(split this into it's own post)
Lately, an au of sorts has been brewing in my head. I did like playing with the narrative prompt that Howard resembles Samantha in some way, even if it's just the art style making it more likely that it's a coincidence. Howard's mother also resembles him greatly, if the apparition at the bottom of the staircase is correct - she also had black unruly hair.
Folks in the fandom mention a dev 'liking' a comment about the resemblance, but apart from that, we don't know what the connection may be if there is one.
But this little plot bunny goes like this: Howard's mother and Samantha were sisters. Howard's mother cut off contact with her sister, refusing any help financially, because she found out what she was doing. She never even told her about her son, and Samantha knows her sister passed away, but not why or how.
When Howard is rejected and blows up at Philip, instead of languishing, he finds himself taken under the wind by a grouchy old inventor that most of the scientific community ignore due to eerie rumors. While Morose is praised, and is actually a villain, this man is ostracised, when in fact he's more or less a harmless hermit. Howard goes to work for him, and all seems well.
Until Howard begins getting sick. In this timeline, Thomas discovers the cult etchings much sooner, and Samantha is still alive and tutoring Angelique at this time. Using some vague ritual, Morose is able to 'miraculously' cure Samantha, seemingly with little cost.
The staff on the island rejoice! All's right in the world, if you don't count the poor volunteers still being turned into beast-men. Philip notices Howard's letters growing sparse then stopping, believing at first (or telling himself) that his old pal is just being petulant still. But he has a terrible feeling in his gut.
A feeling that's confirmed when a strange blue cat confronts him one night in the staff rec room, all alone, to cryptically inform him that his childhood friend has suddenly been taken ill but an infliction not unlike dear Samantha's. It's up to Phil to figure out the mystery and save Howard, or risk losing another loved one to an early grave.
germansingergirl
discoholicmusic
baratheonpilled
titsay
snowghoul
gummygunk
