video; un: quibbler

[creidim]

[ Luna Lovegood is perhaps the best she's looked in months. Despite the exhausted look about her, and the expression of queasiness — she's void of any trace of Corruption. She's been spending the past several days sleeping, and not sleeping; trying to calm her stomach from the copious amounts of wild animals she'd devoured as a beast. While sustenance for her in Beastform, her stomach now she's human again is... far more delicate. But the worst of it has passed, at least. And Peter has been a blessing for her, making sure she's alright — even if eating has been a little bit of a struggle.

She sits in her room, sat on her bed with her knees curled up to her chest, still dressed in pyjamas. Her Omni rests on her bedside as she begins the broadcast. She's anxious; her brow drawn down in a sorrowful frown. It's important, though. People deserve apologies, even she deserves no luxury of apology in return. She hurt people, quite a lot — and while the memories of the latter half of April are foggy at best, she knows she's done some terrible things. ]

I realise a great deal of people may be very upset with me right now. I would have done this sooner, but I... needed a little bit of time to sort out my mind. [ She's still trying to do that, but it's now or never. ]

I remember the butterflies, and then... it gets a bit mixed up after that. [ It was like... falling down a very, very deep hole. Slowly slipping away from herself, and into something cold and dark and twisted. ]

I'm sorry. I know I hurt a lot of people, I know I— I think I killed people, too. I know I wasn't myself, I became someone terrible and then something terrible. A monstrous Beast. [ It hurts to refer herself as that. No beast is monstrous. But she did monstrous things. That is... simply how it is, and she's ashamed of herself. ] I know people might think it isn't my fault, that I became a Beast — but I still did those things. I barely even know who I did them to, I don't remember much.

But I'm very sorry.

[ She doesn't expect forgiveness, not at all. She's alright with that. Luna's quiet for a long tome, just leaving the apology there. But after a while, she inhales and continues. ]

I was lucky. My friends found me, my boyfriend found me. They brought me back. They knew who I was even though I was a Beast. I can only guess others haven't and won't be so fortunate. [ How many times have Sleepers been killed as Beasts? How many will be in future? ]

I've been doing some thinking, the past couple of days. How to... maybe help Sleepers, somehow. Back home, someone very important to me, a hero to me really, led the way in the study of magical beasts — he's one of the greatest Magizoologists known to Wizardkind. He offered a great deal of insight into beast behaviours, abilities and how best to care for them — compiled it into a textbook.

I'd... like to start doing something like that, but for Sleepers in their Beastforms. I want to do it as my area of study at the School of Mutter. An encyclopaedia of Sleepers' forms of Beasthood, noting their appearance, abilities, strengths and weaknesses. But also how best to help them, calm them down. Bring them back.

[ She doesn't want it to mean it's how to kill them. No, no. Not at all. It's how best to help Sleepers, so they don't have to be killed. But also knowing how best to deal with them, so other Sleepers don't end up getting killed when dealing with Beasts. Merlin knows how many Witches and Wizards were likely killed by magical creatures they had no clue on how to handle them. Wild animals are just that, they can kill. ]

I could have very easily met death at the hands of a Hunter, but I was lucky I didn't. Knowledge is a very powerful tool, and I believe it could do a great deal of good. [ That being said: ] If people have information they'd like to share about their Beastforms, or how they've dealt with bringing Sleepers back — I would like to hear it for my research.

If you'd rather speak in person, you may find me at Ritual Gig in Willful Machine. [ There's a little pause, her voice wobbling slightly. ] You... may have known it as John Constantine's shop, but moving forward I shall be taking up the reins in his absence.

Comments

Video | 1stStrike | CW: Toxic Masculinity in here.

[strikefirster]

Seriously?

You're the bitch who was going around fucking throwing magic and shit at people.

You're telling me you're the same chick who ganged up on me with her limp dick boyfriend and killed me last month?

Alright, four things.

One: That's fucking hard to believe.

Two: Fuck you, kid.

Three: Don't fucking hang out with weirdass butterflies if they're going to make you do stupid shit like that.

Four: Fuck you.

written text

[brushy]

Do not make me come out here to bite you, boy.

video;

[creidim]

[ Luna wilts slowly under everything he says, wincing here and there. Is he angry? Yes. Does he have every right to be? Yes. Is she going to sit here and not interrupt him and simply just take the ire directed at her? Also yes. ]

I didn't know that would happen, with the butterflies. That they would make me... wrong. [ There's no anger, she's not arguing with him. Just simply stating it. ]

I'm sorry. I know what I did, and I can't change that. But I'm sorry.

[eudaimonikos]

Yes, yes, you're very tough and cool. Please shut up now, thanks.

video | un: graham crackers

[possessum]

( Replying to this goes against every ounce of Conflict Avoidance that Peter Graham functions through. But it isn't just the demon who's feeling heated sparks of anger at Johnny's response (Paimon, of course, is about ready to come through the screen, and Peter's only barely managing to keep the demon at bay, practically begging him to let him talk first.)

Peter can't just sit there and listen to this, either. There's a pinch to his brow, eyes hard. His voice is quiet, but he's pissed. This guy is going way too far. )

Hey, don't fucking talk to her like that. She's trying to apologise, and she's trying to help.

Video; UN: BlackMoths

[blackmothwings]

This vile attack will cease immediately, or else I shall be forced to remove your tongue. Do not speak about her, or her boyfriend in such a manner, sir.

text | un: younghuman | private

[terriblepurpose]

[Paul catches up on the latest news of the day via the network with a growing sense of alarm with each recorded message. Usually, he stays out of his sensei's affairs, trusting that he knows how to handle himself - but this seems to have gotten a touch out of hand.]

Do you want back up, sensei?

Video

[frogfear]

Oh, hey! Kicking someone when they're down. That must make you feel like a real tough guy, huh?

video (un: falcogrice)

[grice]

[ falco listens, and watches, and listens— he knows now, that it was her, he'd known when peter (no, paimon) had battered him up to release her from his death grip. there's nothing against her here, nothing but swollen relief that she's herself again, that he could see her face and smile softly at it, pained, in a way— not for himself, but because of empathy. he knew this feeling, he knew how the sullen spot of someone remorseful without having the ability to change it. it was what it was. the only thing he could do was accept that it happened and learn at least something about preventing even a lick of it again.

that's what this is, and that's why falco smiles with a shine in his eyes. ]

Miss Luna . . . [ he touches the screen and brushes it with his thumb as he holds his omni close, already wishing that he could visit her (and maybe he would, later. he had to show her someone wonderful). ] That's a great idea.

video;

[creidim]

[ Oh, no. Falco. She hasn't forgotten, even if a lot of it isn't something that comes to her easily. But there's snatches of it, some things too strong in her mind to really forget: the strong scent of flowers in the air. How she'd hurt him. How he'd.... changed into something huge and ferocious, something she remembers seeing — in the memory of his she'd slipped into. Those giants... they're... they're people, people like Falco. ]

I think so too, the least I could do really. And... it would be a good way to do something related to my interests, and would honour Newt's work. [ Just a different form of it, now she won't ever return home. ] He's the Magizoologist I mentioned.

[ There's a long pause, her gaze averting in the silence. ]

I'm sorry, Falco.

action

[eudaimonikos]

[Michael doesn't actually respond to the network post - at least, not directly to Luna - but he does stop by the shop she indicated later that day. He raps his knuckles against the door as he opens it, hovering in the doorway.]

Luna?

[creidim]

[ The whole network broadcast has been... exhausting. It's actually nice to get away to the shop and just... enjoy the quiet. Get some work done, take stock. Poor Willow must have had to hold the fort down plenty for most of April while Luna was... out of commission. It still feels... odd, now that John's not here, though. She misses him a great deal.

Michael is a wonderful distraction from pondering too hard on that, though. She looks up, towards the door and her eyes widen. The thinks the wards should be alright with Michael being a demon, he's a nice one, after all. Maul's really the only one who has an outright ban from the place. ]

Hello, Michael. Please come in. [ She waves him in. ] I'm... assuming you might be here about the network post...?

video; un: lady

[dohaeris]

[oh no, lady smelled corruption on this girl at the party. sansa feels terrible for not checking up on her (never mind that she hadn't even gotten her name, and people don't generally liked to be tracked down by direwolf). she fixes a gentle smile on her face.]

I'm very sorry that happened to you. It wasn't fair, that the butterflies should be so gentle and dangerous all at once.

[she has come to expect treachery from lovely things, but they could have at least had the decency to be aggressive. it would have made killing them, or even just pushing them away, much easier.]

I spent some time last month treating the victims of the butterflies with my blood hound, Knight. We treat all manner of corruption this way, and we should like very much to treat you as well, if you ever feel even a little corruption. You might ask the lantern imps for the Rookery, or visit me in Cellar Door. It's the building with the weirwood tree growing out of it.

video;

[creidim]

Quite a terrible betrayal, I should think. [ Luna's... woeful over that. Her brow pinches together softly for a moment. And a terrible irony, too: ] I do love magical creatures very much. And yet here is one that was my downfall.

[ She is.. not upset with them, though. The butterflies simply are what they are. Luna could hardly blame them, really. ]

I would very much appreciate that, and I'll keep it in mind. I suppose everything all got on top of me the last few months, and the butterflies simply pushed me what I had still to fall. [ She sighs. ] At least I'm much better now, though. Coming back from Beasthood has reset me.

I... don't believe I've heard of a weirwood—?

action;

[entreats]

[ Ange doesn't reply to the network post itself.

Maybe it's because she prefers more private conversations in the first place. Or maybe it's because Luna has got to be in such a delicate mood after everything that happened - something which Ange realises even more so due to her own involvement in the first place with helping Peter bring Luna back. But whichever the reason is, the girl instead finds herself heading over towards the shop with a thermos filled with tea. Something she did for Willow only a few weeks ago, funnily enough, but.. Ange usually just hopes it will make the conversation feel a little less weighty, if it's over tea.

When she enter the shop, she shoots the other girl a tiny, cautious smile - but despite its faintness, it's still a smile. Ange doesn't want this to just be about Luna remembering all the bad stuff. ]

Luna, good afternoon. I didn't come at a bad time, did I..?

[creidim]

[ She'd given herself enough time in the first few days following her return from Beasthood. But Luna knows she can't just simply hide away from everyone at the events of last month. There's plenty of unpleasant conversations to be had, plenty of people that are upset with her. The network post has been certainly proof of that.

She's trying to be gentle with herself. But she's trying to make things right for all the wrong she's done, and simply trying to keep herself busy. Being busy is good, and being the new owner of a magical shop is certainly something to keep her occupied. And certainly Willow could do with a break. ]

Hello, Ange. As good as time as any, I suppose. [ There's a wry smile. ] I'm sure you've seen the whole... unpleasant mess on the network.

[ Merlin, even Peter got involved. ]

Video; UN: SweetDee

[agiantbird]

[Dee doesn't seem to know what to say for a moment, but when she finally speaks up, she does so with a quiet, uncertain voice.]

Damn, kid. That's real mess up. [A pause.] I feel like people need to give you a break, though. I mean, you couldn't control what happened to you, right?

video;

[creidim]

Plainly put, yes. [ That's... definitely the right way of describing it. It's a mess. ]

I... wasn't in control of myself, no. Corruption and Beasthood turn you into something you're not. [ Her lips purse briefly. ] But I still did those things regardless.

Video; UN: BlackMoths

[blackmothwings]

Oh, dear Luna. [Lucille says gently, her eyes wide with concern for the girl.]

Might I pay you a visit sometime soon? If you'd rather be alone, I understand that too.

video;

[creidim]

I don't mind visitors. Although I doubt I'll be much good company, I'm afraid. [ Certainly she's hopeful about her new academic project, but she's still tender about her recent actions.

There's a long pause, her eyebrows raising. There's things she does remember about the past few weeks, but there's certainly a lot she doesn't remember too. ]

... I didn't hurt you, did I—?

Text | un: alphatwin | private

[sparklehorror]

[It's a heavy post to see, but it's also one Mabel can't afford to turn away from. This sort of thing touches far too closely on what she and her brother have both been through, and have been trying to prevent since, and it's...hurtful, in a way, that it's still happening to people months later. It really sounds like Luna's beasthood is the same as what happened to Mabel, who was doing just fine until she ran across a blood blister. If that's the case, all the research she herself has been doing about corruption isn't actually going to fix things at all, is it? Since you can just. Skip it, sometimes, and go straight to trying to kill people because you were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

So, she has to help here, too. But she sends a text at first, since she can't trust her voice.]

my brother and i both have been beasts
it was kind of different for both of us tho
my family's real big on research and stuff with tons of notes so
i can ask him and my uncle to write everything downf or you
and then i'll bring you what we've got

text;

[creidim]

I'd truly appreciate any information you could give me.

I know that the threats of Corruption and Beasthood are never just one-offs. There is a very real chance any of us could end up becoming Beasts again. And it is also possible it might not be our loved ones who find us. So I believe an encyclopaedia or index of sorts on our Beastforms would be very useful.

How did you and your brother come back?

Video; UN: Hadron

[terribibble]

I'm sorry, I have-- that sounds awful, first of all, let me say that right out. All of that. Should get that out of the way first.

Uh.

I have a question.

[He's just going to just ignore the very intense fight going on elsewhere on this post. He's from a time period where no 'network' communication is quite this sophisticated (for a lot of reasons) and there's only so much of it he can get himself accustomed to all at once and a big old argument of branching threads is not one of the things he can handle today. Besides, that feels like something it's not his place to interject in. He doesn't know any of these people.]

I'd only been told it... changing that way... can happen when a person is upset. There are other causes?

[It sounds like basically anything can be a cause, actually, if butterflies did it. Unless she's desperately afraid of butterflies.]

Also I apologize, I don't know if this is coming through all that well, I've never had to have a phone call with someone through a pig.

voice;

[creidim]

[ Honestly, Luna did think there would be a few people quite upset with her. She... did not expect this whole mess of an argument to happen. Even her boyfriend got involved, and Peter's very conflict avoidant. ]

You're quite alright, I can hear you well. I'm assuming you're a new Sleeper—? [ Oh, this is... she feels quite sorry for him. Welcome to Trench, indeed. ] There's lots of different things that bring about Corruption and Beasthood. A person's mental well-being is certainly something that plays into it, but Trench is a place where existing is often very difficult on a person's mind and body.

There are things in the world that can cause Corruption or Beasthood, like the butterflies I mentioned. They weren't ordinary ones, they ensnared you when you looked at them. And then, I remember... it felt being in the darkest of holes, like there was nothing good in the world, and there was no point of anything.

[ Luna's quiet for a moment. ]

... Things like that.

video | un: K

[obeir]

Are you all right now, Luna? Is there anything I can do?

[ K's concern is clearly written in his furrowed brow and worried frown. And it's only going to worsen once he catches up on the other conversations happening in her post... because what the hell, honestly. ]

I haven't experienced Beasthood yet myself, but I'm willing to help you however I can with your endeavour. I think it would be wise to keep records and help each other. Especially if it means fewer people will die.

[ He hesitates then, his gaze drifting to something off screen as a shadow of sadness crosses his face. This is difficult. Not just for himself. He has a fair idea of what John Constantine had meant to both Luna and Peter (—possibly even Paimon?), and they're not the only ones feeling the weight of his absence now. John had been mentoring him the last several months. Moreover, John is his friend. ]

And about John's shop... His letter to me mentioned he left a parcel there that's marked for me?

video;

[creidim]

I'm much better now — thank you, K. Tired, I suppose. A bit nauseous. [ There's a weak smile. ] I'm just... working on being myself again. But I'm alright.

[ It's definitely been a rough few days, but she'll be fine in time. ]

I suppose word of mouth is an excellent tool for gathering information. We can all help each other by the things we see or hear or discover. Anything you might come across that you believe might be relevant about Beasthood would be very much appreciated. [ She nods in agreement. ] That's what I hope. Peter brought me back, so I was lucky. But I suppose others haven't been in the past.

[ Luna watches him carefully for a moment as he shifts into silence, the quiet sadness in his expression. And then the mention of a letter, a parcel has her blinking: ]

Oh—! [ ... Oh. She's quite for a long moment, her lips pursing. John is... still a raw subject for her. She's barely had much time to really process it, considering everything that happened towards the latter half of the month. And now, moving on from her return from Beasthood, she will... have to do so. ] He did say there were some parcels for quite a few people to pick up in the letter he left me, yes.

[ She admittedly didn't realise they were friends. On one hand, she's glad. K's nice, and always deserves friends. On the other hand, it means he's lost John too. Fern too, she realises. And Varian. Finally, she pulls in a breath and nods. ]

I'll be along at the shop later on today. Feel free to come by whatever time suits best.

video; un: jk21a

[hearuthinking]

Shit. Listen, kid, this place fucks a person up. It ain't your fault. [He's a little glad now he was too busy hunting down all the creatures that came out through the portals to worry about her]

Me and Viktor were talkin' about doin' beast research a while back. You in contact with him?

[creidim]

I still did terrible things. I don't think I should be so easily forgiven for them. [ It's honestly a good thing she had both Peter and Paimon looking out for her, but mostly the fact she just wanted to get away from people and go hide out in the woods on her own. Things could have been a lot worse, even if they certainly could have been better. ]

I'm afraid I don't know a Viktor, I'm sorry. ... What were you talking about specifically?

[imaglyphwitch]

Hey Luna! I'm glad you're doing ok!

[Please forgive Luz, she doesn't sound quite as enthusiastic as usual. She certainly knew what it was like to be put through the ringer, which was certainly the case right now].

I knew that what was happening wasn't your fault. Reaper was also not himself when he was corrupted, and even then that wasn't the last time I had to deal with someone who was not themself due to certain situations.

[Nope, Darth Maul had been the first, and he'd killed two people close to her AND nearly killed her in that situation. You go through that, you could get through almost anything].

Are you recovering all right?

[creidim]

I'm so sorry I gave you such a hard time, Luz. [ She feels terrible, even if she couldn't help acting how she'd done. She's been horrid. Corruption is the absolute worse. At least Beasthood is mostly a blur, she could remember a lot more when she'd only been heavily under the effects of Corruption. ]

Tired, mostly. Unfortunately my diet as a Beast was... quite a lot of wild animals in the woods, so eating hasn't been easy. [ The first time she'd faced food since she came back had been........ well, a bit of a horror show. She's feeling... delicate. ]

But I think all effects of Corruption were wiped away when I came back, so there's that.

video: un; makes.it.count

[nothinglikea]

[hmm. while on the one hand, the urge to side with Johnny is almost automatic, she knows all too well what it's like to suddenly become something you're not. it was only due to Luz's intervention that she herself didn't hurt anyone. so she's erring on the side of mercy]

I know we've only met once and under...fraught circumstances. But you're doing the right thing by trying to make amends for what recently happened. It's likely something which wouldn't have happened at all, had you not become a beast.

[private]

And if you like, I can try talking to Johnny. He's not unreasonable, but his world has no such incidents. As a result, they can become rather difficult to understand and get over.

video;

[creidim]

It's the least I could do, really. [ She's despondent about what's happened, but attempting to be hopeful towards the future. ] I know I can't take what's been done back, but I'd like to think maybe if people know better how to deal with those who fall to Beasthood — then it'll spare everyone a great deal more hurt.

private

... No, no. You don't need to do that. I deserve his anger, if anything.

Video; un: lothrat

[ezra_of_lothal]

[Welp, Ezra missed all of this, as it went down.]

Hey, Luna. Compiling knowledge about averting beasthood, different types, and bringing people back sounds like a great idea.

[He bites the inside of his cheek, debating before he presses on.]

I'm, uh. I'm not sure calling yourself a thing, even just talking about that state, when clearly, you weren't in your right mind...is great, on the other hand, though.

But I know this stuff is tough to talk about, and not everyone will agree on the best ways to address it.

video;

[creidim]

[ Probably for the best. She might not remember much of it, but she remembers enough that it was... wholly nightmarish. ]

I think so too. There's still so much we don't know about Beasthood, so having a kind of textbook about what we become would prove quite useful.

[ And then... ah. ]

... I know it was me, but it wasn't me either. I don't really remember being myself, feeling like who I am. [ Like she was 'Luna' no longer. Removed from herself. ] 'A thing' just seems... apt.

video; un: TripleJ

[kyley_b]

[A little wave.]

Uhm. Hi. I'm Kyle. We haven't met properly, but I know Peter. Uhm. But like, I just wanted to say...

It wasn't your fault. Don't let anybody make you feel like it was your fault.

I didn't hit full beast but I came close. I'd be happy to like, give you any information I have? And I can help search the Archives or take notes or whatever if you need a research assistant.

video;

[creidim]

Oh, you're a friend of Peter's—? [ That's nice. There's a little smile; Peter deserves more friends. ]

I understand I couldn't help myself, but I also understand it was still my fault too, you know? It's... very complicated. [ An entirely huge understatement. ]

I'd appreciate anything really. I suppose it's quite a large undertaking, writing a book. [ It's... essentially what it is, her own kind of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. ] I think that might be nice, a section on methods used to bring people back from Beasthood needs to be written — but I'm only one person, and the Archives does have a great deal of information.

Video; private

[frogfear]

[Like Luna, Willow remembers little of her nights spent as a werewolf, just bits and flashes, like a dream. If it wasn't for waking up still injured from their fight, she would have thought she had just had a nightmare.

She's still not sure she's prepared to acknowledge that letting the Necromancer's attempt to cure her had backfired. Maybe there's still another explanation; some sort of magic, or bizarre side effect from dreamwalking - something.

The feed flicks on and she gives Luna a tired, but reassuring smile.]

You're not the only one who's ever done something they regret - it's not like you're the first person this has ever happened to. It'll be okay though, Luna. Even if some people are being jerks about it right now.

[At least it looks like there's plenty of people willing to defend her from Johnny.]

Beasthood research sounds like a good idea - I'll let you know if I come across anything helpful.

You're okay now, though, right? After everything?

video; private from here on out

[creidim]

[ She's largely come out unscathed. There's a definitely ache to her, but she's been lucky it was the Beast who took the brunt of it, and had enough time to heal before she changed back. ]

... I don't really remember much, but I know enough that people have been hurt by me. I just... I needed to let people know I was sorry for what I'd done. [ She shakes her head. ] No, it's alright. I definitely do deserve it.

[ Getting called awful names is the least she can take for killing a man. ]

I'm alright, I think. My Corruption's gone, at least. [ There's a pause. Willow deserves the entire truth. ] But sleeping is... quite problematic. Eating, too. I don't think I ate... people. But I think I ate a lot of animals and it's— well, I'll spare you the more graphic details but eating's not really in my list of favourite things right now.

[ She's... kind of sticking to water and herbal teas, at the moment. ]

[Video] un: QueenCobra

[abornfighter]

[She sees everything that Johnny has to say, and his anger is certainly justified. However, she also knows what it's like to have to work on atoning for past mistakes.]

Studying them sounds like a good start. Maybe some examples of what early corruption looks like. Early detection means it's probably easier to fix them.

video;

[creidim]

[ Oh, it's absolutely justified. Luna isn't biting back against his anger, she's sitting and taking it. But she supposes a lot of people are... not quite happy with his choice of works against her. It's become a bit of a mess. ]

Corruption's a little more tricky. It's... wildly different, depending on the person. Everyone acts or looks a bit differently, sometimes it's hard to even detect at all.

I hadn't realised my boyfriend's levels of Corruption until it was far too late. He didn't change at all and then—

[ He wasn't Peter anymore. ]

Video; un: darkness

[survivalthroughhate]

It's not an easy thing to deal with, when you end up killing and hurting people because you're not yourself at the moment.

[He just goes quiet after that and gives a pointed stare. She's always held his killing spree against him for what he'd done to Paimon and Peter, and well, now the shoe is on the other foot isn't it?]

video;

[creidim]

[ Oh, not now, Maul. She is tired.

And besides, it's not like she'd previously wanted to kill Johnny Lawrence, or the others. Or even hurt them. Unlike someone who'd once told her how it would be far better if Peter was gone and Paimon was brought out to have full and total control of Peter's body. ]

And while you do have my pity for being under the influence of outside forces, your intentions were already there. I never wanted to hurt those I've hurt. The same can't be said for you.

[ So don't you dare make out like it's exactly the same. ]