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deercountry2023-03-08 01:10 pm
reddosmod) wrote in deercountry2023-03-08 01:10 pm
The House Always Wins
MARCH 2023 EVENT
TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING
THE LEECH
HIGH STAKES
CODING
Due to the UNIQUE NATURE of the Moss King, previous March events are NOT available during this month's event. Please keep that in mind.
IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Prompt One
[Image One: Fanged, smiling carnivorous plant from little shop of horrors ]
[Image Two: House overgrown by roots.]
Prompt Two
[Image One: Person covered in glistening film that seems to be suffocating.]
[Image Two: Woman's face splattered in blood. ]
Prompt Three
[Image One: Poker chip with an anime girl's face on it. ]
[Image Two: Dogs Gambling Painting, but it's famous horror monster villains instead of dogs. ]
Prompt One
[Image One: Fanged, smiling carnivorous plant from little shop of horrors ]
[Image Two: House overgrown by roots.]
Prompt Two
[Image One: Person covered in glistening film that seems to be suffocating.]
[Image Two: Woman's face splattered in blood. ]
Prompt Three
[Image One: Poker chip with an anime girl's face on it. ]
[Image Two: Dogs Gambling Painting, but it's famous horror monster villains instead of dogs. ]
WHEN: March 8-31
WHERE: The City of Trench and surrounding regions
CONTENT WARNINGS: Plant-Based Peril, Isolation, Entrapment, Carnivorous Plants, possible but unlikely death.
WHERE: The City of Trench and surrounding regions
CONTENT WARNINGS: Plant-Based Peril, Isolation, Entrapment, Carnivorous Plants, possible but unlikely death.
The plentiful and bountiful harvest of plants that started to blossom towards the beginning of the month has continued, and if anything? It's getting more and more troublesome. The old saying goes that too much of a good thing is too much, and this is definitely the proof of that pudding. Plants are literally growing everywhere. Trenchies can be seen cutting branches out of impossible locations, and vegetation is beginning to grow inside of established businesses and homes. There is an ever increasing market for vileblood based defoliation options that are being offered by entrepreneurial Trenchies, but the fact that more than a few of those selling the stuff have gone missing under strange circumstances calls into question their efficacy.
For Sleepers, this means that the possibility of encountering enlarged and potentially dangerous plants such as those seen in the earliest parts of the months grows ever more real. A human-sized venus flytrap might very well try to snatch one up, with all of the peril that entails. However, while it is possible for any exotic plant to carry with it potentially lethal threat, most of these are able to be dealt with by even the untrained with a machete. The real problem is the root systems and the plants that ones that talk. The former are the most likely to be encountered. Root systems grow over entire buildings during the mid to late month, choking over light sources and blocking windows to dim houses. They clench their grip over doors, making getting out of one's house an act of willpower and muscle that may have to be repeaated over and over again. Worst of all is the fact that many of these root systems almost seem to be intentionally creating barriers around the Lantern Network! The little moaners are safe, but their sphere of protection becomes a dome of wood, shielding and keeping them away from those naughty sleepers trying to hack their way to a teleport.
The talking ones, though, are downright disturbing. They're not very large, at first they do indeed seem to whisper and beg to be fed. Naturally, only blood will do, and the longer that they're fed the larger and more dangerous that they can become. But, so long as one doesn't feed them, they're harmless, right? Wrong. True, they can bite and it's easy enough to avoid them. However, it's what they start to say when they're denied their food that becomes disturbing. “There is a consequence of your actions, you know.” “Do not think that you are immune.” “Saving the Moss Brat seems wise now, but have a long memory.” Things like that. The voices they take on are eerie, unnatural and do not match the plants' normal begging voices. They never clear up who is speaking or what they're speaking about, but surely it's not a big issue, right?
By the end of the month, the plants wither away and break off of the various homes and businesses, leaving no visible damage behind, as if whatever caused them has faded entirely.
For Sleepers, this means that the possibility of encountering enlarged and potentially dangerous plants such as those seen in the earliest parts of the months grows ever more real. A human-sized venus flytrap might very well try to snatch one up, with all of the peril that entails. However, while it is possible for any exotic plant to carry with it potentially lethal threat, most of these are able to be dealt with by even the untrained with a machete. The real problem is the root systems and the plants that ones that talk. The former are the most likely to be encountered. Root systems grow over entire buildings during the mid to late month, choking over light sources and blocking windows to dim houses. They clench their grip over doors, making getting out of one's house an act of willpower and muscle that may have to be repeaated over and over again. Worst of all is the fact that many of these root systems almost seem to be intentionally creating barriers around the Lantern Network! The little moaners are safe, but their sphere of protection becomes a dome of wood, shielding and keeping them away from those naughty sleepers trying to hack their way to a teleport.
The talking ones, though, are downright disturbing. They're not very large, at first they do indeed seem to whisper and beg to be fed. Naturally, only blood will do, and the longer that they're fed the larger and more dangerous that they can become. But, so long as one doesn't feed them, they're harmless, right? Wrong. True, they can bite and it's easy enough to avoid them. However, it's what they start to say when they're denied their food that becomes disturbing. “There is a consequence of your actions, you know.” “Do not think that you are immune.” “Saving the Moss Brat seems wise now, but have a long memory.” Things like that. The voices they take on are eerie, unnatural and do not match the plants' normal begging voices. They never clear up who is speaking or what they're speaking about, but surely it's not a big issue, right?
By the end of the month, the plants wither away and break off of the various homes and businesses, leaving no visible damage behind, as if whatever caused them has faded entirely.
WHEN: Second Half of March
WHERE: Anywhere in Trench, but not the Outpost.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Magically Cursed Ailment, Severe weakness, Anemia
WHERE: Anywhere in Trench, but not the Outpost.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Magically Cursed Ailment, Severe weakness, Anemia
You didn't think it would be that easy, did you? From the moment that the first talking plants appeared in Trench, there has been another ominous presence. Unbeknownst to the people of Trench, but the Moss King is recovering from Riteior's attack and, while they are safe and slowly getting back to their normal self, this has allowed for Riteior to offer a little payback in an effort to cause trouble to those seeking to stop his attacks on the Pthumerians of Trench. In the night, while characters are sleeping, the plants strike. They wake to find a thin film over them, but otherwise it appears harmless. The next full day, there's nothing wrong and they feel hail and hearty. In fact, those pesky little talking plants are gone from their house. Of course, the next day the horror begins to settle in.
Within 48 hours, Sleepers will find themselves weak and lethargic in the extreme. The condition is not fatal, but it is problematic and irritating. They will find that no amount of food, water and rest quite gets rid of the malaise that they are experiencing, a strange drowsiness and lack of energy plaguing their every moment. The longer it persists, the more dangerous it becomes. However, there appears to be no obvious cause, at least until they visit someone capable of treating their condition, be they a Blood Minister or trained physician. Victims of this curse appear to be suffering from a severe, but not life-threatening anemia. There is no obvious cause, but the Ministers are certain that it is not natural and is likely a result of a curse of some kind. They can offer stimulants and high energy food, which will help the person experiencing the condition, but the real danger comes if they try to use their blood for a blood ritual of any kind. The insidious reason becomes obvious. Someone is attempting to stop them from safely having enough blood to perform the rituals to seal them away!
Victims are “fine” in the sense that they could get through the month safely without risk of death and just be weaker. However, if they attempt any form of blood ritual or blood letting, they risk running out of blood, which would indeed be a life threatening concern. The only solution, then, is a blood transfusion of another type. The Blood Ministers are willing to provide blood from their banks, but caution that it is better if a fresh supply is used. Do you have a friend willing to lend a hand? Or, do you miss one of the deadlines this month for fighting back Riteior?
FAQ:
This condition strikes after the mid-month, when the latest batch of rituals further weakens Riteior, and ensures the Moss King's safety.
This condition is not life threatening, unless a person attempts to use blood for a ritual or other purpose without first receiving a transfusion.
If a person attempts to perform a blood ritual before getting a transfusion, their anemia can become life threatening very quickly.
It is possible to completely avoid this prompt by not being targeted by Riteior. His cursed targeting is not that precise and he is clearly becoming desperate.
When a transfusion is given, both participants will be lightly anemic for another 24 hours, but the condition will fade afterwards completely.
It is suspected strongly by some of the Blood Ministers and Arcane Scholars that this is a curse brought about by a brief moment of control over the Moss King by Riteior. This can be learned easily in conversation with members of the orders in Trench.
Within 48 hours, Sleepers will find themselves weak and lethargic in the extreme. The condition is not fatal, but it is problematic and irritating. They will find that no amount of food, water and rest quite gets rid of the malaise that they are experiencing, a strange drowsiness and lack of energy plaguing their every moment. The longer it persists, the more dangerous it becomes. However, there appears to be no obvious cause, at least until they visit someone capable of treating their condition, be they a Blood Minister or trained physician. Victims of this curse appear to be suffering from a severe, but not life-threatening anemia. There is no obvious cause, but the Ministers are certain that it is not natural and is likely a result of a curse of some kind. They can offer stimulants and high energy food, which will help the person experiencing the condition, but the real danger comes if they try to use their blood for a blood ritual of any kind. The insidious reason becomes obvious. Someone is attempting to stop them from safely having enough blood to perform the rituals to seal them away!
Victims are “fine” in the sense that they could get through the month safely without risk of death and just be weaker. However, if they attempt any form of blood ritual or blood letting, they risk running out of blood, which would indeed be a life threatening concern. The only solution, then, is a blood transfusion of another type. The Blood Ministers are willing to provide blood from their banks, but caution that it is better if a fresh supply is used. Do you have a friend willing to lend a hand? Or, do you miss one of the deadlines this month for fighting back Riteior?
FAQ:
WHEN: Second Half of March
WHERE: Goat Turning in The Cellar Door
CONTENT WARNINGS: Gambling, Possible Coersion, lowered inhibitions, Risk of Character Death
WHERE: Goat Turning in The Cellar Door
CONTENT WARNINGS: Gambling, Possible Coersion, lowered inhibitions, Risk of Character Death
The Moss King appears to be 'on the mend' by the latter part of the month, or at least he seems to be his usual self. A flyer advertising a special for all Sleepers and residents of Trench at the Goat Turning, his personal gambling hall, circulates throughout town. The doors of the Goat Turning will be open to absolutely everyone, and nobody will be turned away for an event that will last the last two weeks of the month! Anyone who comes will be given a complementary set of chips for free, along with a very special commemorative poker chip embossed with their own face on it which they are assured they can keep afterwards, assuming they don't lose it betting! In fact, that commemorative chip is the only way that a person can return to the Goat Turning during this period, and has to be shown to get admittance, though you don't need to bet it even if it appears to be worth quite a lot! Every night, a new allotment of chips is offered to gamblers. It isn't much, and if they're willing to trade a few goods to get more, they can supplement their stash. What could be more fun than a friendly game?
The drinks and food are free for those attending, and even better? They don't seem to have a lot of strange effects. The drinks seem to ease the symptoms of corruption, in fact, and make a person more relaxed and at ease, along with lessening their inhibitions. The food is filling and pleasant, but salty, making one crave the drinks more. But, honestly, compared to Generosity's botched and spoiled food in January it's almost heavenly, even if it does make it easier to want to keep gambling and gambling. After all, those prizes for the big winners of the night are certainly something to behold, and the kinds of luxuries that Trenchies drool over.
The Big Prizes: (Maximum 1 big prize per character for the month)
A Lunar Orb
A Vial of Pthumerian Blood that can leave a person feeling sickly and weak if they come in contact with it
A Genuine Lantern, enabling a second teleportation location to be placed!
A Blood Enchanted Weapon or Armor.
An Item from Home that a character might not normally find washing up on shore
The Lesser Prizes:
Players are encouraged to use their imagination on lesser prizes that could be won. Food. Supplies. Furnishings. Weapons. Tools. Clothing. Any number of valuable could be won throughout the month.
So, what's the catch? There's always a catch. Well, like any gambling hall, the saying goes that the House Always Wins. This isn't true universally. You could have a hot streak at the Craps table, or you might just win on your lucky number in Roulette. It is very possible to walk away with enough chips to win a big prize all in one night, or build up over time to claim such a lofty goal. But the trick is that commemorative chip. It's the admission, and it's also the only way you can leave the gambling den each night. The chip must be presented both at entry and leaving, and only then does the reality become clear. That chip is so valuable because it represents your life! You might literally be betting with your life here! Should you lose your chip and not have it at the end of the night, the impressive and powerful bouncers at the door will bar you from exit, and once the hall closes there is nowhere to go but the basement. Anyone who enters the basement after hours will find that their life is indeed forfeit, and their debt is called. They will die down below. How will they die? Well, considering the fighting pits down below, any of a thousand deaths, some more gruesome than others, are possible. And, if another player holds their chip, they will be given a special pass to remain below, to demand their price themselves.
So, if you lose your chip is it still possible to get it back? Absolutely! It is a gambling hall, after all. Someone just has to be willing to give it back, or to win it back from another player or the house. What could be simpler? Of course, because there are no compulsions in the commemorative chip, and no rules about how it is to be used or transferred other than that it must be won from the house in a fair game, it is almost as if the Moss King is testing his own guests to see just how far they will go, and what they will do if their life or the life of a friend is on the line.
FAQ:
Players are limited to one grand prize per character. Please record this prize on the prompt below.
Characters that die because of this event may die in any reasonable fashion in the basement. Tools are provided. This may be handwaved.
Because this event involves the potential of players bargaining for their lives and death, we remind players to be mindful and communicative with others regarding permissions and preferences during this event. Do not break permissions.
Lesser prizes can be won in quantity, but we ask that you be reasonable about this.
The Commemorative Chip is non-magical and there is no compulsion to gamble with it.
It is simply worth a lot more.
The Event is not age restricted, so underage gambling is possible.
The drinks and food are free for those attending, and even better? They don't seem to have a lot of strange effects. The drinks seem to ease the symptoms of corruption, in fact, and make a person more relaxed and at ease, along with lessening their inhibitions. The food is filling and pleasant, but salty, making one crave the drinks more. But, honestly, compared to Generosity's botched and spoiled food in January it's almost heavenly, even if it does make it easier to want to keep gambling and gambling. After all, those prizes for the big winners of the night are certainly something to behold, and the kinds of luxuries that Trenchies drool over.
The Big Prizes: (Maximum 1 big prize per character for the month)
The Lesser Prizes:
Players are encouraged to use their imagination on lesser prizes that could be won. Food. Supplies. Furnishings. Weapons. Tools. Clothing. Any number of valuable could be won throughout the month.
So, what's the catch? There's always a catch. Well, like any gambling hall, the saying goes that the House Always Wins. This isn't true universally. You could have a hot streak at the Craps table, or you might just win on your lucky number in Roulette. It is very possible to walk away with enough chips to win a big prize all in one night, or build up over time to claim such a lofty goal. But the trick is that commemorative chip. It's the admission, and it's also the only way you can leave the gambling den each night. The chip must be presented both at entry and leaving, and only then does the reality become clear. That chip is so valuable because it represents your life! You might literally be betting with your life here! Should you lose your chip and not have it at the end of the night, the impressive and powerful bouncers at the door will bar you from exit, and once the hall closes there is nowhere to go but the basement. Anyone who enters the basement after hours will find that their life is indeed forfeit, and their debt is called. They will die down below. How will they die? Well, considering the fighting pits down below, any of a thousand deaths, some more gruesome than others, are possible. And, if another player holds their chip, they will be given a special pass to remain below, to demand their price themselves.
So, if you lose your chip is it still possible to get it back? Absolutely! It is a gambling hall, after all. Someone just has to be willing to give it back, or to win it back from another player or the house. What could be simpler? Of course, because there are no compulsions in the commemorative chip, and no rules about how it is to be used or transferred other than that it must be won from the house in a fair game, it is almost as if the Moss King is testing his own guests to see just how far they will go, and what they will do if their life or the life of a friend is on the line.
FAQ:
no subject
They could. It was like they'd known each other for years, not months. And it was an amazing feeling, she'd gotten so used to the notion of being alone and her friends being someone else's friends first that the idea that maybe, just maybe someone else cared and wanted to be with her seemed like an illusion.
It was hard, being surrounded by assholes all day back home. Trench honestly was a breath of fresh air since most of the people she knew were anything but assholes. She liked them and she hoped they liked her in response. And she loved Luz, she wanted to be with her as long as possible. She knew Luz respected her and their relationship and that was beyond value.
"I think I can arrange that."
Blanket burritos were the best. There was something cozy and comforting about wrapping yourself in tons of blankets as tightly as possible.
And Lexi giggled. "I dunno about that, but I'd try to find something suitably pretty. And we'd have to color-coordinate clothes."
Kisses were wonderful things, weren't they?
no subject
Good thing Luz had moved beyond being lithe to slightly muscular then!
They were both getting used to that. Luz knew there were moments where she still couldn't believe someone cared about her as intensely as Lexi did, and that they had the kind of relationship Luz had only dreamed about.
With Luz, life on Earth for a long time had just felt like a blank. She loved her hobbies and her mom, but since her father's passing she'd just felt like she was drifting. She'd get into some trouble, disappoint her mom accidentally, and try too hard to be good only to wind up being somehow too intense again. Here, Luz knew the score, and with Lexi, Luz knew how to be herself and when not to overwhelm her girlfriend.
"Oh good. I was afraid I'd have to beg!"
Luz felt very cozy now, mostly because Lexi was here looking after her.
"Oh yeah, we can totally do that! I'll even, GASP, put on something dress like if you really want me to! All in the name of looking amazing!"
Yes, yes indeed.
no subject
And it showed how mature they were in their approach to each other that there weren't any crossed wires where that was concerned. That they could be together and see a future. It made Trench worthwhile, to have someone who got Lexi on a fundamental level and she hoped that she made Luz feel the same.
"You're not feeling well, so of course I'm gonna pamper you at least a little bit. But, do you have a sore throat? I should have some hazelnut flavored gelato in the freezer. I think?"
Lexi couldn't help being concerned for Luz, though. She knew that Trench diseases were no joke.
And she arched an eyebrow. "Really? A dress? For me?"
no subject
She could be herself, she could gush over cute things on one day, and then perform a blood ritual the next. She kept no secrets from Lexi, and being that way helped Luz realize just how much she cared about the other girl. No one ever made her feel like that, someone Luz could be vulnerable with and not care.
Luz felt more than comfortable with Lexi: she wanted to make it her goal to make her girlfriend smile a little more each day. She deserved that and more, after everything she'd been through.
"No sore throat, promise! But uh...we can still try some of that gelato anyway? Please?"
Luz would always be a sweets girl.
In this case, Luz was going to need a blood transfusion before the next ritual, from a different blood type. That was going to be a must.
"Well yeah. It's not my go to, but if you happen to think I look slammin' in it, who am I to say no?"
Just. No heels. Even Luz had her limits.
(CW: drug dealers)
And Lexi could be herself when she was with Luz. She could talk about bad movies, good books, even better food, she didn't feel like she had to pretend she wasn't Jewish, like she often did back home. Being able to be herself was a gift beyond price. And she really hoped that she made sure Luz felt the same way. Because there were so many reasons most people had to feel bad about being themselves.
Luz succeeded at that admirably. And felt the same, that Luz had spent too much time around people who didn't understand her properly and Lexi wanted to make up for that as much as one person was able to do.
She grinned. "Yes, we can. I might have some chocolate sauce hidden away so it can kinda be like a mocha hazelnut thing."
Which should be tasty!
Lexi couldn't help that time? That would be such a helpless feeling.
"I might have to hold you to that, you know," Lexi said with a wicked grin.
No heels for Lexi either, so it was fine.
Re: (CW: drug dealers)
That Luz could be the girl that was halfway between adulthood and a kid meant a lot to her. There were times where some people could only see one part of Luz, and while Luz understood it, it did make her feel like one day she'd have to make that jump into adulthood, with the swearing and the drinking and everything else that came with it.
With Lexi, she didn't have that pressure. That was everything.
"Ooh, you've just said some of my favorite indulgent things! Mocha Hazelnut! You spoil me!"
It would be pretty strange, but more than likely Vira would be helping out there.
"I guess we'll have to wait and see then!"
Sweet! Granted, Luz would probably be more inclined if Lexi wanted to nudge her in that direction.
no subject
Well, Luz didn't have to do the swearing and the drinking if she didn't want to do. Lexi swore, sure, but it was nearly impossible not to do when around those she was around back home and she usually only did it when she was especially pissed. And she'd been to too many dumpster fires of parties to really see drinking as all that much fun other than the occasional Mike's. She wasn't her mother or her sister.
And there never would be any such pressure. Lexi also felt like she was in that weird stage between being a teenager and being an adult. She knew she wasn't really ready for the latter.
"Really," Lexi asked, looking both surprised and pleased. "Well, I'd hate for you to not be spoiled, you deserve it."
As long as Luz would be safe. That was the big thing.
"Yeah. That potentially gets me a lot of stuff to potentially arrange in April since proms are usually in April and the bad movie night."
Nope, no nudging. She'd been nudged too many times back home to be fond of the idea.
no subject
With other people, Luz had come to accept it as a mark of where they were and how things were for them then. So it would certainly be strange to find that Lexi doing that was oddly attractive.
Yet. Luz DID find that not a deterrent with Lexi, but a part of her that Luz even appreciated. It made her a little brusquer, and Luz felt more compelled by it. Luz didn't even bother questioning it anymore.
Good. Luz kind of felt compelled to go immature, because the window for that was diminishing and she knew it.
"I dunno," Luz said in a singsongy voice, "I can be pretty spoiled!"
She'd strive for that. The last thing she wanted was to worry Lexi needlessly.
"Ooh, magical month then! Guess we'll have to make it a date then?"
Luz would very much appreciate that.
(CW: mental illness--depression)
Lexi had known a long, long time ago that she'd always be in her sister's shadow, at least until she left East Highland for good. And, now maybe she had? And she could be herself and have that self accepted. It was both wonderful and strange.
She wanted to know all about what made Luz tick, wanted to be with her as a couple. She'd been depressed back home under the cover of a flurry of action for her play, but here she felt more alive than she'd felt in years.
"Yeah, spoiled sweet. There's no way you can convince me that you'd be a brat," Lexi replied with a laugh.
Oh, there would still be worrying, but she'd feel more comfortable knowing Vira-Lorr was there.
"Yeah, absolutely! I'm all in favor of that."
It was only polite!
no subject
Luz would have been happy to know that Lexi was at least moving beyond just being the sister of Cassie, that she was starting to realize exactly how important SHE was, how much she mattered, especially to Luz.
All she had to do now was ask. As far as Luz was concerned, she was an open book for Lexi, and anything she wanted to know, Luz would do her best to comply and talk about herself.
"Hey! I could! You don't know? I've got secrets, daark secrets!"
No she didn't.
"Great! Then let's make it a plan, the next time we get the chance to do it! We can even say the bookstore is sponsoring it!"
no subject
It was slow going. Especially since she'd expected Cassie to wash up on shore for months. They were they Howard sisters, they were always together. At least until they weren't and Cassie grew up popular and beautiful and outgoing and Lexi retreated into a shell made up of her own mind and thoughts and neuroses.
...was it weird that Lexi was starting to seriously turn the thought of a blood bond around in her head. She wasn't ready for marriage or for much physically, but she thought she was ready to have Luz's thoughts in mind.
"Yeah? I'll tell you one of mine for one of yours!"
Neither did Lexi, really.
"Hey, that's a really good idea, I hadn't even though of that. Are there businesses which might provide refreshments for publicity? For either or both or...you know, right?"
[CW: blood/talk of killing/torture].
Luz had always expected, or hoped, that someone from her world would show up, and when that didn't happen, she simply made her life here and found that it was enough, even if she felt very different from how she started. She figured that Lexi was slowly starting to find out what that meant for herself.
Not at all! Luz had made this Bond with Varian and with Luca, if only to ensure she could help them if they ever fell into some trouble. With Lexi, Luz knew it would serve that purpose, but also mark her specifically as being Lexi's.
She did not mind that idea as much as she might have in the past.
Luz gave Lexi a small smile, then looked far off a moment. "My friend V, she got caught by one of those blood cult guys. They got me last year too. I think I told you how that was. Anyway, they tortured her and were going to take more of her blood, so...I got her out of there. Expeditiously."
Luz sighed. "So that's the second time I had to get lethal. I was thinking about how I'd tell you since you know about the cannibals. I'm not...messed up, I don't think killing is the solution to my problems or anything! But I've started to realize that there are times I have to use my magic to end someone's worst plans."
She sighed. "I didn't mean to get all serious, but I wanted to be honest with you. I love you, and your opinion mean a lot to me."
Luz scratched her head. "I'll have to look into that. I can make some refreshments, but it wouldn't be as good as someone who does it professionally. I don't...think I know?"
[CW: blood/talk of killing/torture].
Right again. She was learning still how to define herself as just Lexi with none of the outside influences from home. Not her mom, not her sister, not Rue, not anyone. And she liked the Lexi she was becoming. She had friends. People liked her for herself, not just because she was someone else's friend.
Lexi knew it would be a big step, being marked as each other's, that they were a permanent team, more than just coworkers or even as girlfriends, that they would have each other's backs no matter what. And honestly, that's what Lexi wanted.
"It's....you know it's not a bad thing to be willing to defend your friend, no matter what. And what I know of these cultists, they wouldn't stop on their own. Even slowing them down would be hard. So I...it's not like I see you any differently or think that you're a bad person, if that's what you're worried about.
In fact, I think that makes you brave. And it makes me feel safe. I'm glad you told me what happened instead of, I don't know, brooding over it or compartmentalizing it."
"Hmm. Well, there's still time to figure things out. I don't want something as nice as a prom to be interrupted by Trench being...Trench."
CW: Feelings of unworthiness/depression/
And having Lexi here was that fresh air that gave her life. She could stare and talk to her for hours, reside in those brown eyes of her and feel safe in a small pocket of Trench no one touched. So when it came to Lexi's family life, she listened intently and tried to walk Lexi through it. Trauma had very different degrees, and Lexi's was shadowed in neglect and being that "other girl." Luz couldn't understand how people could be that dismissive to the girl she was so crazy for.
But she would do whatever she could to make sure that she was Lexi's own light, reminding her how great she was, and how easily she had a hold of Luz's heart.
It was a big step, but it was so truthful and honest, Luz didn't care who knew it. She hadn't felt so sure about something than being blood bound to Lexi. The fear she might one day be taken was in the air, but she didn't care.
It was Lexi. That was all she needed.
"I know, you're right. And if I'm really honest about it, it wasn't all that different from those cannibals. Once you know these guys are going to inflict pain and death on others for their own joy, you can't let them live to do it. That's one more person at their mercy, and they do it because they can. But I wanted you to know, so...if you felt I was becoming a monster, and you wanted to stop things, you could."
There was still a part of Luz that didn't want to BE this, have to make that decision. Life was precious, she felt that to her core, but those that didn't think that? That deliberately loved seeing the complete debasement of someone's spirit? That she couldn't forgive, and that scared her.
What if she one day felt that was the only way?
Luz couldn't get that encounter with her jaded self in Deerington out of her head: how disaffected she was in one moment, the next anxiously hearing about a point in her life where she was happy and content, which her doppelganger seemed to have lost all moments of. What if that happened to her in REAL time, and she lost all of the people she knew and loved?
"I...had to say it," Luz finally said. "Because I had to act like it didn't affect me. It did. I just don't want to lose sight of the me I am one day, having to do that sometimes to people."
Sorry it was so serious, Lexi, she really was! It had just been bothering her, and she needed someone she trusted to talk to.
"How would you even avoid that?"
CW: Feelings of unworthiness/depression/
At home. But she wasn't home anymore. Not for an entire year. And she honestly didn't mind that fact.
And she was beginning to feel like Luz was home to her. Lexi had thought it was sappy and ridiculous before, to feel that a person could be home, but now she knew better. All she really had to do was look at Luz and her mood was instantly lifted, the world was inherently brighter and more welcoming and the weight on her shoulders was removed. She loved Luz and was worried that maybe she didn't say it enough.
It was only fair that Lexi be the same for Luz. If asked in those terms, she'd eagerly agree.
Lexi wanted to think that they loved each other enough that it would be like some of the other couples she'd heard of disappearing back into the sea together. Like a slightly more life-affirming version of Ramona and Juliet. And that if it were possible, to go to Luz's Boiling Isles.
And Lexi...every time she saw Luz, her heart ached in a good way. Like there was so much love given and received, it might burst.
"Listen to me," Lexi said fiercely. "You are not a monster. Those people, the cultists, the cannibals, they are monsters. Monsters who can't always be stopped using polite methods, sometimes there's no choice but kill or be killed. Or worse, watch someone you care for die and do nothing. I know you. I trust you. And I know that you'd never do something unless that choice was there. You. Someone you care for. Or them.
They don't get a vote."
And Lexi knew Luz well enough to know that killing was and would always be traumatic for her. She wanted to try and reassure Luz as best as she could that not only did Lexi not see her any differently, but that she was proud of Luz for stepping up in someone's defense. She knew it couldn't have been easy for Luz and that she might beat herself up inside for making that choice, but Lexi wanted Luz to know that she understood.
She also knew that Luz would never jump to that as the first choice. That it really was a measure of last resort.
Lexi would argue that it was a trick played on her to insert a sliver of self-doubt in Luz's mind. That she couldn't really become that person, that she was the strongest person Lexi had ever known. But she didn't know of that doppelganger.
"It's...killing people isn't cool. I don't care how many vigilante cops--in fact, fuck them entirely--or John Wick movies are made, trying to make murder look cool. It's not cool. I know you know that and I also know that you won't lose sight of that. Wait, wait, even more than that, I believe in you," Lexi said intently.
Luz could always trust Lexi with anything. Her dearest hopes, her darkest fears. Anything.
"Ummmm...hope really hard? Even though I know the punchbowl will get spiked within, like, the first two minutes of the doors opening."
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Luz was happy enough that she had Lexi to herself, where she could shower her with the affection she deserved but never got. It would take time, but she hoped she'd made Lexi realize how special she was to the people around her.
It would have shocked Luz a little to know she was that for Lexi, but she knew she absolutely did feel the same way about the girl herself. Lexi made working at the bookstore barely feel like work, and the time she got to spend alone with the girl was enough to keep Luz happy the rest of the day.
Her smile alone was enough to have Luz on cloud nine.
It had happened with Varian and Fern, why not with the two of them? Luz wasn't sure how she'd feel staying a squid forever, but she did know that she was more than willing to spill blood over her in a second.
"I know," Luz said, sighing. "It's annoying KNOWING that, knowing I have to make that choice and quick or people I love die on my watch. But somehow, it always feels so big, you know? I'm stopping someone from living. I don't like the idea that I get to decide who lives or dies."
But what Luz didn't say was that she still WOULD, because people she loved weren't going to get hurt or die because she wasn't brave enough to stop it. That was something Luz couldn't allow herself to do, even in the times she didn't step up and do everything that she could.
It meant everything that Lexi got that about her: that she knew despite Luz being able to kill to protect, she didn't favor it or glamorize it. It was still a loss of life, and that still meant something.
It hadn't only happened to Luz at the time, and that was what had been so alarming, moreso that Luz could eventually become someone that stopped remembering why she was here, why she loved her life and all the people she'd met who'd complicated her world view and expanded the things she thought to be true.
It had still been something that was a nightmare to her, but she at least knew Lexi was proof that becoming that was not set in stone.
"Thanks. I know some people can kill more easily than I can, and I know their circumstances and mine aren't the same. I don't knock the way they live! But I'm a simple girl from a suburb who went from being regular one day to learning magic a few weeks later. There are going to be some things I can't really let go."
Luz knew in one sense she was sheltered, or at least had been at one time. Now, of course, things had changed drastically.
And now, Luz absolutely knew she could tell Lexi anything. There was no doubting her.
"You know, I think that's true. I wouldn't even be surprised if it was Reaper who did it!"
(CW: domestic abuse)
And Luz's love and belief in her made her feel like it was okay to be her. Because if someone as smart and spirited and powerful as Luz saw her as worthwhile, she could tell herself that she was worthwhile, too. And despite hiccups along the way, Lexi believed it now. That she was worthwhile. That she could and should stand up for herself.
Lexi was shy about saying so out loud. Her own parents' marriage had ended in disaster and her other relationship role models, the Bennetts, were shattered by cancer and Rue's addictions. But she looked at her parents' relationship, decided 'not that,' and proceeded with Luz in as opposite a way as possible, openly loving and affectionate and being Luz's biggest cheerleader.
And Luz's kindness (and smile) could always ground Lexi in something good and real and loving.
If it was a choice between being a squid forever or losing Luz...well, just so long as no one turned her into calamari, she'd be fine.
"Who does? Other than sociopaths and believe me, you're as opposite of a sociopath as I can imagine. And I can imagine a lot. Mom loved Investigation Discovery." It was a weak joke, but something to try and add a little levity to things. "But...you are right. It's a huge decision to make and it shouldn't be easy. The day it becomes easy, that's when you need to worry. And I know you. I know it will never be easy for you to make that choice."
Lexi worried about herself a little. Because she knew she had it in herself to kill if necessary. She didn't like that part of herself, but she knew that if the worst happened with the cultists or the cannibals, she'd use her Darkblood powers as best as she could to plunge them into madness, then cut their throats if that was needed. But that was them. Very special circumstances.
She'd like to believe that even under the influence of the Pthumerians, she'd be able to overcome the worst impulses they'd inspire to keep herself from harming anyone. And that someone, anyone would be there to stop her if she tried.
There was nothing glamorous about killing, though. She kind of had to side-eye a lot of media back home for making it seem cool and badass. Not that she thought that violent movies or video games created violence in people, hell no, but she didn't like how prettified the violence often was. It was still death. There should be blood. Pain. Shouldn't there?
"Well, that's them and you're you. Your background, yeah, mine too, neither of us were primed to be, I dunno, something out of 'The Matrix.' Or insert cool Hollywood blockbuster here. I can't look down on them because their upbringing and mine were different because who knows what I'd be capable of under other circumstances. But it's impossible to know.
Lexi had been surrounded by alcohol and addictions for nearly as long as she could remember. There were times where she wondered if she really was as sane as she thought she was. But then she looked at Luz and yeah. She knew she was more than who she was raised to be because she could love and defend and be there to be leaned on by such an amazing young woman.
"You're probably right. Maybe I'll talk to Maul ahead of time, ask him to rein in his other half's more...mischievous impulses."
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Then again, the way things had went there had gotten bad on its own, though Luz knew very well there was a part of her that would always ache for her mother. That she wasn't here was a constant thorn in her side. But Luz had learned enough from her mother to know Lexi deserved and needed affection so that she wouldn't feel like she should ever be anything less than the great person she was.
Luz loved that. She'd seen devotion from her own parents up until her dad's life ended, so she at least knew that devotion and care was a two way street, and Luz intended to give of herself as much as she could.
There was nothing Luz wanted to deny Lexi. It may have been a sign she ought to be careful, but there was no stopping how devoted she was to her girlfriend.
"I don't know if there's ever a day it could become easy, honestly. That's a fear of mine, I keep saying that, but sometimes I can still dream of things I did, smells and sighs that never really go away. This is why I'm going to have to draw the line of ever going spelunking."
Which was a shame, because it was such a fun word to say.
Luz would rather Lexi didn't have to do that, of course. Luz had hated the way she felt after, and even though she was sure that Lexi could probably handle the killing better than she could, it was a lot for anyone. Luz wouldn't wish that on her worst enemy (even if her worst enemy had, in fact, death on their hands and slept soundly in that fact).
Luz would be there if it ever went that far. She HAD to be.
Exactly, Lexi. It was still a life, and life was precious. Luz never stopped believing that.
"That's true. I am a very uncool person. I don't have the temperament to be The Punisher at all. I'm more likely to be 'the-please-think-about-what-you're-doing'...er."
Luz said this half joking, of course. That name was terrible.
And of course, Luz could look at Lexi and see how she kept her head strong, how she managed to get stronger despite everything, and knew immediately she would do anything for her, especially if it was something to make her happy. Anytime Luz needed reminding of her humanity, she only had to think of her found family...or Lexi.
"Reign IN Reaper's impulses! Wow! That is really funny! Because that's impossible."
Reaper was going to reap, and she was sure even Darth Maul would have laughed at the notion of getting Reaper to stop doing anything, since they both tended to be agents of chaos alone.
(CW: underage drinking, A+ parenting)
She did want Cassie here. She honestly thought that coming to Trench would be the best possible thing for Cassie, that she could do what Lexi had done, explore who she really was without the pressures of home and become who Cassie was really supposed to be. And there was the reason why Cassie was acting so weirdly, getting up at 4am for intensive beauty treatments. Cassie didn't do that kind of thing unless there was a guy she really wanted to impress. A guy who couldn't be good for her, if what Lexi had observed of Cassie was any indication.
Lexi hadn't seen that level of devotion but oddly enough it made her even more determined to show it.
And there was no stopping how devoted Lexi was to Luz. She'd lie, cheat, steal, do anything to keep Luz safe.
There were a great many people here who seemed to find killing...not easy, but not really a big deal. Something which had to be done, depending upon the circumstances. And it was true that Lexi would handle it better than Luz, her harder upbringing made it so. The way she'd observed her classmates using and abusing one another made it even more so. But it still wouldn't be an easy choice, one of a last resort.
Lexi smiled warmly. "Then it's good I never wanted to go spelunking. Ever see 'The Descent?' That by itself was enough to make me never want to go in caves unless I absolutely had to."
And Lexi would be there in case Luz ever had to do it again. By Luz's side, if she could be, willing to make the hard choice to keep Luz from feeling badly about herself.
And Lexi had to laugh. "The Punisher! I remember those comics, but they've kind of been ruined by assholes using his symbol as sort of a white supremacist 'USA! USA! USA!' symbol. If I were Marvel, I'd sue the shit out of people making T-shirts and flags with that symbol as their symbol."
It was, but it was still adorable.
"Well, that's the emphasis on 'try.' Spiking it with vodka is one thing, but Everclear is another. One will get you kinda drunk, the other will knock you on your ass before you even realize what's happening." Not that she knew that from watching her classmates, of course.
True, but it couldn't hurt to try? Right?
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And Luz loved her for it. She was always trying.
Luz was sure that Cassie would probably do better here too, without having to live up to other people's expectations of her. But she wasn't here and Lexi was, so Luz prioritized taking care of her girlfriend when she wasn't doing some dangerous thing that month.
And clearly, Luz needed some help of her OWN in that department, so she wasn't about to needlessly risk her life. While Luz certainly wouldn't have liked knowing Lexi might do bad things to help her, she also knew she couldn't tell Lexi not to either.
Because Luz, after all, would have done the same thing and she knew it.
That was good to know, and something that Luz had already figured out about her girlfriend's character. Lexi had stronger nerves, but wasn't about to let them dictate how she'd go about things.
Like Luz, she'd have to be pulled into it.
"No, unfortunately! But that whole thing with the cannibals made me really not want to mess around in caves anymore. I guess you could call it a phobia?"
Because that was absolutely what it was.
Luz was beginning to understand that about Lexi, and she was more and more overcome by how much she cared about her girlfriend.
"Right, I've seen that. I'm sure the REAL Punisher would hate those guys for misinterpreting what he was actually about. I think that's something a lot of historical figures would be up in arms about, if they're hanging around as ghosts."
She tried!
"Whoa, seriously? How bad is this Everclear stuff? Can you, uh, taste it easily?"
Luz knew most alcohol seemed to make her wretch.
She knew Reaper well enough. It was very hard to stop him from doing anything.
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But that much was true. Lexi was always trying.
Lexi wanted her sister. She wanted Cassie to find the freedom and strength that Lexi herself had found. She wanted Cassie to feel more comfortable being of Jewish descent and she wanted to introduce Luz to Cassie. A momentous occasion, sort of like introducing her intended to her parents. But that's almost what it was, wasn't it?
And no, Lexi couldn't be dissuaded from coming to Luz's defense. Especially not when it came to the cannibals or the cultists. Those groups, Lexi had already decided that they had forfeited their humanity, making drastic measures not only thinkable but doable. Even if all Lexi did was buy some time.
If it came between being captured by them or letting Luz and others escape...well, Lexi knew what she was going to do.
"Oh, god. Do not watch 'The Descent,' then. Especially not the British version. It will fuck you up and not in a way I can solve with cuddles and kettle korn," Lexi warned, looking deadly serious.
And Lexi counted herself lucky every day that Luz saw her and loved her for who she was. Hence, the seriously considering bonding line of thought.
"One would think! I mean doesn't 'Hamilton' have a song about immigrants getting shit done? That would make the MAGA types shrivel up and die, kinda like slugs after you pour salt on them."
"No. That's the problem about Everclear, it doesn't taste like anything. So all you'd get was the punch. And it's not like an all of a sudden thing, it kind of builds and builds off of itself."
Which was why Lexi was likely hopelessly considering talking to Maul about keeping his other half away from the punchbowl.
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But finding someone she loved in spite of that? That was something even Luz hadn't been able to predict.
Luz would have been more than happy to meet Cassie, because despite everything, Lexi and Cassie were sisters and had a bond of their own. That Luz would at least be able to see Lexi a little happier because family was around was more than enough of a reason.
Luz was coming around to stopping people who only meant harm to her loved ones though. As much as she preferred to not usual lethal means, sometimes they were all that you had.
She would respect that. She would do the same thing.
"Uh. In that case, I will take your word for it! It sounds pretty harrowing! And anything that can't be solved with your cuddles is not a situation I want to be around!"
It would happen eventually, likely being something Luz would think more about after being given more time.
"We absolutely DO get stuff done! That's why our country is so rich and diverse! We all try and work together!
Just like she hoped would be the case in Trench.
"Oh. Jeez. Maybe no Everclear then. Where would you even find something like that here?"
Reaper might actually know a few places.