#winged dca

(POV: Written by @amymaleneart!)

The spooky atmosphere of the Halloween festival is almost intoxicating. Everywhere I look, I am just filled with giddiness seeing the wonderful decorations for all hallows eve. Something about the wonderful autumn colors, along with witchcraft purples and ebony blacks, fills me with such joy that it’s like drinking serotonin straight from the tap.

Hmmmmm…I wonder what that would taste like?

I turn back to the buffet table I have been painting all day to fee all the hungry ghouls and goblins. I open up my blackened hand, as dark as obsidian to reveal my yellow (my favorite color) paw pads that are adapted to my human-like hands. I concentrate and watch as my toe beans go through a rainbow of colors until each pad settles on the palette desire to create this new beverage.

I get to work dipping my claws to sketch out a new punch bowl in the shape of a pumpkin, with its top cut off that’s made out of iridescent crystal. I wait for my magic to solidify it into actual crystal from the wet paint it’s made from.

Next I create splashes of tints and hues of milky oranges and creams. As I watch the liquid fall into the punch bowl, I quickly draw up ice cubes of bats and eyeballs. Each newly formed hardened water plops into the refreshing beverage, quickly chilling the now completed masterpiece.

I reach over to one of the many paper cups to use to dip into the punch for a taste test.

“Color! Are you really going to use your dirty paws to get that drink?” cries my overly concerned golden friend. I roll my heterochromatic blue and green eyes. But he’s right, this would be a bit unsanitary. I swiftly draw up a punch spoon to match the bowl. With ease, I scoop up the attractive beverage to finally taste test one of my creations.

Placing the cup against my lips on my gray face, the citrusy sparking beverage of strawberries and peaches flow down my throat. The sensation of nostalgia, happiness and calm spreads out from my stomach to the rest of my furry body. My black with yellow tip fox hears wiggle in delight at these wonderful flavors.

I hear a deep gruff voice chuckling behind, causing me to look up at my other blue and grey friend. “If I was going to guess based on your reaction, that punch is very delicious,” says the cosmodian alien named Dr. Moontiedea Obquartz, Moon to his friends.

“Why of course it is!” shouts the other cosmodian alien known as Dr. Sunafetia Obquartz, otherwise known as Sun. “Color is the best chef in the entire galaxy. Even the best in this dimension.”

I watch in silence as the twin brothers talk, sipping my drink. I am so happy these two, as well as Captain Dawntitus Eclipseso, aka Eclipse to a very few, had agreed to help me out at the humongous buffet table. This isn’t the first time they have been outside of the canvas. But it always made them feel a little daunting to find out your characters in a story. Thankfully they quickly become okay as the memories from their previous visits return to them.

This is something that always occurs whenever they leave their world thanks to this castle’s magic. It helps keep the characters from losing their sanity thinking they are “not real” But they are always real to each other and that’s what matters.

I take a moment to admire the assortment of colorful dishes I spent all day painting. From snacks of ghost shaped crackers with cheese and meats to baked pizza balls in shapes of mini pumpkins and just about anything else you could imagine, I can create. There’s even a section for the guest that would have some dietary restrictions. And of course all the sweets you can eat.

Because I am not paying attention, I fail to notice that my cup in snatched from my hand by Moon.

“Moonie! That’s not very nice,” Sun yells at his brother. Moon chuckles in response like the gremlin that he is. After taking a sip from my cup, he hums in delight as he says, “This taste wonderful Color. I didn’t realize you put zofifinas in this punch.”

“Oooo, let me try.” Sun says excitedly as he takes my cup from Moon’s hands. I laugh noticing that Sun had indirectly stolen my cup too. He sips the drink and his six ears also wiggles in delight that they look like it’s spinning around his face. “This does taste amazing! But all I taste is the robingreengo.”

I giggle a little bit loudly, my voice sounding like windchimes. They both look at me with an inquisitive look. I settle down my laughter to hand sign to them, -That’s because the drink changes depending on who drinks it and what makes them happy. I call it my “happy juice”.-

“It’s definitely making me happy,” says Sun

“I got to say, it’s still weird seeing you with only two arms. Luckily the magic stones Miss Raven has provided translates you well enough,” Moon comments.

Yes, the magic does help with any translation of any language, real or made up. But I still have my own magic place on my y/n, Stardust. Even in a place like this, the language barrier between them and the aliens is still there. Not even another person can translate for Stardust when it comes to Sun, Moon and Eclipse. I even kept the illusion going by telling them people would be dressing up in many different costumes. And the biggest trend right now is to be dressed as a human that’s also wearing a costume.

I know I’m lying to them. I didn’t think it’s a good idea to completely ruin their reality.

Speaking of, where are Eclipse and Stardust?

I look around the ballroom at the many faces of character and creators. If we were back in my canvas, my aliens and I would be four times bigger than just about everyone here. But thankfully, I was able to shrink us down to be able to accommodate. Even though my aliens are still close to 7 feet tall. Thanks to that, I finally spot the dark calico cosmodian, Eclipse, as he is gathering the little children together for the next activity.

I couldn’t help but smile as I also spotted my harpy chicks, Sundrop and Moondrop, with their Caretaker y/n standing by.

I giggle at how adorable both little cuties are dressed up as little ravens, wearing a cape of black feathers and a mask with a protruding beak. Even y/n dressed up like a scarecrow holding a plastic jack-o-lantern filled with their treats. I almost suspect they got the idea for the costumes from our host. Especially after their last visit when they got the new plushies from her.

I had debated on what costume I could wear, but settled on an ornate witch’s hat with black feathers that shimmer and shine with hidden rainbows of colors. I do love colors after all. Besides, I’m always in disguise in my fae fox form. Otherwise I have my usual colorful overalls and long sleeved shirt.

The chicks have been having a wonderful time playing games and trying to eat as much gummy worms and sweets before it’s taken away to be saved for later. Sundrop’s very pale yellow eyes stare in wonder. at the decorations. While Moondrop rosy eyes stare hungrily at a particular plate of cricket cookies on my table.

Finally I spot Stardust talking with some other y/ns. Sun had changed the appearance of the suit to black with glowing neon spider webs for the festivities. It took a lot of convincing the three brothers to get them to let Stardust wander around freely. But even they deserve to have a good time. Besides, I reminded them that their wristlets can track their movement.

I wonder when Raven would be stopping by? I got something special I wanted to give her.

Speaking of the devil, Raven quickly runs over to the buffet, tackling me in a tight hug before pulling back, “Good evening! Your costume looks amazing!”

I laugh at the archivist’s antics, returning the passionate hug with a happy wag of my yellow-tipped black tail. I pull away so I can sign, - All I did was wear a hat. Nothing special. –

Raven steps back and crosses her arms while leaning forward a bit, “It’s a very COOL hat!”

She laughs before scanning the options at the buffet table.

- Well, what do you think? I hope I made enough food to last the evening. –

“It all looks delicious.” She praises while picking up a ghost cracker. She takes a small bite and her face lights up. “And tastes delicious as well.”

She looks around once more, spotting Dr. Sun and Dr. Moon as they talk around the punch bowl. “Glad to see those two again. Especially after peeling all those potatoes…”

- Well, you should have thought of that before picking a fight with Roxanne in front of the captain. It was almost like you wanted to get punished with kitchen duties.- I tease Raven.

“Hey!” Raven meant to be stubborn but I’m guessing my happy energy overwhelms that and she ends up laughing with a small snort. “How is the Private by the way? Not causing you any trouble I hope.” She asks while picking up another treat. Her feathers bristle in delight when she tries it.

But before I could answer her, a little silver fluffy troublemaker of a chick yanks on her wing as he demands attention.

She grunts in pain, dropping her unfinished treat. Raven looks down at her feet, smiling at the small harpy. Eyes widen as she takes in his costume. She crouches down and ruffles his head feathers, “Such a cutie~! You make a wonderful raven Moon.”

She gets completely ignored as he snatches the cricket cookie off the ground to consume. Yet he purrs at the complement and allows pets.

“Moondrop!” cries y/n, causing the mischievous bird to flinch. “What did I tell you about stealing?” We all look up to see zir running over with Sundrop trailing behind them. Ze quickly scoops up Moondrop, who has already finished eating his prize. “I’m so sort about that Raven. You’re not hurt are you?”

She tilts her head and smiles at zir. “I’m alright. Don’t worry.” She gives Moon a long look before scooping him up into her arms in a flash. She spins him around making zooming noises before setting him back down on the ground, laughing. “Sorry Moonie. You just remind me too much of my little brother.”

The dizzy chick giggles because he found it to be more fun than he thought. But then Sundrop starts screeching, “ME NEXT! ME NEXT!!” The jealous yellow chick jumps up and down, flapping his yellow wings, causing a few black feathers to fall off.

Raven chuckle, giving both me and y/n a “what can you do” look. She crouches down and holds her arms out to the yellow harpy, who almost knocks her over when he runs into her embrace.

Raven steadies herself and lifts the chick high in the air. Making high trills as she spins him around. After setting him down, her hands over around him as he stumbles a bit.

Both chicks giggle with such glee it’s as sweet as the sugared confectionaries on my buffet tables. I reach into a big cauldron pot full of candy and pull out two lollipops of colorful swirls, that’s as big as their heads. The harpy chicks’ eyes grow so large they might pop out of their feather heads. As quick as lightning, the both snatch their treasure and run towards the closest hay bales, with their Caretaker running after them.

I tap Raven on her shoulder to get her attention. -So that’s a great trick from my little Moondrop. Now it’s time for your treat.-

Raven raises a brow, tilting her head in question, “My treat?”

A wicked smile growing on my face that matches perfectly with my witch’s hat. I turn and whistle to my aliens to get their attention. Sun’s six ears shoots up in the air and asks, “Oh! Do you need it now?”

I nod yes.

Dr. Sun smiles as he ducks down under the table and pulls out a covered pie carried basket made out of willow wicker, walnut wooden lid and black leather straps. I sign, -Thank you,- as I take it from him, being careful not to drop it. I turn to Raven and present the basket to her.

Raven takes a step back after seeing my smile. She laughs nervously, her feathers puffing up, "Color...What are you up to?"

I cock my head and wait patiently for the nervous archivist to take the basket.

Raven sighs and reaches out, taking the offered item. She gently lifts the top of the basket open to see what was inside.

A waft of spices and steam escapes from the basket to reveal the silky smooth mashed potatoes of a familiar emerald green color. There is a silhouette of a raven bird made from blackened chickpeas, on top of my alien version of a shepherd’s pie.

-Since you were so helpful in the Kitchen, I made this pie just for you.-

Raven blinks a few times, mouth hanging open in shock. She tries to form words but the amazing aroma of the pie leaves her speechless. So instead she holds the basket up with one hand and uses her other to tightly hug me. Her wings beat happily behind her, accidentally hitting a poor staff bot.

I hug her right back with my own tail swish back and forth to end up knocking another staff bot to the ground.

I can hear Dr. Moon laughing behind us. “You all better be careful and stay clear of the danger zone.”

I lean back and sign, -Glad you’re not sick of space potatoes.- “Not when they’re in the form of such a delicious looking pie.” Raven muses, putting a hand on her hip. “Makes peeling all those blasted things worth it.”

I shake my head at how silly she can get. But I’m glad she’s out archivist and not the some stuck up snob.

I got her a cup of happy juice, which gladly took from me. -Just be certain to take a moments and actually eat it. We don’t want you to end up with an upset stomach because of all the sweets.-

“Don’t worry,” Sun chimes in, “Moonie and I made sure to bring plenty of bismuth subsalicylate just in case. As well as any medical equipment for an emergency. Just send them to us and we’ll take care of them.”

I snap my fingers as I recall something I was asked to tell Raven. -Captain Eclipse wanted me to remind you that if you need his help with organizing defenses against the trolls, all you have to do is call for him. He has experiences handing such “characters” and knows how to handle.-

Raven’s shoulders drop more as she breathes out a sigh of relief and gratitude. “That would be wonderful. Please give him my thanks.”

I didn’t realize how tensed up she was until she made that sigh. I tilt my head as I feel a little bit concerned for my friend. -Are you okay? Is there something the matter?-

Raven moves the basket’s handle to the crook of her arm to gesture with her hands as she explains. “I’ve been getting reports of suspicious activities going on around the Castle. And our security is already stretched as thin as it is with the recent council’s inspection.” Raven shakes her head and smiles once more, “So I’m very happy that Eclipse will help with guarding the castle.”

I take a moment to think before I open up my paw again to activate my magic. Quickly in the air, I paint up a little whistle that looks like a phoenix. I hand it to Raven signing, -You can blow this anywhere on the castle grounds and Eclipse will hear it. It will also send up a warning flair to your location.-

Raven tales the whistle, eyes starting to well up. She holds the whistle close to her chest and bows, wings spreading out along the ground as she does so. “THANK YOU SO MUCH!”

My ears flinch at the very loud sound, although I make sure to keep a smile on my face. -Easy there with the volume. I can be considered a mute, but I’m not deaf.- I laugh with my joyous sounds as I give her one final hug. -Now you need to get going so you can eat that before it gets cold.-

Raven blushes from embarrassment and nods her head, thanking me one last time before saying goodbye. She goes to leave but then turns around and snatches a few treats from the buffet table. She put them in the small free space in the basket then heads on her merry way, waving over her shoulder.

“Color! We need some more mummy jalapeno poppers. Moonie ate the whole plate!” Sun tattled on her brother.

“Hey, you ate some of it too!” he growls back.

I just shake my head at the two. Oh well, I suppose a creator’s work is never done.

(POV: Written by @amarynthian-chronicles)

Raven walks down the path, taking in the many Residents enjoying the festivities. She had a simple masquerade make covering her eyes and a black cloak over her shoulders. She has yet to notice the group of people walking towards her.

Playful shadows began to dance along the walls and the floors, as if completely holding a mind of their own, and soon the cackles of twin vampiric aristocrats were heard. Marquis Moon and Viscount Sun were about to enact their silly pranks on dear Raven, but a stern voice stopped them. “Behave, boys, you know the rules. Hello, hello, Raven, how are you?”

Raven turns her head, smiling as she takes in her dear friend. “Good evening Lady Amary! How are you this Halloween night?”

A soft smile grace’s Amary’s features as she conjures a little basket full of sweets and gifts for her friend, “The boys and I are making sure that the entire castle area is secure and we are having lots of fun while doing so! We did catch a few wayward monsters trying to sneak in, but I bribed them with treats to obey.”

“Bribe? Or lure in so that the Viscount and the Marquis can play tricks on them?” Raven asks with a mischievous smirk and a small tilt of her head.

Amary giggled, “Well, the boys do need some playmates for enrichment, and it is better for them to mess around with demons and monsters than with our esteemed guests here, correct? Besides, it is fun hearing them bicker. Sun keeps giving the monsters unsolvable riddles and Moon is trying to trick them into soul contracts. Dear Eclipse is oddly calm, I wonder if he is secretly listening to us.” Amary looked at the shadow on the wall.

Raven shivers at the thought of the grand duke, eyes darting to every shadow that jumps out at her. Black feathers bristling from anticipation.

The shadows on the wall were deceptively calm and almost mocking as they tried to create a false idea of safety. Amary raised an eyebrow, before looking over at the jewels in the nearby decorations, as well as many metallic objects. “His eyes are everywhere where precious stones and metal resides.”

Raven shudders before snapping her head to one gem in particular. She grumbles then snaps her fingers, purple mana glowing from her hand. She grumbles harder when the gem dims a bit and a cold presences takes its place behind her, much like a grim reaper.

A dark cloak threatens to engulf her, almost as if making a parody of a comforting embrace, golden eyes glowing as the grim aristocrat spoke, “Greetings, dear one, I heard that you have been curious as to my whereabouts. Have I satisfied your curiosity now? I should be compensated for such a service with a dance.” Amary cleared her throat and reprimanded him, “Clipsy knock it off, you are scaring her. Don’t make me take your Wi-Fi again.”

Raven snorts and looks over her shoulder at Eclipse with a raised brow, “You have Wi-Fi? Old man?”

The Grand Duke made a slight grumble a cranky purr, huffing “I do prefer to watch certain documentaries on that “inter webs” you children use nowadays.”

“Pfft! ‘Inter webs’?” Raven covers her mouth as she shakes from restrained laughter. Her wings flapping in amusement. She looks at Amary with an expression that says, “I’m sorry but I can’t help it”.

Amary giggled as well “Isn’t he adorable? You should have seen him when he was trying to write something on the phone, his claws were so hard to type with and he kept poking the phone!”

Raven snorts again hearing the duke harrumph behind her. She clears her throat, trying to act serious. But it was like trying to keep a wave upon the sand. “I’m sorry, my lord.” She bows to Eclipse, snicking.

Eclipse merely smiled, conjuring a beautiful dark spinel gem, “Amuse yourself all you wish, the sweetest laugh is the last one. I am still hoping you would one day accept my offer and bear this jewel I give to you. Immortality awaits you, little bird.” Amary cleared her throat, “Clipsy, could you give me the security report while you are already trying to entrap poor dear Raven?” Eclipse made a slight grumble, “The perimeter of the castle is secure, although I did sense some dark energies from the Purple Threat. My shields will hold him.”

Raven sighs and rubs her temple, “Those freaks have been trying to breach the defenses for a while…thank you duke for capturing one!” Then she crosses her arms while looking at his offered gem, “and I would rather share a dance with the viscount and marquis than become your slave.”

As soon as she said that, a playful cackle came from a nearby painting, as Viscount Sun came out of it as if it were its own living dimension “truly? Did I hear that correctly?” A nearby shadow began morphed into an orchestra of darkness, Marquis Moon appearing as the musical maestro. “We do accept the dancing offer. No take-backsies, little bird.” The twins were quite silly. Amary reached for a glass of wine to sip on “It is fascinating how my boys manage to both handle such complex security while trying to seduce people.”

Raven rolls her eyes playfully, “I’ll say…I think it was last week when I was working on preparations for the festival when a certain marquis thought it’d be funny to dump a bucket of paint on me.” Raven puts her hands on her hips, “Any of this ringing a bell Moon?”

Fittingly, Moon conjured a pretty little golden bell and began to ring it “Gracious goodness, it does seem to ring one! Do pardon my mischief, it was all to bring laughter, nightingale.”

Raven covers her mouth as she snorts, amused by Moon’s antics. She turns to face Amarynthia once more, “I do hope you’ve been enjoying the festivities and not only patrolling the area.”

Amary reached at the nearby tray of food and took a cupcake, “indeed! I love the entirety of the decorations and the happy vibes that are gathered in these halls tonight. Not to mention that Moonie here will be bringing his spooky band later to play some symphonies.”

Raven nods her head, smiling at Moon before giving him a small bow, “I look forward to your performance!”

The Archivist straightens up, the feathers on her wings shifting with the occasional breeze. One of her raven familiars flies down in front of Amary as Ravenwriter reaches into her cloak. “I got you something actually…” With a shout of joy, Raven pulls out a small box with small leaping cats carved into the wood, “This is one of those…uhm Special items you’ve been looking for! I hope you will find them useful!” The actual raven on the ground lets out an affirmative caw.

Amary makes a happy noise as she accepts the gift, “Thank you so much, my dear Raven! I have some treats for you, as well!” She waves her hand and suddenly a large red box appears. She opened it, revealing magnificent chocolates, “All for you!”

“Oh my goodness!” Raven squeals, taking the offered box of goodies. “These look amazing! And the designs are adorable.” Each chocolate piece was shaped either as a sun, or crescent moon…and there were a few cat themed ones as well.

Amary smiled and squeaked with joy, “I am glad you like them, Raven! Anything for our Archivist, you deserve the best with all the hard work you do for our castle. I see so many lovely guests have gathered.”

Raven beams, looking out fondly at the crowd of creators enjoying the festivities. Some even choose to bring their families, friends, and partners.  It was a night of joy.

“Indeed. I’m so honored to have so many residents under my protection. And I’m thankful for all they do to help out.” Raven turns and looks at Amary, “Thank you.”

Amary conjured a cute pair of Sun and Moon plushies, “Before you go, take these, for protection! They are very powerful!”

Raen chuckles, “Do you mean actual power, or just their adorableness?” Both plushies were soft to the touch and incredibly cute. Raven thinks back to her littlest sibling as she looks at the toys.

Amary giggled, “a little bit of both! The more you love them, the more power they gain as shields and good luck charms!”

Raven smiles, “In that case, prepare to be the smothered in an avalanche of affection you humble plushies!” She laughs and places the dolls and chocolates in her basket. Then she looks back up at the vampires behind Amary. “I’m afraid I have more duties to attend to, my lords. That dance will have to wait.”

The three vampires made rather adorable disappointed noises and pouts as if they were spoiled puppies. Sun and Moon in particular, “We shall be waiting nevertheless! An eternity if we must!” The Grand Duke was about to say something, but a stern glance from Amary made him remain quiet. He knew he had to be a good boy now.

“Well, I’ll let you continue keeping all of us safe.” Raven smiles, “once you’re done with your patrol, why don’t we hang out with the others for the rest of the festivities?”

The vampire twins perk up in joy at hearing that, “does that mean you shall dance with us, precious Archivist?” Once more, Eclipse too was about to say something, but he comically elbow nudged by Amary, losing his breath. Amary happily spoke “of course! It would be my pleasure!”

Raven chuckles before giving one last bow to the creator and her vampire guards. She then heads on her ways, wings shifting to better accommodate to her steps.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thank you @amymaleneart and @amarynthian-chronicles for your amazing writing! It was a blast and honor to work with you both again!