Special Bonus Chapter | Chapter 00 - A Stacy White Interview. (Patreon)

Special Bonus Interview Chapter - Stacy White group interview Q & A!

I posted the very first chapter of this series 3.5 years ago. Some of you have been here right from the start, and others have been here every day since the day they discovered this series. I was thinking about it earlier, and it just blows me away. So I wanted to say thank you again and also finally FINALLY post this chapter.

It's a Special chapter I promised Years ago... I just got cold feet. The premise is that I once had a thread for people to ask the characters questions, these are the questions and the answers in sort of a 'game show host' style story. Hope you enjoy!

Note: Characters will answer in Cannon and to their knowledge - but not necessarily truthfully. (aka they might lie or be incorrect). The only exception to this is Stacy herself who, though necessity, has information she does not have in Cannon. Additionally for the sake of this, she doesn’t know Claire. This chapter has no bearing on the events of the rest of the series (although it might reference some events). 

Special thanks to: 

Petentro, ManyAny8222, Mistress_Raven74, AnonLimpet, PassengerFar737, ladysarahpopsicle, PassengerFar737, Extension-Proof6669, alice-aletheia, ShiemRence, Ok-Respect-4201, Estarwoo, SpongegirlCS, trippycounsel, and TwilightontheMoon for contributing some of the questions for this event!

Point of View is Stacy White:

“Welcome everyone, to this very special event! Now for everyone’s safety, I’ll ask that you all please remain in your assigned seats, and keep your magical abilities to yourselves until the conclusion of this event,” I began, addressing all of my interviewees at once. 

Truth be told, I was somewhat terrified. Each person present was dangerous in their own right, and all that protected me from them was a magical barrier of questionable strength. A shimmering vale divided the room into two planes. Near complete darkness shrouded one side so that only the silhouettes of the participants seated there were visible, while the other side was kept dim for the comfort of the monsters, and illuminated only by the warm glow of strategically placed lamps.

Of course they were also separated into two categories, hostile and amicable… Although how accurate that is would depend on who you make angry, and so I began with caution. “Now, to explain before we begin; all of the questions in today's event were provided by overseeing entities who know a great deal about your lives. As such, I would advise against lying and I will remind you all once more. Please don’t move from your seats.. or our security system will kick in.” I smiled pleasantly. I’ve done more than enough interviews with monsters to know by now how to protect myself.

Silence followed my statement, but the glistening eyes of the participants never left me. They were uncertain, calculating how best to continue just like I was. Markos in particular made me anxious. His name tag plaque sat untouched before him until the girl beside him reached forward to grab it. 

“These are so fancy,” she whispered with a grin.

“Put it back,” he answered, gently guiding her into placing it back down. She was human dressed as a fae, and situated between three of them. 

On the end sat the man, Eric. His outwardly emotionless gaze was unsettling, one hand rested on the hilt of his cane, while the fae to his right held his wrist to the arm of the chair as if holding him in place. Past them was a human man, Charles, and next to him the fae Achaicus. Claire sat between them and Markos, while a white haired girl followed up on the final side. These were the ‘non-hostile’ portion of the interview.

Across the room, behind the veil, sat a girl with long honey brown hair, arrow straight in her seat. A fae man, slouched across his seat, Lazarus, he looked displeased. While our final contestants, two vanir gods, were seated slightly apart from the other two. One was older, while the other was perched sitting slightly forward, with his eyes focused across the room on someone else.

Taking in a deep breath to calm my nerves, I spoke up, “Alright, if everyone is ready! Let’s begin! Our first question of the day is for Deputy Charles - how many monsters have you kissed by this point?” 

The man fidgeted, rubbing the back of his head as his complexion turned flush, “Why did I have to go first?” he grumbled.

“Just luck of the draw,” I assured with a laugh, he did look like he wanted to disappear. 

He delayed a moment more before exhaling, “I don’t know, I mean, do you mean individual monsters or instances of kissing the same monster?”

“The question doesn’t say.”

“Right, well, like three? Then I guess…”

“You sound uncertain there, luckily, our next question is for Ronove - how many monsters have you seen Charles kiss?”

‘More than that,’ the answer echoed through my mind without hesitation and I paused, surprised. I wasn’t expecting such a rapid response. “More than three, interesting,” I mused, “Care to comment further Charles?”

Charles folded his arms and legs uncomfortably, “Nope, I think I’m good.” 

It was probably best to move on, “Well, luckily the next question is for Nathaniel – when you and Eric were "joined" in battle, what did it feel like when Eric shared some of his energy back through you?”

The fae considered before answering, “...It felt like fire through my nerves. His revenant surge was the worst of it. Our magic is cold, his is… painful, potent. It traveled from the base of my skill downwards into everything else. If we weren’t especially compatible, it likely would have been fatal.”

“I told you to break the connection…” Eric added quieter. 

“I never said it was bad,” Nathaniel assured, “It was useful.” 

“Does that mean you’re going to be able to use that technique regularly?” I enquired.

“No. It’s too dangerous for my Vanir. I won’t risk his life for power,” the fae answered sternly.

“I can decide that for myself-” Eric began.

“I said no.”

Eric sneered just slightly, “You controlling bastard. What gives you the right?”

“You haven’t earned back the right to complain, given what happened.”

“Okay okay, we might just move on!” I interrupted before they could continue arguing, launching into the next question, “Molly, this is both a comment and a question: one entity wants you to know that they hate your face, everyone hates you, and asks if you betrayed Achaicus because he wouldn’t sleep with you.”

Molly snorted to herself, gradually turning her attention to me, “Achaicus has nothing to offer anyone. His existence is a waste of time, and talent. Furthermore, my face is anatomically unflawed, and I have no obligation to care for the feelings of others.” 

The veil rippled as she spoke, allowing her voice through. She articulated in uncaring monotone, while Achaicus averted his gaze downward and Nathaniel tensed. At least one of the twins looked like he wanted to silence her.

“Well, that was cold… ahh, next question! For our Vanir gods, firstly, are vanir lactose intolerant? and secondly, Mercury, how did the conflict with your father start?”

Mercury spoke first, disallowing his father or son the opportunity, “Lactose intolerance, nor any other food allergy, is a weakness that would be disallowed in my family. As for my father. The entire ordeal could have been prevented if he weren’t a coward. He knows the truth of what we are, what we can do. Yet he would always prefer to sit idly and make no claim. My problem with him is his waste of talent, and his insistence that I’m ‘wrong’ in some way.”

“Mercury,” Eyvindr warned, but his son only smiled.

“However, the outcome has yielded some positive results regardless,” Mercury commented.

“Could you elaborate on what that means?” I asked tentatively.

The man turned to look at me, watching me with his deep blue eyes from under his lashes, “My father and I have come to an understanding, while son remains, and he is still perfect. My legacy will never die, and my name will never be forgotten. What is that if not divinity?”

“You’re not a god,” Eric hissed through his teeth, and Mercury’s attention returned to him.

“Oh? You disagree, child?”

“You’re nothing.”

“Yet you couldn’t resist the opportunity to talk to me.”

For half a moment, Eric moved to stand, but Nathaniel laced his fingers over the top of his and the boy stopped. The tension melted from his shoulders and he scowled instead, “I’m glad you died.”

“Moving on!” I commented before Mercury could respond. I didn’t need that one deciding to try breaking the veil. 

“The next questions are for the Fae, regarding reproduction for Markos… One entity writes: Since human women are born with a limited amount of eggs, how do human women under Fae contract continue giving birth to fae children when they can possibly be hundreds of years old? Is menopause delayed? Are new eggs produced? Or is it that mating doesn't occur that much?”

Markos sat back slightly, “I decline to answer.” 

“Why?” I pressed.

“It’s unnecessary to explain.”

“Do I need to remind you that you’re obligated to answer?”

“I don’t care.”

“Wait wait, is it because I’m here that you won’t answer… because I want to know too…” Claire interjected. 

“...You wouldn’t like to hear it,” Markos responded to her more softly.

“Yes I would, I’ll be okay with whatever it is. Besides, I’m already in way to deep to back out now, trust me!” She assured him, pleading.

“...I did try…” he murmured quieter, before his attention turned to me. He had sharp intelligence rarely seen in monsters, and I almost regretted having to ask him anything, but he answered cordially at Claire’s request. “It’s true that human women shed their eggs at a rapid rate. So it’s common for Fae pets to have their lives extended as part of their contract to alleviate this problem. Magic and diet slow their metabolic processes, and in turn, their fertility cycle is affected. 

Where an uncontracted human may cycle at approximately 28 days, contracted humans may cycle every 6-10 months, depending on contract terms. It delays menopause, not that many remain alive long enough to reach such an issue. No new eggs are produced, and mating occurs infrequently. They aren’t intended as pleasure for us. They’re simply incubators…” he trailed off without looking over while Claire sat rigid. Maybe she wasn’t as ready to hear it as she thought.

“A follow up question from a different entity: Can ghouls mate with Fae? If yes, what would the kids be ? More importantly , would their kids prefer freshly slaughtered or medium rotten human meat?”

This time, Markos answered with little hesitance, “As there have yet to be any ghoul-fae pairings, I don’t know. Their magic is different, and there may be other biological barriers preventing successful offspring. However, if there were a hybrid, I can only assume they would have little preference as we can all eat meat, we simply prefer the hunt.”

“Yuckyy~” Claire teased as she recovered from his previous statements, putting him at ease.

“Okay, next is for Calla, two entities want to know how you’re enjoying getting to wear pants?”

The girl turned to Markos for permission to speak and gave a dismissive gesture, allowing her to answer, “Pants are a very practical garment. They feel nice on my skin, especially those with a fluffy interior lining, and they cover modestly. I also prefer them for the added protection. If I should fall, the pants protect my skin better than a dress skirt.”

“A very practical answer,” I nodded, politely teasing her, not that she seemed to notice. “Eric, it’s finally your turn to answer some questions~ I hope you’re ready.” 

“...How bad is it going to be?”

“We’ll start with the easy ones, first, asked by two different entities, what is your ‘body count’ and which species is ‘packing the most heat’? No shame~”

Eric scrunched his nose just slightly before responding calmly, “I’ve killed-” he began.

“No no, don’t even try it, you know what those questions mean.”

“Fine. Too many to keep count, and dragons. That’s all I’ll say.”

“Dragons Eric? Like the one Calla beat?” Claire chimed in, curious.

“...The ones that can still shift,” he clarified with delay as he turned back to her, “But they’re still a difficult ride…”

“Oh my gosh- Calla, did you know that they could change when you killed that other one?” Claire continued amazed.

“Dragons who no longer shift, lose the ability to do so,” the girl responded indifferent.

“Okay, we’re getting a little off track here and there are plenty more questions!” I pulled the conversation back, “Nathaniel, what was your biggest fear in terms of retaliation from the Enforcers?”

“I had no fear of them. I simply didn’t want the headache of fighting a war on three fronts. Two was hard enough. Besides that, they’re well known for their weaponry, there was no need to aggravate them.”

“That sort of leads well into our next question, for the Vanir gods, What caused the new age Vanir to become so gruesome and deadly?”

Once again Mercury moved to answer but, surprisingly, Evyindr stopped him to answer instead, “My family were corrupted by misinformation and delusions of grandeur. Son’s, Mercury in particular, mistook the meaning of old testaments.”

“Really Father, even now you still bury your head in the sand.”

“Mind what you say next,” Evyindr warned, but Mercury simply snorted. 

“My son will figure it out. No matter what you say, he will learn the truth, and there’s nothing you can do now to stop him.”

The older of the pair said nothing more, but the implications set the silence in tense disapproval, “Um, next question for Charles and Calla: Any chance you two could get together? Also, Charles – can you ever forgive Eric? You were such good friends, it's gutting!” 

One of the three looked uncomfortable while Calla and Eric remained neutral in their expressions, “I well- Eric and I are working on that…”

“I would be able to reproduce with him,” Calla announced, cutting him off before he could finish answering.

Charles turned a shade of scarlet, “I-I… haven’t really thought about it like that…”

“It would probably be a bad idea to interfere with my property,” Markos commented, and Claire smacked him lightly.

“Don’t call her that, it’s mean.”

“I guess that’s as good as we’ll get. Eric, would you rather have Nathaniel admit that he loves you, but he dies (for good) a year later, or live a thousand years together as you are but never be sure of his feelings?”

I hardly was able to finish the question before Eric’s gaze turned furious, “What kind of a question is that? I want both, I want him to tell me he cares, and for him to live! But obviously, his life is more important than my feelings so if you’re making some kind of threat-”

“Calm down,” Nathaniel mused, lifting his hand to touch Eric’s cheek, “You know you’re overreacting, so defensive over nothing.”

“You’re not going to die,” he growled as if making a threat while pulling away, “This question is your fault for being so unable to say three stupid words.” 

“I care for you.”

Eric paused, caught off guard and immediately embarrassed, “...You didn’t have to say it in front of other people…” he mumbled.

“I think it’s time for the next question,” Nathaniel mused.

“Right, the next one is for Charles - Are you straight, gay, bi, pan, ace, or something else?” 

“Oh man, they’re really getting you with these questions, Charlie,” Claire laughed while Charles squirmed.

“Why is it only me?”

“Perhaps because it makes you uncomfortable,” Achaicus suggested softly.

“Yeah, maybe… but look, I don’t understand half of that question… I’m too old, I don’t know what any- what of those things even means except two of them. I’m just waiting to meet the right person… Does it need a label?”

“That works well for our next question: what would happen if a pet turned out to be a lesbian?-”

“Termination.” The three Fae answered in unison and without hesitation.

“Unwillingness to breed is a rejection criteria,” Markos shrugged.

“Any other option would be cruel,” Achaicus explained.

“Wait- would that mean you wouldn’t want me if I didn’t want to have kids?” Claire huffed.

Markos held his tongue, perhaps sensing the danger in her question, but Nathaniel spoke for him, “Why ask such a childish question when that’s clearly not the case.”

“I didn’t ask you Mr. Internalized Homophobia.”

“Watch it,” Eric warned.

Magic agitatedly lashed the air and I stepped in, “Everyone just calm down, we’ve got another question, for Markos, that might help this situation. Markos, would you leave the fae and raise your child with Claire in the human world if she asked?”

“...I would do everything in my power to fulfill her request,” he answered easily, and the girl beside him melted. Entirely forgetting her previous anger.

“Aww… you’re so sweet you know that?”  She cooed, before leaning over to him and lowering her voice. “When we get back, we’re going to try for another~”

I pretended not to hear as I moved onto the next questions, “Calla, we have another couple for you, by different entities. One, how do you really feel about Claire (aside from envy, but I'm really glad your situation worked out great)? And two, now that Markos isn't going to father a child for you, who's your pick? Assuming you're still wanting to be a mother.”

Calla again looked to Markos before answering, “Claire is a kind master. I do still wish to be a mother, but that decision remains Markos’s to make, as I still belong to his family. However, if I had to choose, knowing it cannot be a Fae, I would wish for it to be Eric or Charles as they both have ideal genetic features… Although, I’m unsure of how to raise a vanir child, and it is likely a human child would have a high mortality rate.”

Her response as always was analytic and made all men in the room uncomfortable, “Okay, moving on, Lazarus — a question and a comment for you, Why do I keep imagining Lazarus as a bald guy??? Do Fae go bald?”

The fae man scowled, sitting up, “I’m not bald. And no, Fae do not ‘go bald’. We aren’t riddled with poor genetics like humans are.” 

“No, you’re only riddled with poor Fae genetics,” Mercury agreed, earning himself a snide glare. 

“Weak trash.”

“You’re the one murdered by your wife in a cell.”

“You were also killed by your wife.”

“Hardly,” Mercury snorted, “I died taking revenge.”

“Which of you is stronger?” I interjected, and when they both turned to glare I held up my stack of papers, “It’s a question actually.”

“I am,” they answered in unison after a moment of delay to comprehend.

“I think that question was for someone less biased, Nathaniel? Achaicus? Eric?” 

“Mercury,” the elder of the twins answered after some thought.

“Probably,” Eric agreed, “Since Lazarus was only powerful by age, not genetics…”

“And then, Eric, who do you think is stronger? Your father or Nathaniel?” I prompted further.

The question gave Eric pause and he hesitated, “...I don’t know… If they were born at the same time… it would have to be you,” he turned to Nathaniel, before continuing more quietly. “But… since Mercury is older… Please don’t ever fight him…”

“You always worry about the stupidest things, I have no need to fight a ghost.”

“We’ll see,” Mercury commented casually, mostly to himself.

“We’re going to ignore how much of a threat that sounded like, and continue with Ronové! – one question, what would get you to leave Charles for good?”

‘The ability to do so, and a new host,’ the answer came again in my mind and i cringed.

“I’m glad I don't’ have to ask you anything else,” I commented before moving on, “Charles, a couple more for you, one, about Ron, who’s side is he on? And, given the disappearance of your uncle, how do you think he’s doing now?”

“Finally, a normal question… Ron is on his own side, that’s for sure. Ahh, as for my uncle, I don't know. And I don’t care, hopefully he’ll get hit by traffic or something.”

“Or something…” Markos agreed quietly, folding his arms.

“Also, are you aware of any part of your grandfather's experience with Eric and his family?” I continued, pretending I didn’t hear.

At this Charles looked perplexed, “I know a little bit, is there more I should know?” he asked, raising an eyebrow in Eric’s direction.

“No, I’ve told you the important parts,” he assured.

“Speaking of important things, Eric, we have some rapid fire questions for you. One – you have to spend 24 hours in a room with either Markos or Charles. Who are you choosing and why?”

“I would choose to be by myself,” he grumbled.

“You have to choose one,” I insisted. 

“...Markos… then… because at least I know the kind of torture I’ll have to endure. If I was stuck alone with Claire, he would probably still torture me afterward just because.” 

“He knows he’s not allowed to harm you,” Nathaniel assured.

“Next! Pro-life, or pro-choice…”

“I don’t really know what that means-” Eric started honestly, but Claire spoke up over him.

“Umm, let me answer for him, because I’m definitely qualified to say I’m pretty sure he’s anti-life and anti-choice. Given you know, his attempts to kill my child against my will.”

“I didn’t do it though…” he mumbled, sinking down in his seat out of shame.

“Would you at least choose differently next time?” Nathaniel mused.

“Would you?” Eric muttered, glaring back, earning himself a chuckle as Nathaniel antagonised him.

“That rounds off this last question quite well, Eric again — regarding your choices, What the fuck?”

“I was just trying to protect everyone…” he answered quieter.

“Thankfully, no one has to be subjected to your choosing for them again,” I joked, although I rather regretted it given the glare I received from Nathaniel. “Right,” I cleared my throat, “Moving on, Markos, who is the tastiest human you've eaten, any favorites?”

“Your favourite better be me,” Claire warned before he could say anything, and again the man shifted uncomfortably beside his human wife.

“...The tastiest ones are young, athletic, and plump… Unfortunately, given I haven’t consumed Claire, I can’t say I have a favourite.”

I shuddered, the way both the girl and the monster spoke so casually about his diet… “Okay, well… I don't know who can answer this, but is Eric truly weak for a Vanir?”

Uncertain silence filled the space as either no one was willing to answer, or no one could, “Eyvindr, maybe you want to take that one?” I promoted and the man turned to me.

“...The boy is injured and his magic literacy is low from disuse as a child… So from a vanir standpoint, yes… but if he hadn't been injured, he would likely have outgrown even my son in strength since his genetics are strong and several of his cousins were extraordinary.”

I waited, but no one made any further comment, “Thank you, Mercury this one's for you.”

“I’m listening,” he mused.

“Does it bother you that your son is gay?”

Mercury smiled, “My son is perfect, and his deviance is proof that he still worships me.”

“Excuse you?” Eric snapped back, “Who I like has nothing to do with you.”

“Doesn’t it? Your mate is a man, a prodigy, and a powerful leader. All things I am. There’s nothing about your choice that isn’t in my honor.”

Magic stirred in a small swirl of frustration up the length of Eric’s arm despite his lack of expression, and I interrupted quickly, “Remember to stay seated, we’re going to move on since we’re running out of time! The final question is in fact for everyone to answer. What are your biggest regrets, we’ll go in order starting with Calla.” 

I gestured for her to begin, and after a moment she began, “I have no regrets now. My wishes are to serve and be useful. All my decisions were correct according to my training, and I have achieved my goals.”

Somehow, I had expected her to open up, maybe she wasn’t the type, “Markos?” I encouraged.

“Sending my wife to Leúchtend,” he answered sedately.

“Achaicus?”

“...Ever having betrayed my brother in any way….” he whispered.

“Touching a cursed object,” Charles volunteered his before I could ask, almost as if he wanted to save Achaicus from his confession.

“Nathaniel?”

The fae hesitated, “I should have commanded the answers I needed… it would have saved some suffering,” he concluded without much thought.

“Eric-”

“I shouldn’t have lied to you, I should have trusted you from the moment you found me under that tree…” Eric spoke directly to Nathaniel.

“It’s okay,” he returned with a fond softness and I reluctantly turned to the other side of the room. 

“Molly, would you like to begin?”

“The error I made was not deciding to kill Calla before doing anything else,” she answered without looking over.

“And Lazarus?”

“Having twins,” he answered blandly.

“Eyvindr?”

The man hesitated, giving it some long consideration, “…I shouldn’t have tried to interfere… Some individuals are destined to break fate, I regret trying to stop them from doing so.” As he spoke it was Nathaniel he watched, although the fae didn’t seem to understand what he meant, and neither did I.

“Okay, and now Mercury-”

“The best for last,” he commented bemused.

“...Yeah, sure,” I smiled regardless and he began.

“It seems to me that no matter how long I contemplate, every outcome remains the same: Katla was nothing more than a means to an end. I should have had her destroyed the day my son was weaned. Then she would have never ruined my child, he would have remained by my side…”

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