Just some FYI's and rules and such from the Typist...
Hey, everyone! I’m the Engineer–but you may use Jenn [or if you want to get silly, Riley-Mun!]. Welcome aboard!
☆ For one, this is an RP blog for Riley Cranston. Almost–almost–anything goes. There will be both RP threads AND one-shot stories involved. Want to plot with me? Message me, by all means. Got an idea for a one-shot? Let me know. Want to send an Ask? Ask the Brave One [or me, the Engineer–or both]! Do keep in mind though that both Riley and I are +18 [32 and 34, respectively], and I do tag stuff that may be NSFW. [I try to keep this as SFW as I practically, possibly can! That does not mean there won’t be any NSFW material, which WILL be tagged as well as any triggers. So just a heads up in that regard.]
☆ Out-of-character [OOC] posts and commentaries are usually in ((double-parentheses)). This blog *does* get a trite all over the place. Do NOT panic… panicking is my job, for one…
☆ ALL that said, don’t be afraid to read the one-shot stories! If you have an idea for a one-shot I should write, by all means let me know via PM or the Ask Box! Also check out the tag One-Shot Challenge (I think one or two posts with the tag include writing prompts which you can challenge me with). [For all intents and purposes… for the sake of ease, I’ve added said tag and the One-Shot tag in the Tags at the bottom of this post!]
☆ I’m not a very selective Typist. (Been writing for over 10 years now and while I do respect those who are selective, it does intimidate me a trite as one who writes original characters.) Don’t be afraid to blow up my Message box. Don’t be afraid to flood destroy the Ask Box. Just to note though: sometimes you may send something and it’ll end up lost in airwave space. If you did send something in the Ask Box and I did NOT answer, just message me and I’ll check if I’ve received it. If I’ve not received it please feel free to send it again. I may also be trying to save the world by means of my job, and won’t get to answering it right away. A trite of patience goes a long way, y'all! :3
☆ Lastly… I’m a high-functioning autistic with anxiety. I may worry that I said or did something to annoy any of you. [Those of you who write with me, you already know!] So if I did something “off” then PLEASE let me know! I am not very cognizant of these things. Don’t be afraid to let me know. Thank mew purry much!!
It had been a crazy night for both the Ghostbuster and his Gravekeeper. Egon and his teammates had a Class 6 ghost to tackle. Meanwhile Riley and Audergine had a long, suspiciously quiet Night’s Watch… which turned out that Doctor Rowan’s mother had finally died after a long illness. And for them that meant digging a grave and preparing a coffin for the body.
Once back at the Firehouse, Egon was joined by Riley, and the two took a much-needed shower. Freshly cleaned of the muck and grit, the two got into their jammies and got into bed.
Cuddle mode: activated.
“So how was your night, handsome?” Riley asked her future husband.
“Mine was exhausting, complete with a bust” Egon replied. “How was yours, beautiful?”
“Exhausting, complete with a freshly-dug grave” his future wife answered.
“Oh no–who died?”
“Doctor Row'n’s Mother. She’d been ill for quite a while. It was only a matter o'time.”
Egon nodded. “I understand.”
Riley sighed, nodding as well. “Thank'ee, love… it was a long, quiet night.”
“Well it’s over, Aurelia” Egon whispered, kissing her forehead. “We’ve made it. We’re together now. You’re here with me.”
“I know” Riley whispered back, smiling. “And it’s th'nicest feeling in the world, being with you.”
Egon smiled warmly at her. “The feeling is mutual, always.”
A few minutes of comfortable silence fell around the betrothed couple… and this time it was Egon who spoke first. “Thank you again for the Mizpah coin. I’m wearing my half… whenever I look at it I wonder how you’re doing…”
Riley smiled softly. “You’re welcome, Egon… I’m always thinking of you when I touch my half of the coin.”
“That coin is very symbolic. And it’s special.” He held his half of the coin in his hand.
“There’s meaning behind it. All the more when our halves come together.” She took her half of the coin and placed it together with his, forming the whole of the coin.
Egon clasped her half-holding hand in his. “And we come together.”
“And everything falls into place.”
“I know you and I already are but… Aurelia Marie Cranston… will you marry me?”
“Egon Spengler, I certainly will.”
The Ghostbuster touched the tip of his nose to hers, smiling again. “Riley” he whispered, “let’s get married.”
The Gravekeeper smiled back at him. “Let’s get married, Egon” she whispered.
And the hands still holding the coin together, stayed clasped as Egon lovingly kissed his fiancée. He then held her tightly as she nuzzled his neck, another warm silence fell between them.
“…I missed you, Egon.”
“I missed you too, Riley… I missed you more.”
“I can’t wait ‘til we tell ev'ryone… Slimer is goin’ t'be so happy for us.”
“I can imagine Jim crying in joy over the news…”
“And Peter bein’ all sorts of elated for us…”
“And Audergine probably hugging the stuffing out of us both…”
Riley took his face in her hands. “Shh… that moment’ll happen in due time, Egon” she whispered.
Egon nodded. “Indeed, and when it happens… it will happen” he whispered quietly. “For now however… let’s get some sleep.”
Riley nodded. “Yes… let’s.”
Her future husband gave her a loving kiss on her lips, before holding her tightly as he fell asleep. Egon always felt safe around his future wife… Riley was his protectress, and he her guardian. There was something mutual and warm about this love… messy at times, yes, but this love was and is very real.
Ghost+Grave 24 ~ The Anti-Princess: A Secret Moment’s Reprieve…
[Set in the Anti-Princess Alternate Universe.
Also starring @realghostbusteregonspengler and @umghostbusters
Lengthy but lovely one-shot in which the Princess has chosen her Prince…
Incorporating “All I Ask Of You” from “Phantom of the Opera.”
Warning: Some mild language involved. Nothing vulgar however, but just a heads up in that regard.
Dedicated to, well, all of you.]
“…Riles, you mean…!?”
"Shh, Kevin. They’ll hear you, damnit.”
Her Royal Highness hated these sort of things. Balls. They were nothing short of irksome. And thank God her loyal sidekick–er, guard–was at her side. But tonight… this was different. Her father the King was luckily a trite too drunk to notice that her daughter had eyes for one of the visiting nobles… a prince. One she had the brass ones to sneak away out of the castle one day with Kevin–and the next thing she knew, she was sitting with the prince under a tree while they were discussing what he was reading. Why she left the castle in the first place. What life was like in their respective castles that sometimes felt like dungeons.
In an unexpected twist of fate, she found herself trying to spend more time with him–of course, with Kevin’s guardianship. Kevin was her best friend, her loyal guard who knew how to cover their asses better than half the nobility in the land. Riley was no idiot. Neither was Kevin. And given that the Princess strove to try to better understand the her people–the people she cared about–it was almost no surprise that she would take a moment out of her outside adventures to try to see Egon… who understood the kind of woman she was.
This ball however… her father was gracious to invite Prince Egon, and he wasted no time in making his way to the festivities. Oh! the pomp! The pageantry!
…the two-faced balogna-and-queso that Riley just was not up for dealing with.
Her father, drunk with wine and merry to all hell, at one point wanted to set her up with a duke and see what happened. Then again, the duke saw that the Princess was uncomfortable, and opted to ask for her recommendation on whom he’d be better set up with. Thankfully Riley knew one of her few good friends–Lady Rebecca, or Remy as she was known as–who was both beautiful and single… and with Kevin’s help, set the two up.
But at one point… Riley had decided to confide to Kevin that, she’d found herself falling for Prince Egon. But she had to silence her best friend quick–God forbid anyone else overheard. Then again, no one noticed how close she and the Prince were dancing… or how they locked eyes frequently… or the secret smiles they shared. Except for Kevin of course. But now her father, still drunk and merry, wanted to set his daughter up for marriage–and that was when she wanted to leave the ball. Now. And that meant sneaking out–which freaked her guard out. She was livid… she was scared.
Quickly, she tried to sneak out. Kevin was quick to motion to Egon to follow her–which the Prince did, followed by the Princess’ guardian. The guards at the door of the ballroom, and through the rest of the castle for that matter, dare not questioned the Princess as she stormed down the halls, trying not to cry but furious as she could be. Prince Egon and Kevin followed her as fast as they could, trying not to startle Riley, as they were afraid a situation could result.
The next thing Kevin knew–and bless that guard’s heart!–his Princess had snuck into the Observatory; there was a gate that opened onto the roof of one area of the castle. Her favorite place to sneak out and hide away from the hells of being a royal. And tonight, it was lit only by the full moon that held its sway over the clear night sky. Right now… she had no place else to go. The ball was no longer fun to be in… not that it ever was but…
But it was in the Observatory that she snuck in, and had to breathe. Kevin and Egon followed her, keeping quiet for a moment as not to startle her… but it was the Prince who softly got her attention, knew exactly how she was feeling as he could see glistening tears falling down her cheeks. She hated the ball, she hated the pomp, she hated the fakery in abundance, she hated the hypocrisy… she hated being a royal. And right now, he was going to be her saving grace, as he sang to her…
“No more talk of darkness,
Forget these wide-eyed fears–
I’m here, nothing can harm you,
my words will warm and calm you…”
Riley turned to look at him as he sang, raising a puzzled brow. “You followed me?” she mouthed quietly, but listening to him as he sang further…
“Let me be your freedom,
let daylight dry your tears.
I’m here with you, beside you,
to guard you and to guide you…”
By then she had turned to walk to the gate, and onto the open area of the roof that was secured by gargoyles. Riley sang in reply to his pleading, a plea of her own as he followed her…
“Say you love me every waking moment,
turn my head with talk of summertime…
Say you need me with you now and always…
Promise me that all you say is true–
that’s all I ask of you…”
Egon took her hand, held it to his heart as he joined her on the roof. Riley turned to face him as he sang in turn,
“Let me be your shelter,
let me be your light–
You’re safe, No one will find you,
your fears are far behind you…”
Meanwhile Kevin quietly kept watch from within the Observatory as the two were together. Riley seemed to have forgotten her guard was nearby as she sang to Egon…
“All I want is freedom,
a world with no more night
and you, always beside me,
to hold me and to hide me…”
It was then that Egon sang to her… almost as a proposal–
“Then say you’ll share with me
one love, one lifetime–
let me lead you from your solitude…
Say you need me with you here, beside you…
anywhere you go, let me go too–
Riley, that’s all I ask of you…”
Riley took in everything he had sang, and realised that what they had–it was love. And it was real. And his love… she gladly reciprocated,
“Say you’ll share with me one love, one lifetime…
say the word and I will follow you…”
Kevin kept the watch, smiling to himself in amazement as the two royals sang together,
“Share each day with me,
each night, each morning…”
“Say you love me…” Riley whispered.
“You know I do…” Egon replied softly. The Princess’ voice joined with his as they gently sang, pleaded one thing from each other:
“Love me - that’s all I ask of you…”
Kevin was happier than a partridge in a pear tree as he watched his brave Princess and the Prince she’d chosen share a kiss that sealed their promise. The guard was more than happy for the two, as Egon held her in his arms and spun around joyfully. He then set her down, as the two sang once more,
“Anywhere you go let me go too–
Love me - that’s all I ask of you…”
And the silence that followed the two… seemed to last forever. Felt like it could. Egon pulled Riley into a warm embraced and kissed her once again. And Kevin? He certainly wasn’t the third wheel–but their guard, their watchman if you will. Making sure no one went into the Observatory, because the last thing he and the two royals needed, was to get found out.
Not happening tonight.
The three snuck back into the ball, and Riley was in far better spirits after what she’d experienced. Kevin kept a good close watch as the Princess and Prince Egon stayed close to each other, taking every chance to dance together as they could. Maybe then the other royals would take a hint–that perhaps, this was a love no one and nothing else was going to mess around with…
My first attempt at any kind of fan-fiction, let alone for something I hold so dear. Be gentle!
The gold of the flying crane was muddied by dried blood and the grime of hastened, embattled travel.
Seven remained of twenty—eight including their charge, the newly appointed Diademed Battle Lord.
Anker's weary eyes drifted to the infant now carried by Bodil, nestled in the crook of his arm. Even so, Bodil's sword hand never left the heron-marked blade sheathed at his hip.
A concerted forced march had replaced galloping hooves. Their mounts had been impaled by Trolloc arrows or released to buy them time. Weary feet and aching joints were forgotten in the face of duty. Even now, the plight of his body barely registered.
Without turning to regard him, Bodil spoke. Anker strained to hear his softened words through the ringing in his ears.
"Fal Moran is only a league away, brother."
After a moment, Anker nodded in acknowledgment before replying with a weary smile.
"So long as a single Malkieri lives, the Shadow will fear."
His face felt cold, and he knew his skin had long since gone pale. A hasty tourniquet fashioned from his undershirt had soaked through at his thigh. His limp grew more pronounced with every step, until he was falling behind at a pace they could no longer afford.
The uproarious cackling of the Trolloc horde carried even through the white noise filling his ears. They would be upon them soon, and with that the extermination of Malkier.
He stopped.
Unsheathing his blade, he held it horizontally inches before his brow. Like his resolve, his voice did not shake despite the blood loss and the certainty of death.
"Tai'shar Malkier."
His compatriots and brother turned, drew their blades, and answered in unison.
"Tai'shar Malkier."
Then they resumed their march without hesitation.
All save his brother.
Bodil had entrusted the child to another. Sword drawn, he too turned to face the Shadow for the final time.
Anker's lips curled into a wry smile when Bodil stepped beside him. He kept it even as the Fade crested the hill, followed by a fist of Trollocs. The skyline darkened against their numbers.
Bodil's voice carried over the din.
"I always thought you were the ugly one, but now I realize we share the same face."
"Even in the face of death, you refuse to admit that I'm the handsome one," Anker snorted.
"Burn me, they'd need at least eight more fists before that."
Bodil clasped the back of Anker's head, drawing their foreheads together until their hadori touched. Eyes closed, they recited in unison.
"The end of the world is no end, if I end it with you."
The earth trembled as the Trollocs stampeded toward them, driven onward by their Fade.
Anker settled into Lilypad Carried by Lazy Water. Bodil adopted its accompanying form, Frog Leaping through Cattails.
The fist crashed against the cyclonic force of the brothers. Their blades eviscerating the Trolloc line. Fighting as a single unit, dozens of beastmen fell as the battle cry of "TAI'SHAR MALKIER!" filled the air.
The Fade pulsed its will through the fist, driving the Trollocs onward despite the carnage.
Their companions, now beyond earshot, still mimed the Malkieri battle shout.
As the brothers fell, one final cry from the five who remained carried across the hills, through the Borderlands—a declaration that the Shadow had not conquered the Light.
((To do list for tomorrow [work and real life willing] |
+ Answer all Anons [and make sure the muses do the same]
+ Get all replies done
+ Put notebook together as my reference for muses and verses [especially Riley because I swear by almighty God that girl though]
+ Get ready for the next One-Shot Challenge [and get ready because this one's gonna be fun, especially if you enjoyed the previous one] --OH SH*T. THAT REMINDS ME.
+ WRITE THOSE TWO ONE-SHOTS I'VE BEEN PLOTTING FOR-F*CKING-EVER.
...aaannnddd I think I'm gonna get some sleep now. XD))
[VERY lengthy one-shot in which Egon gets a glimpse of the darker side of his future wife, who in turn awakens a new ability and triggers a new one for her future husband…
Warning: Some strong language, horror and violence involved.
And, @realghostbusteregonspengler… this one’s for you.]
It was one of those incidents.
Riley, Egon and Audergine listened in on a story Phantasmagoria was telling in the valley between Stormy Oaks and its Cemetery. The story in question? Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death.” And of course, the magic that brought the troupe together, helped them bring the story to life. But every once in a while… the horror within the stories, would take on a life of its own. And sometimes, it wouldn’t end well without a confrontation of chaotic proportions.
This became one of those incidents.
Ankha, one of the members of the troupe, wasn’t able to control the Red Death she was bringing to life. The Red Death ended up taking the form of a grotesque, decaying dragon–which scared the hell out of most of the troupe, not to mention infuriated Ankha. Wilhelm Grimm and Bosch, two more members of the troupe, drew swords and tried to combat the Red Death. But the dragon proved stronger than the two had anticipated.
“RILEY THE BRAVE! RUN!!”
Byron, the troupe’s fatherly figure, sounded the call for the Gravekeeper to run for shelter. Riley hesitated, wanting to stay and help them–but Audergine grabbed her by the waist and began to run. Egon grabbed her by the legs and ran, helping the Constable carry Riley uphill to the Cemetery. And Riley… well, she wasn’t too happy about getting carried away, but once they were at the gates she turned to look as both men set her back on her feet.
“Holy hell, Cranst'n” Audergine said in fear, shaking his head. “The Red Death’s gone rampant.”
“It’s not looking very good, sweetheart” Egon added, looking at the scene in the valley.
Suddenly the Constable gasped. “Oh my God” he whispered. “The town–it may go for the townspeople! It needs to be stopped!”
But Riley, for a moment… was lost in thought. A memory came to mind… one of old… before she met Egon…
“…I seek shelter, sanctuary… my husband is buried here.”
Riley welcomed an elderly lady into the Cemetery. It was a winter’s night… cold, blustery and snowy. The woman had travelled alone, and was widowed before Riley became Gravekeeper. Immediately Riley sent for Icarus to bring a blanket, which was done and wrapped around the widow… who mourned the loss of her husband.
“I was once a part of your town, little Cranston” the widow said once they were inside the House'oleum. “I remember when your father was still alive. He was a brave, brilliant man. You have his courage. You took up well after yer mother.”
“W-why thank you, Mrs. McGullery” Riley replied softly as she poured the widow a cup of hot tea. “I get told that quite a bit but… granted I never really knew m'father…”
“He’d be proud of what you’d become, ‘Relia” the widow said warmly. “Your whole family would.” But Riley was silent as she poured herself a cup of tea, smiling to her guest.
Riley’s eyes widened. “She…”
Egon and Audergine looked curiously at her as she recalled the memory further…
“I have a gift for you, Brave One.”
Riley looked on as the widow took out from her old purse a small dagger, with the sheath and hilt adorned in a dragon design. “I know you are a Story-Weaver” the widow said, smiling to her gracious hostess. “And I know of Phantasmagoria… they saved y'once. They bring stories t'life. But sometimes the stories take a life all its own… that’s where you come in.”
“B-but how?” Riley asked, tilting her head curiously as she was handed the dagger.
“This very dagger” the widow explained, “is a powerful one. I was told to give this to you when the Fates proved you ready.” A smiled graced the elderly woman’s face as she spoke further. “With this dagger you can unleash the power to bind a story’s horror back into the story from whence it came. This is a gift called Story-Bound. This dagger will help you do so.”
Riley remembered the dagger and immediately ran for the House'oleum. Egon looked to Audergine, puzzled. “Y'better go after her, Egon” the Constable simply replied. “I need to be out here. Go and help her as she needs you.” And with a quick nod of his head, Egon went to do just that.
…except, once he was inside and in the Underground Parlor, he was met with a surprising twist.
“–R-Riley!?”
Egon’s brows went up as Riley returned from her room, the dagger now attached to her corset, and her sickle polearm in hand. She seemed fine… except her eyes were now a deep scarlet in color, as opposed to the storm-blue she was known for. Once their eyes met, the Ghostbuster’s jaw dropped… something wasn’t right about Riley.
The darkness that all but consumed her, finally got to her.
“Riley… what’s wrong?” Egon asked in concern. “Your eyes–”
“–reflect th'side of me you'don’t want t'see, Egon Spengler” Riley hissed at him. “Now step aside.”
“Where the hell are you going?” Egon asked.
“I’m going to stop the Red Death–now STEP ASIDE, MORTAL” she demanded, raising her voice.
“I am NOT going to do that, Riley” Egon answered, raising his voice as well. “You’re not going out there either.”
Riley aimed the sickle-blade at him. “Are you so sure about that, sir?”
Egon quickly grabbed a sword that was lying on the stone floor, and was on guard. “Yes, Riley… I am” he growled.
“…damn you” Riley hissed, taking a swing at him with the polearm’s blade. Egon countered it as the sword clanged against the sickle-blade. He tried to take a swing at her, and got her on the hand. Something he hadn’t meant to do, as he gasped in shock at the reality of what he’d just done…
their first fight. How the hell.
“…you… you f*ckin’ bastard!” Riley growled as she took a swing of her polearm, knocking the sword off of Egon. “You’ll f*cking pay for that!” With that she took another swing, but Egon quickly got out of the way, causing Riley to hit a wall with the blade. But now that Egon was no longer in the way of the stairwell to the above-ground entrance parlor, she looked at him with a sinister feel to it.
“R-Riley, I’m sorry” Egon said, his voice cracking. He didn’t mean for a fight to happen. He didn’t mean to injure her. Riley glared at him, and turned to walk up the stairs. But she only got a couple of steps up when Egon… basically… got indignant.
“AURELIA MARIE CRANSTON–STOP!”
Riley ignored his vocal demand, causing Egon to risk his neck by storming after her. He grabbed her by the arm, turned her around, and slammed her against the wall of the stairway. But before Riley had a chance to react, Egon pinned her frame to the wall with his own and forcefully–passionately–kissed her on the mouth. Riley blinked for a second and quickly shut her eyes. She was… basically… stunned.
*CLANG!*
Riley’s sickle-polearm fell with a clattering as she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back just as fiercely. And that kiss felt like it could have gone on forever… if it weren’t for the fact that those two needed to let go for air. Egon opened his eyes, breaking the kiss but still pinning her to the wall as he gasped for air. Riley too blinked open her eyes, gasping for air also…
the eyes back to the storm-blue hue they were meant to be.
Egon sighed in relief. “I thought I’d lost you, Riley” he said, kissing her chin. “Are you alright?”
Riley nodded a bit. “Yeah… just… wow… that was… f*ck I feel dizzy…”
“I know, me too but… I needed to” Egon replied, brushing crimson bangs off her forehead. “You almost killed me…”
“The darkness almost killed you, Egon” Riley said, tears filling her eyes as the realisation of what had just happened hit her in full force. “Oh my God I’m so sorry… I can’t believe that happened and–”
“–and it’s alright” Egon interrupted. “I’m sorry too. I got upset and injured your hand and–”
“–and I raised my voice and–” Riley herself interrupted, before breaking down into a sob.
Egon held her. “Sh, sh love” he whispered, hugging her tightly. “It’s okay… listen… sometimes we’ll fight. It’s… common, I guess. But it’ll happen.” He kissed the top of her head before speaking further; “It doesn’t mean that I don’t love you… far from that. Sometimes we’ll get upset and say some nasty things. We’re strong-willed. We’re stubborn. It’s going to happen. Doesn’t mean that we don’t love each other… doesn’t mean we’re not getting married. It just means we have an opportunity to grow… grow in our relationship with each other.” He pulled her back to smile lovingly at her, looking her in the eye… “Grow in our love for each other.”
Riley blinked… and nodded… she understood. And she smiled. “You’re right… I mean… that’s the first time we kind of got into it, didn’t we?”
“Won’t be the last, but it doesn’t mean the worst” Egon answered reassuringly. “So let’s take this… and not just learn from it, but grow from it. Together.” He smiled again, “What say you, my dear Riley?”
“I say let’s grow… together” she answered, smiling again.
“Good!” Egon said, hugging her tightly. “Now, first things first. We need to take care of the Red Death” he then said, holding her face in his hands. “I have no power of my own… I can’t help you. Not by much. But I’ll help you as only I can, as best as I can. You know better of what to do… I’m going to follow your lead.”
“O-okay” Riley replied nervously, but strongly. “Fight with me?” she then asked, almost in a plea.
Egon nodded in reassurance. “I’ll fight by your side any which way I can” he answered. “But I need you to lead me… I’m… I’m just a mere Ghostbuster.”
“No, you’re not” Riley countered, taking his face in her hands. “You are Dr. Egon Spengler. You saved my life. You changed my life. You have been my strength when I needed it the most, and you have been a StormLight to me when I was in unholy darkness.” Egon was now in tears, stunned speechless as she spoke further; “I would have been overcome by the darkness… no one to pull me out. You pulled me out. You are not powerless… do you believe you can help me?”
Egon nodded. “Y-yes, Aurelia. I do.”
“Good” Riley said. “I want you to understand something very important… you may have heard me say this time and again but, nothing is impossible to those who believe. And I know damn-well in my heart that your willingness to help me, will manifest itself. That is your strength… your love is your strength. You are not powerless, Egon Spengler. Believe in that… please.”
“O-okay!” Egon answered, smiling bravely at his future wife. “Let’s finish this horror story.”
“Let’s!” Riley confirmed with a grin.
Audergine turned to see Riley and Egon running outside from the House’oleum, sickle-polearm in the hands of the Gravekeeper as the two charged back into the valley. Rowan, the Ringmistress of the Phamily, was shocked as the couple stormed back in. “Riley!” Rowan called out to her. “For gods’ sake, please be careful!”
“By all means, Rowan!” Riley answered in reply.
The Red Death continued to decay further until it was the form of a rotting dragon corpse, spewing out fire that smelled of brimstone and hellspit. Riley tried to charge at it, sickle-blade up high in an attempt to cut into it. But the dragon swung one rotting claw at it, knocking it off of her hands. The weapon flew and landed at Egon’s feet. Riley had to duck as the dragon swooped high, then low in an attempt to attack her.
“Shi–!” Egon almost swore, watching as the dragon flew back up again, then began to charge back down at her. Quickly Egon grabbed the polearm and ran–something in him told him to run… run… hold the staff as if to block… and the next thing he knew, he skidded down to his knees, and slid just past Riley. The polearm still in his hands and extended in blocking stance, he watched as the dragon swooped down, spewed out fire–and the fire…
the fire was blocked off!!
Riley gasped as she watched Egon’s wanting to protect his future wife manifest in the form of a protective barrier, blocking the fire off of them. “Y-y’did it, Egon!” she whispered. “You’ve manifested y’gift!”
Egon himself was amazed, looking to the polearm, then to Riley as she grabbed the dagger from her corset. “I… whoa” he laughed. “You’re right, Riley!”
“Be my shield?” Riley asked, removing the sheath from the dagger.
“I’ll be whatever you want me to be, especially now” Egon answered with a courageous smile.
“Alright then!” Riley said, facing the dragon. “Let’s take ‘im down!”
Together the two started running as the dragon swooped up to the sky again. “RILEY!” Egon shouted to her, “Let me ahead. I’ll guard you.”
“Alright!” Riley answered, slowing down a bit as Egon ran ahead of her. She then focused her energies on the dagger, and it glowed as she remembered how the widow instructed her…
“What you need to do, little one… is to wound the horror with the dagger, so that it is touched by its essence, its power… your power” the widow explained. Riley listened intently, looking to the dagger, then back to the old woman…
“Run, ‘Relia… run” the Gravekeeper whispered to herself as she began to run behind Egon. “Keep running…” She took one glance back at the family, then forward as she recalled the memory further. She then realised… she had only one shot to wound the dragon. And it wasn’t going to be pretty if she missed.
“EGON!”
“RILEY!”
“I’M GONNA NEED T’JUMP OFF YA!”
Egon thought for a quick moment as to what his future wife said, and realised she would need to launch-jump off of him to attack the dragon. He nodded quickly. “Alright!” he shouted back. “Let’s get close enough first!”
“Alright, love!” she shouted in reply. The dagger tightly held in her hand, she charged quickly, watching as Egon kept the polearm extended before him with one hand. The barrier, turns out, was still up, as the dragon turned to swoop down towards them.
This was it.
“As soon as you’ve injured the horror, use your power as a Story-Weaver to bind it back into the story that it came from” the widow continued. “Your power, as well as that of the dagger, will overpower the horror, causing it to return to the story from whence its origins were.”
“…would I need a special incantation or…?” Riley asked, raising a curious brow.
“RILEY!” Egon called out to her. “I think now may be our best bet!”
She quickly nodded. “RIGHT!” she called back in reply. “On your ready!”
Egon once again skidded down to his knees, and hunched over for Riley to jump off of him. The timing needed to be right… as Riley ran and jumped to leap off of Egon–just as the dragon was low enough for her to plunge the dagger into its chest. Riley gripped the dagger for dear life as she began to fall, the dagger cutting down the dragon’s chest and underbelly in its wake. The dragon screeched in pain, soaring upward as Riley landed on her side.
Audergine, the Phamily and Egon all watched as Riley got back up and watched the magic take its toll on the dragon…
“…no, just whatever your heart tells you, little one” the widow answered the Gravekeeper. “Your heart will give you the words. Trust them.”
“By the power gifted to me as the Story-Weaver” Riley called out to the dragon, who now swooped back down towards her–”RED DEATH, I BIND YOU BACK TO THE STORY FROM WHENCE YOU CAME!” The dragon screeched once more as the magic of the Story-Bind spell overcame it and turned into flame… the decaying corpse turning into dust and ashes… and finally into the form of the Masque of the Red Death itself. Its power subdued by the Story-Bind. Riley sighed in relief, amazed at herself that the spell worked… before–
“…ah, there you are, Riley!”
Byron smiled as Riley slowly came to. “Wh-what happened?”
“You were exhausted from what had happened earlier with the darkness” Pandora replied, grinning as she and Alice hugged their friend the Gravekeeper. “Not to mention what you just did–that was AMAZING!”
“You were crazy-brilliant, Riley!” Alice added, before being joined by Matthias.
“Thanks… both of you” Riley said, hugging her two friends. “That was scary though, I’ll admit that.”
“We were all worried” Emmeline answered from a distance. They were all back in the Underground Parlor of the House’oleum, with Riley having rested seated on the ground, her head against Egon’s legs, who in turn was seated on the makeshift couch.
“Aunt Riley’s up!?” little Oliver shouted from the kitchen.
“Yes, she is, Oliver!” Emmeline replied to the youngest member of the Phamily.
“Aunt Riley!!” Oliver cheered, running into the parlor to hug her.
“I’m alright, little ‘un” Riley laughed, letting go of Pandora and Alice. Both ladies cleared the way for the youngest to hug the adopted Auntie. “I’m okay… just glad you’re all safe.” She smiled at Oliver–before gasping in shock.
“Riley?” Egon asked, looking down to her in worry.
“The Red Death–!?” Riley asked in a panic.
“–has been contained” Ankha replied, smiling as she went to kneel to Riley with the Masque. “You must have forgotten when you blanked out.”
The Gravekeeper sighed in relief. “Yeah… I did forget ‘bout that, ‘Nkha.”
Egon shook his head, chuckling as he leaned down to kiss the top of her head. “You were brave, sweetheart” he said. “Well done.”
“Thank’ee, love” she replied, smiling up at him. “You were excellent y’self, helpin’ me out like that. Thank you.”
“I have you to thank for that though” Egon answered, holding her to him. “I couldn’t have protected you otherwise.”
Riley sighed and leaned back against him, smiling as Rowan, Cimorene and Ilina brought out hot tea and crumpets for everyone. It had been a long early evening, but it ended very well as Audergine followed the others from the kitchen. He gave a smile of pride to Riley and Egon, who were basking in each other’s company. The Constable felt that Riley should rest up for the night with her beloved, and taking a couple of crumpets, he would make his way above ground to keep the Night’s Watch on the Gravekeeper’s behalf. The troupe meanwhile, kept the couple company with stories of how each met within the Phamily, and how they met Riley while she was still much younger.
And Egon was elated to hear the stories, while Riley rested against him, falling into an early naptime. She needed that.
[The One-Shot Challenge|Day 13.
The sequel to the first Ghost and Grave story.
One-shot in which the two time-travel to the 1940’s…
For @realghostbusteregonspengler because they finally got to do this. They so deserved this dance.]
Every now and then, Riley felt like dressing up and taking a time trip. Bring Egon along. Just because.
Tonight was one of those “just because” kind of nights.
Finally she had the opportunity to take a time trip to the year 1949, in which they found themselves at a big band dance. Riley looked amazing in a black dress with white polka dots… Egon was smitten over her, himself smartly dressed in a suit and tie. Which almost made her swoon.
Someone out the needle on the record and the Andrews Sisters started playing. The Gravekeeper grinned, as she had discovered some of their songs and loved what she heard. Egon, seeing her reaction, smiled and asked if he may have this dance. Riley smiled back at him and happily accepted as “Nevertheless” played…
Maybe I’m right, maybe I’m wrong,
Maybe I’m weak, maybe I’m strong
But nevertheless I’m in love with you…
Maybe I’ll win, maybe I’ll lose,
And maybe I’m in for crying the blues
But nevertheless I’m in love with you…
“So how did you come across the Andrews Sisters, Riley?” Egon asked with a curious smirk as they slow-danced.
“‘Twas on an oldies radio station while I was waitin’ for you t'get out of th'shower, th'afternoon we got engaged” Riley replied with a shy smile.
Egon was surprised. “Oh really?”
His fiancé nodded in reply.
Somehow, I know at a glance, the terrible chances I’m taking–
Fine at the start, then left with a heart that is breaking…
Suddenly the Gravekeeper blinked. “Y'know, I just remembered somethin’, love” she said quietly.
The Ghostbuster raised a brow. “What is it, dear?”
Maybe I’ll live a life of regret,
and maybe I’ll give much more than I get
But nevertheless, I’m in love with you.-
“Remember when we first talked about coming here t'this time… goin’ t'something like this? And I made you your Time Key?”
Egon blinked and blushed… the memory returning to him. “Actually… yes, I do” he replied, the smile becoming a grin. “And here we are now…”
Riley blushed. “Funny how it all comes t'gether, eh?” she asked, giving him a shy smile.
He kissed his fiancée on the forehead. “It all came together perfectly, sweetheart” he replied softly.
Somehow, I know at a glance, the terrible chances I’m taking–
Fine at the start, then left with a heart that is–that is breaking, that is breaking…
Overcome with love, Riley sang along softly at the last verse, with Egon singing with her in harmony–because it just worked…
Maybe I’ll live a life of regret,
and maybe I’ll give much more than I get
But nevertheless, nevertheless, nevertheless…
I’m in love with you.
[One-shot sequel to G+G 17.
Riley and Audergine/Anthony chatter up a trite again.
Same as G+G17, majority is dialogue. Minimalist approach.
Warning: Some language involved.]
“…–ah-OWWW… Audergine!?”
“…forgive me, ‘Relia. But have you been sleeping well?”
It was a long late afternoon spent at the Office of the Magistrate. For once, an update of the Night’s Watch documents was necessary. Especially with the passing of Doctor Rowan’s mother… which meant that there was a funeral this morning. And Riley would be expecting mourners–certainly her doctor at the least. But at one point, Riley ended up resting her head on the desk… and fell into a nap. Audergine, her loyal Constable, crumpled up a clean sheet of paper and threw it at her. It hit her on the forehead, waking her up…
“…ah, uhm… n-not really, Audergine. No. Not by much lately anyway.”
“Nothing wrong with Egon I hope…?”
“No, thankfully no. Things are goin’ v'ry well with Egon.”
“I was about to say, I helped you pick the box for the Mizpah coin the other day…”
“Oh, he loved it! He’s wearin’ his half, I’ve got mine on, see?” She lifted her half of the coin on its chain to show it to the Constable.
“Ah, wonderful, Riley!” Audergine laughed and grinned looking at the half, before Riley put it back under her work blouse.
“So… have you paid the Matchmaker a visit yet?”
“–oh for heaven’s sake, no! I don’t really do that sort of… thing. I’m no eligable bachelor. I’m a bloody former sky pirate! And who the ‘ell wants to marry a former sky pirate!?”
“Audergine…” Riley sighed, rolling her eyes.
“I mean I’m not that handsome anyway. 'Ooh, look at me, I’m an old single Constable Wright on the butcher block!’”
“Oh for f*ck’s sake, are we really goin’ t'be havin’ this discussion?”
“I don’t know, Riley–are we!?”
“Audergine… you’re not *that* bad-lookin’… I mean, look at ya. You’re one o'the most respectable men in Stormy Oaks. I’ll be damned if you don’ get married or at least a girlfriend.”
“'Relia, you know that is a lot easier said than done… right?” Audergine raised a brow in doubt.
“Well as I like t'say… nothing is impossible to those who believe.” Riley raised a brow in hope.
“…okay, Riley. Fine. But I’m not trustin’ that woman for setting me up–”
“Very well then.”
“–so I’m letting *you* do that for me.”
“Okay–wait. What!?”
“As you best said it, 'I didn’t stutter now, did I?’” He crossed his arms, giving Riley a smirk.
“…you… you bloody mhac na galla, you!” She laughed, taking the paper ball and throwing it back at him.
“Can’t say I don’t have a sense of humor!”
“Oi, I never said that!”
“I-I’m not sayin’ that y'did, Riley!!”
“Ah then–very well then!”
The two finished up the updating of documents, and rested up for a few moments. Audergine then spoke up again…
“…Riley?”
“Hmm?”
…but the Constable grinned and threw the paper ball at the Gravekeeper again, which caused her to get up and start chasing him out of the Office. Much to the chagrin of Constable MacInery… and to the amusement of everyone else. Especially the Lord Magistrate, who needed a laugh, and got a very hearty one out of those two…
