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thebathatter · 2 years

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Tommy Shelby x OC

Summary: Vita Corleone tries to enjoy one night of freedom at the Eden Club while in London, turns out the family business seems to follows her everywhere she goes, which leave her at the receiving end of cold blue eyes.

Authors Note: This all started because I watched the Godfather while in my hyper-fixation fog of Peaky Blinders. This is my first time writing a work like this ever so please feel free to give me all the feedback and comments I really appreciate it (just don’t be mean I’m sensitive). Yeah, I named my OC Vita Corleone because well, fathers name their sons after them all the time so why not? Also my Italian is not the best so if I got something wrong please forgive me I checked but I’m only human. I might make this a series idk yet Uni is eating me alive. Nevertheless Enjoy!

Warnings: Cannon typical violence, language, suggestive themes. Period typical views of the early 1900s.

London 1922

The night is dreary and cold and the streetlights glow like fireflies along the pavement. They can hear the rambling screams and hollers of guys and gals who have gone a little too over the edge with alcohol as they walk towards their destination.

“Signorina, your father gave strict instructions to not go out after dark….” Aldo starts

“Alone, Aldo. My father said not to go out after dark alone. I am not alone, am I? You and Enzo are with me.” Vita turns to them with a sweet smile, stopping in her tracks, she sees her two shadows look at each other hesitantly before turning back to her.

“Anyway, it’s not like we are going anywhere dangerous I just want to hear some music” she turns and quickens the pace when she sees the entry of the Eden Club.

Eden, just like paradise, a night in paradise would do her good. England was far from paradise but it wasn't home. New York City, her beautiful gilded cage where the shadow of her father and brothers loomed ever present wherever she went, handling her like a delicate doll one keeps on the shelf yet is never played with leaving her to gather dust and look pretty for the rest of her days. Not tonight though, after all this was London and convincing her namesake to let her accompany her brother Tom here with the excuse of sightseeing and shopping was no small feat.

Darby Sabini might be an angry little man, but he did say his clubs were the best in town and if Vita had to be in dark and depressing London, she would make the most of it.

They manage to get to the entrance evading drunkards left and right. Vita simply moves to walk in when the big man standing at the door blocks her way and raises an eyebrow at her. She sighs and looks back at Enzo.

“Signorina Corleone would like to hear some music tonight” Enzo demands politely to the gentlemen whose stoic face turns nervous as he stumbles “Signorina! Welcome to the Eden Club” he snaps his fingers and a man dressed in a suit with a pale gold vest appears.

“Signorina Corleone it’s a pleasure to have you here. My name is Mario and if you need anything don’t hesitate to ask. Signor Sabini will be glad you chose to drink in our establishment”

“Thank you Mario I will” she responds politely as he motions for another waiter to take them inside

Vita makes a move to follow him as they enter the club, and she can’t help the gasp that passes her carefully rouged lips. The scene before was unlike the speakeasies she sneaked out to go back home in New York.

It seemed like a bacchanal of sin that would make even the nonbelievers cross themselves in fear. The luxurious couches were littered with entwined bodies of guys and girls, some chatting and flirting, some kissing, some doing way more than just kissing. Entranced by the sight before her Vita keeps walking until she notices a gentleman snorting a line of white powder off a lady’s leg, the girl seemed delighted as she cackled and pushed at his chest.

“Is that Tokyo?” she asks intrigued.

“Yes Signorina, filthy stuff, good for horses if you want them to win though” replied Enzo

“I don’t think your father or Mr. Hagen would approve of you being here….” Aldo nervously started

“Oh, look, he found us a table!” Vita interrupted, grabbing both of their hands and pulling them towards where the waiter was patiently standing across the dancefloor.

“Calm down Aldo, we won't stay long,” she said as she took off her red shawl to sit down “besides this place is interesting, no?”

They sat down and ordered champagne as the band started to play another tune. The rest of the club was covered in white and gold. It screamed Deco and Jazz and the people on the dance floor moved their bodies to the rhythm of the drums and lively trumpet while pretty girls danced on platforms around the whole room.

Their champagne arrived and once she took a big gulp off her glass Vita's eyes wandered to the scene playing at some tables to their right, a man right in the throes of ecstasy was sitting here with his girl with a hand down his pants, a laugh escaped Vita at the absolute shamelessness of it all as she turned to find Aldo’s blushed face and when she followed his line of sight she saw two girls both equally lovely decorated in pearls and feathers gently kissing in each other arms. At this Vita let out a sigh. I should have found a way to come on my own, no fun to be had with extra shadows around but she wasn’t one to look at a gift horse in the mouth.

“Let’s dance Aldo!” she joyfully called and laughed as his face only seemed to get redder

“That is not appropriate Signorina,” Enzo said with finality “It's our job to look after you”

“It is! And I want a dance Enzo, would you rather I dance with one of the gentlemen here?” Vita said defiantly while standing up. Aldo looked at Enzo but he was not budging, unwilling to let his guard down in an unfamiliar place. She slumped down with a sigh of defeat. “Fine but you owe me a dance when we are back in New York you hear me Enzo?”

“Si Signorina,” responded Enzo with one of his rare smiles

Aldo looked somewhat relieved and that took another laugh out of her. She longingly looked at the dancefloor at all the dames and men having their fun. Don Vito Corleone would have a heart attack at the thought of his youngest dancing the Charleston, raising her dress and exposing her knees in front of God and everyone but then again what her Papa does not know will not hurt him. Guess I’ll have to wait until we are back home, she thought as she smiled at the energetic band playing on the elaborate stage.

“Oi Oi put it away!!”

Vita turns her head to the right, finding a man standing above the couple she had seen earlier, he was well dressed wearing a long jacket and a peaked cap, his presence seemed commanding and intimidating, and it reminded her of the many men in her family. The young couple was startled and did not move at first until a thinner man similarly dressed to the first one screamed at them

“Fuck off!!” voice raspy and loud finally getting them to rush out of there with her hand still down his pants.

She laughed quietly or so she thought until the first man looked directly at her. She froze, his eyes were cold as ice and so blue they almost glowed amid the dimmed lights. She quickly gathered herself and raised an eyebrow at him while tilting her chin up as she eyed him up and down, taking him in before making eye contact again and giving him a satisfied smile. She almost missed what looked like a slight shift in his cold eyes, looking almost amused before he sat down at the table along with the tall man from earlier and another man who looked about her age with a toothpick in his mouth.

“Irish whiskey, a bottle!” Blue eyes yelled before sitting down. Gross she thought while sipping the last of her champagne

“Tommy, that's Sabini’s cousin over there, '' the tall man yelled.

“Right Arthur this is Sabini’s club,” Tommy said calmly reclining back on his chair

Vita almost leans over the table as she tries to catch their names amidst the loud music. Their accents sound different than the ones she’s been hearing around London the past couple of weeks.

“Everyone here is a fucking face” the youngest one states

“Just the lieutenants' John! No sign of the officers” Tommy states while looking around and she does the same catching a couple of men sitting a few tables away staring at the new arrivals. She recognized a couple of them from the dinners Tom had dragged her to when they first got to London.

Vita looks at Enzo and Aldo quietly nursing their drinks while engrossed in a conversation about tomorrow’s itinerary with Aldo not so subtly sneaking looks of a pretty girl dancing a couple of feet away. She closes her eyes for a second and listens to the music relishing the small freedoms that come in champagne glasses, jazz, and seeing a pretty face.

“Signorina?” Aldo speaks breaking the spell

“Sorry, Aldo you were saying?” she said, still a little dazed from the champagne.

“We should leave if you feel tired” Enzo added

“Not yet, just a little bit more,” she said looking at the stage “Please’ she added looking back at Enzo who only nodded understandingly. Knowing that once they were back in New York every watchful eye would be back on her, especially after being away for so long.

She looked past Enzo to see a group of men approaching Tommy’s table which seems to be led by Mario from earlier.

“Gentlemen there’s been a mistake I’m afraid you’re going to have to leave” states politely yet firmly. What John replies is lost to the sound of trumpets in the background as she tries her best to continue her eavesdropping, proving to be difficult the louder the music gets. They continue to talk and she can hear something about racetracks and an agreement she starts to understand the situation and when she hears the word ‘provocation’ she gasps. These men and her family have a lot more in common than a simple intimidating presence. Before Vita can think to do anything else a bottle flies above her head and lands directly on their table smashing against the lamp into a million little pieces.

“Peaky Scum!” is yelled before chaos breaks loose.

Aldo and Enzo shoot up their seats at the same time as her and she stumbles backward nearly tripping over when Enzo grabs her arm stabilizing her

“Time to go,” he says as they move to leave a man stumbles across Aldo, turning around and punching him in the face dragging him into the ongoing brawl, meanwhile the band keeps playing. Vita gasps and moves toward him, but Enzo holds her back and moves in front of her shielding her from the brawl as they continue to try to walk towards the exit. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Tommy take his cap off and swing it at the men. The gesture confused her until she saw the man holding his face gushing blood dripping down his hand. What the fuck. She barely finished her thought as another man knocked into them knocking her over making her land roughly landing on the floor, pain shooting up her left side. Enzo retaliates, punching the man unconscious with the unique strength of a former heavyweight, before gently moving to pick her up when a gunshot is heard, effectively shutting everyone up.

The entire club goes quiet and stares at the man on the stage holding a shotgun. “Get Out” he orders but Tommy gets closer to him and calmly replies “Eh you’re gonna use that?” the tense silence continues for a moment before Tommy speaks again “Didn’t think so”

Enzo helps her up “Are you ok? Cut or hurt anywhere?”

“I’m fine” she waves him off as she can feel a bruise forming on her left side “Aldo?”

They spot him a couple of steps ahead a little bruised up but alive he shoots a shy smile before motioning them to keep moving, Enzo puts a hand on her upper back and beckons her to move just before Tommy speaks again this time addressing all the patrons.

“We came here not to make enemies. No, we came here to make new friends” he starts. She motions Enzo to stop suddenly intrigued. She sees the one called John stealing a kiss from a woman while Arthur kicks a man on the floor trying to get up, she scoffs, and all three of the troublemakers walk towards the dancefloor where she is standing. “Those of you who are last will soon be first, and those of you who are downtrodden will rise up. You know where to find us” Tommy finishes his speech, and he turns to leave.

Right at that time an immense amount of anger consumed her. Jesus Christ! Fucking business on the one night I’m supposed to be free of it. She looks down and sees her dress is torn and that seems to be the end of polite listening to underdog speeches.

“Hey!” she yells loudly Enzo looks at her in surprise, confused by her sudden outburst but it's too late to back out now. Tommy turns and looks at her with an unreadable expression which almost makes her stumble but it’s too late to back out now “I don’t know where to find you” she states as it appears all eyes turn to her, no one says anything so she continues “I got to say it's not the first time a pretty face like yours ruined my night but who am I supposed to bill for my dress if I don’t know where to find you” she says looking down at the torn fabric in her thigh causing Tommy to look down, eyes lingering for just one second too long. Her comment seems to draw some chuckles from John who recovers quickly. Enzo and Aldo still look stupefied by her brashness.

Tommy walks towards but she refuses to cower behind Enzo choosing to stand tall as he comes closer. Enzo seems to break out of his trance and circles his arm around her protectively.

Tommy gets close and bends his head just a bit so he can stare directly at her with those cold eyes.

“It seems to me you wish it would’ve been me who tore your dress, love”

His directness shocks her because How fucking dare he she thinks and maybe up to ten minutes ago she would’ve welcomd that comment but that was ten minutes ago and this was now. Enzo looks just about to pounce when she speaks again, this time ignoring the man standing right in front of her for the manager still standing on the stage with a shotgun in hand.

“Mario! Come si chiama?” she asks, the man looks confused for a second before he answers “Shelby, Thomas Shelby Signorina”

“Very well” she looks back at Tommy and his companions with a stoic face before looking back towards the stage.

“Tell Signior Sabini that Vita Corleone sends her regards” she turns making eye contact with Tommy once more “and thanks him for the entertainment tonight” she says before making her move to leave with Enzo and Aldo close behind.

“See you around Mr.Shelby!” she calls back with finality

Once they cross the threshold towards the streets she breathes a sigh of relief. She hears Enzo ordering Aldo to get them a cab which they soon find themselves sitting in as she spots Tommy, Arthur and John exciting the club, Tommy with a bottle of Irish whiskey in his hand. They seem to be laughing and joking around. Not for the first time tonight Tommy looks her way staring at her for a moment before he slyly tips his hat at her. The gesture startles a chuckle out of her but the moment is broken when the car starts and they begin to make their way back to the Ritz.

“No more late-night adventures Signorina,” Enzo says calmly

Back to her golden cage, she goes. “This time I agree with you Enzo'' she says, giving him a smile before looking out the window staring at the blinking street lights as they pass them by. A nagging feeling in her stomach told her that this is not the last she has seen of Tommy Shelby

“Fucking London.”

#peaky blinders #tommy shelby #tommy shelby x oc #tommy shelby fanfic #peaky blinder fanfic #the godfather #crossover #peaky blinders x the godfather #vito corleone #tom hagen #Vita Corleone #original female character #john shelby #arthur shelby #peaky fookin blinders #thomas shelby x oc #I definitely wrote this instead on painting for my critique on Monday #trouble in paradise #batty writes

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danganronpa-ship-tourney · 8 months

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Sorry if this comes off as pushing the ship, but I'd like to argue some points for Oumeno, if for no other reason then maybe it'll come to use for the propaganda stuff. Again, sorry for this mini-essay.

First obviously is the confession in chapter 5 and Himiko's reaction, the thing is that whole exchange is also referencing a pre-trial 2 dialogue where Tenko accuses Kokichi of teasing Himiko cause he likes her and instead of playing into that Kokichi tries to sweep that under the rug, suggesting Tenko might've been closer to the truth. At the very least it points to Kokichi as having written that line rather than being improv from Kaito. Thematically I feel like its very fitting that Kokichi would make a genuine post-mortem confession. Either way Himiko's reaction is unmistakable, which considering the circumstances (at the moment Kokichi is believed to be the mastermind that orchestrated the killing game, the successor to Junko Enoshima and Kaito's killer) makes it seem very likely that at the very least she had crush on him.

Back in chapter 3 it was Kokichi that stopped Himiko from closing herself off, both in and post trial Kokichi made sure she actually confronted and processed through all the difficult emotions rather than bottling them up and sink further into depression.

Additionally something I don't see many bring up, but Himiko's love hotel is about her ideal being someone she both assumes is sinister and considers her foolish for falling for. If she does have a crush on Kokichi (which I think is very likely) this could be almost seen as direct parallel, Kokichi being generally considered as someone dangerous and unreliable and Himiko considering herself foolish for falling for him.

The two have several thematic and character similarities, notably both of them have a unique mix of both acting mature and childish. They both have penchants for theatrics, they tend to like a lot of the same gifts and enjoy several of the same activities in salmon mode. Kokichi shows clear interest in Himiko's magic tricks and notably never actually demeans her talent, in fact he is one of the few characters who compliments her on her skills. Also notably unlike other characters most of Kokichi's teases towards Himiko are physical appearance, some of them being very obviously blatantly wrong and well we know how much of a liar he is. Meanwhile Himiko shows a particular interest in blowing off his pants and in chapter 5 getting particularly focused on Kokichi being "butt naked." Himiko also couple of times seems to focus more on Kokichi's wording, she gets swayed onto his side several times in the dining hall scenes and most clearly after Kokichi mentioned canned tuna you can find her mumbling that all of a sudden she wants some tuna if you check on her afterwards. Also in the closing arguments for chapter 3 Himiko is lightly blushing while looking at Kokichi lockpicking, and yes I double checked she isn't shown blushing in any other panel in any other closing argument, only in the specific panel where she's staring at Kokichi lockpicking.

Again apologies for this mini-essay, I really like Oumeno and trust me when I say I could go longer but I feel like I've already put in too much for what was supposed to be just a few points in favour for Oumeno, kind of overdid it, sorry.

Oh yeah there's a lot to like about oumeno, im glad other people have a lot of fun with the ship, theres a lot to like but it just...kinda bounced right off me, it happens sometimes. That's just how it be, these are all very good points

#despair ask #despair propaganda

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stewardofningishzida · 5 months

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Stephen Strange Meta-Fic Sequel - Chapter 21: A Covert Ring

Let’s just say that this chapter features Lokis. MCU and mythologically-accurate. Knowing the stuff they can get into, well…You’ll see.~

TRIGGER WARNING: Depression, bad language, kidnapping, scary situations

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Chapter 21: A Covert Ring

*Trix has been hunkering down in the library more often recently, working on cataloging the new books since she and Wong were finally able to get through all of them. She’s been a bit more withdrawn lately. This is why Loki is on a mission to track her down.*

Loki: You’ve been quiet lately and haven’t even reached out psychically the past week. Surely you’re not losing interest in talking to me? *He sits down in front of Trix at the table and she startles.*

Trix (panicked): Of course not! You’re one of the people I’m closest to, it’s just been a hard week… *She gets quiet again.*

Loki: Ah yes, I heard about Steward’s adventure. She has her relic now, and so does Prettywitch, but what about you? *He’s genuinely curious.*

Trix: I- *She hesitates.* I don’t know if I even want to find my relic at this point. I’m perfectly fine here with the books, keeping things running, laying low.

Loki (frowning): Surely you can’t mean that?

Trix (trying to stay calm): I bet not every sorcerer has a relic of their own. Certain people are meant for certain things. Prettywitch and Steward are absolutely amazing and can do a lot so it doesn’t surprise me that they have their relics. Steward had to deal with a lot to get hers and I think she’s still a bit rattled. I’m fine just helping from the sidelines and being pulled out when necessary.

*She purposefully turns back to the books she’s sorting while Loki frowns. This isn’t good, he thinks. She had finally been regaining some confidence back and it seems she has coaxed herself back into her shell.*

Loki (gently pulling me away from the books): What I think you need is some sunlight and some time away from Kamar-Taj. You’re trapping yourself in your own head. Where are the others?

Trix (not looking at him): PrettyWitch and Steward are learning about their relics and have been off doing that. Wong and Stephen have been arguing the past week. We aren’t allowed to leave right now.

Loki (annoyed): So you’re confined here while your friends have unlocked that essential part of them and how they can contribute to magic and you’re perfectly fine with that?

*He’s struck a chord and Trix glares at him.*

Trix: Steward is still terrified of the staff because she had to die to get it. I’m not going to get involved in the fight between Wong and Stephen because I have had enough of my family fighting in my lifetime and me staying silent to keep the peace to start now. I know I can handle waiting it out and what needs to happen will happen eventually.

Loki (gently, knowing he pushed too far): You’re too passive, darling. This isn’t a jail cell and I’m not going to let you serve an imaginary sentence because you are too afraid to push the boundaries to help yourself. Come on. *He grabs her hand and pulls her to her feet before leading her out of the library.*

Trix (worried and loud-whispering): Loki- you’re going to get us in trouble.

Loki (grinning back): That’s why we’re not going to portal from the library.

*Trix and Loki reach a rather abandoned side courtyard where Loki pulls out a sling ring and offers it to her.*

Loki: I’m not saying you have to go on a quest or go searching for danger. You can even just go home for a bit but you need to get out of here before you lose yourself. You’re scared of a lot of things but that’s the one thing you’re the most terrified of and I can see it happening.

*This causes Trix to pause. After a moment, she hesitantly reaches out and takes the sling ring and puts it on. Loki smiles at her.*

Trix (cautiously): One short trip.

Loki: Understood.

Trix: And we’re just going to my hometown for a few hours.

Loki (obliging): Always was curious about it. Lead on.

*He gestures to the open space and Trix quickly glances around to make sure none of the others are around before she creates the portal and they step through. It feels like a breath of fresh air to Trix as the portal closes behind them. Kamar-Taj has been such a tense place lately that finally being free of that energy is having an immediate effect on her. Loki smiles.*

Loki: Where to first?

Trix: Downtown first? I can show you my house before we leave?

Loki: Excellent.

*They wander to the decently sized downtown of Washington. It has a number of shops and things to do like crafting workshops and other things. A typical downtown for a smaller sized city. Trix and Loki wander through various places and when they’re at one of Trix’s favorite local stores, they wander off in different directions to look at various things.*

*Unbeknownst to Trix, another being has been observing them from a distance. They’ve been camped out in the neighborhood due to the intensity of the interdimensional rifts generated in the area. When Trix and 616-Loki emerged from their portal, this being noticed right away and proceeded to track them. Now that 616-Loki and Trix have wandered apart, they make their move, subtly shapeshifting themselves into 616-Loki’s physical form and then casually sidling over to her.*

“616-Loki”: So, seeing anything that catches your eye?

Trix (looking through some art prints): Honestly? If it was the ‘before-times’ would say yes but nothing is really calling out to me now. *She turns to him and shrugs.*

“616-Loki”: I see. Well, are you detecting anything beyond the new levels of abnormal?

Trix (pauses): Hmmm…just you and I. *She pauses again.* Do you have a clone out? The people here are already freaked out enough, don’t be torturing them with your twin act. *She grins and bumps shoulders with him.*

*He shrugs.*

“616-Loki”: Just scouting around. Nothing more. *He glances at a nearby tattoo parlor.* Hmmm…Intriguing. What are the more common forms of body art in your world? Mind if I take a look with you?

*Trix glances over at the tattoo parlor, noting it must have popped up in the time they were gone.*

Trix: Typically tattoos are the most common. They have an inking gun that is basically a pen with a bunch of needles that injects the ink quicker than you might be used to seeing. I’m a bit queasy with needles personally, but we can go take a look if you’re interested.

*The two leave the shop and start heading over to the tattoo parlor. Meanwhile, 616-Loki is still wandering the store when he realizes he can’t see Trix anymore. A wave of dread washes over him when he realizes he’s alone.*

616-Loki (groaning): Oh no…

*Meanwhile, Trix and “616-Loki” have entered the tattoo parlor.*

“616-Loki”: Intriguing…*He glances at the designs in the parlor.* Well, in the interest of facing your fears, which design would you consider, if any? I’m not saying get one, but I’m curious.

*Trix glances around at the designs and notes that there’s a significant amount of Norse designs, especially with runes. They also seem incredibly accurate too…a small hint of caution begins to form in her mind when she realizes that even for a tattoo parlor they don’t get this specialized.*

Trix: Hmmm, I’ve considered a few things over the years to be honest. I once tried to create a sigil for myself of a flame that I was tempted to get tattooed. Another one was a quote from one of my favorite movies that said “Remember who you are.” Since I do need the reminder. Though now I would likely do something pertaining to my roles now. *She flips through some of the sample designs in the binder on the table.*

*While Trix is occupied looking at the sample designs, “616-Loki” subtly makes a few gestures, sealing them into the parlor so she can’t portal out.*

“616-Loki”: Very interesting. So, a “Lion King” fan, eh? *He’s playing off his secret actions smoothly.*

*Trix glances over at “Loki” for a moment and frowns but plays it off.*

Trix (hesitantly): Yeah…it came out two weeks after I was born so it felt right. What tattoo would you choose? Not that you need it because of the shapeshifting of course… *Something isn’t right here and Trix is trying not to reveal how on edge she’s becoming.*

*”616-Loki” shrugs.*

“616-Loki”: Not sure. I don’t have much patience for it. Now tell me, how much have you learned from your lessons lately? *He watches her calmly, subtly trying to redirect her attention and figure out how much she really knows.*

Trix (nonchalantly): You know how Stephen is. He’s been pushing me a lot more lately after the masteries. You would think with him being my master, he’d lay off a bit more now that I passed the tests but he is a stickler…

“616-Loki”: I see…*He knows that she’s getting suspicious.*

*There’s a loud bang from the window and Trix turns to see another Loki outside, looking distressed and shouting but he can’t be heard. She immediately turns to the ‘Loki’ she’s inside with and shifts into a defensive position.*

*“616-Loki” snaps his fingers and the blinds on the windows shut quickly. Then, there is a shimmer as his form becomes distorted and shifts into an androgynous-looking redhead with a wiry frame and a wide grin.*

333-Loki: I suppose I should drop the guise seeing as the jig is up. Now, you will tell me about the realm you have inhabited over the past year as well as its respective magic. *They aren’t asking.*

Trix (deadpan): I’m surprised you haven’t figured it out if you’re up to date with pop culture. Dormammu would have been a dead giveaway if you truly knew what you were looking for. *She smirks*

333-Loki: Now, dear, we both know that media is not wholly accurate. I want the details. Its differences. What was right and what is wrong. Movies and comics always embellish their tales. So, I ask once more…What do you know from the other realm?

Trix: I know that it was very easy to detain your counterpart’s soul through witchcraft. The eldritch magics are also quite effective seeing as you were likely around watching when Stephen saved this realm from being consumed. I’m a bit of a jack of all trades between the different forms of magic over there. Otherwise a lot of those movies are accurate…for the most part. Anything else you want to know, Loki? *Trix smiles sweetly at him. She’s trying to stall while not trying to show that she’s looking for a way out. It’s looking more and more like she’s going to need to fight her way out.*

333-Loki (amused): Good girl. Now, for the entertainment portion of our conversation. *They grin even wider as they shift their position. She feels someone behind her.*

*Trix tries not to startle but throws up a crystal shield around herself as she may know her Loki, but she also knows just how dangerous a Loki can be.*

*The floor drops out from beneath her.*

*Meanwhile, 616-Loki is pacing outside of the tattoo parlor as he tries to make his way in. Various attempts haven’t worked so far but he’s getting incredibly anxious.*

616-Loki (growling): Norns, I really hate myself. This one in particular at the moment. *He tries another attempt but it fails as well. As his anger builds, he begins to channel more and more power. He hasn’t felt this kind of rage since New York and he unconsciously shifts to his armor. He makes another attempt.*

*Back in the parlor, Trix is a bit disoriented as she appears in a different room. Clearly this is where her universe’s version of Loki has set up camp so it’s unlikely to be easy. She takes a moment to shift her clothes from her casual attire to her master’s robes and catches herself on the ground.*

Trix (rolling her eyes): What do you want from me? I’m not going to tell you everything I know, I know what you’re like. *She conjures a spiritual weapon that she finally learned from the ghost library. It appears to be a type of broadsword.* I know Loki more than you think.

*She feels herself invert, turning inside-out and then outside-in as her body is turned around. 333-Loki is now walking on the floor while she’s hanging on the ceiling, the gravity inverted.*

333-Loki: Perhaps YOUR Loki, but I think that you and I may have something to learn about one another. *They watch her conjuring the weapon, already learning her technique from observation.*

*She struggles as her body contorts but refuses to back down. She won’t make the first move, refusing to give him more but she won’t be unarmed.*

Trix: I know enough about you as well. Was a follower for a bit before the universe broke, it’s why I took my name. I was always admiring your stubbornness and cleverness and wanted to emulate that. So I do know a bit. *She is still trying to find a way out but honestly knows that she’s completely at his mercy. Trix still doesn’t back down.*

*616-Loki is getting angrier and angrier as he continues to fail, an echo of his time at the TVA passes through his mind that Loki’s are always destined to fail. He just has to hope that will not be the case today, for Trix’s sake. As he attacks the door once more, the whole building rattles. It only encourages him to try harder.*

333-Loki (unamused): I see the other me wants in. Perhaps I should move us somewhere quieter…

Trix: You can try, but he’s always going to find me. Even across universes, he can always track me down.

333-Loki: Perhaps, but it buys me a little more time to learn more. *They snap their fingers and the entire tattoo parlor vanishes, teleporting elsewhere.*

*616-Loki snarls as the parlor disappears. Unfortunately, it looks like he’s going to need to recruit some backup otherwise he’s going to end up murdering someone today.*

*Back in the parlor, Trix focuses on what this particular Loki is saying.*

Trix: Why do you need to know about me so badly? Why me? The others have been here multiple times and for longer.

333-Loki (rolling their eyes): Please. The other two are FAR less cooperative. Even then, I have no invested interest in YOU, persay. *They curl their lip.*

*Trix frowns as every avenue she’s trying to find isn’t panning out. She doesn’t dare try the runes like they did for Agatha since that would only work against her. Instead, she tries to magically reach out to her Loki and his magic.*

*616-Loki has transported himself back to Kamar-Taj with his sling ring and in full battle regalia, he searches for Stephen and Wong. He’s drawing stares as he passes through, but they know him well enough now to not be immediately on guard.*

*Stephen is currently looking through some instructor manuals that Wong summoned. They’re trying to come up with a logical solution to their dilemma without fighting more. Wong is blowing off some steam in the courtyard, training against some other masters.*

*616-Loki, thankfully, comes across Wong first.*

616-Loki (grim): We need to get Stephen. Trix has been taken by my counterpart from her universe.

Wong (suspicious): How? *He stops his training and goes over to 616-Loki immediately.*

616-Loki (annoyed, mainly at himself): We may have snuck out to visit her hometown since she was retreating into herself so badly. I wanted to make sure she wouldn’t smother her inner fire from how depressed she was becoming. Unfortunately, it looks like my counterpart has been watching the multiversal portal and set up a base in their town. They escaped with her before I could free her. She seemed to be holding her own but this other me…he had immense power. Moreso than he should have had.

Wong (exasperated): Of all of the foolish ways to-*He huffs* Fine. *He takes 616-Loki to Stephen.*

*Stephen looks up from his books and notices the urgency.*

Stephen (concerned, but also frustrated): What is it this time?

616-Loki (getting frustrated he keeps having to explain): Trix was captured by my counterpart in her universe. I tried to retrieve her but I needed to retreat to summon backup. It looked like they were more interested in figuring her out than killing her.

Stephen (angry at Loki, but getting up to help): For Vishanti’s sake! I will aid in her rescue, of course. Why in the Nine Realms did you even think about taking her to their universe when there were plenty of safer sites?!

616-Loki (angrily): Because if I didn’t let her out of this place, the greatest danger to her would have been herself. I was trying to help her by taking her somewhere familiar that could spark some good memories. I don’t need you lecturing me about how she’s in danger, I already know. *He is seething, but more at himself than anyone else.*

*Stephen looks like he practically wants to roar at 616-Loki, but shakes his head in an angry huff, knowing this fighting won’t do any good.*

Stephen (growling): We’ll have words about this later…

*He opens a portal to Earth-333.*

*Meanwhile, Trix is trying to do something that she and 616-Loki had hypothesized but hadn’t tried out. She reaches out to that soul plain and finds her connection with 616-Loki and grabs at his magic. It practically melts into her and she suddenly feels energy surging through her. Relying on the instinct in 616-Loki’s magic, she summons a set of daggers and manages to free herself from her bindings. She stares at 333-Loki before suddenly the room is filled with clones of her.*

*Stephen, Wong, and 616-Loki all sense a huge concentration of magical energy localized in an area of Svalbard. Deciding to cut to the chase, Wong opens a portal for them to travel there quickly. They see a tattoo parlor standing in the middle of a barren field. An odd sight to behold. Stephen and Wong rush over and scan the place, detecting the magic radiating from the structure.*

*Meanwhile, inside the parlor, 333-Loki is surprised for once. They backpedal slightly, noticing the huge power boost.*

All of the Trix’s: You want to know my magic? Well let’s figure it out together, shall we? *They all grin and rush 333-Loki*

*333-Loki melts through the floor and suddenly their foot emerges from the ceiling in an attempt to stomp on the clones.*

*Outside of the parlor, Wong and Stephen are already at work, uttering counterspells to weaken and break the wards.*

*The army of Trix gathers together and collectively extends the daggers into swords and raise them so 333-Loki is stepping on a living tack, protecting herself from being crushed.*

*333-Loki howls in pain, hopping up and down. This shakes the entire parlor. Suddenly, gravity goes crazy again and random objects, including some of the Trix’s, begin to generate their own fields, falling against each other and various random directions. The walls begin to melt upward and the floor grows into a dome. Everything is distorting.*

Trix (growling): No. *She slams her hands down and the room begins to distort again, this time to her wishes. The floor restores itself and the melting walls begin to collect around 333-Loki. She also instinctively begins to try and draw magic from the parlor itself.*

*The building’s defenses weaken further. Now, to finish off the wards and enter.*

*In the meantime, a Conjurer’s Cone opens up next to Trix and sucks her in, proceeding to teleport her chaotically throughout the building in an attempt to disorient her. The parlor has many more rooms than one would think, given the size of the exterior.*

*Her clones have finally disappeared and Trix is grasping wildly as she tries to regain her sense of direction. However, there’s something else that catches her attention. Like a moth to a flame, Trix ignores the chaos around her as she reaches out and grabs a ring as it floats by. It radiates a warmth and comfort as she holds it in her hand. She immediately puts it on her ring finger for safekeeping and gets to work on getting out of this situation. She creates her own Conjurer’s Cone to launch herself out of the God’s portals and towards 333-Loki once more, dagger back in hand.*

*As the chaos erupts, the wards go down, Wong and Stephen bursting in through the door. They see the scene unfolding before them and are surprised to see Trix holding her own against the rogue deity…and winning.*

616-Loki (amazed): That’s why I feel so weak. I thought it was my counterpart, but she’s using my magic.

*333-Loki, successfully startled by the sudden turn of events, conjures a shield just in time for Trix to bury her dagger deeply into it. They smirk, their eyes drifting to her hand and seeing the ring.*

333-Loki (noticing the group staring at them): …I suppose now is a good time to call this a draw. Keep the ring. You’ve earned it.

*They snap their fingers and vanish, along with the parlor, leaving Trix standing there awkwardly in front of 616-Loki and the two sorcerers.*

Trix (giggling from too much energy): Hi! I found my relic! *She raises her left hand, showing off the ring. She is absolutely high off of magic and adrenaline at the moment and looks completely windswept.*

Wong (calm, but direct): Loki, take back your power before any harm comes to her. Now.

616-Loki (worried): Of course. *He steps up to me and smiles down.* Hello darling, let me help you with that. *He pulls her into a bear hug.*

*Trix has a drunk grin on her face as she hugs 616-Loki, giving him the opportunity to pull back his magic. It leaves her unconscious in his arms as the magical and physical exhaustion kicks in.*

*He adjusts her in his arms so she’s in a bridal carry.*

616-Loki (still a bit in awe): I had no idea she could do that. I mean, we talked about potential, but we never tried it just in case something went wrong.

*Stephen runs over to check on Trix, scanning and doing everything he can to see if there’s anything injured in her both physically and otherwise. He lets out a sigh of relief when nothing seems to be wrong.*

Stephen (low tone): …I need a word with all of you as soon as we get back and she wakes up…*He’s a mixture of angry, worried, and remorseful.*

*616-Loki nods solemnly.*

*They take Trix back to Kamar-Taj and set her on a bed in the infirmary just so she has a safe place to wake up.*

*It takes about twenty minutes, but Trix blearily wakes up to see Stephen, Wong, and Loki all sitting around her. When she realizes where she is, she closes her eyes again.*

Trix (resigned): This is why I’m horrible at sneaking out places and usually don’t try.

Wong (scolding lightly): Plus, it was a very foolish thing to do.

Stephen: We’re not gonna ground you, Trix, but we do need to talk about everything that’s been going on.

*Trix opens one eye and sort of melts into the bed, instantly emotionally curling back into herself once more and she instinctively makes herself smaller.*

Loki (grabbing her hand): Hey now, don’t do that. It was my fault for convincing you to go with me. I’m sorry I got you into this mess in the first place.

Stephen: We understand that you feel trapped and none of us intended for this place to become a prison. So, Wong and I decided that you three are allowed to freely roam this universe and run missions here until we have a better solution for sorting out your world.

Wong: However, in light of recent events, Loki is no longer permitted to take you anywhere without obtaining permission first.

*Trix glances at Loki who shrugs.*

Loki: Someone needs to face consequences and it was absolutely not your fault, but it was mine. We aren’t being kept from one another.

*Trix still isn’t talking but is slowly relaxing again as they explain.*

Stephen: I know that things have been tense here. So…I’m also working on trying to get better at communication and what Wong calls “civil discourse”. *He gives Wong a slightly annoyed look. Wong is neutral as per usual.*

Wong: He knows that he has a long way to go, but is willing to put the extra work in for your sakes.

Trix (quietly): Thank you. And in the spirit of you trying to communicate, I guess I should try to as well. *She looks over at Stephen.* It’s incredibly easy for me to fall into a very bad mental state if certain things start happening. Between the lockdown and you and Wong fighting, it really felt like when I was trapped before and things got bad. Very bad. An intervention was involved and luckily things got better. But I just kinda…shut down and don’t really say anything because I don’t want to make things worse. So, I apologize for not saying anything and causing Loki to intervene which started this mess. It’s not fair to you guys that we keep almost giving you heart attacks.

Stephen: …Thank you. We’re sorry for arguing amongst ourselves so much that we neglected our duties towards helping you three get better. Now, let’s try to be more open with one another from now on, all right?

Trix (smiling softly): Agreed. *She looks down at her hand and finally spots the relic. Trix stares at it curiously.*

Wong: …I take it that you’ve bonded with that ring?

Trix: I think so? After I took in Loki’s magic, things get a little hazy in my memory. It’s like if we were both fighting him, I get flashes of what happened. How did the fight end?

Wong: That is typical of a sorcerer who takes in the power of a god whose goals align with their own.

Stephen: You successfully held your ground. *He has his characteristic curled lip, indicating a subtle note of pride.*

Trix (surprised): You mean, I fought a god and actually won?

Loki (proudly): You did not have a scratch on you.

Wong: It was a formidable act of sorcery on your part.

Trix (still in shock): I…I wouldn’t believe you if it wasn’t for these weird flashes of memory. I don’t even like seeing blood, was I really using daggers?! *She’s both excited and shocked.*

Stephen (bluntly): You were…Now don’t get too carried away. Seeing as you did sneak out, although you aren’t grounded, there still has to be some consequence. You’re on dish duty in the kitchen for a week. No arguments there.

Trix (still excited): No problem from me since the weird magic food is gone. *She turns to Loki* What else do you think I could do since we know it works?

Loki (amused): Anything I can do most likely. Though we shouldn’t try it too much, godling. It could easily get overwhelming and your sense of self could be smothered by my own. We don’t need another version of me running around when you’re something that is much more valuable. *He’s still a bit shaken from what could have happened.*

Wong: If you’re feeling up to it, we will study your new ring. *He’s doing his best to make his peace with Trix after all of the fighting he did on his part.*

Trix: I would love that. It doesn’t feel like it is meant to be used for fighting, it’s too calm for that. Maybe it’s for something else? 333-Loki was determined to figure out what I knew: from the different types of magic here to what I personally knew. He knows all of us well and is apparently very familiar with all of the lore featuring this universe and wanted to know what was real and what wasn’t. *She looks between the three*

Wong: Most likely attempting to bolster his own skillset. To what means, it is uncertain.

Stephen: In the spirit of ensuring we don’t neglect you three with our own mess, I’ll check on Steward.

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

*Meanwhile, the Staff is resting in the corner of my room and I’ve been avoiding so much as looking at it. I’m trying to live my life as though the previous incident never happened. Though it’s not going well. I keep getting visions of lost spirits and the Staff keeps on sprouting random vines, clearly trying to get my attention. Since I adopted Harir, I’ve been spoiling him rotten regardless of the situation because taking care of another living thing is therapeutic.*

Ancient One: Ignoring one’s problems is a way to make sure they stay around for longer. *She is floating in a lotus position, merely observing Steward.*

Me (quietly): I know…It’s just that every time I consider it, my heart starts racing again.

Ancient One (curious): Have you considered talking to Stephen about this? He has experience in what you are now facing.

Me: He’s busy. I’ve been giving him and Wong space while practicing my spellwork and doing the maintenance they assigned me to. That way, I’m still progressing in other ways without them having to worry about me.

Ancient One: You and I both know he is never too busy for you. If anything, I feel as if having a chance to help you learn from your relic would be a welcome distraction from the latest heart attack that you girls seem to cause. *She smirks serenely.*

Me: Ah. The Trix thing. Right… *I huff slightly.* I’m just glad she made it out okay.

Ancient One: As am I. I believe that she would not have had the chance if she had not gone through her experience with Agatha. Perhaps you will find that this is your Agatha, however you won’t know unless you test the waters. *She gestures down at Harir.* Would you be terrified of Harir if you focus on the fact that he is from the same make as the staff?

Me (taken aback): I…hadn’t thought about him that way. To me, he was always just a snake who was steeped in magic and accompanied me through the temple. Since he seemed to like me, I took him with me. I don’t begrudge him for what happened because he was trying to help me.

Ancient One: Just as the Staff wishes to help you in your mission. It is not due to the staff that you have this new role, it is due to the pledge you made. It merely wishes to assist its new master.

*I think about this for a moment.*

Me: You make a good point. It’s just difficult to finish processing everything. I simply wanted to help people. I didn’t expect THAT to be the way I go about it.

Ancient One: True. *She ponders for a moment.* I felt the same way when I first started channeling energy from the dark dimension. Yet, though people may be scared of things that we find as our everyday, it is part of the whole that helps us help other people. You are uniquely qualified to help those who would normally be trapped for eternity. They will certainly be happy for your help.

Me: I suppose it’s not too bad. It doesn’t have that many strings attached, in retrospect. I was already helping spirits. This is just helping them using better equipment.

Ancient One: In fact, I believe he blessed you with more than you have yet realized. *She smiles.*

Me: Stephen did say that my astral connection has become more…flexible. Hm. Let me try something…*I look at her and reach over to touch her without projecting just to see if it works.*

*The Ancient One takes Steward’s hand with both of hers.*

Ancient One (wryly): It’s been quite a while since I have held someone’s hand. I thank you for the privilege. *She’s genuinely happy.*

*My eyes widen.*

Me (quietly): It DID work…*I’m slightly awkward, but happy.* Erm…You’re welcome.

*The Ancient One chuckles as she lets Steward’s hand go. She knows that the medium doesn’t do touch as well as others.*

Ancient One: So that’s another positive aspect other than Harir and helping people. What other things can you remember that he mentioned?

Me: Apparently, my soul is now infused with traces of divine ichor. Not sure what that can do, but if I can physically touch spirits now, who knows? With the new connections, they think I might be able to transcend planes of existence.

Ancient One (patiently): Perhaps the veil will part for you both ways, I am not certain. This universe is unfamiliar with the type of gods your universe possesses. I would recommend waiting for Stephen and Wong before trying so they don’t find your body and think the worst.

Me: Right…I’ll go talk to them. *I take a deep breath to steady my nerves before picking up the Staff. It seems pleased that I’ve taken it up again. I’m still slightly unnerved by it, but privately opt to do my best.* Thank you, Ancient One. *I give her a bow to show my gratitude and respect.*

*She bows back with a smile.*

Ancient One: It is always a pleasure to help you reach your potential, Steward. I believe you chose your name well and it’s only just coming to fruition. *With that, she drifts away.*

Me (gently offering my hand to Harir): Okay, you can come along if you want, Harir.

*The snake slithers onto my hand and up my arm to curl around it like a bracelet. His head peeks slightly out of my sleeve. I stand up and leave my quarters to find Stephen. The sorcerer in question has finished his talk with Trix and is looking for me on the grounds since I tend to roam around a lot in my free time. He didn’t know that I was hiding in my quarters before. I opt to hang around under a ginko tree, knowing he has to pass by here to walk back into the complex. After around 20 minutes, he’s on his way back and sees me standing there quietly, leaning on the Staff.*

Me: You doing okay, Stephen?

Stephen: Actually, I was about to ask you the same question. Wong and I were so occupied with the other issues that we haven’t been there for you three. You’ve been very quiet and scarce over the past week. Are you okay?

Me: Admittedly, not great…It’s been a lot.

Stephen: Want to talk about it?

Me: I did a bit with The Ancient One, but I’m open to more advice. If it isn’t too upsetting, how did you make peace with your deaths? I’ve only done it once, but it still scares me.

*He hesitates for a moment, a mix of emotions crossing his face all at once. Then, he takes a deep breath and steadies himself.*

Stephen: Let’s sit down first so we can be more comfortable.

*He conjures some comfortable cushions to sit under the tree with. That way, it’s a more relaxing atmosphere. We’re both quiet for a moment before he begins to speak.*

Stephen: To be honest, I was putting all of my faith in the time loop that I created. However when it DID happen, in the space between the sections of the loop, it was rather quick most times. It was unnerving, but also calm in a way. Coming back was always the most painful part.

*I listen intently.*

Stephen: You never truly get used to dying, but because you know how limited our time is in this plane of existence, you learn to appreciate the capacity you have for doing and cherishing the good in this world. It can be a bit melancholic at times, but the quality time you get to spend with your loved ones evens it out. *He looks at me, studying my face for a moment before his eyes drift over to the Staff.* Have you studied your relic at all?

Me (slightly ashamed): I haven’t. After dying to get it, I became rather apprehensive about it. It took a decent amount of coaxing from The Ancient One to convince me to bring it along with me this afternoon.

Stephen (understanding): I don’t blame you. Would it help if we worked on studying it together?

Me: I’d like that, yes.

*He reaches over and gently squeezes my shoulder comfortingly.*

Stephen: Then consider it done.

*I give him an appreciative nod.*

Stephen: Let’s head to the library. Trix should be there with Wong right now. We can start by doing some research. Since quite a bit of our mythologies overlap, there may be some information here.

Me: All right. Let’s do it, then.

*In an effort to get used to using the Staff, I brace myself against it to help myself get up from the cushion. It doesn’t hurt as much that way. I’m relieved. Stephen sends the cushions away and we make our way to the library to join Trix and Wong.*

Me (looking at Trix as we enter): You all right, Trix? Any info on that ring?

Trix (shrugging her shoulders): I’m okay, just a bit exhausted. No information here unfortunately. Just some hunches based on how our universe’s Loki acted and why he might want a relic. *She looks over at Wong.*

Wong: This one is not particularly interested in global or universe-level conquest. They seem to act on the slightest whim and only seek challenges that they know that they stand a chance at winning.

Trix (grinning): Makes me feel even better that he ran from me then. *She turns back to Steward and Stephen.* So far based on some meditation it seems to be happiest in the library. 333-Loki absolutely captured me so he could study my magic and find out about the magic here so he’s an absolute nerd, not that I can judge. So, the ring is probably related to knowledge at least. *Suddenly, she frowns and looks down at the ring.*

Wong: Hm? What do you detect?

*We all look over curiously.*

Trix (curious): It wants to show me something, I think. *She closes her eyes and lifts her left hand, meditating so she can ask the ring to show her what it wants. After a few moments, Trix begins to walk forwards blindly as she lets the relic guide her around the library, hand outstretched as the ring lightly tugs her along.*

*Wong watches Trix and we follow her along towards the back of the library. It looks like she’s headed to the masters’ section, but then she turns into a small room with shelves of damaged tomes, tools, and repair materials.*

*Her eyes are still closed as she reaches for a book on the shelf, not fumbling at all she grabs it and sets it on the workstation in front of her.*

Trix (murmuring): Show me.

*At her command, the book suddenly opens revealing torn-out pages and the most damaged sections of the book. Trix’s hair almost begins to stand on end as she raises her left hand and opens her eyes. They are glowing a bright familiar green as she channels the relic’s power. She reaches forward and almost seems to pluck an invisible string in front of her and the damaged book somehow begins to grow back its pages with everything intact. It looks brand new once more with nothing missing. As the green light fades from her eyes, Trix’s hair drops again and she staggers, catching herself on the work table.*

Me (concerned): You good?

Trix (slightly dazed): Yeah! Just still tired from before and coming out of meditation like that got me woozy!

Wong: This level of repair work without the Time Stone? Fascinating. *He looks it over, silently marveling at what Trix has done using her relic.*

Stephen: Maybe this is because they never had or destroyed their version of Infinity Stones…If they even have any. *His mind is already churning with potential theories.*

*Trix hums to herself for a moment.*

Trix: The Band of Papyri. That’s the only thing it actually ‘said’ to me if you could say that it ‘spoke’. The rest were all nudges and feelings.

Wong: We shall continue to test this out. Please keep us posted on any updates.

Trix (smirking): As if you won’t be around whenever I’m in here now with the band.

*Wong is silently amused by her calling him out. At least after everything for the past week, the tense atmosphere is finally fading. Some of the old warmth from before is coming back.*

Trix: I do think I want to keep the band’s abilities within our inner circle of people though. It could go horribly if people started unearthing rituals or spells that should stay buried if they managed to get ahold of it. It’s subtle enough.

Me: Mum’s the word. I think I’ve a decent testimonial about dangerous artifacts already. *I smirk, finally making a morbid joke. The humor is at least a sign that I’m starting to heal.*

*Trix smiles back at her.*

Trix: You’re doing a bit better now, though, right?

Me (reassuring): Getting there. It does seem like we’re both trying to “make nice” at this point. *I give the Staff a respectful glance.*

Trix: Well that’s a start!

Me: OH! I forgot to say…There IS one new development on my end. Apparently, if I concentrate, I can physically touch spirits without having to project now. The Ancient One was nice enough to let me test it out.

Trix (shocked): That’s amazing!

Stephen (impressed): That IS an interesting update.

Wong: Indeed. Just be careful. If you can touch them, then they can do the same to you. Remember to protect yourself.

Me: I will.

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

*Meanwhile at Karmar-Taj, Prettywitch is busy bouncing a ball of pure energy against the wall using a shield for practice, doing her best to ignore her pen. She wants to try it out, but is nervous of what might happen without Stephen here to assist her.*

Clea: That’s not how you use a shield.

Prettywitch: *She screams and turns to Clea.* Oh, Clea. *She breathes a deep sigh.* You scared the shit out of me.

Clea: *She shrugs.* It’s not my fault you scare easily.

*Prettywitch pouts.*

Clea: *She walks over to the girl.* You haven’t touched the pen since we’ve returned, have you?

Prettywitch: No. I’m worried about what might happen without Stephen here. So I figured I’d get in some shield practice till he gets back.

Clea: By yourself?

Prettywitch: I couldn’t find anyone to practice with.

Clea: I’ll practice with you.

Prettywitch: Really!?

Clea: *She nods.* In fact, I can even teach a few tricks I know, if you’d like.

*Prettywitch gets starry-eyed and hugs the mystic maiden, making her cheeks turn beet-red.*

Prettywitch: Oh! Thank you, Clea! I don’t know how I can repay you!

Clea: *Still blushing.* You don’t have to pay me anything.

Prettywitch: I know, but I want to. How about I introduce you to some music you and Stephen can listen to when you guys are alone or if you need a pick-me up.

Clea (thinking): It would be nice having some music to set the mood…Alright, you have a deal.

Prettywitch: Awesome! Now I have one question for you…*She pulls out her phone.* Has Stephen introduced you to New Jack Swing!?

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

*It’s been a few days and Trix and Wong have been hard to pry out of the library, too busy trying out experiments on the various broken books in the repair shop with the door closed so no one knows what they’re truly up to other than some green light glowing from underneath the door. They’re working on some of the experiments with the Band now.

Trix (curiously): Hey Wong, what are some of the oldest books you have in the library. They’re bound to have some damage, right?

Wong: They do. Come.

*He gestures and directs her even deeper into the library than she has ever been before. At times, Trix can still get lost in the sea of shelves. The library of Kamar-Taj contains many hidden depths. Wong seems to know the entire place like the back of his hand, though. After several twists and turns, they come to a locked room. Wong chants a brief, but complex incantation and there’s a soft click before the door swings open. The room inside is clearly temperature and humidity-controlled with soft lighting to avoid further damaging the multitude of tablets, scrolls, tomes, and sheets of various fabrics within. They are all clearly ancient, some hardly recognizable as reading material. All of them have varying degrees of damage. There’s a strange sort of energy buzzing throughout this chamber.*

Trix (in awe): Wow… how old even are these? *She slightly panics* Do we need to decontaminate?

Wong (smirking): What do you think the energy field surrounding us is doing?

Trix (realizing): Oh. Oh! That’s amazing! I’m surprised that this kind of energy field isn’t used in the infirmary as well but considering how ancient the library itself must be versus the rest of Kamar-Taj… *She cuts herself off from rambling and blushes*

*Wong shrugs*

Wong: These kinds of spells are highly specialized. *He looks at her for a moment before speaking again.* Which volume catches your eye?

*Trix blinks in surprise for a moment before looking around the room again, this time focusing on the various items specifically. She drops into a sort of semi-trance as she tries to focus on everything as she slowly walks around the room, careful not to touch anything. Finally, she stops in front of a very very old book that, if she can make it out correctly, has all three of the sanctum sigils on the spine.*

Trix (pointing at it): This one.

Wong: A good choice. Especially given your approaching duties. *He smirks.*

Trix: Really? I can tell it’s about the sanctums, but have you been able to find out what it says about them in it?

Wong: Beyond the chapters dealing with their establishment and the enchantments placed upon them, no. It does cite the protective qualities of the Sanctums to defend against mystical threats to Earth. However, the rest of the book has long since been destroyed by the myriad of apocalypses and disasters. There are very few existing fragments left with some scattered words here and there, but I and my predecessors were never able to make them out.

Trix (grinning): Until now… *She frowns* I know we’ve been testing the Band’s power and the older a book is, the more power it takes. I know it’s tempting to find out what this book contained but will you keep me from going too far?

Wong (in a slight warning, but reassuring): This book predates even The Ancient One by countless eons. Technically, by any other logic, it should not even exist in this form. Given its shrouded past and modern-esque state despite existing before the invention of paper, we strongly suspect that it may have originated from another universe. Perhaps from a civilization whose timeline has long since faded into oblivion seeing as nobody has ever crossed over to reclaim it. From the many past librarians’ memories, all of them have reported that this book was already damaged. It has always been damaged and has been preserved in this state for thousands of years. I will watch you, but should any adverse effects take hold, I WILL stop you.

*Trix nods.*

Trix: Good. *She looks around again at the room.* I know that it’s better to keep the book in here but I’m also hesitant to use the relic in here as well.

Wong: Very well, but we will not go beyond the masters’ section. It is more secure.

*Before they can take the book along, there is a wave of disturbance washing over the complex. They can hear a faint crashing noise outside.*

*Trix glances over at Wong.*

Trix (warily): I somehow doubt that was just an apprentice accident.

Wong (flatly): It was not. Gear up. I will contact the others.

*Trix nods and summons her master's robes onto herself. She carefully exits the heavily warded room before beginning to sprint towards where the disturbance seems to be.*

***To be continued***

#doctor strange fanfiction #doctor strange #doctor strange meta fic #doctor stephen strange #multi author #dr stephen strange #stephen strange #marvel #wong #the ancient one #loki #loki laufeyson

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my-weird-news · 9 months

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😱 Unbelievable! EMT Attacked in NYC Ambulance: What Happened Next is Insane!

#StabbyComedy: The Ambulance Ambush Saga So, picture this: the Big Apple, a city that never sleeps, where even the gum wrappers have attitude. In a stunning turn of events that could only happen in New York City, a man named Rudy Garcia, who apparently thinks he's auditioning for a horror movie role, decided to turn an ambulance ride into a stabby showdown. I mean, who needs Broadway drama when you can have a real-life thriller, right? Let's set the stage. It's a warm July evening, and our protagonist Julia Fatum, a 25-year-old EMT with nerves of steel, is just minding her own business. She's doing her EMT thing, you know, saving lives and such. But wait, cue the gum wrapper! 🍬 Rudy Garcia, the gum-wielding antagonist, apparently thought it was a brilliant idea to launch a gum wrapper attack. Julia, displaying the bravery of a superhero, politely asks him to cut it out. But oh no, that's not enough for our gum-chucking villain. He responds with a passionate "f--- you!" You can't make this stuff up. Now, here's where it goes from bizarre to bonkers. Rudy reaches into his sock – yes, you read that right, his sock – and pulls out a large knife. Maybe his sock has magical pockets, who knows? He proceeds to perform a stabby symphony on Julia, hitting her left forearm, chest, and even giving her left thigh a little love tap. I'm starting to think Rudy missed his true calling – he should've been a cutlery juggler at a circus. 🔪🎪 Now, let's talk about the ambulance driver. Bless his heart, he's stuck in the front, unable to help Julia because she's locked the back like it's the world's most dangerous escape room. Julia, in the spirit of a true survivor, stumbles out of the ambulance, turning this whole mess into a street performance. And guess what? An onlooker captures the spectacle on camera! I bet that footage is going straight to the "New York's Weirdest Moments" YouTube playlist. 🎥 And what's Rudy's excuse for his stabbing spree? He allegedly thought the EMTs were "fake" and had "kidnapped him." Dude, I've heard of denial, but this takes the cake – or should I say, the gum wrapper. Maybe he watched one too many sci-fi movies before his sock-knife incident. But let's not forget the real heroes here – the first responders and the Mount Sinai Health System members. They swoop in to save the day, and I imagine one of them might've shouted, "Put down the sock, sir!" Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg chimes in with a press release praising these brave souls and condemning Rudy's sock-cessful attack. Now, fast forward to the court scene. Rudy shows up wearing a beige jail uniform and a blue mask, like he's auditioning for the world's most depressing fashion show. He pleads not guilty to a list of charges that reads like a crime-themed word salad. Rudy's fashion statement probably stole the show, though. And let's not forget Julia's journey. Stitches, surgeries, nerve damage – she's truly the embodiment of resilience. Her left hand even decides to take a vacation, causing Rudy to dubiously claim he thought EMTs were imposters. Yep, we're dealing with a real-life conspiracy theorist here, folks. Julia's mom takes to Facebook to unleash her frustration, leaving us wondering, "How's your bail reform working?" Touché, mom. But don't worry, folks, the story ends on a high note. A GoFundMe campaign raises a hefty sum to support Julia, because New Yorkers know how to rally around their own. And Rudy? Well, he's got a court date that's probably circled on his sock-calendar – October 30th, for those keeping track. And that's the story of the Ambulance Ambush, a tale that could only unfold in the chaotic embrace of New York City. So, remember, if you're ever in the Big Apple and someone throws a gum wrapper your way, watch out – you might just end up starring in the weirdest show in town. 🍎🚑**#StabbyComedy: The Ambulance Ambush Saga** So, picture this: the Big Apple, a city that never sleeps, where even the gum wrappers have attitude. In a stunning turn of events that could only happen in New York City, a man named Rudy Garcia, who apparently thinks he's auditioning for a horror movie role, decided to turn an ambulance ride into a stabby showdown. I mean, who needs Broadway drama when you can have a real-life thriller, right? Let's set the stage. It's a warm July evening, and our protagonist Julia Fatum, a 25-year-old EMT with nerves of steel, is just minding her own business. She's doing her EMT thing, you know, saving lives and such. But wait, cue the gum wrapper! 🍬 Rudy Garcia, the gum-wielding antagonist, apparently thought it was a brilliant idea to launch a gum wrapper attack. Julia, displaying the bravery of a superhero, politely asks him to cut it out. But oh no, that's not enough for our gum-chucking villain. He responds with a passionate "f--- you!" You can't make this stuff up. Now, here's where it goes from bizarre to bonkers. Rudy reaches into his sock – yes, you read that right, his sock – and pulls out a large knife. Maybe his sock has magical pockets, who knows? He proceeds to perform a stabby symphony on Julia, hitting her left forearm, chest, and even giving her left thigh a little love tap. I'm starting to think Rudy missed his true calling – he should've been a cutlery juggler at a circus. 🔪🎪 Now, let's talk about the ambulance driver. Bless his heart, he's stuck in the front, unable to help Julia because she's locked the back like it's the world's most dangerous escape room. Julia, in the spirit of a true survivor, stumbles out of the ambulance, turning this whole mess into a street performance. And guess what? An onlooker captures the spectacle on camera! I bet that footage is going straight to the "New York's Weirdest Moments" YouTube playlist. 🎥 And what's Rudy's excuse for his stabbing spree? He allegedly thought the EMTs were "fake" and had "kidnapped him." Dude, I've heard of denial, but this takes the cake – or should I say, the gum wrapper. Maybe he watched one too many sci-fi movies before his sock-knife incident. But let's not forget the real heroes here – the first responders and the Mount Sinai Health System members. They swoop in to save the day, and I imagine one of them might've shouted, "Put down the sock, sir!" Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg chimes in with a press release praising these brave souls and condemning Rudy's sock-cessful attack. Now, fast forward to the court scene. Rudy shows up wearing a beige jail uniform and a blue mask, like he's auditioning for the world's most depressing fashion show. He pleads not guilty to a list of charges that reads like a crime-themed word salad. Rudy's fashion statement probably stole the show, though. And let's not forget Julia's journey. Stitches, surgeries, nerve damage – she's truly the embodiment of resilience. Her left hand even decides to take a vacation, causing Rudy to dubiously claim he thought EMTs were imposters. Yep, we're dealing with a real-life conspiracy theorist here, folks. Julia's mom takes to Facebook to unleash her frustration, leaving us wondering, "How's your bail reform working?" Touché, mom. But don't worry, folks, the story ends on a high note. A GoFundMe campaign raises a hefty sum to support Julia, because New Yorkers know how to rally around their own. And Rudy? Well, he's got a court date that's probably circled on his sock-calendar – October 30th, for those keeping track. And that's the story of the Ambulance Ambush, a tale that could only unfold in the chaotic embrace of New York City. So, remember, if you're ever in the Big Apple and someone throws a gum wrapper your way, watch out – you might just end up starring in the weirdest show in town. 🍎🚑 Read the full article

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doux-amer · 1 year

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Yet another pandemic year, yet another bad year for movies. I’m hoping 2023 will be better because it was a desert out there. These were my 2022 favorites.

When Harry Met Sally

In 1977, college graduates Harry Burns and Sally Albright share a contentious car ride from Chicago to New York, during which they argue about whether men and women can ever truly be strictly platonic friends. Ten years later, Harry and Sally meet again at a bookstore and attempt to stay friends without sex becoming an issue between them.

HANDS DOWN, FAVORITE ROMCOM. I don’t know how I made it this far without watching this movie, but I love it to bits. Enemies-to-lovers cooked to perfection! The relationship is convincing and so sweet. Genuine friendship between a man and a woman! Their friendship was just as important to me as their budding romance, if not more. Please, I want a relationship like theirs. 🥺

Do the Right Thing

On the hottest day of the year on a street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, everyone's hate and bigotry smolders and builds until it explodes into violence.

This just about obliterated me. I can’t begin to express how powerful this movie is and how stirring and riveting it is. I want to say it’s timeless and important because it’s a masterpiece—and it is—but the most depressing thing is part of its relevancy is due to the fact that little if anything has changed since 1989. We’re still here, with the same problems. You need to watch this if you haven’t already. And yes, I made this sound all serious (and it is. I had a long conversation with someone about it), but this is kinetic so you’re never bored and you want to munch on the vibrant visuals and sound too. It doesn’t shy away from the good and the ugly in all the characters.

Everything Everywhere All at Once

An aging Chinese immigrant is swept up in an insane adventure, where she alone can save what’s important to her by connecting with the lives she could have led in other universes.

Okay, I’m going to come out and say (again) that this movie wasn’t as good as I had hoped it would be, but most of my criticism comes from my personal dissatisfaction with how Asian American filmmakers deal with stories of immigration and diaspora through the family lens. BUT! But. It’s the most innovative and colorful and boldest movie of 2022 and of recent times. They took risks on the script! The visuals! Everything! If you haven’t seen this, what are you doing? We need more films like this that are refreshingly original and dare to break the mold.

The Bob’s Burgers Movie

When a ruptured water main creates an enormous sinkhole right in front of Bob’s Burgers, it blocks the entrance indefinitely and ruins the Belchers’ plans for a successful summer. While Bob and Linda struggle to keep the business afloat, the kids try to solve a mystery that could save their family’s restaurant. As the dangers mount, these underdogs help each other find hope and fight to get back behind the counter, where they belong.

Look, I love Bob’s Burgers enough to shell out money to watch this in a theater. And it was worth it because it had all the heart and humor of the show, but it was longer and the animation was great and had more of a budget behind it! I was “ooh”-ing at some stuff even if it wasn’t anything crazy. It’s a feel-good movie and I love the Belchers.

Atonement

As a 13-year-old, fledgling writer Briony Tallis irrevocably changes the course of several lives when she accuses her older sister’s lover of a crime he did not commit.

Ohhhhh wow. I get while everyone was and remains obsessed with this movie. I’ve never seen a Joe Wright movie before, and I almost don’t want to because surely this was his magnus opum. The sexual tension and chemistry, the devastating accusation! Love trying to prevail in spite of everything! THE REVEAL AT THE END HAD ME CRYING. And it’s so sumptuous!?!??!?!? I’m obsessed with the visuals and everything Joe Wright did.

TÁR

Renowned musician Lydia Tár is days away from recording the symphony that will elevate her career when all elements seem to conspire against her as her past behavior comes to light.

What a terrible summary. Anyway, this. If I weren’t rooting for Michelle Yeoh to sweep all the Best Actress, I would be behind Cate Blanchett. A charismatic, magnetic performance for the ages. Girlboss lesbian villain. Despicable! But you can’t stop watching her! I wasn’t emotionally swept away by it, but you’re not supposed to; it’s a cold, distant movie on purpose and it’s good brain candy as you position it in the #MeToo (post-#MeToo?) era. Plus, again, Cate Blanchett.

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

During the rise of fascism in Mussolini’s Italy, a wooden boy brought magically to life struggles to live up to his father’s expectations.

MY SON. MY SUNSHINE SON. PLEASE LOOK AT MY BOY. This isn’t a perfect movie (I think the relationship between Pinocchio and Geppetto could have been developed more and there was more focus on Geppetto as he has an emotional transformation), but it’s beautiful and gentle and ugh. You can’t help but root for films that are clearly passion projects and ones that are made with such love, care, and immense talent. I recommend watching the “making of” featurette too!

Movies I want to mention even if I didn’t enjoy them or I did but had major issues with them

The Wedding Banquet - when you say “Ang Lee” and “gay movie,” you think Brokeback Mountain. Never heard of this movie before and the plot is amazing. Really, really rough as it’s an early Ang Lee work with inexperienced acting and one distasteful scene, but I think it’s important a film like this exists and shows a gay couple happy and in love (this was made in 1993!). It was meh, but I’m putting it here for that reason and because I wish there was a remake except this is firmly entrenched in that era

Spider-Man: No Way Home - basically just for the Green Goblin and Doc Ock and for the last minutes when everyone forgets Peter and he starts over with literally nothing. He has nothing. This is the most interested I’ve ever been in Peter (I hated the second movie and have lots of complaints about MCU Spidey even though I grew up uninterested in Peter and still am largely uninterested in the Spidey side of things). You can call this his true origin story. I’m hating on this too much. It’s not a good movie, but I went in with zero expectations because I hated the second movie and this was better than it and at least entertaining when you don’t care about the movie and you turn off your brain.

Turning Red - Okay, truthfully, I LOATHE this movie, but if you cut out 80% of it lmao, it’s really cute and I LOVE the animation. You can immediately tell someone who grew up with anime made it. It’s the most visually original Pixar movie in a long time, at least. The nostalgia for those boy band squeeing days was nice too. But god, the writing! I’m mad.

The Silence of the Lambs - I’m bummed to say that I didn’t get fully obsessed with this movie like I thought I would. I thought it was good. I just...didn’t go crazy over it. Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins are sooooooooo great in it though! SOOOO GOOD. Also, I have a very special thing that happened in connection to this movie, but it’s too personal to say here. But! It’s something that will stay with me because I’m grateful for it and I’ll remember it every time I think of it.

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theoriginalcarnivorousmuffin · 3 years

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Hey, you once mentioned something about Tom Riddle being a little suicidal. Your new post reminded of that and I wonder why you think that. It’s the complete opposite of what the books want you to think.

Alright, it’s time, let’s do this.

My standard disclaimer whenever we venture into the dark pit that is my thoughts on Tom Riddle: I’m going to say a lot of controversial stuff that fandom generally doesn’t agree with, I will say so much of this shit that I simply do not have time to explain it all, I expect 99% of you to disagree with me and the other 1% to be so horrifyingly offended that I dare to contemplate a world in which Tom isn’t always an overly competent psychopath that they leave me notes telling me to take this trash out of their character tags.

We good? Alright.

So, when I say a little suicidal, I mean that he is suicidal.

Not on the level that he’s going to kill himself tomorrow, or even has plans to kill himself, but in that he makes very strange decisions for someone who desperately wants to live.

And yes, I realize I speak blasphemy given that Tom Riddle’s entire m.o. is supposed to be his crippling fear of death.

Oh man, this one’s going to be so long.

So, my reasoning comes down to a few things:

The location of the horcruxes and the nature of their protections.

The events of Deathly Hallows and Tom’s final actions in the novel

The nature of horcruxes and what it means to not only be able to create one but what it does to you (caveat that I am going to headcanon hard here and speak utter blasphemy)

So, let’s start in order this time, because I think the first two are actually far easier for me to explain.

The Location and Nature of the Horcrux Protections and the Trouble with Backdoors in Security

So, first, the horcruxes are all conveniently located in Great Britain. Not even just in Great Britain, all in places that Albus Dumbledore and later Harry Potter can track down with relative ease, all fairly close to each other.

Now, part of this is undoubtedly attributable to Tom’s overly romantic nature.

Yes, Tom Riddle is a giant romantic, though not necessarily in the traditional sense everyone thinks of. The film “Patton” and its treatment of Patton comes to mind. Tom Riddle is a man enamored by a sense of greatness, of being remembered in this world rather than fading into oblivion, by the significance of places and times in history not only of the world but of himself. He creates an entire, grand, persona for himself because to live an ordinary life for him is to be worthy of nothing.

So, given that, of course Tom places the horcruxes in sentimental locations that have personal meaning to him.

However, it also makes them perilously easy to find and collect.

By itself, this wouldn’t spark my notice.

The ability to destroy horcruxes are not easy to come by. There’s only one basilisk and it’s by chance/Lucius fucking up that Harry gains access to the necessary basilisk venom. Using Fyendfire is an incredibly dangerous thing to do and just as likely to blow up you and the next three towns over as it is to destroy a horcrux. And if there are other means of destroying a horcrux they’re just as hard to come by or just as dangerous.

It’s not quite throwing it into the fires of Mt. Doom from which it was forged but it’s pretty damn close.

So, really, without JKR’s convenient Deus Ex Machina giving both him and Dumbledore the means to actually destroy these things, Tom Riddle’s horcruxes are pretty damn safe no matter where we put them. As we see from the locket, which Regulus manages to collect but Kreacher cannot destroy even after several decades.

However, what does spark my notice, is that the horcruxes can be collected by someone other than Tom Riddle when it appears as if they were never intended to be. What do I mean by this?

From what we see, there’s no benefit to Tom if the original horcruxes are found by anyone. He doesn’t seek them out to restore his original body, they’re just anchor points that should be hidden at all costs. So, he’ll never need a Death Eater to go collect them for him should he be indisposed (indeed, to do so would require a tremendous amount of trust in people he has very little trust in).

So, why hide them in such a way that others can access them? There are canon based options which would have prevented anyone else from reaching them. Given the existence of age lines, I imagine Tom Riddle could make some arbitrary barrier keyed only to himself. There are mokeskin pouches, such as the one Harry is given in the seventh book, which we know can only be accessed by whoever they’re keyed to. There’s the Fidelius Charm which, true requires a secret keeper which Tom would be very meh on, but options exist.

Tom Riddle could wipe the locations of his horcruxes off the face of the map. He chooses not to. Which leads me to believe that, at least on some unconscious level, he wants the horcruxes to be found.

Then we have the protections.

Specifically, I’m thinking of the locket here.

Yes, the protections are very formidable, but they’re also goddamn weird.

Rather than make the horcrux simply inaccessible, kill all those intruding, instead the intruder has to go through a very “Saw” like puzzle in which they drown themselves in despair until they finally get the locket, at which point they likely suicide by zombie.

More, there’s no hint that there’s any other way to retrieve the locket.

Backdoors in security are a very bad idea. What they do is weaken the security as a whole and, if you can take a short cut is, it means that someone who is clever enough and motivated enough can to. Dumbledore is both clever and motivated enough, and I imagine if there was a way to get the horcrux that involved not doing this ridiculous task he would have done it.

More, we’d be back to the land of Tom making sure only he can access the horcrux by requiring a password, keying it to his magical signature, or something so that no one else could get it.

Which means, that’s right, if Tom wants to get the locket he’s drinking the goddamn despair juice just like the rest of us.

What kind of a person would do any of this?

I’ve gone over this before, but I don’t think Tom Riddle’s crazy. Rather, in this case, I think he’s driven by an unbelievable amount of nihilist rage and is also quite depressed.

Tom goes to collect his horcrux, “Ah, it’s time to remember what a miserable life I’ve led and the sheer awfulness of my own existence. Good, I was starting to feel a little too happy. Let’s see if I get eaten by my undead, vengeful, victims today.”

The Events of Deathly Hallows and Tom Riddle’s Death

I think Tom Riddle’s final death in the books was suicide.

Tom takes over the Wizarding World, finally, and it’s as miserable as ever.

He’s trapped in this sham, barely functional, probably very painful body. His Death Eaters are completely out of control and for all that he wanted society to burn it’s now burning and no one’s even learned anything from this. Children in Hogwarts are being routinely tortured and have now staged a rebellion in which he’s having to slaughter them (I have reasons to believe that this is not what Tom Riddle wanted, at all, but that’s best saved for another post), and then he learns his horcruxes have all been destroyed without him even noticing.

There’s so little left of him, he has accomplished nothing, and there’s Harry Potter back from the dead yet again, gloating at him that love conquers all and Tom Riddle will never understand.

And Harry’s right, Tom Riddle will never understand, the world is meaningless and flat to him now and he finally understand that there’s no point to it. I think Tom Riddle decides he’s done. He’s just done.

He enters in a duel with Harry Potter knowing the weird nature of their wands. Now, it can be assumed he used the Elder Wand, but we know they get locked in Priori Incatatum , and that makes no damn sense with the Elder Wand (well, wandlore in general is silly, but I’m working with what JKR gave me here). So I choose to take JKR at her somewhat established canon and say that, no matter what Harry thought, Voldemort was using his original wand.

He throws out the killing curse, despite having now witnessed Harry resurrecting twice to this thing, and within two seconds it rebounds and kills him.

Voldemort’s death is a lot like this scene from the recent, terrible, 2020 live action Mulan (10/10 do not recommend). Now, we’re supposed to think that this scene is the witch saving Mulan’s life and thus showing her hope for the next generation. In actuality, the witch literally flies into an arrow she could have easily deflected from Mulan’s path. It’s a suicide that Mulan is too stupid to notice.

Tom chooses suicide in the most ridiculous, flamboyant, and easily written off manner one can and no one even notices. Instead Harry crows that he has personally defeated Voldemort, with the power of love no less, HUZZAH!

And the castle parties.

The Nature of Horcruxes

I almost don’t want to include this because it’s so... well, I’m really drifting far from canon and fandom now.

However, with horcruxes, there’s always an overriding question of why Tom is able to make so many when we don’t see anyone else with these things around (especially as it’s clear that murder doesn’t simply happen for those that now have horcruxes).

Usually, you have fic authors just sort of shrug and go, “Well, he’s that evil, I guess.” Sometimes you have them go, “No one else is crazy enough to keep going, and that’s why Voldemort’s cuckoo bananas.”

One very good explanation I’ve seen is that it’s because most people, when they murder, feel remorse immediately. The soul split happens, but they’re haunted by the murder for the rest of their life, and thus the horcrux isn’t made. Voldemort, feeling nothing when he kills anyone, is thus able to make them even for when he’s only indirectly associated with the death in question.

However, to me that never really jived philosophically.

Mostly, I simply cannot imagine that tearing apart your very soul is an act of indifference. Here’s how I see it: to do something like that to yourself, you must care, you must care beyond all imagine and human endurance. Your soul literally cannot abide it and saws itself in half, purging what you cannot stand about yourself the most.

The remorse part is, yes, remorse for the act and the victim but more to the point it is the ability to forgive and reaccept the worst part of yourself. That part of yourself that you purged and destroyed, which is nearly impossible to do and might very well destroy the fabric of who you are).

In other words, while creating a horcrux is an abominable act of hatred, it is also one of profound self-hatred.

Tom Riddle loathes himself so much that he is able to do this over and over and over again.

As Tom Riddle goes on he makes himself into less and less and less of himself until he probably doesn’t even know who he is anymore. He just knows, whatever is left of him, he loathes that too.

And then, of course, he gives up, runs into the nearest flying arrow, and dies.

TL;DR: Tom Riddle’s is a miserable existence that ended in a miserable if unintentionally hilarious manner

#ask #anon #tom riddle #voldemort

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troquantary · 3 years

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Edward Cullen: That Boy Ain’t Right

So I was doing a reread of @therealvinelle 's collection of Twilight metas, as one does, and in "Edward, Denial, and a Human Girlfriend" she mentions that she doesn't believe Edward is sane. I thought, "ha, yeah, he's definitely not," and also, "but wait, what does that mean exactly, please say more about that." But since she's already inundated with asks, I've decided to use my own head-muscle and explore this idea. (TL;DR: I start out more or less organized, synthesize some points Vinelle has made across several posts (and have hopefully linked to them all where relevant but please tell me if not), touch a little on narcissism, then take a hard left into the negative effects of being a telepath.)

Just a couple things to note at the outset, though. Theses have been written already (probably) about Edward as an abuser. Edward being insane doesn't negate that at all; he's definitely an asshole and just...a disaster of a human being. (I find it more funny than anything, but YMMV.) I'm also going to try to avoid talking specifically about mental illness and how it relates (or doesn't relate) to abusive behavior -- that's territory I'm not really equipped to discuss, like at all. My starting point is "Edward has a deeply warped perception of reality," not "Edward has X disorder."

So: deeply warped perception of reality. The evidence? Goes behind a cut, because my one character trait is Verbose.

Vinelle provides a great example of it in the post linked above, which I'll just quote because she does words good: "[Edward] keeps acting like his romance with Bella is a romantic tragedy, and all the cast of Twilight are actors on a stage making it as sublime as possible." Edward's the one to pursue Bella, but he does so with the full belief, from the very beginning, that it will never last; Bella will "outgrow" him, go on her human way, and he can spend the rest of eternity brooding magnificently over his too-short romantic bliss. [Insert premature ejaculation joke.] Turning her is never an option, even though Alice, Noted Psychic, says that romancing Bella will either end with her dead (exsanguinated) or dead (vampire).

This framing, where he's a dark anti-hero in love with -- but never tainting! -- the pure maiden and eventually leaving her in a grand, tragic sacrifice to preserve her soul? It's fucking bonkers. Bella isn't a person to him in this scenario. As Vinelle points out, Bella's never really a person to him at all; he falls in love with his own mental construct, cherry-picking from what he observes of her behavior and her responses to his 20 (thousand) Questions to convince himself that she is the ideal woman.

Bella's not the only one who gets the projection/cardboard-cutout treatment. Edward sees everything and everyone through a highly particular, personalized lens. He filters his entire reality, which we all do to an extent, but the thing with Edward is that he starts with his conclusions and then only pays attention to the evidence that supports those conclusions. Often that evidence consists of what he admits in New Moon are only "surface" thoughts -- but recognizing that limitation doesn't keep him from taking those thoughts as representative of what people are. Edward then becomes absolutely convinced by his own "reasoning" and won't be swayed from what he has decided is Objectively True. It's obvious with Bella; it's also painfully obvious with Rosalie. (Vinelle explains this and brings up Edward's raging Madonna/Whore complex in the same post, so refer to that again -- she's right.)

He also catastrophizes. Everything. Bella's just vibing in her room, rereading Wuthering Heights for the 87th time? She's gonna be hit by a meteor, better sneak into her room while she sleeps. Bella's going to the beach with the filthy mundanes their human classmates? She's gonna fall in the ocean. Jasper's cannibal pals are stopping by for a visit, but know not to hunt in the area? DISASTER, DEFCON 1, ALSO FUCK YOU JASPER FOR EVEN EXISTING IN MY AND BELLA'S SPHERE YOU UNSPEAKABLE BURDEN. Edward must believe that Bella is vulnerable and in near-constant peril, to support the reality he has created in which he is the villain turned protector and maybe?? hero??? (!!!) for his beloved. So when the actual, James-shaped danger arrives, he goes berserk, snarling and flipping his shit and generally not helping the situation. His fantasy demands that Bella remain human, so instead of doing the very thing Alice, Noted Psychic, assures him will neutralize the threat (and not just a threat to Bella, either, but to Bella's family and any other human James might decide to include in the "game"), he vetoes it immediately, no discussion. Bella Must Not Turn, and he sticks to those guns despite James nearly reducing her to ground beef, despite leaving Bella catatonic with depression (but human! success!) in New Moon, despite Aro's order and his family's vote and, let's not forget, Bella's clearly and repeatedly stated desire to be a vampire. It's going to happen. But he doesn't accept it until Renesmee busts out of Bella like the Kool-Aid man and the poor girl's heart finally, unequivocally stops.

Sane people don't behave this way. I don't want to slap labels on Edward, but I can't help but note that he comes across as highly narcissistic. He's the only real person in his universe, the lone player among us NPCs. That probably has a lot to do with him being frozen in the mindset and maturity of a seventeen-year-old boy, but I think it's also just...him, on some fundamental level. His failure to connect with others and recognize them as full, independent beings with their own wants and priorities isn't like Bella's failure -- she's badly depressed. Edward is...something else, and I get the sense that his sanity has been steadily deteriorating over time. And a cursory google of narcissistic traits turns up some familiar-looking stuff. He's self-loathing, yes, but also grandiose; he hates himself for the monster he is (and hates most vampires besides Esme and Carlisle for their monstrosity, too) but still feels superior to humans, to the extent that he felt entitled to human blood and resented Carlisle for depriving him of his "proper" diet. He eventually returns to Carlisle, but he's far from content -- the beginning of Midnight Sun finds him in a state of ennui, bored and dismissive of (if not outright disgusted by) everyone around him, that has apparently persisted for years and years. He doesn't play the piano, he doesn't compose, he doesn't enjoy anything...at least until Bella comes along and then he becomes obsessed to a disturbing degree with her and his new, romantic tragedy spin on reality.

[Next-day edit: I’m not sure where else to fit this in, but the way Edward casually contemplates violence against people who have, at best, mildly annoyed him is...chilling. I have a hard time writing off his strategizing how to murder the entire Biology class as a result of bloodlust -- it’s so calculated, nothing like the blackout state of thirst Emmett describes when he encountered his own “singer,” and that is probably the default for when a vampire is extremely thirsty. But even ignoring the Biology class incident, Edward still does things like consider, with disturbing frequency, how he might grievously injure or kill Mike Newton, all because...Edward considers him his romantic rival (despite Bella barely giving the kid the time of day). He thinks about slapping Mike through a wall, which might be an amusing slapstick image, except as a vampire Edward’s actually capable of turning this boy’s skeleton to a fine powder. So it’s, y’know, kind of sick when you think about it.

But even worse than that, when Bella tells Edward about how she flirted with Jacob to get at that sweet, sweet vampire lore, Edward chuckles and then, after dropping Bella home, flippantly observes that now that the treaty’s broken, why not genocide? I’m not even kidding, it’s right there in Midnight Sun; he seriously thinks about the fact that he’d be technically justified now in wiping out the entire tribe because a teenager tried to impress a girl with a spooky story. That is fucked. Remember, Edward was there with Carlisle when the treaty was first established. He knows how remarkable it is that they even came to a truce in the first place, that it was only ever possible because Carlisle is...well, Carlisle, and that it marks a pretty significant moment in supernatural history. He doesn’t care; he doesn’t respect it, or he’d never think something like “Ha ha, if I went and killed them all, I wouldn’t even be wrong. I mean, I won’t do it, but I’m just saying, I wouldn’t be wrong.”

Again: not the thought process or behavior of a sane person. (Or a person that respects life in general -- sorry Carlisle, big L.)]

Finally, whether he's a narcissist or not, I think the fact that Edward has constant, unavoidable access to everyone's thoughts is a powerful contributing factor to his instability. He can tune out the mental noise to an extent, but he can't stop it -- so he comes to rely on it like another sense. This causes issues with disconnect and lack of empathy, of course, but there's another facet to this shit diamond: he's basically experiencing a ceaseless flow of intrusive thoughts. His narration in Midnight Sun suggests that he "hears" the words people think, can "see" what they visualize in their mind's eye, and can sense the emotional "tone" and intensity of their thoughts. Therefore, perceiving Jasper's thirst through his thoughts makes Edward more aware of his own, "doubling" the discomfort. This would be a lot to deal with even from just his immediate coven members, but Edward gets all of this pouring into his head like a firehose on a day-to-day basis because the Cullens live right alongside humans. I know Meyerpires have galaxy brains or whatever, but that's a ton to process.

Besides the compounding effect on his own thirst when he "feels" the thirst of others, Meyer never suggests that Edward has difficulty separating his own thoughts from other people's; even when he was newly turned, he recognized Carlisle's "voice" in his head as Carlisle's. That would create a whole different host of issues around identity, but it looks like Edward's escaped that particular torment. However, I can easily imagine that what he does experience is just shy of unbearable nonetheless, with an eroding effect on his sanity over decades. He can't sleep to escape it; he's on a dishwater diet and probably (like the rest of his family) experiencing a perpetual, low-grade physical discomfort due to his thirst never being fully satisfied; and he's around far more people than is the norm for vampires -- even discounting all the humans, his own coven is unusually large -- meaning more noise.

Honestly, it would be weirder if he were all there, considering.

And even though I feel like I lost a sense of structure around where I started ranting about telepathy, I've written like 1.5k words about Edward fucking Cullen and I think that's enough for one post.

#twilight #twilight renaissance #twilight meta #edward cullen #i stared too long and the twilight abyss gazed back #long post #major credit due to therealvinelle for having basically all the ideas already #theoriginalcarnivorousmuffin too since they agree and build off each other's metas a lot #idk how people who write meta can just crank these posts out i've been here for two hours #edited to add stuff i forgot to mention about edward's disproportionately violent fantasies

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heavensickness · 2 years

Note

MOAR hotgirl69 headcanons im gettin invested

YES

Starting with lighter stuff. She has freckles on her nose and her shoulders but they are very faint. They only become visible during summer

Her favorite colors are gold and black

Has never seen the sea irl so if you take her to the beach she would cry tears of joy. She will sit and play in the sand, she doesn't give a shit that she's 27

Her go-to song at a karaoke night is Cherry Bomb by The Runaways. Grunge and classic rock kinda person. Also has the capability to discuss hyperspecific metal music genres with onionthief. you walk by them and say "who the FUCK are Vengeful Carnal Gorgons"

If she is picking the first date, she would pick you up with her car from your house/from the airport and take you to a slam poetry night, or to an obscure and old book cafe that has a unique vibe. Then she will take you to her secret comfort place where you can see the whole city from distance. You're in the car with a beautiful girl who won't tell you she loves you-

Not peppy as June but she can be your personal hypebot! spams the chat with encouraging texts whenever the students have an exam, when quest is taking the night shift or when anyone is just not having a good day

She is somehow capable of being besties with both nightowl and onionthief. She has the Range

If she is dating Quest, she would try to carry him bridal style & would fail miserably

If she's dating onion (LMFAO IT WOULD BE HILARIOUS) or xyx, she will tease and tease until they take a break from studying/working all frustrated, then will pretend she didn't do anything. what are you talking about? are you confessing that you find my existence soooooo distracting?

She would like to have a bird or a cat as a pet but she's afraid that the pet would get too lonely when she's at work. Her roommate at university had tarantulas though, so that's the only pet experience she's had

She didn't really have a parental figure while growing up, so tends to get lost in her own independence from time to time. There is always music playing in her apartment because the silence makes her depressed.

She has unhealthy and sometimes dangerous coping mechanisms that she wants to believe she got rid of, but they could come back again after a bad relapse. You gotta keep her in check. I think nightowl and xyx would understand her the most in this sense

I believe in server meetup au supremacy so if they all went out at night to a club etc. she would accompany toasty outside and find a place to sit together in silence; because places like that are too loud and overwhelming for toasty, and it brings out really embarrassing memories for her. onion would also be there with them but it would be because he doesn't agree with the music choice in the club. and together they form the "i fuckign hate nightclubs" squad

When she meets xyx she would post a long, heartwarming message about finally meeting the love of her life face to face, then would post a selfie with Cat. when the chat asks for a selfie with xyx instead, she replies "who is xyx"

In xyx's bad ending though, she would try to find him in vain, frantically looking up every law firm in Australia because her denial level is strong. Months after, she is just sitting in her car smoking while You Know You're Right by Nirvana plays in the background. Her tears have dried hours ago.

#snrowjdj brain only full of fictional character i made up #blooming panic #hg69

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oliviayamaoka · 3 years

Text

The Roseville Murders (Chapter 2)

Hi, just wanted to say I adjusted the plot slightly and will go into more detail with the story next chapter! This was a bit experimental and I wanted to write the growing relationship / rivalry between Y/N and Danny. I also wanted to write Y/N as a girlboss and to be just as witty as Danny!

Anyways, please comment any ideas or suggestions you may wanna see in future chapters! I have this planned out but would love any ideas or stuff I can add into the story! Tysm for reading!

It rained softly outside as you took a seat at your workplace. The desk was a bit cluttered with your art, notes, junk, and your papers regarding your current investigation.

One of the drawings on your desk was a sketch of Ghostface’s mask, attached to it was a few notes regarding the origin of the mask. Did Ghostface care for the history of it, anyways? You already theorized he was a narcissist who took pride in his work. Perhaps, he admired Edward Munch and his infamous “The Scream” artwork? Or maybe he based his persona off of it? You weren’t too sure but you did research the distribution and the company that made the masks. It wasn’t a particular popular company but it only distributed to the USA, Canada, and Brazil.

Ghostface didn’t seem too caring when it came to where he stabbed victims. As long as there was a lot of blood and something only he could perceive as art. And maybe you too. You felt excited, you already had a three year timeline. Maybe, you could get ahold of other states and ask if there’s been similar killings. Maybe even Brazil and Canada? You had to pinpoint a location and see if you could find just one name, any name.

Three years. Three countries. A part of you doubted he was Brazilian. Maybe Canadian? You weren’t so sure, you were pretty sure he was American. Y/N would probably have to go to the library tommorow to do research and use the slowly growing internet. Your research was suddenly halted when you knocked your sketchbook over.

Our slid a page. You kneeled down to pick it up, holding it as you examined the dark sketch. On the paper was a sketch of claws? No, they also looked like tentacles. Ever since the incident, you had dreams of these tentacle claws grabbing you and pulling you away from life as you know it. It must’ve been a sign of trauma or maybe it represented what happened through the nightmares? You slid it back into your sketchbook, deciding not to dwell on it. It would only make your room feel more depressing.

Beside your sketchbook was your leather journal. Y/N wrote everything in there, for mental health reasons. You included the incident and what Jonathan did for you. Your previous therapist said journaling your thoughts helped the healing process. It worked but journaling about how you killed your abuser was hell.

Your thoughts were suddenly interrupted when your phone rang. It was a chunky, black mobile phone you got about a week ago? Y/N reached for it and answered.

“Hello?” You answered, using your other hand to organize your desk.

“Hello?” A voice answered, it was a male by the sound of it.

“Hi, who’s this?” Y/N asked, paying no mind to the phone call as she started to put some of her stuff away. Art supplies.

“Who’s this?” He replied.

“Y/N L/N, am I who you’re trying to reach?” You asked, sitting back down.

“Ah, you’re no fun, detective.” He chuckled as you stopped, furrowing your eyebrows in confusion. Who was this?

“My apologies but, this is my personal phone. Can I ask who gave you this number?” You questioned him.

“Why does it matter, gorgeous? I know it’s you now.” He responded.

“Please don’t call me that. And yes, I am indeed a detective but I’d feel more comfortable discussing anything with you on my work phone.” Y/N said sternly.

“Oh, yeah… Detective L/N, huh? Think you’re some sort of hotshot because you’re new? Where did you come from? Washington? Gonna take more than the feds to catch me.” He said to you.

You listened intently and stopped for a moment. Catch him? Must be a stupid prank. Although, not a funny one since he had your personal phone number. An eyebrow raised as you looked at your notes on Ghostface.

“You still haven’t told me your name. Let’s not be rude, yeah?” You responded, being a little more cocky since you were off-duty.

“Awe, don’t tell me you forgot my name. I’ll give you a hint… I’ve been quite famous lately. In fact, I think you’ve taken quite the interest in me, Y/N.” The man teased. It was 100% Danny.

“I asked for a name, not an alias.” You said.

“Maybe after dinner, hotshot.” Danny said to you as you furrowed your eyebrows.

“I’m not in Roseville to play games. Either verify you are who you claim to be or quit wasting my time.” Y/N spoke with a stern tone.

“My last victim had three stab wounds to the throat. It was going to be two but their scream wasn’t as satisfying as I thought it would be. And they had a tattoo on their upper thigh. Bella Smith.” He said as you froze for a moment.

It was true. The latest murder victim was a middle-aged woman named Bella Smith who worked at a convenience store. She had multiple stab wounds but it was pretty much impossible to see she had three wounds on her throat just looking at photos of the crime scene.

“Okay and how did you get my number? I imagine the infamous Ghostface doesn’t have access to these types of things. How do I know this isn’t some sort of elaborate prank orchestrated by my coworkers?” You questioned.

“Honey, I am Roseville. Also sounds like you have experience with these kinds of things. You ever get humiliated like that?” Danny asked, grinning widely.

“No, it’s just a very logical conclusion. And why would you be talking to me anyways?” You asked him.

While you spoke to him, you quickly wrote down what he said and what he sounded like. You quickly speculated what his age may be, maybe 25?

“I keep tabs on the cops who are investigating my work and to be honest? They’re all stupid, it’s pathetic. Although, I noticed something about you. You come from one of the big cities, don’t you? You’re actually smart compared to those other pigs.” He said.

“Those pigs you speak of have tried their best in pursuing you. They have families too.” You responded.

“Really, huh? You’ve only been here three weeks? I think you should just trust me on this one because those other officers really don’t know what they’re doing. If you actually find out who I am, are they gonna give you credit? The newbie? A woman?” He asked.

“I don’t understand why gender is an issue. And why would they try to steal credit?” You questioned.

“They’re stuck in this shit hole city and I bet they could just really use a promotion right now. They want so badly to be the hero that arrests me… but first, they’ll let the freshly graduated detective do the work. It’s so easy to overshadow women in this world.” Danny said.

“Well, I don’t care. As long as you’re put behind bars.” Y/N responded.

“The bars at this station? I must say, your desk is quite cute. A bit plain but I like your style… interesting files too.” He mused.

“Huh?” You responded, furrowing your eyebrows.

“Your lil’ office at the station, I like it. This place has always been easy to break into. You noticed it too, didn’t you? Their security sucks and their morgue is just too damn small.” Danny said as you frantically looked around, shoving your shoes on.

“I’m going to call them right now and tell them you’re there. That was a stupid move on your part.” You said, practically yelling.

“So young and naive. I’ll be long gone.” He responded, chuckling as you hung up.

“Fuck, shit!” You said, quickly dialling the number to the police station.

You practically flung your door open, sprinting down the hallway and out through the front doors of the apartment complex after three flights of stairs. Your heart rate increased as you continued running down the sidewalk, feeling more frantic when there was no answer.

“Answer…!” You yelled, calling the emergency number.

“911, how can I help you?” A staticky voice answered as you continued running.

“I’m Detective Y/N L/N! Please inform the police station that there’s an intruder! He might be armed and dangerous! Do not touch anything since there may be forensic evidence!” You instructed.

“Oh—yes, right away, ma’am!” The dispatcher answered as you hung up, continuing to focus on your running towards the station.

Back at your apartment complex, there stood Danny with his own mobile phone. It couldn’t be traced back to him since it was stolen and he didn’t leave any DNA on it. If anything, it had the previous owners. Bella Smith. Your apartment complex had fire escape stairs outside your window. Easy enough, he thought. His outfit was black and had some stuff hanging off it. Strings? Ribbons? Danny was quite quick and extremely quiet when it came to climbing the set of stairs.

He reached your window, pulling it open gently and hoisting himself through, landing gently whilst kneeled down. For precaution, he had his knife gripped in one hand. This was purely for investigation and to see what you truly had on him. His head tilted curiously as he noticed your desk. Your art and notebook. His gloved hand reached out to your sketch of him.

Danny was truly impressed at how detailed and good it was. He read through your sticky notes and theories. Other than the fact he was blown away, he knew you were a threat since you successfully guessed his age range and height. Wait, his height? You did a careful examination of the footage he was in, looking at objects around him and his boots to correctly guess a height.

“What the fuck…?” Danny muttered as he looked at your notes.

The Scream by Edward Munch and a costume company? He skimmed over your notes and the psychological profile you built on him. He felt somewhat panicked since you were indeed no joke. His gaze averted towards your leather notebook. Eagerly, he grabbed it and opened it. Most of it was your thoughts and causes of your stress and anxiety. He stopped flipping through when he saw a darker page. It was dark because of the writing and how crumpled it seemed.

December 23rd, 1992

I was walking down an alleyway two weeks ago. It was cold so I had a jacket over my uniform. I suppose that’s why the man didn’t know I was an officer.

At first, I thought that he was going to try and rob me. It took me a while to realize that my money and belongings wasn’t what he was after. I suppose it would be appropriate to say that I was in shock for a moment. He never finished what he started. Despite being in shock, I was able to feel everything and the adrenaline only helped my rage.

Why? Why did this have to happen to me? After getting him off, I pulled my gun out and he stopped. I still remember the look on his face after I shot him. He was scared and pathetic, as he was in life. I don’t regret killing him. I never will. I just feel utterly violated. Never once have I been touched like that so violently. Is this what this fucked up world has come to? What if I didn’t have my gun and training?

He definitely did this to other women… he deserved to die. And I would do it all over again to him and to other men just like him. Of course, I had to call the police. They were going to charge me with manslaughter but they said that they would push this all under the rug, just as long as I never tell anybody. Did I contribute to corruption in the police force? This getting out would ruin everything. I don’t know but I do know that this was my gift.

Freedom was my gift for killing that man. It felt oddly exhilarating. I hope nobody remembers him, I hope his family know what kind of monster he was. Anyways, I’m being reassigned somewhere. They said they’ll give me my first investigation. In a smaller city.

Danny’s fingers trailed over the page. He felt angry and sad for you. That this happened to you. But, something arose in him when he kept re-reading that paragraph. You… enjoyed it? Behind the mask, he had a soft expression on his face. He imagined your beautiful face full of blood with you and your gun. He smiled gently as he kept the notebook.

He did indeed feel bad for you but he wasn’t satisfied with his limited knowledge of you. Danny decided to use this notebook of incriminating evidence to hold some leverage over you. Not only that but he figured he’d get to know you better if they had something interesting to talk to you about. Danny couldn’t help but grin when he thought about your journal entry and the sketches you made of him. So smart yet so naive.

Danny quickly took a look around your apartment to see all points of entry. He took a peak into your bedroom, it was neat and tidy. He seemed somewhat paranoid so quickly went back to your living room window, making his swift little escape. Not without taking some of your notes on him and your sketchbook.

About two hours later, you rubbed your eyes in frustration as another officer came to talk to you. There was a forensic team still investigating your little office space. Apparently, there was nobody here and your office seemed untouched. For about thirty minutes, you inspected any points of entry and tried to look for out of place shoe marks since it rained outside.

“Detective, are you certain it was the killer who called? We get prank calls a lot.” He said as you nodded.

“Yes, I’m certain. It was him, he knows I’m going to catch him soon.” You said as he nodded a bit.

“Okay, well, we’ll take it from here. Come early tommorow.” He said as you sighed.

“I will but please, don’t miss anything. I’m starting to think he was lying. It was him though.” You said as you turned, walking down the hallway towards the exit.

It seemed to be evening at this point and the rain stopped pouring. It was slightly humid but the city looked oddly beautiful when it was wet? You couldn’t stop thinking about your phone call with Ghostface earlier. Y/N already had some tech professionals try to track the number he called from and all of the information regarding the phone company. You’d have to wait two days at the latest for the results to come back.

As you walked through light puddles, you felt more and more tired. All the running and frantically searching for him was enough to just make you exhausted. It was all last-minute too. Y/N stopped dead in her tracks when she felt her mobile phone ring. You pulled it out of your pocket and answered it.

“Hello?” You asked, tired.

“Hey, gorgeous. Just wanted to apologize for my little deception trick earlier.” He responded as your eyes widened.

“Ghostface…” You responded, shocked that he had the courage to call you again.

“God, hearing that from you…” He said with a slight husk as you took a deep breath quietly to calm yourself.

“You know I’m close, don’t you?” You questioned him as he chuckled.

“Of course, I do… only these hands of mine can do wonders for you.” Danny said to you as you scoffed.

“You’re disgusting.” You say to him.

“Don’t lose your temper now, detective. There’s… things we should discuss.” He cooed.

“Things? Seriously?” You asked him, already tired of his bullshit.

“Yeah! Like, this lil’ notebook of yours! Really deep stuff… Victor Houston, was it? The serial rapist? Must’ve felt real good to put him down, didn’t it? Did it feel as good as you said it did in this thing?” He asked as you froze.

You probably let out a small whimper of shock as your hands trembled. Your heart pumped hard and fast. It was all you can hear as you felt your face heat out of pure embarrassment and shock. He… read your journal? This wasn’t good, this wasn’t good.

“W-What…?” You asked as he cackled.

“God, you’re so hot when you sound scared. Don’t be offended though, babe. You still sound real sexy in your cop tone.” He said as he continued.

“Yeah, I read all about the guy you killed. And how it was all covered up to accommodate you. Are you a star student or something? It’s hard covering up murders… or has it always been easy for you?” He asked.

“I-I, um… how did you get that…?” You asked him, trembling.

“You see, Y/N… we’re the same. You and I are too smart for Roseville. It’s just that I got the upper hand this time. While you rushed to the police station, I took a quick trip into your apartment.” He said as you let out a light gasp.

“Yeah, that’s right! I know where you live, I know where you’re from, and your number. I know who you truly are, Detective Y/N L/N.” Danny said mockingly.

“And what are you going to do with it?” You asked him.

“Always so straight to the point. I might give that annoying little journalist Jed Olsen. You’re trying to work with him, aren’t you? You mentioned in one of these notes… you also think he’s handsome.” He said as you covered your eyes.

You fought tears.

“Why? Why would you do this?” You ask.

“I should be asking you that. I’m a bit jealous you find someone like Olsen… attractive. He’s so boring, so normal, so… ugh, I hate talking about him. Still though, nice to know I have another fan besides him.” He said to you.

“Where are you going with this?!” You snapped as he chuckled darkly.

“I won’t tell anybody. Just as long as you halt your investigation for a while. I still want to have fun in Roseville here and well… get to know you.” He said.

“Go to hell.” You muttered.

“How original… so what’ll it be? I kinda need to know now since I’m also on a bit of a time crunch.” Danny asked you.

“W-What the fuck do you want me to do? Sit back and watch as you kill more innocent people?! I won’t let you.” You said with a venomous tone.

“What are you gonna do? Stop me behind bars?” He asked mockingly.

“Fuck you.” You said.

“I’m sure we will. But first, I just want you to sit back and not do anything stupid. We’ll see each other eventually. I’ll call you from another phone soon.” He said, hanging up.

You held your phone in disbelief and quickly made sure you had your gun. How the hell could you have been so dumb?! It was genius, leading you away from you apartment and finding such leverage against you purely out of luck. Your breath trembled as you walked back to your apartment, having your gun ready in your pocket as you did so.

#dbd x reader #ghostface x reader #the ghostface #ghostface dbd #danny johnson x reader #jed olsen x reader #jed olsen #danny johnson #dead by daylight x reader #dead by daylight

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princesssarcastia · 3 years

Text

2021 Harry Potter Fanfic Primer

im here to point fingers at the incredible authors that have enabled my new interest in HP content. im still conflicted and upset about it, tbh, but for now we’re leaning into the curve. we’re getting out our shovel and finding out just how deep we can make the hole we’re in. hand in unlovable hand my beloved <3. anyway, these fics are wonderful, their authors are wonderful, and you should go read their stuff. if there’s a star next to it that means im losing my mind over it and always will be.

Creatively Maladjusted, by elumish on AO3, 101k (they also have a wonderful writing advice blog on tumblr, @elumish, which I recommend following if you are a writer)

A very excellent re-telling of harry’s first year at hogwarts if he were sorted into Slytherin, plus some more not!fic or piecemeal re-tellings of his second and part of his third year. Harry, in this, has a slightly different trauma response to growing up with the Dursley’s. He’s a bit quieter, and the signs are a bit more obvious to the people around him, and I enjoyed that immensely.

Honestly, if you’re going to get sucked into something you have absolutely no business getting sucked into, elumish is the way to go, their fic is incredible. their teen wolf fic is also immaculate, if you’re so inclined.

Dissonance, by ImpishTubist on AO3, 2.5k (@impishtubist on tumblr)

Set during fifth year. Oblivious!Harry has always been a delightful trope when well executed, and this is well executed. Plus, some angst between Remus and Harry over what Umbridge has been doing to him.

I would certainly recommend a lot of ImpishTubist’s other hp work on AO3, like Lacuna.

blow us all away, by rexcorvidae on AO3, 23k (@rexcorvidae on tumblr)

In progress (like, updated last week in progress). Currently in the beginning of Harry’s first year. Fem!Harry, Indian!Harry. Hagrid puts Harry in touch with Remus when she has questions about her parents, and they become reluctant, traumatized, angst-ridden pen pals who keep missing each other’s true intentions like ships in the night. hot DAMN do I love this fic. there’s hints of the way the dursley’s treat Harry peaking through in her letters, and I appreciated the attention to “hmm, her experience as a girl of indian descent in britain under the thumb of a bunch of white people who like being Normal may not have been gucci”

Definitely comb through the rest of their HP fic, too, I may or may not have gone feral over it.

Where the Heart is, by silver_fish on AO3, 15k (@kohakhearts on tumblr)

Woof. This one said, “hey, harry was probably SUPER depressed in the summer after fifth year. like, clinically. maybe someone should do something about that.” Fuck yeah. Then this one said, “that someone was Snape.” You all know my opinions on Snape; generally, Bad. But damn if this fic didn’t wholly convince me by the end of it. I thought it was a very realistic way for Snape to start seeing Harry as a person all on his own, and not a proxy for Snape’s angst over James and Lily, respectively. The angst is wonderful, the ending is even more so.

*bernie sanders voice* I am once again asking you to read through the rest of the author’s HP fic. a lot of them have similar themes; there’s actually a great one with Molly that i’m not reccing here, Wonder.

☆Bindings, Bindings, by Quietlemonhush on AO3, 60k (@quietlemonhush on tumblr)

WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS TO YOU HOW MUCH I ENJOYED/AM ENJOYING THIS. If I had to pick a single fic and say “you, it’s your fault I’m stuck here,” it would be this one. Anyway Lily in the afterlife is So Very Angry about how Petunia is treating Harry, and how Sirius is rotting in Azkaban, and how Remus is alone, that she literally brings herself back to life and drags James and Regulus with her. All three of them are there to chew bubblegum and fix everything that went wrong after they died—and would you look at that, they’re all out of bubblegum! There’s only Fury left. That inciting premise is very crack, but every moment after that is very much not crack. Lily and James love harry more than anything, the way a child should be loved; James and Sirius have the epic friendship of a lifetime; Sirius and Remus have staggering amounts of resolved sexual tension and take turns keeping each other in check; Regulus, though he realized that Voldemort and his family were shit before he died, is still unlearning all his racist bullshit and, also, years of trauma. Actually, they’re all traumatized, but hey: now they have one another again and not a damn one of them seems inclined to let go anytime soon. Quietlemonhush went, “hey, HP has a lot of Awful people in it, and a lot of Righteous people in it, and many of them are Very, Very Powerful; also, love is the most powerful force in the universe” and i said “hell yes tell me more right now.” And then they did!

Quietlemonhush writes Sirius/Remus in a way that makes it sooo much fun to devour, so the rest of their HP fic is most certainly worth a look, if that’s your thing.

Rebuilding, by Colubrina on AO3, 113k (@colubrina on tumblr)

Hermione/Draco (*shrug emojis into the abyss* yeah, yeah, like none of us have ever been there before). Takes place during Hogwarts 8th year, and while the beginning is, IMO, a little unfair to Ron, it gets much better. Tells the story of Hermione and Draco clearing the air, learning to like each other, having some hormones over each other, and then falling in love. Also tells the story of Hermione and Theo Nott becoming friends; the story of how every single 7th and 8th year student is fucked to hell by the war and the Carrows; the story of how they start an emotional support group about it and all become friends; and the story of, what the hell do you do with yourself after that kind of trauma?

I’ve been dipping in and out of Colubrina’s HP since before I was even on tumblr; I actually found them in those dark yesteryears when the only fandom interactions I had were on fanfiction.net. Of such fame as Green Girl, which is an HP fic staple, and has also written a lot of wackier, crackier, and darker things than that. If you don’t take yourself too seriously, I highly recommend many of their big HP works, though I imagine it’ll press some people’s buttons. Colubrina’s work really does take up a corner of my mind whenever I’m in an HP mood, and will take up yours if you let it.

☆ all waiting is long, by shuofthewind on AO3, 149k ( @shu-of-the-wind on tumblr)

This is so well written that I can’t stop thinking about it. It is occupying my mind when I lie awake at night, you know? It’s one of those. Hermione messes with something she probably shouldn’t have in Grimmauld Place, so when Sirius is sent through the Veil in the Department of Mysteries, she gets thrust into an alternate universe...in 1975. Instead of handwaving it away, shuofthewind actually gets into the mechanics of it in a way that makes sense, to emphasize that hermione is never going home. ever. The world she finds herself is shifted slightly to the left, quite a bit darker, but in a “the author is treating the idea of a society-wide conflict over blood purity much more seriously than JKR ever did” way, not a sensationalist way. Now, Hermione has to grapple with all her grief at losing everyone she’s ever loved or known, the moral/ethical/magical implications of sharing what she knows about her future in an alternate world, and, you know, a goddamn war with people who want to murder her for being who she is. This Hermione is smart, and she’s kind, and she’s powerful, and she’s making real friends. If you hate JKR’s guts I’d go read this right now, because it delivers in all the ways she failed us. It’s plotty, its got great world-building, and it pulls back the white curtain on the wizarding world to show you that, like real life, it’s multicultural and full of queer people...and the discrimination that comes with both.

shuofthewind write epics, mainly for the MCU, and I’ve read some of them a looooong time ago, so this fic kinda seemed out of left field for me but im SOOOO GLAD it exists. If you want MCU fic you can sink your teeth into, go for it, but alas, they do not have any more HP fic (.......yet?)

Speak Now [+] Listen Now, by mrsfrizzle on AO3, 33k altogether

Harry reaches out to Remus for support because Umbridge is getting to him with her literal torture. Remus, being a former professor, former mandatory reporter, person who loves Harry and has since he was born, and all around good man, tells Harry he has to tell someone, or Remus will. It’s everything any adult looking back on that time in HP canon ever wanted, which is for an actual adult to say “what the fuck, those are literal chidlren” and then do something about it. Then, a far more dangerous task: Harry trusts Remus enough to go to him about the Dursleys. Harry and Remus’ relationship develops SO WELL, and there’s a bit of exploration about how Sirius may not exactly be guardian material, because he did in fact spend 12 years of his life getting tortured instead of growing up. I think I’m actually going to go reread this right now, because it speaks to my id.

they do have some other HP fic which did not appeal to my hyperspecific wants, but may appeal to some of yours. I think they’re also a published author, there should be a link on their profile page.

chase the stars, by Duskglass on AO3, 101k (@felix-duskglass on tumblr)

When Harry is five years old, a picture of him ends up in the Daily Prophet, and Sirius Black, Terror of Ministry Officials Touring Azkaban everywhere, gets a hold of that issue. He then, in order: breaks out of Azkaban; crosses the countryside to Surrey; Finds Harry: Kidnaps Harry; Breaks Into Remus’ Apartment; starts processing (or maybe just acknowledging) his trauma from Azkaban, the war, and his childhood; and pines after Remus. It’s a little plotty, and deals a lot (sometimes through flashbacks) with the specific awful things that happened to Sirius—largely because, after years in the constant presence of Dementors, those are nearly literally the only memories he has left. It’s a wonder he’s got the strength to love Harry and Remus at all. But then, maybe it isn’t.

This is a Very Serious Fic, but the rest of Duskglass’s HP work is actually just cracky enough to tickle your funny-bone, while still making you think “okay but why couldn’t we have done that in the first place.”

So! That’s it for recs, for now. These are all things I’ve found and read in the last month; if any of y’all are interested in my old HP recs, let me know and I can make a post for that, too. While I’m still very conflicted about my choice of current fandom, I am not in ANY way conflicted about my taste in fic and authors. Send these guys some love, read their fic if you’re so inclined, and leave some nice comments at the end of it.

#harry potter #hp #fic recs #hp fic #to the authors: if for some reason you don't want to be on this list #let me know and i'll be happy to take your part down #tho i'm hoping you're fine with it because i want other people to read this stuff #and then cry about it with me #harry potter fic #harry potter fic recs

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