#Mal is very technically safe going by Mal because even now they still think that Malcontent is their True Name

[maelstrom007]

Malcontent

A look into Mal's origin story, my oc from @ghouljams cod Fae!au.

Warnings: Child in distress, and risk of drowning. The child doesn't actually drown, and the situation is resolved by the end.

In the moment, it didn’t occur to Maeve how sad it was that she was the only person struck with a sense of urgency at the noise coming from the well. No, it took her several days before the anguish, anger, and despair properly took her body and froze it stone cold. But we’re not there yet. We’re here in the now. And right now, there is a haunting, bone chilling wailing emanating from the well. 

Maeve nearly falls in herself with how quickly she runs, pail forgotten as she peers over the edge. The desperate sound of a child’s scream echoes off of the stone walls and pierces her ears. But it’s the sight of the small child, face contorted in fear and confusion as it tries to find purchase on the wet stone that truly breaks her. 

“Shhh, sweetheart. Ye’re alright, I’ll get you out don’t ye worry,” Maeve called down, calm and steady. 

Unfortunately the communal bucket and rope were down the well with the child, who most likely pulled the free end of the rope out of its temporary mooring in an attempt to climb out. There would never be a time where Maeve was happiest to be a crafter, pulling a long length of cordage from her rucksack and tying a large loop on one end of it. When she was done she tossed it down, keeping a firm grip on the free end. 

Over the continued panicking cries of the child she yelled, “Put your legs through and rest the loop under your bum sweet thing. Now grab the rope and hold tight.” 

Fear and determination fuelled Maeve as she heaved, struggling against the weight of a sopping wet child as she slowly pulled them out of the well. There was a brief moment of terror where her hands slipped on the second half of the cordage that had become wet when it landed in the water. Despite the burning feeling of rough and woody fiber pulling through her palms she held fast, regaining her grip and pulling with all her strength. Bright red hair peaked over the edge of the well, and Maeve desperately held the tension in the cord with one hand  as she reached out with the other, scooping up the child into her arms. They latched onto her like a leech, nearly squeezing the life out of her as they cried into her neck. 

“There there, I’ve got ye now. Don’ worry a thing lovely,” she murmured, wrapping the child in her cloak, the bright yellow accompanying the mop of fiery red hair nicely. 

By the time they walked home, the child had settled down somewhat in her arms, no longer crying the blood curdling scream from earlier, but still shouting and bawling something fierce. Out from the front door rushed her daughter, long flaxen hair streaming behind her as she came to investigate. 

“Ma, who’s this?”, she said, poking at the bundle in her arms.

“I haven’t a clue darling, But first, let's get them warmed up. Feed the fire will you Niamh.”

Maeve sat in front of the fire, cradling the bundle in her arms as Niamh set it blazing hot. She cooed, humming under her breath and rocking gently. Niamh sat down next to her, watching intently as the child continued to cry, but said nothing. They sat there so long that her daughter fell asleep on her shoulder, snoring gently. And still they cried, and still Maeve soothed, all the way until the morning dawn. Only then, did the cries turn to sniffles, until finally they stopped completely. 

“There we are,” she murmured, “feeling better darling?”

Pulling away from Maeve's shoulder, the child finally turned to face her for the first time, face still scrunched tight and wet with tears. 

“Come now, relax,” she gently brushed her fingers over the child’s face, soothing worry lines and wrinkles until their face was lax and still in her hands. 

“Open your eyes wee thing.” 

Now, there were plenty of things Maeve was expecting, such as brown or maybe even blue eyes to peer back at her with the whites bloodshot and red from the river of tears. 

What she was not expecting was the set of four large, perfectly circular black eyes staring back at her. To her credit, she did not flinch or otherwise spook at the sight, peculiar though it was. At that point in time, all she was concerned about was making sure the poor thing was alright. 

The next thing that happened though, she did startle at. The child began to squirm, turning their head this way and that desperately in search of something. It wasn’t until they spotted Niamh did they stop their search, going stock still as they looked upon her daughter. Almost imperceptibly, the child pivoted their head at multiple angles, as if they were studying her. Then, their outline began to blur into the surrounding air, as if looking at a mirage on a hot day. Suddenly, they came back into crystal clear focus, except now in the shape of her sleeping daughter. 

Maeve’s eyes widened in shock, arms squeezing slightly at the new development. Had she had too much to drink? Was this some elaborate nightmare? But the more she looked, the more she saw the differences. For a start their hair was still shockingly red as ever, but there were other things too. The mole was on the wrong side, and the scar across the brow Niamh had gotten as a toddler was missing, and a multitude of other small discrepancies revealed the poor attempt at what Maeve assumed was blending in. 

She’d heard about creatures like this. Faeries swapping a human child with their own, tormenting their new family until it drove them into destitution and ruin. The child's eyes were still large and black, although seemingly reduced from four to two in the mimicking attempt. How could anyone believe that those eyes wished them harm? Staring up trustingly at her, completely at her mercy. She could have let them drown, or tossed them into the hot fire, and yet it trusted her not to. 

“Do you have a name?” She wondered aloud. Just as she wondered if they knew how to talk, the child spoke. 

“My name is Malcontent,” they whispered, thankfully not in Niamh’s voice. Maeve didn’t know if she could keep it together if they did. 

Pity crossed her features, “What a terrible name for a child. We should change it to something more pleasant.”

“NO!” Malcontent screamed, face contorted in anger, “My name is Malcontent!” 

The irony of the situation did not escape her, “Why would your parents give you such a name?” 

Like a switch, anger was replaced with sadness, “My parents didn’t give me that name. The ones they left me with gave it to me. Kept saying how I couldn’t be their child cause their angel was never as unhappy and angry as I was. I just wanted to go home. But I don’t know how.”

Maeve listened intently, tears poking at the corners of her eyes, “You sure have a lot of words for a child so small.” To that, Malcontent had no response, so she continued, “It was unfair of them to give you such a burdening name. Names have power, and what else could you do but be upset and angry and sad being called something like Malcontent all day?”

“But I was sad and angry and upset before them. And I always will be,” they mutter determinedly. 

Maeve made one last attempt, “I think you should consider trying another name for a while. See how it feels?”

“Fine. But I don’t know many names.” they scowled, as if inconvenienced by the fact that Maeve was trying to save them from the most upsetting name she had ever heard. 

She paused, thinking of the options. There were a multitude of names to choose from, many of which could be a fitting and pleasant name to bear. However, it also felt wrong to completely wash over and erase a part of this child's history and experiences. 

“How about Mal?”

#ghouljams fae au #1fae1 #cod mw2 #cod mwii #oc: mal #call of duty #maelstrom007 #cod fae au #cod fanfic #I feel like I'm in the Mandalorian with how many times I've said 'The child' #Drinking game take a shot every time I say the child #please don't i think you'd die #poor Mal #historically babies that were identified as 'changelings' were often killed #as an attempt to get their original child back #or at the very least remove the 'burden' from their lives #which is just so sad #as far as names have power thing #Mal is very technically safe going by Mal because even now they still think that Malcontent is their True Name #Some sort of guilt and self victim blaming makes it so that Mal has a nickname status to them #and therefore protects them from name magic shenanigans #set in ambiguous pre modern times #fae aging doesn't abide by regular human rules #whos to say Mal isn't old as fuck

[13uswntimagines]

New Friends (Kellex x Little!Reader)

Request: dino Roary an origin story of where the reader got him? You can pick which team moms you want to use 

Author’s Note: This is in the little Problems universe and is a prequel to Little Problems. 

Rest days felt like they were few and far between as of late. Stress levels were at an all-time high as your team prepped for the Olympics, and it was nice to have a day away from the constant pressure. 

It was even rarer that you got to hang out with your three best friends alone. It wasn’t that your girlfriends didn’t trust you- but Rose, Mal, and Emily were Little (technically you were too, but you didn’t acknowledge that) and they always said it wasn’t a good idea for the four of you to go out on your own. 

Something could happen to make one of you slip, and that could cause all four of you to slip and before you knew it you could have 4 very mischievous littles left to their own devices. 

So you were excited to get to spend the day, window shopping with your friends, away from your girlfriends. They tended to hover, and you really just wanted to have fun. That’s how you ended up at the mall, wandering around aimlessly. 

“Alright, I believe it’s my turn to pick the store?” You said, rubbing your hands together. 

“It’s only fair. You did just spend an hour looking at running shoes and sandals with us,” Rose nodded thoughtfully. Sure you had gotten pretty fidgety towards the end, but you hadn’t complained. At least you hadn’t started trying to play hide and seek in the aisles this time (how you didn’t think you were little, she would never know). 

“At least they weren’t sketchers,” Emily snorted, throwing an arm over both you and Mal. As your oldest (both big and little) friend, it was her job to look after you two. 

“We promised we’d never talk about that again,” Mal grumbled, shoving a cackling Sonnett off of her. Emily stumbled, bumping into Rose and nearly sending both of them into a potted plant. 

You shrunk slightly at the security guard's glare, using all of your strength to prevent your thumb (or your shirt) from finding its way to your mouth as it so often did. 

“How bout Spencer’s? They’re supposed to have the new Harley Quinn merch,” You mumbled, scratching the back of your neck. 

Emily wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. “And they have toys in the back,” 

You blushed. That wasn’t why you wanted to go there, plus Kelley and Alex would not be happy if they found out you went perusing through the sex toy section without them. 

You glanced at Mal and she seemed to be having the same thought. 

“Are you sure we’re supposed to look at those?” She asked, fidgeting just like you were. 

Emily shrugged, rolling her eyes. “There’s only a ban on it when we’re little,” 

You squinted at her. She was the ringleader of your little group, and she had a habit of leading you all into trouble. But Mal nodded thoughtfully, satisfied with the loophole. 

You bit your lip. If Mal was ok, then you should be too. “Otay,” you mirrored Mal’s nod, the collar of your shirt slowly beginning to find its way to your mouth. 

“Well then, what are we waiting for?” Rose smiled wide, wiggling her eyebrows, looping her arm with Mal, and beginning to drag the younger girl towards your chosen store. 

Emily took off after them, throwing her arms around their shoulders barely checking back to make sure you were trailing after them (Alex and Kelley would be very upset if she lost you after all). 

****

You had promised your girlfriends that you would stay with Em, Mal, and Rose. You swore that you wouldn’t leave their sights. And you hadn’t meant to, but all of the stuffed animals in the window looked so lonely. You needed to go say hi to them. 

That’s how you found yourself roaming the isles of the toy store, one set of fingers gently pressing over all of the animals’ fur and the other finding their way to your lips. 

You didn’t usually let yourself slip this far, not around other people at least, but something about being surrounded by so many stuffed toys felt safe. They were like a magnet drawing you to them, and you didn’t wanna fight it. 

You paused in front of a section of dinosaur-shaped stuffies, your eyes gliding over the colorful selection. You didn’t just want one. You needed one, with every fiber of your being. 

You weren’t sure how you knew, but you were sure that one of these buddies was meant for you. 

“Hey sweetie, are you here all by yourself?” A very soft voice asked from behind you. You turned towards the brunette, squatting down so her green eyes could peer into yours. 

You shook your head, “No, wit Emmy, Mal, and Rosie,” 

The woman’s lips ticked up at your little voice, even if it was muffled by the thumb between your lips. But it was still troubling that you were in this store all by yourself while you were little. 

“Good. Are they here in the store with you?” She asked softly, as to not scare you. 

You bit your lip, suddenly finding your shoes very interesting (but not as cool as the light-up buzz light year ones your ma-. Kelley. Not as cool as the ones Kelley had gotten you). 

Maybe you should have told your friends that you wanted to say hi to all the stuffed animals, but they were too far ahead of you. And they probably would of had to call your girlfriends (stuffed toys were a pretty big trigger for all of their little spaces). You hadn’t wanted the day to end or to admit that you wanted something that other littles wanted. 

“No,” You mumbled sadly, afraid that your time in the store was going to be over before you got to greet your new friends (and that you were gonna get the mom looks from your girlfriends when they found out about this). 

The woman sighed her eyes softening at your chastised expression. She shared a glance with the blond woman beside her before placing a gentle hand on your shoulder. “Alright sweetheart, what’s your name?”

You nodded, your chest-puffing slightly. You could do that. “Y/n,” 

The woman smiled at your adorableness. “My names Lena, how about we call your friends?” She asked softly. 

“but I gots new frens,” You pouted, gesturing towards the wall of stuffed animals with the hand not currently in your mouth. A very particular red and yellow Dino standing out to you. He looked so soft and cuddly. You couldn’t just leave him behind. 

“Ok kiddo. Let’s call your old friends, and then we can get you one of your new friends while you wait?” The blond woman asked. You nodded excitedly. You always liked new frens and it would be fun to introduce them to your old friends too. 

*****

“Holy shit, you scared the crap out of us. We turned around and you were gone,” Mal’s arms wrapped around you the second she saw you. 

You buried your face into her neck, wrapping the arm not holding your brand new friend around her. “Sorry, wanted ta say hi,” You mumbled, clutching the stuffed triceratops as tightly as you could. Mal froze, pulling back and holding you at arm’s length, her eyebrows furrowed. 

They all knew that you were supposed to be little, but they had never actually seen more than a glimpse of little you. It was a tricky situation because they didn’t want to discourage you from being little, but at the same time, it was dangerous because it could cause the rest of them to slip too. 

Emily turned to you, eyes wide. “Oh fuck,” 

You frowned, pouting at Mal. “Emmy sayed a bad word,” 

“Yeah, we heard,” Rose sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. This was not a good situation, and it certainly meant the end to their day out. But maybe she would be able to convince her mama and aunt Lindsey that you all needed a play date… 

“I maded a new fren,” You said softly, holding up the Dino that Lena and Kara had bought for you while you waited for your friends to show up. 

“I see that,” She shook her head, already reaching for her phone. 

She knew the rules, she was definitely going to have to be the responsible one and call a caregiver, lest you all (well maybe not you specifically) earn yourselves a punishment. 

Lena eyed the group of women before her critically. Taking in every twitch of a hand and tilt of a head. There was no way she was going to let the four of you scamper off. It would be dangerous and irresponsible, especially considering that seeing someone in little space was often a huge trigger to other little spaces. 

“Thank you so much for looking after her. We were so worried when we realized she wandered off,” Emily mumbled, smiling shyly at the woman.

Lena nodded back, “It was no problem, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for the four of you to be wandering around all by yourselves, especially if she’s little,” she said, gesturing to where you were excitedly introducing Mal to your new stuffed toy. 

You froze, barely looking away from your friend to huff out an “I not little,” 

Emily rolled her eyes. Even now, when it was obvious, you would deny it. 

“Right, we were just going to head back to the hotel anyway,” 

“You sure you can make it back alright?” Lena asked with a raised eyebrow. She didn’t envy whoever had to keep the four of you in check as you seemed like a very large handful.

“Yeah, we’ll be fine. Thank you again,” Rose said, sharing a look with Emily. They were the two oldest and it was their job to get you guys back safely. 

Rose turned and gently grabbed your hand, so she could guide you out of the store and make sure they didn’t lose you again. 

You waved at the woman who had helped you as you left (big you would text them a thank you later as Lena had left her number in your phone). Emily made a mental note to talk to your girlfriends about how friendly little you was (it would be good for them to know in the future) and thanked their lucky stars that you were too far in denial to freak out when you were suddenly little. (It was also rather shocking that you had allowed yourself to slip for this long anyway). 

*****

They were almost there. Almost back at the hotel. Just a few more steps through the door and they would be home free. You paused as you approached the hotel, the tip of the stuffed dinosaur’s tail finding its way to your lips. 

You didn’t want to go inside. It was fine for you to be like this with Em, Mal, and Rose, they understood. Even with Alex and Kelley’s gentle nudging, you couldn’t let go of the fear that they would look at you differently. That the (amazing) adult side of your relationship would change forever. 

“Come on y/n,” Rose said softly, carefully pulling the Dino’s tail from your mouth with furrowed eyebrows. 

You shook your head rapidly, tears suddenly welling up in your eyes. “No,” 

“What do you mean no? We have to go inside, it’s almost curfew,” Emily asked, joining Rose hunching in front of you to look you in the eyes. 

You shook your head again, rubbing your nose in the soft fur of your new friend. Just holding him was so comforting (it was almost as good as snuggling between your girlfriends). 

“No. No wan Al and Kell ta see me, when I like dis,” You mumbled, gesturing towards yourself with your free hand, completely missing the looks Emily, Mal and Rose shared. 

“When you’re like what? They’ve seen you in worse states, trust me?” Rose snorted. 

It was true. Your girlfriends had seen you drunk, and sick and happy and everywhere in between, but as far as you knew they had never seen you like this. 

Sure, you let yourself slip just a little in the middle of the night when you were cuddled up between them, or when both of them were away with their respective club teams. But it would be different for them to actually see you little, and you just couldn’t seem to make yourself big now. 

“Not while I little,” You mumbled miserably. 

Rose sighed. “Babe, they know you’re little and they’re totally ok with it,”

It wasn’t like you could control the test results, and Kelley and Alex had been doing everything in their power to make sure you knew they were there for you. 

“I-...” You choked on your words, your mouth opening and closing several times. You just couldn’t seem to make your brain say the words that plagued you since your results came. 

Emily reached out a gentle hand to rub your shoulder, a small idea about your hesitance forming. “Y/n look at me. You know Lindsey loves me yeah?” You nodded at the defender, your eyes wide. “And how Sam loves Rose?” She waited for another small nod.  “Those two will love you just the same. Being little is a part of who you are, and it’s not going to change how they feel about you,” 

You frowned, subtly leaning into her hand. “But what if they don’t like my friend?” 

Rose and Emily quirked up a smile at you. 

“I’m sure they’ll love him,” 

******

Kelley stopped short as she entered your shared hotel room, her eyes bulging at the sight of you cuddled up with a new stuffed animal, your thumb between your lips, watching blues clues. 

“What the fuck Kell,” Alex hissed, barely catching herself before she plowed into Kelley’s back and shoved both of them further into the room. 

Kelley turned and pressed a finger to Alex’s lips. “Shhh,” 

“What?” Alex mumbled against her finger, her eyes following her shorter girlfriend’s gaze. Her eyes widened and she couldn’t stop the “Awww,” that left her lips. 

You looked over at the sound, your eyes tightening just a little. You slowly raised the hand holding your new Dino and offered your girlfriends a tiny wave. 

“Hey babydoll, mind if we join your cuddle session,” Alex asked carefully, stepping around Kelley and closer to the bed. She bit her lip at how adorable your thinking face was. 

They waited for a few bated breaths while you considered, idly rubbing your nose in the dinosaur's fur. You were terrified of being little, and they didn’t want to push you, especially with this being one of the first times they had seen you fill in headspace (they had gotten fleeting glimpses before but nothing quite like this). 

“I not mind,” You mumbled thoughtfully, shyly looking over at your girlfriends.

Alex and Kelley’s lips ticked up at the expression. God, you were adorable (they could only imagine how much cuter you would be when you were comfortable). 

Both women nodded, and very slowly joined you on the bed, sandwiching you between them. You snuggled into Alex’s side, sighing happily as the warmth of your two favorite people enveloped you. 

It made you feel safe and oh so small. 

“What are we watching?” Kelley asked after a few minutes of watching you. She gently reached up to remove your hand from your mouth, making a mental note to order you a soother off the internet. 

“Boo’s coo’s,” You mumbled, blinking up at the woman. 

She smiled brightly at your wide eyes. “We love that show short stack,” 

You mirrored her smile, wiggling happily (barely noticing that Alex moved your thumb away from your mouth again). You giggled when Kelley made a funny face at you before the blue puppy on the screen took your attention again. 

Alex and Kelley shared another look when you began to babble quietly to both your new stuffed toy and the screen. They shouldn’t have been surprised that you were this little. Even in the little glimpses, they had caught, they knew you were going to be smaller than Emily or Rose. 

They also shouldn’t have Em been surprised that your resistance finally slipped. It was a stressful time for the team, and they were frankly shocked you had held out as long as you did. 

“Hey babydoll, can I ask you a very important question?” Alex asked softly, brushing an errant curl from your eyes. You nodded, your eyes never leaving the screen.“How old are you right now?” 

You paused for a second, Seemingly considering the question before you gave them a little shrug. Big thoughts were too difficult right now. 

Kelley smiled indulgently at your little pout,  brushing your cheek. “That’s ok sweetie,” 

You leaned into the touch, settling back against Alex. They let you watch the screen for another few minutes, keeping a close eye on you. As the show went on, your new dinosaurs tail slowly made its way back to your mouth. They let it go for a few minutes, again making a note to talk to big you about getting something more appropriate to suck on. 

Alex very carefully reached up and pulled the red tail from your lips. “Who’s this little guy?” She asked softly, tapping the triceratops on the nose. 

“My new fren, Lena, and Kara gots him while we waited for Emmy,” You said. 

Alex’s eyebrows furrowed. You were waiting for Emily? With people, you didn’t know? There had to be a story there, and she fully intended to get it the next time she saw the defender (and make sure that the group had followed the rules their caregivers set for them- including staying together). 

“Does he have a name?” Kelley asked, making eye contact with the forward. 

“No,” You huffed, pulling the soft Dino to hide your eyes. 

“Well, friends have to have names,” Alex nudged the back of your shoulder. You squinted, looking between the red stuffed animal and Alex, your tongue poking between your lips. 

Names were a very big decision, and your Dino hadn’t told you his yet. You lifted the toy up, examining him carefully. 

“I not know,” You said, dropping your arms and squeezing him closer to your chest. Kelley and Alex both awed at how adorable you were. 

“You want some help?” 

You squinted at Alex for a second, before nodding slowly. “Yes please,” 

(Both women swallowed their praise for your good manners- they didn’t wanna cross a line as this was still a very new development). 

You passed the dinosaur to Kelley, who turned him over in her hands and carefully examined him before passing him to Alex who did the same.

“Well, do you know how dinosaurs say I love you?” Alex asked, passing your new friend back to you. 

“They say rawr,” You rawred at Alex, laughing when she rawred back and tickled your belly and Kelley joined in. 

“How about you name him Roary so every time you hug him, you’re reminded how much we love you,” Kelley suggested, blowing a zerbert into your neck. 

You giggled loudly. It was the perfect name for your new friend. It was also a reminder that your girlfriends would be with you through it all, even if you happened to be little…

#uswnt imagine #uswnt imagines #uswnt x reader #kellex imagine #kellex x reader #little!reader

[mycroftinthemindpalace]

Mal andddd any SOC character! (I'm still reading the book because I'm a slow bean lol, but dw about spoilers, I don't mind them, so happy to hear about whomever <3)

@hersilentlanguage Thank youuuuu! And I am so happy that you are reading SOC! I devoured the books when I was in school, then went back and read them with the rest of the books in the correct order before Shadow and Bone came out and I'm on SUCH a SOC kick right now (as my Tumblr probably shows lol.)

Anyway. This is a long one.

1) Mal

First impression: Edgy with mommy issues. I don't think I really liked her a ton the first time I watched the movies. She seemed a little too much like a Disney golden girl (even though she was evil). The prince falls for her, she defeats the dragon with love, and she gets all the limelight instead of her friends. It was fanfiction that really made me love Mal.

Impression now: Mal is one of my favorite characters entirely BECAUSE of the "edgy with mommy issues" stuff. She's fiercely loyal and strong but she's a marshmallow beneath it all who just wants to be safe and know that her friends are safe too. She's analytical and reads people well, and knows what to do and say to get what she wants, which isn't always a bad quality.

Favorite moment: I really liked her date with Ben (minus the love potion) because it's the first time she seems to enjoy herself without the pressure of the wand, so maybe for the first time in her life she just gets to be a teenager. She walks silly on the bridge, and teases Ben about the crowns on his swim trunks, and enjoys strawberries a little too much, and it's sweet to see.

Idea for a story: She is Carlos's first kiss. That's it, that's the whole story. #MarlosRights

Unpopular opinion: I don't know if this is unpopular or not, but I don't like dragon!Mal. I would rather see the Fae side of her explored.

Favorite relationship: Mal + Rotten 4. Mal was meant to be with all her people. They're good for her and she's good for them and that's just the way it is.

Favorite headcanon: Mal's father is NOT Hades, he's a mere human, and Mal had to grow up hearing all about how she's only half-Fae so she's super self-conscious about it and never received proper training or insight so doesn't understand that side of her very well.

2) SOC Character - Matthias

Okay, this is a weird choice, because every part of me wants to pick Kaz but this Matthias is the character who I have had the most dramatic turnaround while doing my re-read so I went with him instead.

First impression: I was not a Matthias fan first-read. He was just...boring? He seemed to only exist to give backstory about Ravka and Fjerda and the Grisha, and for Nina to have someone to banter with. I was just not impressed with him. Didn't dislike him, he just didn't leave much of an impression.

Impression now: Oh, Matthias, you sweet, honorable, loyal dolt. I will admit that watching Matthias in Shadow and Bone definitely helped me warm up to him, if for no reason other than the actor gives a damn adorable smile at one point in the series and my entire perception of the character changed. I just love watching him accept the Crows as his group and go from reluctantly being blackmailed and forced to help to willingly risking his life and worrying about theirs. It's really well done.

Favorite moment: "There is nothing sacred in your life." "You're wrong." (Which is technically more of a Kaz moment but Matthias is there and I love that whole scene).

Idea for a story: Matthias drops hints about his backstory, mentioning a family that was killed, as well as caring for his pregnant mother, and there's just a lot of exploring that could be done with that. I especially like the idea of his baby sister surviving the attack on his village, maybe even being Grisha herself, and turning up in Ketterdam. I just want Matthias to be loved! 

Unpopular opinion: I don't know if I have one! There's one scene that I would change how it played out and if I couldn't rewrite it entirely (see headcanon) then I would just change how cliche one specific aspect of it was. I know you said no spoilers, but it's kind of a big one so I don't want to say!

Favorite relationship: Okay, I realize that it's really difficult to find anything other than Nina/Matthias in this series since 90% of his interactions are with her, but I love the progression of Matthias and Kaz's dynamic. It was very subtle, but his use of "demjin" as an insult to a half-hearted tease by the end of the duology was really well done, the infamous "There is nothing sacred in your life" exchange that opened Kaz's eyes up to A LOT, and (possibly my favorite interaction) Matthias angrily performing chest compressions while complaining about how he should just let Kaz die. Their not-quite-friendship is *chef's kiss*.

Favorite headcanon: Not a headcanon, but I would rewrite a certain scene in Crooked Kingdom...

#ask game #hersilentlanguage #six of crows #grishaverse #matthias helvar #descendants #mal bertha

[saiilorstars]

The Girl in the Forest

Chapter 30: The Girl in the Forest

// Story Masterlist //

Pairings: Klaus Mikaelson x OFC

Pronunciation of OC’s name: Ma-leh-nee

Requested tag: @ocfairygodmother​ @anotherunreadblog​ @transformerfan97​ @stareyedplanet​ @perfectlystiles​

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Chapter Summary: The final battle between the Mikaelsons and Dahlia is here and not everybody will survive. Klaus and Maleny go to the extremes to save Hope and their son no matter what the cost is. Soon enough, Maleny even gets to face the worst of her past: lifting the curse she had to endure for over a thousand years. Will she finally be free to live with her family?

Klaus and Dahlia had relocated to a more secure place still near the bayou...where Dahlia would be performing the spell needed to link to Klaus. Before so, however, Klaus had forced her to de-link herself from Maleny as well, reminding Dahlia there was no point in having Maleny linked to herself when she would be casting the spell to break the slumber curse anyways. Fortunately, Dahlia had listened. With them was Hope sitting calmly in her car seat while Freya's unconscious body laid next to her. While she wasn't very happy with the new deal, Dahlia worked her best to get the spell finished.

"You're quiet," she remarked after Klaus gave a purposely loud sigh, "Are you having misgivings?"

"I was just looking for a polite way to ask, 'What the hell is taking so long?'"

Dahlia rolled her eyes and gestured to the table, "Well, we can begin now. Once we're linked, I'll no longer have to sleep a hundred years again. Your concerns for my status will ease, and I'll finally be able to focus on power that is truly owed to me."

"My son's—" Klaus said for her, darkly to serve as a reminder there was yet another part of the deal, "—whom you will only guide and draw the sufficient power you need from him."

Dahlia nodded with a smile, "Of course."

Klaus then glanced to the car, seeing his older sister still unconscious,, "What do you want to do about Freya?"

"She served her purpose," Dahlia carelessly waved a hand at the car. "So, tonight, at the moon's apex, I'll end her life, and once our link is severed, the bond that I share with your son will become one and stronger."

"Best get on with it, then," Klaus motioned, struggling to hide his discontent with the plan. He moved up to the table where Dahlia was awaiting for him with hands held out.

Dahlia then began to chant the spell to bind them together, "Medareno sometswar. Medareno sometswar."

As she chanted further, the pewter chalices Dahlia set up in front of her filled with blood. When it became full, it poured down to the table where it then traveled to the center of an infinity symbol. When the spell neared its end, the two spellers were blasted backwards from the table. Due to the commotion, Hope, alarmed, began to whimper. As Klaus went to check on her, Dahlia remained on the ground feeling the newfound power rushing through her body.

When the novelty passed, she began to laugh and got up, "With your strength, I will never need to sleep for a century again!"

"Well…" Klaus began, keeping his back to her as he slowly reached for something inside his jacket's pocket, "...perhaps one more nap."

Dahlia stood confused until Klaus turned around revealing he held the golden dagger. Realization dawning on her, she meant to telekinetically take the dagger from him but it was too late. Klaus daggered himself and just as the effects began to take him under, Dahlia felt the weakening come to her as well.

Both were out in less than a minute.

~ 0 ~

Back at the compound, Elijah was still listening to the exact plan Klaus had apparently formed without their opinions. In the meantime of doing so, he healed Maleny's bad neck with blood of his own.

"So, you see? You would have failed," Maleny finished off the story with a great big scold, "You would have failed and gotten yourselves killed."

"But to link himself to our enemy?" Elijah still could not understand why on Earth Klaus had thought that was a better plan, "She'll be virtually indestructible!"

"Not if he uses the dagger that was used on him," Maleny smirked when Elijah stayed quiet, "He uses the dagger on himself, Dahlia goes down with him in the meantime we collect the right ingredients for the final battle. You see, Elijah? Family works better together."

Elijah could not hide his monument shock. He glanced at Cami - who'd remained by the threshold of the living room - as if to ask for some sort of confirmation.

"They came up with it together," Cami said quietly, holding back her bitter tongue for the sake of the situation. "The perfect team, don't you think?"

Maleny slowly looked between the two, feeling awkward fairly fast.

~ 0 ~

"She'll be fine," Amarrah kept telling Marcel as they both waited for Rebekah to wake up in her original body.

It had been quite some time since Cami had snapped her neck and seeing Rebekah still not waking up put Marcel on edge.

"I can't believe Klaus forced her into this!" Marcel paced back and forth, actively ignoring the French witch, "Who does this!?"

"Um, we are talking about the sister who agreed to dagger her brother when his daughter's life was stake...right?" Amarrah sarcastically asked, upholding the glare Marcel now had on him, "Don't give me that look. She's no better than he is. But no matter what she's not going to die. We looked into the spell and she's going to wake up."

And just then, they heard a noise coming from Rebekah's coffin. After a couple of seconds, the blonde vampire opened up the lid and looked around anxiously.

"See?" Amarrah then gestured to the living woman, but Marcel ignored her to go hug Rebekah.

"Fair warning- since you're still compelled to kill me, you've got a whole new fight on your hands," Rebekah told Marcel as she was put to the floor.

"Well, technically not anymore," Marcel threw a look at Amarrah, apparently doubting her word still.

"How do you mean?" Rebekah questioned the French witch, curiously looking between the two.

"It's what I told you," Cami walked into the room then, grimly looking around the place, "Klaus daggered himself, thus cancelling out any compulsion he had on anyone."

"One bloody good thing he did, then," Rebekah muttered and straightened up, clearing her throat, "So, am I to assume you undaggered my other brother downstairs?"

Cami rolled her eyes and looked to the side, "He's fine," came her mutter. "He's downstairs with Mal."

"Excellent, I'd like a word with her," Rebekah started making way out of the room when she heard her cellphone ringing from Eva's body lying on the couch. With a sigh, as nothing good could come out of that call, she returned to answer it.

~ 0 ~

"I don't understand why they're not picking up," Maleny sighed after hanging up the tenth call she'd made to Alton that night.

"Perhaps Niklaus has unexpectedly taken them out as well," Elijah bitterly remarked as he also hung up on an unanswered call to Hayley.

"Elijah, I know you're angry—" Maleny began but Elijah lost his temper and furiously bellowed.

"I AM BEYOND ANGRY WITH YOU BOTH!"

Maleny flinched but this time she didn't stay as quiet as she typically did. "DON'T SHOUT AT ME FOR SOMETHING YOU ALL DESERVED!"

"We deserved?" Elijah indignantly repeated, "Have you lost your mind—"

"YES!" Maleny screamed, now furious herself, "Because unlike you I am fighting for Hope and my son if you've forgotten! You can call me whatever you want but, just like you, I would do anything to get my son back. Hayley ran away from this family and you didn't even try to stop her because you firmly believed she was doing what was best for Hope!"

"It was the best decision to make—"

"THAT WAS NOT YOUR CALL TO MAKE!" Maleny had gotten close to his face when she shouted. Elijah blinked, her ferocity surprising him due to the fact she'd never expressed the emotion like that before. "It was a sole decision to be made by both Hayley and Klaus." Maleny continued, taking a step back. "We had a better, permanent way to keep Hope safe. Fault us for that, I don't give a damn what anyone thinks. All I know is that by the end of the day that little girl and my son will be free of Dahlia's wrath."

"Am I to assume that you know about this little switcharoo judging by your unsurprised face?" Rebekah strode into the room, not even going to address all the screams she had just listened to.

"Sorry," Maleny bitterly sighed, "but it was necessary."

"Sure," it was Rebekah's turn to sigh in bitterness, "Now, I just got a call from Freya. Dahlia is... incapacitated. They are two hours north at an orchard near Pale River. She has Hope."

"Told you," Maleny shot at Elijah then gestured for him to get going. For the first time in the entire night, Elijah agreed with her and vamp-sped away.

~ 0 ~

Freya was trying to handle a fussy Hope in her arms while waiting for someone to come and pick them up. She had no idea how she'd gotten there in the first place, and much less how Dahlia and Klaus became neutralized on the ground. She was more than relieved when Elijah appeared out of nowhere.

"Well," she sighed, "my adage holds- nothing good ever happens in a clearing in the woods."

"Nothing good ever happens where my brother is concerned," Elijah glanced at the two bodies on the ground. However, when he saw Hope perfectly safe his demeanor lightened, "With one exception. How is she?"

Freya smiled lightly, "She's a Mikaelson. She's resilient. When I woke, they were like this," she nodded over to the bodies, "Rebekah tells me Klaus has a plan to kill Dahlia, that he knew our plan would not work?"

"Yes, according to him and Maleny, our ingredients were incorrect. Niklaus infiltrated Dahlia's mind. You didn't break her heart. We needed the blood of the witch she loved the most, and you are not that witch—that honor goes to our beloved mother."

Although stunned, Freya was more frustrated than anything, "So, we need Esther's blood? Well, that's impossible—I killed her."

"One incarnation," Elijah said as if it weren't a problem, and truly it wasn't. Because at the same moment a certain new Regent witch was creating a resurrection spell. "

~ 0 ~

"Still nothing," Cami told Maleny once she hung up on a call towards Yamilet. The two blondes stood just outside the compound, still trying to get ahold of their two missing wolf friends.

"This is getting serious," Maleny bit her nail anxiously, "Alton doesn't answer, Yamilet doesn't answer, not even Hayley answers."

"Do you think it's a wolf thing?" Cami asked nervously, "Maybe something happened to them, and…"

"Nothing was supposed to happen," Maleny dropped her hand to her side, "I mean, I knew Klaus was angry and he was probably gonna hurt some of them, but not Hayley. We didn't really have anything planned except steal Hope."

"Yeah, you guys didn't, but what about Dhalia?" Cami arched an eyebrow, making Maleny stop and think for a moment.

Shakily exhaling, Maleny turned for the compound, "We need Amarrah to do a locator spell on Alton and Yamilet." However, she only made to the threshold when she glanced back and saw Cami staying right where she was. "Cami? C'mon. We have to get going."

Cami's eyes drifted to the second level and shook her head, "No, Mal. Elijah's back in there and he's pretty angry. I mean, I don't care, I'm still angry with him. But I don't want to see him. You've got a job for me tell me and I'll do it from my place or Amarrah's."

Maleny stared at her cousin for a minute before nodding, "Okay, I get it. It's awkward as hell. I'll tell Amarrah to meet you at her place so you guys can do the spell."

"Thanks," Cami warmly smiled and gave her cousin a hug before leaving.

Once gone, Maleny went on inside the compound, told Amarrah what to do then hurried up to the living room where Elijah had brought in Klaus and Dahlia. The two laid on the floor still neutralized.

"Nik is demented!" Rebekah was busy shouting, "Are we really to dig up our mother, burn her to ash, swap said ash with Kol's, and then trick Davina into using up her last chance to bring someone back from the dead? Not to mention we lose the opportunity to save Kol... if Davina doesn't turn us inside out!"

"Or, we dig a deep hole and leave both our problems at the bottom of it," Elijah muttered but was perfectly heard by Maleny.

"I say we choose a more permanent option: find the white oak stake, kill Klaus, Dahlia dies with him," Freya added afterwards.

"You're all terrible people," Maleny declared as she made an entrance, ignoring their looks, "Luckily, I'm well used to it."

"Mal, you can't just tell us you're okay with what we apparently need to do," Rebekah, exasperated, turned to the blonde.

"Of course I'm not okay with it. It's what must be done," Maleny crossed her arms, "Now you may hate Klaus more than ever but he did what none of you could: put Dahlia down. Now the plan relies on us to make sure she stays down permanently." She sighed and moved closer to where Klaus was, "I was supposed to go down with him and Dahlia, but I guess he managed to get Dahlia to de-link herself from me. I will not fail him, and like I told you Elijah, I will do anything for my son and Hope. Question is, will you help us or not?"

Before anyone could respond, they heard an odd noise and were appalled to see the dagger still embedded in Klaus' chest was beginning to melt.

"Oh!" Maleny jumped back, "It's...melting?"

Elijah deeply sighed, unsurprised something like that was happening, "I suppose we have no choice but to finish the task that Niklaus has set."

The others exchanged looks amongst each other while Maleny slowly inched back to Klaus, frantically watching the dagger continuing to melt.

~ 0 ~

Now in Amarrah's place, she and Cami worked on the locator spell for Alton and Yamilet. However, Cami could easily see the spell was not working with each irritated grunt Amarrah gave after chanting her spell over and over.

"What is it?" Cami sighed, preparing herself for the bad news.

"You remember the one time when I tried looking for Mal but couldn't because she'd already been forced to body jump?" Amarrah stared at the map that refused to give a location.

"Yeah," Cami slowly nodded, "What? Did Alton and Yamilet jump bodies or something?"

"Either that, or…" Amarrah looked up from the map with a heavy sigh, "...their bodies are no more."

"What...what exactly does that mean?" Cami inquired then, biting her lip anxiously.

"I don't know what happened but I know they're not quite themselves," Amarrah placed both her hands on the table and stared down at the map again, "Something happened in the bayou last night that has something to do with their bodies. And, since Hayley is also M.I.A. I'm willing to guess it's an entire wolf pack that's in the same predicament."

~ 0 ~

Davina overlooked her work with pleasure as she now knew she was mere minutes away from bringing Kol back from the dead. With the power of the Regent she had prepared every last detail of the spell and now proudly held the glass jar of Kol's ashes.

"It's gonna be weird," she began curiously, "seeing you with your original face." She walked to the end of a stone coffin that was to be used in the spell and was about to pour the ashes in when Maleny came in.

"He was the right devil, that Kol," she called and laughed when Davina looked at her heavily surprised by her appearance. "Yeah, I'm back, and this time I intend on staying here," she patted herself.

"I would have helped," Davina began guiltily and rushed out to meet the blonde, but Maleny raised a hand to stop her, "I was busy becoming Regent and-"

"It's fine, Davina," the blonde assured, "In the end, Klaus had Dahlia return me to my original body."

Davina made a face and muttered, "Well, I suppose he had to be useful for something."

Maleny only slightly gave a chuckle, as there was something important that needed to be done. "Davina, I know how much you want to bring Kol back but I need you to do something for me."

Davina suspected there was going to come something she didn't like, "What…?"

"There is only one witch strong enough to stop Dahlia, and that i, unfortunately, Esther. I need you to use your power as Regent to bring her back."

Davina's eyes widened in horror and immediately stepped back, "No! I only get one shot at this- I'm using it to bring back Kol."

"Davina I wouldn't be asking you this if there was another way, okay?" Maleny sighed, "We can get Kol back another way but-"

"No!" Davina repeated herself, more sternly, "I love you Mal, and yeah I've done things that hurt you but I will not do this for you. It's my chance and I'm not wasting it."

"Davina, I'm begging you—"

"NO!" Davina shouted, without thinking using her magic to blast Maleny back. As the blonde groaned on the ground, Davina had a momentary guilt flash in her eyes. "Mal, I'm…" but she sighed and shook her head, "...I'm not doing it. I'm sorry."

Maleny lifted her head off the ground, grimly staring at the teen across her.

~ 0 ~

Freya worked her best to slow down the melting dagger, or to stop it altogether. However, there were no good results. "It's no use- I can't slow her magic," she groaned, "Everything I'm trying fails."

Marcel could easily see she was right. Suddenly, they heard a soft whisper and a creak, and as the two looked around they saw vines covered in black dahlias were growing inside the room.

"There's gotta be a way to kill her," Marcel breathed in, horrified to see such power even when Dahlia was meant to be unconscious.

Freya took out the white oak stake she'd found in the room earlier and held it up, "There is," she regretted to announce.

"No, Freya!" Marcel lunged to get the stake away from her but Freya used her power to pin him to the wall.

Freya turned back for Klaus and Dahlia, almost trembling as she grew closer. She saw the dagger was almost completely melted and felt like it was her obligation to stop things once and for all.

"Freya, we can find another way!" Marcel frantically pleaded with her, still trying to break free from her spell.

"I'm sorry, but I see no other way," Freya was almost in tears as she knelt down beside Klaus.

"No! No! No! You kill him, you kill me, too!"

Freya sniffled and sniffled, until she was almost hysterical, "I don't want to kill you! I don't want to kill him!" but even though her sight was becoming blurry she could see the dagger was almost gone. "This is the family I longed for, but because of her-" she angrily gritted her teeth as she cast a look over to Dahlia, "-I'll forever be alone," she raised the stake up, and was about to push it down when she felt Klaus suddenly grip her wrist.

The gold dagger had completely melted and thus released him from its effects. He had managed to hear Freya's touching words and no longer looked at her with hatred.

However, there wasn't much time to contemplate on the moment when Dahlia gasped awake. She jerked upright, furious of what had been done to her.

~ 0 ~

From the threshold, Maleny silently watched Davina perform the resurrection spell to bring 'Kol' back. She didn't dare move nor say a word, for she knew there would be tension afterwards. And this time, it would be her fault.

Davina anxiously watched two hands grip the edges of the stone coffin, presumably Kol. However, when Davina stared harder, she noticed the hands were more feminine and when Esther Mikaelson rose up, she became enraged.

"Who the hell are you!?" she demanded.

But this time Esther was quite innocent, she didn't even know why she was alive again...and in her old body!

It didn't take long before Davina put the pieces together. "MALENY!" she yelled and whirled to the blonde who'd now gotten up, "You did this!?" the indignation in her tone was more evident than was her anger. "Mal…" her voice broke, "...how could you?"

"Just like you've done many times before," Maleny answered quietly, walking over to grab a decent blanket for Esther to take. "Because I felt it needed to be done. Elijah?"

"What-" Davina barely got the word out when Elijah super sped inside holding dark chain cuffs. The tears welled down Davina's face, her fury combined with despondence, "That was my only chance!" she cried, gesturing to Esther, "That was Kol's only chance!"

"Davina, I told you we can find another way-" Maleny tried to get through to the teen, but it was of no use.

"I HATE YOU!" Davina blurted towards the blonde, and while the statement meant nothing to Elijah, nor Esther, it immensely weighed on Maleny.

Maleny did not try to defend herself, nor plead for her forgiveness. She accepted her fault with her head held up high, but with her eyes full of tears.

Rebekah then sped into the room, yanking Davina away from her brother and friend, "I'm so sorry, love. I promise, we'll get Kol back - just not today," she told the teen before putting her under a sleeper-hold. While she did that, Elijah sped to Esther and cuffed her wrists to cancel out her magic.

"Careful with her," Maleny cautioned Rebekah once Davina had fallen unconscious. "She might despise me, but I don't want her getting hurt."

"That's the cost of getting your son back," Rebekah threw her words back, something Maleny expected.

"I know," Maleny nodded, "And when I hold my Nicolas again it will all be worth it."

She truly believed so.

~ 0 ~

Freya and Marcel helped Klaus stand and stepped away from Dahlia who was rising on her own. She was furious and looked as if she were ready to kill them all right there and then.

"I'm almost impressed by the lengths you'd go to for your little girl," she told Klaus, "Though you may have just cost your little blonde her own son...and you," she added afterwards with a smirk just as she ripped the white oak stake from Freya's free hand.

"We are still linked, dear aunt. You may not want to punish me with that particular weapon," Klaus reminded, though inside he was anxious as he knew he wasn't quite up to his strength to fight against her.

"Hmm, I made sure that the link between us melted along with that dagger," Dhalia stepped back, "Meaning... I'm quite free to kill you!" she used her magic to force him to come to her in order to be staked.

Marcel lunged for the hybrid and tackled him to the floor to keep him from reaching Dahlia. Dahlia used the distraction to make her escape. Hope's sudden crying made the two vampires speed into the nursery room where Dahlia's vines had nearly covered the entire room. They wrapped themselves around Hope's cradle and moved towards the infant and pricked her finger with a thorn, drawing out blood.

Klaus snatched Hope from her crib and backed away. Marcel watched the vines soon disappear as if nothing had ever been there in the first place. "Why'd she do all this? She doesn't need Hope anymore."

"She got what she wanted from the very start - to break the slumber spell and acquire a fresh new magic supply," Klaus sighed, "Unfortunately, I have no idea where the vile harpy has fled to."

Marcel shook his head, "Alright, go. Get Hope someplace safe. I'll track down your witch. And, when this is over, you and I are gonna settle up."

Klaus took his warning with a sense of amusement, "Provided we survive what's to come tonight, I look forward to it."

After several minutes, Klaus realized Dahlia had taken Freya with her as well. Carrying Hope with him, he entered the courtyard. At the same time, Amarrah and Cami strode into the place.

"Good, you're up," Amarrah called sarcastically, "you wanna tell us what the hell happened to Alton and Yamilet? We can't seem to reach them nor find them."

Klaus looked around for a moment, figuring now was as good as a time to let them all know what really happened to the wolves in the bayou. As if time was agreeing with him, Maleny came in.

"So, um," the blonde began, still carrying teary eyes, "Davina hates me. Oh! And your mother's back," she ran her hands through her hair, "Win, win, I guess…"

Cami looked between her and Klaus, suspiciously, "Go one by one, tell us what happened to the wolves and what did you do to Davina?"

"The wolves?" Maleny blinked, "What's happened with them?"

Dramatically, Klaus sighed and just came out with it, "Dahlia acquired a memory from Maleny and put Hayley and the rest of her pack under the Crescent curse once again."

"And because Alton and Yamilet were at the Unification ceremony they were cursed too…" Amarrah was horrified, her hand covering her mouth, "Oh my God!"

Even Maleny was distraught by the news, "What? That...that wasn't part of the plan. She...she wasn't...she wasn't supposed to do that!" she began to pace back and forth, but stopped when an even bigger realization hit her, "Yamilet was the only one who knew where my old corpse was! Oh my God! My curse!"

"Mal! Mal, stop!" Cami forced Maleny to stop her pacing by grabbing her shoulders. "Mal, we got that covered."

"How?"

"Yamilet told us that Esther and Finn kept your old corpse at the graveyard. We know where it is."

Maleny's face lightened up immensely and gasped, "So, my...my curse, it's…" her hand flapped excitedly as she began to realize what it meant, "...I can break my curse! Oh! I can break my curse!" in her excitement, she pushed Cami to the side, the blonde vampire merely blinking with surprise because of it. Maleny went up to Klaus who was already smiling, "Do you hear that? I get to break my curse - finally!"

"There had to be some kind of happiness in the midst of all this," he touched her face, "Which is why I want you, Cami and Amarrah to get started on that."

Maleny's smile faded a little and she shook her head, "What? No, I can't. We have to find Dahlia, because I assume since you've woken up and you're kind of clutching Hope, that she's up and escaped."

Klaus took a shaky breath, disliking his words as they came out of his mouth, "I might not be here for tomorrow but if I leave I will know that you broke your curse and that you will keep fighting for Nicolas," he gently passed Hope to her, "and for Hope."

"I swear to God if you keep talking like that I'll kill you," she sniffed, "And when you come back I'll kill you again."

As always, Klaus just chuckled at her antics, "Go and break that curse. Cami and Amarrah will be there, and please look after Hope."

"She'll be fine," Cami said in the end, "They'll both be," she added with a small smile,

Klaus nodded, for once able to believe easily in another person. He kissed Hope's head then Maleny's cheek, giving them both one last smile before speeding out of the compound. For a minute, all was silent in the place and neither Amarrah nor Cami spoke a word for fear of what Maleny would do. In the end, Maleny growled in frustration and sniffled.

"We should, um...we should get started," Amarrah whispered, "The spell's old and I'll need to channel my entire coven back home."

"Fine," Maleny nodded for them to get a start. As the two women walked for the stairs, Maleny sniffed in and pressed a kiss to Hope's head, "It's going to be okay, my Hope. It's got to be."

~ 0 ~

Klaus was delighted to see his mother shackled and forced to sit on a chair, while Elijah stood behind at a table full of several knives. They had relocated the Original witch to the jazz club where they would then prepare for the final battle with Dahlia.

"Let me guess," sighed Esther as she looked around her two sons, "you brought me back from the dead to torture me."

Behind her Elijah rolled his eyes, "My dear mother, we simply need your blood. Though, in the event that you should suffer horribly, I can't promise I won't enjoy it immensely."

"And I've arrived just in time for another one of your deaths," Klaus grinned wickedly, "and as much as I appreciate the front-row seat, I'm afraid I'm going to have to postpone the festivities."

"You're in excellent spirits," Elijah muttered, "Despite the losses we suffered - by the way," he raised a glance at him suspiciously, "Care to explain to us where is Hayley?"

"Well, Dahlia pulled an unexpected stunt and cursed her to the Crescent's curse."

It took a minute for that to process through Elijah's mind, and then he shouted, "WHAT!? And you let it happen!?"

"There wasn't much to do in the moment!" Klaus yelled back, though much lower than Elijah. He expected the reaction, "I'm no bloody witch! I had everything calculated but Dahlia pulled the memory from Maleny and kept it to herself!"

"And what are we to do then, hm? Just leave Hayley out there in the bayou? Cursed to the body of a beast?"

"Of course we will bring her back, but right now I'm more interested in killing Dahlia," Klaus pulled out a silver knife from his jacket's pocket and glanced at his mother, "I need her blood on this blade which I've had bound with the soil from Dahlia's homeland, not to mention Viking ash. Mother's demise will have to wait. You see, I need her to weaken Dahlia's defenses. Bit of psychological warfare before I slaughter the both of you."

Esther rolled her eyes, "Ah, yes. You expect me to walk willingly to my death."

"Well, your willing participation would have been a bonus, but it's far from necessary. If needs be, I'll drag you there myself."

At that moment, Rebekah walked into the place, "Yes, dear Mother, you do not have a choice. Then again, why should you be any different from the rest of us? We're all dancing puppets in Nik's end-of-days marionette show. He forces every move we make."

"And how long are you gonna stand there and pretend you don't need me to?" Klaus snapped at her, fed up with being blamed for something he believed they'd earned, "The both of you have fought me at every turn, leaving me no choice but to act alone! We're no strangers to disagreements on the battlefield, but we also have a very long history of doing whatever it takes to win the war."

"And that includes leaving Hayley on her own?" Elijah asked, instigating Rebekah's attention.

"What of Hayley?" she looked between her two brothers.

"It appears our brother allowed Dahlia to place the Crescent curse on Hayley and her pack," Elijah gestured to Klaus, making Rebekah's eyes widened in horror.

"What!?"

"I didn't plan it!" Klaus defended himself, "It happened!"

"Oh don't bother, Nik," Rebekah shook her head, "This was all just a great big punishment."

"Punishment?" Klaus then feigned thought, "Whatever for? Perhaps the dagger you put in my heart?"

"You brought that upon yourself!" Elijah declared.

"As you have with your own pain," Klaus responded back in the same exasperation he was being treated with. "I did what I did for my children, and I bargained the hell out of it for Maleny. Unlike you, I am willing to do whatever it takes to protect them. Tell me, how is Cami?" he sarcastically, yet more angrily than ever, inquired, "Last time I heard you fought against her and snapped her neck. And for what? Oh yes, to dagger me. You chose family over the woman you love," seeing Elijah's stunned expression of the revelation Klaus was pretty sure he hadn't yet made was all the more satisfying, "How big of you, I'll say. And how costly it was. I would have worked alongside her, and…" he lightly chuckled to himself, "...I did. I worked together with Maleny, and look where it got us to? Perhaps this time, brother, you should have followed my actions."

With that, Klaus grabbed Esther by the shackles and made his way out the door, leaving Elijah to ponder on his recent choices.

~ 0 ~

Under a dark starry night Maleny clutched Hope - who was bundled up for the weather - as she and Amarrah watched Cami hurriedly digging up the grave where Maleny's previous corpse was stored.

"Where are we going to do this?" Cami asked once her shovel hit the coffin.

"In the Dawson crypt," Amarrah responded and rubbed Maleny's arm when the blonde witch gave an uncomfortable shift. "It's the safest place."

"How's that for irony?" Maleny mumbled under her breath.

When Cami had retrieved the corpse - which was still in perfect condition thanks to the spells cast over it - the three women relocated to the Dawson crypt. As Cami put down the corpse on a wooden table, Maleny couldn't bring herself to step inside the place. Amarrah came up beside her and smiled softly at her. "I know it's hard, but remember they're all gone now."

"Kids are here," Maleny whispered.

"With no memories," reminded Cami. "Now c'mon, we have a spell to get started on."

Maleny sucked in a breath and took one small step inside, feeling like all the ancestors of the Dawsons were watching her like hawks. She knew after her latest stunt against the new Regent she was less than welcomed at the graveyard. It wouldn't be long before they started going against her.

Amarrah had set a spell book on a nearby the corpse and was already beginning the preparations of the spell. Cami walked towards the entrance to check their perimeters in the meantime.

"How long is it going to take?" Maleny asked, slowly coming forwards.

"About an hour?" Amarrah estimated after skimming the entire spell again.

"How ever long it takes-" Cami returned from her checking, "-we have to be prepared for what might be coming."

"What do you mean?" Amarrah looked at her.

"Look, Klaus made it pretty clear Dahlia could win-"

"She won't," Maleny interrupted with a deep scowl, but Cami continued.

"If she does, we're going to need to run. I say we wait until midnight and if we see...things didn't go our way...we get the hell out of here. With Hope," Cami nodded to the languid toddler in Maleny's arms.

"We can't go anywhere. First of all, Nicolas knows he has to come here," Maleny reminded, "And second of all, Dahlia isn't going to win."

"We don't know that for sure," Cami insisted. "And if it does happen, then we can find a way to contact Nicolas. But we have to go by midnight. Think about Hope."

Maleny knew Cami's back up plan was logical and that it would be better for Hope if they weren't in the same city as Dahlia should she manage to stay alive. Klaus would want his daughter far, far away from the war zone - he proved it once by sending her away.

"Mal," Cami sighed, now speaking to her as what they had always been - cousins - and not as the logical vampire in the room, "it's for everyone's safety."

Maleny looked down at Hope he had rested her head on Maleny's shoulder, apparently becoming sleepy. "Yeah," she whispered. "It is."

"So then it's agreed," Cami shifted her attention to Amarrah, "How are we doing?"

"Good," Amarrah took in a deep breath after looking up from the spell book. "I can feel my coven's connection growing stronger. I think they're ready to start."

"So what do I need to do, then?" Maleny inched closer to the table after handing Hope to Cami.

"Well, it's simple in that I only need to repeat like three sentences..." Amarrah's widened smile made Maleny's stomach churn. She came to learn what that smile usually meant.

"Buuuuut...it might hurt a little..." Amarrah's face told Maleny it would hurt a lot instead.

"What's gonna happen?" Maleny dreaded to ask.

"I'm sorry," Amarrah began like this was her fault. "It's just you share a strong connection with the Dawson bloodline because of your repeated sacrifices. So to break the connection...a thousand-year connection...well, how many lives have you had?"

Maleny's eyes widened in horror. "Oh my God..."

"Just...get ready to scream," Amarrah sighed.

"What choice do I have?" Maleny whispered to herself as she watched Amarrah turn to face the corpse again.

"Come here," Amarrah gestured for the blonde to extend her hand forwards. "I need your blood to fall on the corpse. The connection will break as soon as it all turns to ash."

"Here goes nothing," Maleny turned her palm and allowed Amarrah to draw a knife from her bag she brought along.

Amarrah gently cut across the palm and moved Maleny's hand over the corpse and allowed the blood to trickle down. Afterwards, she repeated the same with Maleny's other hand. She chanted louder, and more aggressively, as if there was power going against her. Her voice then began overlapping with others', thus letting Maleny know the French coven had joined in the on the spell.

And then Maleny felt the most vicious pain start at the side of her head. With shaking hands she brought them to her head and released her agonizing scream that pierced both Amarrah's and Cami's ears. Even poor Hope had begun to cry. Amarrah kept her eyes screwed shut and focused her entire energy on chanting the spell. Cami had sped to the entrance where the screams were a tad less - for Hope's sake - and watched Maleny crumple to her knees on the ground.

~ 0 ~

Dahlia had taken Freya to a warehouse full of antique cars, but otherwise empty of witnesses - not that the older witch cared who saw. She intended on killing Freya there and then, moving onto the younger Mikaelsons afterwards. She had locked Freya in salt circle and for a minute choked her with magic. It didn't last long before the others found her whereabouts and prevented her from harming Freya longer.

"Bringing vampires to a witch fight. Someone hasn't learned their lesson," Dahlia, amused, look at the two siblings.

"Well, I can be a bit thick sometimes…" Klaus swayed his hard, sarcastically looking around just as he heard Elijah bringing in Esther by the shackles. "Although, on this occasion, I'd say I took your lesson to heart."

Dahlia was visibly stunned to see her younger sister there, alive, and shackled. However, it soon passed and she laughed, "My sister... in chains? Hahaha! Is... is she to be a gift to buy your freedom? Because I brought something," and she pulled out the white oak stake she'd snatched from Freya earlier.

The sight of the stake, while nerve-wrecking, provoked incredulity in the siblings. "One stake, three of us?" Klaus asked, "Even if you don't hesitate, the other two will rip you in half."

"Sound thinking. But... small thinking," Dahlia telekinetically threw the stake up into the air and caused it to break into millions of tiny pieces, almost like snowflakes, that sprinkled over the entire room. She then directed them to the three Originals, giving them no choice but to breath the pieces in.

Dahlia ignored the pleads and addressed Esther, gleefully, "Now, sister, let us watch together as I burn your children from the inside out."

Esther stared at her dying children for a minute before heading for Dahlia, "You still carry around so much anger for me after all these years?"

"You broke your vow!" Dahlia snarled, "We were to stand together, always and forever, and you left to marry that brutish Viking imbecile. You ended my family, and they were the result." She used her powers to blast the three Originals backward, and caused their veins to grow redder with the white oak, along with their skin.

"You call this my wrongdoing?" Esther shouted, "You made me bargain away my firstborn child! My daughter!"

"Not just this firstborn, but every firstborn!" Dahlia clarified for future references, as there were still two bearers that would be left after she was done with the people in front of her. "And even then, you found a way to deny me that which you had sworn to be mine! How do you think that felt?"

Klaus had tried to lunge towards the witch with the blade that was sure to work, but was easily thrown back alongside his siblings.

Dahlia smiled at Esther, "Now, Esther, say goodbye to the last of your children." She returned to her torturing and forced Freya into the choke-hold. Before she could finally kill the blonde witch, Esther called to her.

"Sister, wait! Wait!" she managed to get Dahlia to hold off the killing, but not to let go of Freya, " You've won, Dahlia. You have everything you ever wanted, including the firstborn of new generations! You have bested us all. At least let me try to make amends," she walked closer to her sister, coming face-to-face, "Let me share with you the glorious freedom that I have found... in death."

Without warning, she lunged for Dahlia and entangled her with the shackles around her neck, forcing Dahlia to release Freya as she fought. Once free, Freya broke the imprisoning circle around her and used magic to free the air of the white oak stake and cure her siblings. Although the three coughed up blood and dust for a minute or two, they felt their strength quickly returning to them.

Esther knew she wouldn't be able to hold Dahlia forever, and so she called out, "Elijah?" desperately, she glanced back at the others, nodding for them to do what they must for things to be over.

Elijah picked up the blade from the floor and tossed it to Klaus who wasted no time in speeding to the two women and stabbing Esther through the back, making it go through Dahlia's heart in the process. The term 'killing two birds with one stone' never had such a meaning until that moment.

~ 0 ~

"Aaaaaand…" Amarrah carefully poured the last of the corpse's ashes into a glass jar, "...here we go," she finished with one great, big smile and placed the lid over the jar just as Cami walked into the crypt with Hope in arms.

"I put Maleny in the car - but she's really out like a light," she briefly explained and eyed the ornamented jar.

"She'll be out for hours," Amarrah closed the spell book and dumped it into her bag. "A thousand years to break free from? I admire her strength."

Cami gave an agreeing smile. "So is that it, then?" she nodded to the jar.

"Yup," Amarrah picked up the jar. Maleny's freedom had been like an hourglass with its trickling sand falling down. The last bit of sand was the last bit of ash that proclaimed Maleny's freedom for the rest of her life. "Maleny has finally broken her curse. She's free."

"Finally," Cami chuckled out of pure happiness for her 'cousin'.

Amarrah grabbed her purse and turned to her. "I think we should get back to the compound. If we do need to run we're going to need things from there."

Cami agreed with a nod of her head. "You're right. We should go."

Arriving at the compound they were pretty disappointed to find it completely empty. Cami brought Maleny up to her bedroom while Amarrah went to put Hope down for a nap in the meantime they collected some of the important things they would need for the run. However, Cami had finished quick and found Amarrah still trying to get Hope to sleep.

"I think she needs Hayley," Amarrah sighed as Hope continued to fuss in her crib. "Don't you worry Hope, I'm going to get that curse reversed, you'll see."

"Can you actually reverse the Crescent curse?" Cami had to ask Amarrah. "The witch who originally cast it was a powerful one, and she's long gone."

Amarrah sighed. "It's not going to be easy, but I'm not gonna give up. I'll go back to France if I have to, but this spell will not take our friends away from us. And speaking of, I think if we do have to leave, then we should go to France. It's far, Dahlia has no idea who I am no where I come from so it'll be long before she finds us."

Cami nodded in agreement, but seemed discontent. "I can't believe I might actually have to run from this place…" she chuckled bitterly, "After everything, this is still my home. I was born here - I died here."

"I would've thought after everything you would be happy to get the hell out of the Quarter," Amarrah admitted, "Dying here because of an old vampire family," she began counting off with her fingers, "Fighting for your basic survival every day, getting your heart broken by the man you love-"

Cami's eyes widened and immediately cut Amarrah off, "I don't - I don't love anyone!"

Amarrah gave her a pointed a look, almost scolding her for wasting time in denying. "Cami, it's okay. He's not here, you can be honest."

"I don't," Cami insisted, huffing as she crossed her arms.

"I'm not gonna do this," Amarrah warned the blonde, "One does not simply fight a thousand old witch for a guy she just met," she laughed.

"I was doing it for Mal!"

"Yeah, and Elijah because you didn't want anything to happen to him. And you wouldn't be this hurt because of what he did to you, snapping your neck and all."

Cami rolled her eyes, heavily tired of having to repeat, "I'm not angry because he snapped my neck! No one gets it!"

"Point and case," Amarrah gestured and laughed again, much to Cami's annoyance.

~ 0 ~

When the Mikaelsons began to return to the compound, Cami and Amarrah were long finished with their "emergency packing" so they were partially irritated to know they would have to unpack.

"Your fault for not having faith us," Rebekah playfully told them both.

Meanwhile, Klaus was scoping the nearby areas for the missing blonde in the room. Seeing his frantic movements, Amarrah called to him. "She's unconscious, but in her room."

"Is she...?" he turned around.

"Free from a thousand-year curse? Oh yeah," Amarrah smirked. "That's one point for the French witch," she raised a finger. "The ashes of the corpse are in the jar—" she pointed towards said jar that sat on the coffee table, "—there. I don't know if Maleny wanted to do something special with them."

Klaus didn't bother remarking and instead hurried out of the room. To his luck, Maleny had began to stir awake on her bed. She had just taken a breath in to open her eyes when he came in.

"Mal," he went directly for her like she was still in danger.

Maleny was a bit disoriented from her long 'sleep' so it took her a moment to register where she was and who was currently holding her. "We...won?" she languidly blinked.

"Yes," Klaus couldn't help smile at her. He helped her sit up a bit but let her rest against his chest. "I heard you had a winning too..."

"Did I?" she raised her eyebrows as she tried remembering just what had happened earlier. Her head was a bit groggy from the massive pain but she was sure that somewhere along that pain she must have beat the curse. "Yeah...I think I did..."

"Yes you did," Klaus set a kiss on her hair and held her just a bit closer, "Amarrah put the ashes into a jar if, uh, wanted to place them somewhere special..."

Maleny thought about it for a moment but frowned when nowhere 'special' came to mind. "I don't...know. I'd like for it to be meaningful."

But while she pondered more, Klaus had already come up with an idea of his own. "Mystic Falls." Maleny looked up at him, confused etched across her face. "Mystic Falls is where we were born...where we practically died..."

"I...like it," Maleny gave a small nod, still half considering it in her mind. "Definitely meaningful..."

"And, we could take advantage to visit so that you could finally get the connection you wanted with your mother, remember?"

Of course Maleny remembered. It now meant even more because she was, once again, a witch. No more linked to anyone meant her powers were free, albeit limited, but they were hers. "Yes," she finally agreed completely. "Let's bury them there. When can we go?"

"Any day you want, just tell me."

"Okay," Maleny smiled to herself. "Now tell me what happened with Dahlia."

"Gone forever," Klaus answered, like a promise. "Along with Esther which just makes it even more better."

Maleny chuckled. "The more people who die, the better right?"

"If they're enemies then of course."

Maleny laughed again.

~ 0 ~

At Rousseau's, Cami had taken to cleaning out the place since she had let her job slowly go down the drain. She knew it would be only a matter of time before the place went under new management and the job she had would be terminated. While cleaning out a table, she was unexpectedly visited by her friend, Gia, whom she hadn't seen in quite a while.

"My God this place is awful," Gia crinkled her nose in distaste as she wiped a finger over a table and gathered dust, "Doesn't anyone clean it?"

Cami looked up from the table she was at and glared, "Ha, ha, the bartender's been a little bit busy."

"Yeah, fighting the old wicked witch of the west," Gia put her hands behind her back, "Who, I heard, killed Josephine?" Cami sighed and continued to clean the table, "I would've liked a piece of that."

"Trust me, you really wouldn't have," Cami shook her head and grabbed and headed back to the counter for a fresh new cloth.

"Marcel told me everything was fine now and that everything should go back to normal," Gia walked up to the counter and plopped down on a stool, "Which, kinda leaves me wondering what the hell you're gonna do now?"

"Hmm?" the blonde quizzically looked at the woman.

"C'mon, Cami," Gia sighed, "You and I both know that you plainly forgot about the whole psychology major. You went back to school for about two weeks before going M.I.A."

"Yeah, because Maleny was kidnapped, and," Cami awkwardly cleared her throat, "Esther had taken Elijah. I had to help find them."

"Okay, fair enough," Gia nodded, "But what about afterwards?"

"I was busy at the safe house with Elijah," Cami said.

"And after?"

"...busy again?"

Gia tilted her head, "You were busy, I get it. But you also have to admit that ever since you turned you haven't exactly been motivated to go back to school - at least that's what you've let me assume by everything you told me about yourself."

Cami threw her head back, groaning, "I know, I know. It's...complicated. The whole reason I went into the major was because of my brother. But now that I know what happened, and there's so much more to this world than the humans know...I can't go back to school and let everything just slide."

"Then what do you want to do?" Gia asked, "Because my place is always an offer for you if you want to leave the Quarter. Give yourself a break."

"No," Cami instantly declared. "I don't want to leave this place. This is my home and I don't intend on leaving it for anything."

"Okay," Gia chuckled while Cami sighed, "Then what do you want?"

"I want to make this a better place for everyone," Cami answered honestly, crossing her arms, "Before, there were these factions and because of who I am, I was supposed to take the leadership for the humans."

"But you're not human anymore…." Gia reminded gently, "Can't exactly do that anymore.."

"No," agreed Cami, "but these people need someone. Since the Correas are gone, there hasn't been much leadership…" the more Cami got to thinking, the more inclined she felt to stay in the Quarter.

"Oh my God," Gia said after a moment, realizing just what Cami was intending on doing.

~ 0 ~

"So you're telling me everyone in that town practically hates you?" Maleny asked after hearing the brief telling of Mystic Falls from Klaus. "Why am I not surprised?"

"It's not my fault they're all irritating, know-it-all, baby vampires," Klaus rolled his eyes, just the mere memory of some of the residents of Mystic Falls put him on edge.

Maleny chuckled. "So, by definition, if they hate you they'll probably hate me too?"

"I don't want to lie-"

"There's a sentence no one would ever think you'd say." Maleny tilted her head up to meet his unamused look. "Did I annoy you like the Bennett witch you talked about? Boy, you really hate witches. I wonder how you stand me then."

"Because you-" Klaus purposely brought her impossibly close to him, getting a small yelp from her part, "-are far more different than any of these people."

Maleny decided to play with him for a bit. "But I'm just a mortal witch now. Where does that leave me, then?"

"You're a special case, my love," he pressed a kiss to her cheek. "You're slightly less irritating."

"Oh," she looked to the side, feigning offence, "Well then I guess I'll just have to go find myself a less murderous vampire. In fact, I'll get a head start tomorrow when we go visit that town."

"Don't you dare," he warned her darkly, but it made no effect on her.

She liked it, actually, and continued to tease him about it, "Yeah, I'll ask Elijah who was the most irritating vampire for you and then seduce him."

"Mal…"

"I'll start off with a nice couple of drinks," she continued, "Do they like bourbon?"

"Maleny…"

"I don't have a signature move, but I heard from Amarrah the blonde thing is really big in this modern world," she gestured to her hair, "So maybe I'll just flip my hair and batter my eyes. That's what got you, wasn't it?

"Maleny!"

"In fact, I'll go ask Elijah right now!" she declared and made to leave but was yanked back immediately. She laughed and shifted to face him. Needless to say, Klaus wasn't happy one bit. "You didn't like my joke?"

"You mean where you joke about you leaving me for some other man? And an irrelevant man at that?" Klaus placed a hand on her cheek, his soft voice ending all of Maleny's thoughts on pushing more of his buttons.

"You know I'm only joking," she spoke quietly. "After a thousand years do you think there could ever be someone else?" she cupped his face, smiling widely at him. "Now I think maybe you're the one that still has things to learn about this world."

She laughed for a second before pressing her lips to his. She wound her arms around his neck while he pulled her practically on him. Remembering the many times he wanted to kiss her while she was stuck in Yamilet's body turned it all into more urgent kissing. Without a warning, Klaus turned Maleny over so that she laid on her bed. She barely had time to gasp when he connected his lips to hers again. They fiercely kissed, both with equal fervor for each other.

It had been quite some time since they both found their selves in the same predicament, and now that they were free...there was so much time to take advantage of.

~ 0 ~

Cami walked out of Rousseau's on her own, and locked up while vowing to be back tomorrow for her shift she would now take more serious. When she finished up, she began down the street, intending on heading for her place instead of Amarrah's. Everyone had a home, and while she would much rather be where her cousin was, she didn't feel like she belonged there anymore. And when she came across Elijah on the street, she still felt the same.

"Can I help you?" she asked, doing her best to keep her voice serious and stern.

"I want to have a talk," Elijah began calmly, but already he was being met with difficulty.

"I don't have anything to talk to you about," Cami shook her head.

"Well, I do."

"Well, I don't care anymore."

"Cami," Elijah sped up to her, taking her by the arm, "I beseech you to listen, please. While we won much tonight, we also lost several things...and for me, I lost your friendship. I know what I did was wrong and it will take long before you can consider me even an acquaintance."

Cami sighed and pulled her arm from his grip, "It's difficult to forgive you when you don't even understand what the reason for my anger actually is. You think it's because you snapped my neck, everyone thinks so. Except Mal. And do you know why?"

"No…" Elijah quietly said, waiting for her to explain.

"Because she understands the pain of being cast out by the one you love," and as Cami continued to explain she overcame her fear of admitting what it was she felt. "All this time you have told me that I was part of the family. That my place was at the compound with you, with Maleny, with everyone there. But when worst came to show, you went back on your word. You showed me that I will never be one of you. The plan you made to dagger Klaus, you made with Rebekah, with Freya, hell, even Marcel and Hayley. You didn't even consider what my opinion would have been. I may not have a good concept of what love is, but I've had an example to go by."

"It's true I didn't consider your opinion on the matter, but it was a rash decision, one that needed to be made fast," Elijah tried to explain himself, "Niklaus was becoming far too paranoid and there had to be a stop. The decision was made amongst my family because they were there. And besides, you show more loyalty to Maleny, thus then to Klaus. You would have fought against me, like you did."

Cami's eyes teared up as she bit back a bitter laugh, "You chose your sisters' opinions over mine, you didn't even consider what mine would've been. Do you know," she bitterly laughed, "if there's one thing I've come to admire from Klaus since I've known him, it's his massive loyalty to Maleny. Because no matter what happened, he was there with her. He told her everything. And they fought against his own family, together. Their relationship may be highly unorthodox, but it's real, and honest. The girl in the forest," she recited Maleny's famous title, "The setting may have changed, the people may have changed, but they haven't. For Klaus, Maleny is the simple girl in the forest whom he fought for. And for Mal, he's her protector. I want that, Elijah," she sniffled, "I want someone who would fight for me, who would fight with me, against anyone. Until you can give me that, I don't think we should see each other anymore. If you need anything for Hayley's cause, or for Mal or Hope, I'll be there. But otherwise, I'm just another local in the Quarter. Goodbye."

Elijah swallowed roughly as the blonde woman turned to leave. His eyes had matched hers in tears, but after hearing what she had to say he wouldn't go after her anymore. She was right, he couldn't yet offer her what she wanted. He was too in depth with his promise to keep his family together. She deserved someone else who would stand by her against anyone, someone who would value her like she deserved. But it still broke his heart that it could not be him.

He thought back to Klaus, and his words...he had been, surprisingly, right.

~ 0 ~

Klaus shifted over the bed on his side to watch Maleny better in her deep sleep. He reached for the her next to him, gingerly stroking her hair, and smiled to himself. No more would she be leaving him. For once, he would have a good ending in one of the many tragic stories of the past. It became even better when he remembered their son was going to come home soon, and they would be able to make up for all they had missed in Nicolas' life. But for now, he would focus on what he already had with him.

The Girl in the Forest would be there with him forever.

Author's Note:

To be continued in...Under the Same Stars.

Thank you all for reading and I look forwards to hearing your thoughts about the next story! Go read it now!

#ocappreciation #the originals #klaus mikaelson #fd: the originals #klaus mikaelson fics #the originals fics #klaus mikaelson imagines #the originals imagines #oc: Maleny Rowan #fic: the girl in the forest

[symphonyofthewrite]

If These Walls Could Talk (Ch1)

Fandom: Castlevania Netflix

Summary: Vampires do not have reflections, and castles do not have hearts. But Dracula is no ordinary vampire, and Castlevania is no ordinary castle. If castles can fight, maybe they can think too.

The series, and Adrian’s childhood, told from the perspective of the castle.

Chapter Summary: “My mother’s name was Lisa, and she was mortal…She actually showed up at his front door. She found the castle and banged the door with the pommel of her knife…She was remarkable. She beat on the door until my father let her in, and then demanded he teach her how to be a doctor.”

Notes: 

This is a fic I’ve had up for a while, that people seem to really like!! Not sure why I took this long to post it over here XD I’ll post the next chapters I have over the next few days or so, but if you can’t wait they’re over on my fanfiction blog @antihero-writings, as well as in my fic masterlist over there!! (And technically in my masterlist here, but it's messed up right now XD)

I was writing a different Castlevania fic--(”Such Fragile Things”, if you’re curious)--when I started describing things as if from the castle’s perspective...and I thought that was a very interesting idea, so this happened. The idea was also inspired by Sypha’s “it’s fighting me!" I thought that was really interesting because she was speaking almost as if the castle were a living thing. I was originally planning on posting this as one long thing (and I may still do so after I finish), because the sections are very much connected and meant to flow into each other, and I think it’ll be easy to miss things if they’re separate. But I realized it would be easier, both for me to post, and for people to read, in bite size-pieces. Plus it has very clear-cut sections that are easy to split into chapters. So... here you go!!

If you enjoyed this, I’d really appreciate if you could leave me a comment and/or reblog!!

If you are a fan artist who is interested in making cover art for this fic PLEASE don’t hesitate to message me!! I have a very specific idea for cover art for the chapters but it would cost too much to commission so many pieces...So yeah, if you’re interested, I’d love it if you could reach out!!

Chapter 1: "Lisa"

“Is this how the castle felt to you before my mother first arrived at your door?”

The castle doesn’t like children.

Well, maybe that’s too strong to say. It simply isn’t the place for them. Its existence is a signpost: leave me alone. It is not used to having company—much less a family—inside it, nor is it ready to welcome for a crying, puking, giggling thing into the world. It does not intend to be a cozy place to coddle him into adulthood.

The castle itself pierces the sky, its turrets and towers the dripping stain of the sun’s blood across the moon.

The bare walls hold no colorful tapestries for a child to enjoy, no paintings of its many inhabitants to tell of—for there was only ever one (and maybe that ought not change. It is safe to say the castle doesn’t like change). The royal red and gold carpets are more suited to kings; not designed for spit-up, mud, and scuffing. ‘Don’t play with that’ would be a motto around here; so many contraptions either easy to break, or which could break the child. The fireplaces, while almost always lit, only ever coughed warmth onto the floor before them—they provided no snug space to curl up on a winter’s day. Even the mirrors here are empty, holding nothing but a reflection of the bare walls they sit upon.

There are certain people who were seemingly born as they are; they never owned toys, never crawled on the floor, never walked with clumsy steps—their footfalls were always this calculated count—never burped on their mother’s nice shirts, and surely never had anything so dull as a childhood. They were always just…here, on the world. There was no innocence, and no losing it. So it was with Dracula.

The very thought of Dracula ever owning toys, even in some nice cottage far away from here, with a doting mother and an absent father, with a funny last name like Cronqvist, defied sense to the castle. So no, no toys here, nor any simple charts for learning; the books divulged their secrets to more mature minds. Just blood and books, gold and gears, forgotten magic means, mirrors that reflect nothing, and a pile of prayers to a good God they used to justify their ungood, and ungodly deeds.

All these things—or their absence—do not make for the picture of a baby-proof home.

The castle has grown accustomed to being cold and dark, and listening to one master alone. It’s not a quaint place lovers look on and think we’ll raise our kids here someday.

Its master isn’t the ideal father either—after all, the castle only reflected its king. Its master knows only of blood and nails, fangs and wails, words too big for a child’s mouth, and worlds too dark for a child’s heart.

Can he be soft? Can he be gentle? Can he keep those claws, which have ripped out better men’s hearts, from piercing a child’s—his child’s…how could one who killed so many have a child?—skin? He knows many spells, but is there one that can turn those screams into laughter?

He has been soft before. Once. And that is with this woman.

Many women have walked the castle’s halls: shivering, shrieking damsels at his feet; cold and calculating queens; fragile bodies on the floor, that he broke with the same regard a child does a vase that matters to someone else.

Those ordinary people who do come often have pitchforks in their mouths, and fiery words in their closed fists. Curses stacked on the end of stakes, banging like the castle is the church bell signifying their own funerals.

It is for this reason that the castle does not like outsiders, does not open its doors easily. But it cannot deny anyone entry. Unlike the humans’ doors, which find his master guilty until proven innocent.

They always came at night. At night, when the loudest sound is your own breathing. At night, when their fires echoed loudest, and their shouts burned brightest.

They came when the flowers were closed, when only the most eerie and vicious of animals played with the skins of their prey, and the moon waxed the world in cold, drunk shine. The sun could not watch them, could not show their blood-struck hands in their full glory.

She came at sunset. When the sun still glazed her deeds in sanguine auburn, but was just deciding to turn its gaze and let the kids have their fun. Not quite day, when the sun would kill things like Dracula, but not quite night, when the hours are named after witches, and lust is strongest—be it for the body, or the blood within it. Somewhere in between death and life, violence and peace.

This woman came with a knife in her hand, yes. But a knife, at least, was not a sword. It was not a pitchfork, a spear, a whip, or a stake; all weapons that signify, if the fight wasn’t there, you were bringing it with you. Not a war-starved weapon, pointing with mal-in—and -con—tent towards the castle doors and all the things inside it. Not a thirsty thing. Something that by default faced the other direction. Something that can start a fight if it wants to, but doesn’t crave it.

The golden woman came at sunset, with a knife in her hand, and looked upon this thing, this castle that others called ‘ugly’, and ‘monstrous,’ and ‘grotesque,’ looked upon it with awe, and gasped in wonder.

She knocked. She didn’t bang her fists upon the stone, didn’t ram pitchforks and assorted insults against the innocent doors, like how-dare-they protect their master.

She knocked, and the doors opened before she could raise her fist a second time. Maybe, just this once, not because they didn’t have any other choice.

The doors—foreboding, menacing, and all the other spooky -ings one can think of—opened to a world strewn in light; the demon’s castle looked brighter, more beautiful, more alive, than half the churches she’d been to.

Her footsteps were gentle against the castle’s floors. Not a slow, forced gentleness, but also not a piercing, purposeful march. There was no apprehension to her footsteps; her feet carried her as if anxious to take her to as many rooms as they could.

At first her steps were the only sound, enough to fool some into thinking they’re alone.

And it became clear both that she was not alone, and not a fool.

But when she saw the demon, she put the knife away, and used her words.

She used her words to repeat those she herself had heard: stories. But not the kind that make monstrous men run at the doors with naughts and crosses, the kind pious people buried along with all evidence that the world wasn’t made of black and white.

Not all the stories told that this place was cold and dark and full of death.

Amongst all the stories about death, there were others that said Vlad Tepes brought this castle to life with science, forbidden knowledge, and a little bit of lightning. Stories that say there is life here.

And, in exchange for proof that these life-stories true, Dracula asked for a trade, a trade that would prove the other stories true too. He gave up the killing a while ago—(the castle has been in one place a very long time)—but he was still not used to giving for free, and definitely not used to getting for free. Vampires trade in blood and names, not diamonds and declarations. Vampires trade in things they can swallow. This castle, too, had been a gaping hole set to swallow the world and everything that entered. Never once had it given.

And she dared to say, that this place, its master, should learn to give, when the humans have done nothing but take from them—or try their best to. He ought to be the one to invite her in, to ask what she would like, to dispense pleasant words and kind actions, when the humans forgot they invented hospitality, and showed no invitation for him to even enter their homes.

But she didn’t come with a mouth full of garlic, and hands full of superstition. Her feet did not drill holes in the floor with their sharp toll, they wandered the scenic route.

She was used to being cheated. Dracula and his castle were too. But that was not why she was there. She was not there for cheap tricks, or death. She wanted something real. A little bit of the life the castle has to offer.

Her defiance wasn’t that of a terrified citizen, or angry queen, either; rather the calm resolve of someone who is asking for something they know in their heart is good, and knows they will get it. The kind of person who believes there is good in everyone, and that this good will ultimately always win, and who won’t leave until they convince this good to show its face.

The castle has watched countless men and women cower at foot of count Dracula. Some, do have a measure of god-sanctioned defiance; they come with whips and scourges to defeat him. The castle and the king are bound together in their resolve against them.

Except one. Except this woman. One human whom both master and castle found themselves reluctant to deny, cast away, or kill, maybe even…taken with.

She may be human, but she was not like the rest; she did not light the night on fire with her thirst for blood.

So maybe, just maybe, they could let one ray of sunlight slip through the cracks.

She was also not devoid of life, and maybe that was the key.

‘Devoid of life’ was an accurate portrayal of the castle. Bats flying out of blackness is a good description of a cave, and caves don’t usually come with the brochure ‘teeming with life’, or ‘great place to take your kids!’. The castle had a soul-sucking quality to it; those who entered often found themselves leaving less alive than they arrived. It took after its vampire master. Those who didn’t actually lose their lives within its walls, often remarked upon leaving that the flowers bloomed brighter, the birds sang louder, the grass was greener, and that they missed the sunlight.

Sunlight. Such a base thing; vampires don’t need the light or warmth to be happy.

Sunlight. Such a base way to die; wanting to get out of the cold and the dark.

“Is this how the castle felt to you before my mother first arrived at your door?”

Castlevania was alive once. Once Dracula set the pumps, and its heart began to beat. He turned the gears, and its lungs inhaled. He forged the lightning, and it began to think. Once the books, full of unknown knowledge, jumped off the shelves to get the vampire king’s attention. He filled the bottles and beakers, and they bubbled, as if laughing at a joke only they shared.

They were both alive, once.

That waned, with time. The gears got arthritis, the books caught pneumonia, the experiments atrophied. The castle ached before she came.

And Dracula, alone in the halls, picking up books and putting them down again without so much as a polite glance through them, because he read them all before. Dracula looking into fractured mirrors that could take him anywhere, but deciding there wasn’t anywhere he wanted to go. Dracula, looking into old mirrors that don’t reflect him—like there was never anything to reflect, nothing alive here to begin with, and there isn’t a master for this castle after all. Nothing but a grave. Dracula sitting alone in his study, staring into the fire. No one to talk to. No sound but flipping pages and crackling fires—nothing alive. Alive but dead. This castle. Its master. Undead is the proper term.

The other women who came through here reflected the castle, or else the castle took the life out of them the moment they entered. Queens with malice-stained past, and cracked, icy future in their eyes. Just as cold as the walls. Subjects, humans throwing gruesome insults, silky flattery, or fluttering pleas at his feet. Just as empty as the mirrors.

Only one refused the castle’s bite. Only one walked in looking for life, rather than death. Looking for a thing no one thought existed here. Already presumed dead. Put six feet beneath the ground. But maybe it was here all along; maybe the light hid in the castle’s corners while the dark came out to play, and she just had to coax it out of its hiding places. Maybe the bell was ringing all this time, she was the only one who came close enough to hear it; the only one who came to put flowers on the grave.

Maybe when she felt the machinery pumping she knew the rhythm was a heartbeat. Maybe when she heard the gears clanking she knew it was the sound of inhaling and exhaling. Maybe when she saw the lightning, she wondered what it was thinking. Maybe she looked at these books, these instruments, and saw what the vampire king saw once; something alive. They weren’t dead yet—un- or otherwise. Just sick, and in need of proper treatment. She was a doctor after all. Maybe her first subject was the very books she learned from.

Lisa, who looked at this blotch on the sky, with Death in its towers, and darkness splattered on its walls, and thought that’s where I’ll learn to heal people. Lisa, who gaped in amazement at the beast of a building. Lisa, who didn’t shudder upon entering. Lisa, who didn’t scream when its master touched her, but turned to him with calm resolve, and told him she’d teach him to be more human. Lisa, who’s life eclipsed the undeath in this place.

And there was a trade that occurred that day. For Dracula’s immortal knowledge, Lisa would teach him how to live a mortal life. To travel the world as a man, to walks as a man, to eat and drink, laugh and cry, as a man. Immortality for mortality. They gave each other the world, as so many lovers promise to do. Vlad would make her immortal, and Lisa would make him mortal, with no exchange blood.

(Except to create a thing with both their blood running through it.)

So maybe, after all this talk of life, it is fitting that she wants to create life inside this castle.

Fitting, maybe. Fitting for her. But the castle is not mortal yet, and wishes it could protest that it isn’t the right size, refuse to try on the idea.

Dracula is apprehensive as well, for the castle and he are used to each other, they take after each other, because the cold, and the dark, and the death, and the alone does something to you after a while; you start talking to the walls. After the cold queens and quaking colleens leave, or leave their bloodstains the floor. After the beasts and their silver-stained bullets turn back into righteous men in the sun. After he simply outlives everyone else. When all the living things hate, fear, or else betray you, when all the living things can die, and you, who are undead, cannot, it’s the lifeless things that stand firm by your side. When the day ends and the shadows come out to play, when you’re the only one left, in the end you still have the walls. And then…the walls are all you have. And if you talk to them long enough you make a sort of pact, spoken or silent, with those speechless stones: ‘you’re the only one I can trust.’

Dracula speaks to them one day, says he wonders if he can do this, be a father at all, not to mention a good one. The castle cannot reply. But something deep inside the walls wonders if it might be nice to hear Dracula laugh. It might be nice to put on some different clothes. It might be nice for someone new to listen to from time to time. It might be nice to live again.

The castle is concerned. Used to doing things one way, being one way, and only hearing one voice. But that doesn’t mean it is unwilling, that it intends to kill the child.

It never kills anything—Dracula does that. It cannot do anything on its own, and that includes change.

The castle doesn’t like change.

…But that doesn’t mean it won’t.

And if its going to change, its master must change first. They must change together.

Vampires do not have reflections. But Dracula has a castle, and that castle will be damned if it isn’t his mirror.

Reflections are simple to change; put on some makeup, some war paint, a new change of clothes, get a piercing somewhere. Simple, yes, but not easy, to change completely, because that doesn’t mean anything’s changed inside.

The castle did not come equipped for child-rearing; there are no rooms full of toys and cradles and school supplies.

So if this is to be, they must build their son’s world themselves.

Together they set aside a room for the child’s arrival. Just one, single room. And the castle too knows, from the start, this room will be different from all the rest. They will put paintings on the walls, and banners in the halls; things to interest him, to tell him of his parents, at least, even if there are few other relatives to spend Christmas with. The carpets will be darker, instead of the stringent red, and they will make their words smaller, the books easier to understand. The rest of the castle is warm in color, but cool in atmosphere. This room will be cool in color, but warm in atmosphere. The fire will always be set in its place, and they will try their best to make sure the warmth reaches him; if the fire fails, they will knit blankets; if the blankets fail they will make him tea, or warm milk with honey; and when everything else fails they will hold him. If there are tears here, scornful stares will not greet them, instead, kisses and lullabies will be behind door number three. If this room lives, it will be because of something much softer than pounding metal and lighting.

If a child is to live here, they must change that reflection. Everything Dracula’s castle appears to be, this room will be the reverse. Separate. Something… other than the castle.

This room will bottle all the laughter had in this castle. This room will be made of and for living, not the death the rest of the place is steeped in. So much so that this room will not stand for bloodshed.

Lisa brings in supplies from her town; color and cloth, boards and brushes, needle, and thread, and paper; all the things one needs to build a universe.

It is Dracula who takes the paint, who changes the color to something other than the blacks and reds of the rest of the Vampire’s world, cementing on the walls themselves You will not be dark here, my castle. You will be kind to him, Castlevania. The castle doesn’t know its master to work with his hands like a human, but Vlad is not the same within this room either—this room is part of the trade. He doesn’t use magic, or science, as if he is telling himself with every hammer that they are going to change together, the way one does when talking to the mirror.

Lisa sits in a chair and stiches together cloth and fur to make little creatures, toys for the boy to play with. Soft things, not sharp. They are reflections too, littler, simpler ones, of the creatures howling and prowling outside the castle’s walls, or scurrying within them.

But it is the ceiling that is the crowning jewel of the room. Something they paint together—splashing it onto each other’s clothes and noses.

His parents love the stars. They often walk outside the castle walls, fingers knit into each other’s, to gaze at them. They are scholars at soul, and have charted the constellations. They want their child to be able to do the same, to watch the stars, even if he’s not outside. At the end of every day they want him to be sung to sleep by the symphony of the night.

For them, maybe, but to the castle, one of the most interesting things about this room, is the mirror. This is strange, as, while there are other mirrors in this house, they are nothing more than a silver decoration; they have no purpose here, unless they float in shards and possibility. This is an ordinary mirror. It does hold something now, however, and that’s Lisa—only giving more credence to the idea that she is the only living thing in this castle. The castle wonders if they think it will reflect the child, as if they are hoping he will take after his mother and the room.

The mirror, and the windows. In the rest of the castle, the windows are always closed, curtained, or too small to let any real light in. But here they are big, and inviting to all the wiles of the day. Dracula protested—fearing he would burn. Lisa insisted—hoping he would shine.

The mirror, the room, are empty now. The windows closed. The books and charts dormant as the rest. It is not dead, but it’s not alive either. Not even undead. Just a question. An almost.

The room lays on Frankenstein’s table; just one lightning strike—(or one child’s laugh)—away from breathing.

#castlevania #castlevania netflix #castlevania fandom #castlevania fanfiction #castlevania fanfic #castlevania fic #dracula #lisa #draculisa #alucard #adrian tepes #adrian fahrenheit tepes #lisa tepes #dracula tepes #Vlad Dracula Tepes #Vlad Tepes #tepes family #dracula x lisa #lisa x dracula #vlad x lisa #lisa x vlad #netflix castlevania #alucards childhood #adrians childhood #if these walls could talk #mine #antihero writings #My writing

[k-she-rambles]

so there's this entertainment. Not popular in Radch space, because censorship, but it's got a huge following in the border areas, and places where Radchaii who have left the Radch (the scandal!) have emigrated.

It's about this truly ancient, mysteriously mute salvaged Notai ship, dubbed Exhalation of Peace in the (falsified) identity docs its ragtag smuggling crew provides.

The name’s odd: an obvious translation from old Notai into old Radchaai, just off from the ubiquitous military prayer. Nobody names a civilian ship that. You’d think the crew either didn’t know their own ship’s name, or they were hiding something. No one knows why Ship is mute. Well. Riivarden might.

It's captained by Mal (no house name), A former lieutenant who abandoned her post and led her decade to aid rebels in one of the last annexations. Escaped with her life and only mild reeducation, but no one decent will hire her for anything above a citizen's guaranteed assignment, so she turned to smuggling. (this is, of course, extremely unrealistic to Radchaai audiences --Mal would have been executed for desertion on the spot, probably by one of her own soldiers --but other audiences eat it up). Disillusioned and struggling to find a place in the world now that she can’t fit neatly into the Radch’s hierarchy.

Most of the rest of the crew is in similar straits, trying to make a living on the fringes of the galaxy's cultures:

Zoell Anye, formerly Mal's One Inu One, who followed her commander into criminal desertion (instead of shooting her)

Zoell's husband, Wash. Born and bred on a free station, Wash "pilots" the Exhalation of Peace (when it’s necessary to maintain the fiction that there is no AI), and keeps Ship company. He is essential in figuring out what the silent Ship is trying to say, and is the first to realize that Ship actually speaks to newcomer Riivarden Tam. Wash does not understand (and low-key resents) the Lieutenant-and-soldier relationship between Zoell and Mal

Jayne, the big Tetran mercenary. Crude and very unpleasant, superstitiously religious and overtly greedy, it’s a wonder he’s still with the crew. But he has a soft spot for the ill and sends a good portion of his earnings home to his mother to aid in taking care of his sick sibling. Refuses to wear gloves, even in temples. Takes the piss out of newcomer Seiaatr Tam’s name constantly. Knows immediately what is “wrong” with Riivarden Tam, before even her sister or Keili, and is mad as all get out that no one believes him. After Jayne and the Tams reach an understanding (after the Tams show they can and will demolish him), is an unexpected ally for Riivarden standing up to her sister about her medical treatment.

Keili Frye, Ship’s engineer and sometime tech medic, and the person the crew sends to recruit passengers. Self-conscious about her colony accent, especially around Seiaatr’s Core-Outradch one. Ship takes an interest in Keili’s love life, which is only cute to Radchaai audiences. Has a crush on Seiaatr, and aids in keeping Ship’s true name out of docking records.

Inara Serra, Companion. (Something between a priestess and a courtesan, often an official mediator and bureaucratic problem-solver (especially if the problem can be solved through networking.)) Not technically part of the smuggling crew, but her long term residency aboard Exhalation of Peace lends them credibility and a bump up in reputation. Who is going to tell Companion Inara Serra that her transport is full of criminals while she’s looking politely confused over her tea bowl? Something is going on between Inara and Mal, truly entertainment-worthy levels of belligerent will-they-or-won’t-they

Derrial Book, Valsaayan priest. Technically a passenger. Knows a lot of things he shouldn’t, like how to shoot a person in the kneecap from a distance, how to disguise ancillary implants, and avoid inspections...

Newcomer Seiaatr Tam, a young, Core-Outradch trauma surgeon who kick-starts the plot by choosing the Exhalation of Peace to try and smuggle her little sister away from Outradch space. She doesn’t know what happened to her sister, but she knows for sure that the “Palace school” Anaander Miaanai promised their parents was anything but. Seiaatr is being remarkably game about finding herself out of money and completely cut off from all family connections and patronage, but it is obvious that she feels adrift. Self-conscious about her accent around a group of people (excepting Inara) who simply don’t speak like her. Primary concern in life is the health and safety of Riivarden, but is so obsessed with this that she sometimes steamrolls over Riivarden’s ways of expressing her needs. She just wants her baby sister back.

Riivarden Tam is dead, but Riivarden can’t seem to make Seiaatr understand this. Serenity understands, though, and lets Riivarden listen to the starshine on Serenity’s hull when she can’t sleep for knowing Anaander Miaanai is coming for her failed experiment. Riivarden Tam is dead, but neither is Riivarden Anaander Miaanai. The Lord of the Radch failed, and Riivarden was left with corrupted implants, no emotional middle gear, and no way to control what she’d been able to hear from other people even before Anaander had scrambled her brains. And, most damning, the secrets of the Radch, the real Radch, the Dyson Sphere at the heart of the Empire. They need to shoot her before Anaander finds her, and Anaander will find her. Not today, Serenity whispers. Today you are safe. Today we have the whole sky. Riivarden sleeps.

#imperial radch #not for al

[protectwoc]

The Problem with Mal (part 1/3)

Or, Framing and Why It’s Important

Let me get this out of the way right away: I love Descendants. I love DCOMs, I always have, and I love musical DCOMs even more. High School Musical and its sequels were my whole life growing up, and I can sing every word of every Camp Rock 2 song right now from memory (even though I didn’t like Camp Rock 1; don’t hate me.) But what I love even more than musical DCOMs is Disney Movies. Aladdin, Mulan, Hercules, these are some of my favorite movies from growing up, so combining Disney Movies with Disney Channel Original Movie/Musical? The most galaxy-brained idea imaginable from my point of view.

BUT.

I have a problem with the writing in Descendants. More specifically, I have a problem with Mal.

Quite frankly, I just don’t like Mal. I think she’s mean, and I think the movies would be better off if she wasn’t in them. If I completely turn my brain off and absorb the story the way I’m sure the writers want me to I could be fine with her, but the second I begin to think about any of her actions beyond the surface or the implications of those actions I remember why I don’t like her. I didn’t like her in the first movie, and that feeling has only grown exponentially with the release of every moment. All of that culminated in D3, where my Mal-hate has reached its peak. It has bubbled over, and I must release it somehow.

So what am I going to do with that? I’m going to write about it. Why? Mostly because my brother wouldn’t listen to me complain/rant about it and I had to put these emotions somewhere. Let’s do this.

DISCLAIMER(S)

1. This is literally a giant anti-Mal hate post. I’m going to try to keep this as even and fair as I can, but I’m not going to pretend like this is an unbiased assessment. If you are a Mal stan, this is the part when you click away.

2. I am by no means a literary or film analyst. I am technically a “writer”, but that’s about all the credentials I can provide. If you’re looking for actual academic discussion, you are going to be sorely disappointed.

3. This has nothing to do with Dove Cameron. I actually like Dove, I think she’s a talented actress and singer (rapping and dancing notwithstanding). I mean, I watched every single episode of Liv and Maddie when I was way past too old for that to be acceptable. Dove Cameron is probably a fine human being, I really appreciated what she said about the addition of politics into the Descendants universe, and I actually like her in the role, I just wish I liked the role itself. But I don’t want anyone to take this as an attack on her as a person or anything.

4. I read the Isle of the Lost when it first came out like a thousand years ago, and the Wikipedia synopsis for Rise of the Isle of the Lost. I also watched the first three or four episodes of Wicked World and I can’t remember a single thing that happened in them. With that said, this essay is ONLY about the movies. The movies should be (and are, I believe) able to stand on their own, and at this point, I’m not even sure if the tie-ins are considered canon anymore. With that said, there are some things from the tie-ins that are pretty much common knowledge among fandoms (Uma and Mal didn’t get along on the Isle because Mal was kind of a bully, the VKs’ parents were abusive, etc) that probably bled into this essay. If there’s something I wrote about that has been rendered noncanon by the movies please let me know. On the same track, please don’t comment saying that something from Wicked World explained/justified/whatever else a point that I make, because it’s not going to change my argument.

5. This is not, like, me passing judgment on Mal stans. I’m not saying that Mal stans are bad or dumb or whatever for liking her character. I don’t really expect this to change anyone’s mind about stanning Mal either. This is purely a cathartic exercise for myself that I decided to inflict on the world for some reason.

Okay, I think that’s about it. If you have any thoughts at all on this, please come talk to me about it! Agree, disagree, love it, hate it, I literally just want to talk to other descendants fans. Y’all ready to do this? I give you…

Part 1: Mal Alone

Let’s look at the series of actions and the motivations behind them for Mal’s character.

Descendants 1

Mal is chosen to go to Auradon; she is very reluctant.

Her mother demands that she steal the fairy godmother’s wand, Mal agrees.

Mal convinces the others to help her steal the wand; they break into the museum but fail to retrieve it.

Mal learns that positioning herself as Ben’s girlfriend will give her the best shot at retrieving the wand, she spells Ben into falling in love with her.

As all this is happening, Mal is gaining popularity at school for her ability to provide magically beautiful hairstyles.

On their first date, Mal begins to have actual feelings for Ben, she considers releasing him from the spell.

Audrey, her grandmother, and the other AKs bully Mal and the rest of the VKs, and Mal regains her faith in the plan. She also takes away Jane’s magical hair.

Mal concedes from the plan enough to decide to release Ben from the spell, but only after the coronation.

Mal considers stealing the wand; before she gets the chance, Jane does so and accidentally opens the barrier.

Mal takes the wand back from Jane to give to her mother, Ben convinces her not to.

Mal defeats her mother and remains by Ben’s side in Auradon.

Notice a theme here? Mal is characterized by two things, and essentially two things only: her ambition and her survivalist spirit. I should clarify that when I say ambition, I don’t necessarily mean in the traditional, politically power-hungry sense. Mal is an opportunist. Every decision she makes is done with the intention of securing a position for herself, and usually a high-ranking position.

She rules the island before coming to Auradon and is reluctant to leave that position of power when given the opportunity. When she arrives at Auradon, she becomes the school’s magically appointed hairstylist, first to seduce information out of Jane, and then because it gains her popularity within the school. Notice how as soon as this popularity is taken out of the equation, Mal disappears all of the beautiful hairstyles? Mal wasn’t sharing her magic for any kind, selfless reason, but because it could get her something, and as soon as she stopped being able to get something, she took them away.

Mal also finesses her way into the already-occupied spot of the second most powerful person in the kingdom. From there every decision she makes is an attempt to keep that spot. It could be argued that Mal displayed some selfless impulse when she decided to free Ben from her love spell, but even this comes second to herself. She tells him explicitly that the cupcake is for “later”, as in, after the coronation and after she and her mother have already taken over, and when he eats a bit anyway, she yells “No!” at him. Maybe she does feel something for Ben, but he still clearly comes second to herself.

Then in the finale, she chooses good, not because it’s the right thing to do, but because it “makes her happy”. Although this movie was marketed as “villain kids learning to be good,” among other things, Mal never actually learned this lesson. She is okay playing second fiddle to her mother for a little bit, but her pivotal moment of growth is ultimately her deciding that she’d rather be Ben’s number two, and there she remains.

Don’t believe me? Let’s look at the second movie.

Mal opens the movie trying to fit herself into the perfect princess/girlfriend role, which makes her unhappy.

On a date with Ben, she gets caught using magic and attempts to spell him into forgetting their argument.

Mal runs off from her date and away to the Isle. Once there, she immediately reverts to her villain self, even going so far as to dye her hair in a stunning bit of Disney subtlety.

While there, Uma, her old rival, kidnaps her boyfriend. She works to get him back but maintains that she will be staying on the Isle after he is safe.

Mal and Evie sing a beautiful song about how much they mean to each other, but it does not change her mind.

During the battle, Mal (apparently) changes her mind. She returns to the Isle with Ben and her friends but seems unhappy about it.

At the coronation, Mal again slips into her “perfect” persona, shown by her wearing Auradon’s colors.

Uma arrives at the coronation, having spelled Ben into falling in love with her. Mal is heartbroken and tries to leave.

She is stopped by Jane revealing Ben’s coronation gift to her, a stained-glass picture of her in her Isle colors.

Mal true-love’s-kisses Ben awake. She turns into a dragon and fights Uma. When she turns back, she is dressed in the gown depicted in the picture.

In this movie, too, Mal makes every decision with the intention of securing her personal standing. She dislikes being forced to play a part at the beginning of the movie, but she is willing to put up with it if it means getting to stay Ben’s girlfriend, even to the point of spelling her boyfriend who she claims to love. When she believes for a second that that option could be lost to her, she immediately retreats to the Isle, where she is guaranteed some measure of power.

When she arrives, however, she finds that someone has usurped her position on the Isle, and it is Uma, her old rival. When she discovers that Uma has kidnapped Ben, she tries everything to get him back. This, it could be said is an altruistic act, done out of love for another person, but even this is tarnished because she clearly does not love Ben enough to be with him. She makes that very clear over and over again. She even sings a whole song about how much she loves Evie but again, not enough to leave her position of power.

So if it’s not love, why else would she go through so much trouble to rescue Ben? Simple: she cannot allow her rival to get a leg up on her. Mal spends the rest of the movie after she discovers Uma is involved working to publicly undermine her. Why else would she agree to an arm-wrestling match of all things in front of Uma’s entire crew? When they leave the isle after rescuing Ben, Mal doesn’t end up with them because she changes her mind about Ben or Evie, but to prevent Uma from escaping after her. For two straight movies now, Mal has refused to make even a single unselfish decision.

Let’s move on to Descendants 3, arguably the worst offender.

Mal opens the movie helping the other four VKs announce the new arrivals into Auradon.

She is next shown keeping an eye out for Uma, the only other person who poses a threat to her.

Ben proposes to her, securing her position as Queen of Auradon.

Mal, Ben, and the other VKs return to the Isle to pick up the chosen children, but as they are leaving, Hades almost escapes.

When Hades, her estranged father, and Uma, her bitter rival, both appear to pose a threat, Mal suggests that they close the barrier permanently and prevent any other VKs from crossing over.

She lies to Evie about her role in the closing of the barrier to preserve their friendship.

When Mal discovers that Audrey, her original bully, poses a danger to Auradon, and herself specifically, she returns to the Isle to beg her father for help in the form of a magical ember.

On the way back, they are stopped by the Sea Three, who steal the ember from her. In exchange for the ember and their help with Audrey, Mal agrees to release all the children from the Isle, a promise she does not intend to keep.

Back in Auradon, Mal and Uma butt heads over leadership of their uneasy alliance. When Uma suggests they split up and go check Audrey’s cottage, Mal scoffs at this idea.

When they ultimately end up going with Uma’s plan and finding Audrey’s diary as a result, Mal thanks her for her contribution.

Evie is anxious about whether true love’s kiss will work on Doug. She sings a song about it, and Mal and Uma are seen behind her, encouraging her and providing backup vocals.

Audrey attempts to trap them inside the cottage, and Mal and Uma are forced to work together to free themselves.

At the Fairy Cottage, Mal admits that it was her idea to close the barrier permanently and that she still intends to go along with this plan.

Mal’s group implodes, and she sings a song about how she intends to get her happy ending.

Mal finds Audrey and attempts to battle her as a dragon. Uma, on the ground, forgives her for some reason. They combine magic and defeat Audrey, who goes into a coma.

Mal has her father temporarily escorted from the Isle so that he can wake Audrey. They reconcile.

Mal’s friends forgive her for the closing of the barrier, even the Sea Three, who apparently have no problem with returning to the Isle.

Before an audience of Auradon citizens, Mal announces her plan to close the barrier permanently. She finishes by saying that she cannot be the Queen of Auradon, she has to be Queen of both (the Isle and Auradon).

They take down the barrier and Mal is reunited with her father. At the end of the movie, the four original VKs return to the Isle to visit their parents.

Descendants 3 is interesting because it combines some of Mal’s most self-serving actions with her only three altruistic ones. Halfway through the movie, Uma makes a suggestion about how to find Audrey. Although Mal initially ignores her, the idea proves to be a good one, and Mal thanks her for her idea. This was Mal’s first entirely selfless action in three movies, which I underlined above because it is so significant.

A short while later, Evie is shown angsting about whether she and Doug are really True Love through song. In the background, Mal and Uma support her, both emotionally and through backup vocal “do-waps.” This is notable because it is the first time Mal is ever seen supporting one of her so-called friends, but we’ll get to that later.

The third and final act, also underlined above, is even more significant. Mal calls her estranged and neglectful father from the Isle to wake Audrey from her coma. This is where I must truly give Mal credit. Coming face to face with her abusive (yes, neglect is a form of abuse) father in order to help a person who bullied her and became a villain to hurt her specifically is a truly selfless action. It must have been hard for her to face him again so soon after he told her “You’re stronger with those daddy issues” (yuck). Furthermore, it would have been easy for her to leave Audrey in her coma, as Audrey had never been kind to her. This action required actual sacrifice and was done for no personal gain on Mal’s part, which makes it basically the best thing she’s ever done. Unfortunately, this scene arrives on the tail of a movie dedicated to showcasing Mal’s worst impulses at increasingly higher levels.

For the rest of the movie, Mal’s modus operandi of doing everything possible to secure her own position is in full effect. It is no coincidence that the moment she has the most to lose (Her position as Queen of Auradon at the hands of her father and her biggest rival) is the moment she makes her most callous and self-serving decision yet: to close the barrier permanently, essentially dooming all of the children still on the Island to a lifetime of poverty and oppression. Even within a small, unstable group of the original VKs + the Sea Three (and Celia I guess), Mal cannot bear not being the one in charge, arguing with Uma at every turn. And when her supposed best friends and her fiance are turned to stone, does she show any sadness for them at all? Of course not. She sings a Broadway song about how determined she is to find her own happy ending.

This, of course, culminates at the end of the movie, when Mal decides they should bring down the barrier. As an aside, bringing down the barrier is a terrible idea, because releasing all of the actual villains on the families of the heroes whose lives they attempted to ruin is… unwise, but I digress. On paper, this should also be considered a selfless act, but of course, Mal undermines it by claiming that she cannot be Queen of Auradon, she “must be the queen of the Isle too.” Her final act is synonymous with her biggest bid for power yet, and unbelievably, it works. Thus, Mal ends the third movie the same way she started the first, vying for power at the expense of Auradon (and basically everyone else.)

Mal is an incredibly selfish character. She makes three total noble decisions over three movies, and they all happen in the final installment. Amazingly, I don’t think this makes her a bad character, nor do I think this is bad writing on the part of the screenwriters. What makes this bad is the way her actions and “arc” are framed.

Self-serving protagonists can work. Look at Kuzco from The Emperor’s New Groove, or Rebecca in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, or even Bojack of Bojack Horseman (disclaimer, I have not seen CxGF or Bojack Horseman, these comparisons are based on my surface-level understanding of these shows and a cursory skim of Tvtropes. Y’all are welcome to tell me why I’m wrong about this.) The difference is, if you want your audience to root for these self-serving main characters, you have to show them going through some sort of growth or arc to become more selfless, particularly if you are writing a DCOM about the merits of being good. But unfortunately, this is only the beginning of the problems with Mal’s character.

#Disney's Descendants #descendants #Descendants 2 #descendants 3 #anti mal #anti mal bertha #anti bal #uma descendants #uma daughter of ursula #uma deserves better #audrey descendants #audrey deserves better #evie grimhilde #raetalks

[at-the-exd-of-everythixg]

][All questions for otp meme for Sal + Mahogany][

@blind-mutant

Coffee shop AU: Who is the barista, and who frequents the coffee shop?

Sal doesn't think any barista, no, any human, can possibly be that tall. Yet Mahogany towers over him and Sal is definitely intimidated by their smile, like Mahogany is still getting used to doing it without showing so many teeth. It would be super unsettling if Sal wasn't used to the whole "world is filled with freaks" thing so he just simply beams back when he hits starbucks at three am and tries to ignore the shaking in his fingers.

Mahogany seems fit to ignore it too and they're just happy that Sal calls them by their preferred pronouns. The little sweet but odd smelling thing is just concerned with the amount of whip cream he gets in his drink. They love to hear the funny nosies Sal makes when he sits and sips an incredibly sweet drink that makes their nose wrinkle in distaste. Everything about Sal is little and sweet and Mahogany never fails to tell that to a choked Sal.

Highschool/College AU: Who is the straight-A student, and who’s the backrow slacker?

Mahogany studies hard. They know that they must if they were to take over Gra's business of bee keeping. Everything is important for that job and not a speech impediment or learning/eating disorders can stop them. They owe Gra everything for taking care of them when Moder died and all of the siblings and cousins don't seem to help their stress. The only thing that really relieves them is their gymnastics class, which they share with the class slacker, Sal Estrellas.

Yeah, Sal knows his future is important, blah blah. His dad is an astronomer, his mum is- was an an astronaut and Mal himself is working off somewhere researching possible life expansions on other planets. Big whoop. Sal doesn't seemingly care about thay, better be the failure and do what he's good at; being pretty. Sadly, that's when the oversized nerd gets hired to be some sort of tutor for him by the school and now Sal is stuck with a undone noodle trying to teach him algebra while Sal flirts widly and tries to convince Mahogany to do some....fun things instead.

Rivals to loves AU: Who takes their rivalry seriously, and who is half in it just to push the other’s buttons? 

Sal hates Magni. Hates their stupid face with the way they grin ans leap to try and catch him during his dance practices. Everyone else thinks it's so funny, but when Mahogany is the one on stage and twirling about while laughing? Apparently that's what gets the cash rolling in lately. All because they're a better dish for all the monster fuckers rather than Sal.

But they don't understand why he's so upset. Mahogany just likes to see how pretty their star is on the stage and to try and be as good as he is. Mahogany doesn't quite understand why he scowls so much when they meet eyes but Bex just tells them not to worry and that they're doing so good by not eating anyone. Mahogany wants to be good for her, for Sal. So obviously one of these days they need to try and see what would finally make Sal smile and smell sweet at them. Maybe if they follow and eat a man for him?

Enemies to lovers AU: Which one switches sides? 

Its terrifying. To be trapped in a crazed town full of weirdos in a cult. They're not natural people either. They're all gangly and lack colour, not to mention the fact that some of them can turn into monsters. Does this mean that Sal will be turned into a monster too? He doesn't want to turn into a monster. At least, not more of a monster than he already is.

But it's hard when Mahogany is so sweet. Sweeter than anyone Sal has met and that's horrible. He doesn't want to fall for their crooning or petty face when Mahogany gives Sal sweet things or telling him how much he's wanted and adored. He doesn't want to be something else but Sal finds it harder to fight back against the idea of being happy and a family aa the day goes on.

Soulmate AU: Who is eager to meet their soulmate? Who absolutely does not want to meet their soulmate? 

Sal can't stand soulmates. And with good reason. His own father had forgotten whatever soulmate he had in favour for his mother and that didn't stick together. Soulmates were bullshit and his very existence was proof of that. After all, what alien would have a soulmate? Apparently a 6'9 norse monster who had been waiting to meet their other half of hearts.

So yeah. Sal heard a crunching noise one night and when checking it out, came face to blood coated face of his supposedly other half. Cue the screaming and Sal passing out, only to wake up in his place with Mahogany crouching over him and affectionately smiling. Cue more screaming from Sal while Mahogany is already thinking up ways to impress their new and oh so little mate!

Single parent AU: Which one is the single parent? (Alt. if they’re both single parents: Which one is open to starting a new relationship from the start? Which one is never planning on finding love again… Until they meet the other and are instantly smitten?)

Mahogany loves Skye. Their little baby is sweet as anything with eyes as pretty as the- well, Sky! Except Skye seems to enjoy wandering off a lot and Mahogany often needs to chace after said sweet but bratty baby. It gets even worse when Skye runs into a bright club, drawn in by the pretty lights mixture of human smells within. It causes them quite the panic when they see a tiny human yelping and standing back as Skye paws at him.

They save their baby easy enough, but now Skye has gotten quite attached to the sparkly man and she doesn't want Alpha to eat spar'kly and they want to sit around and look at the prettiness that is Sal, who is...awkwardly charmed by the little pale brat...and less charmed by the giant pale brat who has a wagging tail and doesn't seem to care about the filthy fliers he comes out with. Ugh. It seems he just adopted two new cats....or maybe a new beau and a baby? God that's even worse.

Doctor AU: Which one is the longsuffering doctor? Which one is the patient? 

Sal and Mahogany attend the same therapist and often sit next to each other in the waiting room. Mahogany is there to talk about their loss of Gra and their eating disorders along with issues containing the blackouts they suffer. Mahogany is very interested in the little man that spends half if his time texting or bobbing his head to music. He's cute.

Sal definitely notices it too. His shrink says that he tends to sabotage all relationships with people he likes, not to mention no longer purposely derailing his health as a form of self harm. His shrink says that maybe he needs to try and form more friendly relationships with one of his other patients, someone who knows what a similar thing Sal's going through? It would be tough work but Mahogany is more than happy to know the little man if that means he'll get to know them too.

Its risky, but Mahogany and Sal want to try and make a friendship work and for the most part it's rather easy...if it weren't for the fact that Mahogany is VERY tall and fit...Sal drools over the time he was lifted by one hand from Magni.

Bodyguard AU: Who is the bodyguard? Who are they protecting? Which one is secretly pining for the other? 

Mahogany...doesn't think much of their new bodyguard to be honest. Sal is short and he doesn't look that strong...but obviously something works because Old Alpha hired him and Mahogany knows that she wouldn't do it if she didn't know that Sal would really protect them. Sal, at least, seems more than ready to do what he needs to in order to ensure that his charge is safe.

But fuck its almost painful to rush after Mahogany. They're a gangly noodle and its more often than not Sal is rushing to keep up with their stupid long legs and worse, their stupid mouth that grins and flirts happily. Their flirting is so awful though and technically it's part of his job to make sure they stay safe by not using said flirts....and that Sal can teach better ones, right??

Pirate AU: Who is the pirate? Who is the member of the royal family who did not sign up for this? 

No one would miss a pretty little royal, that's what Sal tells himself at least. He remembers the feeling of a crown on his head. Mahogany would certainly be happier on a ship, with their freedom and cute pants and shirts. Really, when he kidnap them, Sal is absolutely sure that this is the right choice. He hated being a prince and it's a thrill to have someone so strong and tall on the ship with him. Especially when Mahogany let's Sal clamber all over them.

Mahogany loves it just as much. They love the sudden freedom and they regret leaving their home, leaving Gra to take care of everything now that the heir of the kingdom is gone. But Sal is so sweet and he always insists on their freedom...how could they ever think about going back at times? And if they run into a blue charming pirate or a pretty pale prince? Well, Mahogany and Sal always want to spread the idea of their freedom about!

Childhood best friends AU: Which one was super obviously in love with the other the whole time? Who was oblivious until they were older?

Sal was smitten by Mahogany as a kid. They looked like a prince or a princess in one of the soteybooks. They're sweet and they don't mind playing rough, even if Sal's dad worries a lot with the amount of scratches and bites that Mahogany leaves on him. The visits carry on to Mahogany's Town long before Sal suddenly disappears and Sal's dad never talks about him again, only muttering cold and cruel things that Mahogany doesn't quite understand.

But now as an adult, Mahogany is alone and they have caught their Sal's scent. He was their mate long before any of them realised and its certainly something when they shift and start taking off to look for their little mate. Just a shame that Sal wasn't warned in the middle of a late night fuck with his latest scam....well, at least they were serious when Mahogany said they would give Sal their heart?

#ask #blind-mutant #the living stardust (Sal) #the monster of forgotten midnights (Mahogany) #headcanon #sksks this felt weird to write for my own kids but this was fun!!!

[tempthornton]

😴 - have you ever given up on a blog and regretted it?😘 - what charectors are you currently writing?😫 - do you prefer fluff, angst, or smut?

Okay, time to sit down for a long post, doing these out of order cause... I got a list:

have you ever given up on a blog and regretted it?

I don’t really ‘give up’ on blogs. I might not be active with them, but I never give them up. The few I’ve had to delete were crackpot ideas I didn’t get to really start. I have a lots of characters, but my characters never vanish. I might have someone I wrote about once and three years later I’ll be like ‘oh! I have lore now to back this character up. Part of that is what happened with Temperance. I wanted a witch from Drustvar and started to make her. But then I made another character who took my interest and Temp was put on the side until inspiration hit.

With Shadowlands coming and the fact that Drust magic is necromantic I thought I would mix one of my favorite books series as a child to reinspire me to play Temperance. So far it’s working. It also helps I have some amazing RP friends who want to meet my innocent witch. I find if I have at least a friend or two who want to play with a character the character stays as a more active blog.

do you prefer fluff, angst, or smut?

Ummmm.... All but with different reasons. I love me some good fluff because it helps give my character times to lick their wounds. Angst is fun if I want to torture a character. Like Temperance with her crush on Laurent is all me wanting to have some angst with her, Son’Ispa, and Alexander. As for smut... I have Quin for that. Quin is my hypersexual, bi to pansexual, Dom. He’s just, just the most controlled asshole I have and man he makes writing smut fun. I don’t write smut publically and I’ll only write smut with people I know well. It’s not something I do all the time though since sex gets really boring to write if that’s all you write, but I am always good for some foreplay scenes with him and his soulmate. They are my OTP and I will never change my mind about that.

what characters are you currently writing?

*cracks knuckles cause this is going to take a bit* I play the following characters. Complete with their Tumblr names:

Malura Underchild: @maluraunderchild

Mal is my oldest WoW character, before warcraft, she was a D&D character. Malura is a half high elf Timewalker and she has done everything. The last ten years in game playing her I have had her living with the Forsaken, being a soldier, being a ranger, living with the Tauren, she was a spy, a political manipulator, a leader, and just so much more. She’s really got a lot of baggage but she plays stuff off because if she focuses on it for too long... she realizes just how messed up her life as been. But Mal will always be my main, I might not play her as much, but she’s always in my heart.

Earl Darsa Carrington: @darsacarrington

Darsa is my loud mouth half Gilnean half Lordaeronian noble. More he’s a lord of Lordaeron but his dad’s family is Gilnean. He’s a giant of a man but has a heart of silver. Darsa used to be a drug dealer until a lot of stuff happened, he found out he was a noble woman’s bastard and now has an island outside of Tirisful Glades that lets Forsaken and humans live together. He’s also a monster hunter and wants to give monsters the option of a place to live if they won’t kill people outright.

Duchess Alle Beithloch: @allebeithloch

Alle... oh Alle. Alle is based on the Grimm’s Fairytale ‘Of All Kinds of Fur’, or as I lovingly call her ‘a Lovecraft Disney Princess’. She’s a very careful woman and has her Duchy as a haven for people who can’t fit in with the Alliance. There’s a lot of homebrew lore I use for her and I normally try to warn people before they RP with her. But if you ever need something for a storyline, Alle might have it. Her family specializes in making deals, but everything you ask for will come with a price. It might be as simple as a strand of hair, or your firstborn child, you’re never going to know with this woman. I am not including them separately, but Alle lives with 10+ sayaad who she considers her family. The woman has a soft spot for monsters and demons.

Quin: @subjectragnar

Quin is going to be going through some changes this year. With Shadowlands coming he’s about to find out some stuff about how he was born. Quin was an experiment by a select group of Kirin Tor, the experiment that made him ‘failed’ and as the product of the experiment he was banished and sentenced to death as a baby. His adopted father a then High Elf found him starving in the streets of Dalaran. Quin is something most mages fear though, he’s a black hole for all magics if your skin touches his skin your magic is negated for as long as he is touching you. It’s a big boon for him but he’s always seen it as a curse. Instead of using magic to solve his problems he became an engineer and after some really messed up stuff, Quin also became a serial killer who targets slavers and other horrible people of the world. I always joke Quin is what would happen if Batman and Jigsaw had an anti-magic baby. He’s really on the top of my list as one of my favorite characters though... And he’s half of my favorite OTP with him and his soulmate Alice ( @alas-ward)

Lorcan Beithioch: @lorcanbeithioch

Lorcan is Alle’s distant cousin. Yes they have really similar names, I messed up naming Alle at first and decided when I made some extended family for her that they would have the correct name. Lorcan is my Drustvar witch... the one who distracted me from Temperance. Lorcan is more on the Drust side, he’s paraplegic and uses Drust constructs to walk. He’s a bit of a savage, but his family is all like that. They’re not... normal and are very tribal in their thinking. For the last 100 years, they were preparing for a massive face-off with another family, now that they don’t have to worry about that anymore Lorcan’s clan has been relaxing and trying to reconnect to their noble cousins. Lorcan is also Olivia Lovecraft ( @olivia-lovecraft)’s biological cousin and Lorcan is very devoted to keeping his newfound family safe. This includes his soulmate @vermilion-valentine who is right now a ghost after being murdered in front of him. Lorcan actually feels the pain of her being dead, but he’s working on getting her a new body so they can be together again.

Lord Anthion Soulshade: @anthionsoulshade

Oh Anthion. Okay, Anthion is my grumpy vampire. Unless someone else plays a san’layn or other vampiric creature I normally keep him away from people. He has very limited morals and only cares about a few things. 1. His mate Alle Beithloch. 2. His children Quin and Alice 3...... nothing else. If your character is an enemy of the people he loves, he won’t think twice about trying to hurt people. Hence I keep him away from most RPers. Now, after that disclaimer, Anthion is a massive homebody and a bit of a grump. He’s undead but has a love of beautiful things and loves being around clever people (At least clever people who don’t insult him). He loves to cook, even if he can’t eat and he would be a psychologist in our world. His old experiments were studying the mind and seeing how it could heal or be broken. Now he supports Alle while pretending to be a void elf in the Alliance.

Dr. Carl Krogen: @carlkrogen

Technically one of my ‘newer’ characters Carl is loosely based on the Hellboy character Karl Kroenen. Carl is a relic hunter who is searching for immortality. After the fall of Lordaeroon he had a mental breakdown and started to have horrible survivor’s guilt. Being a skilled doctor he replaced his heart for health reasons and slowly made himself look undead. He’s not actually Forsaken but he looks like one and lives between the factions working for whoever will pay him the best. He’s currently dating Olivia Lovecraft and I am all down for this ship cause romantic immortality is so freaking adorable.

Isola Dia: @goddessinthemachine

Isola’s real name is The Machine. She’s one of Anthion’s experiments who... well her greatest wish was to become a god. She now lives as a living island in an undisclosed location and I originally made her be able to stop Quin if he went off the rails. Well people saved Quin and made him his vigilante self and Machine was given a body that looks like a living person. She’s been using it to travel the world and collect any technology she can so she can integrate it into her larger body. She’s a fun romp into me figuring out how someone would act if they believed they were a god, and Isola also scratches my H.R Giger love... cause she’s basically body and cosmic horror.

Temperance Thornton: @tempthornton

.... I almost forgot to write down Temperance. I don’t think I need to make too many introductions, but, Temperance was me watching Penny Dreadful and saying ‘it would be funny if the demon possessing the girl was just protective but still a monster’. Son’Ispa was made to be Temperance’s ‘guardian’ and I built up a few other cast of characters that might one day get their own blogs. Like Alexander, a void entity stuck in a human body? It just sounds like so much fun to write. I love it when big horrific monsters have to be human. It just makes me smile.

I have a lot of other characters I play, but these are the ones with blogs. I am debating about making Malura’s future boyfriend a blog, but I’m still feeling that out.

((Thanks for the ask @jacobdcheshyre))

[cecaeliana]

            CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS

long post below the cut

001. When is their birthday?

February 2nd ( or, dependant on the Mal, roughly four or five days after Mal’s birthday )

002. Do they do anything to celebrate their birthday?

Usually, there’s a party. But it used to be that this party was held in competition with Mal’s birthday party, so was vying for guests and needed the most numbers, but now she’s not doing that, she’d settle for a gathering of her closest friends (her crew) and maybe she’ll give herself a whole day off work, if someone can talk her into it.

003. Does your character like coffee better, or tea?

Coffee, it’s all they had on the Isle so she never really got accustomed to tea.

004. Do they prefer being alone or with others?

She prefers to have a crowd around her, people to talk to and show off in front of, but when it comes down to it, she’d always prefer to spend her time with a couple of close friends rather than a huge group.

005. Are they in good health?

Relatively. Uma is a fairly healthy individual, especially once the barrier comes down, because then she has access to her own divine nature and that protects her from most things that would get to a normal human. She is, however, like most Isle kids, somewhat small for her age from the early malnutrition and lack of expose to sunlight. So, better than most.

006. What sense do they most rely on?

Sight is probably the most important, in terms of relying on it to get things done, but touch is something she relies on for comfort especially. and when she’s in her cecaelia form her tentacles are more receptive to touch, as with an octopus. they help her navigate, especially underwater.  

007. Is your character an optimist or a pessimist?

Uma is a realist, first and foremost. Or that’s what she’d say, she’s actually pretty optimistic.

008. What is their favorite fairy tale?

Cliche as it is, the original version of the little mermaid, where the mermaid’s feet cause her physical pain and then the prince marries someone else so she throws herself into the sea, still in human form, and turns to sea foam. Yep, that one.

009. Do they believe in happy endings?

No, because there’s no such thing as a happy ending. Endings are sad, that’s how endings work. And if you reach a point where you feel like you’re going to live ‘happily ever after’ you have to remember, there’s always more work to be done and eventually one of you will outlive the other.

010. Do they believe in love at first sight?

Not really. Love has to be allowed to grow. You can’t love someone you don’t know. Because then you’re just in love with the idea of them and all the messy bits underneath are just going to put you off.

011. How would your character court the person of their dreams?

About as subtly as a brick through a window. Uma is never subtle, so she’d likely approach them and ask them out, or maybe she’d try and get some info out of them first about things they like.

012. What makes your character embarrassed?

Being reminded of Mal’s nickname.

013. Have they ever been bullied or teased?

Yes. So much. the Shrimpy nickname stuck. And people clung to the idea that Maleficent was ruler of the Isle and therefore Mal could do no wrong, so if Mal wanted them to ostracise Uma and call her names, then they would, for fear of suffering the same fate.  

014. Detail one secret shame your character feels.

She feels ashamed that the whole of the Isle wasn’t always her priority. She always knew she wanted to get her crew off the Isle, but that was as far as her plan went and she’s ashamed of the thought that if she’d gotten the trident and bargained her way off the Isle with her crew at the end of Book 3, she’d have left and not looked back just like the Core 4 did.

015. Are they most likely to fight with their fists or their tongue?

Both. She’ll insult you to take your guard down and then punch you. Insults thrown whilst fighting are just par for the course with Uma.

016. What is their choice of weapon?

Sword. Or, against a magical opponent, magic.

017. When does your character think that violence is justified or deserved?

So much of the time. Way too much of the time. She’s trying to be better, but sometimes her first instinct is still to do something violent to get her point across and make people listen to her.

018. Your character wakes up to find that war has been declared. What do they do?

Gather her people around her, and then probably go out and fight. It would depend on the war and the nature of it. If it’s a landgrab from another kingdom, she might not bother, but if it’s a magical being attacking with intent to destroy the kingdom, she’ll get involved.

019. If they could have a superpower, what would they choose?

She kind of already has superpowers, so if she had to add something on top of what she already has, she’d probably take the ability to control plants so she can make crops grow on the Isle. If she had to lose all her powers and retain just one she would probably choose to retain shapeshifting.

020. What are their hobbies?

What’s a hobby? Uh, no, she enjoys singing, swimming and sailing. They might not necessarily be hobbies, but they’re the closest she gets.

021. How do they display affection?

Touches. Little touches on the arm, a hand in the hair. She likes to touch the people she cares for. Also protectiveness, so standing in front of them, throwing her arm in front of them. Joking around with people, rolling her eyes, punching them lightly in the shoulder.

022. What is the most beautiful thing they’ve ever seen?

The sunlight filtering through the clouds as the disappeared when the barrier was brought down, filling the Isle with light like it had never seen before. or. Harry’s eyes.

023. What do they consider beautiful in others physically?

She considers most people beautiful in their own right. But soft hair and pretty eyes are very nice. A strong jaw.

024. What do they consider ugly in others physically?

This is really hard. Uh, completely bald heads maybe? I honestly don’t know.

025. What do they consider beautiful in others personality-wise?

Loyalty. Fierceness. Freedom of Spirit. Confidence.

026. What do they consider ugly in others personality-wise?

Self-depreciation/Self-hatred. Dishonesty. Bigotry in any form. Bullying.

027. What is their idea of perfect happiness?

she doesn’t know, or isn’t sure what exactly would make her perfectly happy. but she feels happiest surrounded by her crew and out on the water. so probably at the wheel of her ship, with her crew around her, safe in the knowledge that the isle is functioning, is growing, is a safe and happy place to live. that her work is done.

028. What makes them laugh out loud?

she’s actually quite fond of laughing and she never tries to hide her laughter if it’s something funny. so, sarcastic comments, jokes, people doing stupid stuff, people saying stupid stuff, people falling down or getting hurt (but not seriously injured)

029. What sort of sense of humor does your character have?

it’s quite a sarcastic humour, she’ll make lots of sarcastic or sassy comments.

030. Do they believe in the afterlife?

it’s hard not to believe in the afterlife when your great-uncle is literally the lord of the dead. she knows about the underworld and the afterlife and she knows it’s a very real, very literal thing.

031. Are they superstitious about anything?

don’t kill albatrosses. don’t do it. but otherwise, no, not hugely superstitious.

032. Does your character believe in ghosts?

yes.

033. Do they keep their promises?

as a sea witch, she has to keep her promises. a promise is a soul debt. uma takes promises very seriously.

034. What’s their view of lying?

she hates lying. she hates being lied to. she would always prefer the honest truth, even if it hurts. she does, occasionally tell white lies like “i’m fine”, but about anything more important than that, it’s a no-no.

035. What is the most important rule your character lives by?

if you want something, you have to work for it. no-one gets anything for free.

036. How honorable is your character?

fairly honourable. but she isn’t above trying underhanded tricks to get what she wants.

037. If your character saw someone drop a large sum of money and knew that they could probably take it without anyone noticing, what would they do?

probably take it. depending on who’d dropped it. if it was someone she knew, she’d probably return it. but finder’s keepers is the isle way of life.

038. What bad habits do they have?

not sleeping. swearing. speaking with her mouth full. skipping meals accidentally.

039. What do they think is the worst thing that can be done to a person?

damnatio memoriae. completely erasing someone’s existence from the world.

040. What is their obsession?

the isle of the lost and turning it into a liveable place. she is a workaholic.

041. Are they comfortable with technology?

pretty comfortable, but she prefers the old fashioned methods like letter writing and taking notes by hand than using a tablet or laptop.

042. What is their greatest achievement?

the barrier being brought down. while she’s not technically responsible, it was her plan and her actions that helped to change mal’s mind, so she’s taking credit.

043. What will they stand up for?

the little guy. the underdog. she’s a huge proponent for those in need, those less fortunate. she’ll stand up for freedom and fair treatment.

044. What disgusts them?

people in positions of power that use them to improve their own lives instead of helping other people. sexism. racism. classism. homophobia. etc.

045. Does your character have any chronic medical conditions?

mild depression.

046. How do they handle getting sick?

she powers through it, pretending like she isn’t sick at all.

047. What was the last medical problem your character had?

malnutrition as a result of living on a garbage island for years.

048. Do they have any allergies?

not that she knows of

049. How does your character feel about growing old?

the length of her lifespan makes growing old seem like something of a non-issue for her. she’s more concerned about other people growing old around her while she remains relatively unchanged.

050. How does your character feel about their own mortality?

given that she’s almost immortal, it’s not something she has to consider now that she’s free from the influence of the barrier. but she hopes that by the time it comes around, she’s done something worthy of getting into elysium.

051. If they knew they would die tomorrow, what would they do today?

make a list of all the jobs that still need doing and give it to someone she trusts to carry on her work.  

052. What is your character’s worst flaw?

her pride and inability to compromise. she’s incredibly stubborn about her plans, possibly to her own detriment. her need to always be in control.

053. What is your character’s greatest strength?

her compassion and her ability to see the world for what it could be instead of what it is.

054. Does your character want power or authority of any kind?

yes. it’s important to her to have power and authority always. it’s why she’s self-titled queen of the isle, it’s why she’s the captain. she struggles with relinquishing control and with trusting other people.

055. Is your character an introvert or an extrovert?

an extrovert.

056. Has your character ever struck someone in anger?

yes. though with time she comes to regret the action, she has definitely lashed out at both friends and enemies in blind anger.

057. Has your character ever killed anyone?

yes.

058. What is your character’s idea of a perfect day?

uma’s idea of a perfect day is a day out at sea with her crew, sailing the world and singing sea shanties and having a good time together away from other authority or people who hate them. just them, free and happy.

059. List several phrases your character is fond of uttering. Where did they pick them up?

what’s my name? is her favourite phrase, use to keep her crew in line, to boost herself up, and to make sure everyone knows who she is and that she’s in charge.   ( descriptor ) party, table for one (pity, loser, etc). picked up from her time in the shop. we ride with the tide! her crew’s mantra. a reminder that they will always be moving forwards.

060. What is your character’s attitude toward education and learning?

she enjoys learning, but she finds most educators boring or pointless. she’s much rather teach herself stuff. but she also wants everyone to receive a good education.

061. Does your character prefer adventure or safety and security?

adventure! she wants to see everything and travel the world and go on wild adventures.

062. What sort of legacy does your character wish to leave behind?

a good one. a big one. she wants to be remembered, but she wants to be remembered for helping people, for doing something good for the world and her people.

063. How well does your character handle difficult people?

it depends on the kind of difficult, but pretty well, usually. she will always assess a situation first, but she’s very good at adapting to whatever is needed from her in the moment.

064. In what ways does your character annoy others?

she’s demanding and controlling. so she annoys people by constantly needs to reassert the fact that she’s in charge, and she’s the most important person in the room.

065. Is your character better at leading or following? Which do they prefer?

leading, always. uma hates following, she can’t stand it.

066. Does your character prefer city life or being out in nature?

being out in nature, specifically, the ocean.

067. Does your character believe in fate or destiny?

she knows that the fates exist, that some parts of your story are prewritten, but she’d like to think she could change it on a whim, that she isn’t tied to anything specific.

068. How strong is your character’s sense of responsibility? What kinds of things trigger it?

very. she feels responsible for a lot. seeing people in need triggers it more than anything, seeing someone hurt or hungry is something she can’t stand.

069. What about your character is heroic?

a lot. she fights for what she wants, she fights for other people, especially those who maybe can’t fight for themselves.

070. What about your character is cowardly?

she doesn’t like getting too involved in her own emotions. especially the good ones and she doesn’t want to lose people, so she distances herself from them to avoid getting hurt.

071. How kind is your character?

fairly kind. she struggles with it sometimes because she’s never been taught kindness, but she’s trying.

072. In a Dungeons & Dragons game, which class would your character be? (wizard, fighter, bard, priest, ranger, etc.)

a druid, but a water druid specifically.

073. In a novel, what plot role would your character fill? (hero, anti-hero, sidekick, villain, etc.)

anti-hero. she’s a hero, but her methods aren’t heroic.

074. What is your character’s favorite game?

she doesn’t really play games. also she’d be a pretty bad sport at any game she didn’t win, so maybe uma is banned from game nights and doesn’t have a favourite.

075. Is your character ticklish?

not really, thanks to shape-shifting any part of her that was ticklish now isn’t.

076. How do they express anger?

loudly. it takes over her whole body, she goes tense and snappy, she gets loud and shouty, and even though she doesn’t like it and would like to change, she can get physically violent.

077. How often do they cry? Over what?

pretty much never. she tries her hardest not to cry. but she’s more likely to cry over very emotional things rather than pain. so she’s more likely to cry because a loved one got hurt, or because of her own feelings than anything else.

078. How emotionally stable is your character?

she’d like to think that she’s emotionally stable, but she can actually be quite volatile, she’s just very good at hiding her mood swings.

079. How easy is it for them to read the emotions of others?

very, ursula spent uma’s entire childhood teaching her about how people convey emotion through their bodies as well as their words and voices. she’s very good at discerning emotions.

080. How easy is it for others to read your character’s emotions?

she’d hope pretty difficult. she does her best not to fall into any of the usual traps, but she still has certain tells, so for someone who knows her, it becomes pretty easy.

081. Is your character religious?

a complex question, because she knows that gods exist as she herself is related to them, so she has to believe in gods, she can’t deny their existence, but she also knows that they’re not the omnipotent, omniscient beings they’re made out to be, they’re flawed and selfish and she gave up on asking for their help.

082. What are your character’s sleeping preferences?

sleep. any sleep. she actually doesn’t sleep very much, she can stay awake for days at a time and when she does sleep it’s only really in short bursts.

083. What is the first thing they say and/or do when they wake up?

check how long she’s been asleep for and what time of day it is, to calculate how long she has before other people are awake, or to see how much time she’s lost.

084. Describe your character in one word.

Hero.

085. Describe your character in three words.

Revolutionary. Stubborn. Ambitious.

086. How would your character describe themself in one word?

Queen.

087. How would your character describe themself in three words?

Queen. Captain. Witch.

088. Is your character quiet or loud?

Loud. So very loud.

089. How vocally expressive is your character?

very. she’s always ready to talk or argue her point. and she’ll always tell you exactly what she thinks.

090. How bodily expressive is your character?

in the middle. most of the time her body language is closed off, but she does like to show off.

091. What type of music does your character like?

she’s not really had much chance to listen to music yet, but female singers are her clear favourite.

092. What emotion does your character evoke in others?

loyalty, for the people who are with her. anger, in those that aren’t. fear.

093. What is your character’s goal in life?

to free her people and to make their lives better, to make their homes liveable and their land usable.

094. Name three things most would not expect your character to be able to know.

economics. the law. how to be good.

095. Name three things most would not expect your character to be able to do.

dance. hold her temper. bench press a car.

096. How do they move and carry themselves? What energy do they project?

uma is very confident in her movement. she walks with her head up and as if she expects everyone else to move out of her way (she does). she doesn’t make herself smaller or back down. she’s always an intimidating presence.

097. How well do they adapt to change?

uma is very adaptable. she’s very good at adapting, but that doesn’t mean she always likes it. if it’s a change she’s campaigned for, she’s all for it, but otherwise? she’s going to need serious convincing.

098. Does your character like animals?

yes. especially sea animals.

099. Do they talk to inanimate objects?

other than maybe swearing if she’s bumped into something? probably not.

100. Does your character dream? If so, what do they dream about?

she does dream, she often dreams about her crew, or her ship, or the depths of the ocean.

#⤪ GOT A LOT FARTHER BY WORKING A LOT HARDER | headcanon. ⤨

[eviesmyspiritanimal]

We Are Off to See the Wizard Part 6

Summary: Audrey’s Annual Halloween Bash is coming up, and Evie has thought of a rather interesting costume idea for the Core Four. Several of their friends get pulled into the epiphany, too. It’s super fluffy with Huma, Jaudrey, Bal, Jarlos, Core Four fluff, and Mal and Hades father/daughter feels. 

  Audrey wrung her hands nervously, partially freaking out at the fact that her party started at seven o’clock, it was currently two o’clock, and Hades still hadn’t come yet. She had been waiting on him for two freaking hours!

  She withdrew her phone, checking for any texts or calls that she might have missed that could hint at that irritating weirdo’s whereabouts. Audrey very disappointedly noted that there was absolutely nothing from anyone with the exception of a weather notification that warned of a twenty percent chance of rain and thunderstorms.

  Audrey huffed and rolled her eyes, but didn’t let it get to her too badly. Of course it would have a chance to rain on the day of her big party. But it was estimated to happen around midnight if it occurred at all and the moon would rise before the possible rain, so it wouldn’t interfere with her pumpkin patch plans. She had already ordered the cakes and cupcakes from “Happy’s Bakery” since Celia ruined practically everything that she had planned to cook.

  “Yo, I heard there was a party that needed saving?” a male voice suddenly spoke, and Audrey nearly jumped out of her skin at the person’s closeness. The pink princess turned around, aiming to give him a piece of her mind, but shrank at her realization of precisely how tall the god actually was.

  “Yes, I need your help,” Audrey told him, mustering all of the bravery within her much smaller frame and straightening her posture as she faced him. He quirked an eyebrow at her but largely ignored her fear.

  “Okay. What are we putting up?” Hades asked her.

  “I’m going to need you to climb up there and push some tacks in and put up the banner. There’s not too much more to be done, but the last-minute décor is one of the most important-”

  “Woah, woah, woah. Let me get this straight,” Hades interrupted her, his eyes piercing into what felt like her very soul as she fearfully eyed him. “You want me to get up the ladder and do all the work for you? That doesn’t sound like helping to me.”

  “Well, I can’t do it! I’m a princess, you know!” Audrey informed him as if it were the most obvious fact in the world and in truth, it most likely should have been.

  “Guess what, then, Princess?” Hades slackened his posture a bit as he leaned down to her level. “Looks like you’re getting a whole new outlook on life, because I’m not doing this all on my own.”

  “That’s not very gentlemanly of you,” Audrey boldly proclaimed in reply and he just huffed in response, tilting his head to the side slightly.

  “And it’s not very neighborly to expect everybody else to do the work for you,” he told her condescendingly and straightened as he brushed past her.

  “So, what are we doing?” he asked her, reaching down and flipping a box open with a gloved hand.

  “You’re putting up the banner that will welcome everyone,” Audrey stubbornly persisted, the more determined facet of her personality brightly shining through.

  “Okay, okay. Let’s establish this one ground rule,” Hades turned to face her, a finger held out in her direction.

  “I don’t take orders from you, and I’m teaching you some life lessons. Because you really need them, Princess.”

  “That’s technically two things,” Audrey couldn’t help but acknowledge and he narrowed his eyes with a grin.

  “Smart. That’s cute,” Hades reached over and patted her on the head like she was a pouting pet. Audrey growled under her breath with an irritated glare, completely frustrated by this infuriating person. Honestly, why did Mal send him to her in the first place?

  He just turned and left her standing there blubbering before grabbing an end of the rope that the banner was strung on.

  “Well, are you getting your end?” he asked her, shrugging his shoulders, and Audrey scowled in return, wordlessly taking the other end of the rope.

  Hades climbed up the ladder on one side of the wide doorway and Audrey hesitantly planted her foot on the first step of the ladder on the other side. Hades ascended all the way to the top and started to push the tack through the rope and in the wall until he realized that the rope was too taut to lift it. He looked back down at her, raising an eyebrow.

  “What are you doing?” he asked her dumbfoundedly. She looked up at him blankly as she pulled her other foot up onto the ladder. Audrey then hesitantly stepped up onto the next step. As soon as she was on the second rung, she immediately started clinging to the ladder for dear life.

  “I can’t do this, I can’t do this, I can’t do this!!!” Audrey cried out in pure fear, shutting her eyes tightly. Hades rolled his eyes and groaned in response to her ridiculousness.

  “Okay, great. The party-planner and assistant decorator is scared of heights,” Hades complained aloud. Audrey quickly sprung to attention and a fire lit in her eyes as she stepped up another rung.

  “I am not afraid of heights! And I am not an assistant decorator! This is my party!” Audrey shouted at him, and Hades smirked at his sudden realization of how he could convince Audrey to climb the ladder.

  “I don’t know. If you had your way, you’d have me do all the work and you’d take all the credit. Sounds like I’m the real decorator,” Hades jabbed, and in her frustration, Audrey scaled several more steps in an attempt to meet him at eye level.

  “I don’t even know why Mal called you! You can go suck an egg for all I care!” Audrey nigh hysterically announced, and he just chuckled in response.

  “Come and get me QOM,” Hades taunted.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?!”

  “Q is for Queen, O is for Of, and M is for Mean,” he informed her, a satisfaction in his voice as she climbed the remaining steps easily.

  She stood there fuming for a moment, and he wasn’t really sure what she was going to say. Hades leaned a bit in her direction, keeping himself balanced, and smiled in false sweetness at her.

  “Nice of you to finally join me. Tack in your side, if you don’t mind,” he cheekily grinned at her, and Audrey seemed to realize just how high up she was. For a moment, she went pale and he was slightly worried that she might do something stupid out of fear.

  “Unless you’re too scared to tack in your side. Might need a big, strong man to help you out, Miss Helpless Princess,” Hades poked the bear that was Audrey and he reeled at how fast of a response that he received. She immediately sprang into action, shoving the tack in the wall firmly and scowling at him.

  “There. I did it. Are you happy now?” she demanded, and he nodded nonchalantly.

  “Yeah. It was okay, I guess,” he replied.

  “It was okay? It was OKAY?!” she practically screeched at him and she climbed down her ladder parallel with Hades the entire time that she fussed and practically attacked him.

  “If you think that you can just stomp up here all in the name of helping me and start treating me any such of a way as that, you’ve got another thing coming!” Audrey angrily ranted as she stepped off her ladder and marched right up so that she was in his face. Or at least as much as she could be considering the fact that she was so much shorter than him.

  Hades just grinned at her before subtly gesturing around them. She suddenly realized that she was safely back on the ground and she pursed her lips, rather impressed with herself for actually facing her fears.

  “That’ll do, Princess, that’ll do,” he nodded resolutely, and she couldn’t even bring herself to be mad at him for his weird reverse psychology that somehow worked really well.

  “Well, these decorations aren’t going to put up themselves, are they?” Hades asked her after she just stood there gaping for a moment. She shook her head, coming to attention as she headed over and started to sift through the boxes, handing him some sparkly black garland and taking some for herself so that they could decorate some of the pillars surrounding the room.

  Hades reached over and hauled the ladder to the pillar and the both of them started to wrap the garland around the thick pillar, tacking it in as they went.

  “It’s a good thing this isn’t a really fat column or this’d be really hard right now,” Hades sarcastically mentioned as he struggled to reach around the fat structure.

  “So what all are you doing for this shindig, huh?” Hades questioned once he had finally managed to wrap the last of the garland around the column.

  “Well, there’s obviously going to be a party, there’s a spooky pumpkin patch being set up outside right now, and me and the girls are going to be doing a séance,” Audrey informed him, a small frown coming upon her face as she remembered that Lonnie couldn’t come since she was tied up in that big Tourney game at her college.

  “Planning on talking to some of my souls in the Underworld?” Hades looked at her with an eyebrow raised, and she honestly couldn’t decipher whether he was joking or not. She finally settled for a nervous giggle.

  “It’s just a game,” Audrey informed him, grinning weirdly as he simply continued to stare at her.

  “I don’t know. Strange things happen around this holiday,” Hades ominously told her, the corners of his lips quirking in a strange manner before he returned to his work. Audrey’s eyes widened, and she felt a chill run up her spine as she considered his statement.

  However, she soon shook it off, forgetting the emotion and pushing it behind her as she continued to work alongside Hades.

  Nothing weird would be happening this Halloween. It was just a big, fun, festive bash that everyone would enjoy. Audrey knew that logically, absolutely nothing “strange” could occur, especially on her watch.

  Right?

#audrey #hades #descendants #D3 #halloween #descendants humor #fanfic #fanfiction #fic #fiction #lol #haha #cute #funny #humor #audrey rose #halloween descendants #descendants halloween #holiday

[13uswntimagines]

Better Luck Next Time (USWNT x Baby!Reader)

Request: Reader is really bad at expressing her feelings and talking about things she loves, so the team helps her as best as they can. And one evening she calls them all into a room and tells them how much they all mean to her and how happy she is to have them

Author’s note: Special thanks to @literaryhedgehog​ because without her this imagine would not have been nearly as cute or cohesive. It’s set up kind of like a three times she didn’t and the one she did format. I also couldn’t help the little hint of Mal x reader that i stuck in here. Let me know what you think! i freaking live for feedback. Hit me up with questions, requests or if you just wanna say hi. My inbox is always open!

3 days on the team

Fuck the beep test. 

You fell to your knees panting heavily, sweat pouring off your forehead as you stared in disbelief at Kelley. How the fuck was she still going? The rest of your team had already been eliminated, everyone except for the flying squirrel. 

You had barely made it to the line on time, and there she was, running off to the next one in time to hear the next one like you hadn’t just done 70 reps. You had to up your game if you wanted to keep your spot. Your plan was simple- beat the best players and show them why you belonged. 

A bottle of water appeared in your peripheral vision. You flinched waiting for the icy spray to hit your face, but it never did. 

“You did good kid. Don’t beat yourself up about getting out earlier than Kelley. I don’t think anyone could actually beat her.” She said, pushing the water bottle into your hands and making you take a sip. 

You opened your mouth to respond, but no words would come out. You weren’t sure if that was because The Alex Morgan was talking to you, or if it was because your lungs were no longer in your chest. 

“I swear, the rest of us could tag-team this thing and she would still probably outlast us,” Alex said, shaking her head as she walked away, already used to your non-responses (though she was sure she saw your lips twitch up) “I’ve stopped trying, it’s so not worth the knee pain tomorrow.”

You opened and closed your mouth several times as if you were going to call some sarcastic response after her, but the words just wouldn’t come out. You just sighed, resting your head on your knees, your chin hitting your chest-- better luck next time.

*****

6 months on the team

The bus was a tricky situation. On most days the team didn’t care where you sat, but you knew that would change drastically during important tournaments, like Olympic qualifiers big. You had already been warned that where you sat- where everyone sat really- mattered. 

Screwing it up could bring the team bad luck, and you really didn’t want to be the reason why your team wasn’t going to the Olympics for the first time. 

For that reason you tried to be the last person on the bus, so you could tell where to sit based on what seats were open, but Emily had forgotten something and so she and Lindsey had run off to grab them, and now you were staring down the aisle of a partially filled bus wondering whether you were about to cast an omen of doom if you set your bag down. 

“Third row on the left is open, or 8th on the right,” you hear a voice pipe up from behind you. One of Christen’s warm hands settled on your shoulders, the other held her duffel bag partially over her shoulder. 

You felt yourself relax at the directions, incredibly grateful for the woman who had become one of your many team moms. You hadn’t ever spoken a full sentence to the woman, but she embraced your shy nature without blinking. 

“You could also crash with Mal, she doesn’t have a bus buddy,” Tobin’s bead popped up on your other side, wiggling her eyebrows. It was funny to most of the girls that their two team babies had things for each other. 

A light blush spread across your cheeks as you nodded. “Thanks” You mumbled, throwing your bag into an empty row, unwilling to sit with your crush. Tobin snorted as she settled back down, propping her feet up on the seat in front of her, her head on Alex’s shoulder as she slumped halfway down in her seat. 

“Better luck next time kid,” Christen winked at Mal and tossed her a small package of Oreos when she pouted. 

*****

9 months on the team

Going against Japan was never fun. They were a technically sound team with none of the friendly players like Leah or Jessie. That and they still held a massive grudge from the 2015 World Cup. 

As the second half had progressed, the Japanese team had become increasingly desperate. In their attempts to get the ball out of their defending half and into the US box, they had left giant gaps in their defense that Linsey and Sam were exploiting. As forwards, you and Alex were getting sent through balls and crosses. 

You collected a particularly nice ball threaded by Lindsey and broke towards goal, beating the two defenders that were marking you and looking for Alex. You were so focused on tracking her position that you didn’t see the center back coming in for a tackle until it was too late and you were staring up at the clouds, tweety birds fluttering around your head. 

You could feel the headache forming, like a growing stress ball where the base of your head met your neck. That was going to hurt once the adrenaline rush was over. 

“Hey Beaker, you alright?” Emily’s head appeared in your immediate vision, her worried form slightly fuzzy around the edges. 

“Meep meep” You huffed, sending the woman a little smile. It was weird to see Sonnett so serious. She put down a hand to pull you up and began brushing the grass off your jersey.

“How the fuck is that not a yellow or a PK, her studs were up and she wasn’t even going after the ball,” Lindsey yelled towards the ref, jogging past you to get right in the woman’s face. 

“Go help your girlfriend, mm fine” You mumbled, embarrassed by the attention you were getting. Emily’s presence was comforting, but couldn’t block the feeling of thousands of eyes throughout the stadium, watching you to see if you were going to be pulled from the field. You wondered if many of them were almost hoping for it. 

Emily sent you a worried look before patting your shoulder. “That was almost a goal too! And hey, they wouldn’t have fouled you if you weren’t killing it out here!”  She nudged your shoulder lightly with hers and released you to the medics, walking over to Lindsey and pulling her away from the ref before she got a red. 

You watched them for a bit before someone shined a flashlight in your eyes. Maybe next time you would find the words to thank them, someday when you weren’t feeling so dizzy. You’d have better luck next time. 

*******

1 year on the team

Oreos were the quintessential after practice snack. It appeased the vegans and catered to the sweet tooth of the younger side of the team, and really, anyone who didn’t like Oreos was surely messed up. 

Normally the team took turns bringing the packets of double-stuff, hiding them in duffel bags so coaches wouldn’t see and remind them about the diets they were all supposed to be on during season (and Dawn was like a bloodhound when it came to contraband). 

But to celebrate something the team would forego the normal packs set out by the coaching staff in favor of double, triple, or mega stuffed ones and some funky flavors. And right now was a celebration if you ever saw one. The team was jubilant after their extremely entertaining scrimmage. Your team, Cool Beans (named by Tobin), had beaten team Hot Stuff (Alex’s team) 6 to 5, you scoring 3 of said goals. 

You smiled lightly from your place on the locker room bench, munching happily on your mint Oreo and listening to several of the conversations happening around you. You felt so comfortable tucked between Mal and Christen, so safe and welcome. 

“You know, I really love you guys,” you said. There was a lull in the conversation, and several girls turned toward you in shock. 

“Holy shit, Meep Meep just talked!” Emily exclaimed, all eyes turning to you and your very red cheeks. Perhaps you hadn’t meant to say that out loud...

“We all knew she could talk,” Mal protested, throwing a balled-up cookie packet at her. Emily only smirked as the piece of plastic drifted through the air, falling about a foot short of its intended target. 

“Yeah but she said more than 3 words,” Lindsey rolled her eyes at the 2nd youngest forward, wiggling her eyebrows at Mal who had wrapped her spare arm around your waist. 

“I just-... you guys make me feel safe and I’ve never had my friends become like family before, and I love you guys,” You said, smiling at the ground. 

“We love you too Kiddo,” Christen said, from behind your left ear. 

“Group hug!!!!!” Kelley yelled before anyone could stop her, the women sharing a conspirator look before rushing you. 

You tried to protest, but in the end, there was no stopping them. A bundle of arms wrapped around you, dragging you to the floor in a dog pile. 

“Isn’t this nice!” Emily said from somewhere above you.

“Would be nicer if your elbow wasn’t embedded in my spleen…” You grumbled, hushing when Mal leaned up to kiss your cheek. Yes, these women were crazy, but right now you felt like the luckiest woman in the world.

#uswnt x reader #uswnt imagine #uswnt imagines #literalhedgehog

[seadivine-moved]

@menxgerie​ asked all the character development questions

yes, below the cut are 100 character development questions. 

001. When is their birthday?

February 2nd ( or, dependant on the Mal, roughly four or five days after Mal’s birthday )

002. Do they do anything to celebrate their birthday?

Usually, there’s a party. But it used to be that this party was held in competition with Mal’s birthday party, so was vying for guests and needed the most numbers, but now she’s not doing that, she’d settle for a gathering of her closest friends (her crew) and maybe she’ll give herself a whole day off work, if someone can talk her into it.

003. Does your character like coffee better, or tea?

Coffee, it’s all they had on the Isle so she never really got accustomed to tea. 

004. Do they prefer being alone or with others?

She prefers to have a crowd around her, people to talk to and show off in front of, but when it comes down to it, she’d always prefer to spend her time with a couple of close friends rather than a huge group. 

005. Are they in good health?

Relatively. Uma is a fairly healthy individual, especially once the barrier comes down, because then she has access to her own divine nature and that protects her from most things that would get to a normal human. She is, however, like most Isle kids, somewhat small for her age from the early malnutrition and lack of expose to sunlight. So, better than most. 

006. What sense do they most rely on?

Sight is probably the most important, in terms of relying on it to get things done, but touch is something she relies on for comfort especially. and when she’s in her cecaelia form her tentacles are more receptive to touch, as with an octopus. they help her navigate, especially underwater.  

007. Is your character an optimist or a pessimist?

Uma is a realist, first and foremost. Or that’s what she’d say, she’s actually pretty optimistic. 

008. What is their favorite fairy tale?

Cliche as it is, the original version of the little mermaid, where the mermaid’s feet cause her physical pain and then the prince marries someone else so she throws herself into the sea, still in human form, and turns to sea foam. Yep, that one. 

009. Do they believe in happy endings?

No, because there’s no such thing as a happy ending. Endings are sad, that’s how endings work. And if you reach a point where you feel like you’re going to live ‘happily ever after’ you have to remember, there’s always more work to be done and eventually one of you will outlive the other. 

010. Do they believe in love at first sight?

Not really. Love has to be allowed to grow. You can’t love someone you don’t know. Because then you’re just in love with the idea of them and all the messy bits underneath are just going to put you off. 

011. How would your character court the person of their dreams?

About as subtly as a brick through a window. Uma is never subtle, so she’d likely approach them and ask them out, or maybe she’d try and get some info out of them first about things they like. 

012. What makes your character embarrassed?

Being reminded of Mal’s nickname. 

013. Have they ever been bullied or teased?

Yes. So much. the Shrimpy nickname stuck. And people clung to the idea that Maleficent was ruler of the Isle and therefore Mal could do no wrong, so if Mal wanted them to ostracise Uma and call her names, then they would, for fear of suffering the same fate.  

014. Detail one secret shame your character feels.

She feels ashamed that the whole of the Isle wasn’t always her priority. She always knew she wanted to get her crew off the Isle, but that was as far as her plan went and she’s ashamed of the thought that if she’d gotten the trident and bargained her way off the Isle with her crew at the end of Book 3, she’d have left and not looked back just like the Core 4 did. 

015. Are they most likely to fight with their fists or their tongue?

Both. She’ll insult you to take your guard down and then punch you. Insults thrown whilst fighting are just par for the course with Uma. 

016. What is their choice of weapon?

Sword. Or, against a magical opponent, magic. 

017. When does your character think that violence is justified or deserved?

So much of the time. Way too much of the time. She’s trying to be better, but sometimes her first instinct is still to do something violent to get her point across and make people listen to her. 

018. Your character wakes up to find that war has been declared. What do they do?

Gather her people around her, and then probably go out and fight. It would depend on the war and the nature of it. If it’s a landgrab from another kingdom, she might not bother, but if it’s a magical being attacking with intent to destroy the kingdom, she’ll get involved. 

019. If they could have a superpower, what would they choose?

She kind of already has superpowers, so if she had to add something on top of what she already has, she’d probably take the ability to control plants so she can make crops grow on the Isle. If she had to lose all her powers and retain just one she would probably choose to retain shapeshifting. 

020. What are their hobbies?

What’s a hobby? Uh, no, she enjoys singing, swimming and sailing. They might not necessarily be hobbies, but they’re the closest she gets. 

021. How do they display affection?

Touches. Little touches on the arm, a hand in the hair. She likes to touch the people she cares for. Also protectiveness, so standing in front of them, throwing her arm in front of them. Joking around with people, rolling her eyes, punching them lightly in the shoulder. 

022. What is the most beautiful thing they’ve ever seen?

The sunlight filtering through the clouds as the disappeared when the barrier was brought down, filling the Isle with light like it had never seen before. or. Harry’s eyes. 

023. What do they consider beautiful in others physically?

She considers most people beautiful in their own right. But soft hair and pretty eyes are very nice. A strong jaw. 

024. What do they consider ugly in others physically?

This is really hard. Uh, completely bald heads maybe? I honestly don’t know. 

025. What do they consider beautiful in others personality-wise?

Loyalty. Fierceness. Freedom of Spirit. Confidence. 

026. What do they consider ugly in others personality-wise?

Self-depreciation/Self-hatred. Dishonesty. Bigotry in any form. Bullying. 

027. What is their idea of perfect happiness?

she doesn’t know, or isn’t sure what exactly would make her perfectly happy. but she feels happiest surrounded by her crew and out on the water. so probably at the wheel of her ship, with her crew around her, safe in the knowledge that the isle is functioning, is growing, is a safe and happy place to live. that her work is done. 

028. What makes them laugh out loud?

she’s actually quite fond of laughing and she never tries to hide her laughter if it’s something funny. so, sarcastic comments, jokes, people doing stupid stuff, people saying stupid stuff, people falling down or getting hurt (but not seriously injured)

029. What sort of sense of humor does your character have?

it’s quite a sarcastic humour, she’ll make lots of sarcastic or sassy comments. 

030. Do they believe in the afterlife?

it’s hard not to believe in the afterlife when your great-uncle is literally the lord of the dead. she knows about the underworld and the afterlife and she knows it’s a very real, very literal thing. 

031. Are they superstitious about anything?

don’t kill albatrosses. don’t do it. but otherwise, no, not hugely superstitious. 

032. Does your character believe in ghosts?

yes. 

033. Do they keep their promises?

as a sea witch, she has to keep her promises. a promise is a soul debt. uma takes promises very seriously. 

034. What’s their view of lying?

she hates lying. she hates being lied to. she would always prefer the honest truth, even if it hurts. she does, occasionally tell white lies like “i’m fine”, but about anything more important than that, it’s a no-no. 

035. What is the most important rule your character lives by?

if you want something, you have to work for it. no-one gets anything for free. 

036. How honorable is your character? 

fairly honourable. but she isn’t above trying underhanded tricks to get what she wants. 

037. If your character saw someone drop a large sum of money and knew that they could probably take it without anyone noticing, what would they do?

probably take it. depending on who’d dropped it. if it was someone she knew, she’d probably return it. but finder’s keepers is the isle way of life. 

038. What bad habits do they have?

not sleeping. swearing. speaking with her mouth full. skipping meals accidentally. 

039. What do they think is the worst thing that can be done to a person?

damnatio memoriae. completely erasing someone’s existence from the world. 

040. What is their obsession?

the isle of the lost and turning it into a liveable place. she is a workaholic. 

041. Are they comfortable with technology?

pretty comfortable, but she prefers the old fashioned methods like letter writing and taking notes by hand than using a tablet or laptop. 

042. What is their greatest achievement?

the barrier being brought down. while she’s not technically responsible, it was her plan and her actions that helped to change mal’s mind, so she’s taking credit. 

043. What will they stand up for?

the little guy. the underdog. she’s a huge proponent for those in need, those less fortunate. she’ll stand up for freedom and fair treatment. 

044. What disgusts them?

people in positions of power that use them to improve their own lives instead of helping other people. sexism. racism. classism. homophobia. etc. 

045. Does your character have any chronic medical conditions?

mild depression. 

046. How do they handle getting sick?

she powers through it, pretending like she isn’t sick at all. 

047. What was the last medical problem your character had?

malnutrition as a result of living on a garbage island for years. 

048. Do they have any allergies?

not that she knows of 

049. How does your character feel about growing old?

the length of her lifespan makes growing old seem like something of a non-issue for her. she’s more concerned about other people growing old around her while she remains relatively unchanged. 

050. How does your character feel about their own mortality?

given that she’s almost immortal, it’s not something she has to consider now that she’s free from the influence of the barrier. but she hopes that by the time it comes around, she’s done something worthy of getting into elysium. 

051. If they knew they would die tomorrow, what would they do today?

make a list of all the jobs that still need doing and give it to someone she trusts to carry on her work.  

052. What is your character’s worst flaw?

her pride and inability to compromise. she’s incredibly stubborn about her plans, possibly to her own detriment. her need to always be in control. 

053. What is your character’s greatest strength?

her compassion and her ability to see the world for what it could be instead of what it is. 

054. Does your character want power or authority of any kind?

yes. it’s important to her to have power and authority always. it’s why she’s self-titled queen of the isle, it’s why she’s the captain. she struggles with relinquishing control and with trusting other people. 

055. Is your character an introvert or an extrovert?

an extrovert. 

056. Has your character ever struck someone in anger?

yes. though with time she comes to regret the action, she has definitely lashed out at both friends and enemies in blind anger. 

057. Has your character ever killed anyone?

yes.

058. What is your character’s idea of a perfect day?

uma’s idea of a perfect day is a day out at sea with her crew, sailing the world and singing sea shanties and having a good time together away from other authority or people who hate them. just them, free and happy. 

059. List several phrases your character is fond of uttering. Where did they pick them up?

what’s my name? is her favourite phrase, use to keep her crew in line, to boost herself up, and to make sure everyone knows who she is and that she’s in charge.   ( descriptor ) party, table for one (pity, loser, etc). picked up from her time in the shop.  we ride with the tide! her crew’s mantra. a reminder that they will always be moving forwards. 

060. What is your character’s attitude toward education and learning?

she enjoys learning, but she finds most educators boring or pointless. she’s much rather teach herself stuff.  but she also wants everyone to receive a good education. 

061. Does your character prefer adventure or safety and security?

adventure! she wants to see everything and travel the world and go on wild adventures. 

062. What sort of legacy does your character wish to leave behind?

a good one. a big one. she wants to be remembered, but she wants to be remembered for helping people, for doing something good for the world and her people. 

063. How well does your character handle difficult people?

it depends on the kind of difficult, but pretty well, usually. she will always assess a situation first, but she’s very good at adapting to whatever is needed from her in the moment. 

064. In what ways does your character annoy others?

she’s demanding and controlling. so she annoys people by constantly needs to reassert the fact that she’s in charge, and she’s the most important person in the room. 

065. Is your character better at leading or following? Which do they prefer?

leading, always. uma hates following, she can’t stand it. 

066. Does your character prefer city life or being out in nature?

being out in nature, specifically, the ocean. 

067. Does your character believe in fate or destiny?

she knows that the fates exist, that some parts of your story are prewritten, but she’d like to think she could change it on a whim, that she isn’t tied to anything specific. 

068. How strong is your character’s sense of responsibility? What kinds of things trigger it?

very. she feels responsible for a lot. seeing people in need triggers it more than anything, seeing someone hurt or hungry is something she can’t stand. 

069. What about your character is heroic?

a lot. she fights for what she wants, she fights for other people, especially those who maybe can’t fight for themselves. 

070. What about your character is cowardly?

she doesn’t like getting too involved in her own emotions. especially the good ones and she doesn’t want to lose people, so she distances herself from them to avoid getting hurt. 

071. How kind is your character?

fairly kind. she struggles with it sometimes because she’s never been taught kindness, but she’s trying. 

072. In a Dungeons & Dragons game, which class would your character be? (wizard, fighter, bard, priest, ranger, etc.)

a druid, but a water druid specifically. 

073. In a novel, what plot role would your character fill? (hero, anti-hero, sidekick, villain, etc.)

anti-hero. she’s a hero, but her methods aren’t heroic. 

074. What is your character’s favorite game?

she doesn’t really play games. also she’d be a pretty bad sport at any game she didn’t win, so maybe uma is banned from game nights and doesn’t have a favourite. 

075. Is your character ticklish?

not really, thanks to shape-shifting any part of her that was ticklish now isn’t. 

076. How do they express anger?

loudly. it takes over her whole body, she goes tense and snappy, she gets loud and shouty, and even though she doesn’t like it and would like to change, she can get physically violent. 

077. How often do they cry? Over what?

pretty much never. she tries her hardest not to cry. but she’s more likely to cry over very emotional things rather than pain. so she’s more likely to cry because a loved one got hurt, or because of her own feelings than anything else. 

078. How emotionally stable is your character?

she’d like to think that she’s emotionally stable, but she can actually be quite volatile, she’s just very good at hiding her mood swings. 

079. How easy is it for them to read the emotions of others?

very, ursula spent uma’s entire childhood teaching her about how people convey emotion through their bodies as well as their words and voices. she’s very good at discerning emotions. 

080. How easy is it for others to read your character’s emotions?

she’d hope pretty difficult. she does her best not to fall into any of the usual traps, but she still has certain tells, so for someone who knows her, it becomes pretty easy. 

081. Is your character religious?

a complex question, because she knows that gods exist as she herself is related to them, so she has to believe in gods, she can’t deny their existence, but she also knows that they’re not the omnipotent, omniscient beings they’re made out to be, they’re flawed and selfish and she gave up on asking for their help. 

082. What are your character’s sleeping preferences?

sleep. any sleep. she actually doesn’t sleep very much, she can stay awake for days at a time and when she does sleep it’s only really in short bursts. 

083. What is the first thing they say and/or do when they wake up?

check how long she’s been asleep for and what time of day it is, to calculate how long she has before other people are awake, or to see how much time she’s lost. 

084. Describe your character in one word.

Hero.

085. Describe your character in three words.

Revolutionary. Stubborn. Ambitious.

086. How would your character describe themself in one word?

Queen. 

087. How would your character describe themself in three words?

Queen. Captain. Witch. 

088. Is your character quiet or loud?

Loud. So very loud. 

089. How vocally expressive is your character?

very. she’s always ready to talk or argue her point. and she’ll always tell you exactly what she thinks. 

090. How bodily expressive is your character?

in the middle. most of the time her body language is closed off, but she does like to show off. 

091. What type of music does your character like?

she’s not really had much chance to listen to music yet, but female singers are her clear favourite. 

092. What emotion does your character evoke in others?

loyalty, for the people who are with her. anger, in those that aren’t. fear. 

093. What is your character’s goal in life?

to free her people and to make their lives better, to make their homes liveable and their land usable. 

094. Name three things most would not expect your character to be able to know.

economics. the law. how to be good. 

095. Name three things most would not expect your character to be able to do.

dance. hold her temper. bench press a car. 

096. How do they move and carry themselves? What energy do they project?

uma is very confident in her movement. she walks with her head up and as if she expects everyone else to move out of her way (she does). she doesn’t make herself smaller or back down. she’s always an intimidating presence. 

097. How well do they adapt to change?

uma is very adaptable. she’s very good at adapting, but that doesn’t mean she always likes it. if it’s a change she’s campaigned for, she’s all for it, but otherwise? she’s going to need serious convincing.

098. Does your character like animals?

yes. especially sea animals.

099. Do they talk to inanimate objects?

other than maybe swearing if she’s bumped into something? probably not. 

100. Does your character dream? If so, what do they dream about?

she does dream, she often dreams about her crew, or her ship, or the depths of the ocean. 

#headcanon | as long as i'm leader of this lost isle. #meta tag #menxgerie #tagging cass bc I FUCKIN DID IT

[swanqueeneverafter]

What Dreams May Come, Pt.15

Arendelle. Morning. (Regina stands waiting at the harbour, having just disembarked from a ship a few minutes earlier. Staring out at the view, she turns when hearing Emma call out to her.) Emma: "Hey, Regina. What do you think?" Regina: (Repressing a laugh:) "And who are you supposed to be?" Emma: "Nobody. I'm undercover." Regina: "I see. Wouldn't it have made more sense to wear your disguise before we boarded the ship back in Storybrooke?" Emma: "I forgot to bring one, okay? Anyway, this scarf is really nice, don't you think?" Regina: "Mm. So what is the plan, exactly?" Emma: (Removing her glasses:) "Right, so in a few minutes you're gonna meet Anna here and she's going to take you on a tour of Arendelle castle." Regina: "And why would I want to go on a tour, again?" Emma: "Because you're pregnant, on maternity leave and need something to fill your days." Regina: "Uh huh, so I'm pathetic. Gotcha." Emma: "Anyway... while Anna's giving you a tour, I'll be doing reconnaissance." Regina: "And you think that brilliant disguise of yours will be enough to fool Anna?" Emma: "Maybe, but I'll be invisible anyway so it won't matter." Regina: (Exasperated:) "Then why do you need a disguise at all?" Emma: "Oh. (Thinking quickly:) Well, I need a disguise... because we're waiting for Anna! Yeah, we're waiting for Anna and I'm keeping you company. If I went invisible now, it'd look strange if you were talking to yourself." Regina: "No stranger than it looks for me to be talking to my wife, who has a scarf wrapped around her head, while her gun and sheriff's badge are clearly visible. (Purses her lips as Emma realises she does indeed have her gun and badge on full display. Mutters:) Invisible. You read way too much Harry Potter." Emma: (Smiling:) "No... I listen to the books in the car. You should try them, they're not just for kids." Regina: "If the day ever comes where I need to use a wand for magic, maybe I will. (Shaking her head:) Why don't you take the tour with Anna and I'll sneak around the castle?" Emma: "Because I'm supposed to be at work." Regina: (Pointedly:) "Yes, you are." Emma: (Giving Regina a look:) "If Anna sees me, then she'll tell Lily, and then the whole plan will be compromised." Regina: (Sourly:) "We didn't have to do any of this in the dreamscape." Emma: "I know, but it'll be worth it, trust me. Ooh, here she comes, I'll see you back here later. (Kisses Regina:) And be nice." (With that, Emma waves her hand and turns invisible.) Anna: (Approaching:) "Regina! It's so good to see you. (Leans in and hugs Regina:) Wow, you're so big these days!" Regina: (Muttering:) "God, I'm going to hate this." Anna: "What?" (Regina jumps a little as she distinctly feels a sharp slap to her backside from an invisible hand.) Regina: "Er... I said I really appreciate this. Taking time out of your day to show me around." Anna: (Beaming:) "Oh don't be silly, it's going to be so much fun!" Regina: (Returning the smile:) "Lead the way." (Anna takes Regina by the arm and leads her towards the castle. Emma takes Regina's other hand and squeezes it as she walks with them, unseen by anyone.)

Storybrooke. Dr. Archibald Hopper, M.D. Psychiatrist's Office. (Hook takes a seat on the couch as Archie moves toward his chair.) Archie: "Well, this is a surprise. I didn't expect to see you here till Thursday for couples counseling with Maleficent." Hook: (Nods:) "I needed to see you myself, Doc, alone." Archie: "Very well. (Taking his seat:) What brings you here, Captain?" Hook: "It's a lot of things, actually." Archie: "Hmm." Hook: "I'm worried that people still see me as what I used to be." Archie: "A pirate." Hook: "Well, I mean, technically, I am still a pirate, but, you know the good kind. And yet, it seems no matter what I do, my past keeps coming back to haunt me." Archie: "Mm. That sounds complicated." Hook: "Yeah. Well, (Reaching into his jacket pocket he pulls out a box:) it's about to get a lot more complicated." (Hook opens the box to reveal a ring inside.) Archie: "Oh! (Laughs:) I-I see. Why, that's, uh. That's very good news, indeed." Hook: "I can't wait to give this to Mal, but there never seems to be a right time." Archie: (Chuckles:) "Captain Hook buying a ring. I mean, that alone shows progress. (Hook puts the ring away and Archie joins him on the couch:) Look, Killian, you're listening to your conscience now, and everyone sees that.” Hook: “But is that enough? Look, I’ve done a lot of bad things in my past... and some of it I didn’t even realise I’d done until very recently.” Enchanted Forest. Past. (King George's guards, now dressed inconspicuously, have tied Robert to a wagon.) Guard 1: (Handing a bag of money to Guard 2:) "Ah, fine payment for a simple murder. There's a ravine near here, and everyone will think he crashed during a supply run." Robert: "They wouldn't believe it. They'll trace it back to you two. You think the king will defend you?" Guard 1: "I bet they'll believe a drunk drove his cart off the road." Robert: "I'm not drunk." Guard 1: "Really? (Pulling a cork from a bottle and pouring its contents over Robert:) Because to me, you smell like you spent the night in the tavern. (Pulls a knife, to Guard 2:) Better not take a chance he might survive the fall. (To Robert:) Time to die, drunk."

(Suddenly, Guard 1 is impaled from behind by a sword. As the man slumps to the ground, Captain Hook is revealed.) Smee: "Captain, he's getting away!" (Smee hands Hook a knife and the captain hurls it at the back of the retreating Guard 2, killing him.) Storybrooke. Dr. Archibald Hopper, M.D. Psychiatrist's Office. Present. Archie: “If your past is the only thing that's standing between you asking Maleficent to marry you, then don't wait. I mean, life is too precious.” Enchanted Forest. Past. Continued. Hook: (Looking down at Robert:) "What've we got here, then? A pale wee man, hmm? Surrounded by the king's gold. The winds of fortune are flying today, lads." Robert: "For both of us. Thank you for saving my life." Hook: "Saving your life? Why would I go and do a foolish thing like that? You saw me kill the king's men." Robert: "No, you don't have to worry about me. I have no love for the king. Please, cut me loose. I'll never say a word. I swear on my son's life. I just want to get home to my family." Hook: “That is a heartfelt plea, indeed. And you know, I actually think I might believe that. But, dead men tell no tales. (Hook draws his sword and runs Robert through, killing him. To his men:) Pack up the rest. And when you're done, find somewhere to hide this cart and this poor departed soul.”

The Charmings' Dreamscape. (Having gone to see Xanax, David and Snow find themselves inside their own shared dreamscape.) Snow White: (Looking around:) "Okay, how exactly does this work?" David: (Shrugging:) "I don't know. Just think about something and let the magic do the rest? (Taking each other's hand, they stand in the snow for a moment, before a door appears in front of them:) Another door huh? All right then. (David reaches out and turns the handle, opening the door. Inside, there is a wall of swirling gold. Stepping forward, Snow presses her hand to it and an image of a young girl sitting on her bed appears to them:) Is that..." Snow White: "Emma." David: (Tears forming in his eyes:) "Oh, she's beautiful. We can't waste another second. We can't miss another second." Snow White: (Stopping him:) "Wait." David: "What? What's wrong?" Snow White: "We can't go through there." David: "Snow, it's okay. We have to." Snow White: "No, David. I-I've just got this feeling. If we go through that door, Emma will never become the Savior." David: "Then she'll have a new destiny, with us. Snow, please, think about this. The Emma we know and love is safe at home and happy and about to have a baby with woman she loves. But right now, our daughter is right there in front of us. This is our chance to be with the Emma that we were never there for. How could we ever live with ourselves if we chose not to walk through that door?" Snow White: (Tears falling:) "Oh, David. You're so right. (Taking his hand again:) Let's do this." (Together, they walk through the door to meet their daughter.)

Storybrooke General Hospital. Present. (Rumplestiltskin is checking himself out of the hospital while Alice watches him.) Alice: "So you don't think we should be worried about Mr. Mendell anymore?" Rumplestiltskin: "I'm saying that we, especially you, should keep our distance. We're extremely lucky he didn't press charges at it is." Alice: "But what about-" Rumplestiltskin: "Just drop it, Alice. Please." Alice: "All right." (Hook enters the room.) Hook: "Ah, the wounded warrior himself." Rumplestiltskin: (To Alice:) "This is where the real suffering begins." Hook: (Chuckles:) "Nice to see you, too." Rumplestiltskin: "A few minutes later and you wouldn't have seen me at all." Hook: "Well actually, I hoped I would. You see I wanted to ask your advice on something. (Just then, a nurse enters with a wheelchair. Rumplestiltskin glares silently at her for a long moment and the nurse leaves:) I take it you want to walk out of here?" Rumplestiltskin: "That's right. I'm going to walk. Straight back home to see my wife and son." (Rumple slaps Hook on the arm, then turns to leave. Kicking the wheelchair out of his path as he exits the room.) Alice: (Stealing a pot of jam from Rumple's food tray:) "You know, I'm a good listener. And excellent at giving advice." Hook: "Is that right?" Alice: "Mmhmm. And... (Moving to sit in the wheelchair:) All it'll cost you is lunch." Hook: (Sighs:) "Why not." (Hook moves behind her, grabs the chair's handles and wheels a smiling Alice out of the room.)

Henry's Dreamscape. Kingdom of Valencia. Dungeons. (Henry is adjusting his armour when Ella confronts him.) Ella: "Can you explain to me why you're fighting for the man who's imprisoned us?" Henry: "You heard the king... if I win, he frees us. And I won't lose the duel." Queen Madelena: (Entering:) "Hello, stinkos. (To Henry:) Stop being dumb. Call this off. Take the offer to be my shag hag. Kingsley's down with it.” Henry: “You know, I think I'll pass.” Queen Madelena: (Sighing:) “Fine. Come along, then. (To Ella:) You should come, too. Then I can watch you watch him die. Oh, look at that. I just made it fun for me again. Guards!” The Royal Arena. (Henry is escorted to the arena by guards while Gareth practices with his sword.) King Richard: “I cannot believe this, Gareth. You've been my champion since we were ten years old. Now here you are, having to fight my stupid brother. I mean, this is a disaster! If you win, I lose my crown and kingdom. If you lose, you die.” Gareth: “Yeah, I know. It sucks.” King Richard: (Cups Gareth’s face in his hand:) “I'll miss our banter.” Gareth: “I don't like it when men touch my face.” King Richard: (Taking his hand away quickly:) “Sorry. (Turning to look at the balcony, Richard sees Kingsley now sitting in his throne:) He took my bloody seat! I left my napkin right there!” Chef: (Walking through the crowd:) “Horse dog! Cat tails! Rat bits! Get your snacks before the duel, everybody!” (As the guards unshackle Henry, Ella approaches once more.) Henry: “Well, I guess it's time.” Ella: (Sighs:) “I know you need to stay focused, so as you head off to your life-and-death duel, I'm not gonna mention any of the myriad of unsaid things between us.” Henry: “If I'm gonna do what I have to right now, then I can't have my mind or my heart clouded. But trust me, princess... my mind and my heart would be clouded if I allowed such things.” Ella: “Well... break a leg.” Henry: “For you, princess, I might break both of his. (Drawing his sword.) ♪ 'Cause now my moment's here ♪ Ella: “I know.” Henry: ♪ It's calling loud and clear ♪ Ella: “I've heard.” Henry: ♪ My time, at last has come ♪ Ella: “Okay.” Henry: (Walking into the centre of the arena:) ♪ This is my moment in the sun... ♪ ♪ This is my mome-e-e-e-nt ♪ King Richard: (From the balcony:) “Wait!” Henry: "Oh, come on!” King Richard: “I hereby declare that I shall be the first royal in history to fight his own duel!” (The gathered crowd gasps.) Kingsley: “Very impressive. (Stands:) I'm looking forward to the day that Gareth will kill you.” King Richard: “Gareth? No, no, no, no. I thought you and I were going to fight.” Kingsley: “No. It'll be fun watching your best friend kill you, Dickie.” Queen Madelena: (Laughs:) “Oh, I am so turned on right now.”

Arendelle. Night. (A gala ball is in full swing with people from all the realms of story in attendance. A large band is playing music to which several people are dancing. Although supposedly in conversation with Elsa and Lily, Regina has all but tuned them out as she searches for her wife's face amongst the crowd.) Elsa: "Did you enjoy your tour of the castle earlier, Regina?" Regina: (Distractedly:) "Hm? Oh yes. Anna was a delightful tour guide. Much as you are a most gracious host." Elsa: (Smiles:) "Well, I admit my sister would have a far better knowledge of this place than I." Regina: "Yes, that must have been such a dark time for you both, shut away from the outside world like that." Lily: (Scoffs:) "I would've thought you'd be the expert on dark palaces, Regina." Regina: (Only half listening:) "Indeed. (Having spotted Emma across the room:) And yet now we've thrown ourselves open to life, and found love and happiness. (Smiling politely:) If you'll excuse me, ladies." (Although utterly content in her life, a small part of Regina still revels in the occasional look of fear she'll receive when attending events such as this. Particularly when the reaction works to her advantage and results in crowds parting before her. Given her current condition, Regina did not relish the idea of having to weave her way through large amounts of people. Finally drawing near to her wife, Regina notes that Emma is in deep conversation with Anna and Kristoff. Deciding to busy herself with hors d'œuvres, Regina waits until she's finished before making her presence known.) Regina: (Leaning up to speak softly into Emma's ear:) "I grow restless. (Smiling as an almost imperceptible shudder courses through her wife:) Did you find us an appropriate place? (Emma nods, somehow still conversing with Anna and Kristoff:) Good. Wait for me there. Now. (As soon as the last word is uttered, Emma makes her excuses and turns to leave but is pulled back at the last moment by Regina:) Make sure you're ready by the time I get there. (Emma nods, then calmly walks across the room, down the hall and out of sight. Smiling serenely at the other guests, Regina makes a mental note of the direction Emma headed before turning and looking for items to bring with her. Catching the eye of the head chef standing at the food table:) Do you have any honey? (The chef nods and hands her a fresh jar of honey. When asked if she requires anything else, Regina's gaze falls to the large wooden spoon laid upon the table. Picking it up:) May I borrow this?" (With a bemused expression, the chef simply nods. Thanking him, Regina then makes her way across the room, following in the direction Emma was last seen. Greeted with a long hallway and many doors, Regina lets her highly toned senses guide her. Reaching the door she knows to be correct, Regina glances behind around to check if she was followed. Seeing no one around, she opens the door and enters.) Another Room... (Like all the others in the palace, the chamber was large. A huge bed occupies the far wall, lavish and canopied. Chairs, heavy chests, solid tables - a thick oak beam bisected open space beneath a high ceiling. Thinking that could be very useful indeed, Regina finally lowers her gaze. Emma was kneeling. Waiting on a thick fur rug, she was naked. Naked except for four strategically worn pieces of dark leather. Locking the door behind her, Regina crosses the room, stepping behind Emma. Checking the blonde woman's preparations, Regina examines each band of leather on Emma's wrists and ankles in turn. Smiling to herself when she feels some give in the band on Emma's left wrist, Regina re-buckles it swiftly, tugging the cuff tight.) Regina: "If you can't be trusted, you'll have to learn the hard way." (Pulling Emma's arms back, Regina snaps the clips together, locking her arms behind her back.) Emma: "Sorry about that." (Locking Emma's ankles in a similar fashion, Regina moves to stand in front of her wife. Resting back on her haunches, Emma looks up to meet her gaze.) Emma: "I told you it'd be worth it." Regina: "You've done very well. (Lifting Emma's chin with two fingers:) Are you ready?" Emma: "Oh God, yes." Regina: "Then we'll begin."

#sq #swanqueen #swan queen

[alphameral]

Pack Mom: Never Tickle a Sleeping Wolf (Part 2)

Request: Liam is having night terrors and is turning up to the pack meetings really tired. So Y/N tells him that he is to stay over her house to get some rest and she will look after him keeping safe and giving him lots of cuddles letting him know he is safe and getting him relaxed for bedtime.

Pairing: Liam Dunbar x Female!Reader (Platonic) Peter Hale x Female!Reader, Derek x Stiles, Scott x Malia

Author’s Note: ......does the wolf part of them actually has a name? Or are they also called by their human name? Eh idk lol. Y/N - Your Name, Y/E/C - Your Eyes Color

Part 1

"Do you remember the first few nights I made you my beta, Scott?"

Scott looked thoughtful for a moment at Peter's sudden question, his mind revisiting the scene of him going to bed as he normally wound, but somehow always woke up with strange dirt and stains on his body. "You mean when I was asleep but my wolf self was out wandering?"

"Exactly. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what happening here." Peter pointed his thumb over to Liam -  like a curator showing off an exquisite artpiece - who was sitting on Isaac's hips, low growling at the frightened face under him. "Exhibit A: Sleeping Beau Liam Dunbar and the Wandering Wolf.”

Y/N listened to Peter’s explanation, humming in understanding after a few moments. The bizarre situation now made sense to her. "So that's why he's not responding to 'Liam', because technically our wolves don't have names. You have to call him the wolf way, Scott. The alpha way."

"The alpha way?" Scott asked quietly, eyes shifting from Peter to the two betas on the floor. "But what if he gets violent? I remember my wolf got violent when Peter tried to control it."

Peter opened his mouth like he wanted to say something, but ended up closing it when he realized he didn’t really have an argument to counter Scott’s concern. "Well that's uh...a fair point. Let’s not do that then. We certainly don’t need any violence in the house." He crossed his arms, looking away from his former beta. "Uh, anyone have better ideas?"

There were murmurs of no's and nope's from the pack, and then there was a strangled shriek from Isaac.

"You guys better think of something fast, I-I think he's legit trying to- oh GOD, he's drooling on me!"

Y/N’s head snapped towards them, and surely enough, Liam's face was merely inches away from Isaac's, and he was....sniffing him? He had his head dipped down and the tip of his fangs grazed along Isaac's jaw, almost nipping on the skin.

It could honestly be an intimidating sight if he wasn't drooling all over.

"Let me try something."

Y/N circled the table and walked over to the pups on the floor, getting in a position where she was facing Liam. Once she was in his line of sight, she squatted down to his level and closed her eyes for a second. When she opened them again, her Y/E/C orbs had become red.

She intended to growl lightly just to get his attention, but surprisingly, Liam looked up.

"Must've sensed another wolf in the room." Stiles commented at the response.

The yellow eyes met the red, and the beta immediately shrunk under the alpha's gaze. Y/N took the opportunity to have the upper hand on the situation. She kept her eyes locked on the pup, keeping her shoulders square to assert more dominance. "Now, that's not very nice, Liam. We don't attack our brothers like that."

Her voice was gentle, but it had the combined weight of an alpha's command and a mother's advice to it that Liam couldn't just ignore. He looked conflicted for a moment, like he wanted to disagree but at the same time didn't want to disobey either.

So he settled on a pitiful whine. He started it.

"I know." Y/N took a step closer. "But he was only trying to wake you up. He didn't mean any harm."

Liam let out another whine. But mom, I was trying to rest!

"I know that too. So if you leave him alone and come with me, you can go back to resting okay?" Y/N offered, holding a hand out towards him. "You wanna be a good boy and come with mommy, sweetie?"

Questioning looks were exchanged between the pack members - one because they couldn't hear what Liam was saying to Y/N, and two, Y/N just addressed herself as mommy to Liam. But no one dared to say anything, in fear that Liam would take offend to it and target them as his next chew toy.

Meanwhile, Liam seemed to ponder on the offer. But he caved in at her kind words, because a baby beta just doesn’t refuse the pack mom's offer to be a good boy, after all. He moved away from straddling Isaac and walked on all fours to Y/N, throwing himself into the awaiting arms.

"There we go, that's my good pup." Y/N cooed at the baby beta curled up in her arms, hugging him closer even though his claws were digging into her skin. Liam made a contented noise and nuzzled Y/N's jaw, a gesture of submission from a beta to an alpha. Or, in this case, the pack mom.

"Aw, thank you sweetheart." Y/N chuckled at the expression, letting Liam did it a couple more times before eventually settling his head on her chest. The tension in the air seemed to dissolve a little when Liam finally appeared to be calming down. He was still in his werewolf form, but he looked a lot more docile than when he was trying to bite Isaac's face off.

"Wow, Y/N..I don't know how you did that. I mean, words don't usually work on Liam but you did it." Stiles muttered, eyes still on the boy in Y/N's lap.

"I think it's more than just her words." Peter suggested, cautiously approaching his mate and the wolf in her embrace. "It's the bond. Something we call a pack mother bond. It's when the youngest member of the pack feels some sort of attachment to the female alpha of the pack, or to the mate of their alpha."

"Shouldn't he have the bond with me then?" Malia pointed to herself. "Technically I'm his alpha's mate."

"Well, yeah. I don't know why it's not you he chose but I'm glad he didn't. I'm too young to be a grandpa, Mal."

Malia rolled her eyes at Peter's corny answer, but it made Y/N smiled. Peter smirked and winked at her.

"But why is he still in his wolf form, though?" Isaac - who was now off the floor - pointed out, ignoring the little family moment that happened.

"Well, he needs to go back to sleep to change back." Y/N looked down at the beta in her arms, who was eyeing the room silently while still clinging onto her for dear life. Gently, she cupped his cheek with her free hand to get his attention. "You don't want to go back to sleep, sweetie?"

Liam looked up at her and blinked a couple of times, but didn't response to her question.

Y/N's concern grew. "What is it?"

Scared. Liam answered her with a whimper.

"Hm? What are you scared of?" Y/N brushed his bangs away from his face, trying to read more from the yellow eyes.

Liam shifted on her lap, pressing himself closer to her body. What if they come again when I'm sleeping?

Y/N frowned at his reply, glancing up at Peter, and then Scott, before returning her attention back to Liam. "No one's coming at you while I'm here, okay? You're safe."

Promise?

"Yes, I promise. Now close your eyes. Go on." Y/N encouraged when Liam seemed to hesitate. But the lack of sleep from the past few days had really crept in even on his wolf, and he eventually gave in to the awaiting slumber. Y/N saw his eyes returning back to their usual icy blue before fluttering close, the claws resting on her chest retracting back into his fingers, and the fangs protruding past his lips were no longer there.

"Glad to have you back, sweetheart." Y/N exhaled a breath of relief, and the pack followed suit. Peter came forward to help move Liam to the couch, and soon the adjourned meeting was resumed. The conversation about the previous plan continued, and Stiles was now trying to convince Theo to do something illegal, but Y/N wasn't tuning into the discussion anymore. She couldn't stop thinking about what Liam said right before he fell asleep.

"He said something to you, didn't he?" Peter noticed the disturbed look on his mate's face.

Y/N sighed, deciding she couldn't keep it forever - and definitely not from Peter. "Yeah. He said he was scared that 'they' will come again when he sleeps. I don't know who 'they' are, but I have a feeling he's not talking about the pack."

"Scared? Was that his exact word?"

Y/N nodded. "And from the way he said it, he seemed pretty terrified of these...things. He didn't want to sleep until I promised him he's safe with us."

"Then I'm pretty sure it's not the pack." Peter concluded. "A wolf shouldn't be scared of the pack disturbing his beauty sleep. Annoyed, yes. Scared to the point where he refused to sleep? I don't think so."

"Um, Y/N? Peter?" Mason came from behind them, speaking in a quiet voice - careful not to draw the pack's attention to him. "I really think that this should come from Liam himself, but...." He paused, doubting his decision for a second but quickly pushed the thought aside. "I don't want him to hurt himself or anyone, should something like that happen again."

Y/N and Peter both turned around in a heartbeat, giving him their full attention. "Tell us everything you know."

#teen wolf fanfiction #teen wolf imagine #pack mom imagine #liam dunbar x reader #liam dunbar imagine

[quinntessentiallyglee]

New Years resolutions?

Quinn: Being more honest about my feelings.

Rachel: Aww, Quinn.

Santana: You’re telling me that  this has been you holding back?

Quinn: With everyone but you.

Santana: Aww, Q. I feel so special.

Rachel: Do you two always have to be like this?

Dani: Yes.

Quinn: I hope not, otherwise I’ve just wasted a resolution.

Rachel: *kisses Quinn’s cheek* I’ll make sure you haven’t. And while we’re still on the subject... *looks at Santana*

Santana: What?

Rachel: Any resolutions for the New Year?

Santana: You first.

Rachel: Please, I’m perfect the way I am.

Quinn/Santana/Dani: *snort*

Rachel: *scowls at the trio* I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that.

Santana: So your resolution is to deny reality?

Rachel: The reality is that all of you love me and you couldn’t live without me.

Quinn: She’s got us there.

Santana: Hello? I’ve got B. And Dani, And you. I’d do just find without little Miss Full-of-herself over here.

Rachel: So you’ll be sleeping in your own bed tonight?

Santana: ... It’s our bed.

Dani: That’s a no. And way to go with keeping your resolution, Quinn.

Rachel: Yes, good point Dani. *kisses Dani on the cheek* Thank you. *kisses Quinn again, this time on the lips* And thank you for being more honest with your feelings, Quinn.”

Santana: I was honest with mine! Why am I not getting kissed.

Quinn: You know why.

Santana: You all suck, and not one of you would last a day without me either.

Rachel: Which is why it’s our bed.

Santana: So where’s my kiss?

Rachel: Give us your resolution first.

Santana: I resolve to get kissed more. How’s that.

Dani: Cheap and little cheat-y, but technically a resolution. *kisses Santana*

Quinn: *grins* You are so lame. *kisses Santana on the cheek*

Rachel: *kisses Santana on the other cheek* Don’t worry, I’ll give you a list of better resolutions before midnight.

Santana: *dryly* Gee, thanks. And if we’re talking lame, have I taught you two nothing about how to kiss?

Rachel: Now who’s full of them self.

Dani: Hey! Yeah, wait. *to Rachel* You never gave us a resolution yet.

Rachel: Neither did you.

Quinn: Yeah, no. It’s definitely your turn, Rach.

Santana: Three to one, Berry. Make with the resolution already or no kisses for you.

Rachel: *sighs* Fine. My New Year’s Resolution is to continue to be perfect.

Santana: Boo!

Dani: I agree, but we let you get away with your excuse for a resolution. I think we can let her have this one.

Santana: No we can’t.

Quinn: Yes we can. We’ll just give her a list of better resolutions when she gives us her lists.

Rachel: No fair ganging up on me.

Dani: *winks at Rachel* You’ve never complained when we’ve teamed up on you before.

Rachel: *blushes* I- That’s different.

Quinn: And speaking of different, *points a finger at herself, then Santana, then Rachel, then at Dani* one of these things is not like the other.

Dani: *grins bashfully* My turn?

Santana: Paybacks a bitch. 

Dani: *laughs* You’d know. But fair’s fair. My resolution for the New Year is to put myself out there more.

Quinn: This is about getting more threads, isn’t it?

Dani: And if it is?

Rachel: it counts, if a little self serving.

Dani: So exactly like the rest of you?

Hannah: Is it our turn yet?

Lennox: I don’t do resolutions.

Melody: Maybe you should.

Lennox: Really, this is how you want to end the year?

Melody: I just meant that it’s never a bad time to try to improve yourself.

Lennox: I’m fine the way I am.

Melody: You’re a Mercenary-for-hire.

Lennox: And a damn good one.

Hannah: Can I resolve to have more sex?

Melody/Lennox: No!

Hannah: Oooh, maybe you two should resolve to agree more. You’re already off to a great start.

Lennox: Did we just get played?

Melody: It’s hard to tell with her... But I’m willing to try if you are.

Lennox: ... No promises.

Hannah: Can I resolve to eat more Jello?

Melody/Lennox: No.

Hannah: Wow, you guys are really good at this resolution stuff.

Lennox: I’m leaving.

Melody: Be safe.

Lennox: Always am.

Hannah: Seriously, can you two teach me?

Melody: Pick a resolution and we’ll see.

Hannah: -

Melody: And before you say anything, a resolution shouldn’t be an excuse to overindulge in something you already enjoy, or encourage bad habits.

Hannah: -

Melody: Or involve nudity of any sort.

Hannah: This is way harder than it looks. 

Melody: How about you resolve to not make so many inappropriate comments.

Hannah: Nah, too hard.

Melody: That’s the point.

Hannah: Why would anyone resolve to do something hard?

Melody: I resolved to get along better with Lennox. You think that’s easy?

Hannah: From what I’ve seen, yeah. You two are rocking it. ... Wait, are you two fu-

Melody: See. This is exactly the sort of thing that you should try to say less of.

Hannah: That’s not a no.

Melody: No.

Hannah: ...

Melody: ...we are not having sex.

Hannah: You sure? Because-

Melody: I’m leaving.

Hannah: But what about my resolution?

Mal: You could resolve to read more. That’s always a good one.

Hannah: Can I read sexy books?

Mal: ... I guess so.

Hannah: Resolution! *holds fist up in triumph as she heads off to her room*

Selina: Remind me again why I’m not still in Gotham?

Mal: Because Gotham is full of megalomaniacs that make my Mother look like the Blue Fairy in comparison.

Selina: ... *nods* Fair point. 

Mal: Thanks, I think. So what’s your resolution?

Selina: I suppose stealing more doesn’t count?

Mal: Probably not.

Selina: What’s your’s?

Mal: Why? Hopping to steal it?

Selina: Maybe.

Mal: *looks around, then lowers her voice to a whisper* I was thinking I might try to work things out with my Dad.

Selina: Yeah, I won’t be doing that.

Mal: I didn’t know you knew my dad.

Selina: Funny. 

Mal: Mine is a dry wit.

Selina: Saharan.

Mal: Is that a compliment or an insult?

Selina: You pick. I’m feeling generous.

Mal: You know, that could be your resolution. Less taking, more giving.

Selina: *wrinkles her nose*

Mal: I’ll even give you that one so you don’t have to steal it.

Selina: *sighs* Fine. But I can tell you right now, it won’t last.

Rae: Not with that attitude it won’t.

Selina: Shouldn’t you be off fetching something right about now.

Rae: You know we look alike, right? When you insult me, you’re basically insulting yourself.

Selina: Consider it a gift then. *To Mal* This resolution thing might not be so terrible after all. *walks off*

Mal: So not how it works, but good luck.

Rae: *eyeing Selina* Does my butt look like that?

Mal: And so not having that conversation.

Rae: So you’ve never compared with the other two?

Mal: Again, not having this conversation.

Rae: Okay. I’m just saying, as someone with a “twin”, I wouldn’t blame you if you were curious.

Mal: Curiosity kills the cat.

Rae: I’m a dog. Well, Wolf. Either way, definitely not of the feline variety.

Mal: Did you come over here for a reason?

Rae: I was thinking about my resolution for the New Year, and I wondered if maybe you might want to join me for it.

Mal: Odds are leaning towards a hard no, especially since you haven’t told me what ‘it’ is.

Rae: Oh, right. I thought I might try learning how to cook. Melody offered me some lessons at Christmas, and I told her I’d think about it. I mean, I’m not terrible in the kitchen, but there’s probably more to life than mac and cheese and cheeseburgers.

Mal: Sounds like a very cheese heavy diet.

Rae: *laughs* I’d throw in some broccoli too, but I usually have that with-

Mal: Cheese sauce?

Rae: Yeah.

Mal: I kind of already have one, and I’m not really the cooking type.

Rae: That’s cool. Just thought I’d ask. If you change your mind, you’ll know where to find me.

Mal: Good luck.

Rae: Thanks.

Raven: Is that invite open for anyone?

Rae: Uh, yeah. Sure. I mean, it’s up to Melody, but I could teach you whatever she teaches me if she can’t take on all of us.

Raven: I was thinking I could teach you a few dishes. There’s not a lot of places around here that do Valkyrie cooking.

Rae: Isn’t the world outside the apartment whatever we want it to be?

Raven: Do you want the lessons or not?

Rae: I do. *grins at Raven* And it would be nice to spend some more time with another Fae.

Raven: *smiles back* It would.

Rae: So am I your resolution?

Raven: No. I’ve resolved to get out there a little more too.

Rae: Like threads?

Raven: More in general. I’ve moved around a lot the last few years, and now that I have a- a home, I thought I could-

Rae: Make some friends?

Raven: Something like that,

Rae: I think you’re off to a good start.

Angela: Start of what?

Raven: Resolutions.

Angela: What’s yours?

Rae: I’m going to learn how to cook from Melody and Raven.

Raven: And I’m going to help.

Angela: Cool.

Rae: And you?

Angela: Try not to get myself or the people I care about killed.

Raven: That’s a good resolution

Angela: Thanks. Fingers crossed.

Aubrey: I’d like to get in touch with myself more.

Hannah: Oh, Come on! Seriously?

Aubrey: *ignoring Hannah* I feel like there’s a part of myself that’s just lurking below the surface. I want to find out what it is.

Angela: Self examination. A classic. Are you thinking Therapy? Meditation?

Aubrey: Whiskey.

Angela: ... Coo.l

Aurora: I’ve always found Tea to be very effective in moments of self reflection.

Gwyn: You would, you’re British.

Aurora: Putting aside the fact that Tea is enjoyed the world over, it’s still very effective.

Aubrey: I’ll stick to Whiskey, thanks.

Aurora: Suit yourself.

Gwyn: *to Aurora* And what’s your resolution?

Aurora: It should be to get along better with my Grandmother.

Gwyn: And it is?

Aurora: Rebel against her as much as humanly possible.

Gwyn: Or demonically possible in your case.

Aurora: Diamond’s the demon. I’m still very much Human... I think.

Gwyn: You could always ask our resident Demon.

Aurora: I think I might. *walks off*

Jonathan: Is it weird that we live in a place with a resident Demon?

Gwyn: No weirder than having a resident Werewolf, a resident Valkyrie, and a resident Dragon/Demi-god.

Jonathan: So pretty weird?

Gwyn: Off the charts.

Jonathan: But... would you want to be anywhere else?

Gwyn: *shakes her head* Nope.

Jonathan: Maybe somewhere with a little less Hannah.

Hannah: Hey!

Gwyn: She’s not so bad when you get to know her.

Jonathan: No, she’s not.

...

Jonathan: Should I ask how well you know her?

Gwyn: Only if you want an honest answer.

Jonathan: I’m good.

Gwyn: Too good.

Jonathan: Aren’t you a cop?

Gwyn: Detective. And I’m not saying you have to turn to a life of crime, but would it kill you to be a little less...

Jonathan: ... Less?

Gwyn: Like a puppy-dog in human form? You’re sweet and we all love that about you, but adding a little edge wouldn’t be a bad thing.

Jonathan: So you think I should resolve to be a bad guy?

Gwyn: Bad Boy, there’s a difference, and no. You don’t even have to take it that far, but maybe curse once in a while. Or at least stop blushing every time one of us says ‘Fuck’.

Jonathan: *blushes* I, uh, I’ll not that innocent, you know. I’ve done stuff.

Gwyn: Well try to do a little more of it.

Jonathan: I will... If I can

Gwyn: *ruffles his hair* Too damn cute for your own good. 

Jonathan: *smooths out his hair* What about you. What’s your resolution?

Gwyn: I don’t know. Seems like all the good ones are taken.

Jonathan: I don’t think resolutions are first come first served.

Gwyn: Maybe not. Maybe I’ll try to be a little more innocent.

Lucas: That’s not a bad idea. 

Gwyn: *grinning* Bite me.

Lucas: And she fails out of the gate, people.

Gwyn: *to Jonathan* Remember what I said earlier?

Jonathan: Yeah.

Gwyn: Just make sure you don’t end up like him.

Lucas: *slaps hand to his chest* You wound me, Madam. I am deeply wounded.

Gwyn: You’re a dick.

Jonathan: I’ll just be... anywhere but here. *walks off*

Lucas: See you around, kid. And good luck.

Jonathan: Thanks?

Gwyn:  *to Lucas* still a dick.

Lucas: I prefer to call it charming.

Gwyn: I bet you do. Maybe your resolution should be to dial back the “charm”.

Lucas: And what is yours? Aside from verbally attacking innocent young men like us.

Gwyn: *rolls her eyes* Your young and innocent days are far far behind you.

Lucas: *puts hand to chest* Ouch. Again, wounded. *grins*

Gwyn: *shakes head, chuckles* Idiot.

Lucas: You’d be surprised how often I get called that.

Gwyn: I really wouldn’t.

Lucas: Okay. I set myself up for that one.

Gwyn: You really did.

Lucas: So what is your resolution?

Gwyn: *looks over at Jonathan. looks over at Lucas* You’ll laugh.

Lucas: Cross my heart, I won’t.

Gwyn: To be more innocent.

Lucas: More implies a degree of some already exists.

Gwyn: *laughs* Fuck you.

Lucas: Can’t. I’m spoken for.

Gwyn: It wasn’t an offer.

Lucas: Either way, I didn’t laugh.

Gwyn: No you didn’t. So what’s your grand resolution?

Lucas: Bring mirth and joy into the lives of those around me?

Gwyn: By leaving?

Lucas: Walked into that one, too, didn’t I?

Gwyn: A little bit. But is that seriously your resolution?

Lucas: You have a better one?

Gwyn: Don’t be an ass.

Lucas: I keep teeing them up, and she keeps knocking them down, ladies and germs.

Gwyn: *laughs* Idiot.

Lucas: But a funny one.

Gwyn: Like a court Jester.

Lucas: You know I could make that look work.

Gwyn: Unfortunately, yeah, you could. Now go bring joy and mirth into someone else’s life. I’m trying to turn over a new leaf and you’re stepping all over them.

Lucas: As you wish. *walks over to Rebecca* How’s your mom?

Rebecca: Good. She says Hi, by the way.

Lucas: Tell her I say hi back.

Rebecca: Or you could call her yourself.

Lucas: Yeah, I think I’m still banned from the last time I tried to recruit you into being an actress.

Rebecca: If it helps any, she said to say hi to you by your actual name.

Lucas: ... I’ll give her a call. *Walks off*

Tamsin: *to Rebecca* You two know each other?

Rebecca: More like my mom knows him through mutual work friends, and I know him through them.

Tamsin: *nods* 

...

Tamsin: So do you have a resolution?

Rebecca: Nah, I don’t do those.

Tamsin: That sounds very Jade of you.

Rebecca: And reconnecting to your dad sounds like a common thread for your gang.

Tamsin: That- Okay, I deserved that.

Rebecca: No, not really. I mean, a little--it’s the risk of prying into peoples lives--but you aren’t wrong; It does sound very Jade.

Tamsin: Maybe you could make your resolution to be less like Jade?

Rebecca: ... *shrugs* Works for me. And you?

Tamsin: I’m definitely not reconnecting with my Poppa.

Rebecca: Fair enough: He sounds like a real wazbag.

Tamsin: That one was on purpose, wasn’t it?

Rebecca: *grins* A little.

Tamsin: I honestly don’t know if that makes it more or less Jade-like.

Rebecca: Me either. And stop stalling. I gave you my resolution, you need to give me yours.

Tamsin: Didn’t I give you your resolution?

Rebecca: Same difference. Now cough it up.

Tamsin: I- I kinda want to explore myself some more.

Hannah: Seriously! I’m leaving until you all stop doing that!

Rebecca: Someone’s a little sensitive.

Tamsin: ... 

Rebecca: Wait, did you mean it like that.

Tamsin: Not like, that much, but... maybe a little bit.

Rebecca: Good for you.

Tamsin: Really?

Rebecca: Hell yes. Tell you what, we can go toy shopping next year. I know a guy. And girl. A couple of both, actually?

Tamsin: ...

Rebecca: Not like that... mostly. The point is, if you want some expert advice, I know experts.

Tamsin: Thank you.

Mazikeen: *to Aurora* I promise you, you’re 100% human. 

Aurora: *pouts* Oh. Okay. Thanks. *walks off*

Mazikeen: Humans are so weird.

Jade: I know. Isn’t it great?

Mazikeen: Admit you love Tori!

Jade: NO!

Mazikeen: I am a demon, and my resolution is to make you admit it.

Jade: Never!

#anon #asked and answered #ooc: muse #m:Quinn #m:Rachel #m:Santana #m:Dani #m:Hannah #m:Lennox #m:Melody #m:Mal #m:Selina #m:Rae #m:Raven #m:Angela #m:Aubrey #m:Aurora #m:Gwyn #m:Jonathan #m:Lucas #m: Rebecca #m:Tamsin #m:Mazikeen #m:Jade #Anonymous #verse: Apartment