Estylwen

The Dark Beyond: Adventures in Candyland (Prequel)

Vonny Daddy 💅🏻

@Days

Vaddy
VDaddy
Vondy

???

@Lexisheeps

No one:
Von Galloes: Nick, I am your Vather.



Epic gifs, Lexi. I really enjoyed chuckling along with them. As always, quite the treat. :>

Revue of Annihilation

@Izurich

Convenient tool. Haha, nah, I was over-exaggerating a bit with Joe. :> Now we need a scale of some of the larger monsters to get a true sense of smallness.... o^o;;;;

@ERode

How do you know-

The Dark Beyond: Adventures in Candyland (Prequel)

@Lexisheeps

Waiting eagerly for that gif reaction! XD BTW, nice "I love Vonny" and pfp update.

Revue of Annihilation

@Izurich

Wow, props to you, it looks good. Visualization really does help. They're both tiny compared to burly Joe... o-o;;;

Iris Ascendis

No worries, take your time. Hopefully everything gets better for you.

The Dark Beyond: Adventures in Candyland (Prequel)

Hehehehe, yesss the cracknotcrackiswear is here!

Lovely reaction post, Days, really enjoyed reading through it!

Touching on the lightning bolts point, none of it is an auto-hit, Theo and Ramses are free to dodge or get hit or do whatever they like. :>

Recollections: Under The Sycamore Tree Part. 1

The House of Cards

The Day Before the Halloween Festival…

The Apothecary
_{Interactions: None.}

---

2321 Ash Ave.

That's what the sign said. Layla stood under it, bandaged and dressed in black, looking up at the black sign, and the gray streets around her, before daring a step into the alleyway.

Void wanted her here. Why? What did he know that he could only share in his last moments? Was this… his way of caring for her?

Or was she just sewing her own seeds of despair?

In the alleyway was a small staircase that led to a red door. She descended the steps, took a breath, and gave the door a knock.

There was a pause, before there was a voice. “We're closed.”

Layla swallowed before speaking.“The Void Heart sent me?”

A short pause before the door unlocked and opened, as if on its own accord. Layla took a breath, and stepped in.

The Apothecary was dressed like a New York speakeasy, with red velvet booths, chairs and tufted wall accents. Rich mahogany shaped the bar at the end of the room, and in the stools were two patrons: a woman with a wide hat covering half her face, and another woman with black hair and a piercing gaze. They both turned to Layla as she entered, and the woman with the wide hat offered a small smile.

“Welcome, Layla. You're early. I trust your ‘friend’ wanted to leave you in good hands…”

Layla's brows furrowed. “You… you know? How do you know…?”

She couldn't explain it, but this woman… she put her at ease. Like cough syrup for a sore throat. Contrasting the feelings Layla had stirring in her, like despair.

The woman glanced at her colleague before a soft sigh escaped her lips. “Better we talk in the back. Mr. Roosevelt, whip her up a strong one, whatever she likes, on the house.”

Layla soon found herself in one of the back rooms that stank of smoke and cologne, sitting in a booth across from the two woman. In front of her was her favorite drink. She wasn't a drinker, but with what happened…

The James Bond martini in front of her was no surprise. She took a tentative sip, before glancing at the women with a questioning gaze.

The woman with the wide brim hat held up a soft hand. “I believe introductions are in order. My name is Miss Vorpal. My colleague beside me is Isabella Blackthorn.”

Layla gave a nod, before she responded. “How… do you already know who I am?”

Miss Vorpal smiled under her hat. “It’s my job to know.”

Layla's lips pursed. “And… how did Void… Know you?”

“Darkness has a habit of attracting one another in this small, small city.” She said with a light chuckle.

Layla leaned back in her seat, “So you… you know what happened?”

Miss Vorpal’s lips pursed gently as she glanced at Isabella before turning back to Layla.

“We know that you were asleep when they murdered my dear friend.”

Layla's eyes widened. “You… you were there? But how?”

A slight smile graced Miss Vorpal's features. “Trade secret, my dear.”

Layla's voice dropped to a somber note. “Why… why didn't you stop them?”

“Because my spy would have been severely outmatched. I never foresaw this, otherwise I would have planned a way to save him. Your ‘coven’ did well to keep this under wraps. Even my spies didn't pick up on the plan. Not until it was far, far too late.”

The door to the back poker room opened, and Mr. Roosevelt stepped up to the booth, placing down a hot plate of bread sticks, grilled shrimp skewers, and melted butter sauce.

“Please enjoy.” He said humbly before excusing himself.

Miss Vorpal gestured to the tray. “Please, have something to eat.”

Layla's mouth watered. She hadn't eaten anything since yesterday when she threw up that accursed temple food. Void recommended these people as his last wish. If they were going to kill her, she'd be okay with that. But if Void liked them, she was probably in moderate safety. Void would never let her get hurt, right? He was gentle with her when she listened to him. He cared…

She took a bite of delicious shrimp, swallowed, took another bite, and burst into tears. Immediately, she felt someone slide into her booth seat, patting her down gently.

“Hush, hush, dear. Look at me, and be at ease.”

Layla sniffed, and looked up. Immediately, radiant pink eyes locked with her in an eternal stare as Miss Vorpal lifted her head.

She was beautiful.

Immediately, Layla felt a lightness in her chest where there had been crushing, sharp and unbearable heartache. She took a breath, like she hadn't breathed easily in hours. Tension left her shoulders, and a surprised smile lit up her face.

As quickly as Miss Vorpal gazed at Layla, she broke the connection, and hid her eyes below her hat once again. She patted Layla again before draping her arm around Layla's shoulders.

“How do you feel, Layla?” She asked softly.

Layla blinked, the smile still lifted on her face. “Better. Better than I've felt since this whole… shitshow began.”

Miss Vorpal's lips pulled in a slight frown. “Swearing does not become you, Layla.”

A pause, before Miss Vorpal continued. “Now, the man responsible for Void's death, Mr. Salamente… What did you want to do about him? What do you think of… all of them?”

Layla blinked, staring up at Miss Vorpal with innocent eyes. “What do you mean?”

“You don't think Void sent you here without any reason, yes? This is how I'm going to take care of you, by exacting revenge that will heal you.”

Layla's eyes bulged, but her feelings remained calm and serene, lacking the panic that she assumed she would feel. “But.. but..”

Miss Vorpal pressed a finger to her lips. “Hush. Mother knows best. If you don't want a part in it, that's fine. I will do it myself, for my old friend. The world is a less perfect place without him, and he will be sorely missed.”

Layla listened softly, before she felt desire move within her, expressing itself in a wish. “I… I want that. I want Void to rest in peace. He didn't deserve to die. I was too weak to do anything… I shouldn't have listened to him, but at least now… we can ensure he rests in peace?”

Layla’s chin jutted out. “I want to help.”

Miss Vorpal smiled. “I know just the thing… But for now, eat and rest. We will keep in touch…”

---

Britney Williams

The Day Of the Halloween Festival…

Layla's Apartment
_{In collaboration with @Punished GN}

---

Raven Jones is a monster.

Layla stared over her coffee, deeply disturbed, and deep in thought as she stirred the brew with a spoon.

It was so vivid… She remembered every piece of the dream, unlike other dreams she had. Like a message. But who would want to send a message?

How did she fit into all this?

Layla softly shook her head, and took a sip of her coffee. A wince as her hand moved, nearly dropping the coffee, red spotting the white gauze wrapped around the wrist and thumb.

She made a face, “Shit.”

The bandages made a nice match, one for each hand, and one circled tight around her neck.

Hiding the fresh marks…

A pause, before she gripped the locket around her neck. “No, no I'm fine. I'll be fine.”

She checked the address again on her phone: St. Portwell News Archives.

A pause before she whispered in a low voice.

“I know it didn't work out before, but maybe this time we'll be lucky.”

Another pause.

“Yeah, Kari Wilson, and Lionel Hunter, those were their names. Maybe we can find out something.”

She had tried other leads, trying to come up with something, but the leads were cold. Auri, of course, didn't give a location, only names.

Damn her.

Layla paused before tilting her head to the side. ”Well of course Britney asked to come over. We'll see if she has any plans, then…”

Layla smirked. “Oh don't make that face. It'll be fine. Everything is fine..”

All there was left to do was wait.

Britney’s House > Layla’s Apartment.

---

Best Time - Brent Faiyaz

---

Britney made sure to lay low the past week. She went to work, did a few poses, went home, and that was it… she was hoping that Father Wolf wouldn’t target her next, but in the event of that happening, she made sure to hang around someone at all times even if it wasn’t practical for her to invite guests over.

Because her house was booby-trapped.

Opening the door to outside, the cool fall breeze immediately assaulted her… but fortunately, her outfit, a jean jacket, black leggings, a white workout shirt, and some sneakers, provided some protection against the wind. It was time for Britney to head over to Layla’s… Despite laying low, Britney kept in touch with Layla, mainly because she felt bad for the girl and wanted to learn what she didn’t understand. She made sure to constantly text her, send her memes, etc, etc, to make her feel like a friend.

Because she was close to losing a friend.

Britney walked over to her car… which was in the shop due to all the bullet wounds it suffered (Thanks, Alizee!), and she was thankfully provided with a rental for the time being. It was a Hyundai Santa Fe, which wasn’t her preference, but a car was a car. She carried a backpack, threw it into the passenger seat, pushed the car to start, and backed out.

Britney drove through the busy streets of St. Portwell, over towards Layla’s apartment. She couldn’t help but observe the many different costumes on her way there. She finally made it to Layla’s apartment, and after a short walk… she approached Apartment #07.

She gently rapped her knuckles against the door…

Layla blinked out of her spiraling thoughts at the soft knock at the door, and moved to slide the lock over. She pulled the door open, trying to offer a welcoming smile.

Everything is fine.

“H-hi, Britney. Come on in. You uh, want some coffee? It's fresh.”

”Gladly!” Britney said, as Layla stepped back, letting her take in the apartment. Studio. A modern design in an L-shape. It was sparsely decorated, with a near-empty fridge, and the bed cleanly stripped, sheets unceremoniously dumped on the floor near the far wall, dark brown spots speckling the ice-blue sheets.

Layla herself was dressed in all black. Black plain dress, black leggings, and black sweater overtop.

Layla moved to the coffee stand near the sink, pulling a mug from the cupboard. With careful hands, she slowly poured a cup, steam curling up and the aroma of coffee infusing the air. She brought the mug, along with cream and sugar, to the table, gesturing for Britney to take a seat.

Layla sat across from her, bandaged hands gripping her own cup.

“Uh, thanks for coming today. You uh,” She tried a smirk, like what Void would do. “It’s nice, you know?”

”Don’t mention it,” Britney waved her hand with a warming smile. ”It’s what I do!” Truth be told, Britney knew no one else would had cared or lifted a finger.

She pursed her lips, a dark look crossing her face, before she tried a tight smile. “I know we've been texting a bit, but did you just wanna sit and talk, or go out on the town together…?”

She tried a small laugh, but it felt forced. “I uh, don't really have anything for lunch here. We could do food delivery, I suppose…”

Britney chuckled.

”Oh no, don’t you know what’s going on tonight?” Britney asked. ”... The Halloween Festival! Everyone is going to be there - ^{I think}! We can grab some greasy, overpriced food there!” Britney chuckled as she touched her chest.

”On me.”

Layla gasped. “No. No you're joking-”

Her eyes flicked to her phone, pulling up the calendar. Yep. Yes… it was marked in red and everything: The Halloween Festival. She must have missed the calendar alarm.

She swallowed painfully. The world still moved forward, even if she was frozen in time.

She gave a sweaty smile. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Uhm, I don't know how to tell you this, Britney. I uh- I don't even have a costume ready…”[/color][/b]

Britney smiled.

”Well… don’t worry!.” Britney chuckled. ”I know a gal.. big time fashion designer and, uh, Paranormal like us.”

She paused for a second,

”Bean, or Sabrina, can whip you up a costume in seconds!”

Layla seemed to appear relieved. “You and your fashion connections… Would she be free today? I hope uh, she won't mind a last minute order…”

Layla sipped on the last of her coffee before setting it aside. “Seems that might be our first priority today. I was thinking of stopping by the News Archive, but-”

She sighed. “Maybe… a little fun is… okay?”

”She won’t!” Britney chipperly said as she pulled out her cellphone and she and Sabrina had a series of text messages….

---

Hider

---

”Ummm… do you mind if Bean comes here? We can meet somewhere if that’s what makes you more comfortable!”

Layla waved Britney off, shaking her head. “No, I don't mind. There's enough chairs for everyone, anyway.”

”Better than being alone, right?” She thought.

She was met with silence in her mind, and Layla's face crumpled a bit.

“Yeah… enough chairs for everyone…”

”Great!” Britney answered as she shot Sabrina a text with the address, and received a quick reply. After scanning it, she looked up at Layla and said, ”She’ll be here in like fifteen minutes, she said.”

So, Britney helped herself to a seat. There was a brief silence before she asked, ”I was wondering how you’ve been lately,” She started, ”I know things have been rough, but I was wondering if there’s anything I can help you with?”

She smiled at her.

”I’ll do anything not to lose another friend.”

Layla shifted in her seat uncomfortably, listening but not really internalizing Britney's words.

She spoke without thinking, her voice a tight whisper.

“Why did you do it, Britney? Why did you let them kill Void?”

Britney sighed, shaking her head as she looked down towards the ground. ”Look, Layla,” She started, ”Voidy was a problem. I know he made you feel powerful, but he was hurting people. Making Alizee hurt people to further his sick goals. You have to let it go; you’ll be better without him; he was going to make you start hurting people. Then he was going to toss you when he was done with you”

Layla's face reflexively scrunched up as her guard was raised. Toss her? But Void was devastated at the death of Alizée. What Britney said didn't make sense. And hurting people… well, she had done worse.

Britney looked up and gazed at Layla, ”But, when we were in the Void, you said that I didn’t understand… what is it that I wasn’t understanding if you feel up to it?”

Immediately, Layla stiffened. A billion frantic thoughts rushed through her mind. She didn't have a choice with Void - everyone thought they knew him. Acted on a sick impulse to save her. He couldn't hide who he was, and they took advantage of that.

But now? She had kept her secret under such careful wraps that no one from the Coven knew the full extent of her curse. What it drove her to do. What it would drive her to do.

They didn't know her plans.

Immediately, Layla shut down and turned her face away. “I… I don't want to talk about it.”

Her hand instinctively clutched the spotted bandage of her wrist. “The last time I spoke, or rather, was listened to too carefully, I lost someone dear to me. I'm not doing that again.”

Britney was silent, not breaking eye contact for a moment. Then she nodded her head and said, ”... Sure, that’s fine by me,” It wouldn’t take a genius to tell there was something else on Britney’s mind. ”We can just relax for a bit until Bean gets here.”

A bit of time passed, but someone knocked on the door true to Britney’s word.

”Oh, I think that’s Bean!” Britney said.

Layla nodded, and stood to open the door.

The door flew open, and presenting herself was Sabrina Vanburen, a fairly tall African-American woman who possessed a notably long braid that she kept in a bun on the back of her head. She looked at Layla, smiled and waved, and said, “Hi,” She started.

Layla returned the wave, and stepped back, hand on the door. “Welcome.”

”Bean!” Britney said as she stood up and walked towards Sabrina with her arms stretched outwards. ”It’s great to see you!”

She hugged Sabrina, and they both let go of each other, as they both faced Layla.

”Hey, Layla, this is Bean,”

“Sabrina,” She chuckled. “It’s great to meet you.”

Layla watched the two of them, emotions flickering across her face. Two people, a connection between them… Two…

Everything was gonna remind her of Void, wasn't it?

She forced a smile, shutting the door behind Sabrina and moving to the coffee pot. “Please make yourself at home, Sabrina. Do you take cream with your coffee?”

Setting a hot mug of coffee down in front of Sabrina at the kitchen table, Layla took a seat herself.

“Uh, sorry about the short notice,” She glanced at Britney, “Britney mentions you're uh, really good at costumes. Is that right?”

Sabrina grabbed the mug of coffee with both hands and then shrugged as she sat down. Britney sat down right next to her.

“It’s fine,” Sabrina started, “I needed some time away from my roommates, anyway.”

She then chuckled as she shook her head.

“I am one of the best,” Sabrina started before she chuckled, putting a hand to her lips as she said, “At least, that’s what my Instagram page says.”

She paused for a moment as she said,

”She’s Paranormal, so you don’t have to worry about that!” Britney added.

“Even better,” Sabrina said. “Tell me exactly what you want.”

Britney’s eyes lit up as she turned to Layla and said, ”Go with a Bee costume! We can match!”

Layla picked the hem of her dress in thought, before she nodded at Britney. “Uh, sure. That sounds nice.”

Her eyes flicked to Sabrina, a sheepish smile on her face, “A bee costume won't be too much trouble, right?”

Sabrina warmly smiled as she pinched two fingers in the air as if she was now holding the costume… and then, forming from top to bottom, a cutesy Bee costume that would, oddly enough, perfectly fit Layla. She presented it to Layla, warmly smiled, as she said, “No trouble whatsoever.”

Layla's jaw dropped slightly as she took the costume in her hands. It felt normal. Like normal cloth, despite being summoned out of thin air. It was soft, and cute.

Would Void have liked it?

She had a soft smile on her face. “Thank you, it looks really nice.”

“Oh! Do me!” Britney said, and with a flick of Sabrina’s wrist, her outfit was telekinetically taken off, and replaced with a white bee keeper costume. Britney smiled as she did a twirl and said, ”You’re the best, girl.”

Layla had a naive smile on her face as she watched the costume appear on Britney's form. That was cute, they really would match.

Before her brows delicately furrowed, and her heart did a weird hiccup. Bees were at the whim and fancy of the bee keeper, without any power on their own, prone to giving up honey at a moment's notice.

Surely… This costume matching didn't mean anything, right?

A forced smile was plastered to her face as Layla swallowed the internal power struggle she felt. “You look great, Britney. We will be the best costume pair at the festival.”

She thought about the festival. It'd been a while since she'd attended. But she always enjoyed it. It was a liminal space where one could forget about their problems.

Maybe it would have the same effect on her this time.

Spurred on by the thought of festive food and enjoyment, she half-joked. “I'm tempted to starve until the festival, but I imagine you two might be hungry. Shall I order some pizza?”

“Mhmmm, sure!” Britney chipperly said.

“I’m fine,” Sabrina started, “I just ate.”

Layla nodded, gently dropped her costume over the back of her chair, and pulled out her phone. “So one large pizza to share… Pepperoni?”

“That’s fine,” Britney answered.

She opened up one of those fancy food apps. There was a pizzeria just five minutes away that made delicious pizza, and she may or not have already developed the habit of eating out there more than once over the years. She placed the order, along with some drinks, and set her phone aside.

“Should be here in about 15 minutes. Hope you don't mind a bit of a wait, Britney.” Layla said.

Her head tilted. “So uh, who's all going to the festival?”

Britney smiled as she put a hand on her chest and said,

“Me, you, Bean…” Britney chuckled before she turned to Layla and said, “You mean as far as the Coven? I don’t know exactly, but Auri and Adora are going. The others…?”

She shrugged.

“Probably we’re gonna see a couple here and there.”

Layla exhaled a sigh of relief. She didn't want to see Auri or Stormy. Britney had wiggled her way into a weird little friend zone ever since Layla saw her pull the Noble Vow on Void. He'll, Void would probably be furious with her if he saw Layla being all chummy with Britney.

But everything was fine, right?

However, Layla knew she didn't have the strength to see the rest. Secretly, she hoped she didn't see anyone else from the Coven. It just… left a sour taste in her mouth. Brought up painful memories.

Void's a memory now, huh? Fuck.

”Only if you want me to be, sweetheart.” She could hear Void's voice crystal clear in her mind, giving her a semblance of what was, what could have been. What she could only pretend now.

Layla tried to hide a crumpled face, even now all she wanted to do was cry.

No, it wasn't polite to cry in front of guests.

Instead, she tried to smile wide, swallowing hard and gathering her strength before she dared to speak. Even then, there was a telltale warble in her voice.

“That sounds a-alright. This is gonna be…,” Breathe. Don't break down again, “So much fun!”

“... Is everything alright, Layla?” Britney asked. “You know you can talk about it with me, right?”

“... Should I go?” Sabrina asked.

“No, you’re fine,”

Everything is fine.

The lie she desperately clung to. Because, to break the illusion meant to acknowledge something too painful. Something she couldn't bear. Not yet.

Everything is fine.

Layla pinched her eyes shut, taking big, deep breaths to steady herself. She should be grateful to Britney. Yes. Nothing was wrong. Don't blame her. Embrace her.

She could repeat a lie a thousand times to believe it. She had to. Or she really would fall apart.

Everything… is… fine….

Layla gave a shaky smile, waving Sabrina off. “You're okay. It's just been a bit of a tough week.”

Her eyes glanced to Britney, willfully embracing her lie as she spoke. “Britney saved my life, you know?”

“Oh?” Sabrina put a hand to her chest, “I mean, Britney is good people. I’d know.” Sabrina smiled.

“Thanks, Bean,” Britney answered, before turning back to Layla. “... When will the Pizza get here? We should probably eat real quick and get a move on!” Britney snorted.

Layla nodded her head, then checked her phone. “Couple of minutes. Then uh, yeah, I'll get changed and we can uhm, head out.”

When the pizza arrived, the aroma of melted cheese and pepperoni slices suffused through the air. Layla set plates out, distributed drinks, and opened the cardboard box.

“Please help yourself.”

After an early lunch, Layla excused herself to the bathroom. She came back out, a sheepish smile on her face as she donned her new threads, the cutesy bee costume. Complete with an antennae headband and shoulder strapped wings.

“Awwww you look adorable!” Britney said, grabbing the sides of her face.

Layla reached for her crosspack, trying to shake her self-consciousness.

“You look fine, sweetheart.”

A slight purse of the lips. Was this voice she pretended to play in her head a coping mechanism?

Did it matter?

“I'm uh, ready when you are.”
“Let’s g-” Britney turned towards Sabrina and said, “Bean, you don’t have a costume.”

“I was thinking I would just…” Sabrina said, “Dress casually, this time around.”

Britney put a hand on her hip as she said, “That’s boring.” She chuckled.

“Fine, I’ll…“ Sabrina rolled her eyes as she did a twirl, and her regular plain clothes transformed into an identical Bee costume to Layla. “There.”

“You look adorable, too, Bean!” Britney chuckled, as she walked over to the door. “We can all ride in my car. Let’s go.”

Cracker Island. The Halloween Festival.

---

After the ferry trip, the trio ended up on Cracker Island, and they saw hundreds of people, including different stalls and locations. Cracker Island was the place to be, but Britney was smart enough to pick up on how Layla wasn’t particularly excited to run into any of their friends. Britney was fine with this, as the whole point of this was to help Layla. She stepped off the Ferry, holding her purse in hand as she said,

“What do you all want to do first? Haunted Mansion? Maybe see the performances?”

“Who’s performing?” Sabrina asked.

“Astrid Storm, then I think my friend Laurey’s band is gonna be playing later,”

Sabrina awkwardly coughed. “Let’s find something else to do; I’m not on good terms with Astrid or her family right now.”

“That’s fine!” Britney said, “We can just vibe.”

The familiar sights and smells put a smile on Layla's face. Getting out of the house really was nice. It felt like everyone was out that night, and the costumes were diverse and colorful.

Child-like giddiness crept up on Layla like an infectious laugh, and she gently tugged on Britney's arm.

“Haunted house, haunted hoooouse.”

“Let’s go!” Britney felt Layla’s giddiness infect her as she put a fist in the air.

The Dark Beyond: Adventures in Candyland (Prequel)

Also got a new post up! :>

The Dark Beyond: Adventures in Candyland (Prequel)

Pyramid of Giza, Dusty Tombs

@Days, @Lexisheeps

---

Theo entered Rebirth first, followed by Ramses. There they would find and follow angular cuts in the stone corridor, before it would lead upwards a flight of the narrowest stairs known to man. Crawling up these was the correct way to describe their ascent.

Once past the narrow staircase, the stone would level out, and there would be an illumination in the distance. moving towards the purple light would lead to a square shaped room with a large, enclosed tomb in the middle.

Theo and Ramses would see another open pathway straight ahead, past the tomb. This path was adorned with slightly illuminated staircases swirling upward in a circular fashion.

Another pathway was to their left. This pathway was marked by a broad square frame and another room beyond it. From what they could see, there were glimmers of gold among the misshapen stone in the other room.

As Theo and Ramses would step into the room, a low, earthy rumble would shake the dust down from the ceiling. With an eerie, loud crack, the central tomb would open, spilling purple and red light across the room. Mist would rise from it, revealing an ethereal black orb.

And then the black orb spoke.



It seemed to appraise the two in the room.

”A son with eyes that are blind. I can show you exactly all you could be, and all that holds you back…”

The orb shifted to look upon Ramses. “A man who refuses to trust, who hides away secrets that could save those around you. Why not let go, and become what you were meant to be…?”

A deep, guttural, mocking laugh. “Let me free you from your corporeal forms!”

In the next instance, lightning shot out from the tomb, searing the ceiling, before lightning bolts rained down on the two archeologists. They were aimed at the body, Theo's chest, Ramses abdomen and legs. They didn't strike once, no. They struck, and then calculated where the two would move, and then strike again! To be hit by a bolt would bring a person near to death, with the shock too much to overload the system.

---

Pyramid of Giza, Secret Sacrificial Chamber

@Days, @WhiteAngel25, @Lexisheeps

---

There was a slight tremor in the air as Theo, and then Ramses, departed. Slunked off. Crept down the path of Rebirth. Perhaps to become anew…

Meanwhile, tears were wiped and apologies given and received in the sacrificial chamber. Cosy held on tightly to her mother, before she nodded her head and moved to grip the cloth of Auri, rubbing her eyes again and again. The only thing that soothed her completely, was when her father knelt in front of her. Reflexively, she hid a bit behind Auri. But, when she found her father speaking softly and apologizing, she dropped her guard and came to pat his knee.

Her eyes widened at her father's words, then she nodded vigorously. “Oui, papa, Je les ai.”

She held up the small pouch, procuring it from a small pocket, giving the coins a proud shake. Pleased with the given responsibility, she smiled that sweet smile of hers.

“Oui, papa, I'll take care of them. I won't let anything distract me, not even the… shiny stuff!” The word ‘artifact’ was hard to pronounce, after all.

The magicks in the room were slowly making themselves known on their targets, and Cosy suddenly stumbled against her father, feeling woozy. She clutched her head, face contorting in an expression of discomfort.

Auri would be feeling the same, a loss of balance, the feverish chills accompanied with a flu, and a headache that would change from mild throbbing to aching pain.

“I don't feel good, papa…”

It was then a small, sickly sweet voice whispered in Sabrina's ear. It was coaxing, honeyed and thinly veiling a cruelty.

“Take your children down the Afterlife, and free them from their suffering.”

The Dark Beyond: Adventures in Candyland (Prequel)

Just as a heads up I've added the map to the 0th IC post!