrated with herself “You can look now”

Dalton returned to his old position and followed Y/N with his eyes as she got closer to him, he took a moment to admire how his sweatshirt looked on her “It’s only 5 PM, but maybe we can order something and just stay here, we can even make a picnic out of it, if that’s okay with you” He looked at her with loving eyes, gesturing her to get back on the bed.

“But I thought you wanted to go to the new italian restaurant you told me about the other day” Y/N whispered with her head down. She took Dalton’s hand but stayed standing next to him.

“I don’t need some fancy expensive dinner to have a good birthday, okay? Being with you is more than enough” He brought Y/N’s hand up to his lips, leaving soft kisses all over it.

Y/N couldn’t help but smile at this “Are you sure?”

“Of course, you do remember it was me who offered to help you, right?”

“But we haven’t done anything today, I just wanna make sure you’re completely, 100% okay with this”

“I thought I made it clear when we talked last night… and just now”

“Ok” She finally agreed “Let’s order something then”

Happy that she was on board with his plan, he looked for his phone on the mess that was his bed, spotting it after a few seconds but getting only a black screen “My phone’s dead” He groaned, reaching for a charger. He plugged his phone and then proceeded to leave it on the desk and returned his full attention to his girlfriend

She looked terrified as she inspected her remaining work “Ugh” Y/N dramatically fell in the middle of the room, her back flat on the floor “I’m dropping out”

“Come on love, we’re almost done, you can’t give up now” He was now sitting on the edge of the bed, looking down at Y/N. He felt for her, he knew how stressed out and overwhelmed she got in moments like these, especially being under pressure and deep down still having that idea that she ruined Dalton’s birthday.

“I can’t think anymore, my brain is about to shut down” She covered her face with her hands, feeling the need to take a break from staring at her screen.

“Do you wanna stop for a moment? Do you need a break?”

“I do” Dalton held her hand and helped her get back up. Not dropping her hand, he guided her back on the bed.

“Okay, let’s pause for a moment” She was on the verge of tears but tried her hardest to hold them back, not wanting to make this situation worse.

Sitting on his lap, she estranged her legs around his waist. Getting comfortable as she felt Dalton’s hand caressing her back with a warm comforting smile on his face “I love you” She whispered softly.

Dalton’s smile grew bigger “I love you so much more, you have no idea” She was about to speak again but Dalton stopped her “Uh-uh, I win” Y/N could sense tears threatening to come out again, this time for a different reason, but suppressed her thoughts as she noticed Dalton’s eyes flickering between her eyes and her lips. She saw him get closer and let out a sigh when he pressed a gentle kiss on her temple. Then, he gave one last look at her soft lips before leaning in for a kiss, but suddenly stopped when their lips were barely touching “Is this okay?” He asked.

“Yes” Y/N breathed, cutting the distance between them.

As they’re kissing, everything on her head goes oddly quiet, and she’s only thinking about Dalton. The kiss is long and full of love, feeling each other smile from time to time. Eventually, Y/N breaks the kiss, needing to catch her breath “Oh shit, sorry” Y/N looked at the lipstick mark on Dalton’s face as she tried to wipe it off with her thumb, but failed and only smudged it “I forgot I still had my makeup on”

“It’s okay, maybe this was all I needed to become the Lipstick Demon”

Dalton saw Y/N’s eyes widen “Don’t be stupid” They both laughed, Y/N gently pushing him. He reached out to push the hair out of her face, leaning in for another kiss “You know I still have to finish my homework” She said against his lips, feeling Dalton get a little worked up.

Dalton hummed in response, not breaking the kiss.

Meanwhile, Dalton’s parents were entering the building. They wanted to surprise him for his birthday. They had a gift and a dinner reservation for the three of them. It’s been a while since they saw him, but his birthday seemed like the perfect excuse to pay him a visit.

Josh checked his phone for the millionth time. They had been trying to get a hold of their son for nearly two hours “Really, what’s the point of having a phone if you’re not gonna pick up a call or answer some texts? It’s not hard”

“I’m sure he’s just busy” Renai tried defending him “Maybe we should have told him we were coming. What if he already made plans and that’s why he’s not picking up?”

“I don’t think he did, he’s just ignoring us like he always does” Taking the elevator, they reached the right floor and Renai followed Josh as he guided the way to Dalton’s dorm “I think this is it” He said knocking on the door.

Dalton and Y/N broke their kiss, looking at the door trying to decipher who could be out there “Is that Chris?” Dalton was annoyed that their makeout session was interrupted, but that feeling was soon replaced with worry when he recognized the voice on the other side of the door. Shit.

“I think there’s someone in there with him” Renai said, taking a step back worried they interrupted something important.

“Maybe it's his roommate” Josh knocked once again.

“He doesn’t have a roommate yet” Renai was now whispering.

“It’s my parents” Dalton took Y/N’s hips and gently pushed her out of his lap.

Landing on the bed, Y/N could feel her hands starting to sweat, she has never met Dalton’s parents before, she didn’t think they even had any idea she existed and the fact that they were out there and practically caught them in the middle of… that, made her nervous, to say the least.

Dalton walked towards the entrance, adjusting his pants and fixing his hair on his way there “Don’t worry, they’re nice” He whispered to Y/N before opening the door.

“Hey sweetie” Renai greeted him with a smile, wanting to scan the room behind him without being too obvious but his stained face gave her the answers she was looking for.

“Hey guys, what are you doing here?” Dalton said in a surprised tone, stepping aside to let his parents in.

“We tried to call you but you never answer your phone” Josh said showing his son his call history, and indeed there were at least 7 unanswered calls from Dalton “There’s a reason you have one of these things, you know?”

“Josh-” Renai interrupted him, slightly hitting his arm “Happy birthday darling” She pulled her son in for a hug.

Josh joining them shortly after "Happy birthday, buddy" He muttered.

“Thank you” Dalton said awkwardly “Uh- this is Y/N… my girlfriend”

Y/N’s face was burning as she stepped closer Dalton’s parents “Hi, nice to meet you”

“Hi, I’m Renai” She sweetly said, shaking her hand.

“I’m Josh” He waited for his turn to shake Y/N’s hand.

“I’ve heard a lot about you!” She was trying really hard to overcome her negative feeling, there was no way she would screw up the first impression “Woah, Dalton does an amazing job at drawing you guys” She said looking back at Dalton’s art wall.

“Oh, that’s so nice of you. I hope we didn’t interrupt anything” Renai looked at both of them, the worry and guilt present in her voice.

“No! Don’t worry” Dalton rushed to reply before his mom could say something else “We were just finishing some homework” He pointed at the bed full of books.

“Yeah, I bet you were” Y/N had hoped they didn’t know what was happening before they came in, but now they were both blushing. She looked at him looking for comfort but eyes widened when she noticed her lipstick still on Dalton’s face. Judging by his expression,Y/N guessed he remembered too.

“Josh- well Dalton, do you have any plans for tonight? Your dad and I wanted to surprise you for your birthday and we haven’t seen you in months so we planned a few things. You should join us!” Renai exclaimed looking at Y/N.

Dalton and Y/N replied at the same time “We are still working”

“I have a lot of homework to finish but thank you so much for the invitation” She declined politely.

“What is it? Maybe Josh can help you”

“Oh please, don’t worry” Y/N turned to face Dalton “You should go, I can finish on my own” She gave her boyfriend a reassuring look.

“I promised I’d help you finish-”

“Dalton, your parents drove all the way here” She insisted.

“Well, dinner reservations are at 7, you and Dalton can finish while we wait and I will call the restaurant and ask them to add one more person” Josh looked at the couple, waiting for approval on his plan.

“Do you think we can make it on time? Please come with me” Dalton whispered getting closer to Y/N, almost as if he only wanted her to listen to his words.

Y/N smiled softly at his sweet tone “Okay, but we should start right now” She agreed.

“Great!” Josh replied, smiling at Y/N as he stepped out of the room getting ready to call the restaurant.

“Y/N, I’m so happy you’re joining us tonight! This is the first time I have the pleasure to meet one of Dalton’s girls”

“Mom” He interrupted in a warning tone. Y/N’s smile was growing, the nervousness was leaving her body and she definitely understood why Dalton talked about his mom so much.

“What? You never brought a girl home”

“Okay, we are gonna finish our homework now” He said, taking Y/N’s hand and getting back on the bed.

“Oh don’t worry” Renai claimed a spot on the bed across from them “We’ll talk over dinner”

#dalton lambert #dalton lambert x reader #dalton lambert fic #ty simpkins #insidious #insidious the red door #dalton lambert fluff #dalton lambert imagine #dalton lambert imagines #dalton lambert smut #insidious 5

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prof-peach · 5 months

Text

Yknow what I don’t ever get to dive into this one, so for my own holiday fun, let’s elaborate on the ranger AU:

The girls are room mates, rivals for a long while, the tape line that divides their shared space like a battle zone.

Plum is obsessively neat about her books but otherwise is chaos, clothes everywhere, shoes scattered. Bed is about the only thing she makes and keeps clear to sit and work, desk is a mess of research notes and dog eared manuals. Her dratini is utter chaos, unruly doesn’t even describe how Missy is. Plum was raised in a very well off household but her family never came home, work keeping them almost completely busy. This leaves one girl who knows what she’s all about because she had to figure it out, plum is just as wild and chaotic as her Pokemon in her own snooty kind of way. Very particular teenager.

Meanwhile peach has never been allowed to be a kid, she was told what to do and when to do it, hobbies we’re chosen for her, free time used up working hard, training harder, her Pokemon just as pushed to keep up standards. The prodigal daughter put on a pedestal has nothing but pressure from day one. She doesn’t listen to music, have toys or hobbies, even her clothes are plain and not really things you’d fully expect a teenager to wear. She had to just go with her family always pushing her to do what they want and be who they expected. Failure was not met well. Her personal space is painfully tidy, purely because she doesn’t really have much to fill the space at the start. Val is volatile at best, but Bob keeps his sunny disposition, often out in the dorm room happily.

Plum soon realises peach has not developed a personal taste of her own, and cannot understand how that just never happened. So begins her task of getting peach to find things she likes and enjoys. None of her skills sound like things that excite her, peach is this dead pan teenager with no fire for anything. Her hot head rears up when she’s backed into a corner, so when pushed too hard peach snaps, she doesn’t know what she’s suppose to like or do, out of her family home she can only sit and watch others and try to assimilate quietly. A skill she’s quite good at, so most just assume she’s cold and distant by nature, an angry face leading to most leaving her alone.

Plum proceeds to open up a whole world of things for a teenager who never got the chance to just exist without an objective. Music, junk food, staying up late to play games or gossip. They sneak out to town, maybe they steal some overly sweet awful booze, maybe they hide it in their dorm to stay up and talk some nights. Plum gets peach to pick clothes she wants, tries to encourage her to care about anything noticing she’s got piercings, so like…punk?? Is that her thing? No clue, but it’s the total opposite to plums sporty preppy cute outfits, so together they look like night and day.

Their initial arguing and dislike of each other eases off fast, peach realises that maybe not everyone is so awful, and that she’s been stuck with a highly intelligent if not a little scatter brained girl who actually encourages her to live, not just simply exist. It is tentative steps into realising she is more than the weight of her family name.

Other dumb teenager things: peach pierces plums ears for her. Ranger team work tasks that the girls smash through. Late night dorm activities with the other students, you know, typical junk like spin the bottle and such.

Plum 100% is cocky and straightforward during a party and makes sure peach never lives down that she stole the grouchy girls first kiss, etched into her memory forever.

Peach realising “oh no. Very very not straight. Oh no.” To which she’s in deep denial and horrified, because her family CANNOT find out. Seeing as her mom likes to dig through her memories from time to time, peach is utterly terrified to go home.

Plum seeing her roommate return from a weekend back at her family house looking more exhausted and worn out than when she left. Never asks why, never pries, tries to be cheery and help peach not feel so crappy. Peach can’t ever tell her what she’s done, or the guilt she’s carrying around, and as they grow closer, it becomes harder to lie.

Then Booker happens, where the story line splits from canon to the ranger AU. Instead of peach taking the little mon and running, leaving plum without more than a ‘sorry’ and an old bangle on the dorm door handle, she instead cracks, can’t hide the truth anymore, packs up to leave, but can’t go without telling someone, anyone that she’s been a monster, and has to change. Has to do better than she had before. Through tears and drama the truth comes out, plum learns it all, and sees her best friend with a bag on her shoulder, running away.

Through a convincing speech and an understanding and grounded view on the situation plum gets peach to stay, with her, with the rangers, they’ll face it together. For once peach does not want to feel so alone, everything she’s ever done has been singular, even though she’s been surrounded by people pulling her strings, it’s never been because of care or love, just progress. ‘The family comes first’ echos in her mind, and she has to stop this cycle. So peach stays, is deathly afraid her family will hurt plum for getting involved, she hardly sleeps for a while, making sure the night is safe, that no one’s trying to tamper with the path she’s trying to stay on. A good one. A kinder one with less bloodshed.

Plum encouraged peach to take up boxing, for her anger, so she joins a club and finds a love for it. The gains begin, and plum is at every fight, shouting from the side lines. Peach loses a few and takes it really badly. Loss in her family is usually cause for punishment, for isolation or consequence. She expects the same from plum, shocked when it never comes. Her partner is nothing but worried bout the bruises, but seems very encouraging. This is not what was expected.

Plenty of later year teenage shenanigans. Usual suspects, figuring out things like future career options, sexuality, the parties, sneaking out, stress over exams, first hangovers, smoking a little pot after handing in final coursework as a celebration. Peach finds herself, but both girls find a family in each other. Thick as thieves, forever entangled in each others memories now.

The girls grow as rangers, have a few run ins with peach’s cousins but otherwise are left with only a few scars, scrapes and bruises, and eventually they graduate, top of their class none the less. The powerhouse duo that others couldn’t compete with.

Plums become the agile ranger she was meant to be, strategist, a woman who knows every option before you even take your first move, but she lacks practical instinct and brutality, which is peach’s area of expertise. It’s head and heart at it’s most perfect balance.

————————————————

I have so many little headcanons bout this alt set up, but I’m tired, it’s the holidays, and I wanted to blurt this one out. Sorry to all for putting up with me haha

Give me peach gut laughing for the first time and plum realising she’s totally mad for this person.

Give me ranger prom/graduation where they both dress up and get to sneak off and dance together.

Give me chaotic but perfectly drift compatible fights with them and their Pokemon.

Give me prank wars, makeup help, hair style tests, bad hair dye attempts, pizza hang outs.

Give me plum learning how to train Missy well with peach’s help.

Give me adoptive momma bears for Booker.

Give me them laughing so hard one of them nearly throws up at something so stupid and dumb.

Give me the moment that penny drops and they realise they can’t move forward without each other.

I am thriving on this.

#so much dumb shit they’d do #prof.peach #ranger plum #pokemon #tw alchohol mention #tw drugs

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omgthatdress · 1 year

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Re-living my childhood and working on doing a fashion history spam of the American Girl dolls!

Oh my god I can’t begin to tell you what a huge part of my childhood those dolls were. Before I go on, let me clarify my family’s financial circumstance growing up: I was a pretty solidly middle-class only child. I definitely wasn’t rich, but my mom was willing to spend a lot of money on buying me a shitload of American Girl stuff because A.) she thought they were cool, and B.) they provided a much smarter alternative to Barbies. And when I grew up and got too old for them, I was able to give my stuff over to my younger cousins.

Looking at what the brand has to offer now, it’s pretty clear that the brand has changed over time and that the emphasis has gone from the historical dolls to the modern ones. Honestly, that’s not a 100% terrible thing. I fully embrace change as a part of the universe, and if it’s a part of the survival of the brand, so be it. As long as the historical dolls remain in tact and the brand integrity is respected. And for the most part, until very recent years, it looks like it has been.

Mattel bought the American Girl brand in 1998, and from then on, you can see the brand shifting away from the original five dolls. I’m going to get waaay more into this with the spam, but really, the historical dolls until very recently have actually remained pretty great. If there’s one really broad critique I could give, it’s that the overall color palette skews towards the modern, with a lot of very bright colors and a heavy emphasis on pink, but when taken individually, the pieces remain very accurate.

HERE’S THE THING! In 2016, a new historical girl was released: Maryellen, repping the 1950s. She’s blonde and has blue eyes, following shortly on Julie, who repped the 1970s and also had blonde hair and blue eyes. You can kind of see a theme developing here. The girls from the 30s, 50, 70s, 80s, and 90s are all blonde with blue eyes. You’d think that girls in the 20th century were only blondes. But anyway I’m getting away from the point. Maryellen was released with only TWO books! The fuck?! Maryellen’s collection remained the same very immersive collection that I love about the brand, but clearly, shit’s changing.

The next historical dolls, Nenea (repping Hawaii after Pearl Harbor), Melody (repping Black girls, Motown, and civil rights in the 60s), Courtney (repping blonde hair blue eyed girls with 80s nostalgia and very little historical engagement), Claudie, (Black girl in the 1920s Harlem Renaissance) and Isabelle and Nicki (again blonde girls repping 90s nostalgia with little historical engagement) all only have two books. The brand has LITERALLY been diminished. The books were an equally important part of the playset, not only providing context for the garments and objects you were playing with, providing REAL, often complex lessons about history, making history feel real and relatable, but they fleshed out the girls, their lives, and the worlds they lived in. They made what you were playing with more than just a playset, more than just a dollhouse or Barbie accessories, they were a whole universe for girls to explore.

Like I said at the beginning, I didn’t grow up rich. I definitely had more privilege than others out there, but I still wasn’t the rich kid villain from a 90s kids movie. I had a lot of American Girl shit because my mom saw the value in the brand and was willing to spend a lot of money on it in a way that she wouldn’t be willing to spend a lot of money on Barbies.

Honestly, I don’t know the toy industry, I don’t know what little girls today want out of their dolls. I know that times change, and that what’s beloved in one generation isn’t necessarily going to be carry over to the next. But I find it hard to believe that little girls straight up no longer are interested in history, and that moms no longer want to give their daughters toys that will actually teach them things. I’ve read a lot of articles about how the brand is struggling, and I don’t think it’s a generational divide. Mattel has fucked up the brand, and I am not just saying that out of Boomer toxic nostalgia that says that everything from the past is GOOD, everything today is BAD, and that anything that changes is inherently not only bad but a personal insult. The stuff that made these expensive dolls worth buying just isn’t there.

#American Girl #American Girls

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cfr749 · 2 months

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What’s your opinion on the Valentine’s Day storyline? specifically Tim being upset with Lucy and just how it was written in general?

Hi anon!

Thanks for the ask! I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to you!

So I will admit my feelings have evolved a bit on this particular storyline especially in context of season 6 (which I am enjoying so far).

I'll start with my thoughts on the whole five-player-trade thing since those storylines were so intermingled (and apparently that whole thing is going to be the gift that keeps on giving 😂).

Side note: I still wish they would have just dealt with the repercussions of the whole TO/Rookie superior/subordinate thing directly instead of inventing all this sorcery when they could have just acknowledged the inherent misogyny and sexism they've already admitted exists.

We still could have had the cuteness of the group scene and all the plotting to find an opening for Tim without making Lucy out to be a manipulator.

But for whatever reason, they really didn't seem comfortable dealing with the power dynamic issues and repercussions head on, so now I guess we get to see Aaron try to date his therapist instead 😂😬

But at least it seems like they are trying to fix their framing this season by making it clear to the audience that Lucy is the one being wronged, so that's a good thing in my book even though it's hard to see her struggle.

So, after all that, you will be shocked to hear that I wasn't a huge fan of Lucy's choice to do the five-player-trade thing 😂.

I do understand why Tim was upset with her. I think doing what she did behind his back was a problem. Don't get me wrong, though -- they both failed majorly at adult communication 101 here.

Tim should have talked to her before he made the decision to switch positions. Had they discussed it, I don't think Lucy would have felt the same level of responsibility and pressure that she did to make sure Tim wouldn't be stuck in a role he hated. Mostly because she never would have agreed to him taking a desk position and they would have had to work together to come up with another solution. From there, the story could have unfolded very differently.

Tim made a choice behind her back that impacted their relationship, but only his career. Lucy went behind Tim's back and made a choice that ultimately impacted both of their careers.

But, at the end of the day, Tim 100% came out of the situation a winner. And Lucy is continuing to pay the price. As happy as I am that Tim finally acknowledged Primm's role in the outcome of Lucy's detective exam, I am actually pretty disappointed that we haven't seen any actual acknowledgement from him that Lucy is in the position she's in now specifically because she didn't want him to be unhappy.

Lucy's choices were her own, and now she's gotta live with that, but there's no question that she did what she did out of love. And it sucks that we haven't seen any direct appreciation for what she was willing to risk for him, even if he wasn't a fan of the execution.

I had to go back and watch some clips from this episode in order to respond to this, and I have to say it actually gutted me to see how genuinely happy and proud and excited Lucy was for Tim when he got the promotion. Especially juxtaposed against Lucy learning that as much as Tim loves her and wants to support her, he really isn't able to fully get behind her on her dream, which is, of course, understandable, given his past, but still just really heartbreaking for Lucy.

When I initially watched the five-player-trade episode, I was just waiting for Tim to pop up at Smitty's trailer in his own hazmat suit to help Lucy. I thought he would be a little irritated about Lucy going behind his back, but ultimately I though we'd see him acknowledging and appreciating just how much she was willing to do to make sure he was happy (forget torpedoing her career -- she cleaned Smitty's trailer for god's sake!).

Moving into the V-day episode...

First off, boo on Tim for bailing on V-day breakfast (even is she was up late catching up with Noah 😂).

Even though I understood why Tim was upset, I don't love avoidant Tim (looking at you, beginning of 6x02 Tim 😂). Lucy of course deals with it because she does genuinely love him and understands how he operates, but this is something I do think he needs to work on and I'd like to see change over the course of the relationship. As much as I loved their Rookie-T.O. dynamic, there are definitely aspects of it that don't belong in a healthy relationship.

Back to the point, I do think what Lucy did was misguided and short-sighted (and unbelievably sweet). I do think she should have actually apologized (sorry not sorry doesn't count 😂).

But, while we're at it, Tim can apologize for making a major life decision without talking to her first also... 😂

The scene at the end was cute; I like it better now than I did when it originally aired. Some actual heat over "fuel for later" would have been great but it is, of course, The Rookie. And I do wish they would have made the gift somehow meaningful for them to give the scene a little bit more weight (think when Jackson gave Lucy the St. Michael pendant), but hey, at least we got the trophy this season 🥰.

Ultimately, it didn't make me feel a whole lot, and it's not a scene that makes the list when I think of my favorite moments for them.

And watching it back did highlight (IMO) the contrast between what we've seen so far in season 6 vs. the bulk of what we saw in season 5. And while angst is part of it, for me, I think it's more about giving us a story that (at least occasionally) goes beyond the surface level (Tim was mildly irritated! Lucy was sassy and silly!) and explores the character's emotions in a way that makes them more human and relatable.

What were your thoughts on this storyline??

#chenford #the rookie #my asks #see lana ramble #lucy chen #tim bradford #the rookie 5x13 #the rookie 5x16 #lucy chen x tim bradford #tim bradford x lucy chen

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mirith · 9 months

Text

Bet.

Apologies for the messy background, but here's my lovely knitting machine! It's a Silver Reed SK10.

While writing another post, I noticed I was writing a lot about my knitting machine. So I put the words here. And added a lot more.

This is going to be a long post. I talk a lot about things I like, and I will not apologize for it. I will add a cut here so you can scroll by this more easily if you want. But! It'll be more fun if you read on! And I put photos of stuff I made at the end!

I learned to knit by hand from a book in elementary school, and I learned wrong. I have been happily hand-knitting things ever since, and consider myself a fairly knowledgeable and experience hand-knitter. I haven't steeked anything, to be fair, but my interests tend to be geared toward lace.

Which is good, because that's my default handspinning weight. Here's an example of the stuff I like to spin and knit (4 months from start to end, oof oof):

After I graduated college, I found out about flatbed knitting machines! I found one that looked cool, and drove myself a few hours to buy it. The end. Just kidding. You're not even halfway through this post. Not sorry.

I did not know how to operate a knitting machine. I just liked how this one looked (still do) and it also had a ribber! And it was $50? Something like that? Probably paid more for gas.

Anyway. Flatbed knitting machines range from "I can only do stockinette hehe" to "I am fully electronic, I'll knit lace or colorwork for you all by myself, EZ".

Mine is firmly in the former camp. No punchcard capability at all, and the ribber carriage is not even sophisticated enough to link up with the main bed carriage. Each row of ribbing requires the main bed carriage to be moved first (laying yarn across the ribber needles), then the ribber carriage (hooking the previously laid yarn down to complete the row). So knitting in the round is, yes, one pass of the main, then the ribber, then the main again, then the ribber carriage... (I actually made a lil' youtube video about this).

I cannot tell you why I wanted it, other than "new yarn thing!". At this point in my life, I was a very comfortable hand-knitter. There was no reason to acquire a large metal object that would do what I did, but "less good" (considering this machine would only ever do stockinette and hand-manipulated stitches -- but I didn't know tuck stitches existed!).

Tuck stitches look like the honeycomb pattern in the middle here, and are kind of knitting machine exclusive:

I think I actually may have wanted a circular sock machine, but those are very, very expensive, and not really in my price range. Still aren't. Very much considering adding one to my wedding registry to see if someone bites. (Would have to plan a wedding, but it would be worth it).

I figured that a flatbed machine with a ribber could knit in circles, ie, what CSMs do; but would also knit large flat things (CSMs can do small flat things, I think). And since the price meant a CSM was unrealistic without some serious saving, it was clear I would have to find a flatbed with ribber.

But working knitting machines with working ribbers are difficult to find. And expensive! I think prices were $350-500 for the full package plus shipping (expensive shipping because these are bulky and heavy and delicate instruments), and I'm sure they've only gotten worse.

I kind of live in a domestic craft desert, so there was very little hope for finding something local anyway. So when I saw a working machine with a ribber "near" me for less than $100, I was stoked. I was aware of its non-ability to pattern, but I just wanted to knit in circles.

When I got this machine, it was functional, but dirty. Oh, so dirty.

First thing I did was remove all the needles (took forever) and soak them in isopropyl alcohol (smelled terrible), and take everything apart as much as possible to scrub every reachable surface.

It was then that I re-affirmed my love for all-metal, vintage hardware. My sewing machine is a 1950s Singer and oh boy is that thing an absolute unit. This knitting machine is also an absolute unit in the best way. It was dirty, but in excellent knitting condition.

It was then that I also found this machine does not have a sponge bar. Which is really weird for a knitting machine. But also why I'll never get rid of it, I think.

It's got a metal U-shaped thing instead, to tension the needles. Sponge bars serve the same purpose, but the foam decays terribly over time. I don't think this metal thing ever needs to be replaced. I've knit quite a lot (will get to that!) on this machine and it knits beautifully still.

I think this machine predates sponge bars (??? pure speculation), because everything I've seen online about buying used machines says that you must consider the sponge bar and how to measure the sponge to buy the correct size and must immediately buy a new one and maybe even have a spare for when yours starts to get old etc etc. Never seen anything that says there's a metal tension rod like mine.

Ravelry did not believe this was the sponge bar equivalent, and asked me to please look elsewhere on the machine for the real sponge bar. They also told me this machine was not worth $50, which I kind of disagree with. Yes, it's super limited, but I love it. It will also, like my sewing machine, probably outlive me.

It's a standard gauge machine, and not a very common one (?). I think it's an earlier machine (4th oldest on this list), in terms of domestic machines, and likely was passed up in later years for models that had punchcards. There is another internet presence who has an SK10! KinoKnits did a video on hers.

There is a manual for the machine and a manual for the ribber online, and the scans aren't great, but they are very readable. Not much else though.

Okay. Infodump mostly completed.

Once I got the machine home I immediately set it up and realized I didn't quite know what I was doing.

After much trial and tribulation, I created some... things...

I optimistically cast on with my newly-learned e-wrap cast on and the included cast on wire (I have still not figured out the cast on wires, I don't think they actually work, and are simply a cruel prank)

I switched yarn (to something thinner and less elastic), in case that was the issue, and also switched to trying just i-cord to see if I could get that to work. It worked!

Switched back to the original yarn. I-cord also worked!

And back to trying fabric. Progress! But a lot of dropped stitches. I think this was very similar to attempt 1, but I just persisted and more aggressively picked up droppped stitches. This took me a very long time.

No dropped stitches! I used a weird cast on, or maybe just a really loose e-wrap?

Fabrice! I was confident enough to mark that I was using tension 7 with those (intentional!) yarn-over holes near the top.

I believe that those six attempts took me a few hours, and a lot of it was me trying to gauge whether or not yanking the carriage across was the right thing to do. I wasn't sure how much force to apply, and was deathly afraid of breaking needles, because I don't think these are standard ones and I can't get replacements.

There wasn't much to learn after this.

Oh.

Except for, you know, using the ribber.

It looks pretty similar to the main needle bed. Long metal guy with lotta needles. It's flatter, and hangs off the main bed with some sturdy arms on either side (which you can't see, sorry).

Close up:

You kind of have to wiggle it so that the needles don't smash into each other.

It does function identically to the main bed otherwise. But it's so much trickier to fix dropped stitches (or even see them!) because, as you can see, the ribber kind of covers everything. And it doesn't come off till the ribbing is done.

I've found that I need lots of weight to get the ribbing to knit off properly, which sucks if I run either carriage across without yarn accidentally. The knitting will simply yeet itself onto the floor and I will have to start over.

The cast on is kind of weird, but not terrible if you understand what it's trying to do, which I do, but will not endeavour to explain on this already horrendously long post. The Singer SR10 manual explains the cast-on process if you're interested. Or just tell me and I'll make another infodump post! Love talking about my knitting machine.

Here are some first attempts at ribbing and tubular knitting:

Allllllrighty it's project time!

I made a hat! (I made it a free Ravelry pattern btw, because the decreases are optionally worked by hand).

I made some sock tubes and hand-knit the heels and toes!

I made a bunch of ribbed cowls with my handspun!

I made scarves with more handspun!

And most recently I made a bralette:

Which turned out smaller than I planned because I do not gauge swatch properly at all, but I can wear it semi-modestly anyway.

#knitting #machine knitting #knitting machine #yarnblr #knitblr #mirith #infodump #just yeeting this info into the void

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panlight · 1 year

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There’s a Dr Thomas S. Cullen who had done a lot of research in gynecology and ectopic pregnancies. Do you think Carlisle went by a different name for a little while and was possibly working on research on behalf of Esme? That just seems like the sweet sort of stuff he’d do for his wife who lost her baby shortly after birth.

As written by SM? Probably not, if only because these characters seem to only exist to enable Bella's journey. That is, it becomes pretty clear Carlisle exists to a) be the dude who turned Edward and taught him vegetarian vampirism and b) be a doctor whenever Bella needs one.

But as a fully-fleshed out character in headcanon and fanfic? Absolutely! I'd imagine in that in hundreds of years in the medical field he's studied a bit of everything, and it would make total sense for his characterization that after Esme and Rosalie he might look into human gynecology and obstetrics more thoroughly and also research myths and legends of vampire sexual reproduction. Which is why it doesn't make any sense in Breaking Dawn that everyone was so 'omg we never even THOUGHT of this!' about Renesmee. If I've said it once I've said it a thousand times, I would 100% believe "we had heard these legends, even researched them, but concluded they were only myths" vs "we literally never even considered the possibility before" especially since Carlisle is a curious doctor and his wife and daughter long for motherhood. Like, c'mon. In any story where the side characters had their own motivations outside Bella's journey, they would have looked into this long before Bella got pregnant.

So sure! And even the name sort of works. I mean it's canon that Esme, Edward and Rosalie knew Carlisle as "Dr. Cullen" when they were human, but it's possible he was going by a different first name in those times. (I've always figured the easiest thing for him to have done, especially when he was alone, was just pretend to be a long line of Drs Cullen, and when he ran into people who knew him 30 years ago or whatever he'd just be like "oh I'm his son, everyone says we look so much alike" or whatever.)

Before SM decided to let a group at a book signing name Esme's baby (Joseph), my headcanon name for him had long been Thomas, so Carlisle being Thomas Cullen and studying gynecology and obstetrics for Esme and her baby would have another layer of meaning there.

#asks

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lifeofkaze · 5 months

Text

2023 - A Roundup

How fast the year has gone. I feel like it's been only yesterday that 2023 stepped on stage, and now, the curtain is falling on it already, with 2024 waiting in the wings.

It has grown quiet here this year. In the fandom, on my blog, on my online presence. There's multiple reasons for that - some personal, some life-related, some people-related, but with the prospect of a fresh new year on the horizon, all these things are either something I intend to embrace more fully or leave behind for good.

Looking at my history of 2021 and 2022, 2023 was the sparsest one on the writing front up to date, and here, too, are several very different reasons for this. I've written little this year, and published even less, and yet, I feel like I have grown more into myself as a writer than ever before. A lot of projects I had in the pipeline got scrapped, or converted, or pulled from public access to become a better version of themselves.

If you are interested in what has become of projects that I may have mentioned or worked on in the past, here's an itemised list of 30 years of what my future plans are (with major tbc because, have you ever even talked to me?)

HPHL era:

A Lifetime of Adventures - Selene's story What was meant to be an antology of several many stories is still an an antology but greatly reduced in both numbers, cast and things it covers. It will still span from Selene's first year at Hogwarts to her last, with an aimed at one story per year (which you fully know will not work, but hey). Parts of it are already written and published as independent shorts, others are unpublished and yes, it will still be happening. As for the parts detailing Selene's later life... that remains to be seen. There's a lot Selene has to tell but she and I need to sit and see if these stories are for me only, or if she wants to share them with the world.

Smoke and Mirrors - Caro's story With Brady going his own way in the Pendleton Tradition (you GO @kc-the-writer), Caro has decided that she can do what Brady can do because duh. Smoke and Mirrors is no longer a fanfic/fandom story but a very much unfinished rough draft that will probably turn out to be an original novella set in modern day NYC about a young med student and the pressure of expectations and self-imposed perfectionism. I wonder where I've heard that before.

Henry's story Despite being my resident book-character, Henry never asked me of a story of his own. Everything I still have in store for him revolves around either Selene or Caitlin and if he lets me into his head (which has always been an incredible but rare thing) it would be as unrelated shorts. In all honesty, I don't think it's likely that they will come into existence outside of my drafts, though.

Caitlin's story There is a potential novella about Caitlin's way to become a healer in my head which is too bittersweet for me to let go of just yet because not only would it give her some room to shine but also gives closure to two other characters very dear to me (and honestly, reading the draft makes me choke up, so there's that). I would prefer this as an original novella, but seeing as some of it would lose impact without the knowing the characters involved... I'm not quite sure what to do with it yet.

HPHM era:

A Source of Balance My baby, my joy, essence of my sleepless nights (and not in a good way). The third part of the Balance series is 100 % going to happen and 100 % happening on this blog. Apart from details I will figure out as I go, the whole story is planned in my usual over-planning style and I'm honestly just waiting for brainspace to clear up and the blank page to become less scary. It may take a while to get the complexity of it right but... watch this space.

Larger than Life My other baby, my heartbreak, my... yeah. Larger than Life has always been different, Ava has always been different, this whole project has been... different. Because of various issues, I've decided to remove this project from my fandom rota for good. It will still happen, my heart is too firmly set on it, but it will be as an original project over on @kaze-writes and will be a sweet while until I'm able to sort out the problems that comes from uprooting it. But all in all, I am very much happy with the decision I've finally come to with this.

When Stars Ignite When Stars Ignite has been removed from all my writing platforms as it is still under re-construction, and probably will be for another sweet while. This story has fully left any fandom connections behind and has turned into my (and @alyslaskeywriter) first full-length novel (mine, that is, Alys is miles head of me with her incredible book The Chief, which you really should check out bc oh my). My lose intention is to maybe query it for publishing at some point in the future, so I wouldn't hold my breath for its return to online spaces.

HPMA era:

New Horizons - Reva's story Reva's rise and fall from grace and her journey to herself has never really been a fandom thing and will become an original novel once I figure out how to research faraway travel destinations without drowning in wanderlust. It may take a while.

A Bright Future - Dana's and Dylan's story The story of Dylan and Dana is still up for debate in my head. There's days when I want to continue with this as a fandom project as intended, and there's others when an original friends-to-lovers romcom is begging me to have my way with it. The outcome remains to be seen.

Shorts:

All shorts directly associated with stories that have moved to the original side of my writing will follow suit. Everything else I have written or drafted up will remain here, or be posted on my original blog and reblogged to here in case there wouldn't have been a difference anyway.

Original:

All original works you have heard me speak about (namely, Lemons, Icarus, Memento Mori and That Fantasy Thing That Is Going To Drive Me Insane Before Long are still all in development and not yet ready to be written. But we're getting there. Somehow.

So, if any of the stories you have been waiting for or thought I had promised but forgotten them isn't on that list, do feel free to ask! I love talking to people and I've not been good at it this year. I miss the creative core of this community, and getting to see other people's projects unfold and grow from idea to reality. If you want creative exchange, I beg you, this is always a place for it.

In that regards, my favourite peeps, I wish you a very happy end to 2023 and a creative, peaceful and - naturally - balanced start into 2024.

Here's to you. Here's to all of us.

Keep writing 💛

xx Kaze

#lifeofkaze #kazewrites #kaze speaks #kaze's writing #kaze's plans #are ambitious as always #and will take me two lifetimes if not more but hey #dream big they say

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crow-caller · 1 year

Note

Hey! I saw that you published some books (looking forward to checking them out, actually), but I was wondering how you did that? I'm not out of high school yet, but I've already finished my first draft of book one of my series, and have been working on editing and fixing up the second draft. I do have an editor, which is nice. I was wondering how you published? Any advice/ info would be greatly appreciated!

Hey, cool! My first book legit came out when I was still in high school.

I'm an indie author, so I'll talk about indie stuff... and traditional... and oh dear that's a lot.

Let's go over some pros and cons and what to expect.

Crow's (oops not) Quick Guide to Publishin'

Self Publishing:

This is what I did for Good Angel, Bad End, my duology!

Self pubbing:

+Total control of end product +No deadlines +Full control of changing it at any time -You do all the work (or pay) -It costs you money for jobs you can't (or shouldn't) do yourself like editing -Extremely limited reach of audience, very hard to sell

I queried GA/BE around a bit but ultimately decided to self publish it. It's just too niche for mainstream, being a weird genre mix up with way too queer characters. Multiple neopronouns used by funky angels in magic school slice of life that turns apocalyptic? yeah, I felt it'd be best I just put it out.

You'll need to

Edit the text (I'd recc multiple friends, a paid editor)

Proofread the text (I'd recc paying a pro)

Assemble the text files formatting (for digital, print)

Get a cover

Make pages for it on GoodReads etc and promote it

Self-publishing can be a lot of work. I did GA/BE's interiors myself using first Microsoft word, then adobe indesign for the recent revamp. Using Word/other text programs can give you a fully workable interior file, but abusing the free trial system of adobe will allow more advanced inclusions. Getting ebook files to work is a nightmare, and print can also be a pain- it's a lot of following online tutorials and trial and error I found. Calibre then is the program you use to finish digital files for release.

Costs for editing can be very high. Editing is a high skill, high time job- I got my books done on discount from a friend for next to nothing, but expect definitely a few hundred bucks. Research though fair prices. You don't need to hire someone to proofread or edit, but it is a good idea. That or outsource to many friends, ideally ones who give honest feedback. A proofreader is much cheaper as they only look for errors, I again got it cheap for 65£ per book. Art wise, I bought mine on commission- talk to an artist and make it clear it is for a commercial project and that you have the right to sell the end result. My cover for each book was about 100£

You might notice this is adding up to a few hundred quid, and yes: it cost me like, 350£ or so per book to publish, even with myself doing a lot of the work. This is a lot! Does it pay back? Usually no. I have at this point now "made a profit", but it took years. You can't typically go into self publishing looking for profit.

I really enjoy self publishing GA. It meant I could put a project out that I kinda only made for me, and have full rights to do whatever I want with it. I got to design the cover and choose what to do at every step... but it was a crazy amount of intensive work too. Marketing wise I've found is about impossible- your best bet 100% is to send the book to as many people as possible (digitally) for review and just try to get enough people reading it. Then you hope they like it and talk about it. I've found no other method of marketing particularly useful: word of mouth is still king.

Indie Publishing:

Indie pubbin:

+Don't have to spend any money (get paid) +Professional editing/cover/formatting +Backing of publishing house's marketing team -Deadlines -Less creative control -Contracted -Must query and be accepted

My first book was Angel Radio, which actually I sold when I was 17. came out when I was 18. The timescale for traditional publishing, even indie, is typically at least a year.

There's a lot of indie publishers out there, and we should read them more often. However, being published by an indie publisher (aka, a small, non-mainstream one- unlikely to ever be 'on shelves') takes extra, different work.

Do your research!!! There's a LOT of scam publishers out there. A publisher will never, ever, not even slightly ever, charge you money or pressure you to spend money (like buying your own copies of the book). A great way to check is to just look up 'publisher name + scam'.

Prepare a query letter. This is a pitch for your book, basic book info, and a bit about you. Every publishing house will have a 'submissions' page which explains specific wants (such as several pages of your book or a synopsis), so every application is slightly custom.

Query and wait. It takes many weeks to hear back with queries. Usually you should do them in small batches of like five. It's very rare to get a deal- it may not be your book, it might just be market trends or they already got a book about dragons on order.

DOUBLE CHECK YOUR CONTRACT. Contracts can be hard, so seek help if you want, though I've found my one contract to be not that long and readable. Still, you should always read a contract, especially as a scam publisher might try to trick you there.

Indie publishing is good because... it's more accessible and diverse than mainstream, but still offers the same benefits to authors. Just on a way smaller scale. I don't think my publisher, Harmony Ink Press, did much jack or shit for me marketing wise, and that's pretty typical. Marketing is very hit or miss and very expensive, so the onus is still on you to market (spoilers, these days marketing is on you no matter what). You also have more leeway in edits and covers- I designed AR's rough cover and worked with the artist directly! That's uncommon.

Most indie publishers also have a common royalty scheme where you pay it back. This isn't a hallmark of a scam, it's pretty normal: You get advance cash upfront, but then do not earn royalties until your book has paid itself off. Which it may not. Angel Radio sold for 500$, not a huge amount but not exactly tiny, especially for a teen. But I haven't earned a penny on royalties because it never sold well enough! I think I'm a little over halfway there.

Traditional Publishing

(I don't have a book of this type. yet...?)

Y'know, like, books?

+Large advance +Big support team +Marketing +Books on shelves +Most lucrative and recognizable -Sharper deadlines -Least control and rights -Must query (hardcore mode) -Still marketing yourself

Traditional publishing is the longest timescale and hardest method. Obvs. You again are looking to write a good query, but now you need to go through a literary agent. You query an agent with your book (again, should only ever be free), the agent then essentially queries publishers on your behalf ("out on submission"). An agent is your liaison to the business of publishing, taking a portion of your earnings for the service. You just can't make it into publishing without an agent.

A query letter ideally is... roughly, quickly, this is my format guide.

Hi there [actual agent name]

I'm here proposing my cool book, XYZ of ABC, a GENRE book of ??k words that IS SOMETHING UNIQUE SELLING POINT. MAIN CHARACTER is LIKE THIS but faced CONFLICT when PLOT HAPPENS, in SOME KINDA WORLD OR WHATEVER. THIS IS THE PART WHERE YOU WRITE A 2-3 SENTENCE PLOT BLURB. But when TWIST happens, will MC have SOME EYECATCHING IDEA? This book will appeal to fans of THIS KINDA THING and is extra good because RELEVENT DETAIL LIKE OWNVOICES. I believe JUST KEEP SELLING KID. I myself SOME SORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENT LIKE UNI, PAIRED WITH A RELEVANT HOBBY. thank you for your time

Hot and dirty, something like that. You gotta recall at all times this is a market. It is economic. Your passion... matters, but uh. It doesn't matter. Gosh that sounds rough. But make your passion clear but your sound business proposal clearer: You need to show why your book is worth picking over thousands of other queries.

Querying is a horrible torturous process that does help you slowly build up exposure therapy to rejection and failure. Anyways, that will take a bit typically (I've been querying on and off for ten years for an agent, but a lot has been 'off' time). Then you wait and eventually, bam! Probably post some edits, your book is sold.

You still wait a long time though, and have a lot of work to do. So much work. Your book will come out on shelves at the end, sure, but that's still not a promise of success. The author these days is especially the product, and while you start on a higher stage (maybe even the marketing team will f---ing do something), you still gotta claw. There's a high level of scrutiny too on debut authors on any tier, but especially the traditional publishing tier. So your success is very dependent on each book you do, with it being harder and harder to sell books if you aren't doing fantastic.

Still, it's hard to deny the appeal of that mainstream success. Man, I'm chasing it myself! But it's not just easy book out there you go. I'm pals with traditionally published authors and you'll still be very busy, if you can get your foot on the ladder with an agent to begin with. Being on submission generally takes months, and even when your book is with a publisher it may be a lot of time and work before it ever comes out. Even then, hitting the shelves still doesn't mean you're set for life.

Still. Good luck. Go try!

(BTW look at my books, I guess, as a sticker on what I hope is good advice, and good luck! I first decided to try publishing Angel Radio with HIP because of a post by someone else published by them on tumblr... like 10 years ago now....)

Gum ebook

Amaz print

Goodreads)

#writing #writing advice #publishing #publishing advice #sometimes theres asks

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thepoetsvortex · 2 years

Note

Lupin rant by request- he gaslights Snape calling him “Severus” like they’re friendly. Then he has the nerve to pull that boggart stunt to humiliate him while Snape is brewing his wolfsbane potion, which he puts off drinking. What is his problem? Being a werewolf is the worst thing to happen to him but he’ll gladly put the students at risk. Who cares how Sirius sneaks into the castle, who cares if he made it inside the Gryff dorm with a knife, Lupin wants to keep his job because his comfort matters more than the safety of children. Bleh.

Thank you so much lovely anon this was some A+ insight

There really are very very few people in the book who are ALLOWED to call Snape, Severus. That’s Lily Evans, Albus Dumbledore, and Narcissa Malfoy. I mean, and probably his mother, but that’s IT. Lupin is totally violating his very clear boundaries here (yet again) and part of me wonders if this isn’t for Harry’s benefit at least in part because he makes it seem like “oh Harry, look how wise and mature I am. I don’t hold grudges, unlike someone *eyes Snape* and this definitely makes me, the calm, repentant one, more trustworthy than the man who referried a Quidditch match and actually cursed someone sharing a body with the Dark Lord to save you, when I have done no such thing.” It’s manipulation and it’s nasty.

And don’t even get me started on his calling Snape’s justified anger about 7 years of literal abuse “a schoolboy grudge” 🙄

The Boggart incident wasn’t funny as you well know- it was sexist and overall, if he’s trying to get on Snape’s good side, a really really bad idea. Snape is canonically sexually humiliated and demeaned more than any other character. First by Petunia, then by James Potter. And now- now it happens again as an adult in front of his own students and in the same place where he already has so much trauma. All because of Remus Lupin. No one can defend how Snape treats Neville, and it should be addressed, but not this way (canonically it hurts Neville too because it just makes Snape even more mad).

Yeah why does Lupin put off drinking the potion anyway? We never really get a clear answer on this. The first time he waits until Snape leaves so he can intimidate him. He even makes Severus bring it to him, which is just 😡😡😡 What is his problem indeed. Moony certainly seems to be on a good old power trip at the moment. Except, you know, the lives of children are involved but who cares about that am I right.

R.L.’s relationship to his lycanthropy is so weird. Usually he’s all “woe is me” about it, because no one could ever understand, and he’s a monster, poor baby. He knows how to gain undeserved sympathy more than anyone in the series. Then the rest of the time he’s like, endangering Hogsmeade villagers from the time he’s a teenager, running around with animagi thus violating the ONLY condition of his schooling, forgetting his potion- which almost has deadly consequences- and, of course, let’s not forget nearly abandoning his wife and unborn baby because he MIGHT share the same condition (as if you dolt).

Oh it’s worse than that anon. Lupin doesn’t just want to keep his job. He wants to keep Albus Dumbledore’s trust. He wants to keep him out of the loop and in the dark. Right now, he’s got DD wrapped around his little finger and he can’t loose that. I fully believe if he could give up Sirius without exposing his own school day crimes, he would 100% have done it in a heartbeat. Nothing is more important to this man than Dumbledore’s trust and affection. Which ironically, is a trait he shares with Snape who has a much better claim on Albus. Then also, the fact that Dumbledore doesn’t try to keep Remus at the end of POA shows us Lupin lost this trust anyway (there’s some irony for you). So good job I guess?

Anyway, I really love Remus as a character because he is so beautiful and complex and there’s so many layers and I hate reducing him to sad bookworm who would never hurt a fly.

Thanks for indulging my request! What a great ask! I can’t wait for more 😀

#anti remus lupin #anti marauders #anon #severus snape #prosnape

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phoenixyfriend · 1 year

Note

📚📚?

Put “📓” or some other version of a book emoji into my inbox and I’ll explain the plot of a fanfiction that I haven’t written but daydream about.

Oh god okay this one is. So incredibly stupid and combines at least three different plots that I keep recycling (time-travel, rexwalker, Anakin's Gender/omegaverse). I also only came up with it last night so [shrug emoji].

Warnings: mpreg, arguable dubcon (the sex itself is fully consensual, but some of the motivations are kept secret for complicated reasons).

It's an omegaverse AU. Anakin's an omega, capable of pregnancy, and Rex is either alpha or beta. Probably alpha. The important part is that they're compatible.

Anakin and Rex were in a relationship during the war, alongside Anidala. Anakin really wanted to get pregnant, but it didn't really come up outside of Bedroom Games because, you know, there's a war on. A few times he begged, and Rex had to be the one to actually put his foot down about Not Now, because [gestures at Anakin's lack of responsible behavior when family is on the table/line].

Eventually, Padme gets pregnant with Anakin's kids, and RotS goes down basically as canon. Rex is devastated by the loss of his lover(s), does Rebellion work freeing brothers, etc.

Shit Happens. Rex finds out about Anakin being Vader. He and Ahsoka commiserate.

Time-travel! For lack of a better option, we'll blame the bird (Morai), and the not-Jedi (Ahsoka). Mental, so Rex is inhabiting his younger body. Bit weird. Ahsoka is also inhabiting her younger self, and largely Not Acknowledging the Anakin situation. She's letting Rex handle that part.

He and Anakin are still in love, as far as Anakin is concerned, and Rex still loves him, but... he can't forget Vader.

Rex himself is Acting Weird but Anakin's off doing Jedi things on Coruscant for the first couple days of Rex adjusting to when and where he is, so it's not super noticeable. Rex uses the time to plan.

The thing is. Anakin always made it 100% clear that he wanted babies. He wants to be pregnant. He wants to be filled up and used and then watch his belly fill out and start glowing and all that. He is into it, partly for kink reasons and partly because he's got a lot of neuroses about life and death and so on.

Rex only feels a little bad about it, when he 'bends' and lets Anakin ride him in heat without a barrier or any real birth control. He even provides a proper caveat (if Rex agrees to getting Anakin pregnant, then the Chancellor isn't allowed to know), repeatedly checks with Anakin that he's consenting to this, and then talks dirty to the point that Anakin nearly loses his mind. It ends, almost inevitably, in Anakin being pregnant. With twins.

(Rex probably knew about Padme's pregnancy. He probably guessed that Anakin's fall was for her sake, for her life. I'm not sure anyone told him the babies survived. Obi-Wan and Bail and Yoda might not have known about how deep his relationship with Anidala was. Rex doesn't know that the twins Anakin is having are the twins Padme would have carried. He hopes, though.)

The pregnancy is enough to distract Anakin from all the shit that's going on, even keeps him and Padme from doing things that could get her pregnant. Rex's plan, to get Anakin pregnant and distract him from going evil, works. It works phenomenally, and his contacts in the Corrie Guard and among the Senate pull together enough information to take Palpatine out of play.

Rex admits to Anakin that he's from the future, and that he agreed to getting Anakin pregnant (with babies that are by now born and a few months old) as a ploy to keep Anakin from falling to the Sith. Anakin is offended and generally hurt and overall really angry about Rex manipulating him like that. Padme is also hurt that Rex resorted to sexual trickery instead of just talking to them. Doesn't it cheapen the act of creation? Various other flowery accusations are thrown about. Anakin doesn't talk to Rex for a week.

Ahsoka finds Anakin and sits down and listens to him and Padme talk about how hurt they are. Then she explains what she knows (what she's put together) about how Anakin Fell the first time around. Explains the brain chips and the genocide and the burning of the Temple. Explains just how close Rex came to killing Ahsoka herself, his best friend. How he had to kill his own brothers. How he failed to save yet more. Ahsoka spends hours telling Anakin and Padme about how Rex was not the man they'd fallen for, but someone who'd been through a decade more of trauma, and was working off a level of paranoia and pain that they couldn't even begin to fathom, especially not when Rex could still see how much Anakin trusted Palpatine, and didn't have the clearest memory of these years, certainly not enough to know if Anakin would trust Rex's word over that of the Chancellor himself.

It's a heavy conversation. They take a few hours to mull it over after Ahsoka leaves, and then message Rex to come back. There's a long, heavy conversation that ends with kisses and cuddles, and the two of them extracting a promise from Rex to get some psychological help, which he only agrees to if Anakin does the same.

IDK I just think an AU where the world is saved by paranoia-induced pregnancy schemes with someone who wants it but doesn't know why their partner agreed are a special shade of fucked up fun.

Also, this was loosely inspired by the premise of @inferior-fairy's "[Only] Think of Me," which is a different ship but still has the delightful nonsense plot that is "get Anakin pregnant to keep him from doing stupid evil."

#rexanidala #captain rex #padme amidala #anakin skywalker #rexwalker #phoenix answers memes #mpreg #omegaverse

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s-creations · 1 year

Text

The King Arrives - Chapter 2

(A few days after ‘Plant Care’ from 'Hues’ Collection)

Everything felt off.

Everyone was on edge.

Something was wrong.

They don’t have long to fix it.

Fandom: Super Mario & Related Fandoms Rating: Teen and Up Audiences Relationships: Luigi & Mario & Wario (Nintendo) Warnings/Additional Tags: Violence, there is cursing!, fighting ghosts, separation, illusions, here we go!, this is gonna get crazy!

“Welp!” E. Gadd clapped his hands together, “no time to just stand around whippersnappers! We have a lot of work ahead of us that we need to tackle. Come along, let’s look at what we’ve got to work with.”

He waved the three along, beaming as he led the way back to the table. The trio gave each a look of worried confusion before following along. Feeling a chill at his side, Luigi looked over to find Polterpup trotting alongside. Happy as could be with their tongue hanging out.

“As stated before, in order to fix this, we need to find the source. But with everything as messed up as it is, my scanners aren’t able to solidly locate anything. I can get a rough outline of how the castle’s layout is. But even then, it’s a large guess. So, our first, first, task is to clear out as many of the Ecto-Ghosts as possible in hopes that will clear up some of the conflicting information.”

They all jumped back when the heavy tables let out a loud hiss, the tops opening up to reveal a number of different gadgets hidden below. Amid the numerous flashlights, communicators, and container units sat, strangely enough, a red vacuum cleaner.

“...Really?” Wario asked with a raised brow, turning to face the professor, “What are we going to do? Scare the ghosts with how clean the place is?”

“Now, now, don’t go judging a book by its cover. Is it a vacuum? Yes. But it’s so much more! It’s been modified to the extreme. I present to you…the Poltergust!”

“So…a glorified vacuum. Great.” Wario winced as Peach hit his arm, along with a strong glare.

Luigi, however, leaned forward with interest. “How does it work?” E. Gadd lit up, standing closer to point out the features he listed off. “Well, it still does work much like a vacuum. However, the nozzle switches between three modes. Suction to the extreme, an attached flashlight with a Strobe Bulb, and a black light that helps find hidden objects. The Strobe Bulb helps stun ghosts long enough to trap them into a strong vortex, which if not broken will lead to said ghosts being caught.”

“The nozzle is attached to a heavy duty container. Normally, I could only catch one ghost at a time in these smaller iterations. Two if they were very close. But this can hold an infinite number of ghosts! …Or at least 100. I’m not really sure about the range. Any who, this is my absolute pride and joy. Hours were poured into this amazing piece of machinery. …Do you want to try it on?”

Luigi, who’d been leaning closer as the professor talked, reeled back in surprise. “I- really?”

“Of course! I wouldn’t offer if I wasn’t serious. Come along now, put it on.”

There was no argument once he’d gotten E. Gadd’s approval. Luigi slipped said machine onto his back easily. A little surprised with how light it felt. The nozzle held into his right hand, Luigi flipped through the nozzle modes.

…Why did this feel so…natural?

“Huh, fancy looking,” Wario had pulled away from Peach’s steel glare to look the contraption over. Shaking it slightly on Luigi’s back, clearly confused as to how this was supposed to work. “Lots of bells and whistles. This thing going to save our butts?”

“In theory, yes.” E. Gadd replied.

“Wait, I’m sorry, ‘in theory’? What does that mean?” Peach asked worriedly.

“Well, I mean, I never had the chance to fully test it before arriving here. Was kind of in a hurry!”

Luigi shook his head. “It can’t be helped now. We have to work with what we have.”

“Yeah, suppose so,” Wario huffed, turning back to Luigi to tug gently at the Poltergust, “Alright Luigi, hand it over.”

“W-What?”

“I’ll hunt down these ghosts, you’re staying here.”

The younger brother stepped back, “No, I’m going out there to get Mario!”

“You’re staying here. I promised Mario that I’d keep you safe and that means you’re staying here.”

“If you’re going to worry about that, then you can keep me safe out there. I’m not going to just sit around and wait.”

“Luigi…give me the vacuum.”

“Poltergust.” E. Gadd quickly added.

“Not now, old man.”

“It’s on my back and I’m not taking it off,” Luigi glared Wario down, “I’m also not taking any more time to discuss this. We need to do something now.”

“To true!” E. Gadd interjected again, “I do have the smaller containment units here, quite a number of them. They can only capture one entity at a time, but you can carry a lot. You’ll have to return here to empty them out once filled up. Communicators that also double as a way to display the map that I have, as well as heavy duty flashlights.”

“Fine, give me a few of those containers.” Wario lamented, walking over to the table.

“Same here!” A soldier called out. Rushing over to the table to stop by Wario’s side.

“Me as well.”

“Over here please!”

More Toads shuffled over, small hands waving to gain attention and the given tools. Peach was about to step forward when Toadsworth placed a hand on her’s.

“Please, my dear, I need you here. For my sake.”

“...Alright.”

Luigi shifted the Poltergust better onto his back, jumping back when the ghost pup appeared before him. Polterpup barked happily, seeing they’d caught the human’s attention. Remaining by Luigi’s side as all were geared up and lined by the door. E. Gadd by the side to address them all.

“Now, our current goal is pretty straightforward. Clear out as many Ecto-Ghosts as possible. No only to help keep our reality stable, but to also clear enough crazy energy so that I can find the source of this issue. It’s a maze out there. Make sure you stay in groups and that someone has a map for you to follow.”

“I advise you to start with the room that you find as soon as you leave here. If you don’t see anything…that’s kind of the point. Make sure you check over everything before moving on. Understand?”

All nodded in agreement.

“Very well! I’ll be on the monitor if anyone needs advice.”

Luigi felt his heart hammering as the doors opened once more. No fearful purple portal greeting him this time. Just a hallway that was drenched in shadows. Thankfully, he was walking out prepared and with a small army.

As the large group headed out, with the doors closing behind them, E. Gadd called out, “Good luck! …And run if you need to! Living is important!”

With that, the doors closed behind them with a heavy thud.

Time: 8:10pm Stability Lost: 18%

Luigi was leading the way, flashlight facing forward while his eyes continuously darted around. He was frantically scanning the area to catch the first sign that would indicate a ghost was nearby. But it had been just as quiet when he’d walked through before. His attention did go to Polterpup, who seemed at ease at the moment, which had Luigi lowering his shoulders slightly.

“So, I hate to ask,” Wario whispered to Luigi, “How do we find these ghosts? Do we just start opening draws and shake the vases? Or are they going to come to us?”

“I honestly have no idea,” Luigi replied just as quietly, “But the professor did say there were ghosts in here.”

“Okay, well, how about we just start opening doors as well or-” Wario fell quiet when Luigi lifted a hand, both paying attention to Polterpup. Who’d started sniffing the ground. Padding forward before stopping right next to a potted plant. Plopping down before facing Luigi, head tilted happily as he waited for the human to react.

Luigi quickly placed a finger to his mouth to indicate for everyone to remain quiet before stepping forward. To which Wario immediately reached out to grab at his shoulder, silently shaking his head and holding up his own container. There was a silent argument between the two, Wario wanting to see how dangerous these ghosts could be while Luigi kept pointing to the Poltergust. A clear indication of ‘I have the better tool, let me do this.’

Wario frowned but did pull back. Holding his own tools out while Luigi crept forward. Polterpup trotted away as the human reached the plant, Luigi reaching out to nudge it.

…Nothing.

Luigi frowned and turned back to Wario with a confused shrug. The other indicates to shake it one more time.

Swallowing weakly, Luigi reached out once more. Giving the vase another, more harsh shake.

That caused the ghost to finally pop out. A yellow one, letting out a violent shriek as it towered over Luigi. Who was scrambling to switch the nozzle to the appropriate setting. Only to be pushed away with a strong pulse of energy. Luigi feeling his own powers reacting negatively to the spark the ghost seemed to give off.

Wario started forward the moment Luigi had been pushed back, the human clearly dazed. Grabbing his container unit…only to have a Toad scream in both fear and furry, throwing one of their own. To which it soared through the air, right through the ghost, and clattered to the floor on the other side. Said ghost letting out a chortle, advancing towards the group.

And then the container activated.

Luigi was temporarily blinded by the bright burst of light the container gave off. Frantically rubbing his eyes to clear up the spots. Vision returned in just enough time to see the ghost, who’d been frozen from the flash, was pulled towards the container. Able to see the vortex E. Gadd had talked about before, Luigi spotted small bolts of white energy sparking from said vortex. The ghost let out a small shriek of fear before disappearing into the container.

The lid snapped closed, gave a small jolt, and stilled. Polterpup walked forward to gather said container in their mouth and carried back over to the Toad who’d thrown it. Who was frozen in their throwing stance, eyes wide.

“...Well…that’s one way to do it.” Wario commented.

Luigi let out a sigh, shoulders dropping in small relief. “I’m just happy to know those things work.”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine… A little mad I couldn’t get this working fast enough, but fine.”

Wario helped the human back up, looking him over. “You sure? I know you were knocked back, but you looked dazed.”

“...I was shocked.”

“We are facing ghosts, it seems pretty normal.”

“No, not shocked as in ‘surprised’. Shocked as if it was an electrical shock. My powers even acted up, as if trying to counteract it.”

“Weird…well-”

The group tensed again when Polterpup started barking. Growling low as their head swivels from door to door, back arched, fangs bared. The communicators suddenly sounded, those carrying them answering it quickly.

“HEADS UP!” E. Gadd said, “We have big movement heading your way!”

“Alright everyone, stay in groups, stand your grounds!” Wario called out.

The doors lining the hallway were slammed open, numerous Ecto-Ghosts suddenly flying through. Different sizes from small to barely able to squeeze through the door. Different shapes and colors. All of them eventually became a blur of multi-colored as they floated above the group.

The first attack was from the ghosts, one quickly swooping down to grab a Toad. Who let out a fearful squeak as they left the ground. Dropping their container that lost its charge.

Luigi jumped into action again. The flashlight mode on, he built up the Strobe effect, the light flashing over the escaping ghost. Who immediately froze up, dropping the startled Toad back onto the ground. Not pausing, Luigi quickly changed to the regular nozzle, activating the vortex.

He wasn’t prepared for the ghost to be broken from their stupor so soon. The spectral being putting up a fight, trying to pull itself free. Which meant Luigi was pulled along for the unwanted ride as well. Stumbling slightly as the ghost practically dragged him down the hallway. Digging his heels in, Luigi pulled the nozzle back as if he was reeling in a fish. There was an eventual and satisfying ‘SWOOSH!’ when the ghost finally went in. Luigi just able to keep himself on his feet.

As he lifted his cap back into place, Luigi felt the Poltergust shutter weakly before calming down once more.

He’d done it. He caught his first ghost.

And it had been utterly terrifying.

Luigi panted weakly as he straightened himself up, legs shaking weakly. Only to tense when a number of Ecto-Ghost dashed past him. Just as he was about to chase after a group of Toads quickly followed after. Each giving a yell of something primal sounding as they waved their containers around.

He could only watch in amazement, trying to take in just what he was witnessing, when his shoulders were shaken.

“Ha, nicely done!” said Wario, “Way to lead a revolution! Come on, we already have some Toads going into the other rooms.”

Wario let out a laugh as he opened the closest door and rushed through. Luigi, having a hold on his cap, followed close behind with Polterpup right by his side.

The castle had become an absolute madhouse.

The trio of Wario, Luigi, and Polterpup jumping from room to room. Catching brief glimpses of small groups of Toads tackling every ghost that dared crossed their path. Capturing one before running after their next target. It was all strangely…animalistic.

“Are all Toads like this?” Luigi asked.

“Ha, no! Why do you think these Toads are part of the army?” Wario smirked.

Ah, alright then.

The non-spectral beings jumped back when another ghost popped out. Green this time, with two tapered tails instead of the expected one. Letting out a laugh seeing the living beings react in surprise. Only to falter when Polterpup barked at it, growling as they stood before Luigi. Wario took advantage of that hesitation to throw one of his own containers. Trapping the ghost in the next second.

There was no time to pause when another ghost appeared, two actually. Yellow and skinny, looping around the trio, making it difficult for Luigi to land a good flash of light onto them. Eventually hooking in one, with the other throwing an orange at him (what the heck!) that hit the back of Luigi’s head. Wario catching it the next second.

Another room, another round of ghosts to capture. Luigi became comfortable with the tools given to him. Beaming when he was able to collect two ghosts at once.

“Nice!” Wario called out, “You’re a natural at this.”

Luigi could only offer a sheepish smile as a reply. Eventually, the Toads were calling out to fall back, being unable to capture further ghosts. Wario also commented that he’d gotten all that he could.

“Please tell me that we got something out of this, besides just a headache.” He said to E. Gadd, communicator held up.

“Mmm…yes and no. While some of the interference has been cleared up, the readings I’ve been getting are…strange. And inconsistent. I feel that I’ve seen this data before, but I can’t think as to what it is.”

“What about that fear of our reality being torn apart, we still in danger of that?”

“Very much so. The collecting that’s happened has changed nothing. Which leads me to think that this is all just a guessing game created for us from the person pulling the strings.”

“Yeah, and we’re losing.”

Luigi frowned as he listened to the conversation. No longer entertained by Polterpup, who had started to put their front paws on the human’s legs. “So, we’re still unsure where anything is.”

Wario immediately changed his tone, “We’ll find him.”

“Possibly.”

“Unhelpful.”

“Realistic. We’re not in a situation where we can promise anything.”

“Doesn’t mean being blunt is going to help!” Wario argued.

Luigi pulled the communicator from Wario’s grip to talk to the professor. “Do you have anything positive that you can give us?”

“Mmmm… No, but let us have a different perspective on this. Have you been able to find a Boo?”

“None.”

“Then they’re hiding for a reason.”

“Boos aren’t confrontational.” Wario argued.

“They also don’t invade a kingdom or kidnap a human. It’s worrisome to know so many Boos are here, but none have been seen. This is technically a dream come true for them. A place where everyone’s on edge and they can eat fear? This is an opportunity they wouldn’t pass up.”

“You don’t think that…since they have Mairo…” Luigi swallowed weakly.

“I very much doubt your brother would be enough to satiate every Boo. Especially with the number that’s supposed to be here.”

Wario sighed, “So, what needs to be our next move?”

“Annoyance and draw out? Perhaps if we continue to dwindle the number of Ecto-Ghosts that are here, our ring leader will finally appear. If anything else, we might draw out where the Boos are hiding.”

“We’re really just trying to play catch up, aren’t we…”

Luigi handed the communicator back to Wario, grabbing the nozzle again. “You need to go back to the Great Hall.”

“What?”

“You don’t have any more containment units, you’re a target. I can still keep going.”

“I’m not leaving you out here, by yourself.”

“I have Polterpup.” Luigi smiled softly when said dog barked happily.

Wario was going to argue further, only for a group of Toads to come rushing over. Claiming they needed to go back to regroup. With the other distracted, Luigi was given a moment to think.

“Mario…”

Gadd was right about the ghosts wanting something from the kingdom. Everyone else was right about what that was they were looking for. It still did nothing to ease Luigi’s worries. What would Boos even want from Mario? It seemed weird that they would suddenly change their hunting patterns. It was weird that Boos would work with Ecto-Ghosts.

What could have changed? Would they be able to find Mario in time? Or was everything going to fall apart before they figured out a good way to fight back? Was Mario being pulled through the wall the last thing Luigi remembered from his brother?

“Big bro, where are you?”

“Luigi?”

Tensing upon hearing his name, Luigi lifted the nozzle up to fight…

Only to find nothing. The hallway was empty. Polterpup gave a worried whine upon seeing the human move so suddenly. But Luigi didn’t seem to hear them, eyes peering around. Trying to figure out who or what had said his name.

“Luigi?”

His entire right side suddenly chilled. Turning sharply, Luigi was surprised to find a door, created from purple wood and with a decorative frame. Said door slowly opened to reveal a dark interior. But it didn’t deter Luigi, who’d lowered the nozzle as he walked towards it. Ignoring as Polterpup pulled at his pants leg.

“Luigi?”

His heart leapt. Eyes widening as he tried to peer into the darkness. His name seemed to echo. He could have sworn…it sounded like…

“Luigi.”

“Mario?”

“What was that?” Wario asked, turning away from fiddling with a leftover container. Only to freeze.

Polterpup was frantically tugging at the back of Luigi’s overalls, whining softly. Luigi seemed to be absolutely transfixed with the nearby wall. The younger brother showed a spark of hope as he leaned forward. Eyes a pale gray with a haze of purple clouding around his head.

“Luigi?” Wario called out.

The younger brother didn’t flinch. He didn’t even give indication that he’d even heard Wario. Still staring at the wall. Polterpup now barked as they pushed on Luigi’s stomach.

Wario tried again, more forceful this time, “Luigi.”

Still nothing.

Wario’s heart fell as Luigi moved forward. Polterpup phasing through the human’s chest, who was still heading directly for the wall. Panic rising when Luigi reached out to touch said wall and his hand went through it.

“Luigi, stop!”

Wario wasn’t fast enough. Luigi was more than halfway through before Wario got there. His own hand met a solid wall when he tried to reach out to pull the younger brother back.

“Wha- shit! Luigi, come back! Luigi!” Wario slammed his hands against the solid form. It amounted to nothing. He let out a low growl before turning to Polterpup. “Can you find him?”

The spectral pup gave a bark. Wagging their tail furiously before disappearing through the same wall. Wario froze as he listened to the furious barking grew distant. Only moving away when he couldn’t hear the other any more.

“Do what you can… Which isn’t standing here like an idiot.” Gathering his discarded supplies, Wario walked off. Following the map on his communicator back to the Great Hall.

Time: 11:32pm Stability Lost: 45%

It was a weird sensation. Luigi’s stomach churning at the confusing and conflicting information. His mind told him there was nothing to see in this inky void. While his feet confirmed that he was walking on solid ground. The human moved forward slowly. Eyes continuously scanning the blackness, trying to find something.

“M-Mario?” He weakly called out, “...Mario?”

His heart was beating furiously. Luigi could have sworn he’d heard his older brother. Maybe he was-

“Luigi.”

He whipped around. The flashlight providing no help in breaking through the darkness. Swearing the voice sounded right behind him.

“M-Mario?” Luigi whispered again, sounding very unsure. Because now that he was in here, his brother sounded…

Wrong.

“Luigi.”

“Mario? Where are you?”

The singular voice suddenly became dozens. All sounding like his brother, shouting Luigi’s name, along with shrieks and icy laughter. The human desperately covered his ears as the sound seemed to rattle his head. Squinting his eyes as he tried to find where all of this was coming from. Bending over in pain, the vibrations shaking him to his core.

Just as sudden as the voices sounded, it stopped.

The eerie silence pressing down twice as hard as before.

What was happening?

Was this just another illusion?

Had he really just walked into a trap?

How stupid could he be?

Grabbing the nozzle again, Luigi lifted it up to try and defend himself from whatever was happening. “Who’s there, where are you! C-Come out and fight!”

His entire form was tense at the chill washing over to him, barely able to see his breath in the minimal light the flashlight provided. What was he supposed to do? If this was an illusion, how could he break through? He was a sitting duck with no way to defend himself!

‘Suction to the extreme, an attached flashlight with a Strobe Bulb effect, and a black light that helps find hidden objects.’

Wait, black light. Luigi quickly switched to that setting and activated it. Swinging it around until he swerved over an area where the air suddenly vibrated. Still the light on the area, hearing something hiss and shriek as they were pulled from the darkness. The waving air turned into something solid.

Something white and translucent. With black dot eyes and little nubs for arms. A long mouth filled with jagged, different sized fangs turned to a frown. Deep hisses of discomfort leaving it.

Luigi took a step back, eyes wide.

This…

This was a…

“Boo.”

A new voice sounded. High-pitched and echoey, Luigi felt his hair standing on end. He let out a yelp as something sharp scraped across his shoulder. Causing the nozzle to clatter to the ground, the Boo he’d found laughing and floating away.

Shaking weakly, Luigi checked his shoulder, slightly relieved to see no green venom mixed with the red. But that didn’t help the situation when he found himself surrounded by four Boos. All laughing at the fearful look Luigi held.

“Aw, is little Weegee lost?”

“Looks like he misplaced his big bro.”

“That’s a shame, but don’t worry! We’ll take you to him.”

“No skin off our bones.”

Luigi jumped back into action. Pulling the nozzle back up and activating the Strobe Bulb. But it didn’t work out as he thought. The Boos merely winced before disappearing back into the darkness. Their laughter mocking Luigi as he racked his mind figuring out some kind of solution. Shaking as he waited for some kind of attack to be launched at him.

Swallowing weakly, Luigi knew he had to take this situation into his own hands. If the Strobe Bulb didn’t work, and the black light did, was that the key to take these Boos down? Would he be able to use the black light long enough to even get one? It couldn’t hurt to try.

Well, it could. But Luigi didn’t really have much of a choice.

Flipping back to the black light, Luigi stilled himself. Needing to rely on his senses to warn him about the no doubt incoming attack. Wide eyes staring at nothing as he waited for one of the Boos to take the bait.

A cold shiver traveled up his left arm.

Black light already flipped on, Luigi whipped it around to the general area he’d felt the shiver come from. Catching one of the Boos in the beam. Said creature hissing and shivering as its cover fell away until it was completely solid. Painting in pain, it’s purple tongue lolling out of its mouth.

Luigi didn’t pause. Switching the nozzle and trapping the Boo into a familiar vortex. Again, this didn’t work the same as the Ecto-Ghosts. The Boos’ tongue was caught first. Which jerked said creature out of their stupor. Luigi being pulled back into a familiar tug-of-war situation.

He dug his feet into the darkness as the Boo tried to pull away. It would only fight for so long. Luigi was more than a little surprised that, upon pulling back, he was able to actually swing the Boo around. Who let out a pained shriek as it hit something solid, but unseen.

The wall.

It was enough force to unstick the Boos’ tongue. The being successfully caught and contained in the Poltergust.

The darkness fell away. The remaining Boos let out hisses and shrieks of fear as they shrunk away from the human. Turning away and disappearing into the wall before Luigi could react. Clearly making their escape.

Luigi was somehow still standing. Panting weakly as it slowly dawned on him what had just happened.

He caught a Boo.

A creature that had no known weakness. That wasn't even hurt by Power Ups. Luigi now had one in the contraption resting on his back.

“...Holy shit,” Luigi uttered in absolute disbelief, “...I really hated that.”

A loud bark broke Luigi from his tense stance. The human let out a scream as he jumped away from the sudden sound. Only to relax upon realizing it was just Polterpup.

“Oh, h-hey you,” he couldn’t help but laugh in relief, “Hey puppy. D-did you come looking for me?”

Polterpup let out another bark, one of agreement, tail wagging happily. They stood on their back legs, placing their front paws on Luigi’s chest. On his part, Luigi lifted his arms up to wrap around the spirit. Realizing he just needed a few minutes to just…breath.

Polterpup let out a soft whimper.

“I’m okay.” Luigi whispered weakly, but didn’t let go.

The spectral dog let out a small bark, wiggling slightly. Luigi got the message. They weren’t safe there. They needed to get back to the hall.

Luigi released the ghost, grabbing the nozzle again for light, and silently gestured for Polterpup to lead. The dog doing so with Luigi following behind numbly. Paying no attention to the numerous twists and turns they made. Only showing attention to his surroundings when they arrived back to the Great Hall, startled by the light and bright colors.

“Luigi!”

The human had barely registered his name before he was pulled into a tight hug. “...Wario?”

“Yeah, it’s me.”

Luigi immediately dropped his nozzle to wrap his arms as best he could around Wario. Polterpup was good for comfort. But this was helping Luigi ground better.

He didn’t argue as Wario pulled away. The other quickly checked Luigi over.

“Are you hurt?” Wario asked, “Where did you go? What even happened?”

Unsure of what to answer first, Luigi simply provided a weak, “I caught a Boo.”

“You what!” The exclaimed remark sounded from both Wario and E. Gadd. The professor looked absolutely gleeful.

Luigi slipped the Poltergust off, holding it out for E. Gadd to take. “The Strobe Bulb didn’t do anything. But they really don’t like the blacklight.”

The professor looked up to Luigi.” Do tell.”

“They acted like they were being burned…and they became solid… Oh, and they can also talk, apparently. Did you know that?”

Wario shook his head slowly while E. Gadd gave a hum in contemplation “Solid? And talking? Interesting…this is absolutely thrilling!”

“At least someone’s enjoying themselves,” Wario grumbled as the professor walked away, “Seriously, Luigi, what happened?”

“I thought I heard Mario…but it was a trap,” Luigi answered, “It was just another illusion. I really thought I found him…”

“This is getting out of hand.”

“Were we able to find anything with the scanners?”

Wario rubbed his forehead. “No, not really. There was a large collection of energy found once. But, it disappeared in a few seconds after and, apparently, it’s moving. Which is unhelpful to our situation.”

“What?”

“Eureka!” E. Gadd’s call broke their conversation, beaming at whatever was being shown on the screen.

Peach was by his side first. “What did you find?”

“Oh, this is brilliant! Capturing this Boo was the key we needed to fit the final puzzle piece. I was incorrect about the entire thing…to a point.”

“Can you please just tell us.” Wario grumbled out.

“At first, I thought the state of the castle was due to the amount of Ecto-Ghosts here. Reality falling apart, all that fun stuff. But, I was wrong about the source. It’s the Boos!”

Luigi frowned at that, “Wait, what?”

“This illusion is just created by the Boos! The energy signature surrounding the castle and the one that I’ve scanned are the same! Or, well, close to the same. The one trapping us in here is far more stronger in comparison to what this Boo is creating. However, this still proves what all of this is caused by!”

“B-But I thought Boos could only cause hallucinations by their venom. H-How are they able to do all of this?”

“No idea, but this is absolutely fascinating.”

“Would you please stop being so thrilled about this!” Wario frowned.

Peach pulled him away to lean closer to the screen. “What does this mean for us?”

“Well, this information, combined with the brief moment of seeing how large that energy field was, means that it narrows down to one thing. All of this has been caused by one Boo. Meaning we have one main target for us to focus on.”

“Wait, back up, I still want to figure out how Boos were able to pull this off. If one Boo is behind this, how was it able to change so much to find so many Boos and Ecto-Ghosts to create an army? This seems so extreme for them.” asked Wario.

“You’d be correct… If we were working with normal Boos. Something in their structure has changed since my last data point. Dramatically. Or drastically. Either way, these are not the same Boos that we’ve faced before. They’re supposed to be scavengers, only attacking when someone wanders into their territory. Something like this is unheard of. This was all planned.”

The group moved back as E. Gadd pushed away from the desk. Beginning to pace as he thought over his next words.

“When I first saw the change, I commented that the Boos seemed to be almost migrating. Large numbers were collected as nights passed. Which was strange for a number of reasons, but the main point being Boos don’t normally gather in large numbers. Then Ecto-Ghosts started to join their ranks. Arriving here, seeing how the hallucinations turn to full blown… Something in their fundamental structure has been changed somehow…”

“The main point I’m trying to get to is that something was commanding all of this. Leading them. Brought them here.”

“They took Mario.” Luigi added weakly.

“Yes!” E. Gadd frowned, “Yes, they did! The structure of all of this is strange. Following this with the large moving form of energy… I believe there’s one Boo who’s, somehow, controlling everything. How that all came to be, I’m unsure.”

Wario and Luigi casted a worried glance to each other before the older said, “Mario was bitten by a Boo. Do you think-”

“Human blood?” E. Gadd hummed softly, “...Possibly? But I fail to see how. Humans are just another set of living beings, same as the rest of us-”

“Mario has Firebrand,” Luigi quickly stated, “A-And I have Thunderhand.”

“You- Why has no one told me of this before! You and your brother have access to magic? Natural magic? This is unheard of! Tell me, when did these powers begin to manifest and-”

“I think,” Peach said strongly, “what Luigi is trying to get at is that while they’re human, they’re…different.”

“Different humans…creating different Boos? Goodness, what a thought. Be that as it may, these are just speculations at the moment. I can confirm all of this once this has reached a conclusion. Strap back in and arms up! We need another round of cleaning if we’re going to see tomorrow!”

Professor E. Gadd walked off, the Toads clamoring back around the table once more.

“Luigi.”

The younger brother faced Wario, “Yeah?”

“...If this guy is even a sliver of a chance of being correct… I just need you to stay close, alright?”

“...Alright.”

Time: 1:05am Stability Lost: 56%

“Run, run!”

“I didn’t know that could happen!”

“Oooh, he’s gonna be so mad!”

Passing through walls and traveling through the large void the castle rested in, three Boos frantically raced towards their destination. Phasing pass a pair of ornate doors. Unconcerned that the once comforting room for royalty was nothing more than a black void. Unbothered by the human dressed in red withering in unseen fear. Only stopping when they could huddle in the ‘back’. All shivering.

They weren’t given a moment to recover when a gravelly voice spoke.

“What happened.”

They all jumped in unison. Turning to find deep purple eyes staring down at them.

“W-We’re sorry!”

“We don’t know what happened!”

“Apologies are not needed. However, it is concerning to see Boos of all creatures so fearful.”

“The green human has a vacuum contraption thing!”

“I’m aware of this.”

“It caught one of us!”

The eyes widened hearing this before narrowing once more. “...Well, this was not the outcome I was expecting. Even more so from that cowardly human. But it doesn’t matter. We still have the upper hand.”

“B-But…”

“We have nothing to fear. A stupid little vacuum carried by a cowardly human is not a threat for us.”

“L-Luigi?”

The eyes snapped over to Mario. Who had fallen limp, gray eyes appearing to be staring into the darkness. But the Boos knew better. They knew the human was still trapped in his own nightmares.

The voice growled, “Your worthless brother will be joining you soon enough. I can only imagine how his fears will taste. If the brave older brother, who can face Bowser without worry, now quivers before me…I can only imagine how that wimp’s fear will be. We’ll get him soon enough. Another trap and he’ll be under my nightmares.”

One of the Boos softly spoke up. “He saw through our illusion.”

“WHAT?” The entire room shook at that. Mario’s relaxed position disappeared, now fearfully curling away from the unseen danger. “What do you mean he saw through it!”

“H-He seemed to fall for it at first!”

“But something changed and he just knew!”

The voice let out a frustrated growl, “He was unaffected yesterday and now the illusions are failing us. What is this human? Such a weakling should fall for our guise, what is he! Never mind. I’ll find out on my own when I tear him apart.”

“W-What do we do?”

“...If they want to fight, let's give them one. But…it’ll be on my terms.”

A large jeweled crown suddenly glowed from the darkness. Red turning to a deep purple, bolts of same colored energy striking out. All in the room uncaring (or unaware) at how everything began to shake. The walls and floors begin to shatter and crumble away, the void seeping through. The castle falling into darker shadows.

Those inside the Great Hall were feeling the full effect. All cowering by the tables or anywhere they could count as coverage. Wario hunched over Peach and Luigi. E. Gadd doing what he could to keep his equipment in place.

Just as soon as it started, it was over. All looking around fearfully.

“What was that?” Luigi whispered.

“...I think our big bad wanted to say hi.” Wario replied.

The tense silence was broken when E. Gadd cried out, “Criminy!”

The professor was standing before the computer once more. The screen flashing a concerning red. “I don’t know what that was. But it caused a major influx in the instability of this world. We’re running out of time!”

“How much longer do you think?” Luigi asked.

“I have no idea, but it’s not long. We need a new plan and fast.”

Time: 2:32am Stability Lost: 92%

#mario #luigi #mario and luigi #wario #princess peach #professor e. gadd #s-creations #fanfiction #yellow purple red green

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