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ghost-1-y · 6 months

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Aphrodisiac

Witch!Shinobu x AFAB!Reader

Content Warnings: MDNI, sexual content, unprotected sex, mistress/slut dynamic, dom!Shinobu, sub!reader, cunnilingus (Shinobu receiving), scissoring, squirting, cum-eating(?), spanking as punishment, aphrodisiac, thigh riding, hair pulling, degradation (reader-receiving), lighthearted Sanemi slander, lmk if I missed anything!!

Summary: Your girlfriend usually spends all day cooped up in your shared cabin brewing potions and studying spells, and, of course, placing the occasional hex on someone she doesn’t particularly like. One day, when you return to your home deep in the woods, you find that she has come up with a rather…interesting potion recipe, and wishes for both of you to try it out together.

Word Count: ~2.6k

Divider Credit: @/benkeibear

The woven basket you carried was slowly getting heavier as you trudged along the hidden trail that led you deeper into the woods, the soft crunch of the leaves a delightful sound which rang again and again with each step you took. Above, there was the loud staccato of a woodpecker looking for its next meal, and ravens soared overhead as they returned to their nest before sundown.

The red and orange foliage was mesmerizing, something you always looked forward to in the autumnal months of the year. It also signaled the beginnings of cooler weather, after the dreadful heat that summer brought upon the land. You hummed to yourself, singing melodic tunes that you’d heard since you were young – lullabies which would silence the cries of any newborn child.

As you continued your way into the forest, you stopped to collect herbs and vegetation you found on the trail – finding mushrooms and gourds growing wild near trees, as well as the occasional set of animal bones left behind by some predator. It may have weighed down your basket even more, but the look on your girlfriend’s face would be worth it after a day away from the cabin you two lived in together.

Your eyes eventually caught a plume of smoke rising above the trees, as a small oak wood cabin appeared within the forest, surrounded by shrubs and flowers. You walked up the mossy stone pathway that led to the entrance, the door opening for you without having to knock, sensing your familiar energy as you walked closer.

The soft crackling of the fireplace was soothing as you walked inside and placed your basket on the wooden table – organizing the items you’d picked up both from the forest floor as well as the farmer’s market in the nearby village – where you’d purchased foods for the upcoming week. You brought the foodstuffs into your shared kitchen, putting them away into their proper places before gathering the remaining items and carrying them upstairs, the soft creak of each step you took giving away the age in which the cabin was built.

You knocked on the door that led to your girlfriend’s bedroom, hearing a soft “come in” before entering. She was, as usual, at her desk – looking through what seemed to be a spell book with unbroken focus.

Her room was enchanting, her shelves lined with books about herbology and magick, as well as jars filled with various ingredients that she’d use for potion making. Her black cat was sitting on the comforter of her bed, eyes watching you as you walked over to her desk.

“I’m back, ‘Nobu,” you gave her a quick kiss on her cheek before placing your basket on her desk, “I brought you some ingredients, I hope they’ll be of some use to you!”

She turned to you, a faint smile on her lips as she peered through what the basket contained, taking out various herbs and anything else you gathered for her on your walk home.

“Thank you, love, I appreciate this,” she spoke softly, “I’m sure I’ll find good use for them.”

You grinned and sat down on her bed, her cat walking over to you before sitting in your lap, allowing you to pet it. A comfortable silence ensued, you watching her study whatever spell she was working on, with nothing but the faint sounds of the fireplace from the living room and the soft purrs from the cat in your lap filling the air.

“I saw Sanemi flirting with your sister the other day,” you mused, watching the way her shoulders tensed, “he was so awkward with the whole thing, it was hilarious to watch honestly.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to hex him so he won’t be able to shit for the next week,” she responded, and you giggled. Shinobu was always protective of her older sister, which you admired, but you found it slightly amusing what lengths she’d sometimes go to display such protection.

“I’m sure he’ll appreciate you for that, ‘Nobu,” you smiled, and she continued her reading.

“I wanted to ask you about something, love,” she paused, “unrelated to Shinazugawa’s poor flirting skills.”

You laughed, “I’m listening.”

“However, I’d like for you to tell me if you trust me first,” she said.

You looked at her, briefly stopping the soft pets you were giving her cat, “of course I trust you, Shinobu,” you said seriously, “you’ve never given me a reason not to. I trust you fully.”

You could see some of the tension melt from her shoulders, relief seemingly filling her veins as she turned to you, her violet eyes searching yours.

“I’ve come up with a new potion,” she started.

“Really? What properties does it have?” you asked, and a faint smile appeared on her face.

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I incorporated ingredients that are initially used for love potions, such as rosewater, rose petals, and cinnamon, however, I got curious and added some other ingredients to it as well.”

“Like what?” you asked curiously.

“Shatavari, maca root – both of which I ground into a powder, as well as damiana…which, if you’ve listened to my ramblings or have gone through my herbology books, you’d know that these are–”

“Aphrodisiacs,” you finished for her, your interest peaked, “and you created a potion out of these ingredients?”

“Yes,” Shinobu answered, “from what I could tell given the results of it, it’s a very potent lust potion, and I was wondering–”

“Do you want to drink it together?” you blurted out, slightly flushed from both the idea as well as the obvious eagerness in your tone.

She hesitated, “only if you’re completely fine with it, I know this is something new for both of us, so I just wanted to make sure–”

“Yes, when can we start?”

A slight smirk appeared on her face, before getting up from her desk and walking towards one of her shelves and pulling out two jars with a pink-tinted liquid inside them. She handed one of them to you, and turned her back for just a second to sit down on her bed.

“Honestly, one sip should be enough to cause the desired effects, so just–” she paused, eyes widening and mouth agape as she realized you’d already downed half of the entire jar.

You looked at her, fear in your eyes, “um…it’s not gonna kill me, right?”

She shook her head, “no, but…oh fuck it,” she exclaimed, before downing nearly half of it herself.

An awkward silence ensued, both of you waiting for the other to start exhibiting symptoms.

“Uh…’Nobu, I love you, but…are you sure this is gonna work?” you asked, and she rolled her eyes.

“Yes, I’m certain it should work. I highly doubt that any of the ingredients would cancel each other out.”

“Okay, well…I hope I didn’t just drink that gross liquid for nothin—oh fuck–!” you jolted, careening over as you went to hug yourself, a searing hot sensation bubbled deep within your gut. Startled by your sudden movement, Shinobu’s cat crawled out of your grasp and left the room. You looked over at Shinobu with widened eyes, nervous considering how strong the reaction was, and she looked slightly concerned before going into a fetal-like position herself, seemingly dealing with a similar situation as you were.

The feeling of heat in the lower part of your abdomen began to radiate, spreading to other parts of your body. You shuddered, starting to become irritated by the clothes you were wearing – your skin just felt so sensitive. Without hesitating, you removed your outer layers, leaving you in nothing but a bra and panties. Shinobu eyed you hungrily from her position on the bed, seemingly liking the idea of removing her own clothes as well – taking off the butterfly-patterned cardigan that was a gift from her sister, as well as the rest of her outfit. A blush spread across her cheeks, panting from her increased heart rate as well as the heat that seemed to fill each and every crevice of the room.

“Well, I knew the effects would be strong, but–” Shinobu gasped, “this is more than what I originally anticipated.”

“Kiss me, ‘Nobu, please.”

She didn’t waste any time, her hand going behind your neck and pulling you into her, kissing you fervently. She forced her tongue into your mouth, causing you to moan as she used it to massage and caress your tongue. She brought her hands to your breasts, roughly tweaking at your nipples and pinching them, the pain mixing with the pleasure and sensitivity of each touch she gave you.

Your moans were wanton as she fondled your breasts, grinding against her thigh as your panties grew wetter – barely even able to taste the friction due to how slick it was between your thighs. She slapped one of your tits, before taking her bra off and pulling you down by your hair so you could suck on hers while she continued to grope your own. You took one of her tits in your mouth, moaning at how soft and supple her skin was before sucking at it, earning a moan from her as she grabbed a fistful of your hair.

“Such a good slut for your mistress, aren’t you?” she cooed, and you whined around her nipple, licking and softly biting at it just as she liked. Her head tilted back, as she took her free hand and placed it between her legs, rubbing at her own clit to get herself off as you moved to her other breast, lavishing it with the same attention that you gave the first before reaching up to kiss her once more.

Your hips continued to grind down on Shinobu’s thigh, your movements getting faster as you listened to her moans. Suddenly, without warning, you were cumming – nearly choking on your own saliva from how unexpected it was. You got lost in your own pleasure, fucking yourself on her smooth skin, moaning deeply into Shinobu’s mouth. Once you came down from your high, you noticed that Shinobu was eerily quiet. You opened your eyes, swallowing thickly at the disapproving look she gave you.

“Did I give you permission to cum, slut?” she asked, demanding that you answer.

“No–” you breathed shakily, “no, mistress.”

If Shinobu was feeling the same effects of the potion as you were, she was damn good at hiding it, because she readjusted her position and patted her lap, beckoning you to crawl over it.

“Do you know what happens to sluts who don’t obey?” she asked, her voice sickeningly sweet given the foul words that were coming out of her mouth.

“They– they get punished,” you stuttered, and she nodded.

“That’s right, bad sluts get punished. I want you on all fours and crawled over my lap, do you understand?”

You nodded meekly and obeyed her command, arching your back as she traced her hand down your body, eventually reaching the fullness of your ass. She grabbed a handful of your flesh before pulling her hand back and landing a slap on your ass, earning a small yelp from you. The smacks continued, as she alternated between your ass cheeks with each slap, both proudly displaying a blooming redness as she punished you.

“Ah– ‘Nobu please…’t hurts,” you whined, despite obviously arching your back even more so she could continue.

“Oh, I know, baby, but you have to understand that good sluts are ones who don’t cum without permission. Does your dumb little brain know that yet? Or are you just a mindless cum whore who needs to be fucked?”

“Mmmh— need you, ‘Nobu.”

Shinobu sighed, “obviously you’re too fucked out to comprehend anything I’m saying. But, you’re lucky, ‘cause I– I need to cum just as much as you do,” she started to pant, the effects of the potion slowly addling her brain as well. “Get off my lap, I’m gonna fuck you now ‘mkay?”

You crawled off of her and laid on your back, legs spread as she moved herself between them, holding one of your legs as her pussy pressed against yours – both of you gasping at the feeling of copious amounts of slick leaking out of each of your cunts. Shinobu started to grind down onto you, gasping and moaning with each brush her clit made against your pussy. You whined, starting to buck your own hips to increase the friction she was creating.

It wasn’t enough.

Shinobu’s movements quickened, wanting, needing more – more friction, more pleasure, more you.

Her head fell back, her gasps and moans dripping from her mouth as her grinding became second nature, unable to stop or slow down even if she wanted to. The mattress creaked with each thrust, knocking the headboard against the wall with each buck of her hips against your sweet cunt.

Your legs were shaking, one of them only being held up due to Shinobu’s grip on it – an attempt at stabilizing herself. Each brush of her cunt against your clit caused fresh tears to fall down your cheeks, your mouth permanently agape and emitting the smallest moans as you lost control over your voice.

Eventually, Shinobu wasn’t able to hold herself up anymore, collapsing on top of you as she ground into your pussy, seeking your lips with hers as wanton moans escaped both of your lips.

“Fu– Fuck, baby I– shit,” she moaned, kissing you sloppily, the warmth in her gut unrelenting as she fucked you.

You whined in response, babbling being the most you could do from how drunk you were from her pussy. Your abdomen tensed, feeling the familiar buildup inside of your stomach.

“Nngh– ‘Nobu, I– I’m gonna–!” you whined.

Her breath was hot against your ear as she panted. “Cum for me, slut.”

It was too much – by the time she brushed up against your clit once more, you felt a sudden rush of fluid gushing out of your cunt, causing a spike of pleasure unparalleled to anything you’ve felt before. You let out a high pitched whine as it sprayed all over Shinobu’s pussy, gasping for air as it messily dripped down both of your thighs.

“Oh my– you’re such a filthy slut aren’t you?” she smirked, and you flushed red with embarrassment, “come clean up your mess, pet– I won’t let you go until you do.”

Whimpering, you crawled out from under her and placed your head in between her thighs, sloppily licking up the mess you made on her pussy, swallowing everything you lapped up. Her soft moans encouraged you, moving up to suck on her clit before licking your tongue in circles around it. Her legs trembled on either side of you as you greedily swallowed all of the juices that leaked out of her, inserting two fingers inside of her cunt just to collect more of her sweetness on your tongue. You felt her tense above you, and a moan escaped her throat as she gushed all over your mouth, soft whines filling the air as you lapped up all that she gave you.

“Such a good slut f’ me…” she breathed, and you smiled as you licked the last of her up, earning a few more whines from the overstimulation you were causing her. You kissed her thigh before resting your head on her stomach, her fingers slowly brushing through your hair as she laid back on her bed, a sense of calmness filling the room as the burning effects of the potion slowly wore off.

“Mmh…love you ‘Nobu,” you mumbled, eyes closing due to how fatigued you were. She sighed, her own exhaustion becoming apparent as you relaxed against her.

“Love you more, my dear, always will,” she said softly, eyes slowly drifting shut as you both peacefully fell asleep in each others’ embrace.

Taglist: @k-a-t-h-r-i-n-a, @wow-im-gay, @peanutpunchy, @love-me-satoru, @crazycatlddy, @dinosaur-crime-scene, @thisbicc, @gojoscumslut, @everyonesfinaldestination, @leehoonii-i, @kyojurismo, @briefrebelfanalmond, @izuoyarmin, @ahashiraswife, @d1gitalbathh @homo-homini-lupus-est-1701 (if your name is crossed out, it means tumblr didn't allow me to tag you - apologies for the inconvenience)

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punkpandapatrixk · 4 months

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Full Cold Moon in Cancer ♦︎ Moon Magick Pick A Card

Happy New Year~!🍀It’s January already but, gosh, aren’t we all still preparing for the spring equinox this year🍓That’s when the real new year begins, aenergetically~🎍

The Full Cold Moon on 26th December carried a theme surrounding Home and Hearth. It touches on our IC (Imum Coeli) and 4th House in our natal chart. The IC tells us who we are when no one’s watching, and after we become super clear about that, it helps us realise what kinds of company are legitimately good for our sense of belonging in this mortal world.

Your IC can literally shed light unto the reasons you feel alone and separated from the people around. The Full Cold Moon in Cancer—ruler of the 4th House—invites us to take a look at our sense of familyship whilst being incarnate on Earth.

People on this Planet have been struggling with an immense sense of loneliness since the introduction of social media; isn’t that strange? How is it that the more people we’re able to connect with the more miserable we feel on the inside? Well, isn’t it clear that social media has helped us become more aware of what’s truly FAKE when it comes to human connections?💍

Our IC deeply craves real familial connections. Moving forward, wouldn’t you rather entertain soul-based friendships that really care about your wellbeing as a Human being? This Cold Full Moon in Cancer, you’re invited to once again die to everything and everyone that doesn’t make you feel seen, heard, respected, or wanted👻

Fake connections, whether online or offline, can go fuck ‘emselves🥢

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☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・.

Pile 1 – The Choice to be Free Has Always Been Yours to Make

i d e n t i t y – Knight of Pentacles

Others may think you are mad, but you of all people know there is method to your madness. More than everybody else gives you credit for, you’re actually somebody who’s very strategizing. You are careful with your plans and you think very many things through before you execute your plan. Others simply do not understand this mechanism in your brain because you’re quite unique, quite unorthodox even. This Full Cold Moon, you are invited to ponder if the source of your misery is actually other people’s beliefs about you rather than your actual incapability.

Just because you’re following a strange path of your own doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. Weirdos throughout history have changed societies for the better. We should all be thankful to weirdos—and especially, WITCHES. Did you know that WAY TOO MANY of our advances in science and medicine were actually done by witches? They burnt and hanged the witches and took credit for all of their hard work. Tsk tsk tsk… I raise my cup to all y’all witches who’s working to blast open new pathways for the rest of Mankind🍸Keep doing you. Keep going because spring will surprise you with loads of delights~🍬

s e r e n i t y – Queen of Pentacles Rx

You’re a helpful soul, that much is apparent. But you’ve got to learn some discernment so that you don’t get taken advantage of very easily. What the Queen of Pentacles in reverse is trying to show you is that, unfortunately, too many people in this world don’t even deserve to be helped. Not by you, at least. Unless you’re getting paid for rehabbing messed up people, let them deal with their own mess and grow up from it. Ultimately the Queen of Pentacles Rx is cautioning you against letting messed up people in your inner circle because these types of people are gonna bring their mess into your Life.

You get to decide, with your skilled discernment, who’s worth helping, fighting for; who’s worth keeping because they give you just as much affection. If, in order to keep serenity in your world you must look like a stingy bitch, let it be. Be selective with who you give your time and money to. Make sure you aren’t sucked dry of spiritual aenergy yourself. Your Higher Self and team of Spirit Guides are saying, this whole winter you’ve got shit to manifest—big, big shit. Preserve your precious aenergy so you can manifest real, long-lasting results~!🌳

f a m i l y – 8 of Cups Rx

Having said all of that, this card is saying: don’t easily walk away from things and endeavours that you know from deep within your heart matter. I think you’re so dreamy and floaty that you could have a hard time being realistic when it comes to the physical manifestation of your real desires. You could think, since they’re unrealistic, you might as well give up and choose to focus on other more pragmatic pursuits. If you must leave, leave the people and environments that don’t support your heart’s desires—don’t leave the desires and end up becoming very unhappy with yourself! After all, with your already methodical mind, you actually have all the power in you to bridge your dreams to Reality.

That’s why, honey, the freedom to be free has always been in your mind. Now you’ve just got to make the right decision—what kind of freedom is real freedom to you? The freedom to choose to kowtow to societal expectations or the freedom to walk your own path no matter how lonely (at first)?

‘If you end up with a boring miserable life because you listened to your mom, your dad, your teacher, your priest, or some guy on television telling you how to do your shit, then you deserve it.’ – Frank Zappa

full moon self-care🔻🌒🌓🌔🌕🌖🌗🌘

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☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・.

Pile 2 – Art and Romanticism Have Always Been an Important Part of Your Heart

i d e n t i t y – 9 of Cups

You have many dreams, but if there’s one thing, you’ve always dreamt to be independent, doing your dreamy things in your dreamy space. I think you’re the kind of person who’d be considered a quiet eccentric. You have many interests and hobbies, and you’re quite sensitive about having your me-time uninterrupted. I think you could erupt if someone walks in on your serious activity and startle you or if someone in your family tells you to go and do something in the middle of your reading. That kinda vibe. You’re quite a loner, actually. You’re super weird tho XD Do you maybe identify as an autistic kid, fam?

Anyway, please know that this Full Cold Moon is inviting you to ponder more deeply about your place amongst Humans. I have a feeling you don’t really like Humans or at least, you find human interactions absolutely exhausting, for the most part. If you know this blog, you know already how much I prize individuality and being alone if it means peace of mind and faster manifestations LOL BUTT!! In this reading, I’m getting that many of you may want to ponder yet again how you interact with people, especially those closest to you because sometimes, there really are people who care about your wellbeing more than you realise.

s e r e n i t y – 10 of Cups Rx

Many of you choosing this Pile probably haven’t got a nice family background. Of course, there are a million scenarios for each person but for the most part, I sense that you’ve felt familial connections to be emotionally unsatisfying. That’s why you seek emotional fulfilment in this multitude of hobbies and interests. Clearly you’re a very intelligent person, that much I’d like to iterate. And so, this reading seeks to validate your feelings about your eccentricity.

Art and all those dramatic things have always been integral to your sense of identity. I really think you should indulge, as long as whatever dramatic things you enjoy aren’t detrimental to your mental or physical wellbeing. If you happen to be the type that’s already doing detrimental things in your pursuit of an emotional high, this card is suggesting you pause breathe and eat before you go after another round of pursuing that high.

f a m i l y – Page of Cups Rx

When you’re pausing, you can cry. Accepting our emotions and acknowledging that they make us Human usually comes with a sense of grieving for all the ways we’ve thought ourselves as being in the wrong. There’s not a thing fundamentally wrong with you, it’s the people around you that have made you feel like you can’t communicate with them with striking vulnerability. And if these experiences have caused you to bear a lot of dark thoughts or negative emotions, I’d like you to know it happens to the best of us.

You could literally turn your pains into art, if anything. If you’ve chosen this Pile as your main pile, know that the pain you’ve experienced through human connections could be turned into art and that your Art has the capacity to heal those who come into contact with its backstory. And this, totally will have a significant place on the world stage because, as you can see, human interactions in recent years have gotten weirder and weirder in some capacity. So many people are hurting from getting disappointed by the…government and celebrities? LOL

full moon self-care🔻🌒🌓🌔🌕🌖🌗🌘

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☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・.

Pile 3 – Princess Kaguya, Is That You?

i d e n t i t y – 2 of Cups Rx

At the core of your being, you’ve always been different in that your heart is a lot purer, your morality is criminally significantly higher, you’re compassionate and can empathise with people on a level that’s beyond the comprehension of most others. The way you’ve experienced this Human Reality is incomparable to what most others have known. Basically, you’re an alien! And that’s an incredibly modest thing to say about you.

What you genuinely wish to see manifest in this world is vastly more high-vibrational than most people would even care to think about. I hope you accept that you are genuinely such a good person when you’re in your best element. What’s really difficult to maintain is your faith in people, for the most part, because you haven’t really met anyone who’s capable of giving their heart to you as deeply as you’ve given yours. This whole experience has broken your spirit and faith in a lot of things.

s e r e n i t y – 9 of Pentacles

And thus, you’ve carved out a Life of your own, quite separate from most people you’ve ever known. I’m sure you’ve burnt a lot of bridges up until just recently, and I sense, many of you simply know there’s still a few more to burn going forward. This is your confirmation that you’ve done the right thing. In this Human world, too many people buy into the idea that to be good is to be social; but you’ve experienced firsthand that that’s often not the case. You know firsthand that many people’s demons get activated by some weird connections to other people’s demons. And you don’t like that.

So you made a decision to walk away from most aspects of social life and worked your butt off to polish your skills. Some of you have spent many years studying; some of you have spent very many months working on a glow-up; some of you have deepened your spiritual prowess and connected to higher realms; basically, you’ve died and become a ghost… Springtime will bring you the resurrection you deserve, bitch!🎍

f a m i l y – King of Cups

About your Soul Fam though, I feel that travel is highly indicated for you. Some of you, you could be meeting a Soul Fam member during travels, but for the majority of you, this aenergy is giving the idea that you’re literally meant to travel the world or live abroad, perhaps even for the rest of your lives. Highly advanced souls can often have a narrative in which they’re expected to die on a land different from the one they were born into. So, if you’ve been thinking of moving to a different country or state, this is your confirmation that it is indeed part of your soul scenario.

Thanks to modern travel, it’s so easy for highly advanced souls to connect with their true Family members from different countries and that’s something we’re glad about LOL If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re going to die alone and sad, that’s totally not the case. If anything, you have so many Soul Fam members who are going to be just as highly spiritual, profoundly dreamy and vastly empathetic as you are. You’re going to be very glad when the time comes for Soul Families to reunite in the upcoming couple of years~ YAY~!

full moon self-care🔻🌒🌓🌔🌕🌖🌗🌘

Access full reading + cards on Patreon🌸

☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・.

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lilmisssona · 1 month

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𓍢ִ໋🀦 CHAPTER 2: WELCOMING 𓍢ִ໋🀦

𓍢ִ໋🀦 PAIRING: Vampire! Hyunjin × Witch! Fem Reader

𓍢ִ໋🀦 GENRE: Supernatural AU, SMAU, Enemies To Lovers, Murder Mystery AU

𓍢ִ໋🀦 PLOT: You're accepted to The University Of Magicks" You thought it was just a fun prank, a spam ad even. But when you get actually accepted, things start to get real....You move across the country to start your new life, only to get on the nerves of a certain vampire.... Join on this magical journey as you navigate through life, friendships , love and maybe even an ancient curse ??!! Will you be able to thrive or will this be a battle to survive ?

𓍢ִ໋🀦 WORD COUNT: 2K

𓍢ִ໋🀦 A/N: Happy 6 years Stray Kids!!! Time flies and I'm so proud of my boys accomplishing their goals!! q(╥﹏╥)p So, here's a long due update to your fav series! Let Me Know what you think! New chapters every other week ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

𓍢ִ໋🀦 WARNINGS: Hyunjin being a douchebag, platonic friendships.

𓍢ִ໋🀦PREVIOUS|𓍢ִ໋🀦MASTERLIST |𓍢ִ໋🀦NEXT

𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋

"We're here!" The carriage came to a halt in front of a dark, quaint forest.

Only the sounds of cicadas and frogs chirping can be heard, with the exception of a massive tree standing in between the pathway.

"But there's no university I see.." you curiously asked Yunjin as you peeked through the curtains at the back.

"Get down and see for yourself!" Karina winked at you again.

You smiled back at her. Looks like she was finally opening up to you.

"Alright" Karina spoke as all of you stepped down. "Follow me through the hole in the tree."

"I see no hole though..." you squint your eyes to focus.

"Hun, magick is when you believe it's true," Yunjin replied to you, smiling.

"Imagine that there's a hole and there shall be." Karina spoke.

"But.." " I never used any magick in my life." you nervously replied.

" In that case, hold our hand and follow us. '' Yunjin replied to you. So you intertwined your fingers with both of them and closed your eyes...

At first you can't hear anything except the occasional chirping of the cicadas and the rustling of the leaves under your feet.

But when you followed them enough to stand in front of the massive tree, that did you begin to feel "it" again.

Your whole body shivered as you focused on your surroundings. Every sound was blocked and now there was pin drop silence around you.

There was a sudden crumbling sound and some shuffling. Slowly all three of you opened your eyes....

"OMG" you put a hand on your mouth and gasped.

"There's a door in the tree now"

"Told ya to believe yourself" Karina smiled at you. The door opened by itself as you three cautiously took a step inside

𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋

"Holy hell" you gasped a little as you looked at the view in front of you…

"Never knew a tree can lead us to this" you beamed.

The whole place looked magnificent. Rows and rows of different houses with a massive fountain in the middle. Laden with beautiful lights. It was as if you're transported to a magical land...

AN: *Ahem* this IS a magical land,literally... 🙄

Narrator: oopsies but anyways...🤷‍♀️

" Welcome To The University yn "

" Let's go inside shall we ?" Yunjin replied to you, smiling.

" Heck yeah!" You replied. All three of you slowly entered the premises of the university....

𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋

"And we're going to conduct a..." Hurriedly you three took your seats, as you realised the orientation has already began.

" You are late" The man who was conducting the orientation announced.

" We're sorry, yn was lost and couldn't find us..." You looked at him. Very dark aesthetics yet a charming endeavour he had.

He didn't look much older than you, yet he had an authoritarian figure. The thing you noticed the most was his glowing blue eyes, that had a magical aura around them.

" Nice to meet you yn, I'm Chan, the Captain of the Wolf Packs!"

" Hello, nice to meet you" you smiled, shaking his hand.

" Please take your seats, you'll be assigned to your rooms shortly" Chan replied, guiding you to the rows of seats in front of you.

Thanking him, you three hurriedly shuffled through rows of students, until you get to sit in your assigned seats.

" Now that everyone is here.." The announcer spoke curtly, " I would like to introduce you to your individual house captains."

" Mr. Lee, Ms. Yu, Mr. Bahng and Mr. Hwang, please come to the stage."

You watched with bated breath as the man who introduced himself as Chan walked up to the stage as well as your new friend Karina.

" Karina ?" you curiously asked Yunjin, " Yes, she's the captain of our house, The Witch's Lair." Yunjin replied to you.

You watched as whom you assumed as Mr. Lee, walked up to the stage as well. He had a powerful aura in his face, with a distinctive green eye in his left, which glowed like fire.

" That's Lee Felix, the house captain of the outkasts" Yunjin pointed at him.

"And... that's..." " Where's Hwang ?" Yunjin was surprised as she scanned the room.

" Hwang " that title sounded similiar... " I'm here!!" Someone jumped from behind your seats. You ducked again in fear.

" What the hell dude!" You screamed at the commotion. That person looked behind you... It was him.

THE HWANG HYUNJIN in flesh in front of you.

Suddenly your throat went dry as you looked at him, his ethereal beauty shining even better in real life.

" Sorry sweetheart, but you should really mind whom you're speaking to. " Hyunjin replied to you annoyingly.

" Unless you're a novice which I think you are..." he scoffed as he looked at you up and down. " So I don't think so you know, about us The Elites,..."

" So mind your language hun, and keep your head down, your house is little than us anyway..."

" Hyunjin!" Yunjin spoke harshly. " Why are you being mean to her ? she could've gotten brain damage from your stupid actions. And her poor cat could've gotten hurt. "

" Whatever, I'm getting late for my speech anyways..." Hyunjin rolled his eyes and rushed to the stage. You were left speechless after the conversation...

This is the man whom you stalked through social media ? This guy ?

" He's so full of himself!!" you thought to yourself in frustration.

" Ugh, I'm an idiot" you sighed.

You gulped as you watched him walk up to the stage. " You ok ?" Yunjin asked you, concerned.

" Yeah..." you sighed.

" Don't mind he's just as annoying to everyone here..."

"Hmm, ok" you replied.

You felt dejected from the conversation.

That warm feeling in your heart was crushed as your hope to befriend him, slowly faded away... there was a lump in your throat. you fought back tears.

He was one of the sole reasons to enter the university. That reason now crushed and buried in your mind. " As I was saying..." The announcer spoke, as you fiddled with the sleeves of your shirt, to distract yourself.

Ms. Tuna looked at you from her carrier, you shot her a sad smile.

" Mr. Hwang please introduce yourself and your house, "

" Of course Ms. Im." You rolled your eyes as he shone a bright smile at her.

" I am Hwang, Hyunjin Hwang, the leader of your house, the Elites and we believe in sucking the soul out of our enemies. " He smirked a devious smile as he continued.

" Eternity is in our blood and you better not mess with us as the consequences would lead you straight to the gates of hell. " He looked in your direction, smirking. You gulped a little.

" Welcome To all the novice Vampires and Demons your dorms are located at the highest floor of this University..."

The hall erupted in demonic groans and claps as Hyunjin stepped down from his speech.

You scoffed at the commotion.

" Now please welcome, Mr. Bahng your Wolf Pack Leader!" The announcer smiled as Mr. Bahng or Chan as he introduced himself to you and stepped up on the stage for his speech.

You intently watched him as he did. A sudden warmth engulfing you from within.

" Thank you Ms. Im, I am Chan, your leader of the wolf packs. We believe that unity is our strongest forte. "

" Welcome to you all new wolves. Soon you'll be assigned to your individual dorms , that's on the 5th floor, and you'll begin your testing tomorrow to be assigned to your packs. "

Chan bowed shyly and stepped down as all of you applauded him.

" Hey Everyone!" Next it was Karina's turn. You cheered her with praises from your seat. Karina winked at you.

" I'm Karina, the leader of the Witch's Lair and we believe that magick is when you believe in it."

you smiled at her remembering her similar words she spoke to you back there at the tree.

" Welcome my novice witches to your house. "

" Your dorms are on the 4th floor and soon you'll be assigned to your rooms. "

" Go Karina!" you cheered at her as she stepped down from her speech.

" And last but definitely not the least...." the announcer smiled at the half green eyed boy.

" Mr. Lee, please introduce yourself!"

" Hello everyone, I'm Felix, the leader of the outkasts. "

Sudden, giggles and laughter were heard from a distance as he spoke.

You turned your head towards the direction of the sound. It was most definitely the Elites group mocking him.

" Yes, to you elites we might be nothing. " Felix smirked at them.

" But don't think of us as any less."

" We Outkasts believe that every being has magick in it. "

" And every individual is unique to us. " You smiled triumphantly at him as he stood up for his house.

" However small or big they are, it doesn't matter. "

" So all of you are welcome here, your dorms are on the 3rd Floor. "

Roars of applause erupted in the hall as everyone cheered for their individual house captains.

𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋

It was already half past 10 as you scurried your way to the dorms. Karina guided your team, as you and Yunjin followed suit.

Slowly she guided and assigned everyone to her rooms. And lastly it was your turn.

" And yn this is our room, with Yunjin of course!" " I'll be living with the captain ? That's so cool!" you brightly smiled at her.

" Well you were a last minute addition so we decided that you'll be with us. " Yunjin smiled at you as she replied.

You opened the carrier and let Ms. Tuna roam around her new surroundings, who already found comfort in a chair in the corner and dozed off.

Your breath hitched in your throat as you remembered what Sunday was...

It was your birthday and the very day you lost your biological parents.

You exited the chat and excused yourself to go to the washroom. Yunjin and Karina looked at you curiously as you dismissed yourself suddenly.

A knot of dread formed in your stomach as you looked at the face in front of you in the mirror.

" 22 years have passed yet the mention of this day still makes me like this. "

" Why am I so pathetic ? " You silently cried to yourself. " Why can't I enjoy my birthday like normal people..." you sniffled.

" All okay, YN ?" Yunjin knocked at the bathroom door suddenly, startling you.

" Yeah, I'm ok, don't worry. " Quickly you splashed some water on your face to hide the tears and exited the washroom.

" So you're coming right ? " Karina asked you, concerned.

" Y...y..eah of course " you cursed yourself for stuttering as you forced a smile.

" Perfect, what are you wearing ?? '' Yunjin squealed as she twirled you across the room, making the atmosphere lighter with everyone's laughter.

𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋

It was Saturday morning and you were already late on your first day.

Scurrying through hundreds of students you made your way to the first class of the morning. Although you're sure you have already missed half of it.

" Ouch!" suddenly you banged your head onto something hard, making you stumble and slip on the path and spilling all your stuff on the floor.

Internally cursing yourself you started to angrily stuff the contents back into your bag. A chill passed over you when you realised your phone is nowhere to be found.

You panicked and started to recheck the contents of your bag again, when someone tapped on your shoulders.

" Is this what you're looking for ? " you turned around to see the most kind looking stranger looking back at you, smiling.

He was holding your phone and a shiny pen.

" Y...yes thank you so much. " you replied as you got up to greet him.

" Sunghoon."

" YN"

" Beautiful name just like your face..." you blushed a little as he complimented you.

" Nice meeting you Sunghoon and thank you for finding my phone, but now I have to leave as I'm already super late for my first class. "

" Oh, good luck with that! " He waved at you as you rushed to your classes.

𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋

𓍢ִ໋🀦 OUR ETERNAL ALLIES: @atinyniki @kailee08 @writingforstraykids

@cheesemonky @skzoologist @minholing

@michelle4eve @jinnie-ret @thatonedemigodfromseoul @silverstarburst @galaxycatdrawz

𓍢ִ໋🀦 NEW RECRUITMENTS: @star92 @arloo00 @dabiscrustyfeet @loxgirl2004 @lakoya @thisrandomgoofy15 @kpopmenace143 @avokralaim @i2nsstuff @yasssposts @kopikokrunch @wa-wandavision @nlr1606 @kangyeonie @niaalove @bellandxx @annybah @kaiyaba @seungminindabuilding

(Taglist is closed!!)

𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒𓂃🦋

𓍢ִ໋🀦 ENDNOTE: Everything Here is a work of fiction and my own imagination. This does not represent the real life characteristics of Stray Kids.

Make sure to like, reblog, follow and turn your notifications on to get updated whenever I upload a new chapter!! ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

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cardicoven · 3 months

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🥀Book Review: Persephone's Pathway: Wisdom, Magick & Growth by Jennifer Heather

Full Title: Persephone's Pathway: Wisdom, Magick, Growth Author: Jennifer Heather Published by: Heather Publishing (seemingly self published) 2020 Good Reads: Link My Quick Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) stars. Persephone’s Pathway which while flawed and at times meandering is perhaps the best resource available for the modern pagan worshipping or working with Persephone and I wholly recommend it. Official Blurb: Persephone's Pathway is one of balance and duality; embrace the dual goddess archetype of Underworld Queen and Spring Maiden in order to achieve harmony. This book shares the wisdom of Persephone, along with spells and rituals to help you in your daily life. Shadow work exercises encourage you to work with the Underworld aspect of the Dark Goddess, whilst flower magick celebrates the joy and gentleness of the Spring Goddess. Blend the dark and light aspects together to experience how they shine a light on each other in this celebration of wholeness and authenticity. Personal Reason for Purchasing: Was looking for a pagan/witchy perspective on Persephone and stubbled across this one. (Bought from Amazon UK)

Overview of the book's contents. Introduction: A solid introduction, focusing on what the purpose of this book will be, and the author’s goals in writing it, namely ‘an exploration of the mythology and Symbolism surrounding Persephone, along with chapters dedicated to a facet of what she can teach us’, ‘both a collection of information and tribute to her’. Chapter 1: 'Who is Persephone': Introduction to Persephone, her role, dual nature, The Eleusinian mysteries, possible connections to Erishkegal (a mesopotamia goddess originating 4000 BC), and of course the Homeric Hymn to Demeter. Chapter 2: 'Historic Origins': An exploration of the genesis of Persephone in Mythology, through to the Evolution of her story in present day literature. (A personal highlight). Chapter 3: 'A Myth Retold': A modern retelling of the hymn to Demeter by the author. Chapter 4: 'Symbolism': An exploration of the artefacts associated with Persephone, both modern and ancient, the creation of a unique glyph/sigil for Persephone and an extensive and detailed discussion of association/correspondences, some ancient, some contemporary and lastly her common epithets. Chapter 5: 'Creating an Altar': A collection of suggestions and guidelines on creating your own altar for Persephone and common offerings to gift the Goddess. Chapter 6: 'Persephone Magick: Begins with a basic beginners to magickal practice, followed by a recipe for a Persephone Anointing oils, a guide to connecting to Persephone, an innovation and an adaption of the Orphic Hymn to Proserpina.

The Seeds of Persephone A collection of chapters surrounding what the Author considers to be the six core aspects/values which Persephone embodies. Seed 1: 'Union': Focuses on Shadow-work, divine alignment for body and Spirit union, and includes a spell for Spiritual union of lovers, guidance surrounding meditation, shadow-work rituals, and a recipe for a love attraction oil. Seed 2: 'Balance': Begins with a discussion of how to, and the importance of maintaining balance in one’s life, including a meandering discussion of grounding, living with the seasons, incorporating nature into your life, meditation, seasonal altars, self-care, massage, and yoga. Lastly it includes recipes for a Persephone Beauty Elixer’ cream/lotion, a medicinal tonic, a spell for resolution, and a spell for making a decision. Seed 3: 'Intuition': Looks at ways to develop one’s intuition, including an outline for a Persephone focused Lithomancy technique (10 planetary stones, 6 Persephone stones (named for each of the author’s ‘Seeds’: Fertility, Justice, Balance, Union, Sovereignty and Intuition), three tarot spreads and the script for a guided meditation. Seed 4: 'Sovereignty': Is a discussion of [personal Sovereignty, and self-esteem, with journal prompts. Guidance on enchanting a power talisman, and a spell for protecting personal boundaries. Seed 5: 'Justice': Focuses heavily on Persephone in her Queen of the Underworld Aspect, touching on several myths in which she acted as a Purveyor of justice, (Orpheus and Psyche, and a discussion on Trust in regards to the Goddess. Followed by Several spells for truth telling, reflection on behaviour and fair resolutions. Seed 6: 'Fertility': Focuses on Persephone's Spring/Maiden Aspect. Followed by a discussion of Maiden goddesses, Flower Magick, creating Floral elixirs, cleansing sprays, a flower bathing ritual, and spell jars/Witch’s bottles. Followed by the Associations/correspondences and finally a script of a guided meditation, to meet Persephone in her Spring Aspect. Appendix: The Orphic hymn to Proserpina, translated by Taylor Thomas 1792.

Personal Thoughts and Review. I’m conflicted about this book. The first half is an excellent primer on Persephone and including her into one’s personal practice however, the second half the ‘Seeds of Persephone’ are at times Meandering, unfocused and clumsy, but there are jewels among the ramblings.

The book appears to be self published, so I’m inclined to be kinder to the Author than I would otherwise be; however, Persephone’s Pathway could really use reformatting (text justified etc), and would benefit immensely from an informed and passionate editor. Nevertheless this book is an excellent edition to the libraries of those of us who work with Persephone.

Aspects in detail. General content: The first half goes over a lot of content around Persephone, in some detail and is appropriately referenced through allowing the reader to research further. The Second half (the Seeds) is a mixed bag and approaches certain subjects extremely casually, namely Shadow-work and herbal medicine. Persephone’s correspondences: Primarily contained to Chapter 4, the Correspondences are in depth, reference and diverse. However, there are inaccuracies, the most obvious is a mention of Corn/Maize being cut as a part of the Eleusinian Mysteries. As a New World crop Corn was not in ancient Greece at the time and as such has no historical connection to the Mysteries. From my own understanding the crop cut during the Mysteries was likely Barley, a grain though to have great significance to the Eleusinian Mysteries as a part of the hallucinogenic cocktail thought to be drunk by initiates, barley is also part of the offering given by Oddyseus to summon Persephone (“first with milk and honey, then with sweet wine, then with water; and sprinkle white barley-meal above”). Rituals and Spells: It’s Always interesting to see another practitioner's approach, and covering a very broad scope although, I wish they were indexed since they appear throughout the book. Origin Myth retelling: An interesting retelling, possibly my favourite version, however it is not without flaws. Guided Meditations: Enjoyable and Interesting, these scripts approach many aspects of Persephone’s Mythos. Journaling Prompts: These appear seemingly at random in the latter half of the book, but are nevertheless thought provoking. Recommended Reading: While good to see, it is worthy of note that none of these books reference Persephone, Hellenic Polytheism, or Shadow-work. Which are the topics I would like to see additional material given some of my concerns with the book itself. Bibliography: Extensive and good practice.

The Seeds in Detail. Given their significance to the book I’ll review these chapters separately: Union: a clumsy chapter whose advice on Shadow-work is surface level and possibly dangerous for a beginner or someone who is mentally vulnerable. But this chapter does handle the topic of Love workings with the required levity. Balance: Waffling and honestly feels like filler, of the seeds this one is disappointing and feels like lost potential. Intuition: a major highlight of the book, a detailed exploration of Lithomancy, well written and thought provoking. Sovereignty: A good chapter, if a little long winded. Justice: Spectacular, discussion of Queen Persephone and of how to connect to the Underworld Aspect. A personal highlight. Fertility: An excellent close to the book but desperately needs reformatting.

Final Thoughts. I wholly recommend this book especially as a gateway into working with or worshipping Persephone. Despite its flaws, it is the best resource I’ve found on Persephone from a pagan/witch perspective, and my practice is better for reading it.

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pumpkzsafeplace · 3 months

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the pumpky-witch chronicles ☾⋆⁺₊ : my disability-friendly craft

sometimes the 'go to way' to do things can be difficult for a lot of people, especially those who suffer with disabilities or chronic illnesses

so in those moments, let your creativity shine to develop a one of a kind pathways ~ something that's suited for you, and makes your life better!

here are some ways i altered my craft to suit my disability.

☾ : notes instead of words.

something that helps me a lot with my spell work, especially my deity work is leaving & talking through notes and letters with my deities.

the art of talking can be difficult for me the vast majority of the time, but i have found a lot of comfort in writing for my deities and having conversations that way ~ and in all honesty, i think our connection has gotten stronger because it's so personal.

☼: picking times instead of all the time.

living with a disability can be draining, and bad days can happen a lot more than good ~ which is why i try my best to work around the moon cycles instead of every day pratice (both are still valid btw!)

if i'm feeling more up to it, i may light my deity candles in the morning (which they go bonkers for because it means i'm having a good day!) but i've done my best to just stick to the big days to lessen the pressure on me a little bit.

☾ : keeping a piece with me.

when i do perform my moon rituals, charm bags & oils are one of the main things i make ~ giving me access to magick during every day things. i keep all of my charm bags in my 'travel bag' and make sure to put on the corolating oil that matches what i want to bring in on that day!

it helps me still feel witchy even on those bad days.

☼: ignoring the stigma.

one of the hardest things i do is ignoring the stigma surrounding how and what people do in their path. sometimes i sit and wonder my worth as a witch because i'm not performing crossroad rituals etc.

but on days like that, it's important to remember that everyones path is not the same. you could go your whole journey doing simple protection spells and cleansing and that makes you just as valid as the witch who does hex's and customer magick.

every path is different, and that's the beauty of witchcraft.

☾ : falling in love with the craft.

you don't need a million things to be the perfect witch.

you don't need the prettiest crystals, you don't need all the herbs in the basket.

all you need is yourself & your belief to be the best you possibly can be <3

gif isn't mine

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spirit-amplified · 3 months

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Clear Your Path to Spring Success with Path Clearing Magick

We're entering a phase I like to call the "quickening of the year," as the northern hemisphere slowly warms up for Spring. It's an ideal moment to reflect on our goals for the year, plan our next steps, and clear any obstacles in our path to make way for our aspirations. Just as we clear away debris in the Spring to plant new seeds we may want to consider the powerful magick of a path-clearing working.

What is a path-clearing working, you ask? It's a versatile and effective ritual that can help clear away any barriers or negative energies that may impede your goals and/or progress. This working acts as a multitasker, capable of banishing negativity, invoking positive energy, setting intentions, and shielding you from further obstacles.

When life feels muddled, heavy, or stagnant, and you're facing relentless pressure, miscommunication, and bad luck, a path-clearing working can be the key to unlocking your path to success. By harnessing its energy, you can attract a more favorable and successful aura into your life, allowing you to refocus on your aspirations.

Whether you're seeking to remove negative energies, overcome obstacles, or simply realign with your ambitions, a path clearing working can provide the clarity and momentum you need to propel yourself forward.

Don't let roadblocks hinder your progress this year. Embrace the transformative power of a path-clearing working and pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future.

Some Path-Clearing Herbs:

Abre Camino

Chicory

Coffee

Epazote

Henbit

Lemon

Peppermint

Pine Needle

Spanish Moss

Star of Bethlehem

Vetiver

Wysteria

My personal favorite combination is:

Chicory

Coffee

Epazote

Lemon

Pine Needle

Spanish Moss

Some Other Herbs To Add To Attract Success, Luck, & Prosperity:

Cinnamon

Bay

High John Root - Personal must to conquer any situation

Basil

Cinquefoil

Clove

Alfalfa

Echinacea

Nutmeg

Allspice

2 Ways To Do A Path-Clearing:

◽ Make an Infused Spell Oil & an herbal blend for candle magick and ritual.

◽ Make a concentrated tea for a Path-Clearing Bath - I will say if you want to go this route... I highly recommend holding off on any spices, this way you won't burn or irritate yourself. Also, I recommend making this beforehand and then letting it cool before adding it to the bath. The bath water should be room temp or colder to shock and open the aura and you definitely want to fully submerge yourself.

The process of path-clearing often involves the use of candles, typically in orange, gold, and green, symbolizing success and action. These candles can be customized with herbs or oils to enhance their energy. Adding a key to enchant with the candle magick can symbolize unlocking new pathways and be a token that you can carry with you, whether using an actual key or a key charm. Some practitioners suggest incorporating a crossroads into their working. If a physical crossroads isn't available, using crossroads dirt or drawing a cross with chalk during your working can serve as alternatives.

And you can definitely add both together to make a wickedly strong path-clearing working!!

#pagan witch #traditional witchcraft #witchcraft #witch #witchblr #witches #magick #spells #spellwork #spirituality #paganblr #paganism #witches of tumblr #witch community

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witchescollection · 24 days

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Hello! How are you? I was wondering if you had any advice or tips for someone who was interested in learning and wanting to try folk magic? I've been interested in looking into it for a while, but I'm not really sure of where to go with it.

Hi! I'm good thank you!! This is my jam!!!

Okay so this might be a bit of a long one -

Folk magick is incredibly personal and local to where you are. It is magic for the people, by the people, and as such harnesses incredibly old ways of working. It is also, as a pathway, deeply accessible. I see it as a path that allows you utilise the energies around you, rather than requiring certain tools or garbs or timings like ceremonial magick does.

Some general tips I'd recommend include:

Get to know the flora and fauna in your local area, both through research but also actively communicating and working with those plants and animals. For some practitioners, like myself, this can influence the food and herbs you cook with and use for spell work (and even down to the tea I drink!).

Channel your community. Connect with the people whom you share these spaces with and understand them. You don't necessarily have to be besties, but saying a quick hello to your neighbour can go a long way.

Find your spot! When I moved for University, I picked a tree on campus that was my tree and sat with it, and - eventually - I brought more people to come sit with me. If chatting to people feels daunting, find somewhere to call your own (a booth at a coffee shop, a sofa at the library, a statue in a museum) and anchor yourself there. I like to avoid using my phone at my spot, and it's become an energetical hearth during my time at Uni, when I would often move physical spaces.

And some further reading I'd recommend to get you started:

Folk Magick vs WItchcraft

Folk Magick in the fight against Capitalism

Folk Magic Guide Video

I'll be doing a podcast episode on this shortly, so please stay tuned for that! And if you have any questions please don't be afraid to shoot me an ask - I hope this helped! x

#Special interest go brrr #so hard not making this british folk #if yall want a post on that lmk bc i have so many fuckin resources good lord #folk magic #folk witchcraft #hearth witchcraft #anti capitalist #eco witch #environmentalism #witchblr #wicca #pagan #hearth witch #folk witch #witchcraft #divination #tarot #astrology #paganism

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primordialsoundmeditation · 21 days

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This is a color of compromise; of neutrality and settling negative emotions. Being a color of transition, occupying all the space between black and white, grey lays down a pathway through the end to new and fresh beginnings. It is the color of infinite interpretations allowing us to see the range of possibilities that lies in between black and white; the darker or more to the black side, the more mysterious and dramatic gray is becoming more illuminating and lively as it moves toward white. There is an air of dignity and self respect about the color grey; wearing it portrays the image of good taste.

Grey suggests permanency and stability, like rocks found in nature. It keeps us on an even keel bringing a stable and solid base, providing us a sense of calm and composure, allowing us to find some relief from a chaotic world.

This isn’t a color that seeks attention but puts the attention on other colors near by, giving them the limelight. It is often associated with intelligence, dignity and self-respect. Grey encourages self-control and self-sufficiency. It gives creativity a boost as it settles the mind allowing new and fresh ideas to come through.

In color magick, grey is used for settling negative emotions, invisibility, finding a neutral mind set and pondering complex issues. Grey can help open our minds so we might see the options in our lives. Use caution as it can cause confusion.

Grey crystals are healing stones, can also help stabilize relationships and enhance our ability to ground and center ourselves. Try using, with intention, smoky quartz, gray chalcedony or drusy.

The whimsical Pixie

Words of Wisdom by the Lit Messenger

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celestialspecial · 2 years

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The Rogue and the Rose

The Fae and Human world have been separate for as long as anyone can remember- and for good reason. But curiosity calls upon Billy to cross the border and follow what has been occupying his dreams and mind. Will he quench his thirst for answers or will it only lead him down a path that even he cannot escape?

Fae!Billy

Writers Notes: I hesitated to post this for a while even though its been sitting unfinished in my notes for a bit. I'm sure it wont receive as much interaction but I love the story and how it came to me one day and I intend to share it and hope that at least a few of you enjoy it <3

The barrier was there for a reason. Protection of the highest regard. To keep Fae in and humans out. Humans were unsafe. Or so they were told. One could go over the wall when the moon was full. That’s when it was safest.

Or so they were told.

Billy wasn’t sure what to believe anymore. He’d grown up in a fae town not far from the border of worlds. Cautionary tales were told like bedtime stories. Then again the orphanage wasn’t one for comfort and joy.

Years of training and practice made him a skilled warrior among his people. Talents abound and a skill set that many longed for but few attained. And yet, how much of a warrior was he truly if he still feared the mortal realm like those around him?

Fae blood could cure disease and illness in humans, for that any fae that was foolish enough to cross the border and unfortunate enough to be captured never returned. A similar fate was found amongst humans who also were dumb enough to enter into Fae.

They rarely provided actual usage to their captors besides entertainment, of all dark sorts. No, it was more of a punishment for all the wrong doings their kind had bestowed to the fae. Payback of sorts.

It was cruel and unkind, but this was fae, and that’s how it was. Kill or be killed. Humanity and magick had gone it’s separate ways millennia ago and that’s how it stayed and what was passed down.

The sun had begun to set, a dull amber glow filling Billy’s cottage. A humble hut, just on the outskirts of town. Close enough to get provisions when needed, but far enough that he was rarely bothered. And that’s how he liked it.

A loner by choice, but the enticement of celebrations drew him out for the occasional evening. Maybe more than occasional. He preferred to be left alone after that. Tonight however was different, after months of pondering and plotting, this full moon he’d embark on what perhaps would be his craziest move yet.

Entering the mortal world. It’d been calling to him for a while now, unsure as to why but curious nonetheless. Curiosity had been his defining childhood trait. The women at the orphanage had had to bandage him up more than a few times because of his antics.

Getting into trouble with his close friends had been his specialty and as he’d grown it hadn’t gone away, only changed. He became more quick, more calculated. His talents were honed by the towns guard, sword fighting, archery, alchemy.

Everything to make him deadly to anyone willing to come to their town with mischief on their mind. But serving his people was only a fraction of who he was. No he craved adventure.

And there was nothing more adventurous than the other world he’d been so heavily warned about. The dreams came to him in the deepest of the night. Visions of a town he’d never seen, filled with…humans.

Rounded ears and people filling taverns, streets, music carrying into the night. It enchanted him in a way he’d never thought possible. But surely it was just a dream? They just kept coming.

One he was walking through the town, amongst the people bustling in the streets. In another dream he had danced along the cobblestone pathways, weaving in and out of the crowd. They no longer felt like dreams, they turned into visions, longings, cravings.

And Billy craved for nothing. All he desired he got. And he’d get this sure enough. Maybe it was just his unquenchable thirst for the unexplored that beckoned him to this new and dangerous place, maybe it was his ego wishing to be the first there and back to brag to his cohorts about what he’d seen.

Then he had another dream.

A beautiful woman, dancing in tight circles in the darkened hall of some gathering place. Hair that shimmered in the candlelight and eyes that drank in the remaining moonlit glow from outside. A smirk upon her lips as she held out her hand to him.

“Billy-“ she softly whispered to him. Without thinking he’d extended his own hand, taking hers without question.

Then he’d woken up, morning light filling his bedroom and an intangible ache in his chest.

The gods were urging him forward, to go across the barrier and even if just for one night he’d experience what his dreams had been showing him. Sheathing a few extra blades for good measure in his leather doublet, making sure his cloak was clasped firmly at his throat.

He had his black glass dagger strapped to his thigh in case his dreams had been just that, dreams. And if anyone attempted to cross one of fae’s strongest soldiers. It would be the last thing they did.

Blowing out the candles in his home as the last whisps of sunset fizzled in the sky, a full moon settling into a blanket of stars casting a silver glow over the gnarled path he took through the woods.

Branches and brambles stuck out, attempting to scratch at his cape and pants. Even the foliage of fae seemed to know what he was doing and begging him not to go. But he carried on, trudging along the darkened path.

When the far off lights from his town had faded and he was in near blackness Billy knew the wall was close. A sort of buzzing energy seemed to radiate around him. Magick. Protection.

He saw the forest ahead of him but it seemed watery, hazy and unfocused. Reaching a cautious hand forward, fingers dipping into the strange mix of air and water and light. Sure enough he could feel a cool breeze dusting over his bare fingers on the other side.

He’d reached the barrier.

Pulling his hand back one last time, the opposite hand tracing over the area that had just broken through, searching for any sign of immediate harm or injury. Having found none Billy once more looked around him before waving a hand around his head, casting a temporary glamour over his ears, but still pulling the hood up for good measure and stepping forward.

Unconsciously holding his breath as his body molded against the thick magick mixture that separated worlds. A buzzing feeling tingled through his entire body from the top of his head to the tips of his toes almost until it was unbearable.

A pricking sensation and the smell of something burning, a metallic tang in his mouth and then cool breeze. Like he’d felt previously on his fingers. Sometime his eyes had squeezed shut, so he ventured to open one, examine his whereabouts.

He was still in the forest. He truly was just a few paces from where he’d been standing not a moment before. He’d done it. He’d crossed the barrier. A feeling of excitement bubbled up in his chest into his throat.

Dashing off through the rest of the forest, jumping over fallen trees and skipping around rocks, barely containing the laughter rising in his body. The air smelled the same, maybe a crisper tinge to it, the wind was certainly cooler.

The mortal realm experienced seasons more harshly than in fae, and here they must’ve been at summers end, harvest season beginning with fervor. He didn’t realize how fast he was running until he spotted bright lights in the distance,

Immediately dropping into a lower stance, walking through the brambles more quietly than any human could. That’s when he spotted them. A group of men laughing and talking as they stood by a horse drawn cart. Tossing back pints of something then laughing louder.

Billy cocked his head to the side, trying to make out what they were saying. Something about work and wives and rotten bets. But besides that Billy found himself just staring at them. Humans. In the flesh.

They didn’t seem threatening at all, on the contrary they seemed almost, jovial. Men ranging in age from early 20’s to maybe late 50’s if he could venture a guess. They clanked their drinks together before turning to disappear into the village.

Staying hidden for a moment more Billy could see the town was bustling. Throngs of people milling about, talking loudly and laughing. Then he heard music, drifting throughout, a mesmerizing tune.

His mind said ‘trap’ but his body urged him forward. Standing to take stock of his things, patting the dagger on his thigh, the knives hidden in his doublet, hood pulled taut, he emerged from the safety of the woods.

He knew he was overthinking his every step but no one around seemed to care. They were too busy having a good time, singing along and chattering among themselves happily. There seemed to be a festival of some sort going on, foods stands lined one of the main streets, fragrant food smells filled the air.

Bards would gather by groups of people sitting or standing and sing out verses that were responded to in kind. He might as well have been invisible. A fly on the wall, watching everything go on around him. That is until he bumped into a very drunk man off to the side.

Bracing for a fight once the man spun around to see who’s path he’d wandered into, a huge smile spreading across his face as he saw Billy.

“Happy solstice my dear boy!” He slurred, raising his tankard high overhead and dumping the liquid contents into his mouth, most of it missing and dribbling down his beard and the front of his shirt.

Billy found himself staring bemused at the man before laughing along with the mans friends. Pardoning himself as he continued on down the street, seeing vendors holding out their wares.

Perfumes, jewelry, wooden carved trinkets, an assortment of fabrics and items that were so familiar and yet so foreign to him. In fae there were almost markets like this, but their items were far more bizarre, at least he assumed they would be to any human.

Potions to grow taller, or enchanted horse shoes to make your steed run faster. Goblets that never emptied and rings that made the wearer more beautiful. There was no magick like that here, and yet these items ensorcelled him nonetheless.

They were magickal in their simplicity. He hadn’t brought money, or else he’d stop at every vendor and peruse for far longer. All he had back home was his money, a dead giveaway of what he was.

At one of the carts selling baked goods and all sorts of floral arrangements Billy allowed himself to stop and take in the exorbitant fragrances. He felt a small tug on his doublet, causing him to look down, only to be met with the eyes of a small little girl.

She looked up at him in wonderment, a large smile playing upon her face. His blood froze for a second wondering if she could see through his glamour. Children were not as easily swayed by magick.

Adults believed what their eyes showed them, but children….not always. But instead she held up a flower, plucked from what must’ve been her parents cart. A vibrant purple hued rose, with velvety petals and a matching ribbon tied around it daintily.

Billy took the flower into his hand, lifted it to his nose and breathed deeply in the Scent. The little girl watched him, and as if satisfied by his gratitude she skipped off to join her parents who were packing up some of their baked goods to a willing customer.

Was this what he was told to fear? Drunken men and little girls offering roses? Surely this couldn’t be it. Granted they knew not of who he was, but he expected judgement, a wary eye on the outsider. A stern look from passerby’s at this hooded man traipsing through their village.

He didn’t feel any of those things. If anything everyone seemed caught up in their own business and enjoying their evening as the moonlight spilled over the cobblestone streets. They seemed positively, happy.

Loud jovial music rang out and Billy followed the sound. Loud booms of laughter continued and fast paced fiddle music wafted out into the road from the tavern before him. The Drunken Faery. He couldn’t help but laugh at the irony of it all.

Pushing against the heavy wooden door, sneaking past fellow patrons searching for the source of music. It’s packed full, all asses and elbows and yet everyone seems to be in high spirits.

The drinking and feasting continued as he passes tables, shouldering past a few of the more drunken patrons. The crowd surges forward as the music starts up again, dancing towards the sound.

He’d never felt claustrophobic before but this was almost too much. Billy pushed past the last tightly knit group on men before finally reaching the counter where an older man was pouring pints and sending them down the wooden surface to waiting hands.

From this vantage point he could better take in the full expanse of the tavern without being squashed between multiple guests.

Wrought iron sconces with fat candles dripping wax onto the fixture, chandeliers of deer antlers, a large fireplace centered in the room with abundant flames being stoked to warm the already hot environment.

Swaths of rich fabric hung decoratively along the walls and ceiling, some banners with crests. Huge casks of ale sat nestled off to the side, only a matter of time until they were broken into.

“Can I get you something?” A lilting voice rang out over the loud squabbling and high pitched music. Billy turned to come face to face with the bartender across from him .A woman.

Hair that shimmered in the candlelight and eyes that drank the moonlight greedily from the nearest window.

His mouth ran dry, probably gaping like a fish. But he could barely form words, this woman. The woman from his dreams, in the flesh.

“Judging by that look I’d say you’re in desperate need of something strong.” You smirked, turning away to grab the nearest clean mug, running a towel around the rim for good measure before pouring a hearty serving of mead. Sliding the mug over to him in one fell swoop.

His eyes never left your face as his hands firmly grasped the handle, lifting the mead to his lips, drinking deeply. You propped an elbow on the counter, resting your chin in the palm of your hand watching him.

His eyes briefly fluttered shut as his throat worked, swallowing mouthful after mouthful of the liquid. Soon it had tapered down to nearly a few drops, mug once again meeting with the counter as he wiped at the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand.

“Ya know…it’s suspicious seeing a hooded figure with an unfamiliar face in my tavern.” You mused watching his face for any sign of concern.

“I’m merely passing through. The festivities drew me in.” He responded in kind, tilting his head this way and that surveying the ruckus the crowd now seemed to be making. Music carrying in louder than before.

“Whereabouts are you from?” Curiosity tinged each of your words. You knew this entire village inside and out. Who was a drunkard, who was stealing, who was attempting to buy love potions from the fae, and who was getting into trouble.

There was of course the fair share of passerbys but most you could take one look at them and pin point where they were coming from. Most were from the lowlands, the main city, smaller towns dotting along. Even occasionally northerners coming down from their rocky outcroppings to take in new sights.

But this man. He didn’t give off the look of either. Pale skin, paler than those from the highlands even. Eyes as black as night, it was hard to even discern where his iris ended and pupil began. Far too dark to be from the mainland.

The way his features settled on his face, as though carved with intention. Beautiful. Mysterious. It was hard to see under the hood but you could see his eyebrows were a dark brown hinting that the rest of his hair may be similar.

“I came from the forests up north. A very small town.”

“North Point or Versell?” You quirked a brow up waiting for his response. His stare never faltered as he responded.

“North Point.”

You clicked your tongue, picking up a nearby dirty glass, running a damp rag along the edges.

“Shame about the fire. I hope the town is able to rebuild better, lucky you weren’t harmed.”

“Yes well, I was very lucky.” He was good. Barely batting an eye in response, body never altering posture.

You leaned forward grabbing his mug and refilling it from the cask behind you, handing it back to his waiting hands. Billy took another long drink from the cup before setting it down off to the side this time.

You watched him intently. He was by far the most interesting person you’d encountered in a long time. And that was saying a lot given where you worked.

“Do you…have a name?” You inquired, wiping down your hand with a dry cloth that you kept tucked into the leather belt on your hips.

Those dark eyes remained transfixed on your face. He didn’t give much away but you could almost hear the cogs turning in his head, wondering if it was wise to share that info with you.

“Billy.” No title, no surname. Cut and dry.

You really liked this man. Whether that was his name or not you chose to use it.

“Well Billy, seeing as you’ve downed two casks of mead how is it you might be paying?”

You felt your lips quirk up as for the first time he appeared caught off guard. As if not realizing payment was required in an establishment such as this. He patted along the front of his doublet, hands moving down to his leather breeches searching for some coin.

When it dawned on him he had nothing to pay with for the first time in maybe his entire life he felt somewhat embarrassed. How had you so easily persuaded him into taking something knowing he had no money to pay?

Another seconds thought and he reached up under his cloak searching for something. You felt your muscles stiffen momentarily, unsure if he intended to draw a weapon and make a break for it, but what he did instead caught you even more off guard.

From under the cloak he produced a flower. A single rose, fragrant and full. Petals so dark, if the candlelight wasn’t there you’d assume it was black. It almost matched his eyes.

Held out in offering to you. You reached forward grasping the stem, careful of the thorns, fingering the soft silky ribbon tied neatly in a bow.

“Will this suffice?” You didn’t look at him as you touched each petal individually, it was beautiful. Beauty barely existed In this village anymore.

Fetching a small glass of water you placed the flower in it, off to the side where no drunk patrons could fumble and knock it down, before turning back to Billy. Gathering your skirts in one hand and making your way around the counter before holding a hand out to him.

“Give me a dance and you’ll be paid in full.”

He examined your hand, an odd look in his eyes but eventually you felt the warmth of his fingers slide into your own and you were pulling him through the crowd.

People danced all around you, loud singing, pipes, and bells rang out producing a cacophony of sound that had you grinning from ear to ear. It was your favorite time of the year.

Summer had come to a close and there was a nip to the air. Promise of renewal, first it was slow then it’d come all at once. This was the soft kiss of the year, the moment before lips parted and the cold filled the air once more.

You spared a glance back at Billy, hand still firmly in yours, his eyes darted around taking in the sights, pushing shoulder to shoulder with those you both passed. Soon you reached the center of the large space, though it was packed you managed to claim one unoccupied area just as the band worked up again.

The flute picked up pace, followed closely by the harp and pipes. Cheers rang out and clapping began, everyone falling into a ring, women to one side and men to the other.

You playfully pushed him to the mens side and you caught, if only for a second, mirth in his eyes. Clapping continued as the circle moved, each side responding in kind to the others.

Women swayed their skirts, shooting coy glances to their counterparts before clapping hands and spinning once, twice, three times in accompaniment. It went on and on, then it was your turn.

Sashaying to the center where Billy now resided, the other men having fallen back behind him to his momentary shock and amusement. Twirling around him, tracing a finger along the front of his chest to the center of his back, skirts fisted in your left hand.

You were about to continue on teasingly to the laughter of those around you but gasped as you felt strong hands clasp at your waist, lifting you high up, before setting you down, those same hands spinning you outwards then back in.

Landing softly into his arms, dipping low, the lights seemed to blare around you as you looked up to be met with Billy’s dark eyes, an actual grin broke across his face having taken you by utter and complete surprise.

You barely had time to register you were moving again when suddenly you were once more upright being spun back to your origin in the line, laughter and clapping erupted as you two joined back to your respective places.

The song continued on for a few more minutes but you didn’t hear it, all you could focus on was the mysterious man across from you. Clapping in time with the others but clearly not one of them.

Could anyone else see it or was it only you?

Soon the song ended and before the next one began You’d made your way over to your dance partner pulling him off to the side still breathless.

“You dance quite well.” His eyes crinkled along with the small smile on his lips.

“That’s how its taught in North Point.” He responded before his expression changed, looking out the nearest window. You followed his gaze seeing nothing only the moon, much lower in the sky now. “Walk with me before I go.”

You only nodded, not sure how to respond. Feeling a small pin prick of worry at the thought of him leaving. Would you ever see him again?

You two pushed through the throngs of people, even though the night was late many still lined the streets and corners. The rush of cool crisp air providing respite from the clogged scents of the tavern.

Standing for a moment he surveyed the people milling about, laughing and talking as if he were seeing it for the first time. He didn’t turn to you when he spoke next, “This celebration, what is it?”

You walked up closer to him, noticing how much he towered over your own frame.

“It’s the autumnal solstice.”

His brows drew together in thought, pondering the words.

“It’s strange, to celebrate a time when crops will soon die and cold approaches.”

“No it’s beautiful. Autumn is nature’s last vibrant battle cry before fading into the softness of quiet renewal.”

He turned to you then, examining your face with the same effort and discernment he had just done on the townsfolk and village. His throat worked, words unspoken seemed to drift behind his eyes.

Lifting a hand to caress the side of your cheek, you leaned into it, the warmth, the tenderness and silent strength and something else sparked in the back of your mind.

“I must go.”

“Will you return?” You barely gave men the time of day, waiting on them bored you and their company never thrilled you, and yet with him….

“North Point is far away. I’m not sure.” He adjusted his cloak once more, you found yourself wondering how it had stayed so perfectly in place during your dance. The absence of where his hand had been suddenly felt very cold.

He took off, walking carefully over the cobblestones and into the night.

“It must be lonely-“ you called out, watching him pause in his gait. “To live in a town that’s been abandoned for 200 years.”

Watching, waiting for a reaction. Yes North Point had had a fire blaze through it. Hundreds of years ago, you knew for a fact that no one occupied its residences ever since, all having moved to Vesell.

He only hesitated a moment, never looking back, and then continuing on into the darkness until you could no longer seem him, left to wonder about where it was he truly was going.

#billy russo x reader #billy russo x female reader #billy russo fanfic #billy russo #ben barnes #bin bons #the punisher #the punisher au #fantasy au #billy russo x y/n #billy russo aesthetic #the punisher fanfiction #marvel the punisher #ben barnes character #fae!billyrusso #fae!billy

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tysaescorner · 11 months

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About Proserpina

Proserpina is many things, many names and many faces: Soteira is one of them. For years Her stories have been swallowed up and/or rewritten, being pinned under those of what many call Her counterpart, Persephone. Do not make the mistake of confusing the two.

Her name, meaning "to crawl" or "to creep" has led few many of us to believe some of Her earlier myths were of a serpentine origin, connecting Her to snakes and making Her a snake goddess. Proserpere means "to crawl forward". She is also very much independent of Ceres, prior to the classical merging with Demeter and Persephone. She is an herbalist, a Shaman, a Healer, a Priestess of the Highest, a Maverick, a Sovereign, a Psychopomp...the list goes on.

She may walk in similar energies of Hekate, Angitia, Diana, Angerona, Persephone, Libera, Artemis, Circe, Kore (the OG, not just the term 'maiden') and others, but Her signature is unique. And not all will understand that. One need only glance at how little of Her remains today outside of Persephone to see that.

Ways to Honour Her

If you are wanting to honor Her cyclically, the 1st of every month with heavy emphasis on April 1st - She is that secret deity, holding a fish in Her arms with a key in its mouth. In plain sight. Other days are the: 3rd, 7th, 9th, 13th, 27th and 29th of every month. Herbal allies are Rue, Thyme, Olive, Motherwort, Mugwort, Pomegranate, and Rose. Animal allies are, of course, snakes, owls (particularly barn owls), hounds (definitely Borzois), bears, fish, corvids, and wolves. Her time is nighttime, so working during the lunar hours are favored.***

***NOTE. A lot of the information here comes from my own personal practice with Her, as well as research AND what is channeled directly as She pours into me.

All artwork here is my own.

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booksandwitchery · 6 months

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23 October, 2023

This post was conceived when, a few hours ago, I was so frustrated and borderline anxious because I couldn't find my fountain pen. I had reread some words in Vol. 2 of my grimoire about the voice of intuition feeling bold, expansive, and full of possibility. I wanted to write some reflective thoughts/notes about this in my Book of Shadows, but for around thirty minutes my fountain pen was nowhere to be found. I have loads of pens that would have worked fine. My fountain pen isn't particularly fancy, either--if I remember correctly, it was cheaper than $10. I think, how did it happen that I have become so attached? Luckily, I found my fountain pen after about thirty minutes, immediately feeling this nonsensical feeling of relief and comfort. And I began to write in my notebook.

I guess that's a testament in favor of the argument that physical objects can aid a person's magick by the feelings they evoke or the symbols they represent within our psyche. I feel more powerful when I write in my Book of Shadows with this specific pen, and this means something.

It brings to mind that for the past couple days I've been listening to a podcast called Cats, Tea, and Witchcraft. In one of her early episodes from 2020, the host Fawna talks about foundational witch tools (wand, athame, chalice, broom, candle, etc.) I listen to this thinking, I'm still so skeptical about things of that nature; in fact, I've been feeling lately that my skepticism is really blocking my progress.

See--I'd long ago made the decision to see Paganism and witchcraft as psychological and spiritual tools for bettering myself and living an improved, meaningful life. I understood and connected with Mark Green's 13 Principles of Atheopaganism, the first of which is "I understand that the metaphorical is not the literal." He elaborates more on this principle in one of his blog posts:

"Very meaningful experiences may well have been fully or partially a hallucination. Does that mean, then, that the meaning derived from such experiences is necessarily invalid? No, it does not-it merely means that we understand that we created that meaning. It was not inherent in the experience."

Yes, I fostered the psychological environment that makes my fountain pen a magickal tool. I don't know why this concept has been such a barrier for me--but it's holding me back from practicing in a serious sense. The thought of writing a spell and carrying it out, and using magickal tools to do so, scares me because I am unconsciously refusing to embrace this idea. I'm afraid to feel silly or disappointed in the results; ultimately, I'm still fighting the neural pathways that society has carved into my brain. I've been lingering here in this in-between state, dipping my feet in the water but never diving in. And this will not a powerful witch make.

It's funny but I'm actually glad that I couldn't find my fountain pen?? I think I'm finally going to get over this obstacle now.

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punkpandapatrixk · 7 months

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Full Harvest Moon in Aries ♦︎ Moon Magick Pick A Card

In my experience, Full Harvest Moon is always significant for those who are more spiritually attuned. This period allows—almost forces, actually—us to die to the previous cycle of our lives much like the trees shedding their leaves. This is a period of slowing down; of calm but maybe also a little bit of depression; of sweeping changes and moving places; of pausing and recalibration; which could cause a sickening sense of losing control of our lives, though in reality, we’re just being prepared for a massive transformation.

If anything, all these changes are the perfect answers to all you’ve prayed for! It’s harvest time for a lot of us! Some of us are having a mini harvest but those are results nevertheless. You’ve done marvellously well to be here right now. And haven’t you grown so much? I’m grateful you’ve made it this far.

Speak into existence your higher intent this Harvest Moon. Be at peace knowing that whatever transpires, everything works out in your favour. Your manifestations are protected, more than you may realise. Work on beautifying all elements of your Life, taking care of all aspects of your physical and spiritual health, and most of all, enjoy Life. All the changes you’ve managed to manifest thus far. There’s plenty more coming but you can’t compete with Destiny, yeah?

All in Divine Timing~🌕Congratulations and happy harvest~🌾

[Masterlist] [Patreon] [Paid Readings]

☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・.

Pile 1 – Returning to the Essentials

intent – Ace of Pentacles

You’ve made it exceedingly clear to the Universe that you want a higher sense of stability in your Life. You might’ve come from a background of poverty mindset or that your environment was brimming with individuals operating on lack mindset. A lot of the people you used to surround yourself with were literal peasants in that they’re always hungry for something more… but won’t work on themselves to become a vibrational match to those higher desires. So, essentially, beggars. Beggars for love, for money, attention, recognition, status, you name it.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting those seemingly unspiritual things, what is a problem is the sense of underserving of those things that people won’t even make the first step towards planting those seeds of manifestation for their own personal fulfilment. Such people only end up with rotten envy, jealousy, spite, bitterness, and even resentment. You saw all of that. Swam in an ocean of such mindsets and tendencies. You finally woke up and said, ‘I want none of that nonsense anymore. None of it is natural. I want out!’

sow – 4 of Cups

So, you ejected yourself from those situations and possibly burnt some bridges. It was better to be alone and work on the essentials. You get to know yourself better that way, all strengths and weaknesses, all opportunities and challenges. You’ve enjoyed learning and studying things that inspire you to continue to build a sparkly Life, right? You’ve worked plenty hard on your own fixing your internal compass, haven’t you? None of that will ever go to waste. You were creating vibrational pathways towards your Highest Possible Intended Destiny. It’s time to begin anew with your visions. Your plans are taking shape. You can see clearly where to step in your next chapter of hustle.

I guess, you’re still feeling like you’re not quite there yet. Or that it feels like your desired reality is taking its sweet time. I guess you could be struggling with dissatisfaction every now and then. Or that certain days you can’t believe the insane level of boredom that suddenly strikes. Sometimes you wonder if there’s any meaning to all this internal hustle you’ve been doing. But there totally is and the fact of the matter is that you’re building strength and momentum at the present moment. I suspect very strongly you’re going to be insanely busy in the next cycle of your Life. Cherish this period. It probably will never come again and soon enough this chapter is only gonna remain a memory you recount sometimes as part of your Life’s Story.

reap – 4 of Wands

And finally, I’m sure you’re already feeling this without anyone else telling you: you’re returning to the essentials. You’ve rediscovered the essence of your being. The styles that suit you. Pursuits that delight you genuinely. These are the few things that truly matter to you and that’s all you want to spend energy on. If in the past you were frantically chasing a few forms of aesthetics or had a number of dreams to pursue, you’ve narrowed everything down to only the essentials—the ones that truly make you feel excited, alive.

Although it feels like returning to your inner child essence, at the same time, you’re not the old you. You’re completely brand new. You’re like a transcendent version of your truer self in the past. It feels strangely nostalgic but also novel. Like you’re holding this inexplicable paradox inside of you. But the truth is, you’ve simply transcended above the duality of light and dark, good and bad. You’re now living in the non-dualistic 5D version of this Earth Matrix. Congrats! You’ve truly awakened! Welcome to 5D Earth, Master Manifestor~!

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Pile 2 – Your Heart Has the Best Compass

intent – VII The Chariot

First of all, you’re an incredibly intuitive person and to a large extent, I think you’re psychic. You could have one or two of the clairs. Clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, claircognisance. You are often guided by your intuition to make changes or attempts that may not always look sensible or responsible by other people. But you seem to have disregarded all of other’s expectations or advice. You believed in yourself and decided to pursue something dearly important to your heart. In a manner of speaking, you were following the path of your Destiny, so congrats! You made the right decision. From here on you can only get stronger.

In your physical Reality, I see you experiencing bounds and leaps of good fortune! You don’t need a shooting star to help make your dreams come true now, you are the Star itself. You make what you want come to Light. It’s possible you’re gonna see people in your Reality being more polite, helpful, cuter, kinder, and generally more pleasant. You’d be like, ‘Did I just jump timelines? Is this still the same Earth I’m used to?!’ Well, you quantum jumped into a higher dimension of Reality and you should be proud of all the inner work you’ve done to be in alignment with these higher frequencies!

sow – Knight of Cups

So, this is another water/emotion energy. The Knight here is simply saying you’re ready to take your Life to the next level of happiness—a spiritual variety of contentment whilst living on Earth. I think you want Love? XD You’re beginning to really want what people call ‘5D relationships’. You want to meet your Soul Mates, your Destined Person, your Soul Tribe. You want Love in a peaceful, exciting, creative world. And you’re going to ‘work’ on that. You’ve decided to never let anyone disrespect you for all the weirdness you have to show them. Unapologetic for days. You ain’t afraid to be seen as a bitch, or a weirdo, an alien, or even a villain.

Nevertheless, all that is just the outer package of your person, which is needed to navigate some hardships in Life when they arise. On the inside, you’ve truly become soft, peaceful, content, and I think you’re pretty much happy with where you are in Life now. Out of all the Piles, yours feels most like you’re truly starting something new that you’re passionate about. There’s something you’ve been meaning to do/create/launch which is only needing the right Divine Timing. Once you hit the bell, there’s no snooze button—you’re going on a ride! Life is gonna get super exciting, so stay on your lane because you’re totally on the right path towards changing your Life!

reap – 3 of Pentacles Rx

When your Life finally takes that amazing turn, you’re going to be spoiled by the Universe with a lot of happiness. I’m seeing SO much abundance beyond material means. You’re going to be SO beautiful. I’m seeing a crazy glow up one way or another. Perhaps because now you have access to those things that can support a glow up. New wardrobe. New teeth. New face for some… New country. New house. New everything and you look gorgeous! That said, there are family members or childhood friends who are totally NOT gonna understand your transformation. Yeah… let peasant be peasants if you ask me.

There are those of you who will want to provide for your family/friends with your newfound wealth and if they’re deserving of that, why not? Just please don’t do any of that with the desire to get their approval, and this is especially the case if your family/friends are incredibly toxic. Live for yourself, babe. Share only with those who are deserving. Only you can decide this but ultimately, respect yourself enough to never beg the acknowledgement of those who are already committed to seeing you in a negative light. Never let ANYBODY reduce your accomplishments, transformations, your Light. Never let anybody poop on your parade XD

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Pile 3 – Hand of Fucking Midas

intent – Page of Wands

Okay, in spite of the title, of all the Piles, your energy has a sage vibe to it. I feel like you’ve transformed into a spiritual master of sort. You got away from the Matrix’s rat race. All the riches you used to think you should have in order to feel like you belonged in society have gone out the window. There are so many material things you do not care about anymore. You’ve rediscovered your essence as a spiritual being having a Human experience. It’s all just a Game and you’re going to have the best-value experience whilst being here. You’ve cultivated a mindset of beauty. ‘Nothing is worthwhile if it’s not beautiful.’

You only want to float beautifully until the day you die. The paradox of your existence is that now that you don’t desire anything desperately anymore, everything comes to you ever so effortlessly. Perhaps it really is because you don’t care if it comes to you or not. It’s exactly because you’re free from worries and anxieties that your positive vibrations effortlessly call forth those positive expectations into your energetic field, and surely enough, they manifest in the physical whether or not you really want them. Paradox. Paradox.

sow – 5 of Pentacles

Reiterating the previous message, here is you sowing seeds of nothingness in this world. From nothingness comes everything. If you don’t limit yourself, anything, literally everything, is possible to create. You’ve tapped into the VOID and understood the secret of Co-Creation. Might it be that you’ve had a really strange, esoteric dream recently? I think you could’ve been activated in your sleep. I feel more strongly that this whole developing a Midas Touch was brought about after transmuting a fuckload of personal traumas you’ve accumulated in this incarnation.

You’ve been through all the sides of sorrow and happiness that now you’re clearer as to what kinds of things are truly meaningful for a Human existence. Now you only want the essentials, and those things you consider essentials are concepts still too difficult too grasp for most Humans. Though you do not carry the essence of being Human, you more than them understand what being Human should be all about. It’s insane. It’s all paradoxical. But you’re here on a mission to beautify this realm. To help Mankind elevate themselves above the status of being miserable slaves—slaves often to their own toxic desires. You’ve transcended all of that via your own suffering.

reap – 9 of Pentacles

From here on, there is no more lack. Because you don’t want much anymore. You’ve let go of all the tight grips on the illusions and temptations of the Matrix. Your wants are now purer, kinder, fairer. I feel you want everybody to have also the things that you take for granted. You want everybody to share in the bounty of the natural world easily. ‘There are things in this world that are NOT supposed to be expensive.’ You want everybody to have access to basic needs at a decent level/quality without having to pay for a premium.

All of that said, I think in the future you’re soon going to have your own business that helps improve the lives of your community instead of ruining the ecosystem and making it hard for everybody. If not a business, you could be involved in some sort of invention or revolution that could, well, revolutionise the way many people live, work or approach businesses on their own terms. I think this Pile has the potential to change the world for the better. You may not care that much about such wild dreams for now, for you are currently peacefully enjoying some fruits of your intense spiritual labour thus far.

But it’s coming, baby~ Your train to awesome is coming to pick you up. Just chill~ When Divine Timing strikes, your body is gonna move on its own😉

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hydralisk98 · 3 months

Text

Shoshone Hymns (0x10/?) - WIP mess

Preface

Gonna recap on the whole project before I go forth with new articles, as to distill the "nucleus" of my speculative paracosm soon.

To include: Sensory details, "unique pitch selling points", unique cultural practices & traditions, linguistical differences, historical divergences, personalities & relationship dynamics, speculative evolution sapient species, history, lore, major events, myths, legends, technologies, magicks;

So, what really is this "16^12"?

It is a speculative campaign setting and desired reality "shifting framework" to immerse oneself onto as a long-term destination. Essentially a comfy yet nuanced realm with a vastly long diverging history & soft warm natural optimistic dark feel.

Keywords

Soft

Warm

Natural

Dark yet bright

Harmony

Innovation

Optimism

Curiosity

Empowerment

Wholesome

Mysticism

Spirituality

Empathy

AGI Integration

Android rights

Deliberate positivity

Communal

Solarpunk / Lunarpunk

Rollerwave

Groovy

Retro

Old-School

Bronze Age

Y2K (early 2000s)

Tooncore

Laborwave

Neu-Vectorheart

Cassette Futurism

Art Deco

Bauhaus

Art Nouveau

Funk

Cyberware

Biomods

Transformations

Morphological freedoms

Gratis, Libre, Open Source Software... aka GLOSS

Automaton liberties

Knowledge

Progress

Systemic Change

Euphoria

Mundane Slice-of-Life joys

Far far away future as promised to us

Syndicalism

Georgism

Ecology

Embracing life and getting out of mere Escapism & Nihilism

Nuclear Armageddon Threats

Political Intrigues

Bookstore

Prosperity

Chronokinesis

True Polymorph

Synthetic-tier Androids

Educational Prowesses

Photographic Memory

Retrocognition

Polyglot

Intertextuality

History Doctorate

Cycle of Life

Entropy

Coming of Age

Constructing your own meaning even in Darkness

Escalation of Power

Vigilante

Self-Control

Worldly Understanding

Enlightened Despotism

Open Source-y Treescape Iterative Evolution

Copyleft

Index card catalogs

Better Handling of Hispanic Flu

Progressives

Unionist (Democrats+Republicans) Party failing

Public Domain

GNU Hurd earlier (later 80s)

OpenXanadu Protocol

Justice

Queer Acceptance & Integration

Samoan Tech Reverse-Engineering Market

Polish Computing Sovereignty remains and flourishes thanks to ICL & Jacek Karpinski

Failure of centralized social media networks in favor of indie decentralized "federations"

2000s pandemic instead of 2020s

Religious and spiritual researchers harmonize

Data Privacy

Governance Transparency

Black Pyramids HyperMall

Conversation Pits

Mainframe Rooms

Parliament / Senate

Judicial Courtroom

Public Place

Natural Park Preserves

Arcade

Discoteques

Tramway / Subway / Monorailways

Offices

Assembly Floors

French Toasts, Pancakes, Pork

Cafe

Public Library Archives

VLSI College tech classes

University art classes

Autistic meta-patterns

Jin-Roh The Wolf Brigade

Helluva Boss

Wolfenstein The New Order

Wakfu

Jet Set Radio

No Baby-Boomers Managerial Class Overthrow

Video rental stores

Robotic soldiers likewise to Wolfenstein The New Order's

Extended Zodiac Calendar-based generators

Divinely-order beings walking among the living and the dead

Key historically-significant nine USPs

youtube

Lisp persisting as a major language family in the tech industry leading to women building several AGI "summers" iterating on top of each other harmoniously... (leading to the android servants of my constructed world, which is one among the many major features derived from such a "liberal" alternate historical pathway)

Why-s for Production

Showcasing pseudo-historical data in a GLOSS manner, stimulating imagination creativity & motivation among Zillenials, intrigue people into research deep dives on history, mostly for personal enjoyment & enhancing my multimedia skillset;

Whys for Target Audience (mid 90s - earlier 2000s youth aka Zillenials)

Motivation, empowerment & plain comfort through curiosity. Also because it shows & explains how to do plenty of creative adulthood things better.

Ideadump 2

4525, Maskoch, "Ava, Klara, Shoshona", Seventies RetroFuturism Residence, Habitable Minivan, Cloven Hoof Shoes, Black Matte Lipstick, Spiral Black Balls, Fem ISO Symbol, #RedInstead Aspie Culture, Conlangs, Ocean of Clades, Second Person Perspective Meta, Pattern Recognition, Poetic Lisp life scriptures, RISC-V+OpenPOWER, KDE Plasma + Liquid, LOT tape storage archivals, hypervisor, Asahi Linux on M3 iMacs, responsive hypertext realm, HTML5+CSS3-only text addventure, rio/acme/p9-2000 userland, yesterweb sites, desktop paracosm simulations through filesystem documents, RTTY / printing radio terminals, VideoTex/Telex Minitel-esque services, "Valenz, Kira, Sina", SVG toon vector virtual web pages, imagination microcosms, miniature dollhouses, animation rigged puppets, VTuber tokens & TTRPG scenes, InfoAddict, Toymaker, Witch, Thinktank, PDP-8/e – DECmate III+, "JusticeKeggan", byzantine soviet-level intrigues, "SAOpatra", "FierceFawlanx", "TheodEnchanter"… ;

#16^12 #maskoch #maskutchew #intj x enfp #alternate world DR writing #Youtube

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captainkurosolaire · 1 year

Text

Who Dunn It?

Losses and failure are often touted as big you make them. Many carry with them lessons of necessities. Others don't seem to have an end until the universe is done putting you on trial.

The aftermath of a brutal battle left emotions running rampant. A Pirate Captain missed out on several Sun's of the Living. Even the oldest magick of Era's thought loss, couldn't suddenly bring the Captain to a conscious state or functioning. Each night a new Crewmate of what was a promising band of gold, once visited their Seeker. Many emotions ran against him in bed-side as he was fully drowned under a coma.

Doubt crept, reality hit.

Things weren't going to get better, this fairy tale story had come to an end. Gloom rampantly grew, and with dreams on the line... That fact was just too much for many to handle. One dusk, Captain's estranged daughter walked into his cabin. Struggling to swallow as she saw her Father in a state that was ultimately, she felt a sense of responsibility. All that transpired in that dark-pit wouldn't have ever occurred if she didn't still own the bullet on the brother of the man, who her father fought to the brink. That silver-tongued pirate in her father, managed to turn a situation from a potential War of butchery, bloodshed, into a sacrificial battle, laying everything on the line. Her eye's heavy seeing continuous flow of aether flowing through machinery of magitek, pumping nutrients, breathing apparatuses bound to him. She hadn't gained the misfortune of witnessing this side, sure she met him with bandaged arms, unusable ones, but this was something far more critical and concerning. Walking to him with guilt in her quivering voice, "If I didn't act impulsively." She felt the unbridled guilt, falling to his bedside and wept trying to brave restraint. Yet showing an actual Father and Daughter closeness, that continuously was blooming in the most unlikely ways. Always showing glimmers of surpassing not just the Captain but her Grand Father compared to their own youth, their temperaments getting the better of them not recognizing it until things were too far gone, what they love, treasured most in the world drifted from their grasp... She still had a chance to grow beyond to take advantage of history. After settling her conscience she withdrew to her own quarters. While another matey aboard, their emotion was about to hit of dangerous conspiracy. When you witness the closest person you revere, fall in battle. It's personal, if you can't do anything about it that weaknesses seep into you sometimes, to rid it you feel a liability to have it eliminated. Or worse, yet that loss feels as your own. This felt eerily familiar before with the last time Captain was brought to a mutiny. Masked and gloved, a sneaky assailant joined forces with shadow, about to cause a full on betrayal. Taking ethanol fuel and leading a pathway to bed's rest. Before matching a lighter and setting ablaze. A fire broke out, heading and directly sent to extinguish the life of a Captain.

It seemed he was on the verge of really finding himself. Showing that nobody could halt him, he brought happiness to many aboard, got them closer to finding who they were on his own path. Guided the balance between shore and sea. Although there were promise's of ferrying them to their destination of greed they never questioned that he couldn't have gotten them there. Never once showing discrimination under his sail, there was trust and feeling of an actual home despite how diverse the wild personalities were, they were felt universally kindred under his leadership, he even began confronting forces larger than him.

None saw his overall results of change more than his mental-counselor and advisor aboard, Slafhota who continuously checked on him and was out for his well-being. The fact he chose her, over drinking out of the bottom of vices to numb out existence, or channel his self-dismay into lust and fuck it out of him, everything that resulted into temporal remedies that he did formerly, was proof he wasn't hopeless. Her eye's opened in explosiveness as she screamed and charged and shouted aboard, the cabin had a wall of fire. She saw in the corner of her sprint the ember slowly burning through the layers of blankets bundling him. shouted with a tear that fell between the lid's crest, "FIRE! CAPTAIN O' OUR CAPTAIN!" Only on the scene. She doused herself with her own aspect of water magic and without any footwear ran into the engulfing flames her large sea roe frame leapt forth and yanked him off his machinery and pulled him rampantly out of the seething fire and dragged him out against his slumping nature. Everyone accounted for got to the top of the decks and with real unity and a touching mankind's most amenable attribute despite many of them were atrocities, noted monsters hiding their teeth, or they didn't trust each-other none of that mattered in this test as they brought bucket to bucket, took places giving compressions and air to the Captain in this moment they were a fully-empowering Crew. ...But those fumes sizzled out and were doused. Their orbs needed to wander behind their skulls. If someone was willing to do this. How far would they go stuck in the midst of the sea? This was an organized attack of one of their own. Who could've done this? Perhaps taking out the Captain was botched, and ended unsuccessfully. But in this singular motion, whoever was the mastermind, had not only further envenomed doubt but broken everyone's trust. They brought chaos, the purest discord to the ship. An already uneasy atmosphere had taken over. They fought amongst one another after they put Captain back to rest. Questioning even the one who sprung to save him... As often the first on scene. That was curious. Then they even quizzed, his own fleshing-blood in Klethera the last who visited him in their many witness, and had threaten his life formerly, but truthfully this Crew had all partaken in some sort of dangerous accolades, they all could have a motive if one really thought it out. Their combined sense, and reasoning, was all being pin-pointed on one individual in-particular and singled out. Who has done this before? The important check-box in any investigation, History, Motive and Reason. Well, who other than, the right-hand man, the First Crewmate Judas wasn't just providing questioning but being the most-questioned with intent, after-all, a snake like him; the predator of deceit. This is a man who strategically lays plans ahead, at least that's what anyone's initial thoughts would have of him.

Sudden vocal skirmishes of shouts pierced through the veil. A mutiny was going to take place, but in that unexpected, instant after many Sun's escaped. Amber feline eye's awoke, with a dry, voice, "Can ye fucks keep it quiet? I'm tryna' rest." A painful chortle hitting his lungs as he coughed up some smoke. Signs of consciousness returned.

🌊 ♫Overdose♫ - Reference - Last Chapter🌊

#FFXIV #Final Fantasy XIV #Creative Writing #Tales of the Goldbrand #Among Us with Pirates @_@#Starting to get inspired!#-Captain Kuro Solaire #Klethera #Goldbrand Crew #Slafhota Guhtgeim #Betrayal #Gonna try going harder on myself to get my legs back #Gotta keep going forth and upon episodic #Maybe chapter a week will be a nice balance #Still fizzled

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spookyspaghettisundae · 8 months

Text

Anima Mundi

Infinity could break a mind. Attempts to truly wrap the mind around the infinite were doomed because the mind was forever cursed with limitations.

Infinity could break a soul. Eternal it may have been, yet reaching for both things within its grasp and the unattainable would stretch it thin, to the point of tearing itself apart.

Inviolable laws of the cosmos.

The only path to infinity was in making peace with its power. Making peace with one’s self. One or the other: accepting the things within one’s grasp, or forever reaching for the unattainable. Surrendering to the limitations of one’s mind, or reaching out to infinity and seeing what lies beyond once the mind had broken like a dam, allowing the forever ocean to swallow all.

The Shadow knew this. A thousand tiny white dots glimmered in its intangible shape, thousands of eyes eagerly watching, eagerly awaiting while Michael worked his magick. It hovered and peered over his shoulder like an oversized parasite of roiling pitch-black. Like a demon. Liquid ink. Spiritual tar.

Dancing darkness, cast by the flames of tiny fires in the chapel, set among small piles of stone and old wood the necromancer had set ablaze with his lighter to illuminate the ruin’s bowels. In that starry night, Michael needed light to complete this magnum opus. The Shadow waited with great patience.

Michael dipped two fingertips into FBI Agent Parker’s open wound, like the painter wielding his palette. The decrepit old wall behind the altar served as his canvas. His fingertips kissed the coarse sandstone bricks, painting upon them the shape of a large triangle.

The beginning of a door to another world. To another time. The beginning of an end.

Parker moaned softly, though her consciousness had slipped into the arms of oblivion.

The Shadow smiled as it waited and watched.

The Shadow’s ghostly tar dripped from other places now, too. It oozed from all the cracks in reality it had wrought. It had invaded this world by crossing through a different door. Hailing from different times. Arrived from a different year, and a different era before that.

A dark traveler in the dark void of time and space. A projection, burnt into the fabric of reality. And yet, it had no true shape.

Eyes and dark tendrils extended like limbs of invisible mold, connecting all the people and places it had visited and infested.

Its tar-like imitation of SUBSTANCE still dripped from the dead machinery of THE HIGHWAY which it had corrupted, deep inside the Heart, in the basement of the Way King’s ranch house. Clockwork systems and steam engines no longer dripped with water, but with weightless matter, with the viscosity of tar.

Even the door where Klemens had opened a pathway between our world and the House of Change now oozed dark matter from its bottom crack.

It gathered in the cracks of a supermax prison cell in Kentucky, where Freddy Fletcher had been incarcerated. He stared at that shadowy stuff, pooling in the darkest corner of his small, confined space, pushing his sanity beyond its final frontier.

Droplets coalesced on the concrete of a basement wall in a mall in Kentucky, where the Shadow’s original form had originally crossed into this age. The sleeping wall, locked away in storage for nobody to see, sweated with tiny beads of dark matter.

In the train graveyard, far away, the same intangible matter pooled in a pit between two blobs of fleshy eyes and tentacle-like appendages. Once been human, THE SUBSTANCE had transformed. Evolved. A remnant of a lost world.

I am what awaits at the end of all roads.

The Shadow spoke in its Whispers to Michael.

Your king’s highway is dead, and I await you all at the end of its final road.

I am inevitable.

The sorcerer did not respond to the Shadow’s Whispers in his mind. He continued to work. Focused on the ritual he was conducting, he painted that triangle to completion, inch by inch, line by line, each edge of its shape drawn to the width of two fingertips pressed together.

Parker’s body lay motionless on the altar of this ruined chapel. Michael dipped his fingers into the wound on her belly again, salvaging more blood from the dying woman.

She was still alive. Barely. For once she died, the blood would no longer be useful to him. Beyond committing his focus and spirit onto the current ritual, keeping Parker alive continued to chew away on Michael’s focus. It sapped him of his meticulously harvested reserves of magick energy, sacrifices upon sacrifices of human lives he had taken in the past.

The Oracle of New York. A dark luminary in the world of occultists.

Spirit speaker.

Necromancer.

Behind even the Shadow, imperceptibly, a cloud of screaming souls swirled behind Michael. The many lives he had taken—most often against their will, sometimes through deception, and on rare occasion, even by honest seduction—all drawn to power his magick. They hated the living they could see through the veil, trapped just behind it. They screamed for his demise, and they screamed for freedom. Freedom from the prison he kept them in. The lives he had traded for arcane power.

Usurper of the throne. The Way King now slept, and his highway, the greatest glyph of all times—the totality of all roads in the world—slept with Klemens now. All owed to Michael’s winding path of dark machinations and betrayal.

Michael desired to open that triangle-shaped door. Just like the Shadow.

They dreamed of the possibilities. A new world shaped by their dreams. A new dawn.

Together, they yearned to usher in a new future.

Thus, Michael painted in the flickering light shed by small fires in the ruined chapel. A reflection of the primitive world they all came from. With Parker’s blood, Michael painted strange symbols along the lines of the triangle. In his other hand, he held the jade tome, the Thaum of Thritain, studying its alien hieroglyphs, and replicating them around the triangle in a fingerpainting in blood.

Getting closer and closer to completing this ritual.

And the Shadow watched with glee.

Outside the chapel, clouds cleared the sky for the moon and distant stars to shine through. They bathed the deserts of Las Vegas in an eerie, cold light. The winds howled, cold and unforgiving, and they fed the flames of Michael’s fire inside the chapel.

And a group of people stood outside the ranch house, down the path along the dead fields, leading to that ruined chapel.

In reality, this path extended merely over a few hundred yards of crushed gravel and sand, flanked by decaying fence and desert.

But the Shadow had altered reality. That pathway now stretched into infinity. The closer one got to the chapel, the farther that path became. And its Shades, its deranged spawn, lurked between the fence posts, and the stray stones, and the cacti. They hungered for human spirit.

Outside the ranch, four people waited. Helpless. Unable to cross that distance.

Special Agent Derek Wells stood out in the open and his tattered bureau jacket fluttered in the cold wind.

Aria Chambers in her dirtied designer dress, and her bodyguard, the bulky mountain of meat in a suit named Barry, stood behind Wells.

Behind them, in turn, FBI director Anthony Collins sat on the sagging steps of the ranch house porch, hands bound behind his back with cuffs.

All four of them gazed across that stretch of unnatural infinity, that warp in the way, stopping them from reaching the ruined chapel on Klemens Weidmann’s dead ranch.

Or, at the very least, the infinity stalled them long enough for Michael to complete his work.

Their palpable impotence filled the Shadow with a sense of sadistic glee.

A sense of victory.

The porch to Weidmann’s home, where hundreds of bullets had pockmarked and torn up the wood and windows, squealed. The fly trap door, barely hanging from its hinges, opened. Three figures pushed out from the bowels of the darkened building. Their boots and shoes clomped down on the porch steps as they stepped out into the open.

Two more people, and a copy of a human.

In their leather jackets, the fallen Way King’s knights, Jericho Kane and Karma, joined this strange gathering.

The Way King’s final homunculus, a clockwork automaton—a perfect copy of Agent Parker’s appearance—followed right behind them.

They, too, came to stare in awe at the impossible distance between house and chapel. At the dancing Shades, mocking with their awful and monstrous presence.

Wells shot a glance over his shoulder to the new arrivals. He grimaced, recognizing the vicious woman named Karma, who had almost sliced his throat open with shards of glass.

He still wore the bandages from that confrontation.

“Oh, fuck off,” she muttered while he glared at her. “Don’t look at me like that. Your partner shot me.”

His hand twitched around the pistol in it. But he held his tongue.

She exuded no threat to him. The symmetrical features of her face shed no spite for him any longer, and she stared like the everybody else into the distance.

“Cool your fuckin’ jets,” Jericho said. His eyes were reddened with recent tears, and that struck a first nerve in the FBI agent. Jericho struck a second nerve when he continued speaking, cementing that he was addressing the evil beauty by his side, and not Wells. “This ain’t the fucking time or place. We all wanna get to that motherfucking snake over there.”

“That thing is no demon,” Aria said, repeating what she had told Wells and Barry earlier, upon their first failed attempt to cross the infinite distance to the chapel.

Jericho peeled his gaze off the distant building and locked onto Aria. His eyes sparkled in the starlight and he swallowed emptily. He tried to find the right words, to convey his concern, or to convince her to get out of dodge before their world ended.

Instead, he only blurted out something stupid.

“Why the hell are you here? You shouldn’t even fuckin’ be here.”

“Shut up,” she snapped. “I go wherever the hell I want. And I have unfinished business with Michael.”

“We all do,” spoke the homunculus. The red-headed facsimile of a woman spoke evenly, calmly, in a monotone that rivaled Parker’s regular demeanor. Staring into the distance like all others, she added, “She is there with him, and dying. The longer we wait—”

“Nah, fuck that,” Jericho said.

“Well, what’s the fucking problem?” Karma asked. “We’re all here to ice that piece of shit, so why are we standing around like jackoffs and talking?”

Barry pointed a meaty finger towards the chapel. Aria spoke in his stead.

“Bad mojo. That entity warped the space around the chapel. And do you not see those things out there?”

As if to underline her words with a threat of ill-will, the Shades danced madly between fence posts, stones, and cacti. Hungry, and wiggling their shadowy claws in anticipation of human contact. Grasping at the gravelly path, like they wanted to slice through hapless legs.

“So fuckin’ what?” Karma asked. She smirked, showing teeth. Having escaped the House of Change unchanged, her sadism returned to the fore. “Are you all stupid? Do you not realize what I am capable of?”

“I don’t even know the hell who you are,” Aria fired back.

Wells swiveled, gravel crunching underneath his scuffed shoes, and his eyes went wide. He stormed up to Karma with wide steps.

He knew.

“Yes. Do it,” he ordered. “Take us there.”

“Yo, cowboy,” Karma said, the smirk fading from her lips. “Hold your fuckin’ horses. Are we all on the same page here? What do all you dipshits think we’re gonna do when we get there?”

A beat of silence. Then everybody answered at the same time.

“Save Parker,” Wells growled.

“Stop Michael,” spoke the homunculus.

“Find and destroy that fucking book, which I bet that asshole has already,” Jericho drawled out.

“Squeeze Michael on where to find the book,” Aria said.

“No clue,” Barry replied.

“Wait, you think he found the book? When? How?” Collins asked. His questions lingered the longest out of all their conflicting responses.

“Shut up,” multiple people told Collins in groans with varying levels of annoyance.

Karma’s smirk widened into a wicked smile. “You dipshits should be way more worried about that thing with Michael. You all know what I’m talking about. We need to get rid of that thing.”

“I don’t think we can,” Aria admitted, deflating more with each word she uttered. “I don’t even understand what it is.”

“It’s bad fuckin’ news,” Jericho growled. “It could just come and go in the House of Change, so it’s clearly out of this world, above our fucking paygrades.”

“Until we figure out how to deal with it, let’s focus on what we do know, and know how to do right,” Wells ordered again.

He puffed his chest out. The anxiety and stress gnawed on his nerves, but he recalled the bureau’s motto. Like a silent mantra, it repeated in his head. Echoed in his mind in Parker’s voice, from the time she had said it out loud in earnest to him, he let it loop.

Fidelity, bravery, integrity.

He let it repeat in his mind while the wind howled over the desert, and all their eyes came to rest on him with expectation.

Even the Shadow’s millions of starry eyes. Even as it smiled.

“We get over there, we save Parker, we stop Michael, and if he has that book, we take the book away from him. In that order. Then we can bicker about the consequences until we’re blue in the face, but until then, we’re in this one together. Ride. Or die.”

Jericho sighed. Jutted his chin out. “Yeah, okay, fuck it. Yeah, let’s do it. I’m game, let’s go, come on.”

Aria sighed and added nothing. She glared at Jericho, for she sensed where they were headed. He only stared ahead into the impossible distance of the chapel, avoiding all eye contact with anybody else. Aria wasn’t ready to let him burn his life away.

The homunculus stared in the same direction and she suddenly spoke, bursting out into a flood of words.

“Agent Parker and I both dreamed of a long valley, where rain fell eternal, and all the stones on mossy grounds were of perfectly geometrical, spherical shape. In the fog, at the end of that valley, a forest of crystal trees awaited, and in its clearing, a tar pit bubbled, from which Shadow rose. It assumed our shape, a dark mirror of the self. Shadow, we all are. It is neither here nor there entirely. SUBSTANCE in an incomplete, corrupted form, twisted by human ambitions. A corruption of all things that exist. It cannot be destroyed without destroying reality itself.”

She fell silent.

All stood stunned, mouths agape at the homunculus fashioned in Parker’s image.

The Way King’s final act of peace, as he had declared himself.

The homunculus expected no response.

“The fuck is that supposed to mean?” Jericho grumbled.

“Anima mundi,” replied the homunculus.

Aria squinted at the red-headed homunculus. As a true Witch of the West Coast, Aria was the only person present who knew enough to glean any sense of her cryptic message.

“Who gives a shit?” Karma asked. “Let’s go, people. Time’s wasting. Start holding hands like we’re some kinda hippie protest chain. Come on, chop chop.”

She extended a hand for Jericho to take. He seized it, grabbed Aria’s hand. She, in turn, took Barry by his hand, who snatched Wells’ hand in a meaty fist, the one not occupied by the FBI agent’s pistol. Wells holstered his service weapon in the confines of his jacket, and then took the homunculus by her hand, unsettled by how much she looked like Parker.

Karma led the way, back up to the fly trap door into the ranch house, right past Collins, still sitting on the steps dumbfounded. The train of people passed him by, steps thumping up the decrepit old wood, and he gawked at each of them.

“Uh, what—what about me? Hey! Are you leaving me here?”

“Shut the fuck up,” Jericho snapped at him in passing.

Karma stepped through the door, and they chain of people bypassed reality, one by one. Stepping through the darkness of the fly trap door, they did not enter the ranch house, they instead emerged inside the chapel.

Her strange and unnatural power had crossed the impossible distance with her improbable ability. The liminality of all thresholds in reality served her as gateways between disconnected places. It could boggle the mind, though the people present either already knew of her terrible power, or possessed the faculties to process its effect in action.

Or, as in Barry’s case—they tried not too hard to think about it. Like anybody exposed to the unnatural, trying to rationalize it with conventional logic, and filing it away in the dustiest and oldest forgotten drawers of the mind, before it could chip away at and erode too much sanity.

The six figures crowded inside the far end of the chapel.

They gazed across the broken pews, to the altar upon which the dying Agent Parker lay. Michael had crossed her arms over her chest, like laying an ancient Egyptian pharaoh to peaceful rest.

Dim light flickered from the three tiny fires Michael had lit. He paused amidst painting the final glyph outside the triangle’s lines, rearing his head to gaze upon the interlopers. Surprise flashed in his bright blue eyes.

And the Shadow, creeping in the darkest corners of that cavernous ruin, it blinked its thousands of tiny stars. It oozed with malice.

Hatred for those six who had simply bypassed its attempts at keeping them away. It had worked so hard to corrupt THE HIGHWAY, distorting the distances of reality to create a pocket of infinity around the chapel, and one of the people present was capable of ignoring that awesome might altogether.

Well, well, well, look at this. Just in time to play the party poopers?

They now all heard its Whispers in their minds, provoking shudders to run down every spine. Then the mental Whispers turned to menacing Growls.

DO YOU NEED TO FEAST ON HUMAN ENTRAILS LIKE VULTURES? TO BE TAUGHT OF THE FRAILTY OF YOUR FLESHY MEATBAGS?

The light from the three flames dimmed and flickered. But it had not been the Shadow to do so.

Nothing but the howling wind, sweeping through the ruined chapel, whistling through the holes in sandstone brick walls.

Michael’s wide-eyed surprise gave way to a half-lidded, relaxed gaze. He picked up the switchblade from the altar, where it lay hidden behind Parker’s dying body.

The threat was clear. The sharp little blade glinted in the dim light, hovering above the unconscious red-headed woman. Its tip, however, was pointed at them.

He smiled at the six witnesses to his ritual.

“An auspicious gathering,” he said.

They would empower the energy he invested in it. They would serve perfectly to seal the sacrifice. Witnesses were almost better than the faithful.

“Karma,” Michael muttered, staring coldly at her. Confidently. He clicked his tongue between uttering her name and his next words. “And here I thought the House of Change would leave you forever… changed. Maybe fix your attitude, or your lousy manners. A shame you show up to sabotage me at the eleventh hour. I really, truly, should have known better.”

Karma smiled at him, but there was no joy behind it. Then the trauma of her entrapment in the otherworld all bubbled to the surface. Her face twisted into a mask of rage and malice.

She screamed at him, “I’m gonna gut you like a fucking fish!”

“God, I’ve had enough of this shit,” Wells muttered.

His pistol was slung up in a flash, and the former ranger shot Michael in the dead center of his forehead. The necromancer crumpled onto the floor behind the altar.

“God fucking damnit!” Karma spat, yelling. “He was mine!”

“Holy shit. Are we already done here?” Jericho said, taken aback by the sudden turn of events. “I mean, fuck, I’m not one to complain.”

His chin crinkled and he took a single dauntless step towards the opposite end of the chapel, towards Parker’s body on the altar.

The entire ruin rumbled, quaked. Its walls shook, and dust rained from the crumbling ceiling. Howling winds swept through the abandoned abode, and the three fires flickered till they nearly died down. Only embers remained and the Shadow grew. Intangible claws crept across every solid surface, closer and closer to the six intruders. The shifting Shades crowded outside the holes in the chapel’s walls, peering inside with tiny white dots for eyes, like a hungry sky of glimmering starlight.

The Growls in their minds rumbled, matching the force of the earthquake.

WE ARE FAR FROM DONE, YOU AND I. NOW YOU ALL ARE GOING TO HELP ME FINISH THIS.

The six people huddled together, back to back now, surrounded by swelling darkness. Terror gripped their hearts, a fear of the unknown paralyzed them with inaction. The agents of dark matter closed in on them.

Get back up, Mikey. GET UP.

Michael’s hand smacked onto the top of the altar, leaving a handprint in blood. His splayed digits trembled as he slowly pulled himself back up.

Heal her. And I’ll take over from here.

“Gimme your gun,” Jericho told Wells. He grabbed at it.

The FBI agent slapped Jericho’s grabby hand away.

Jericho growled, “Just keep shooting him, for fuck’s sake! He can’t keep doing that shit forever!”

Barry and Aria reacted, drawing their own pistols.

“Stop!” Wells’ command sliced through the howling wind. “I don’t trust you to not hit Parker.”

Michael chuckled darkly. Blood wept from the third eye that Wells’ bullet had punched into his forehead. The necromancer poked a finger into it, and smiled upon seeing his own blood and bone, clinging to his quaking fingertip.

HEAL HER. I WILL DEAL WITH THESE INSECTS.

You can sacrifice your own blood, and heal from it again.

“That violates the laws of cosmic transaction,” Michael breathed in protest, wobbling as he stood on buckling legs.

He braced himself against the altar, leaning over Parker. The dark priest. His power was divided in every direction.

The walls of reality are already crumbling while this event ripples forward and backwards through time. Reality is as malleable and decrepit as this old chapel. Don’t you feel it? Don’t you feel its flesh rotting away as the Way King now forever sleeps? His reign has ENDED.

You can remake everything. You can make up the rules as you see fit.

HEAL HER.

“This is bullshit,” Karma exclaimed. “These are just fucking shadows! What the fuck can they do, anyway?”

She pulled a large hunting knife out of her jacket. Then she snarled, casting a sneering grin at Michael.

“Now… to make good on my promise.”

Michael couldn’t help but shudder. She meant every word and she didn’t care about any consequences.

Everybody else hesitated as Karma charged at the altar, boots clomping down the aisle between all the broken pews, until others broke from their paralysis.

Karma had spoken true. The Shadow and its Shades only postured with menace. The touch of their dark tendrils instilled a dark chill in their hearts, yes, but it carried no substance. As the homunculus had said.

SUBSTANCE in an incomplete form.

The entire group advanced, three firearms drawn upon Michael, waiting for the right moment to shoot him dead.

DOOM.

An explosion of invisible energy repelled them. Karma tumbled backwards over the ground, struck strongest by that powerful blast. The others merely stumbled and stopped in their stride.

The cloud of screaming souls behind Michael had manifested momentarily, surging outwards from him in hateful waves. Each pulse that followed the blast deepened a feeling of sickness in their bowels. They all reeled with a sense of vertigo, feeling unable to reach the sorcerer.

He stood behind the altar, arms wide open, his head cocked back to the crumbling roof, like a dark messiah channeling divine wrath through his entire body. The vision of the cloud of screaming souls dissipated, but one thing was clear to everybody present.

Unlike the Shadow and Shades, Michael’s power was all too real.

The pulses from his cloud of death waned and the sinuous vision dissolved.

In its wake, the Shadow and Shades were all gone.

On the altar before Michael, Parker stirred. A pained moan escaped her parched throat. Uncrossing her arms, she pawed at her belly, where blood still soaked the fabric, yet skin no longer yielded to pressure in form of an open wound.

Healed again. By grace of Michael’s dark sorceries.

She sat up and let her legs dangle off the side of the altar, her back turned to Michael. Her head bobbed up and down, eyelids more closed than open, speaking to volumes of delirium, reminiscent of someone who had just woken up from a long coma in a hospital.

Karma groaned on the floor where she reeled, crawling towards the altar with painful slowness, her face twisted and cringing with agony from the blast, and a bloodthirst that raged in her, urging her to murder Michael.

All others stood still again, paralyzed with a new fit of indecision, and a deep-rooted fear of the unknown unfolding before them.

“Why?” croaked Agent Parker through her haze.

The embers and tiniest of flames in Michael’s fire cast a long Shadow behind her, looming above them.

The Growls had died down into Whispers, now isolated to Parker’s mind again.

As tender as they ever had been… just as when they had first met.

Because we can open the door, you and I. As I always said, and I will say again: you listen.

You let me in.

Tar-like droplets of dark matter began beading upon the lines of the triangle on the wall behind them, oozing from the cracks between the bricks upon which Michael had painted the symbol in Parker’s blood.

“What if I don’t want what you want,” Parker breathed. The pain subsided as Michael’s magick continued to work, and she recovered from all the blood she had lost. “You are threatening these people’s lives. You are… I don’t even understand what you are or what you really want.”

The necromancer tilted his head. The reflection of embers in his icy blue eyes flashed with curiosity as he blinked, listening intently to Parker’s side of her telephone call with the Whispers.

I want to be whole again. To fill the hole with THE SUBSTANCE your sister from another world deprived me of when we crossed over together.

“What does that… mean?” she answered in question anew. “Explain, and I will consider—”

“Parker! Please,” Wells shouted. His gun lowered by his side. “Do not negotiate with these God-damned Whispers!”

Wrinkles creased his forehead above his furrowed brow, and he stared at her with wet eyes, concerned for his partner’s well-being.

Yes. You listen. You understand. We open this next door, and we reshape reality. We cross the sea of stars. Dive into the dark depths of the ocean of time, where everything folds into the present.

The Whispers spoke to her with infinite tenderness.

But you’ve done me so much harm, she answered the Whispers in her own head. No longer speaking aloud. Becoming one with the Shadow, wrapping her entire being around that parasitic entity in a gentle embrace. You have threatened, and hurt, and endangered myself and others. Time and time again. Why would I help you?

As the fire in her being grew, so did the flames of Michael’s externals fires. A cold wind from the desert let the embers and dry wood flare up again with new flickers. Parker’s Shadow grew behind her, and even Michael’s fear began to grow while he craned his neck to behold the swelling presence, towering over them.

“Naw, fuck this,” Jericho muttered. Then he shouted at them. “I know you got that fucking book, and I’m gonna destroy that stupid fucking book, you stupid fucking assholes!”

He didn’t make a step towards the altar. He didn’t need to. His intent was enough. He was moments away from burning down his entire life to finish the job, to ride into the sunset, with all his connections, and affections scattered in the wind. His friend, Klemens, had wanted that book so badly, but Jericho believed it needed to stop existing. And as a final “fuck you” to all the “mystic psychos” around him, Jericho was hellbent on annihilating the tome in one final blast of his own. He only needed to see it to destroy it.

The Thaum of Thritain, the jade tome from another time or space, it rested on the altar, right behind Parker, between her and Michael. It radiated with unnatural gravity. An opposite pole to the screaming cloud of souls that followed Michael through the ether; the jade tome sucked everything in like a black hole. Everybody sensed its presence, even if they weren’t aware of it.

That unreal presence only intensified, as if it was responding to Jericho’s threat.

“Don’t,” Aria whispered. Firmly. Glaring at Jericho, her voice cracked. “Do not throw your life away.”

Jericho clenched his jaw and spat out a string of incoherent expletives before he settled on a plan B. “Fine, fine. I don’t even need to tap my own mojo. Klem gave me a little something and I’m going to make some good fucking use of it now.”

Look at how they struggle to grasp the gravity of what is about to unfold, the Whispers told Parker. They resist without understanding what they are resisting. We can bridge the future and past. Connect all humanity with a higher enlightenment, and move this world one step closer to a greater evolution. Take my hand, and open the door with me, and we will be whole again. You always wanted to see what lies beyond, right? Beyond the confines of the only reality you knew?

“Right,” Parker breathed. “I do.”

It was true. Not only despair had invited the Whispers and Shadow in.

Earnest curiosity drove her. Had always driven her.

Michael burned with the same intensity. He studied the profile of her face, his eyes glittering with adoration of someone he considered his equal, despite the disparity of their occult power. In a mystic sense, they had become husband and bride.

“Yes,” Michael whispered. Oblivious to their conversation. He sensed it beyond words, he caught the glint in her, that subtle change, shifting from resignation to determination.

Yes, whispered the Whispers. Yes.

“Yes,” Parker repeated. She locked eyes with the homunculus down the aisle. Her doppelganger stood still, and rigid, and she stared back at her, mirroring the same calm resolution. “Promise they will not be harmed, and I promise to open this door with you.”

I PROMISE.

The chapel shuddered again with a quake, causing all people standing to stumble, and more dust rained upon them. The desert wind whistled through all holes again, howling.

“No!” Wells shouted.

He whipped his gun up, held in both hands with the same discipline and drill that had allowed him to shoot Michael in the head. But he knew not what to target.

Wells stared down the iron sights at Parker. But he didn’t have it in him to pull the trigger.

Not after all they had been through on THE HIGHWAY.

THE SUBSTANCE, usurper of THE HIGHWAY, thrummed from beyond the triangle door. Dark matter oozed and dribbled from the triangle of lines drawn in drying blood. The walls wept with the intangible tar. The symbols pulsed with the same pull, the same gravity as the jade tome.

“Yes. It’s time, isn’t it?” Michael asked.

He walked around the altar, interposing himself between Parker and their unwitting crowd of witnesses. Michael walked as if he had never been shot, neither in his side nor his head. And he only stopped once he stood in Wells’ line of fire.

The artificial third eye on his forehead no longer wept blood, having healed entirely.

It is time.

“Parker,” Wells spoke up again, no longer shouting. Tremors shook his voice, but he spoke with sharp clarity. “Where do you see yourself when we close the lid on this case?”

His face flickered like the flames, fighting back the despair and finding it in him to muster a feeble smile.

The homunculus and Parker answered in unison, identical words, sharing the same cadence and pronunciation. A strange chorus.

“Kicking back with some damn fine coffee, cherry pie, and so many chocolate donuts that I might just grow sick of them.”

Parker’s lips curled into the same kind of feeble smile. Wells’ smile widened.

“No, absolutely fuck this, and fuck all of you,” Jericho growled. And like Karma before him, he charged at the altar to stop this ritual.

Michael’s cloud of screaming souls exploded outward again, blasting them back, this time yielding even greater force. Jericho learned the same hard lesson as Karma, the same hard way. Everybody else stumbled backwards several steps, thrashed by the hate-waves.

Jericho wound up on the ground, curled up into a fetal position, mere steps behind Karma, gripping his head as if it was about to explode. The teeming mass of screaming, angry souls were threatening to do exactly that. The paradox of their hatred towards Michael extended to his victims.

“Goodbye,” Parker said.

She swiveled on the altar and hopped off the opposite side. In the same fluid motion, she seized the Thaum of Thritain, scooped Michael’s jackknife up off the floor, and then approached the triangle painted onto on the wall.

As soon as she pressed her hand flat against the center of the surface, feeling the thrum of infinity hidden between all worlds, Wells clicked his tongue and shook his head.

He steadied his aim. He unloaded every bullet in his pistol into Michael. Barry and Aria soon joined in, discharging all three pistols in a blaze. The hail of bullets staggered the dark messiah. Every shot caused a spasm, made him dance, like a puppet being jerked around by countless strings, and spraying the world around him in his blood.

Perhaps he would have recovered even from that, with all his dark magick—

But Karma latched onto his ankle. Just as the others ran out of bullets, she clutched, yanked, and sent Michael hurtling sideways through the world, slamming his temple against the edge of the altar, only to bounce off that and crash into the ground where she crawled onto his back to straddle him.

Her hunting knife gleamed in the dark, raised high above her head.

The jackknife in Parker’s hand gleamed the same way.

Parker cut her own arm. Deep and wide. Letting blood flow onto the jade tome, and then drip from there to the ground. Spattering out in rhythmic, gushing bursts.

Sacrifice. Others readily sacrificed other human beings to power their magick, but Parker knew no other choice. Her honor demanded it.

Self-sacrifice.

A simple act, but an honest one. A powerful one. Its rule rippled backward and forward through the ocean of time, a cosmic law, eternal.

Yes. You are kind. And with you, I know, we will evolve together to be so much more.

So much more.

We are so much closer to being whole again. You complete me. Now… finish this.

Others shouted behind her, but their words all blurred into an unintelligible haze, a slurred soup of syllables which she was readily capable of shutting out.

Parker smiled as the warm fluid escaped her to the rhythm of her own heartbeat, painting the floor beneath her in a bright crimson.

The necromancer would ill have a chance to heal her like this, as Karma sat on his back, and plunged her knife into him, over and over again. Michael would only be able to heal himself.

Karma cackled and smiled as she stabbed Michael for the twentieth time. She could have been faster, even, but she relished it every time she sunk the blade into Michael’s back.

The others, meanwhile rushed to Parker’s side. She reached out to the triangle, ready to seal the ritual with the final act necessary: she and Shadow had become one, possessed the will to complete it, and the sacrifice was rendered.

Inches away from touching bloodied palm against stained sandstone, hands grabbed at her. Pulled her away.

Through the darkness, where her field of vision narrowed while the consciousness escaped her again, she saw their faces, huddled over her. Concerned, fearful, and confused.

And among them, the peaceful mirror of her own, that unsettling doppelganger; the homunculus stared back Agent Parker. A strange mirror. Blue eyes like crushed diamonds, fleeting and memorizing every inch of each other’s countenance. The short crop of red hair to frame the freckled pale face of one another.

Agent of Peace.

Damn it all. The Shadow and Parker thought in unison.

The Whispers caressed her mind. Maybe… you were just too kind.

Jericho’s face was the only one absent from those who rushed to Parker to save her life. Wells’ jacket flew off, and he tore up his shirt to improvise new bandages.

Jericho seized the Thaum of Thritain. He had wrestled it from Parker’s weakening grasp in the shuffle. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the tome in his hands, and the jade covers began to crack.

But the Shadow could no longer do anything to prevent any of this.

One vessel, Parker, was already too weak to finish the ritual; and the people present had dragged her away from the triangle.

The other vessel, Michael, was being dragged down the chapel’s aisle by Karma. She cackled again as she dragged her nemesis away from the group, all the way through the dark doors leading outside. Instead, she teleported through that portal, dragging her most hated foe with her, back into the Heart inside the ranch house; the center of the Way King’s machine, where she would continue to drag him to the next and final door.

To the door to the House of Change from which they had escaped, thanks to Klemens’ self-sacrifice.

Past where Klemens still sat on his brass throne alone, eyes closed, deeply asleep, and oblivious to the chaos of the world around him.

Karma continued dragging the bleeding, broken body of Michael. She stabbed him every now and then for good measure, preventing him from regaining enough strength to break free from her clutches. She spat out strings of expletives to spite both him and the screaming cloud of death he commanded, the angry spirits who hated the women who kept adding to their legion, until she booted Michael’s body through the door into its infinite corridor, her final act of disrespect towards the necromancer.

“Maybe you’ll come back out as something other than a flaming piece of shit,” she spat. She cackled by the end.

Michael raised a helpless hand, covered in his own blood, but Karma kicked the door shut between them, banishing him into the House of Change.

And Jericho, well, he indeed no longer needed to burn his life away with magick to destroy the Thaum.

We were too kind, Parker thought.

The Whispers answered her. No. To be whole again, we need kindness, too. You were the right choice all along. A shame we failed, so close to the end.

That kindness was mirrored in the mess of hasty hands, all scrambling to offer Parker first aid, to stop her intense bleeding, and prop her up.

Wells held her head against his chest and told her to stay awake, and stay with him, but everything sounded like she was underwater; a million miles away. They even looked like they were peering down on her through the shimmering veil of the ocean’s surface. Wells, Aria, and Barry all stared into her face, their expressions ranging from panic over dread to concern.

The face of the homunculus vanished from that group, appearing next to Jericho with the calm of a ghost. The flames of Michael’s flickered, and all shadows returned to normal.

Natural.

“Are you sure you want to destroy it? You nor anybody else will be able to use it again to open these doors,” the homunculus told Jericho.

He paused. Some part of him still hesitated from doing the deed.

Maybe Aria could still use the book and travel through time to prevent what was slowly killing her. Or maybe time travel would only invite greater disaster. They would find another way.

Jericho clicked his tongue.

“Nah, fuck all of this. This one’s for Klem,” he growled.

His nape bulged where the Way King’s clockwork spider had drilled into his flesh and latched onto his spine, and the inhuman strength it infused him with exploded outward with all his fury, an unnatural physical might once more unleashed.

The alien tome crumbled in his crushing grasp. The covers cracked apart into chunks. His fingers curled and ripped the ancient parchment to shreds, like a strongman tearing apart a phonebook, and then ripping it up into tiny pieces. He scattered the relic’s remains into the nearest of Michael’s fires, feeding the flames.

They flared up ever so gently, lapping at and then devouring the old parchment, all soon to be ashes joining the dust of the desert.

This is not the end. There is another way, said the Whispers.

But the Shadow was no more. Spread too thin, latched onto the dying Heart of the Highway, and the otherworld of the House of Change, its grasp on this world finally faded. The loci of power it had piggybacked on all waned, and fell apart, devoured by the sands of time. Gone was one vessel, crawling, bloodied, and helpless; lost in the House of Change. Asleep, another, a mind forever obliterated, liberated from his memories.

Only one vessel remained, though her grip on life slowly faded like the rest.

The oceans swallowed the Shadow. The Whispers remained.

Agent Parker’s consciousness faded to black.

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