#spot q

[spotaus]

A second year (or, second time-) of doing a card for the @xpau-official season!! This time, featuring Koda, Ichor, Tulpa, and Pretender!

I like to think that Koda (despite facing gods) is weirded out by the other versions of Ichor, so it's hard to get them to come to events! Tulpa and Pretender have heard a bazillion things about Koda (Ichor's a proud monster,<3) so they're curious to finally meet the little human! Koda was bribed via candy cane.

And! Their sweaters!

Koda: "Ho Ho Holy Shit"

Ichor: "God, Let This Merry Gentleman Rest"

Tulpa: They're just a gingerbread man :]

Pretender: "Gay Apparel"

[spotlightstudios]

I told myself that if I drew more of him I'd just put it on main. Soon. Guess who watched both Spiderverse movies finally and who fixated on them so hard they made their blorbo a spider-sona? It was me. Take False Spider now :]

[spotaus]

WAIT WAIT HANG ON.

@ancha-aus this is probably really stupid but I need you to bear witness to my epiphany...

New Age Nightmare's soul. I'm literally not sure if I EVER brought this up or if we've resolved it already but since I don't recall here's an experimental concept!!

So. He eats Nim's soul. Traditionally, the soul of the monster is consumed by the apple until there's nothing more than the tree's magic, then it's passed on to the next.

I'm out here speculating about Dust and Geno and Reaper and Killer all having weird souls but??? Nightmare absolutely should be in that club and I can't believe I forgot about that lmao-

What I'm thinking is that Night's soul was definitely The Apple for a while there. All 7 years of his rule. He only brought it out a few times, usually under the advise of the medical staff he hired (they know he's a god-king but STILL. Just in case >:[ ). He's not like... super fond of it, but he would do it in the security of his room or the med bay (probably his room, so Ccino could be there too. You just know Nightmare would glance at him to answer questions like kids to w/ their parents lmao-) and. Yep his soul sure is an apple! Healthy, apple shaped, and oddly I think it'd still be golden. For like... lore purposes. Not every king had a bright cheery motif, but the apple has always been gold.

Anyways, it was that much more baffling when Night collapsed because his most recent wellness check wasn't too long ago. Soul was still perfectly healthy. Then he's tiny. No one really thinks to check his soul until he *finally* relents and lets the medical staff know he's tiny now (they were probably the first to know after the core group, Rogers and Robin). And I wanna say smith's wrong with Night's soul but... I think it'd actually be a little more fun to have it weakened, but aside from a CRAZY amount of mana drain, nothings wrong with it so far as they can tell. Put that boy with some supplements and he'll be healthy in no time.

What they didn't notice, however, was that the barrier between his magic and the outside of the soul? It thinned. (Smth smth Reaper's soul has a very hard and dense barrier, for example.) The changing shape from Apple back to young soul basically did the equivalent of giving him a compromised immune system. That's why he's even more susceptible to sickness than childhood, that's why he gets weak when he's stressed, it comes from a weakened soul lining.

No one clocks that one until after Reaper visits the first time. Mostly just because Nightmare's been too busy having even more stress to stop and process it again. I think we mentioned he crashes and gets sick again sometime after that visit, but if not I do really like the idea lol. Killer's working on getting back on his feet while Night's sniffling and sobbing because he can't hug Killer while he's sick and he wants to soooooo badly 🥺🥺. (Dust promises to hug Killer for Night. Cross once again takes up sick duty and ends up having Night cling to him again lmao-)

Anyways, perhaps, Nightmare with a thin soul lining! At least until he's in his late 20s or so and regains his strength through various methods (including, but not limited to: Magic Training and Love and Care from his Family).

[spotaus]

Made a meme for myself lmao-

[spotaus]

*A thick, stagnant fog blankets the ground in Waterfall. It moves nearly as much as the lazy god (which is not much at all).

[spotaus]

New Age AU (A Diplomatic Visit Pt. 1)

Oh boy, Here we are! A very fun start to a rewrite of one of my shortest drabbles to date in the NA collection! This one will be fun, hopefully! (And parts 2 and 3 are already finished and prepped for queue posting!)

(@ancha-aus, @papiliovolens, @mutzelputz hello!)

The paper held between the tips of his fingers was thick and heavy, three creases perfectly folded curled up slightly against his palm. The paper smelled faintly of a woody musk, though he couldn’t be sure if the aroma was from the fibers of the paper, or the discrete dirty old box that it had been shipped in, just like the rest of these messages. 

He skimmed the content again, though it would do him no good. 

Yes. It read. The attempted rebellion has been quashed and dealt with. There should be no delays in your arrival, nor troubles with your stay while you visit. Please accept my most sincere apologies for any trouble this news may have brought to you. All is well. All in perfectly manicured cursive, each letter twisting and curving just as they always had. Just over a year of communication, and that handwriting remained the same. Even if, on occasion, the vernacular of the contents seemed to decline from letter to letter. 

At the end, just like the rest, sat the signature. King Nightmare. Along with a very brief and fairly abstracted image of an owl’s face, eyes staring back at him. Knowingly. 

It was no use reading this letter over again. Not now, after he’d already gotten his Royal Mage so worked up about the visit. Initially, he’d planned to venture alone, Orchard was never exactly the safest place, but his Mage had insisted he come along. Insisted he see exactly what it was that his dearest little brother was experiencing, being lost in this foreign land. He hadn’t been able to convince the other to stand down. The light in his socket had returned for a moment, just a brief moment, when he’s been able to even confirm that Nightmare was going to allow their visit still. 

The news of the rebellion had come only a few days after it had happened. Of course, Reaper kept spies in any kingdom he deemed important and, after the shocking usurping of that Sunrise Prince at his own coronation, Reaper had been curious. He’d sent even more when he learned of his precious Mage’s missing sibling.  So it hadn’t taken long at all for word to arrive to his doorstep of an attack directly on the castle of Orchard where the line of so-called ‘God-Kings’ had resided since long before he crossed the mountains with Life to settle Sanctuary. He’d been surprised to hear that anyone had the gall to rebel against any ruler who settled atop that plateau, but even more shocked to hear that it seemed the King had suffered casualties. He did not lose, of course, the castle was reported to still stand strong, and he is well enough to have written this letter, but with the updates that followed, Reaper had grown worried. Over these last four weeks, only a few updates have trickled in. 

The weather. Patterns that had been believed to have settled since their initial outbursts, violent ones darkened the sky unnaturally in the capital city. The closeness of the knights as well. Not often were any of them spotted outside post-attack on the castle. Then, of course, there was the few sightings just two weeks prior, he received news of them a week after he sent his latest correspondence asking for an update. The knights had deployed for a mission, the royal army not far behind. He supposed it was because they had found out who organized such an attack? Though, it sounded as though the Tiger Knight was not present among those traveling. Nor was the King himself. 

Part of him wondered if this king were holing up. Paranoid and hiding away from rebelling subjects. Then again, He figured it may be something else. It seemed that rumors spread throughout the people. Whispers his spies caught as they flew on the wind. Rumors that the Tiger Knight? He had been slain in combat during the rebellion. 

It would not be uncommon for a monster, especially one who has served such a ‘mighty being’, to die in defense of their ruler. And yet, there was a reason beyond simply being unsettled by Orchard that he had never deigned to visit their land nor treaty with their rulers. The magic in that land was unpredictable, violent, and the most easily wielded by their God-Kings. If the Tiger Knight had died, he feared that it was only because his God-King had wanted him to perish. Any king of Orchard worth even half their title could kill a man with merely a glare. Nightmare had been known not to hold back, at least in his early days. 

…He does not have all of the facts, however. No matter what the case happened to be with their missing, likely dead, head knight? It was of no concern to him so long as Nightmare was cooperative in the searches he planned to send out in the coming months.

“Reaper?” 

A tap to the edge of the paper gently guided him from his musings, as he raised his empty sockets to meet the singular bright eyelight of the monster who sat across from him.

“Yes, my Mage?” Reaper asked calmly, letting a slight grin tug at the edges of his teeth. 

Geno, his Royal Mage of two years and three months, sat across from him in the private carriage he’d opted to use for this trip. The inside was lavish and cushy, soft seats and plenty of pillows, he figured it would be easier on the Mage’s sore joints and save them both from bumpy roads. Said Mage was sat forward now, leaning so that his fingers could slip the paper from his own grasp and pull it closer to himself. Though his singular good eyelight was still plastered to Reaper’s face. 

“It’s not like you to worry about something like this. Is… Orchard really that bad?” Geno glanced down at the paper for a moment, but only enough that he was able to fold the paper back along the creases. 

Reaper had been trying to ease the information of all that Orchard was, at least the last he knew, to Geno ever since he’d started asking. It wasn’t all bad, that’s what he’d been telling him, but the truth was far bleaker. Orchard was a kingdom ripe with crime, kidnappings, thievery, murders, trafficking, drug markets, weapons dealing, and more. All from a poor peoples who relied on corrupt and self-absorbed rulers. He’d… had to sugar coat a LOT of information early on. It only grew worse the deeper Geno insisted he dig. Reaper could understand why his other little brother, Fresh, had waited so long to tell him about the disappearance. When one went missing in Orchard, it was likely they would never be found. 

If he’d heard this news from anyone else, he would not have risked making contact. Would never have sent any more spies than he already had. Aside from the request having come from Geno, who Reaper would do anything for to see thriving, it also came during an era in which the ruling God-King seemed. Hmm. Different. Yes, that’s the word. That is the only reason he has humored it so far.

King Nightmare, as far as his spies had been able to surmise, had a rocky start. Unprepared and ill-mannered to be King. Temporarily the castle fell to ruin and the capital beyond into a brief chaos. At some point, a point Reaper knows happened within the year, the new king finally stepped up into the role and seemed to wrangle his subjects back into submission with his own two hands. After that point, things had been changing. It had taken ages for Reaper to find whether these changes were for the better or worse, but after reaching out to him directly, Reaper hopes that it is for the best. It needed to be. He was too comfortable to ever don his battle armor again. 

“...Orrrr is something else bothering you?” Geno asked this time, gaze trailing away to outside the window to their left. 

Reaper sighed, sinking back onto the cushioned seat he had been sitting so stiffly in before. All this tension was no good for him, he was sure. 

“No, no, you read me like a book,” My darling. “My Mage. I simply have not set foot in Orchard before. Used to do my best to ignore their outreach, actually. It’s a strange feeling.” 

Yes, strange. He could call it that. 

Reaper wasn’t one to fear travel. In fact, he often jumped at the opportunity. His latest true escapade was to visit all of those magic academies. To find a skilled mage after his last retired. Yes, that trip was lovely. He’d set his eyes upon the most precious jewel in all the land, and had the honor to bring him home. 

Now? Now was different. Now he was moving into the territory of one he once deemed an enemy. A place he did not wish to linger in for long. Giving a chance to a people who had not had many chances over these thousands of years. 

“To be fair, you don’t usually step foot anywhere.” Geno quipped a bit teasingly, and Reaper caught from the corner of his vision as the mage mimed his hands lifting, as though floating. That sparked a chuckle from Reaper, and Geno continued. “But, I get it. I never thought I’d visit a kingdom like this. I just- I have to find him.” 

Reaper didn’t have to look to know a frown had undoubtedly returned to Geno’s skull. 

The countryside out here was nice. Hearty pine forests which bordered Orchard’s upper cities. Wide fields belonging to the countrymen of the kingdom between. They were getting closer now. They’d been told a small envoy would meet them at the border to guide them through the rest of the kingdom. Supposedly, he’d send two knights. At least that was the initial plan, but Reaper wondered if he still had the man-power for something like that. 

“We will do our best to bring him back to you, Geno.” Reaper muttered softly. 

He heard the Mage hum. Both of them just watched out the open window as the scenery slowly drifted by. 

.

By the time the carriage rolled to a stop, Reaper thought he might have genuinely fallen asleep. It was a gentle jolt, his drivers were very talented, but it was enough to urge him to raise up from his blissfully silent slumber to stare drowsily out the window. 

It was dark now, stars above twinkling brightly against the cold sky. The trees outside looked more twisted and gnarled in the dark. Though it wasn’t in his nature to find things like this to be particularly eerie, the glow emanating from the opposite end of the carriage certainly helped ease his worry. It seemed that his beloved mage still glowed in the dark. Or, well, the crystals which hung from his attire did. His magic, his passionate casting style which had drawn Reaper to visit him in the first place, he carried many spells on him at all times in the form of decorative crystals. Each one hung from his hat, or his scarf, or his belt, most a red or off-white which bathed the cabin in a bloody hue. It made his eyelight stand out. It was charming. 

“We’re at the border. Looks like there are some monster here to meet us. They’re talking with the horseman in front.” Geno reported when he noticed Reaper gingerly sit up and scoot closer. 

The mage was already peering from the window curiously, unabashedly shoving his skull nearly outside the frame entirely. Reaper only slunk into the space beside him to catch a tired glimpse of the interaction outside. 

His own men held magical lanterns, glowing fire held on curved sticks which would only dim to the proper command. The orange light bounced off of armor and the shiny coats of his own horses, but beyond the familiar there was another group. 

It was a small gathering, perhaps seven or so? In the lead were two people sat high upon their horses. One horse seemed to match its rider, both abnormally large and sturdy. The two made for a hulking silhouette in the darkness, a red glare appearing from a well-defined socket in the dim light. That was undoubtedly the Lion Knight. And beside him, smaller and yet toting a familiar, trained posture, was another monster. This one wore brighter colors, his armor lighter and he and his horse both prime targets for the firelight to bounce from. Reaper couldn’t be sure, but he figured this may have been the fourth ‘knight’. A monster who had been training under Nightmare for several years now, knighthood just beyond his grasp. His ceremony, even, so rudely interrupted by that rebellion, keeping that coveted and respected title just outside his reach. If his information was correct, this was the loyal hound of Ritten. …These foul places seemed to never free their prisoners. 

Reaper and Geno watch in silence, as it seemed like the Lion was the one speaking. Only after he revealed a piece of paper, no doubt his King’s seal for authenticity, did he seem to signal. With the wave of his hand, his horse jolted and moved forward, a few other riding folks following his lead. The other one, the one in white, turned in place and it seemed he would be taking up position near the front. 

Reaper leaned away from the window, though Geno just watched curiously as the Knight, and the few of his men who had yet to break off, eased past and to the back of the group. The knight didn’t even seem to give them a second glance, just kept his head straight and focused. Honestly, he’d be a little impressed if it didn’t remind him so much of the far past. When warriors only behaved that way when their commander was watching them like a hawk. 

Then, a few moments later, they were off again. Over the border and into Orchard proper for the first time. 

.

It was nearly sunrise by the time the carriage rolled to a stop again. Now, though, Reaper hadn’t needed to be jolted away by the stopping of the cart. Rather, he had been wide awake, peering through the drawn curtains to observe as the carriage rode into a main city. One of the larger trading hubs no doubt, based on the bustling market just a street over from the one they had chosen to take. One of his men had alerted them some time back that this was their spot to rest for the day. An Inn approved by the King and frequented by the knights, where they should be safe from threat and able to let Reaper’s men get their own proper rest. It seemed like a smart decision, he knew not everyone had the fortitude to continue travel like this for three days while only resting on the damp forest ground along the way. This would be good for everyone involved. 

That would be, of course, if he could convince Geno to stay put all day. The moment they’d begun entering cities, Reaper could tell his mage was becoming antsy. Hands twitching, tugging at certain crystals along his scarf as he gazed into shadowed alleyways and dim storefronts. His brother could be anywhere, after all. Even here, right under their noses. 

Unfortunately, until they had made contact with Nightmare and managed to sign that treaty? He couldn’t do a single thing about the situation. No sending his men out to do sweeps, no asking around, not even mention a missing boy. He did not want to risk seeming undiplomatic, and he did not wish to risk losing his mage out on these busy, unfamiliar streets. 

A knock on the door to the carriage. 

“My liege?” A voice muffled from the other side of the door which faced the inn. It must’ve been time to disembark from the comfort of the enclosed space. 

Reaper stretched his arms out before him and felt a few joints pop as he sat straighter. 

“After you, my Mage.” He instructed softly, as he stayed seated. 

Geno nodded a little and stood himself. It looked like he hesitated as he went to take a step, before steadying. He was the one to push open the door and receive the hurried help of their attendant, a young demon monster by the name of Nimbus. His family has been serving under Reaper’s name for generations, and he was newly old enough to begin assisting directly. 

Reaper heard the familiar ‘Thanks Nimbus’ which usually escaped from Geno whenever the attendant would assist him. Followed by the ‘It is my pleasure, High Mage’ which Nimbus would tumble in response. The first time Geno had called him by name, Reaper thought the boy might’ve fainted. Of course Reaper knew those close to him, but his court tended not to care of servants and their names. Geno had learned it only because he’d seen Nimbus trip over himself carrying drinks once and asked of him…. Reaper planned to never tell that side of the story, however. 

Hmm… Okay, that was enough stalling. 

Reaper rose from his seat finally, feeling his hip joints pop as he stood properly upright. He easily stepped to the edge of the dim cabin and lightly stepped down from the carriage. 

Nimbus knew better than to offer up his hand, and merely stood at attention beside Geno, one arm raised against his chest. Reaper didn’t need to look about to see that his travel party was likely doing the same. He never quite required it, not after the first 50 years or so of his rule, but tradition held strong and fast within Sanctuary. So, here they were doing it. All aside from Geno, of course. He was never big on following the crowd. One of the endless reasons to Reaper’s fascination. 

He took his time, stepping down. As he exited the carriage, he let his magic flow just a bit, the magic which usually resided within his chest flowing outwards, billowing like a cloud of ash behind him. Only to solidify, seamlessly, into his wings. They leveled behind him easily just as he took the final step, and connected his foot to nothing. 

Reaper did not like to walk and Geno had been correct to assume that Reaper would not truly step foot within Orchard. Not yet. Instead, he pushed off of the air and stood only a few inches above the cobbled street beneath his feet. 

There, he waited, and turned to finally scan the remains of the envoy. 

It seemed that the carriage was parked just before the entrance, a smart and safe move to keep high-profile guests from the public eye. None of his men had split off yet, practically forming a circle of horses and men around the edges of the building’s front, and Nightmare’s men were scattered among them. Though, Reaper’s eye caught on the knights easily. 

The tall one, The Lion Knight, stood proud nearly opposite to Geno. The Axe slung across his back could’ve rivaled one of the wheels on Reaper’s carriage in size, and his eyelight seemed no less intimidating in the daylight than it had at night. 

Just beside him, standing nearly stock-still at attention, was the… Knight in Training. Yes. He seemed unbothered at a glance, but Reaper caught a twitch of his fingers as they lay across the hilt of the sword strapped to his hip. He seemed anxious. 

When they noticed Reaper was looking to them, the Lion Knight made a slight bow and the Trainee followed moments later with a much deeper bow. Both only lasted a moment, before the Lion Knight rumbled the first words Reaper had heard him speak. 

“Let us go… inside.” He suggested. 

Reaper only watched them for a moment longer before the neutral face he had been attempting to maintain slid into a more calming grin. 

“Let’s.” He agreed. “Men, at ease. Prepare for your day of rest, we reconvene on the call of the Lion Knight.” He ordered evenly in turn. 

At that, the Lion Knight nodded and nudged the Trainee forward. He seemed to take it in stride, immediately moving to the door and pushing his way in, then twisting to hold it open. Inside, from what Reaper could make out, looked like a quaint little tavern storefront. 

He gestured to Geno, and by proxy, Nimbus (who had orders to tend to their any need, and so stuck close-by). Thank stars geno was being cooperative for the moment, easily sidling up just over his shoulder as he floated himself after the Trainee and towards the door. Reaper had asked Geno to ensure he entered rooms first, if only to intercept a threat should one appear. Not because Geno could not handle himself, but because his own magic would handle problems much more. Efficiently if nothing else. 

Passing through the sturdy doors revealed almost exactly what Reaper had been expecting. A quaint, yet robust-looking tavern hall. The tables all looked to be made of a sturdy hardwood, same with the chairs, and the cushions on each were well-worn and clearly loved by patrons. When he’d moved far enough, the doors closed behind them, isolating him only with himself, his two companions, and the knights. It seemed the entire interior of the tavern was barren. Strange, for the scuffs against the wooden floorboards told a universally familiar tale of frequent guests. 

The Trainee rushed to move back up, almost to beside Reaper, before he stopped short and spoke quickly. 

“King Reaper.” He said, drawing Reaper’s gaze to him fully and slowing his steady float to a halt in order to provide full attention. The Trainee continued, though his eyelights were glued to the floor. “I am Cross, one of King Nightmare’s loyal soldiers,” He briefly held a hand to his chestplate, and Reaper noticed the engravings of the crescent moon which had been carved into the center of his chestplate. “I am accompanying Sir Lion in escorting you to our capital, and as you likely know, this location has been chosen as to provide you and your party a place to rest in comfort.” 

He seemed to look to the knight  for a split moment, before taking another breath. 

“Our King Nightmare has specified that the Inn only contain yourself, your party, the travel party accompanying our Lion Knight, and the staff. If you are in need of anything at all, our Lion Knight will be acting as your personal protection during your stay today. Please ask anything you like of him or myself.” The Trainee seemed to sigh a little under his breath, barely perceivable. “We are to travel at nightfall once more, as to arrive to the capital by morning for welcomes and business matters.” 

And after a breath, he bowed once more. Not once did he look up from the ground. Curious. 

Reaper turned to face the both of them after a moment, the Lion Knight having once again slipped behind them to act as the rear to their party. 

“Understood. I will trust your King’s judgement and take care to appreciate the gracious hands he has offered to assist me throughout my journey. Thank you, Cross, and Sir Lion.” He brought a hand to his chin, briefly. “As you may see, I myself am accompanied by my High Mage, as well as our attendant. I find it unlikely that anything shall go awry for this day, but I must ask that you extend an extra eye to watching over them as well as myself. Undoubtedly we will not stray far from one another, so I hope it is not too much extra trouble.” 

He watched as Cross stared to the Lion Knight. Likely waiting for a verdict from his superior.

“I can watch all of you.” The Lion Knight finally decided after a minute of thought. “Cross is in charge of seeing… to your men. And ours. I will make sure your rooms are close to each other.” 

“And it is an honor to guide and protect you, all of you, on this mission.” Cross chimed in, once again dipping into that bow. 

Reaper, satisfied with that answer, nodded himself and crossed his arms at his chest. 

“Very well. Then please lead the way.” He agreed. 

Cross was clearly happy to hear those words, because he perked up and began guiding them further into the Inn’s lobby, past the bar, and into a side hallway which surely led to the rooms beyond. Though, they stopped at a little counter which shown into a room off to the side. Sat there was an elderly wolf monster. 

At one time, perhaps, they must’ve been a beautiful red-wolf. The patterning and auburn fur still peeked from under the collar of a rough-hewn wool tunic and past an old black apron’s ties. Though, the fur around their muzzle and eyes were a wiry silver, jowls sagged from the bone, and wrikles spanned their entire face. Paws reached out to grab up a pen, only to tremble as they moved to lift its miniscule weight from the wooden countertop they were sat behind. Reaper knew age when he saw it, and this wolf monster had a lot of it to see. 

Despite that, as Cross rounded to stand before them at the counter, their face seemed to light up, eyebrows which had been drooping over their eyes lifted enough for Reaper to spot the bright yellow reflecting in their iris’ as they took in the sight of this skeleton monster. 

“Ah! The Whippersnapper! I was startin’ to think you lot would never show!” She exclaimed in only the way that an elderly person can. Such enthusiasm, such projection, from vocal chords scratchy from disuse. The wolf monster practically stood up from their chair to lean forward and sniff at the Trainee from afar. 

“Apologies, Miss Redwood. We altered our schedule slightly in order to-” Cross had bowed ever so slightly to the wolf woman, and diverted his eyelights down the empty hall. Perhaps, Reaper thought, this was simply how the Trainee was. Despite his status he seemed more than willing to kowtow to anyone he spoke to. Was that from his time from Ritten? Orchard? Or something else?

Reaper had no more time to dwell on his questions, though, as he was fully brought from his thoughts by the wolf monster. Miss Redwood. She reached across the counter and her previously shaky paws grew firm on either side of the skeleton’s slightly bowed skull as she grasped him.

“Nonsense, youngin!” She nearly shouted, “You don’t got nothin’ to be sorry for! You got yerself here for a visit just like you said you was gonna do! And ya brought the guests we been waitn’ for! I think that’s mighty fine work!” And then she jostled his skull around. The trainee surely was allowing the movement, as a trained soldier would have more than enough strength to stop the woman in her tracks. It seemed like the trainee was grinning a little to himself as she did this, which was the most emotion Reaper had seen of the young man thus far. He found himself smiling shortly in-turn. If nothing else, this inn-keeper certainly held high opinions of the trainee. 

“Miss Redwood…” That was the Lion Knight from the back of the group. He did not sound mad, nor surprised. They had been through this before, Reaper suddenly had no doubt. 

Miss Redwood snapped her head upwards and squinted across the counter, and seemed to look right over Reaper’s party to spot the Lion Knight behind them. 

“Oh, don’t think I forgot about you, mister! You know you’re my favorite of them big-cats. Always so helpful!” She called out, her nubby teeth showing as her muzzle opened wide to call out to the hulking knight behind them. She released Cross and instead nudged a pair of glasses sitting on her snout. Presumably, to look even better at the group. “You boys ought’a-”

“Ma Redwood! Ma, please tell me you weren’t bothering our honorable soldiers?!” That voice broke Reaper’s attention all too easily. A deeper voice, which drew everyone’s attention towards the doorway which sat behind Miss Redwood. The saloon-style doors swung open, accompanied by the figure of another wolf monster. 

It wouldn’t have been any jump in logic to assume this wolf was related to the one sitting before them. They too were a red wolf, though there were no signs of age even touching this monster. Clean fur, bright eyes, muscular frame. They were young and spritely, and Reaper could imagine this might’ve been a child, or even a grandchild, of Miss ‘Ma’ Redwood. 

They slunk forward, ears turned back and head slightly lowered. Hurrying to the side of the more elderly wolf, they quickly nudged her shoulder with their own elbow. 

She huffed her nose at them and her eyes once again hid behind heavy and drooping brows. “ ‘Course I was givin’ ‘em some guff! They’re strong boys, a lil teasin’ can’t hurt ‘em!” She replied back, though it already seemed she was losing steam after being interrupted. 

The newer wolf gasped, in what Reaper assumed might’ve been terror, at the response. Though, from just over his shoulder, he could hear a familiar little puff of air. Geno. The little quirks of his Mage never escaped his notice. That was a noise Geno had made since before they had met. Reaper had asked him a question, whether he could cast a certain spell. Geno had puffed his chest and pushed just a little puff of air between his teeth, almost like a scoff. He’d found the question then funny. Reaper had grown fond of that noise, hearing it from behind him or beside him as they sat nearby in meetings or as he’d overhear servants, or think of a tale to tell Reaper of his school days as they hit a lull in conversation during travel. He adored that sound. 

And yet. Reaper used one of his smokey wings to gently ‘nudge’ his Mage. He could hear, then, that familiar sniff he would do when that magic reached his nose and he accidentally inhaled a little too hard. Then the hand which swatted loosely at his ghostly appendage to dismiss it. Reaper loved that, too. The strange willingness to disregard his status in brief and simple ways. 

Luckily, it seemed no one, aside perhaps from Nimbus (who was already used to seeing odder from the pair), noticed any of their little interaction. Instead, the trainee and Knight seemed more focused on the younger wolf, who had bowed so far that his snout hit the counter and was still seemingly in the middle of his apology on behalf of his elder kin. 

“-so sorry. Please, please forgive her behavior. We find it an honor to serve our God-King Nightmare’s loyal men, and now yourself as our God-King’s guest. We will act to make this discretion up to you, if you so wish.” The newer wolf finished. 

Reaper stood there a moment, staring blankly. 

Wait. Were they talking to him? 

Reaper jolted a bit. He’d expected this wolf to speak directly through his escorts, but… he supposed in this kingdom it was likely rude to not address the God-Kings directly, and so that logic transferred to him as well? The groveling certainly felt fitting of rumors he’d heard. 

“No need. If my company finds no trouble in the proceedings, then I have no reason to seek any myself.” He replied calmly, trying to regain his composure, though he imagined not many would catch how distracted he’d been. “Miss Redwood seems as though she will be a lovely host…. Though I imagine that rooming us may allow my men to rest much sooner.” 

The wolf only raised every so slightly from their bow, enough to provide a glance to the trainee. 

“It seems all is well.” Did the trainee look shaken again? When had he grown stiff once more? “We will need to alter the arrangements, Trent. Three inner rooms. For the King, his High Mage, and their attendant.” 

The wolf nodded and quickly slipped away with a quiet ‘Thank you, kind King.’ back behind the door they’d entered from. 

Ma Redwood seemed content and settled back in her chair, though Reaper couldn’t shake the feeling that she had an eye on him. The old woman seemed to love being a judge of character, and Reaper felt a bit silly as he found himself jealous of that grandmotherly behavior she had exhibited towards his escorts. 

Before he could blink, Trent had returned, and thrust the keys, each tagged with their respective room numbers, all into Cross’ awaiting grasp. Cross looked them over, then thanked Trent, who was still bowing behind the desk. 

They moved forward with barely another word. 

It seemed that the monsters were all tense after the interaction. Geno and himself at being caught off-guard while being addressed, the trainee seemingly unsettled by something Reaper had missed, and the Lion Knight seemingly contented being quiet and stoic as he had been since they first laid eyes upon him. There was no small-talk to be had in this party. Not now. 

Each of the three was given an internal room and provided with a number key. Reaper would be staying in the room between the others, the easiest vantage point for the Lion Knight to guard the three of them from. All of the rooms were luxury, and Reaper practically had to shoo Nimbus into the third to stop him from insisting he didn’t need something so extravagant. Geno, luckily, managed to corral him inside with the threat of giving him an even fancier room instead. 

They each split off into their own rooms, and thanks to the need for anonymity, Reaper decided that he would remain in his room until mealtime. Less movement meant less of a chance for something to go awry. 

.

There was hardly any warning before the door opened. The familiar rattle and twist of the handle, followed immediately by the door swinging inwards. 

Reaper glanced up from where he lay sprawled across the bed which had been provided to him. The cover was downy, and the bed itself firm. A perfect combination for travelers who will need to be on their feet again the following morning, as to not tempt them with a soft and embracing place to sleep through their days. Though, admittedly, it was quite uncomfortable. 

In the entryway to the room, was a familiar form. It was his mage. Entering quite confidently, and swinging the door closed behind him without even a second glance to the Lion Knight which he had undoubtedly just been talking to. 

“To what do I owe the visit, my Mage?” He asked playfully, letting a comfortable grin slide onto his face as he watched Geno approach. Noticeably, now he used the familiar crystalline red cane which occasionally made an appearance in the halls of the castle. It made a distinct clink against the wooden flooring. 

Geno glanced back to the door for a brief moment, before he sighed, “The room’s nice, but it’s boring when there’s no one to talk to.” He admitted easily. 

Reaper noted to himself, with a pride welling inside, that Geno had chosen to visit him. He did have Nimbus as well, and though the young man wasn’t exactly the most well-adjusted, he did make for a good chat once you got past his initial nerves. Yet here they were, Geno stood at the edge of the bed, peering down at him as though he were hardly even there. Wait… something else was obviously on the Mage’s mind.

“What are you doing? Journaling?” His Mage asked before he could even think to figure out how to ask what was on his mind. 

So, he nodded, lifting the old leather-bound book from where it sat against the cushioned bed-top. It wasn’t one of his prized possessions, he didn’t take those journals from their safe spaces back home, but this one would do for its purposes here. Merely jotting down thoughts for himself. Things to do upon returning to Sanctuary, things to bring up later with his fellow King, even ideas for his next upgrade to his carriages that he would request. Something to make rides less bumpy. 

“Just jotting down some notes is all.” He said noncommittally. “Passing the time. The ride here provided much-needed rest, and now I find myself lacking the urge to collect any more.” 

Geno peered from the edge of the bed, squinting as though attempting to get a glimpse at whatever Reaper had written, but evidently gave up just as quickly with a tired sigh.

“Honestly, I’m surprised you’re not rereading that letter again. You’ve hardly let it out of your sight these past few days.” He mused, and his fingers fidgeted idly with one of the crystals hanging from his prized scarf. It sounded almost like a dig. Perhaps it was. 

Reaper almost scoffed at the statement, but refrained himself. 

“My Mage, it’s likely I would be rereading it again at this very moment. If it weren’t that it currently still resides on your person.” It seemed he’d already forgotten that he had so easily collected it from Reaper’s own grasp hours before on their journey. 

Geno raised a brow at him, confusion flooding his face. It only took a few miniscule seconds for his mouth to form a silent o and his eyelight to trail down onto his own hands. In the silence left between them, the Mage ran his hand (the one not currently holding the cane) along his pockets. His pants, then his travel pouch he often had on-hand, then finally he seemed victorious as he patted his chest and there was an audible crinkle capable of escaping the fabric. He shoved his hand under his tunic and seemed relieved to find the enveloped letter safe and sound pinched between his fingers. 

Reaper tried not to think too hard about how many pockets he’d had to check before he remembered where the letter had gone. He also tried not to think too hard about how absolutely enrapturing it had been to see Geno reach into his own tunic, unintentionally allowing a brief glimpse of his collarbone- Gods. He was acting like a lust-stricken chaste. Refocus. 

“Yep, I knew that.” Geno proclaimed in a confident tone. “Here it is, by the way. Sorry for keeping it, I think you fell asleep and I didn’t wanna just…” Geno extended the letter outwards with his arm, allowing Reaper to lazily reach out and grasp it as well. His gloves remained on, but he was still careful not to brush up against Geno’s hand as he took hold. “Y’know, slip it in a pocket or wake you up.” 

Reaper ran his fingers along the pristine envelope, then lifted the flap and tugged the paper out. Only peeking enough to spot its familiar quality paper and cursive diction before he slipped it back into its safe covering, then even further away into one of his own pockets. 

“No need. If I feared for its survival I would have collected it before we entered the city.” He dismissed easily. “Besides, you make a fair point. We are now in the den of the beasts, there is no reason to continue reading words of the past when we are experiencing the present.” 

Geno looked at him a bit awkwardly at those words, as though something he’d said had bothered the mage. This wasn’t a look only Geno held, of course. Reaper was quite used to this response to him waxing poetic.

“Speaking of being in the den…” Geno trailed off a moment. 

Reaper watched him. Geno’s wandering gaze had returned with a force. Though his words had trailed away, his stare still sat strong directly onto where Reaper still lay. 

“Why would you tell those guards to keep an eye on me, too? You know I’m plenty capable.” He finally bit out into the silence. Now, ever so slightly, his brows sat furrowed in frustration. Annoyance? Reaper was learning these ones, slowly but surely whenever the moment would arise and enable him to take in details. 

He was almost taken aback by Geno’s indignance. 

Of course Geno was capable. Reaper had chosen his mage based solely on ability, it was only a grand coincidence that such a curious soul as Geno was also the most capable and desirable candidate for the job. He truly did believe that Geno could easily protect his own life if it came to it, his reaction timing was a bit slow, but he’d heard the descriptors placed upon those spells of his. The arsenal of crystals on his hat alone could create him a shield, summon a ring of fire around it, and push his enemies away with a powerful invisible force. So long as his fingers could connect, he would be just fine. The fear of Geno getting hurt in this place had crossed him mind of course, briefly during his catastrophizing, but it was extremely unlikely. 

“I worry for you, my Mage. Your will to act is strong and infallible, but I fear that in an effort to produce results, you might lose your way.” He lamented, letting himself sink a bit further into the bed. He hadn’t been holding himself up, but he deflated himself just a bit more. 

Geno just furrowed his brow even further. Followed by a little, confused, “What?” 

So Reaper sighed, closing his eyes. 

“I do not want you running off in search of your brother, Geno.” He said plainly. “You are not always present in my sights, and I supposed that by employing an outside deterrent I might gently encourage you to stay put.” He tried not to sound like a scolding parent, but he knew he must apply just the slightest pressure in delivering this news. 

Mostly for his own mental fortitude on the subject. When he opened his eyes again, he could see that the frustration of Geno’s skull had grown. Only by a fraction. It schooled itself just as quickly. As close as Reaper liked to believe they had grown, as many boundaries as Geno liked to push? Reaper may not have always been his King, but he was certainly still his employer. On a day like this, where they were on business? Reaper had the final say. He had every ability to cancel this trip all together, though he would never. 

Geno knew this well, though he often ignored or worked around it, toeing the line of disrespect and obedience. Reaper designated it as a charming sense of camaraderie, but in this instance their ranks could not go ignored. That was likely the primary reason that he simply puffed his chest and seemed to stare a hole through Reaper’s empty sockets. 

“It only would’ve been a short look if anything. To see if I could find any trace of him.” Geno muttered under his breath, still peering down intensely at Reaper. 

The king finally closed his journal and set it aside, though he stared back unabashedly at Geno. 

“If you did not find trace, no doubt you would return depressed and irate. If you did, I fear you would continue the search on your own and I might not find you again. Or, worse, I would request the Knight to send for reinforcements to hunt down my missing High Mage. That would not be a very pleasant first impression upon this kingdom, would it?” He explained himself as calmly as he could possibly muster. One of his worst fears would be to bring his prized companion along into a dangerous place, then lose him to it within the first day. 

Geno’s hard stare tightened, “No. I guess it wouldn’t.” He replied, before finally glancing away. 

Reaper hoped he hadn’t hurt his Mage’s pride too badly, but he also could not refrain his mind from associating his mildly distraught expression with that of a schoolboy being told he had detention. A pout which looked almost cute from Reaper’s angle. 

“Geno…” Reaper said quietly. The mage did not turn to him. “You know I want nothing more than for you to find your little brother. We would not be here if that were not the case.”

Reaper used his limbs to push himself up off the bed, and with the momentum and his loose sense of gravity, it allowed him to slowly float over its surface. Past Geno a bit, until he was above the ground rather than the bed. There he twisted and evened himself so that he may float standing upright beside the mage… who had not turned away when Reaper entered his field of view. Instead, Geno seemed to be making intense eye-contact with one of his shoulders. 

“If you had caught even a slight glimpse of his trail on our way here, I would have followed your lead and begged forgiveness in the aftermath from our hosts. That has not been the case. Now, if all goes well, we will have hundreds of loyal people out searching for him within the month. Someone will learn of his fate, I have no doubt about it.” He explained himself even further. Geno had to understand. A widescale search would do more good than a frantic sibling searching alone on busy city streets. His other little brother, Fresh, had seemingly learned that the hard way. Poor young man had been devastated upon finally joining Geno in Sanctuary… “If he is anything like you, I have little doubt that he has at least carved himself a safe space within the confines of this kingdom’s borders. We will only have to find it.” 

Reaper hoped he wasn’t lying when he said that. Part of him truly believed that if this young boy was anything like his siblings? He was probably doing alright. Orchard was just such a dangerous place, especially for children, that it made his optimism feel like a match within the depths of a mountain cavern.

Reaper watched, idly, as his Mage took a shallow breath. Then a deeper one. Then one slow, long inhale as he reached up to pinch at the bridge of his nose and tilt his head back as though looking to the ceiling. 

“You’re right, you’re right.” He breathed after a lapse in the silence. He rubbed at that spot on his skull with his fingers a few times, before he returned to looking at Reaper. Though, now he had the slightest bit of a smirk. “He is strong like his older bro. So strong. He wouldn’t let anything happen to himself.” 

Geno’s eyelight seemed a bit dimmer again. Though he said the words with a light tilt to his words, Reaper could see how much sorrow they brought along with them. The fear that they may not be true at all. 

Despite that, Reaper nodded encouragingly and smiled at his Mage. It was only day one, and they had at least four more days, perhaps more depending on how long the technicalities would take within the capital of Orchard. They had to keep their composure and ensure that everything went smoothly. 

At the very least, it seemed that the talk had resolved a bit of his Mage’s tension. His shoulders sagged gently, releasing some unseen weight, and his stance tilted to lay his weight to his right leg. His good leg. 

Oh. 

In the comfortable silence which had settled between them, and the peace of mind brought by the little confrontation resolved, Reaper could see the way that Geno’s free hand now trembled a bit as he stood in place, watching Reaper as he floated idly. His breathing, too, was slower than its usual pace. Reaper didn’t even have to get closer to imagine that the Mage’s soul was likely fluttering from exertion. The cane was not merely present for minor support, then. The ride in the carriage must’ve been more jostling than his Mage had let on. 

Reaper floated a bit closer, to which Geno didn’t move. Only followed the fluid motion with his good eyelight. Only when Reaper had circled around him once, not unlike a vulture, did he raise a brow in silent curiosity. 

Reaper extended his gloved hand to the mage. 

“You should sit down, my Mage. You seem weary.” He offered, tilting his skull to gesture to the little set of soft chairs off to the side of the room, alongside a small, rickety table. 

He seemed to hesitate for a second. Trying to decide on his words. 

“I’m alright. Besides, I think the Knight outside said lunch was soon-ish.” He decided on noncommittally. 

Reaper only grinned a bit more mischievously at the words. An excuse with many weaknesses that the Mage knew would not hold up against Reaper’s desire to ensure he was comfortable and nearby. If the Mage had truly wished to leave, Reaper knew how biting and serious he could become. 

“Nonsense. I will simply request Nimbus to gather our meals. I will thank the staff on the way out tonight if need be.” He insisted. 

This time, Geno sighed as though annoyed (Reaper knew he was not) and extended his hand to sit within Reaper’s gloved one.

[spotaus]

Psychological Warfare with my professors goes hard this semester. I guess.

[spotaus]

Hi guys. So. Idk if I ever actually posted about Lust from New Age beyond establishing his relationship w/ Cross. (Ancha I beg of you if this contradicts smth please tell me lmao-) SO I'm gonna try and infordump what I can about thoughts which have been building up in my brain, all finally exploding because of this doodle I did for that shitpost lol.

So! Lust, I've established, works at/runs a tailor shop in the city surrounding Nightmare's castle, right in the capital. It's a decent one, has a good flow of people and serves mostly monsters with a few human customers. It's staff consists of Lust (head stylist/tailor), Hapstablook (Swap!Mettaton, the main seamstress who stays in back), Simulacre (My own mettaton from Doppletale, who designs), and the fourth spot on their staff is constantly shifting since they can't seem to keep a front desk worker. Lust wasn't initially the owner of the building or shop, but after the owner passed away, it was left in his hands.

I like to believe that Lust's family came from Reaper's kingdom! Mainly because I think that the magic there from Life is so potent that it leaves a mark on families or people who live there and embrace her magic. Lust's great grandparents moved away to the kingdom under false pretenses of peace, and were rapidly trapped in the kingdom and made to start a new life. The marks under his eyes, the light blue that looks like eyeliner, is actually a magic marking. (Reaper and Geno have marks that resemble eyebags in blue/red, and if Dust stuck around long enough or bonded w/ Geno and Reaper he'd get purple ones :] ) So, he has just the tiniest connection to the magic of that land through his appearance.

He's lucky he was born slightly before the princes, because Nim totally would've stolen him away from his parents. He's pretty much exactly what Nim was searching for. And honestly, I think it'd be interesting if a few generations before (he's the first long-living monster in his family fir a few generations) one of his great aunts or uncles was taken away to be part of Nim's harem. Just thinking...

Anyways, yeah, Lust is pretty, and his bloodline derives from Reaper's land of plenty.

He's also a handful. The kinda guy who remembers everything about you, your drama, and your likes and dislikes and uses it for better or worse. Kinda guy to hear someone he doesn't like is allergic to nuts and sprinkle a bit of peanut oil on their food or smth. But in the same breath, if you tell him your favorite fruit is a razzberry in passing, you will end up with razzberry-coded outfits for the next month <3. This absolutely obliterates Cross while they're dating, because he's say something like his shoulder hurts from training and Lust will add extra support to his clothes so they take pressure off the spot, or Cross will mention that the X pattern of stitch on an embroidery is a bad reminder and Lust unstiches it and makes something prettier over the spot, etc. Lust enjoys doing that sort of thing (he's definitely not a people pleaser, this is only for those he cares for) and it's a nice treat for both ends. Cross isn't used to someone listening so closely to him.

Oh! Lust and Error get along, I think. It comes with the territory of fabrics. Error has a thing with textures, usually only wears things he makes, but he's prideful and hates asking for help sewing pieces of his wardrobe together. So. He uses a binding spell to keep like, the arms of his jacket connected to the torso instead. (He doesn't want to go to Sasha and the others in the castle, again a pride thing, and he doesn't want to ask Ccino because Ccino's nice to him and it's a dumb request.) But Lust? Lust hears that Error makes his own clothes while talking with Sasha about Nightmare's fabrics (post reveal of his and Cross' involvement, ofc) and Lust decides he wants to see for himself. He's respectful of their jump in status, but asks if he could see the fabric, because weaving one's own clothing from magic is very impressive! Error actually hasn't had anyone tell him that and then ask to see it... but this is Cross' mystery boyfriend and so it's probably fine. So he hands over one of his sweaters. And Lust is befuddled to find he can't find any proper seams for the sleeves or hem, and asks Error about it. After that Lust manages to coax Error into sewing lessons every once in a while (maybe they start a little club, because I think we mentioned Ccino might try to learn to knit too?) so that he doesn't have to waste his energy on his clothes anymore. Lust also provides him with pattern suggestions for different clothing styles, just in case he wants a challenge (he does.)

Lust makes fast friends with people, but Error is the one he's the most proud of.

Lust tries to steer clear of Nightmare usually. Not because he doesn't trust him (no, Lust believes he's very very safe with Nightmare) but because he feels strange with the king being a little boy. He doesn't like that he sees bags under Nightmare's eyes, or that he jumps at the slightest sounds, or that he's always ducking under Killer's arm, tucking into Cross' side, like a cautious animal.

He tries not to pry, but he always worried about Ccino when he could come in for new fabric for a new outfit, usually dark pine green or black, sometimes the tans he liked to wear. Between what he's seen and what Cross told him after the fact, Ccino has been raising their king solo for many years, and practically kept the kingdom afloat. But Nightmare was constantly vigilant, to the point of passing out at his desk and having 20 plans just in case, and stressing hinself out about the state of a small border village so badly that he'd start crying? Lust knows this is for the best, Nightmare will lead them into a bright future, but that poor kid is just a baby to Lust. A very capable baby, but just a baby. He doesn't like to linger too long or else he feels guilty.

And uhhh. Hm.... I think he likes it when Nightmare throws parties. A LOT. Not only is it great for business, but he also gets to dress up! He tries to look nice at work, but his most creative outfits happen at the balls open to the public, like the knighting ceremonies. (Lust saw Cross for the first time there, at the ceremony. It was a few weeks later that Ccino brought Cross to him and insisted he needed a full wardrobe change.) Lust just gets to socialize and have fun in a responsible setting! It's great!

Last thing. Lust adores the other Knights. Like, ofc Cross is his beloved teddy bear, but once he gets to know the others he fits right in. Horror (and Farm, they met at a ball initially) are adorable. Horror loves to cook, abd Lust isn't a picky eater so he'll try any recepie offered to him! Dust is very closed off at first, but when he saw how Dust acted around Killer (mouthing off, pulling his hood down) he looked tired, but very happy. His little smile was genuine and calm. Killer is a riot and lets Lust and Sasha use him for an equivalent of fashion shows! Killer always jokes to Cross that he's stealing his maiden, and the first time Cross almost bit Killer. (<- He finds it funny once Killer gets together with Ccino because now he knows it's 100% a joke. Both Ccino and Lust would maul Killer if he tried to start cheating 🙏)