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writer-overbored · 8 months

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Magical/ Superpowers list: Elements.

Find it difficult to choose superpowers for your character? Save this post now!

Fire:

Pyrokinesis: The ability to create and manipulate fire with one's mind.

Fireball: The ability to project a ball of fire from one's hand.

Flame Whip: The ability to create a whip made of fire.

Fire Breath: The ability to breathe fire.

Firestorm: The ability to create a powerful storm of fire.

Fire Shield: The ability to create a shield made of flames.

Fire Blast: The ability to release a blast of fire from one's body.

Fire Immunity: The ability to be immune to fire and heat.

Firewalking: The ability to walk on hot coals or flames without getting burned.

Flame Aura: The ability to surround oneself with flames for protection or intimidation.

Fire Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate existing flames.

Fire Transformation: The ability to transform oneself into a being made of fire.

Flame Jet: The ability to project a jet of flames from one's hands or mouth.

Fire Tornado: The ability to create a tornado of fire.

Fire Resistance: The ability to resist or withstand high temperatures and flames.

Fireball Volley: The ability to launch multiple fireballs at once.

Fire Whip: The ability to create a whip made of fire and use it to strike opponents.

Flame Blade: The ability to create a sword made of fire.

Fire Nova: The ability to create a massive explosion of fire.

Fire Trap: The ability to create a trap made of fire that can ensnare opponents.

Fireball Barrage: The ability to release a rapid barrage of fireballs.

Fire Sword: The ability to imbue a regular sword with flames.

Firestorm Shield: The ability to create a shield made of a swirling storm of fire.

Fire Form: The ability to transform into a being made entirely of flames.

Fireball Rain: The ability to rain down fireballs from the sky.

Flame Armor: The ability to create armor made of fire.

Fire Nova Blast: The ability to create a massive explosion of fire that damages everything in its path.

Fire Whip Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a whip made of fire.

Fireball Volley Blast: The ability to launch a barrage of fireballs that explode on impact.

Flame Aura Blast: The ability to release a blast of flames from one's aura.

Fire Totem: The ability to create a totem that spews forth flames.

Fireball Turret: The ability to create a turret that shoots fireballs.

Firestorm Blast: The ability to create a blast of fire from a swirling firestorm.

Flame Jet Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a jet of flames.

Fireball Grenade: The ability to throw a grenade that explodes into a fireball.

Flame Wall: The ability to create a wall of flames for protection or to trap opponents.

Fireball Wave: The ability to create a wave of fire that spreads out in all directions.

Fire Nova Wave: The ability to create a wave of fire that damages everything in its path.

Flame Burst: The ability to release a burst of flames in all directions.

Fireball Wave Blast: The ability to release a wave of fireballs that explode on impact.

Flame Jet Burst: The ability to release a burst of flames from one's hands or mouth.

Firestorm Wave: The ability to create a wave of fire that spreads out in all directions from a firestorm.

Flame Spray: The ability to spray flames from one's hands or mouth.

Fireball Spray: The ability to spray fireballs from one's hands or mouth.

Flame Burst Wave: The ability to release a wave of flame bursts in all directions.

Fireball Spray Blast: The ability to release a spray of fireballs that explode on impact.

Flame Jet Spray: The ability to spray a burst of flames from one's hands or mouth.

Firestorm Spray: The ability to spray a wave of fire from a firestorm.

Flame Burst Spray Blast: The ability to release a spray of flame bursts that explode on impact.

Fireball Spray Wave: The ability to release a wave of fireballs that spread out in all directions.

Water:

Hydrokinesis: The ability to control and manipulate water with one's mind.

Aqua Blast: The ability to project a blast of water from one's hands.

Water Whip: The ability to create a whip made of water.

Water Breathing: The ability to breathe underwater.

Water Shield: The ability to create a shield made of water.

Water Jet: The ability to project a jet of water from one's hands or mouth.

Water Transformation: The ability to transform oneself into a being made of water.

Water Immunity: The ability to be immune to water-based attacks.

Water Walking: The ability to walk on water.

Water Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate existing water.

Ice Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate ice.

Water Healing: The ability to heal oneself or others using water.

Water Reflection: The ability to reflect attacks using water.

Water Form: The ability to transform into a being made entirely of water.

Water Absorption: The ability to absorb water to heal oneself or increase power.

Water Respiration: The ability to breathe underwater for extended periods.

Water Sphere: The ability to create a sphere of water that can trap opponents.

Water Jet Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a jet of water.

Water Whip Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a whip made of water.

Water Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of water that damages everything in its path.

Ice Blast: The ability to project a blast of ice from one's hands.

Water Shield Wall: The ability to create a wall of water for protection.

Water Jet Blade: The ability to imbue a sword with water and use it to strike opponents.

Water Sphere Blast: The ability to release a blast of water from a water sphere.

Water Jet Blade Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a water-infused sword.

Water Tornado: The ability to create a tornado made of water.

Water Blade: The ability to create a blade made of water.

Ice Shield: The ability to create a shield made of ice.

Water Dragon: The ability to create a dragon made of water.

Water Whip Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a water whip that explodes on impact.

Water Jet Blade Wave: The ability to release a wave of water from a water-infused sword.

Water Dragon Blast: The ability to release a blast of water from a water dragon.

Ice Wall: The ability to create a wall of ice for protection.

Water Sphere Wave: The ability to release a wave of water from a water sphere.

Water Jet Blade Blast: The ability to release a blast of water from a water-infused sword.

Waterfall: The ability to create a waterfall that can be used for healing or to trap opponents.

Water Dragon Wave: The ability to release a wave of water from a water dragon.

Ice Tornado: The ability to create a tornado made of ice.

Water Blade Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a blade made of water.

Water Dragon Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of water from a water dragon's blast.

Ice Spear: The ability to create a spear made of ice.

Water Blade Blast: The ability to release a blast of water from a water blade.

Waterfall Wave: The ability to release a wave of water from a waterfall.

Ice Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of ice from an ice blast.

Water Blade Wave: The ability to release a wave of water from a water blade.

Water Sphere Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of water from a water sphere's blast.

Ice Spear Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a spear made of ice.

Water Dragon Blast Spray: The ability to release a spray of water from a water dragon's blast.

Ice Wall Blast: The ability to release a blast of ice from an ice wall.

Water Blade Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of water from a water blade's blast.

Earth:

Terrakinesis: The ability to control and manipulate earth with one's mind.

Earthquake: The ability to create a powerful earthquake.

Stone Armor: The ability to create armor made of stone for protection.

Stone Fist: The ability to imbue one's fists with the power of stone.

Earth Shield: The ability to create a shield made of earth.

Rock Throw: The ability to throw rocks with great force.

Earthquake Wave: The ability to create a wave of earth that damages everything in its path.

Stone Skin: The ability to harden one's skin like stone for protection.

Stone Golem: The ability to create a golem made of stone.

Earth Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate existing earth.

Sand Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate sand and dust.

Stone Transformation: The ability to transform oneself into a being made of stone.

Earth Immunity: The ability to be immune to earth-based attacks.

Earthquake Shield: The ability to create a shield that can withstand earthquakes.

Earthquake Blast: The ability to release a blast of earth that damages everything in its path.

Stone Whip: The ability to create a whip made of stone.

Stone Blade: The ability to create a blade made of stone.

Earthquake Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with the force of an earthquake.

Stone Golem Blast: The ability to release a blast of stone from a stone golem.

Earthquake Wave Blast: The ability to release a wave of earth that explodes on impact.

Stone Fist Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a fist imbued with the power of stone.

Stone Golem Wave: The ability to release a wave of stone from a stone golem.

Earthquake Shield Blast: The ability to release a blast of earth from an earthquake shield.

Stone Whip Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a whip made of stone.

Stone Blade Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a blade made of stone.

Stone Golem Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of stone from a stone golem's blast.

Earthquake Fist: The ability to imbue one's fists with the power of an earthquake.

Stone Whip Blast: The ability to release a blast of stone from a stone whip.

Stone Blade Blast: The ability to release a blast of stone from a stone blade.

Earthquake Wave Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a wave of earth.

Stone Golem Blast Spray: The ability to release a spray of stone from a stone golem's blast.

Earthquake Shield Wave: The ability to release a wave of earth from an earthquake shield.

Stone Whip Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of stone from a stone whip's blast.

Stone Blade Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of stone from a stone blade's blast.

Earthquake Wave Blast Spray: The ability to release a spray of earth that explodes on impact.

Stone Golem Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of stone from a stone golem's wave.

Earthquake Fist Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a fist imbued with the power of an earthquake.

Stone Whip Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a stone whip that explodes on impact.

Stone Blade Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a stone blade that explodes on impact.

Stone Golem Blast Wave Spray: The ability to release a spray of stone from a stone golem's blast wave.

Earthquake Wave Spray: The ability to release a spray of earth in all directions.

Stone Whip Blast Wave Spray: The ability to release a spray of stone from a stone whip's blast wave.

Stone Blade Blast Wave Spray: The ability to release a spray of stone from a stone blade's blast wave.

Stone Golem Wave Blast Spray: The ability to release a spray of stone from a stone golem's wave blast.

Earthquake Shield Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of earth from an earthquake shield's blast.

Stone Whip Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of stone from a stone whip's strike blast.

Stone Blade Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of stone from a stone blade's strike blast.

Stone Golem Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of stone from a stone golem's blast wave.

Earthquake Fist Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a fist imbued with the power of an earthquake that explodes on impact.

Stone Golem Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a waveof stone from a stone golem's wave blast that explodes on impact.

Air:

Aerokinesis: The ability to control and manipulate air with one's mind.

Flight: The ability to fly using the power of the wind.

Wind Blast: The ability to project a blast of wind from one's hands.

Levitation: The ability to levitate oneself or others using the power of the wind.

Wind Shield: The ability to create a shield made of wind.

Sonic Scream: The ability to release a powerful sonic blast.

Gust: The ability to create a strong gust of wind.

Tornado: The ability to create a powerful tornado.

Wind Blade: The ability to create a blade made of wind.

Wind Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate existing wind.

Airwalking: The ability to walk on air.

Wind Transformation: The ability to transform oneself into a being made of wind.

Air Immunity: The ability to be immune to air-based attacks.

Wind Whip: The ability to create a whip made of wind.

Sonic Shield: The ability to create a shield that can absorb sound waves.

Wind Respiration: The ability to breathe in air for extended periods.

Wind Tornado Blade: The ability to imbue a sword with wind and use it to strike opponents.

Sonic Blast Wave: The ability to release a blast of sound waves that damages everything in its path.

Wind Whip Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a whip made of wind.

Wind Blade Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a blade made of wind.

Tornado Blast: The ability to release a blast of wind from a tornado.

Wind Shield Wall: The ability to create a wall of wind for protection.

Sonic Scream Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a sonic blast.

Wind Tornado Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a tornado.

Wind Blade Blast: The ability to release a blast of wind from a wind blade.

Sonic Shield Blast: The ability to release a blast of sound waves from a sonic shield.

Airwalking Blast: The ability to release a blast of wind from one's feet while airwalking.

Wind Tornado Blade Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a wind-infused sword from a tornado.

Wind Blade Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a wind blade.

Tornado Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a tornado's blast.

Sonic Scream Blast: The ability to release a blast of sound waves from a sonic scream.

Wind Tornado Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of wind from a tornado's wave.

Wind Whip Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a wind whip that explodes on impact.

Wind Blade Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a wind blade's blast.

Tornado Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of wind from a tornado's blast wave.

Sonic Shield Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of sound waves from a sonic shield's blast.

Wind Tornado Blade Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a wind-infused sword from a tornado.

Wind Blade Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a wind blade that explodes on impact.

Sonic Scream Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a sonic blast that explodes on impact.

Wind Tornado Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a tornado's wave blast.

Wind Whip Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a wind whip's strike blast.

Wind Blade Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of wind from a wind blade's blast wave.

Tornado Blast Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a tornado's blast wave blast.

Sonic Shield Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of sound waves from a sonic shield's blast wave.

Wind Tornado Blade Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a wind-infused sword from a tornado that explodes on impact.

Wind Blade Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a wind blade's strike blast.

Sonic Scream Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of sound waves from a sonic scream's strike blast.

Wind Tornado Wave Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of wind from a tornado's wave blast wave.

Wind Blade Blast Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a wind blade's blast wave blast.

Sonic Shield Blast Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of sound waves from a sonic shield's blast wave blast.

Light:

Photokinesis: The ability to control and manipulate light with one's mind.

Radiance: The ability to emit a bright light from one's body.

Flash: The ability to create a bright, blinding flash of light.

Illumination: The ability to light up a dark area.

Light Shield: The ability to create a shield made of light.

Light Beam: The ability to project a beam of light from one's hands.

Solar Flare: The ability to create a powerful burst of light and energy.

Light Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate existing light.

Light Blast: The ability to project a blast of light from one's hands.

Light Transformation: The ability to transform oneself into a being made of light.

Light Immunity: The ability to be immune to light-based attacks.

Aura of Light: The ability to emit a powerful aura of light.

Light Whip: The ability to create a whip made of light.

Laser Vision: The ability to emit a powerful laser beam from one's eyes.

Light Resurrection: The ability to bring someone back to life using the power of light.

Healing Light: The ability to heal oneself or others using the power of light.

Light Blade: The ability to create a blade made of light.

Light Speed: The ability to move at incredible speeds using the power of light.

Light Beam Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a beam of light.

Light Whip Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a whip made of light.

Solar Flare Blast: The ability to release a blast of light and energy from a solar flare.

Light Shield Wall: The ability to create a wall of light for protection.

Light Resurrection Blast: The ability to release a blast of light that brings the dead back to life.

Healing Light Blast: The ability to release a blast of healing light.

Light Blade Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a blade made of light.

Light Speed Strike: The ability to strike an opponent at incredible speeds using the power of light.

Light Beam Blast: The ability to release a blast of light from a beam.

Light Whip Blast: The ability to release a blast of light from a light whip.

Laser Vision Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a laser beam from one's eyes.

Solar Flare Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of light and energy from a solar flare blast.

Light Blade Blast: The ability to release a blast of light from a light blade.

Light Beam Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a beam of light that explodes on impact.

Light Whip Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a whip made of light that explodes on impact.

Healing Light Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of healing light.

Light Blade Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a blade made of light that explodes on impact.

Light Speed Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent at incredible speeds using the power of light that explodes on impact.

Light Beam Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of light from a beam's blast.

Light Whip Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of light from a light whip's blast.

Laser Vision Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a laser beam from one's eyes that explodes on impact.

Solar Flare Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of light and energy from a solar flare blast wave.

Light Blade Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of light from a light blade's strike blast.

Light Speed Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of light from a light speed strike's blast.

Light Beam Strike Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of light from a beam's strike blast wave.

Light Whip Strike Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of light from a light whip's strike blast wave.

Laser Vision Strike Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of light from a laser vision strike's blast wave.

Light Blade Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a wave of light from a light blade's blast wave that explodes on impact.

Light Speed Strike Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a wave of light from a light speed strike's blast wave that explodes on impact.

Light Whip Strike Blast Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of light from a light whip's strike blast wave blast.

Laser Vision Strike Blast Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of light from a laser vision strike's blast wave blast.

Light Transformation Blast: The ability to release a blast of light that transforms the target into a different form.

Darkness:

Umbrakinesis: The ability to control and manipulate darkness with one's mind.

Shadow Travel: The ability to travel through shadows.

Shadow Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate existing shadows.

Night Vision: The ability to see in complete darkness.

Shadow Shield: The ability to create a shield made of shadows.

Shadow Blast: The ability to project a blast of shadow from one's hands.

Shadow Transformation: The ability to transform oneself into a being made of shadow.

Shadow Immunity: The ability to be immune to shadow-based attacks.

Darkness Aura: The ability to emit a powerful aura of darkness.

Shadow Whip: The ability to create a whip made of shadow.

Shadow Stealth: The ability to become invisible in the shadows.

Darkness Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate existing darkness.

Shadow Blade: The ability to create a blade made of shadow.

Night Cloak: The ability to cloak oneself in darkness, making them invisible.

Shadow Resurrection: The ability to bring someone back to life using the power of darkness.

Shadow Speed: The ability to move at incredible speeds using the power of darkness.

Shadow Beam: The ability to project a beam of darkness from one's hands.

Shadow Blade Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a blade made of shadow.

Shadow Whip Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a whip made of shadow.

Shadow Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of shadow from a blast.

Shadow Shield Wall: The ability to create a wall of shadow for protection.

Shadow Resurrection Blast: The ability to release a blast of shadow that brings the dead back to life.

Shadow Speed Strike: The ability to strike an opponent at incredible speeds using the power of darkness.

Shadow Beam Blast: The ability to release a blast of shadow from a beam.

Shadow Whip Blast: The ability to release a blast of shadow from a shadow whip.

Night Cloak Blast: The ability to release a blast of darkness from a night cloak.

Shadow Blade Blast: The ability to release a blast of shadow from a blade.

Shadow Beam Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a beam of shadow that explodes on impact.

Shadow Whip Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a whip made of shadow that explodes on impact.

Shadow Shield Blast: The ability to release a blast of shadow from a shield.

Shadow Blade Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of shadow from a blade's strike blast.

Shadow Speed Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of shadow from a shadow speed strike's blast.

Shadow Whip Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of shadow from a shadow whip's strike blast.

Shadow Beam Strike Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of shadow from a beam's strike blast wave.

Shadow Whip Strike Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of shadow from a shadow whip's strike blast wave.

Shadow Blade Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a wave of shadow from a blade's blast wave that explodes on impact.

Shadow Speed Strike Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a wave of shadow from a shadow speed strike's blast wave that explodes on impact.

Shadow Whip Strike Blast Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of shadow from a shadow whip's strike blast wave blast.

Shadow Beam Strike Blast Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of shadow from a beam's strike blast wave blast.

Shadow Transformation Blast: The ability to release a blast of shadow that transforms the target into a different form.

Shadow Infusion: The ability to infuse objects or people with darkness to increase their power.

Shadow Possession: The ability to possess someone through their shadow.

Shadow Clone: The ability to create a clone of oneself made of shadows.

Shadow Illusion: The ability to create illusions out of shadows.

Shadow Mimicry: The ability to mimic the powers of others through their shadows.

Shadow Binding: The ability to bind someone using shadows.

Shadow Meld: The ability to merge with shadows and travel through them undetected.

Shadow Tendrils: The ability to create tendrils made of shadows to attack or restrain opponents.

Shadow Portal: The ability to create portals through shadows to travel to different locations.

Shadow Curse: The ability to curse someone with darkness, causing them to be consumed by it.

After I finished writing, I realized that we can combine these powers into one larger capacity. :)))))))))

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writer-overbored · 4 years

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my arch nemesis cynthia is, of course, at the bank, because we both were sent like clockwork to pick up the checks of our husbands. she is wearing a lovely long green gown, which i know was on behalf of me, because, as my husband will tell you, our house abhors green and glamour. already the tellers look at each other under their little hats, for they love our tirades, i’m sure, although not more than i hate them.

“oh, is that your knitting?” my arch nemesis cynthia peers her eyes at my hands. “is it some kind of… sock?” everyone knows she and i used to be close before we were married and our husbands, smartly so, have introduced us to the idea of true vengeance.

“it is a scarf,” i say. i want to tell her that when the time comes and the world gets cold it will go over my mouth and i will breathe warm air and it will fill my lungs and i will be able to run around with my love even in the dark night. “it is not,” i say, “over surprising that you should be caught unawares of a scarf,” i say, “as i’m sure enjoying winter festivities are too beneath the handsome qualities your husband prefers.” pompous ass.

the tellers pass each other eyes for now it has started and they are delighted.

my arch nemesis cynthia thrusts out her hand. a white bottle. “rat poison,” she says. “i would expect the whole town knows about your little problem.” stage whisper. “such a shame, my dear.” then she rustles her long green skirts - which i know she wore on behalf of me - and she shimmies herself out of the room like royalty. oh, she floats everywhere she goes, beautiful black hair behind her. the bottle in my palm is cold. i will devise how to get her back starting first thing tomorrow.

the week, as always, is a long week, for there is much to make and do and knit and be. my husband comes home and i love him for who he is; for he never comes home without checking the state of the house up and down. he is the kind who loves his home so completely and sets each room like a stage for a great band to come playing. i am too ashamed to tell him why so many of the rats go missing, only make him a stew the next morning to celebrate. his favorite, although not mine, i’m afraid. plenty left over.

my arch nemesis today - of course - in a green the color of rotting. a bruise is uncarefully covered on her cheekbone, so striking against all of her dainty. her husband would say it was for her ungraceful nature, and i know mine would agree. i strike first, already delighted by my master plan, shoving over our best picnic basket tied with a bow. “i made you and yours a stew,” i say, “for beneath all that you carry” all that horrible wealth of your husband “it seems you’re getting rather skinny.” i can’t resist one last comment. “i am worried you’re about to waste to nothing.”

She plucks it out of my hand. “yes, if it weren’t for you and your husband’s dwindling wealth,” her sarcasm is biting, “i’m sure i will be nothing in, oh, 5 weeks time.” she arches a brow. “so long from now.”

“i am counting the days,” i tell her. her lips purse. the tellers behind me make a choked titter. perhaps, by their estimation, i have won this round quite completely. i go home to my husband smiling. he asks where i have been and i tell him i’ve been at the bank, but he checks anyway because i like to get up to tricks and he doesn’t like to fall for it. it is a good game we play. at night, when he is asleep, i am so in love that i must convince myself to pull the covers over my nose and practice breathing. how silly to wake him up for a young girl’s feelings.

the first week of five: she gives me a solid, ugly ring that requires three knuckles to hold. “i feel so badly for your status, and i must remember to practice charity,” she says. “it such a small thing, but do be careful amongst all that thin pine furnishing of your house, which dents so easily.” my husband appears at the bank’s front door. just checking. so lovely to be picked up by him. at night, in a rage, i try it - beneath the table bends easily. i scuff out the scratch with walnut before my husband can see. i pull the covers over my face in bed and breathe.

the second week: i wear her ugly ring and give her more stew, this time hearty with meat. her dress is a meadow. my heart each time it sees her collapses on itself. she hands me clothes for my husband, since his wealth continues to go missing, and the charity of her heart is so loving. i am so ashamed i bury them far by the old tree, where all my shames go hiding. again, the covers. it, by now, helps me sleep. i have gotten so good at it that i can simply shimmy my shoulders to be perfectly toasty and buried.

the third week: she asks how comes my knitting. i tell her it’s nearly complete. she asks how comes my husband, whom she must know has been ill recently, and who is doing quite badly. i go home to him, shaking. even sick he is a good housekeeper, who comes home examining for dust and dinge so i do not fall behind on my chores. who checks over and being sure i spoke to only him and no one more. tell me, who else has a man so involved, in this day and age?

the fourth week she is envy green. i shove a whole heaping of stew at her, for now her husband has gotten it. i say it will return him to spirits, she laughs, a sudden, beautiful sound, even in the quiet of a bank. everyone stares. maybe it is the stress that is making her quite improper. i feel the same way. so much is happening and it always seems she knows. she says she heard he has left me nothing in the will, which everyone already knows. she says she doubts either of us can dig upwards from the hole we’re both in. i look at the bruise on her nose. i tell her to mind her own husband, and be careful where she goes.

the fifth week: so final. her, garishly lime green. and i in black, to pick up a check that hardly seems the effort. it will be enough to cover my husband’s funeral. she smiles at me and hands me a silver bottle. she says quietly: now that i am destitute, there is one thing for it all, and everyone would understand quite completely. it would be quiet, and quick, and complete.

it is the night of the new moon, so dark no man can see in it. i receive notice her husband has died, and i am sorry to say i find a terrible joy in it. the air has changed cold. i have left a note asking to be buried in my scarf, the last thing i have made on this earth. i go through each perfect room, but there is nothing else to take with me, for the house has always been his and his alone, and now aches to be gone of him. i would not serve as a good tender for it. having spend so many nights watched carefully, the silly girlish freedom i’d gain would surely set the house ablaze.

i follow her instructions. quick, quiet, complete.

the horrible rustling is what does it. like a million green skirts. and then it is dark, and i am in my own coffin, eerie with pine. my head hurts but i must be quick and quiet. they have listened and buried me with my scarf. i shimmy my shoulders just-so and get it over my face. bring my arms up, ugly ring heavy, and begin to hit as hard as i can, over and over, the thin wood of my husband’s favorite furniture, the cretin. it would be pine, of course - he left me no money to be buried in any nicer recourse.

the wood splits so horribly, and then it is very hard to breathe, harder than under the covers, and i have to remind myself to be patient and continue to dig upwards, while my throat closes and my heart beats so loudly and the whole thing is so heavy it is a universe. the shifting of gravedirt is loud, and loud, and i feel i will be turned into a worm, and i fear everyone has forgotten about me, or i have gotten the timing wrong, or i will really die down here in the dirt and the cold

but then her hand, and my hand, and we are both digging towards each other, and she lifts me so easily from the ground like a plucked turnip and holds me against her, us both panting and muddied. we can only stay like this for so long, here in my pauper grave, and then we are both running to the old tree where we met, and unburying a second thing; my lovely box of shame, and men’s clothes, and all of my husband’s dwindling fortune i have slowly been squirrelling away.

my love and angel cynthia, who has black hair like a curtain and a mind so fast i sometimes am in frank awe at it, who is, even now and dirty and raw: even now the only sun in my life.

like this, i a man in an almost-dawn, and us cleaned by the river, and her smiling so widely, and only a faint bruise on her, and our pasts behind us in ugly garish colors. and her delicate hand and beautiful nose and when i finally get to kiss her it feels like green feels; my favorite color, all warm and nature and sunny grace and grass and lying awake so filled with love it makes you shake.

i hold her, and she holds me, and our future is a love like a dream unburied.

#this is AWESOME

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