paradoxrealm

[paradoxrealm]

I am! I really am..

*their smile softened a bit.*

If it’s not too much trouble, could you show me some of your plants?

“Of course! These,” she motioned to spiraling green stalks with a flurry of yellow flowers on the tips “are spring daisies! Delightful, don’t you think?” She pushed down on the flowers, watching them spring back up- the stalks bouncing in place- with a smile.

#ic #coraline au #sock

[paradoxrealm]

*they set Mu down, giving her a head pat.*

We just wanted to see what you were up to! Did you plant all these yourself? It’s very impressive!

“Oh dear, no!” She laughed, lightly shaking her head. “I had plenty of help from everyone.” That was likely just something she would say given that Beldam could change things around on a whim- but who knows, maybe he got board one day and actually made them plant everything by hand.

Vanessa gave Mu a warm smile, receiving a rather awkward one back. “I hope you’re enjoying your time here.” She looked to Sock.

#ic #coraline au #Sock

[paradoxrealm]

*they smirked before starting to run, gaining some speed before jumping and starting to float, the momentum carrying them over the garden. They kept a good grip on Mu so she wouldn’t slip.*

Wow! I’ve never seen plants like those before! They’re so pretty!

*once they were in the garden, they lowered themselves down, slowing to a stop.*

Mu giggled, throwing her arms up.

The flora was bright and vibrant, twisting into fantastical shapes that likely meant they were only loosely based off of real flowers. Vanessa sat on a brook near the middle, needlessly tidying up the flowers. She perked up when the two arrived, waving at the duo with a warm smile. “Why hello, you two! What brings you over here?”

#ic #coraline au #sock

[paradoxrealm]

I never really admired the scenery before..anyway! Who should we visit first? I don’t know my way around the place..

*they picked her up, putting her on their shoulders.*

She nodded, admiring the scenery for a moment before pointing to the garden- the centerpiece to Beldam’s artistry. They could make out a vague silhouette in the distance, working with the flowers by the looks of it.

#ic #coraline au

[paradoxrealm]

*they squinted at him suspiciously, taking Mu by the hand and leading her out of the house.*

I think we will..

*once they closed the door, they shook their head.*

I don’t believe him for a second. He’s a good actor though, I’ll give him that.

*they looked around in awe.*

Oh wow..it’s so beautiful out here!

“Have fun~” he gave a somewhat pleasant smile and waved, watching the duo exit.

Mu gave a small shrug at the doubt before following their eye line, admiring the decor with a nod.

Again, mostly things were the same, just tweaked. Different plants and colors, shapes twisted to be ever so slightly changed. All of it still fell together to create a rather pleasing scene to look at, the right colors in the right places with the perfect amount of saturation to them- it was unlikely that Beldam could create an ugly world.

#ic #coraline au #sock

[paradoxrealm]

I know that, what I’m saying is-

*they stopped mid sentence, raising an eyebrow*

Are you ok..? You look tired. Do you need to take a nap? I can watch the others for you, like a babysitter!

“I’m fine, thank you dear.” He briefly brushed a hand over his face, straightening up a touch more. “You’re welcome to see the others, if you would like.”

#sock #ic #coraline au

[paradoxrealm]

Your AUs are so scrunkly scrimblo they got me kicking my legs and giggling to myself

Hehehehe thank youuuu :>

#I don’t interact with them very often anymore but they will always have a special place in my heart #(plus they taught me lots) #ooc #anon #ask

[paradoxrealm]

Well, don’t take this the wrong way, but you seem kinda lonely. I think it would be nice to get out once in a while, or maybe use some of that extra magic to make something new in the world to enjoy.

*they put Junior down.*

Heck, I’ll give you magic if you need a little boost. It won’t be permanent, but it should last a bit.

He stared at them for a long moment, caught off guard by the proposal. “I have plenty of visitors,” prey “and plenty to occupy myself with.” He shook his head no, managing to look tired as he did so. “Thank you, though.” That felt tacked on- like he nearly forgot to say it.

Junior hopped around the three of them, nuzzling into Beldam’s shoe for just a moment before continuing around their invisible track.

#ic #coraline au #sock

[paradoxrealm]

The Monster of the Junkyard (A Gear in Tine AU)

The cold metal of the knife’s blade sliding down her arm was enough to send a panic throughout her. The metallic fiend put more pressure on, a hiss of pain escapes her.

She tries to jerk her arm away; the rusty restraint prevents this.

————

“Ah ah ah,” he gave a light shake of his head, cutting in with the knife “don’t struggle, you’ll make a mess.” He hummed as he drug the knife down her arm easily, not too deep yet, but certainly causing damage. Two of his other arms reached out to grab a rag and several bits of metal and wiring- he had done this before, clearly.

#submission #ic #a gear in time #the monster of the junkyard #tw surgery #tw knife #tw violence #ask to tag

[paradoxrealm]

(Maverick is a good name)

That’s good, great to see some happy neighbors! Speaking of, does anyone else live here? Anybody else to talk to?

*they hold Junior up a bit, admiring how cute the little mouse was.*

He tilted his head like he didn’t quite understand the purpose of the question. “Just myself, my puppets, and the mice.” He had gained a new collection of stolen eyes, and with them, spirits, but he wouldn’t count them as residents- nor would he actively advertise for someone to talk to them. “Why do you ask?”

Junior’s nose twitched as he sniffed at them, giving the distinct impression that he was studying them, moving slightly around their hands to make the bell jingle.

#ic #coraline au #sock

[paradoxrealm]

*they nod and give Beldam and Mu each a piece of paper, taking Junior from him and holding the little mouse close, fidgeting with the bow.*

How have the others been doing? Vanessa and those two performers and..uh..what’s his name that lives in the attic?

“Mr. Barnes.” Beldam answered, looking at the paper in thought before pocketing it. “They’re fine. None of them have had a particularly bad day for some time.” He hummed, absentmindedly tapping his fingers against his chin.

Mu took the paper, making sure to put it in a different pocket than the first paper they gave her.

#ic #coraline au #okay so I’m like 98% sure I gave the mafia boss a name before #but I cannot find any of the old Coraline posts referring to the other puppets #all I remember is something about him being referred to as the ringmaster #which is probably what Beldam would refer to him as if he isn’t dressed up specifically like the actual mafia boss #also I’m giving them all names sjsjsjjsjsns #mb is probably gonna be maverick Barnes (maverick being stolen from frickfrackthesnatcherisback <3) #either that or Murphy (goes by murph) cause I’m indecisive djdjdjjd #sock

[paradoxrealm]

*they gently pet Junior.*

Hmm..I might make him a little bed for his next gift. Or maybe a toy to play with? Do mice play?

*they hum in thought before snapping their fingers, getting an idea.*

Oh! What if you guys made a list of stuff so I can get an idea of gifts for next time I visit! No guarantee I can get everything, but I can certainly try!

“They’re quite playful,” he nodded “I don’t see the harm in a list.”

#ic #coraline au

[paradoxrealm]

Awww~! Junior is just the cutest thing~ do you have any other animals? Or just the mice?

“Just the mice- if you see any other animals roaming about, let me know. They shouldn’t be here.” There was only one animal in particular that he knew wandered into his realm, and they were not at all fond of each other.

#ic #coraline au

[paradoxrealm]

*they immediately perked up, standing up and taking Mu with them, dangling her just above the ground*

You would do that for me?! Thank you! Thank you! I swear I won’t disappoint you!…probably..

*they sounded so relieved, visibly relaxing before remembering Mu and releasing her from the hug, gently setting her down.*

Sorry Mu, got too excited there..

Mu yelped at the initial floating, awkwardly rubbing at the back of her head with a smile upon being set down. She didn’t seem to mind much, she was just a touch surprised.

“Of course, dear, I’m sure you won’t.” He gave a small smile, idly reaching up to pet Junior, who was still cuddled up in the folds of his scarf.

#ic #coraline au #sock

[paradoxrealm]

*they pull Mu closer, squeezing her a bit.*

Well..I can’t travel anywhere I want. There’s this TV in my room and..hmm..how do I explain this..it’s kinda like a normal TV, with channels I can flip through, but instead of shows, it’s worlds. I can go through the screen to end up in the world, kinda like a portal.

*they faltered, looking down at the floor.*

Sometimes…channels get replaced with new “shows,” and if I’m not being summoned to the world- an example being you- it’s gone. There’s a..small chance for it to be swapped back after some time, but it’s rare. I’m a little worried that one day, if I’m not being summoned, that I’ll lose this channel..and I won’t get to see you anymore..

That explains why they immediately brought up his lack of summoning them when they got here. He understood the fear, in a round about sort of way, loosely connecting it to his own general fears about death or losing control.

“I can summon you. Every few months I could call you back long enough to keep your connection stable.” They were helpful to have around, if not a bit irritating at times. He didn’t see the harm in it.

#ic #coraline au #sock

[paradoxrealm]

*they sit down in a nearby chair, slouching.*

Well for one, I’d like to be able to leave my room. In my world, I live in a single small space, and there’s no physical way out. I’m not sure anything even exists outside it. There’s a door, but I can’t open it or break it. Very strange..

*they leaned back, thinking a bit.*

I don’t need to eat really, but if I’m not traveling, I don’t get to choose what to eat either, food just..spawns? In a fridge I got. I still eat because I like the taste and texture, but still.. hmm… and I guess I worry about some of the wishes I have granted. I don’t have to grant some wishes, but sometimes they can have unintended consequences depending on the world and life in the dimension I go to…I-I can’t see some of my friends anymore because the channels went out…

*they trailed off before waving their hand dismissively*

Anyways, I’m not gonna list off everything, but those are the problems I care about the most.

“…. Hm.” He gave a slight nod, trying to understand it from their perspective, stopping the part of his brain that immediately thought of what kind of a world he’d build in order to hunt them. It was something of a habit.

“I don’t understand the worry over your room,” or their friends or the food thing- “you can travel just about anywhere, why let one confined world worry you?”

Mu frowned a little, hugging them.

#ic #coraline au #sock

[paradoxrealm]

*they lowered themselves back to the floor, looking very proud.*

I’m glad you liked them! You have no idea how hard it is to find something for you, I mean, you’ve got everything!

*they motioned to the world around you, even spinning a bit.*

The only thing you really need to worry about is food here yeah? I wish that was all I needed to worry about..

“Aren’t you magical? What could concern a creature who can grant wishes daily?” He tilted his head in a curious fashion, Mu mimicking the gesture.

#ic #coraline au #sock