#Crimson Jade fanfic
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Colored this Jade Armor doodle! I messed up Lan Jun's haircolor a bit from the refs but otherwise, I like how this came out ^^
(dunno how well tumblr crop preserves the quality but just wanted to post these anyway)
#jade armor#jade armor fanart#lan jun ye#lan jun jade armor#Crimson Jade fanfic#yeah i had a fanfic idea while watching the series last spring#fanart#doodle#4nnih6#acrylic markers#aghhtdraws
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HAPPY NEW YEAR IN ADVANCE!!! 🎉🎊💖🎆
I'd like to order a Gilbert in the library with some red hots plz👀
Have a good day/night, and thank you for all the delicious fanfic you have been serving us!😔🙏🏻
Next up, hot plate! Watch your fingers ^_^ Approx. 1300 words of some spicy Gilbert in the library! IkePri New Years Event story!
Gilbert sat in one of the overstuffed library chairs, his boots carelessly resting on top of a polished wood and glass table. He held a book in his hand, skimming the pages with an expression of boredom. Waiting was hard, but he knew sometimes you needed patience to hunt rabbits.
A little while later, he was rewarded for his persistence when the door swung open and the Belle walked in. She didn’t notice him at first. Her eyes were on her prize - the shelf of racy romance titles. It was only when she stopped to peruse that she noticed him there and startled. “Prince Gilbert?”
“Are you asking or telling?” He closed the book he’d been reading but held it dangling between two fingers.
“Ah . . . telling?” She drew her shoulders up, tense as a soldier about to go into his first battle.
Gilbert chuckled. “Another question?”
His teasing got the intended response as she huffed. “That was clearly not a question. I wish you’d stop intentionally misinterpreting me.”
“So the rabbit shows her sharp teeth now, hm?” He laughed again.
She took a breath before responding. “I apologize, Prince Gilbert. I didn’t mean to snap at you.”
Gilbert shrugged. “I like it when you stop hiding behind courtesy.”
“Well I don’t care much what you like.” The Belle sniffed and turned to the shelf, trying to ignore him.
“But you give it to me anyway. I think you might care more than you want to admit.” He got up and went to stand beside her. “So what are we looking for today?”
She side-eyed him and continued her search.
“Won’t say? Or don’t know?” Gilbert grinned, his crimson eye flashing. He knew exactly what the little rabbit was here for.
“If I tell you, will you go away?” The Belle turned to face him fully, realizing as she did so that he was close. Nearly close enough to kiss. But she didn’t back down.
Gilbert raised an eyebrow. “Is that what you want?”
“Yes! Obviously.” She tried to frown but it was spoiled by the heat in her cheeks and the way her gaze darted about.
“If that’s what will make you happy, of course I’ll comply. I’d hate to upset you, little rabbit.” He touched her cheek lightly with his thumb. It was bittersweet that he could speak so honestly to her in these moments. She assumed he was playing some deep political game and of course, he was. But not in the way she expected.
“Great. Then I’ll tell you. I’m trying to find the new book from Jade. It’s called Love Blossoms, and Sariel told me he’d had it set aside on the shelf here. But I can’t find it, so maybe he . . .” Her gaze dropped to the book in Gilbert’s hand.
He grinned. “Thank you. You’ve fulfilled your end of our bargain, so I’ll take my leave.” Gilbert turned to go and was unsurprised when her hand darted out to catch his sleeve.
“Wait!”
“Is there something else? I thought you said it would please you for me to go . . .” He studied her expression. There was so much at play there. Tension, want, fear. Desire. He turned back toward her.
The Belle swallowed, the tip of her tongue licked the corner of her lips. “The um, the book I was looking for. You have it?”
“Oh? This one?” He held it up. “Is this what you want?”
Her eyes finally met his, and there was heat in them. “You know I do. I’m not sure how you knew but . . .”
Gilbert’s smile was thin and sharp. “What a coincidence! I just decided to read this story before you walked in.”
She sighed. “Prince Gilbert. I know you aren’t really interested in that book. You - You’re just trying to manipulate me.” Her lips made a firm, angry line and her shoulders were tense. “Why don’t you just tell me what it is you want?”
“So direct. I like that about you.” He pretended to inspect the book cover. “Why don’t you tell me what’s so fascinating about this book. I want to know what you like.”
A slight flush crept up her cheeks at this, and she looked away. “It’s, erm, I heard it’s got good characters. And . . . the, um, the dialogue . . . and the story is a passionate romance.”
Gilbert nodded. “Mmm. Like, this part?” He cleared his throat, “The scholar cupped her face in his palm-” He stepped closer and lightly set his palm on her cheek. “I want to make you bloom. To see you open to me like a bud in the spring. The scholar’s hand caressed her shoulder, dropped to her breast, tracing the line of it under her thin, linen dress.”
He slid his hand down, brushing over her shoulder, expecting her at any moment to step back or slap his hand away. But she didn’t. His fingertips outlined the swell of her soft breasts.
The Belle’s lips parted, and she let out a gasp of pleasure and surprise.
“I want to taste your nectar, the scholar said, and began to unbutton her bodice.” Gilbert’s hand drifted to the line of buttons down the front of her dress. He began to undo them slowly, his scarlet gaze locked with hers. He was close enough to feel the tremble in her breath. Fear. Anticipation. Desire.
The heavy cloth fell open to reveal the thin linen of her underdress. Gilbert reached to tug it down. He wanted to see her stripped. To revel in that intimate vulnerability only lovers shared. She drew him, like iron filings to the magnet.
“What -” Her voice shook, “What are you doing?”
“Do you want me to stop, little rabbit?” Gilbert stepped even closer, leaning toward her until his lips brushed hers, their breaths comingled. “Ask. Tell me. Say ‘stop’.”
“I . . . I . . .”
He touched the tip of his tongue to her parted lips, tasting them in an almost kiss. She was sweet, with a hint of sharpness and heat. Like a good champagne. Gilbert pressed his mouth to hers, invading her, claiming her. He had intended only to tease, but with her so close, so yielding, he couldn’t not help but take more territory. Advance and conquer.
The Belle moaned against his lips, kissing him back with unexpected ferocity. Her mouth moved against his, her tongue darting in to taste him.
Gilbert let his lips move down her neck, enjoying the way she arched into his touch. The little sounds she made. He tugged her underdress out of his way, revealing the soft slopes of her breasts. These he kissed as well, licking a line of heat down to the nipple.
Her fingers tangled in his hair, tugging, pushing. Her breath was uneven, shallow and ragged.
He laughed as he took one nipple in his mouth, teasing it with the scrape of his teeth and the velvet heat of his tongue. He could feel it tighten under his ministrations, heat rushing to her skin. Her reactions made him want her all the more.
His hand stroked her thigh, tugging her skirt up so he could feel her satin skin.
“Prince . . . Gilbert . . . I - I”
He felt something in chest constrict as she said his name. A sharp tightness that made it suddenly hard to breathe. An ache that was more than physical. Gilbert let her skirts drop and pulled back.
The Belle looked at him with heavy lidded eyes. Desire obvious in her expression, disheveled and aroused. “You stopped?”
Gilbert forced a smile, and set the book down. “Enjoy your book, little rabbit.”
He picked up his cane and turned to go.
“Wait. Prince Gilbert.” She reached out to him, but he continued walking.
It was too early in the game, he thought, and besides, the delay in gratification would only make victory sweeter. For both of them.
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Nothing's New
Staff-Verse AU
more info under the cut:
More Staff-Verse AU things featuring some character redesigns!!
In the last post I have on Staff-Verse the characters look the same from canon but me and my friend @cursedhue went redesigning!!
And as you may have noticed, Sun, the Wukong that's supposed to be in this AU has been scrapped. Instead you have Swap from a universe where the jttw gang and monkie kid gang are switched.
This part of the song fits well with the whole theme of the AU. Despite the difference between who wields the staff one thing remains the same... Pain.
The AUs featured here now have names!!
Canon - MK's universe
Jade Dragon - Jade's (Mei) universe
Sixth Son - Liu'Er's (Macaque) universe
Golden Cicada - Tangy's (Tang) universe
Crimson Son - Crimson's (Red Son) universe
Swapverse - Swap's (Wukong) universe
They will be tagged appropriately so you know which characters from which universe I'm talking about whenever I post about them.
FEEL FREE TO ASK MORE ABOUT THE VARIOUS AUS FEATURED CUZ I REALLY WANNA RAMBLE
This is also primarily going to be full of art because I want to practice making comics and such, fanfics are still gonna happen if i'm motivated enough (but I'll spend more time on writing Two Souls)
#lmk#lego monkie kid#lego monkie kid au#lmk au#lmk mk#lmk mei#lmk macaque#lmk tang#lmk sun wukong#lmk red son#lmk staff verse au#CANON-verse#JADE DRAGON-verse#CRIMSON SON-verse#GOLDEN CICADA-verse#SIXTH SON-verse#SWAP-verse#look at what nari drew today
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Recs - 7
NOTE : Some of the below mentioned items contain mature/dark themes. Please check all the warnings listed in the fanfic before reading.
JIMIN
Moonlight - @worldwidemochiguy
Just dance it off - @kookdiaries
Saudade - @jamaisjoons
Heather - @taleasnewastime
Blooming days - @bluekyun
Halik - @go1denjeon
Sidewalk sugar - @an-exotic-writer
SUGA
Wicked as they come - @caelesjjk
Big deal - @dawnagustd
You're losing me - @archivedkookie
Perpetual datejust - @jiminrings
Heart haunting - @jamaisjoons
Honey - @gguksgalaxy
Coffee dates and soulmates - @the-boy-meets-evil
Pretty puppy - @euphoricfilter
JIN
Warm this winter - @jamaisjoons
Sit.Stay. - @daechwitatamic
Base to base - @randombtsprincessa
Sunday - @here2bbtstrash
With you - @yoonpobs
Awake - @deepdarkdelights
Sweet on you - @vminity21
V
Lubricious - @jamaisjoons
The odds on us - @jimilter
Dancing with a wolf - @here4btsfics
Good girl - @suga-kookiemonster
Wanna make a movie - @gimmethatagustd
Silk & stones - @taegularities
If it's not you - @mercurygguk
RM
Business proposal - @solarwonux
All I need is one - @lamourche
Happier than ever - @ughcore
A little bit in love with you - @joonbo
Oh Christmas tree - @bangtanfancamp
The witch's red hat - @lolabangtan
J-HOPE
Magnetised - @jamaisjoons
Break you down - @sxtaep
Pas de trois - @btssmutgalore
One night & one more time - @yoongsgguktae
Even though - @monilogues
Poor, unfortunate, sold - @chimchimsauce
Absolution - @junghelioseok
JUNG KOOK
In the seom - @thvhoe
Jaded - @chasinghorizons
Spring is when the bunnies come - @ebonyinktea
Cabin in the woods - @girl8890
Kissing under the Mistletoe - @sugarwithtea
The crimson shell - @angelicyoongie
Wild thoughts - @sxtaep
Not a creature was stirring - @yoongsisbae
A dangerous game - @goldngguk
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I saw some ppl doing name HCs for the STP princesses and wanted to hop on that!
Most of these are based on some Tupperbox RPs, where my friends played some of them and they gave each other names, but I liked them a lot so that's just their name now
(If I don't mention someone in chapter 3, they share a name with their chapter 2, also Shifty is just Shifty to me I'm sorry girlie)
So here we go!
The Princess: Millicent (sounds like a princess-y name idk, fancy fancy, friends can call her Millie)
The Stranger: Doremi (as in 'do re mi fa so la ti,' I normally name my Dodrios this when I play Pokémon (one note for each head) but the one I caught yesterday I named The Stranger, so I thought it would be cute if they swapped names)
The Damsel: Primrose (often shortened to Prim, got it from a fanfic that changed my brain chemistry)
The Prisoner: Jade (because she's jaded)
The Beast: Dinah (like Alice's cat from Alice in Wonderland, Prim named her once they got close otherwise she wouldn't have one)
The Adversary: Crimson (she named herself and it kinda shows lol /aff Nightmare was like 'yas girlie you're covered in the stuff')
The Razor: Talyn (like talon, sharp like she is)
The Tower: Destiny (no comment she's definitely a Destiny)
The Nightmare: Mary (a friend named her, could just be short for Nightmare but imagine if it was like Bloody Mary lol)
The Witch: Tabitha (Prim calls her Tabby, I named her after my second Toralei monster high doll but also it's a kinda witchy name to me)
The Spectre: Wisteria (or Wisty, got it from a book and thought it fit her)
The Burned Grey: Hestia (after the Greek goddess of the hearth)
The Drowned Grey: Ophelia (saw someone else use it and. Yeah that fits her)
The Den: Regina (another Prim name lmao, queen of the junjle /ref)
The Eye of the Needle: Topaz (I feel like a gem that changes color with heat would suit her)
The Fury: Malice (like Alice but Scary)
The Moment of Clarity: Claire (Mary and Claire sounded cute together lol, sister vibes)
The Thorn: Willow (saw an edit of her with red hair and thought of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but also weeping willow because she's soooo soggy I adore her)
The Wild: Mercy (I feel like she'd have a virtue kinda name, she's either Mercy or Peace to me)
The Wraith: Belladonna (a poisonous plant, but more importantly it sounds like Beldam and my friends agree Wraith gives serious Other Mother energy)
Will try to update this when Pristine Cut drops!
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No Winter Lasts Forever
Teenage Mercenary Fanfic
Read on Ao3
The hazy memory of a woman smiling made his head throb and–
Two shots rang in the air and their bodies crumpled to the ground before him, crimson bleeding into a blanket of pure white snow.
His grip on his rifle trembled from the cold, something terrible and acrid bubbling in his throat the longer he stared at the lifeless figures before him.
OR
Ijin's relationship with snow, messed up memories, and a family that is trying their best.
The bonds of those within the camp were born of violence and blood, clawing each other apart with bared teeth and broken fingernails as they fought to survive. Like a pack of animals, they would yield to the strongest but their keen gaze always followed him, zeroing in on his faults and waiting for a chance to sink their teeth in.
The numbers weren’t quite the same. They were taught to conceal their bloodied hands and bared teeth, to reshape their desperate brutality into ruthless efficiency.
Ijin had been young, younger than nearly everyone in that camp and perhaps that’s why he took to it like a fish in the water. His body adapted to his circumstance and even if he had been physically weaker than the others at the start he learned to make up for it by capitalizing on the things he was good at.
He couldn’t recall how many had been there when the camp first began but he remembered the growing pile of bodies and the smell of rot that clogged up his senses until he had grown so accustomed to it that it no longer affected him. He remembered the blood that splattered and dried on his face each time he managed to eliminate yet another faceless opponent.
And then the numbers had formed– forty that had managed to endure that hellish training, if it could even be called that.
It was different.
There had been mercy there– in 005’s jaded green eyes, in 002’s unsolicited training that allowed him to survive against the toughest of opponents and slowly climb his way to the top of the pack.
He had become their unofficial leader until that order had come in and he stared into the frightened gaze of that mother as she hovered over her daughter protectively, finger frozen over the trigger.
The hazy memory of a woman smiling made his head throb and–
Two shots rang in the air and their bodies crumpled to the ground before him, crimson bleeding into a blanket of pure white snow.
His grip on his rifle trembled from the cold, something terrible and acrid bubbling in his throat the longer he stared at the lifeless figures before him.
A voice commanded him to return and he blinked, the terrain before him transforming into a familiar enclosure, the only confirmation that he had been there, that it had been real was the speck of rust on his clothing and the lingering cold beneath his skin.
The memory of his return to the camp was covered in a film of red, his body moving on honed instinct as he cut through flesh and shattered bone, incapacitating his fellow numbers as his mind whispered a mantra of alivealivealiveALIVE–
The only thing that remained clear and unblemished about that night was the feeling of his dagger slicing through Mad Dog’s flesh and the gratifying howl of pain he had let out, clutching at his wounded eye as blood sprayed from the wound.
Ijin had never relished in the pain of others but the toxic anger that boiled within him at the thought of that man was more than enough to break through the apathy he’d operated on for years.
He could hardly remember why that night had been his breaking point when he had killed countless others without batting but that woman…
He wondered if his parents had held him that way as they had crashed to their deaths ten years ago, terror shining in their eyes as they shielded him from inevitable death.
He wondered if they would’ve been happy to know he had survived if they would’ve shed tears and wrapped him in a warm embrace the way his grandfather had when he first returned.
“Ijin?”
His sister’s voice broke through his musing and he blinked, tearing his gaze from the flakes of snow descending from the cloudy winter sky to look at Dayeon as she trotted towards him, bundled up in her jacket and shivering a little. He tucked his trembling hands into his pockets and smiled a little.
“You didn’t have to wait for me,” she said softly, eyebrows furrowing into a worried frown. “It’s really cold, you could get sick.”
Ijin shook his head. “It’s fine, I don’t get sick that easily. And I don’t want you walking by yourself so late.”
Perhaps his recent brush with Mad Dog and the camp played a part in his decision to walk his sister home for the past few days but Dayeon didn’t need to know that. He wanted to keep her separated from that part of his life even as his past as 001 clung to him dried mud.
Dayeon was silent for a few moments as they trudged through the thick layer of snow, tucking her chin into the warmth of her scarf before she glanced at him curiously. She always did that when she noted something strange about him but she usually kept quiet unless he prompted her.
“Do you want to stop at a convenience store and get some triangle kimbap? One of my friends said there were some new drink packets I wanted to try too,” she said instead, smiling at him expectantly before he nodded.
She spoke about school and her friends as they made their way over to the store and he listened quietly, the tremble in his hands lessening as he soaked in his sister’s warm presence.
The snow didn’t seem so cold anymore.
Ijin grabbed his usual tuna mayo kimbap and cup noodles while Dayeon chose the bulgogi kimbap and one of the overly sweet drinks Yeona was so fond of. She had teased him about being an old man when he made a face after trying one once, eyes sparkling with mirth and something that made him feel a little warm inside.
“Oh!” Dayeon yelped suddenly when they left the store and Ijin paused, muscles coiled with tension as his gaze flickered through the shadowed streets for any sign of unnatural movement before settling on his sister once more.
“Grandpa said he has a surprise for you!” she gushed with a knowing glint in her eyes.
Ijin relaxed. He was too jumpy, making hasty, illogical assessments for threats that weren’t even present.
“A surprise?” he repeated curiously.
Dayeon hummed in response, the corner of her eyes crinkling happily as they continued on their way home with a little bounce in her step. Ijin widened his stride to keep up with her, absently wondering what it could be.
They had already given him so much, accepting him despite his dubious past, buying new things for him when they didn’t need to, cooking for him and being so kind when he had been nothing more than a stranger to them.
Even if Grandpa never said it out loud, Ijin knew that his age was catching up to him but he worked so hard, providing for them even when Ijin’s pay from his bodyguard job was more than enough to provide for all three of them.
He wished he and Dayeon would rely on him a little more so he could repay their kindness in any way they could.
“We’re home!”
A familiar rich aroma of chocolate wafted through the air as they stepped inside, a foggy memory niggling at the back of his mind curiously.
“In the kitchen!”
Nothing looked out of place when he went inside but that smell… he couldn’t help but feel like he knew it from somewhere.
Grandpa sat at the table with a book and three steaming mugs of hot chocolate topped with varying amounts of cream and marshmallows. Childishly, Ijin couldn’t help but grumble at the fact that he had used the tiny marshmallows rather than the bigger ones his mother–
He paused, bewildered at the strange thought and unable to remember the last time he had been anywhere near the drink. And since when did he care for the size of marshmallows? He didn’t even like sweets all that much, too used to bland rations or spicy foods to develop a taste for sugar.
His head throbbed all of a sudden, blood rushing in his ears as he massaged his temples.
“How was school?” his grandfather greeted warmly as they shrugged their jackets off and hung them in the closet and Ijin smiled despite himself.
“It was fine. There was a substitute teacher in my math class today, though.”
“Oh, me too,” Dayeon added. “Apparently, Mr. Hong’s wife is having a kid today. Everyone in the next class was talking about it because he suddenly left in the middle of class yesterday.”
“Oh, how nice,” Grandpa chuckled. “I remember how nervous your father was at first back then.”
It felt a little awkward to talk about his birth but it was rare that his grandfather spoke about his parents beyond little anecdotes here and there that allowed Ijin to create a vague image of what his parents were like in his mind.
“Anyways, Grandpa, you found it right?” Dayeon grinned.
“Found what?”
His grandfather rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, gesturing to the book. “It’s the family album. Dayeon and I sorted through all the photos I had saved of the family back when you first contacted us so we could help with your amnesia and you’d be more comfortable around us but we lost it when we moved into this apartment. I was sorting through some boxes and I found it buried under everything.”
Ijin could only stare, an onslaught of emotions he couldn’t even begin to decipher threatening to drown in a sea of jumbled up feelings and thoughts. He swallowed the knot lodged in his throat as he tried to figure out what to say.
Grandpa’s face softened in understanding as his silence stretched and Dayeon gently grabbed his wrist, urging him to the table and into a seat before settling down beside him.
The smell of rich, hot chocolate was more profound than ever now and Ijin's hands wrapped around the warm ceramic mug in front of almost instinctively. His hands, he noted, were trembling again.
There was an old fuzzy memory of a lullaby and a crackling fireplace, of falling snow and a crying little girl, of a soothing voice telling a story about the sun and the moon.
His head throbbed.
“I– Pictures of me and… our parents?” he glanced at Dayeon uncertainly because even if they were technically his parents, he had no memory of them. She had been the one to lose them, to grieve the safety and security of their presence.
His grandfather nodded with a small, wistful smile. He slid the album towards Ijin with an encouraging expression but Ijin couldn’t help but hesitate.
It would hurt to remember. He knew bits and pieces but never the full picture and he had grown used to that. As long his past didn’t affect his present, he was fine with laying it to rest and forgetting.
He could hardly imagine himself with a family beyond Dayeon and Grandpa, young and bright-eyed the way all kids seemed to be. He wondered what sort of kid he had been. Did he play sports? Or video games? What was his favourite food? Did he and Dayeon get along?
Ijin opened the book.
The first photo was one of his parents' wedding. He recognized them from the few picture frames lying around the apartment but they were young, a couple of years older than him give or take.
“You look just like your mother, you know that?” his grandfather said softly and yes, Ijin could see the resemblance. In her wavy gray hair and dark eyes, perhaps even her nose and the faint freckles that speckled her face.
His father looked like Dayeon, with soft hazel eyes and neat brown hair.
Their smiles were warm and vibrant, filled with so much love that it made Ijin feel hollow and cold in comparison. He wondered if anyone would look at him that way, to feel that sort of intimate emotion for him and he found himself pitying such a person.
He would never be able to reciprocate it in the same way, never feel worthy of such emotion. Not when blood stained his hands and his sins weighed down on his every moment. He could pretend to be a normal, teenage boy all he wanted but he would never truly be that.
There were many words that could be used to define him but normal had never been amongst them.
He wondered what his parents would think of him, what Dayeon and Grandpa would think of him if they knew the truth. He knew that logically, it wasn’t his fault. That he had done everything he could to survive those terrible days but….
The fluttering snow, the sobbing of a young girl, the terrified gaze of her mother, and the echoing crack of a gunshot.
A warm hand covered his and Dayeon’s gaze was steady and reassuring when he looked at her, the tremors lessening as he tucked those dark thoughts away once more.
They slowly flip through the book and Ijin watches himself grow from a wrinkly baby with a tuft of black to a young lively toddler with curly gray hair and a strange love for trains. Grandfather said he would listen to his dad– a railway engineer– ramble about the mechanics of trains until he fell asleep in place of a real bedtime story.
Dayeon appeared soon after that with a fluffy white kitten named Hia they had apparently grown up with.
There were strangers in the photos as well; cousins, uncles, aunts with blond or gray hair and his grandfather revealed that their mother’s father was from Iceland. He wondered how many of them had grieved for him, if they even knew he was alive.
Ijin watched himself grow– his first steps, his first birthday party, his first day at school, his first fallen tooth– but the boy in the photos felt more like a stranger than anything. He looked just like him but that was where their similarities ended.
Ijin didn’t like stories or trains. He wasn’t the first in his class. He didn’t have a sweet tooth. He didn’t have parents to proudly show his accomplishments to with a wide, toothy grin. He didn’t have a crybaby sister who hid behind him when anything scared her. He didn’t catch beetles and fireflies during the summer because he thought they looked cool.
He barely knew what his own likes and dislikes were, indifferent to everything around him so long as the people he cared about were safe and comfortable.
Tearing his gaze away from photos as his grandfather’s words washed over him, he brought the untouched cup of hot chocolate to his lips and took a sip. It was too sweet, with melted cream and marshmallows only adding to the rich, chocolate flavour.
But it was warm, spilling into a frozen hollow in his chest and filling it to the brim with a toasty sweetness that made his eyes burn with sudden emotion.
He blinked a few times when Dayeon giggled all of sudden, glancing at her and then his grandfather in confusion when he saw the laughter dancing in their eyes. His gaze settled on the album where a photo of him and Dayeon drinking cups of hot chocolate with a mound of cream and large marshmallows, cheeks stained a rosy red as they smiled into the camera.
Hot chocolate was smeared across the lining of his upper lip and he abruptly became conscious of the matching smear on his own face, heat rising in his cheeks as he hastily rubbed it away.
This action only seemed to make Dayeon giggle more.
“Do you like it?” Grandpa inquired when his sister’s laughter died down a bit, his eyes twinkling with melancholy as Ijin nodded hesitantly.
“It’s sweet,” he uttered quietly. “I don’t really remember it but I… I think I used to like the bigger marshmallows?”
Grandpa chuckled. “You did. You’d eat them all before you even started your drink and then beg your mother for more. She only ever made it for you during the winter because you and Dayeon would go out and play in the snow nearly every evening. You loved the snow so much.”
Did he?
He picked the book up, skimming through a few pages in search of coming before he came to a stop and turned it towards the pair of siblings. It was a simple picture, blurred around the edges as if the person behind the camera wasn’t holding it steady. A younger Dayeon was wrapped in their mother’s arms, laughing as she rubbed snow into her hair.
“You took this picture.”
His grandfather’s voice sounded strange, almost far away the longer Ijin stared into that photo, a faint ringing echoing in his ears.
His smiling mother, bundled in a warm jacket.
That fearful woman, dressed in tattered clothing.
His laughing little sister, cheeks stained with a bright blush.
That sobbing little girl, red-rimmed eyes brimming with tears.
The click of a camera.
The explosive crack of a rifle.
Flakes of white fluttering to the ground and clumping together into a blanket of pure snow.
Red bleeding into white, a halo of blotchy crimson blood staining the snow.
The icy wind that bit into his skin and settled deep within his bones.
Something wet spilled from his eyes, running down his face and dripping onto the table. A knot formed in his stomach as he wiped the liquid away, pulling his hand back to examine it
Tears?
He stared at the clear liquid blankly and the knot in his stomach tightened, constricting to the point he felt he couldn’t breathe.
“Ijin?”
There had been an order to kill them. His mother– no– and his sister– no, Dayeon is– and he’d killed them, hadn’t he? A shot to the head each and they had fallen over into the snowman they had built together, blood spilling from their wound– no!
His dad was screaming and fire crackled around them as 001– my name is– chased after him. His blade sliced through his flesh, blood spraying from the wound as he screamed with agony and–
“Ijin!”
A cold hand grasped his bicep and his skin burned at the sudden contact, twisting his body away and retreating to a corner of the room as blood roared in his ears and every breath felt as if someone was taking a sledgehammer to his chest.
The absence of a weapon by his side left him feeling strange and off-kilter, like the creature born in that forest with broken nails and sharpened teeth scrambling to survive. He was vulnerable but his opponents were full of openings he could exploit– NO!
Opponents?
An elderly man and a young girl. The man is speaking but his words don’t register in Jin’s– Ijin, my name is– head. The girl is holding her wrist and blinking a lot– in pain?
Did he hurt her?
Panic sparked in his chest at the thought.
An elderly man and a young girl.
An elderly man and a young girl.
“Ijin! They found your family! You have a grandfather and a little sister!”
Major Kang. Korea. Grandpa. Dayeon.
His parents had died in the plane crash. His sister was alive. There was no fire. No red snow.
He hated the snow.
Inhale. Exhale.
The tension in his body slowly bled away as he fell out of the instinctual fighting stance he had taken. He closed his eyes, sucking in a shuddering breath as the fog of mismatched memories that had fallen over his mind lifted and his attention finally focused back on the present.
He could see the damage he had done now, in the pinched expression on Dayeon’s face and the protective manner in which she held her wrist. The mug of hot chocolate had been knocked over, the contents spilling across the table and dripping off the edge onto the floor. The chair he had previously occupied had toppled at some point during his panic.
“Ijin? Are you okay?” Grandpa said softly, painfully cautious as he called Ijin’s name.
This wasn’t right, his life before and now shouldn’t mix this way. He shouldn’t have tried to remember, he should’ve let it go. He could’ve hurt Dayeon and Grandpa– could’ve killed them.
He was compromised.
“I’m sorry,” he managed to croak before he was out the door, ignoring the man as he called his name.
He hurt Dayeon.
He hurt his sister.
The thought made him sick to his stomach, something terrible and acrid curdling in his throat as he turned to take the stairs. Most of the residents in their building were elderly so they usually took the elevator.
He needed the silence to collect himself.
He needed to call Major Kang.
Ijin slowed to stop near the fourth floor, out of breath despite the fact that he had hardly strained himself. He simply breathed for a few minutes, focusing on every inhale and exhale the way he had taught himself to back at the camp.
He settled down on one of the steps, pulling his phone out and clicking Major’s contact. It rang once, twice before it clicked and the man answered.
“Hello?”
“Major Kang,” he greeted, closing his eyes as relief bubbled in his chest at the sound of his friend’s voice.
“Ijin? What’s up? Is everything okay?”
“I…” Ijin trailed off, unsure of how to begin, how to explain the sea of complex emotion he was suffocating under. But Major was always patient with him, he listened when Ijin tried to sort through his hazy memories and taught him things he’d never gotten to learn or experience as a child.
So he explained the girl and her mother, the last two he had been ordered to kill as 001. He explained the snow and the blood, the fire and screams. He explained the photos and the hot chocolate.
“I don’t know if I want to remember,” he finally whispered into the empty stairwell, his quiet words echoing faintly.
“Ijin,” Major sighed softly. “Your family loves you. They don’t know everything but they love you, memories or not. They’ll still care for you when you make mistakes or you need help. You were a kid back then, and trying to remember those things now will hurt. I told you back then, didn’t I? Take it slow and don’t be so hard on yourself.”
His nails dug into his palm. “I know but I… Dayeon and Grandpa aren’t like you guys or any of the numbers, they can’t defend themselves if I hurt them.”
The pained look on his sister’s face and the cautious look in her eyes as if she expected to be hit again– it made him sick.
“Adjusting to regular life after everything you’ve gone through is tough, Ijin. You’re traumatized and dealing with it is never easy, especially with missing memories like yours. My old man was hard as nails most of the time but even he got like that sometimes.” Major paused, the faint sound of a pen clicking making its way over the line as the line stretched. “Having someone you can lean on in those moments helps so give your family a chance, kid. They’re stronger than you give them credit for so trust them to help you regain your memories.”
He remembered his grandfather’s tears when he first got back, those gentle hands that cupped his face and the glistening eyes that looked at him as if he were more than an asset or a weapon.
He remembered the worry and relief in his sister’s eyes when she saw that he was okay after she and Yeona had been kidnapped, putting his safety over her own in a way that was entirely foreign to him.
“It doesn’t change how I view you, Ijin.”
“Okay,” Ijin agreed, something thick lodging itself in his throat as a tentative hope bloomed within him. “I’ll try. Thank you, Major.”
“Didn’t I tell you to stop calling me that?” the man grumbled petulantly before sobering up. “But seriously, Ijin. I’m here anytime you need me.”
“I know. I’m here for you too, Major.”
“Who’s the adult here, brat? It's late and a school night so get some rest.”
They hung up soon after that and Ijin slowly climbed his way back up to their apartment.
It was quiet when he got there, carefully pulling his shoes off and placing them on the rack in a stall for time before he hesitantly made his way to the kitchen.
The mess was cleaned up and the mugs were placed in the sink, still dirty and unwashed.
Grandpa sat at the table, his eyebrows pulled a troubled frown. Dayeon was nowhere to be seen and he absently noted that his sister’s shoes had been missing when he walked in– had she gone out to look for him?
“Grandpa?”
His grandfather whirled around to face him, shoulders loosening with relief before he got to his feet and approached Ijin. “Ijin! Oh, are you okay?”
“I… I’m fine. I’m sorry I scared you, I didn’t mean to–”
“No, Ijin,” Grandpa interrupted fiercely. “I know we don’t know everything that happened to you these past ten years but I know they’ve been hard on you. I was being too hasty and should’ve been more conscious of how delicate memories are. I’m sorry, Ijin.”
“It’s not your fault,” he disagreed, dismayed at the insinuation that they had done something wrong by trying to share their memories of his missing past with him. “I was… I remembered something wrong and I hurt Dayeon…”
Grandpa shook his head. “Your sister’s fine, Ijin. It was just a little spilt of hot chocolate.”
Oh. He didn’t…
Relief slammed into him like a freight train at the realization that he hadn’t hurt her. His hands trembled a bit and his eyes burned with unshed tears that he hastily tried to blink away but they kept stubbornly coming.
His grandfather pulled him into a hug, cupping the back of his neck with a warm hand as tears spilled down his face and stained the fabric of his clothing. “It’s okay,” he said softly. “Everything’s going to be okay.”
The biting cold within him thawed as he stood wrapped in these welcoming arms and for the first time in years, he was warm on both the inside and out. It was foreign but not unwelcome and if he had to put a name to it, Ijin thought–
He thought it might be hope.
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Look at my baby, he deserves everything. I like exploring his trauma and what he thinks of his past self and parents
#teenage mercenary#mercenary enrollment#fanfiction#writing#my fanfiction#yu ijin#yu dayeon#his grandpa whose name we seriously still don't know#delving into his trauma is interesting so I did it#his family is the most wholesome thing in the world#kang hamchan#major kang is his big bro
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Lyric On His Tongue
This is Chapter 1 of 2. You can find the entire fanfic here.
Astarion was jaded to the core.
He was so infernally bored that his daily—or, was nighttime a better word?—routine seemed a senseless undertaking he wanted to avoid at all costs. It was all the same, the risible performance of lust, predictability, and humdrum. Gaudily dressed people trying to attain their preposterous goals. Artificial conviviality slithering between the tables. Hideous music thundering in the ears—
Had he been alive, he would’ve called in sick, feigning the worst case of pneumonia known to humanity and staging the ensuing miracle of recovery. Had he been alive, he would’ve concocted a lovely, not-quite-believable story where he saved a cat, a child, or a wizard in distress from an unnamed threat, and the entire city would've fallen for it. Had he been alive, he would’ve said he had his reasons, and no one would incriminate his actions. After all, he was a magistrate. A very respectable magistrate, revered by all citizens of Baldur’s Gate. Well, maybe the Gur were an unlucky exception, but really, who would’ve listened to a bunch of crazy folks who did nothing but deceive the kind denizens of the city by foisting their fortune-telling bogus! He was still better than them.
Or, rather, had been.
Astarion huffed and reclined on the counter, gazing into a glass of wine. He had ordered the drink a few hours ago and pretended to sip the Ithbank every now and then, but the crimson liquid didn’t ebb. Gods, how did he want to slough off this rotten task, hightail from this hellish shithole of a tavern, and recede into the gloom, feigning defeat!..
Unfortunately, the news about his smashing defeat did not sound even remotely plausible. None of his carefully cherry-picked pick-up lines was ever nugatory. None of his tantalizing gestures was ever accidental. None of the unctuous notes in the dulcet voice with a penchant for taking a seductive edge was ever misplaced. In short, Astarion was aware of his bedazzling looks, and he didn’t miss a chance to put his charms to good use.
So, even the dumbest spawn of the lot, Pale Petras, wouldn’t buy it.
Swerving his ruby eyes to the diverse crowd, Astarion idly scanned the throng of people teeming in the tavern, eyeing each visitor with ill-concealed contempt. They all came here to get a harlot. Their intentions were crystal clear. Those who missed Sharess’ Caress on the way to Baldur’s Gate always sought a sufficiently respectable establishment to tend to their physical needs and caprices. Taverns like this didn’t scream brothel, but they very well could be one—such inns only pretended to specialize in food and drinks. If you wanted additional entertainment to go with a bottle of Ithbank, you needn’t even get up to ask for assistance. Maybe all places in Baldur’s Gate were the same. Call it a hallmark, if you wish. Whatever.
Ah, how he loathed it. Endless strings of people, loudmouthed whores, artificial smiles, whistles emitted by an invigorated lumper, and hackneyed advances of a lame artist. Oddly enough, one of them had managed to captivate Lady Jannath. What did she find in this pathetic idiot? His pitiful attempts at courtship didn’t even look ludicrous—they were outright deplorable. Surely, some women had no taste, and appreciation of art played little role in personal proclivities and preferences.
Astarion examined the visitors again, this time with a modicum of curiosity. Harlots, wantons, rummies, and lost travelers looking for a place to stay over the night didn’t deserve a mere scrap of his attention; they all seemed so unbearably dull they wouldn’t even serve their only purpose: to be a decent banquet for a true connoisseur.
Astarion’s lanky fingers circled the edge of the glass brimmed with gold. To hells with it. Cazador had no illusions regarding the spawns’ attitude: if he ever had a good trait of character, it was his relative sobriety. For all his intimidating bluster, he never deluded himself into believing that any of the spawn truly admired him or his teaching methods. He could do nothing about that. He could imagine the most ferocious tortures, contrive the most vicious trials, devise the most ruthless and savage ordeals, but no torment could change Astarion’s or, for that matter, Petras’ mind: Cazador was detested by his own very spawn. He could not be vanquished, true, but he would never be venerated either.
The sad thing was that this fact didn’t afflict him or undermine the current status quo: you couldn’t just inveigle a goblin and offer this lovely specimen on a plate.
Especially, if you had his looks. Petras might just be the perfect fit for goblins and the like, but Astarion, on the contrary, was too well-groomed, too cultured to attract such foul prey. His victim might not be immaculate, but it had to be good. After all, this victim must please the perverse and exquisite taste of the abhorrent tyrant who always reveled in torturing others. In torturing his own very spawn.
On a side note, if his today’s target turned out better than acceptable, he might be spared. Maybe even rewarded. Ah, to see Petras’ disgusting muzzle contorted by jealousy and hunger when Master tossed a scant commendation Astarion’s way. What a sight, really. Truly remarkable. One of the few genuinely fascinating things in this moldy, decaying, dismal, and grim castle that needed a monumental revamp ten centuries ago.
Maybe Cazador would even go as far as offering him a handful of human blood he could savor for days to come, highlighting the peculiar, ever-changing aftertaste sticking to the palate—
Hells. This was unnecessary.
Irked by his wild imagination, Astarion felt the tang dissipating on the tongue, dispersing and morphing into the feeling of egregious thirst he was too familiar with. The mere inkling of the scene he had started to envision was too much for him to bear.
Luckily, his train of thought was interrupted by a faint squeak of the double doors. A mere mortal wouldn’t have noticed that, and the screech of the old hinges would’ve drowned in the raucous tumult of the tavern, but as someone with a preternaturally acute sense of hearing, this indiscernible sound became a cue—a new visitor.
A new potential victim.
Reacting to the creak, Astarion jerked his head to see who was coming.
He expected another run-of-the-mill drunkard, another adventurer, perhaps, but his eyes stumbled over a particularly unusual sight, practically extinct in notorious Baldur’s Gate, the city of the depraved. The man, faltering at the threshold of the tavern, made a strong contrast to the local vermin.
The unwritten rule of Cazador’s—never hunt the rich—shaped up in Astarion’s head. Not that the miserable vampire lord cared about the benefits they could bring to the city. The reason was so quotidian it shouldn’t be explained: he didn’t want to leap directly into a predicament. The well-to-do would get alarmed immediately if one of their ilk vanished without a trace. One thing might lead to another, and inadvertently, his vampire lair might be exposed to the public, which would eventually entail a spectacular execution of all seven spawns and their lord at the helm. Therefore, most of the time the spawns were bound to choose the safest option of the unsafe: stray travelers, opulent merchants from overseas, prominent guests visiting local galleries, foreigners, loners with means... In a nutshell, everyone who looked presentable enough and whose absence would not be noticed. Evidently, the young man didn’t fall into the category, but something in his demeanor betrayed a novice. Inert, palsied by the picture unfurling before his eyes, he looked utterly vulnerable, as if he never belonged to the city in the first place. Maybe he was a foreigner, after all. Well, he had bumped into this lovely little nest, so he was either desperate or looking for a crepuscular adventure.
Either would do.
Consummate seducer, Astarion swept his eyes over the tall, slender figure, dressed in an embroidered doublet. Clearly, an aristocrat; but for someone with his ancestry, the man struck with his baffling innocence. Where the hells was he hiding while the entire city indulged in vices, flaunting them all the way, spurning church and succumbing to repudiation of decency? Was he enchained deep under the dragon’s den waiting for his eighteenth birthday? This outstanding display of chastity looked almost unnerving: magistrate in the past, Astarion dealt with venality and corruption on a regular basis, not always on the side of justice. And for his entire career, he had never faced virtue as a concept.
Not that he broke a sweat trying to find one, though. Now, Madame Virtue seemed to have found its way into this man’s body and blindsided Her erstwhile servant. The red eyes transfixed on the visitor in a most unsettling way.
If you liked the extract, please feel free to check out the whole Chapter here:
#fanfic#fanfiction#baldur's gate 3#baldur's gate iii#bg3 astarion#astarion#astarion x sebastian#astarion ancunin
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crimson jade | childe/tartaglia x reader [angst fanfic]
characters: childe/tartaglia
genre: !gn, angst fanfic
tw: sfw! infidelity/cheating
he was made of cerulean blue eyes and saltwater kisses. the summer you yearned, and the winter you grew with. he was the air you breathed and the flower that bloomed. the raging tides that saved you through every storm. ajax had always been your everything.
the morning dew traced his face - his beautiful face. oh how lucky you are to wake up next to him every morning. your fingers grazed over the fading cuts and healing wounds on his bare back. if only he’d be a little less reckless, you thought to yourself. it wasn’t easy being fatui harbinger. you saw every ounce of toll it took on his body. you recall his fear in confessing this grave, dangerous secret, that he fought to keep from his family.
a family that acknowledge you as your own.
anthon, tonia, teucer and the others had always welcomed you. back when your unkempt hair swayed after a busy day at preschool with ajax, right up until your small, intimate engagement with the renowned fatui harbinger. his father loved you with every beat of her heart, and his mother had always dreamed of a lovely person like you meeting ajax.
everyone noticed how you had always brought out the best of him. even through his savage behaviour, slaughtering for debts and unwavering devotion to the tsaritsa. despite their fear in him, they knew you kept him levelled. the same man who would write to his family diligently, sending herbs back to his father. they knew you kept him grounded through your childhood, right up until your adult years.
with a gentle smile to yourself, you folded his clothes and placed them into his wardrobe. you stayed up for 3 hours to scrub away blood and resew torn pieces of fabric. his nose crinkled at the slightest noise and disturbances.
“i thought a fatui harbinger would be too tired to wake up at this time.” you cooed, stretching your tired arms above your head.
“never too tired to spend a moment with you, my love.” he breathed into your hair, sinking his weight around your body.
“don’t forget we have a dinner reservation by the palace.”
“i won’t forget.” his voice muffled into your neck. his strong arms wrapped around your waist.
carefully, you turned to face him. your fingers crept into his tangerine locks and you lured him closer for kisses. soft, passionate kisses that grew with a blazing flame. you had only heard of eternity through his visit to inazuma, but you knew that this was the eternity you desired. an unchanging world between you and ajax.
“i’ll be back. i’ll be with my dad.” he broke away in a whisper. a devilish smile stretching across his face. “what?” you smiled back with curiosity.
“nothing, i just think you’re the most beautiful person i’ve ever seen.”
that was arguably unrealistic, but you believed him anyway. he had seen you through your rough days and best ones. even on days when you cried over scraped and bruised knees - he had always been there to protect you. fighting over a crayon? he would let you have any colour you wanted so you wouldn’t cry. he loved you through your childhood.
and what about your adulthood? he wrote letters to you diligently, every single week. he talked about his travels and everything you would love. he wrote about how strenuous work was, and how much he missed your jasmine scented hair. he missed everything about you - and a man who was in love, would never put you in a position to lose you.
hours had passed since your last embrace with ajax. you and his mother were handling laundry loads, pile after pile. it felt endless but the both of you settled with hot peppermint tea and some stew. she helped you get ready for a promising night; picked your outfit and taught you about the varied wine available by the palace.
bedazzled by your beauty, he stood by the door. ajax leaned against the frame, smiling at the sight of you and his mother laughing. you were too engrossed by the many embarrassing stories of ajax to notice that he cleared his throat, saying, “darling, it’s time to go now.”
you nodded politely and thanked his mother. she winked at the both of you, leaving you two in each other’s arms.
“you are breathtaking, did you know that?” he whispered into your ear.
“you’re quite a catch too, my love.”
“i will never find anyone like you.”
his chest rose and collapsed again as he spoke with such sincerity.
no one had ever loved you the way he loved you. fabric swayed as he took your hand, guiding you to a chariot. everything had been a fairy tale with ajax. your eternal life, your fantasy. he was the prince you had read about during your early years. never could you imagine such a lucky encounter - that the man of your dreams was, in fact, your reality.
the journey to the venue felt too short despite the distance. snow blanketed carefully along the sidewalk. snowflake drifted swiftly with snezhnaya’s bittersweet winds. the breeze scraped your skin but you were used to the cold, unlike ajax whose nose burned for warmth. he pressed a sweet kiss onto your hands, then using it to warm himself. “that’s a laugh i’ll never get tired of hearing.” he uttered to himself, low enough for the hush breeze to listen.
“good evening, we have a reservation under the name ‘tartaglia’.” you watched him flash a heart-throbbing smile at the hostess.
“ah master childe, back again so soon?” the hostess queried, gathering menus for you and him.
“i can’t leave my darling waiting for too long. i knew i had to return to the motherland.” he slipped a hand around your waist.
“with another darling for the week i see.” she tutted, guiding the both of you to a secluded room.
another darling for the week? that did not make any sense. he had only been back for a week. he had spent the entirety of his trip with you, otherwise with his father. and his father had accounted for every moment spent.
your heart quickened at the thoughts of him meeting another person.
he secured a firm grip on your hands, slipping his fingers to meet with yours. the gentle compassion when he intertwined his fingers with yours - it was enough to prove that he loved you, and only you.
you had never, ever doubted him before.
the hostess dissolved your thoughts as the curtains drew.
illuminated by a crystal chandelier, you caught glimpses of mirrors and the doting smile from ajax. the secluded room surrounded you with plush, crimson walls. the seats were crafted with the finest workmanship and velvet. tablecloths had soft, faded symbols of the fatui and the tsaritsa’s court.
“have a look at the menu, dearest. there are exquisite wines here.” he pulled a chair out for you.
“i know, love. mother was just speaking about these. especially this one, under krasny.”
“oh? krasny is fancy. i didn’t know my darling liked luxurious brands.”
“i mean, how often do i get to see you anyway, darling? also—“ you cleared your throat and took a deep breath, “what was the hostess talking about?”
“oh love, don’t worry. i was here for a while after fishing with my dad. i had to meet with a client.”
“oh, but you didn’t mention it to me.”
“i know. it was an insignificant meeting. she was asking about debt collection processes and if the laws would apply in liyue as well. she could’ve literally just asked any fatui member.”
“when did you meet this client?”
“oh, it was today.”
you nodded. it would explain why he was so hurried.
a waiter took your order as you both gazed lovingly at each other. his callused hands and fingers slipping over your engagement ring. a glimmering jade, rimmed with intricate gold and diamonds. it probably costed a fortune - but money was infinite when it came to you.
“why did you choose jade?” you queried.
“it reminded me of the story we read as children - about the dandelion sea.” he replied, watching your lips curl at the sweet memory.
“speaking of which… i have another present for you, my love.”
ajax presented a silk pouch from his suit. as he slipped it into your hands, you noticed the unexpected weight. it felt like a shard of cor lapis. incredibly heavy given its minuscule size. however, reluctance taunted you for an argument. you shifted uncomfortably at the sight of the generous gift, still a hidden mystery under a fine layer of silk. ajax has bought you expensive presents and given you something new almost everyday. it wasn’t unusual of him to pamper you however you did find it excessive. nevertheless, you were grateful and accepted everything graciously.
“is something wrong?” he asked, rubbing his thumb reassuringly over your hands. the present - you hadn’t opened it yet. no wonder he questioned your well-being.
“nothing, my love. i was just thinking about how much you’ve spent on me. but thank—“
“shh. i will spend as much as i can on you, and our family. so now open it.”
another ring.
crimson agate stemmed at the core, rooting its blood along the band. carefully carved dragons decorated its side. strangely, the ring was temperate. almost like a summer i could carry with - its iridescence and warmth was indescriable. it was breathtaking. such a unique and beautiful ring.
“you don’t have to wear the jade one always, my love. you can use this one instead whenever i am away. it’ll feel like i’m holding your hand.”
“ajax, thank you. i love it.”
he removed the jade one, replacing it with the crimson agate ring. it complimented your skin - an eternal glow of youth, happiness and belonging. that the burning desire you felt in your heart only belonged to him. the youth that stemmed from endless laughter. indeed, he was the deepest source of your serendipity.
sounds of clangs and scrapes interrupted your train of thoughts.
an assortment of dishes arrived. crispy, aromatic cheese dishes with a variety of meat. delicate pastries flaked with the slightest movements and crumbled in your mouth. every bite was sinful yet deserved after waiting tiresomely for your fiancé. the both of you had a pleasant dinner with heartfelt laughter and conversations about the future. he spoke of his travels; proverbs and knowledge from different regions; how to apply them for your future family and his recent encounters with archons.
you truly are beyond lucky to be with him.
nightfall fell gently with snezhnaya’s breeze as you both journeyed back home. you shut your eyes and rested your head on ajax’s lap. his gloved hands stroking your hair, tracing greying strands that sprouted from stress. truly, his absence was taking a toll on your emotional and mental well-being. you craved for him with every minute apart. but you understood his obligations; he couldn’t ever just come back when he felt like it. not when he had to represent the tsaritsa and fulfil his duties.
afraid to wake you, he shifted slowly to slip his arms under your legs and back. he carried you back to your shared bedroom. the familiar scent of rosemary, jasmine and winter’s musk filled you. ajax placed you carefully on the bed, changing you into comfortable attire and removed your shoes. he took the liberty of cleaning your face as well - he always took the best care of you.
finally, his cold lips met your forehead. slightly chapped, but you felt his warmth on your skin.
“can we go now?” a voice whispered. “where is it?”
“it’s in my pocket, darling.” he responded.
your heart stopped for a moment.
curiosity gnawed.
despite your tired eyes, you jolted yourself awake…
to watch him slip the jade ring onto a blonde girl’s finger.
thank you so much to staris1 for this request <3 i really hope you enjoy this!! stay safe & have a lovely day!!
#genshin x reader#genshin impact x reader#tartaglia x reader#tartaglia genshin x reader#genshin tartaglia x reader#childe x reader#genshin childe x reader#childe genshin x reader#genshin x gn reader#genshin x gender neutral reader#genshin childe x gn reader#childe x gn reader#tartaglia x gn reader#tartaglia fanfic#tartaglia ff#childe ff#childe fanfic#genshin tartaglia ff#genshin tartaglia fanfic#genshin childe fanfic#genshin childe ff#genshin angst fanfic#genshin angst#genshin x reader angst#tartaglia angst#childe angst
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I know this isn't very good
But can I get a curvy [black] female reader smut x Xie Lian please 🙏💕🙏 I hope you find time to do this
Hi there!
Usually, I try to stay away from using any kind of characteristics for the xReader fics I write, so I hope this turned out the way you wanted in the end. I probably still do not use much description of Reader-chan but I hope you will enjoy!
Summary: Reader was brought to Xian Le as a slave by an explorer when Xie Lian was still the Crown Prince. However, life was cruel to both of them until they learned their lessons and now maybe they have a new chance for a better life.
(Guys, I have to add this little bit: I did not mean to offend anyone. I only tried to stay historically and culturally accurate that is one of my most important rules for myself when it comes to historic things in fanfics for Chinese danmei and wuxia novels.)
Word count: 2182
Days spent alone on Mount Taicang was strange after all the time he shared his home with San Lang at Puqi shrine. The Crown Prince sighed as he wiped his brow after straightening up to his full height. Resting his fists on his hips, he decided that the pile of chopped wood should be enough for the next two weeks. Suddenly, leaves rustled behind him then everything went unusually still. He slowly turned around and smiled at the tree that helped little in hiding the figure standing behind it.
“I knew you were the one leaving all the clues in Tonglu Mountain.” he called out, making the intruder peek out from behind the tree. Her face was just as he remembered, her skin reminded him of black cardamom while her deep brown eyes shined like black jade as she stared back at him. Of course, now she looked different due to her being a ghost, her attire quite revealing.
“Your highness…” she mumbled quietly but stayed behind the tree trunk.
“It has been long since we last met.” Xie Lian smiled at her gently.
“Is Crimson Rain Sought Flower here?” she asked while looking around. His highness shook his head with a troubled smile then asked:
“Were you hoping to meet him here?”
“I wished to avoid him here of all places.” she replied.
“Then come, let me treat you to a meal.” Xie Lian nodded toward the temple. His guest hesitated before she nodded slowly and stepped out from behind the tree. The crown prince couldn’t help but notice her curves hugged by the revealing attire but he tried to hide his blush by quickly turning around and leading her towards his home.
Your PoV.
Flashback~
The tight rope was hurting your wrists as you were forcefully pulled by the man walking ahead of you. His wide frame was hugged by heavy layers of expensive looking robes with patterns you’ve only seen on him ever since he stepped foot on your homeland. How far that was now. You wished you could run back but the ship that took you from your home left you guessing in what direction your home was. The sea was so never ending.
You refused to cry or feel bad after forced into slavery. You knew what that rope around your wrists meant. You just couldn’t let it get you down, not now if you wanted to survive. That was your only goal so you could go home.
The strange and repulsed looks you were given by the citizens of this kingdom made you feel awkward. You had no idea why they were staring at you like you were some spectacle. Maybe you were, you were quite different from them to be honest, you noticed it too. Their skin was all shades of white marble while yours was similar to ebony. Their eyes were all small and almond shaped while yours shined brightly, staring at them wide open.
Then you spotted the largest building you could see from the docks. The merchant was leading you towards that exquisite building. The closer you got, the more people were dressed in rich fabrics, wearing pearls and other jewelry. The merchant gave some papers to the guards standing at the gates who let you in. Soon you stood in the most beautiful hall you’ve seen in your life, silk and other beautiful fabrics decorated the walls. You stood silently while the merchant spoke the difficult language of this kingdom, probably telling all about his journey to the king and queen.
“Lai ba*!” the merchant harshly pulled on your rope as he called out to you, his tone angry and impatient. You almost fell to your knees as you tripped over your own feet. Averting your eyes, you tried to ignore the humiliating feeling at the way the foreign king and queen inspected you.
You only noticed that the merchant left when you were taken away by the guards. They left you in a room full of young girls. Looking around you tried to find out why you were there but had little time to do so when a strict looking woman pushed clothes into your arms and spoke to you angrily. Days went the same way after that: you were tasked with something to do, barely understanding the language, you almost always messed up your task, got beaten and punished with worse tasks. They barely gave you anything to eat and never tried to teach you their language.
Then one day, the Crown Prince came back to the palace. You had no idea why he was not in the palace all the time but when he came back, everything went crazy. That was the first time he noticed you. You’ve never seen anyone more handsome, his soft features were gentle and his waist lean and narrow. You only remembered him towering over you for some reason, you had no idea why you were on the ground or how you ended up there. He pulled you to your feet then.
His words were lost to your ears because another servant quickly pulled you away from him. The next thing you knew was the pain due to the beating you got. You tried to blink your eyes open while some people were still kicking you while you were curled in on yourself on the ground then everything went black.
When you woke again you stood in the middle of a large and strange city. There were monsters walking around on the streets, animal headed people or people with a beast’s body but a human’s face. You quickly checked yourself over to make sure that you were your old self which made you let out a sigh of relief. Then a strange lady turned to you and offered her hand.
End of flashback~
Many years have passed since you became one of the most powerful ghosts. Being the fifth calamity came with its perks but one thing you missed immensely. The crown prince. You had no idea why you were so hung up on him but the thought of him made your heart beat fast in your chest. Then you spotted him in Ghost City one day. He was strolling around with Crimson Rain Sought Flower casually. The two seemed close but you couldn’t help but follow the Crown Prince from then on.
You stood in the middle of the temple on Taicang Mountain and sighed heavily. Just as you expect. The place was a dump.
“Your highness, how do you find anything in this place?” you asked as you lifted a probably used piece of clothing.
“Well… I got a little behind on house chores these days…” he shrugged with a shy smile. You chuckled at him then started picking up the things thrown all over the place. It took you quite some time to clean up but you were satisfied with your work.
Then a putrid smell hit your nose.
“What is that smell????!!!!!” you shrieked.
“It is dinner!” Xie Lian called out with a large smile on his face as he put the large pot down on the table. You peeked inside carefully just to see large globs of meat (?) floating inside some strange gooey substance that smelled like someone not only died in it but cooked for many many hours. You sat down and accepted the plate his highness gave you then lifted the spoon to your mouth with a trembling hand.
Your eyes widened at the taste. Even though it smelled horribly, it was quite delicious. Night fell on you two so Xie Lian offered you to stay over. Then you stayed another night and another and another until you both fell into a peaceful routine. Your servants called you away to take care of some issues once in a while but you loved to stay with His Highness. Then one day, you noticed your servants lurking around Xie Lian. You tried to shoo them away but they were quicker. Poisonous gas filled the air around him and before you could stop yourself, you stepped into it yourself.
You were immune to it mostly because of your powers but you were still affected enough so you felt your body warming up and your cheeks feeling hot. Xie Lian turned to you, his pale skin flushed and sweaty as he backed up from you.
“It is quite embarrassing…” he chuckled awkwardly.
“Um… we should get you back inside. Cold water would help.” you replied.
The way back up the mountain was not only extremely awkward but quite unnerving as well. A small voice in your mind kept telling you to use the opportunity while you tried to keep your distance from him as much as possible. Even though you were a ghost and now feasted off of the blood of men, you would never do such a thing to him.
Once inside, you sat down next to him with a bowl of cold water in your lap and patted his forehead with a wet cloth. Then lowered it to his lean neck and exposed chest as his robes opened up when he loosened them to be able to breathe. You gulped nervously, want throbbing inside you as you stared. Then his pale slender fingers circled around your wrist gaining your attention. Your eyes met his honey brown ones, his gaze staring back at you pleadingly.
“You are their queen, please, could you do something with their poison?” he whined.
“I-I… It even affects me, your highness…” you averted your gaze from him. Xie Lian suddenly pulled on your wrist making you drop the bowl out of your lap. You landed on his hot chest, your faces so close that your lips were almost touching as he stared into your eyes.
“I’m sorry.” he whispered before he closed the gap between your lips. He almost devoured you. It both frightened you because you’ve never thought he could be so passionate and aroused you. Your positions were quickly reversed as he turned yourselves around, opening your knees with his thighs. His hands quickly found your breasts, snaking under your robes as he leaned down to kiss you again.
You had no idea how he could be so quick but you barely blinked and he was already only wearing his pants, boots and outerwear all discarded and scattered around the floor. You were soon exposed as well, his hands pulling down your robes while his lips left kisses down your jawline and throat. He nipped at your collarbone before he latched onto your left nipple making you squeal in surprise. Every other man you used for your benefit was rough with you until you killed them but your prince, even though being forceful and determined, was gentle and caring. His touch ignited a hot raging fire of desire inside your heart and mind that it filled everything.
His slender fingers found your mound cupping it gently as he pushed your thighs farther apart. Your palms pressed against his chest sliding up around his neck pulling him closer as you kissed him. You pulled his lower lip between yours, sucking on it, biting it hungrily. Your nipples brushed his skin as you pressed up against him closer and closer. His slender fingers parted your soft lower lips and one of them carefully dived in between the folds. Your core was throbbing with need as he pumped his finger in and out of you. After all those years you could finally hold him in your arms and feel his skin on yours. You’ve been imagining it on lonely nights, your fantasies filled the night with an empty pleasure back then. But now. You could have him now. You wanted him now.
Moving your hips into his hand, you moaned into his mouth then he added another finger stretching you. Then another. You grew impatient and grabbed his cock, gripping it in your palm making him gasp and pull his fingers out of you as he leaned back.
“I need you…” you moaned.
He pulled your hand away from his member before he lined himself up with your entrance and slowly slid inside your awaiting heat. Your juices coated his shaft as he moved in and out of you at a slow and steady pace. His dick dragging along your plush walls that gripped him needily.
You gripped his long hair as he suckled on your breast, his pace getting faster, your pants and moans filled the room. You gasped from pleasure as he rocked the two of you.
“Y-Your highness…. I-I… I’m about to-” then pleasure exploded inside you, your walls tightening on his dick, trapping him inside. You barely felt him tense and his seed fill you before both of you went limp in each other’s arms. You gasped for breaths as you came down from your high.
“I love you…” you cuddled closer to his chest, burying your face in his soft skin.
“I love you too.” Xie Lian mumbled with a light chuckle before he fell asleep in your arms.
End~
*Come here/over here!
A/N: Sorry if the smut was bad, I am bad at smut writing I know that. ＞﹏＜
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INTRODUCTION!
Hello everyone!!! :D I’m Crimson and this is my one-shot ACC!
my pronouns are he/him, they/them and esset/eo, my mbti type is intp-t and the fandoms I’m part of are tboi, tdlosk, cookie run, creepypasta, FNAF, south park, the walten files, arg’s and lost media.
My main acc: @6crimson6demon6
My carrd: crimson-demon.carrd.co
DNI: Sexual/Romantic deviant, Loli/Shota-con, DDLG/ABDL/CGLG ect, Syscourse blog, Fakeclaimer, Sexist, Raceplay, Extreme SJW, Anti-Anti or support any of the groups
Fanfic [Y] or [N]
Will write:
Mainly fluff
Any tone (Angst, Crack, etc)
y/n (x reader)
non-ship, romantic or platonic
non sexual fics with sexual undertones or implied sex
Most AUs (Feel free to ask :D)
Genderswap or Crossdressing
OC's (if with an already existing character)
Songfics
Out of character
Won't write:
Smut fics
PWP
Humiliation
Noncon/rape
A/B/O and/or beastiality
Mpreg
Watersports/related
CGLG, ABDL ect
Raceplay (including animals)
Animal Raceplay (if sexual)
Groomed fics
Fandom [Y] or [N]
Will write:
Cookie Run
South Park (sexual requests for kids will be ignored)
The Walten Files (sexual requests for kids will be ignored)
Dsaf
Danganronpa
Friday night funkin (including mods)
Sans Au's
Helluva Boss
BNHA
Homestuck
Mistrick
Won't write:
Any proships (except toxic ships)
Deviant characters
Big mouth
Killing Stalking
The promised neverland
Hazbin Hotel
Character/Ship [Y] or [N]
Will write:
BakuDeku
Saiouma
Won't write:
Haiji Towa
Tenko Chabashira
Angie Yonaga
Korekiyo Shinguji
Ultimate Imposter
Any of the characters from UDG other than Toko, GJ and Komaru
Jade Harley
Feferi Peixes
Eridan Ampora
Henry Miller x Dave Miller (DSAF)
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🥑WELCOME!🥑
🥑Here is the Queen Of All Avocados👑🥑
🥑Call me Sophie or just Avocado :)🥑
🥑Pronouns is She/Her🥑
🥑Languages I speak~ Russian🇷🇺(my native language), English🇬🇧 and Spanish🇪🇸(but my english is more better than my spanish+my spanish will mostly taken from Google translator)🥑
🥑My another(non-tkl) blog @sophie-avocado-girl 🥑
🥑My incorrect quotes blogs @ata-incorrect-quotes @mlbvillains-incorrect-quotes 🥑
🥑I'm writer and(probably) artist🥑
🥑Fanfics request~ closed🥑
🥑Headcanons requests~ closed🥑
🥑Arts requests~ closed🥑
🥑And asking box is always open! :D🥑
🥑Also feel free to share your tkl headcanons, I will be happy to see them!🥑
🥑I do RP(if someone wants to roleplay, feel free to write me in DMs)🥑
🥑And I also post non-tkl posts🥑
🥑Fandom list💚
Cartoons/Shows/Movies:
Jade Armor (most active)
The Amazing Digital Circus(2nd most active)
SamSam(3rd most active)
Geroychiki(4th most active)
GFighters
Miraculous Ladybug
MegaMan Fully Charged
Encanto(least active, sorry)
Videogames:
Poppy Playtime
Amanda the Adventurer(second least active)
Characters I'm more than happy to write or draw for:
Jade Armor:
Lan Jun/Jade Armor*****
Black Tiger**
Pearl/Blue Lynx
Crimson Lord
Gfighters:
Lynn**
Yuna**
Miraculous Ladybug:
Ladybug
Chat Noir
Alix/Bunnix(both young and adult)***
Zoe
Nathaniel
MegaMan Fully Charged:
Aki/MegaMan***
Mega Mini***
Suna***
Chaotique***
Ice Man***
Cut Man***
Daini/Namagem**
Ashley**
Hypno Woman**
The Amazing Digital Circus:
Pomni*****
ler!Jax (heck yeah)
SamSam:
SamSam***
SuperJulie***
SweetPea***
Megalactic
Meow**
ler!BigBadDream (cuz hell yeah)
Geroychiki:
Fly****
Gloria****
Princess Pinky**
Encanto:
ler Camilo with lee Dolores
Casita(bc why not lol)
Poppy Playtime:
Huggy Wuggy**
Kissy Missy**
Poppy***
Mommy Long Legs
Boogie Bot
Daisy
Mini Huggies
Player(as CHARACTER, NOT as y/n)
Amanda the Adventurer:
Amanda
Characters I don't write and draw for:
Jade Armor:
Adults(except for a couple of them as you can see)
Beasticons(but can do for them only as lers if anything)
GFighters:
All adults
Villains
Miraculous Ladybug:
All adults
Kwamis
Mylene
Ivan
Kim
MegaMan Fully Charged:
Peter
All adults(except Hypno Woman)
SamSam:
Most of adults
Antagonists(except for BigBadDream)
Encanto:
All adults
lee Camilo(I think you can imagine why)
The Amazing Digital Circus:
Uhhh I still thinking about it-
Poppy Playtime:
Bunzo Bunny(I also think you can imagine why)
Y/N!Player
Amanda the Adventurer:
Meat Man
~~~
🥑What I will write or draw:
~SFW
~Actual characters
~Platonic pairings
🥑What I'll try to write or draw:
~Romantic pairings
~Possibly crossovers(bc why not)
🥑What I will not write and draw:
~N$FW
~x reader/y\n
Rules:
Only SFW
N$FW blogs, LGBTphobic, toxic people, heterophobes and russophobes are DNI
I have the right to refuse your request, please do not be offended
🥑My other social medias:
My YouTube channel
My 2nd YouTube channel
My Pinterest
🥑Well, that's all for now^^ I hope you enjoy my blog!💚 🥑
—Sophie the Avocado Girl🥑✨
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Alright! Yall wanted to see my pokespe fankids, here they are!
I made all of these in August of 2020 I believe- I just didn’t share them for awhile. (Update: I am updating refs now so designs may change!!)
All these ships are ships I personally ship myself, so there aren’t any for some ships since these guys fit into an AU I’ve made!
I wanna write fanfic or draw comics of these guys soon too- if y’all would like that tell me!!
Fankids (in order) under the cut:
Crimson - OriginalShipping (Red x Green [Male]) - He/Him
Jade - Jadeshipping (Blue [Female] x Yellow) - She/They
Aurelia - Johtoshipping (Gold x Silver x Crystal) - She/Her
Jasper - Johtoshipping (Gold x Silver x Crystal) - He/Him
Riot - Franticshipping (Ruby x Sapphire) - They/Them
Eclair (Clair) - Entourageshipping (Diamond x Pearl x Platinum) - She/Her
Lady - Entourageshipping (Diamond x Pearl x Platinum) - She/Her
Peach - Entourageshipping (Diamond x Pearl x Platinum) - She/Her
Liberty - InternalConflictShipping (Hugh x Whitley) - She/They/He/It
Zuri (Z) - Laverreshipping (X x Y) - She/They/He
Citlali - Deliveryshipping (Sun x Moon) - She/Her
Willow - Postwickshipping (Hop x Schilly) - She/Her
Lee - Postwickshipping (Hop x Schilly) - She/Her
Skipper - Postwickshipping (Hop x Schilly) - He/Him
Wilbur - Postwickshipping (Hop x Schilly) - They/He
Calibur (Cali) - Brattyshipping (Sou x Bede) - She/They
Please tell me if any of the ship names are wrong! I had a hard time finding them.
#Cy art#pokespe#originalshipping#jadeshipping#johtoshipping#franticshipping#entourageshipping#internalconflictshipping#laverreshipping#deliveryshipping#postwickshipping#brattyshipping#fankids#fankid crimson#fankid jade#fankid aurelia#fankid jasper#fankid riot#fankid eclair#fankid lady#fankid peach#fankid Liberty#fankid zuri#fankid citlali#fankid willow#fankid lee#fankid skipper#fankid wilbur#fankid calibur#pkmn fankids
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Pairing : DamiJon fanfic in their later teens
Little Vixen Side Note : Wrote this piece a few nights ago when I couldn't sleep and came across the dark version of Cant Help Falling In Love; which is what I wrote it to
Cheeecckkk ittttt ouuutttt
youtube
A speeding bullet of black, yellow and green. He blew ahead of me in a chase throughout the thick of winter. Skeletal remains of my heart began to drop, all signs of epic violence tittering around us in pursuance of the two malefactors we had just minutes prior unmasked who's carnage stained hands were laying hell into the legs of a screaming woman, in attempts at victimizing her to a two-sided brutality. And though be as it may, with her browbeaten crying, this ambushed petite woman of golden curls had torn like a vicious feline to free herself from the drooling lock jaws of famished wolves refusing to die in this wasted city. Then she'd stopped. She'd turned her head towards us. And it was with that act of final defeat, the deadlock of her blue eyes onto Damians, that had been a tethering of empathetic steel.
In that moment, I'd witnessed the city burn within his eyes. A revival of Pompeii, humans choking on ash; and it was by his hand that carried out was this biblical apocalypse. I mean, you can only stand to see so many weeds in your garden before getting tired of yanking them out by hand and simply just mowing over it all to start fresh.
I'd numbly watched Robin free the woman who'd scurried down the dark street (purse and shoe forgotten like a broken Cinderella) and analyzed where the rules of these unbidden streets lingered any longer ? A wasted land left starved of God's Love long ago, and so us as his children are outcasts in regards to just how mortality works. This is The Devils playground now where we've adapted into calling out Love, not by the blossoming virtue of a budding rose, but by the cut of it's petalless thorns; where the only splash of red comes at the blooming of our own blood.
What else to do with pain than to make it our art form, our very own self worth. To turn it into a purpose and to make that purpose something beautiful.
⏳...⌛
A park.
Swings creaking with a glacial slow breeze as ghost children play games on the teeter totter. White fluff born from clouds shroud lost personal belongings from humans long past through, and will overnight, do it's best, to shroud the two bodies lay dead 'mid this park's jogging trail.
He stands between them; The Sympathizer, a crimson splattered god in which no Olympian can put a name to crowned in injustices and liberalizing duties.
Crows form a murder beneath these dark skies, dancing and entangling above our heads. Something cruel. Something elegant. Something in harmony with what I behold here and now; because somewhere off in Gotham City this man, that I've fallen in a surprise trust fall for, remarkably kept a young woman home-free tonight. Not from duty. But from instinct.
"Robin.."
He turns to me.
He sheaths his sword; and he smiles.
He smiles at me through tears.
He smiles at me through red blood.
He smiles at me through falling snow.
He smiles at me through the antagonism; and that has to be the most beautiful thing I think I've ever seen.
Regardless; i still wonder what chamber door, dusted with years of abandonment, had finally been gifted a hand to open it's rusted impasse come with what we'd witnessed tonight. What poisonous blend leaks out this door to flood his veins and pour fever into his eyes; clouding his vision against a better form of judgment on justice that has two miserable assed men, twice his size, laying slaughtered like pigs with him standing noble between them both ?
Even though the winter wonderland park is dead quiet, I've never in all my existence heard so much noise. So much all at once while staring at Damian, just now realizing that he'd removed his mask long ago: now raven's stare with deadly ink eyes in jealous passion at the too black fullness of that jet hair filled up in a shaven bun. Cat's whine in envy at the feline-like features of this clandestine face. Jade gems rust in sad defeat before such green eyes. He's the pristine vision of Talia al Ghul (nothing about him is Bruce anymore aside from the cut of his jaw) housing 9 lives amidst 100 secrets.
"I love you," like the many times I've voiced it before, it gushes from me all soft and rushed.
"You love me? You love me?? Don`t," and there is coldness in his stare. Floating all the while amongst the arctic, I've struck the iceberg. Sinking under. Cracked in two. And I've got to say, the embrace is haunting.
"Why."
"It is true that the lion coddled the lamb beneath its purring chin, bustling with a protective big paw. Be as it may, unbeknownst to the onlookers, once turned away; the lion gorged on the lamb. Feasted upon its frail body only to lick at its bloodied carcass and keep it close by. Not in memory, but as a trophy; for the lion`s former coddling of the lamb was nothing more than animalistic curiosity.
"Do you not realize Jon that we are all animals, you and I ? Instinct drives us, some however are more lethal, some run in packs, some run alone, and others...just….run." green devours me. Green tears through my flesh. Green swallows me whole. Perhaps I am but being gorged upon by the starving lion.
His lips curl into a sadistic sneer despite the tear tracks on his face and I'm all but floored by the fabric skin of this demon that everyone's tried to give a halo, "I will rip you apart, little lamb."
"Then by all means," I grab his hand to wrap it around my throat, it's cold but his grip is tight and his lips on mine are hot, "take my neck to slaughter."
Five fingers tremble in innocence against my throat; a golden token of humanity, honesty and clemeity. Making my wonder
just who really here is the lion and who is the lamb? Then he bares his teeth, rabid and wild. I bare my teeth back, standing ground in the middle of our Eden turned Jungle. Then our lips meet again. Our teeth clash. We fight to force the other into submission though neither backs down.
Maybe I was wrong. Maybe, he is but a lamb that learned to evolve amongst the lions. And could it be that I am but a lion having learned to secret himself amongst sheep? Maybe that's why him and I fight more than find common ground, for the foolish costumes we were taught to wear in order to cover up what rightful creatures God bore us as.
We are different and the same whether it be his purity or my hidden away corruption.
The volcanic eruption of his anger and soothing temperament of my ocean meet.
They form an isle.
A match to an ignition causes an inevitable explosion. But, sometimes, that match plus ignition can give birth to fireworks rather than a bomb; we've just gotta be patient and count to 3. I count to 2 before seeing the spark. And right at 3 comes the crackle then pop, a raining shower of diabolical color transcending the stark black sky.
Who ever would of known that 4th of July in the middle of December would look so much like Heaven waging war with Hell.
⌛...⏳
No one is home execpt for me to answer the chipper knock at the front door on the next sun smothered day, and the florist that greets me is happy to do so.
In my hands I'd received my gift of a crimson rose bouquet;
and while up in my room i'd read the card written on with an elegant gothic flourish:
My Little Lamb.
These three words made the wool wearing prey in me seek sanctuary, and yet, caused the dagger toothed predator in me to roar.
*END
#Youtube#damijon#my rando fanfics#older supersons#damian wayne#jon kent#superboy#robin#fanfics to music#.SUCK IT STEPHANIE MEYERS#lmfao idk im hype as fuck
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Heliocentric
[ Ch. 1 | MDZS Fanfic | Novel-verse AU ]
Canon Divergent AU in which Wen RuoHan gets to live and Nie MingJue has to survive
Or: Nie Mingjue's Very Bad No Good Fire Palace Adventure
Read on AO3
Rating: Mature
Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Whump, Sick Fic, Angst (with a happy ending)
Ships: Lan XiChen/Nie MingJue, non-con Wen RuoHan/Nie MingJue
Notes: For @whumptober2020 Day 1. This chapter ended up becoming an adaption/rewrite of the original Sun Palace scene, now from Nie MingJue’s POV. The quotes were translated by ERS. This, however, is where the canon timeline ends and the AU begins.
Chapter One: Shackled
The two chains ran from his shackled wrists to the collars around his sect disciples' necks. If Nie MingJue tried to break free by yanking his wrists apart to snap the metal binding his hands together, he would surely kill one disciple in the process. Most likely both.
But with his spirit energy low and his body an exposed nerve crying out with each lurch of the wagon, he could do little more than frown at the blurred shape of his hands, at palms darkened with dirt and blackened blood.
Using his own sect disciples to bind him. The Wen-dogs had learned a new trick.
“I think the bleeding has stopped, Sect Leader.” Dai Zhongyu pulled the cloth away from Nie MingJue's head and took the relieving pressure with it. Nie MingJue nearly sighed when the cloth was pressed back.
The two disciples, Dai Zhongyu and Wu Xihui, who perched on the edge of her seat as if the chain wouldn’t hold her back, didn’t seem too badly hurt. The others trailed behind the wagon, shackled together in a single line with the Wens bordering them on both sides.
The wagon creaked and rattled up the pass. Above them, the moon was nothing more than a sliver. Wen RuoHan had been with them at the beginning of the journey, but he'd left them in the care of his subordinates once the battle was through. If it could be called a battle.
Wu Xihui spoke just loud enough for Nie MingJue to hear. “I see Nightless City.”
Nie MingJue closed his eyes and took a slow, meditative breath. The second fight would be harder than the first.
“Sect Leader Nie,” Wu Xihui said again after several minutes, an evident hesitancy to disturb him. Her voice was quieter than ever but resolute as steel. “You can't go in there.”
Can’t I? he thought gruffly, but he did not have the energy to chastise this time.
Wen RuoHan had had Nie MingJue by the throat at Yangquan and could have ended it there. But after nearly three years of fighting, with Nie MingJue having taken Wen Xu's life personally, this would not be a clean end. Not with Wen RuoHan.
“We didn't expect to make it out of that ambush alive,” Dai Zhongyu continued, the start of an offer which Nie MingJue refused to hear out.
“Enough,” he told them, and at the sound of his voice the ring of swords unsheathing cascaded around them.
“We told you before: no talking!” barked one of the Wen-dogs.
“Sect Leader Nie needs water and bandages!” Dai Zhongyu retorted just as loudly.
Sitting right by Nie MingJue's right ear, he wished he wouldn't.
“We don't take orders from you.” The Wen-dog climbed up onto the moving wagon. His sword held in his right hand.
Nie MingJue had half a mind to grab it, but the chains were short and the action would yank on the collars and make a pile of them all.
The Wen-dog caught him looking, and sneered. "You still plan to fight, Nie MingJue? Even after Sect Leader Wen used your blood to wash the floor?"
The butt of the blade struck Nie MingJue in the forehead without warning. It was the kind of strike he'd taken a dozen times in the training yard. He'd wear the bump for a few days and be mindful of the soreness afterwards. Nie HuaiSang, twelve years old, had laughed at the vermilion mark.
“Are you opening your mind to wisdom at last, Da-ge?”
“That you need to study more, yes. XiChen tells me Cloud Recesses can help you if I can't—”
“No, no, no! I think you need a more vermilion mark, Da-ge, yours has begun to pale. Such wisdom is not good at all!”
The strike of this hilt near broke his skull in half by the feel of it. The world turned to a piercing white before everything went black.
Nie MingJue stood at the center of the hall and no one dared approach him. They had removed the shackles. Even though his body had protested, he had taken the sword of that Wen-dog or another, it did not matter, but the jet black floor was littered with the lot of their bodies now.
He'd lost the sword at some point. Now he stood with a tenuous balance. A breeze would have pushed him over but the doors and windows were all soundly shut. Closing his eyes, he was alone for but a moment, standing in nothing but a body of broken bones. The pain in his head had subsided to a dull pressure that was almost blissfully numb compared to everything else. His eyelashes stuck with dried, clotted blood as he opened them again.
The room was a blurred haze. Figures identifiable by the colors of their robes rather than their faces.
He could pick out his own disciples by their uniforms. Not all of them had survived the march, killed some point between Nie MingJue losing conscious in the wagon and their arrival at the Sun Palace.
Nie MingJue lifted his head.
Wen RuoHan had not moved from his jade throne. With his face blurred beyond recognition, there was no expression to consider. At Yangquan there had been amused crimson eyes and a cruel edge to his grin when Nie MingJue had rushed forward with Baxia. Wen RuoHan was twice his age and his cultivation greater still. Great enough to sustain his youth, but youthful appearance was where their similarities ended.
Injured as he was, if Nie MingJue had Baxia in his hand once more, they would not be standing quietly in this hall as if waiting for something else to happen.
Nie MingJue could feel his death was imminent, but he would take a piece out of Wen RuoHan before that happened.
The wait ended with the doors opening behind them. Nie MingJue did not turn to look, but soon more Wen disciples in robes decorated with sun and flames shuffled across the floor on their knees. The grandeur of the Wens, he would have sneered during better times, to treat their own disciples like the lowest of servants.
Or to treat Wen RuoHan like a cultivator who had already become a god.
One lone Wen-dog approached on foot, and approached Nie MingJue after greeting his master.
“Sect Leader Nie,” said a voice tinged with laughter, “long time no see.”
It was a voice Nie MingJue had not heard for years. It incited forgotten sparks of anger he had long-since let cool.
Meng Yao.
Of all the things that flashed in Nie MingJue's mind, the first was this: he looked well. His eyes were bright, his smile small and polite, and his robes were still pristine in such a way that even Nie MingJue had been forced to take notice when he'd elevated Meng Yao to be his lieutenant, as if Meng Yao had brushed off more than the sweat and dirt of carrying water back and forth to camp.
Nie MingJue had also been forced to take notice of Meng Yao murdering that Jin captain, and forced again to notice that Meng Yao was full of trickery and deceit. Nie MingJue had no expectation that Meng Yao had arrived to heal Nie MingJue's wounds as Nie MingJue had once healed his.
Meng Yao continued to speak as if two years ago, one year ago, Nie MingJue wouldn't have killed him on the spot. Or perhaps he did know. “I never would’ve expected you to be in such a terrible situation.”
But just as it was impossible to build a fire with the kindling collapsed and no room for breathe, Nie MingJue could not hold fast to his anger for strength.
“Get lost,” Nie MingJue said. That Meng Yao wore robes with the sun and flames told him more than he needed to know. So this was why he had never been able to find him. His old lieutenant had chosen to lie down with the dogs.
Just as he thought this, Meng Yao's laughter, dipping low with pity, made the hair on the back of Nie MingJue's neck stand up.
“Do you still think you’re the king of Hejian? Look carefully—this is Sun Palace.”
Nie MingJue looked down on him silently.
“I heard something quite interesting when I arrived today, MingJue-xiong,” Lan XiChen said.
“What did you hear?”
“A pair of young disciples were speaking of the King of Hejian.”
Nie MingJue frowned. “They'll need to study their books again. There is no such person.”
Lan XiChen's eyes widened but there was a gleam of innocent delight, “Please don't tell me you don't know!” He hid a breath of a laughter behind his sleeve and turned to the man sitting with them. “A-Yao, surely you can tell us all about this mysterious cultivator—”
“Sun Palace?” It was Dai Zhongyu. “It’s only the den of the Wen-dogs!”
Meng Yao stepped towards him and Nie MingJue heard more than saw the sword unsheathe.
A blade slicing through flesh could be mistaken for nothing else, as was the drop of a body hitting the floor when it had taken its final breath.
Dai Zhongyu did not utter a single sound. But the other disciples did. The hall roared with yells and hollers as the Nie disciples made their move. Nie MingJue had told them to stand back, but they were past that now. Their Sect Leader was spent and while they had no sabers in hand, they were not powerless.
Even Nie MingJue saw red as the blood flowed across the jet black floor. “You!”
“You Wen-dog!” Wu Xihui yelled over Nie MingJue. “If you’re so confident, why don’t you kill me as well?”
And Meng Yao did without flinching, slicing a red path across Wu Xihui's throat. For a moment Nie MingJue couldn't feel the pain in his body, couldn't feel anything at all. Meng Yao stood in a pool of blood, the sect disciples he had once joined forces with now lying at his feet.
“Sure,” Meng Yao said, smiling at Dai Zhongyu and Wu Xihui's bodies. “Does anyone else want to say the word?”
The heat of Nie MingJue's anger was burnt out. Now there was nothing but ice lodged in his chest as he spoke, unafraid, knowing from the moment he was captured that they would kill him at Wen RuoHan's feet anyway.
With careful enunciation as if his words carved through stone, he spoke: “Wen-dog.”
The sword pointing towards the ground did not, however, rise to meet him. Rather, Meng Yao smiled at him, pleasantly as ever. And still the sword did not move as he instead gestured for a Wen disciple to shuffle over on his knees.
So Meng Yao wasn't going to let Nie MingJue die that easily. Nie MingJue flickered a glance to Wen RuoHan, who continued to sit and watch quietly.
“Sect Leader Nie," Meng Yao said, drawing Nie MingJue's reluctant attention back, “why don’t you take a look at what this is?”
The Wen disciple had brought a slender box, the lid now open.
Baxia rested in Meng Yao's hands.
Nie MingJue preferred the numbing cool of ice, but the sight of Baxia, of Baxia held in Meng Yao's traitorous hands, infuriated him beyond measure, beyond words.
All he could get out was the same as before: “Get lost, now!”
“Sect Leader Nie,” Meng Yao soothed, only enraging Nie MingJue further, “Baxia had been in my hands quite a few times in the past. Don’t you think it’s already too late for you to be angry now?”
“Take your hand off it!”
Not only did Meng Yao not put Baxia down, he took a step closer. “Sect Leader Nie, your saber, I’d say, can pass as a top-tier spiritual weapon. With that said, compared to the saber of your father, the previous Sect Leader Nie, it’s still somewhat inferior.”
Nie MingJue would kill him—
“Why don’t you take a guess at how many times Sect Leader Wen has to slap it for it to break this time?” His smile had not shifted in the slightest and he spoke light and almost gentle. Without Nie MingJue noticing, Meng Yao had closed the distance between them.
The tension and rage which filled Nie MingJue almost made him pass out for want of breath. Blood pounded in his ears. His body shook. Everything had turned numb and he could feel nothing – nothing except the fury churning in him like a rising storm.
The bleeding bodies of his dead sect disciples. The bleeding body of his injured father on the forest floor.
The shattered saber. The qi deviation six months later.
All the people his father took down with him while cursing Wen RuoHan's name on his lips.
Wen-dogs! Meng Yao!
Meng Yao staggered back from the blow as Nie MingJue struck him. That Meng Yao was still standing, that he only coughed up a mouthful of blood, was a harsh reminder of the pitiful state Nie MingJue was in.
And all it took was a single kick to send Nie MingJue crashing to the ground. The back of his head struck the tile and knocked the air from his lungs. He clawed onto consciousness as the anger in Meng Yao's face finally bloomed, a face now towering above him.
“How dare you act in such a way before Sect Leader Wen’s eyes!” Meng Yao snapped, stomping his booted foot on Nie MingJue's chest.
The sword came next, stabbing downward.
Nie MingJue's palm struck the sword on the broadside. The metal shattered in a maelstrom of silver. Shards rained down upon him, landing harmlessly on his tightly woven robes and peppering his skin with cuts, but it was Meng Yao losing balance, nearly falling over headfirst. And it was that head that Nie MingJue raised his hand and moved to strike.
Wen RuoHan moved.
Meng Yao vanished from above him as Nie MingJue was yanked out from underneath. The high ceiling streamed past as Nie MingJue's body was dragged across the floor like a doll. The pain was blinding. The wound in his head tearing open. He didn't have the spiritual energy to fight the pull. The smooth floor offered him nothing to grab onto. Wen RuoHan and the jade seat grew closer and larger by the moment.
Sliding through a gap between the row of kneeling Wen disciples, Nie MingJue grabbed onto the nearest one. The invisible tether pulling Nie MingJue pulled them both. Although the disciple hollered in protest, the additional weight did nothing to slow him down.
All he could do was stop the source.
Nie MingJue bore down and threw the disciple at Wen RuoHan.
What happened next made what Nie MingJue had done to Wen Xu appear a kindness. The disciples head reached Wen RuoHan first and Wen RuoHan raised a hand to meet him. The explosion was immediate. The body fell to the ground. Pieces of flesh and bone burst and splattered in a cloud of red rain.
Nie MingJue's journey across the floor halted. He would need to stay out of arms reach, but he had to move closer than this. He needed Baxia.
Leaping to his feet on the rush of the fight, he formed the familiar seal with his hands. The answer was immediate, as it always was. The cool hilt slid into his outstretched palm and fingers curled around it.
It was all the reassurance he needed. He always knew Baxia would be with him at the end.
“Sect Leader, watch out!” Meng Yao shouted from far away.
His only regret was that he hadn't taken care of Meng Yao first.
In front of Nie MingJue, the blurred face of Wen RuoHan let out a burst of mad, youthful laughter as if there were nothing more than a game. “Let it be!”
But the Wen-dogs, dozens of them, had already surrounded Wen RuoHan and his jade throne all the same. So Nie MingJue took care of them just as he had done with all the others during the Sunshot Campaign.
He let Baxia cut them in half as easily as slicing through paper.
Baxia drew the spiritual energy out of him like blood from a stone. The pain was gone. His blood ran hot—
He felt Wen RuoHan before he saw him. A specter traveling at great speed in a rush of white and red fabric. Nie MingJue slashed again. If Wen RuoHan touched him, he was dead. If Baxia touched Wen RuoHan, Wen RuoHan might die, for no matter his cultivation level, he was made of flesh and bone just like all the others.
Instead of cutting through Wen RuoHan, his strike tore open the floor like a jagged scar and sent tile and stone scattering in an explosion of dust.
And still the flat of Wen RuoHan's palm found an opening right on Nie MingJue’s chest.
Nie MingJue's feet left the floor and he crashed into one of the golden pillars. Both breath and blood escaped from his lips and blood trickled down his forehead, right between his eyes. His vision blurred worse than before and when a figure approached him, he struggled to keep his eyes focused on him.
It was then that he realized Baxia had fallen from his grip. Nie MingJue waved his arm with a heady strike.
He found nothing but air.
A solid fist struck his chest this time. He felt more than one rib crack as the room shifted and spun. His head struck tile again and his body cracked straight through the floor in another pile of broken stone.
His ears rung. He couldn’t move.
A new boot stood upon on his chest. The edges of his vision darkened. His lungs were heavy and he gasped for breath, with blood gurgling from the back of his mouth as he coughed.
He had lost in two moves. He hadn't been able to land a hit a single strike on Wen RuoHan, not at Yungquan, not in Nightless City...
“Your subordinate is useless to have needed your presence, Sect Leader,” said Meng Yao, his voice much closer now but outside of view.
Good, Nie MingJue thought distantly. Surely he would come back as a fierce corpse if he had to die with Meng Yao smiling down upon him.
“You good-for-nothing.” The two of them laughed. Nie MingJue felt the subtle vibration through the boot on top of him. “He's the one who killed Wen Xu?”
“That's right. It was him.” Although it was no secret, for Nie MingJue had the head hung up for all the Wen to see, Meng Yao spoke with an eagerness that gave Nie MingJue no doubt that Meng Yao wanted him dead. And yet— “Sect Leader, are you going to kill your foe right now, or drag him to the Fire Palace? My personal suggestion is to take him to the Fire Palace.”
Wen RuoHan was on the verge of killing Nie MingJue outright. A better death than Nie MingJue had dared to expect. Nie MingJue’s eye twitched.
He should have killed Meng Yao!
“Why mop around with someone who’s already half-dead?” Several ribs were already broken and their edges felt like broken glass as Wen RuoHan twisted his heel. The darkness closed in even as Nie MingJue fought against it, raged against it, but he could not will his battered body to move.
“Now, that’s not the way to go about this,” Meng Yao said with a familiar playful politeness that ripped apart old memories. “With Sect Leader Nie’s sturdy body, he might become all great and mighty again after just a few days of rest.”
Nie MingJue tried to shake his head. The highest he could see was the knee of Wen RuoHan's robes, yet it seemed far away, as if Nie MingJue lay at the bottom of the well and Wen RuoHan at the top.
“Do as you please.”
If they did allow Nie MingJue to recover his strength… Then Nie MingJue would…
“Yes.”
Everything went quiet, and Nie MingJue thought he had passed out, until a thin cold light—
“Do you plan to take him back in pieces?” Wen RuoHan asked. The laughter was gone and something weightier had lodged in its place.
“Even half dead, Sect Leader Nie is vicious when cornered. I dare not seek Sect Leader Wen's help a second time.”
Nie MingJue realized Meng Yao must have drawn his sword.
“Are you frightened of him?”
“I know he is no match for you, Sect Leader, but for one such as I…”
“If he does become as mighty again as you suggest—” The heel on Nie MingJue's chest pushed down as if pushing the life out of him— “I might like to see him again. What did you call him earlier?”
“The King of Hejian.”
Wen RuoHan laughed. "Not anymore."
And Nie MingJue at last closed his eyes.
[ --> Ch. 2 ]
#my writing#heliocentric fic#nie mingjue#wen ruohan#jin guangyao#mdzs#whumptober2020#fic#no. 1#shackled#violence tw#blood tw#injury tw#minor character death tw#ruojue#nielan#updates on ao3
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Letting Out All My Feelings About Leona's Extended Arc (The Rebel of the Wilderness and Break & Gosh)
I think I'm going to think hard and reflect on why Break & Gosh is way harder to write than Jonah Argentum's Declassified Boarding School Survival Guide.
I blame Leona for this.
(I'll be referring the canon plot as Heartslabyul Arc and Savanaclaw Arc while the fanfic adaptation as The Crimson Tyrant and The Rebel of the Wilderness)
Because this is long, I’ll be cutting it here.
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WHY FILLER ARC?
I guess we can start with why I write filler arc. In the beginning, it served as a bridge between two canon arcs and a way to even my chapter count so it can end at 5 and starts with 6, or end with 0 and start with 1. It actually helps me in editing.
The Crimson Tyrant has 20 episodes (the arc ended in chapter 35), so technically I don't need a filler Arc, but I need to write something to bridge it with The Rebel of the Wilderness, thus 5 episodes of JADBSSG was made.
The Rebel of the Wilderness has 22 episodes (ending in chapter 62), so I have to make 3 or 8 filler chapters to even everything out. That was the original plan. However, B&G ended up having 15 chapters. So, I could either add another 3 chapters or take away 2. Unfortunately, I can't. Which brings us to the next point.
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THAT ONE OVERBLOT PROBLEM
I've complained many times how I dislike the pacing of The Rebel of the Wilderness and I have issues with Savanaclaw Arc, especially during the ending. I know some people think, especially after Scarabia Arc, that Ruggie should've been the one who overblotted. During the story, it was Ruggie who used magic the most, not Leona. But instead, it was Leona, who only used his magic once a time in the whole arc, who overblotted.
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Let's look at the other victim overusing their magic before their overblot:
Riddle: We've seen him using [Off With Your Head] a lot across three arcs (prologue, Heartslabyul, and Savanaclaw). We've seen him collared Grim, Ace, Deuce, and nearly all the entire students.
Azul: He made deals with more than 200 students in Octavinelle Arc alone, including MC themselves. And during his breakdown he overused his magic to steal all the student's power without his contract, implying that he extend his power even more.
Jamil: Counting how many times Kalim's mood swings went and how he hypnotized MC, Azul, and Scarabia students. While we don't see this much, but it's safe to say that Jamil overused his power too.
Can I also added that these three characters had been doing this for a long time, way before the canon story start?
As a bonus, let's look at Ruggie:
We were shown how the incidents happened, we knew how many victims, we saw the stampede, we saw Ruggie drank an amplifier to raised his magic. It's safe to say that Ruggie used his magic a lot.
Compare all four with Leona, who only uses his [King’s Roar] once in the whole arc. You can see how disappointed some fans are for the lack of magic usage.
You can argue that his power is a One Turn Kill type, but that would imply that he overused his magic in one turn. Leona, being one of the oldest students in the student roster, can't control his magic in one attack? Sounds unlikely.
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But, I remember I had a conversation with that negative emotion also causes overblot. And I agree with this. However, I added that negative emotion and overusing power go hand-in-hand.
Riddle anger at Ace's speech and protest of not following the rule. What happened after that was Riddle collating every Heartslabyul student.
Azul, who is frustrated when Leona ruined his contract, in a desperate measure, stole every power of the students there.
Jamil and his jealousy with Kalim and how kept holding back his true potential before breaking down and hypnotized everyone into his slave.
Leona had been frustrated with being compared to Farena and his failed plan to eliminate Diasomnia, leading him to unleash his unique magic for the first time.
Even Ruggie. He had the potential to fell into despair. Leona kept raising his hope that this Magishift might be his chance to go to the big league, only for that hope to be crushed when Leona gave up. If the creator wants, they could make Ruggie suddenly unleash his power and attacking everyone for being betrayed.
While, yes, I do feel Leona's negative emotions have stronger reasoning, but Ruggie also had a reason to fall into despair and had high usage of magic than Leona. He was the perfect candidate for overblot.
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Why am I explaining this thing that all of you probably had known? Because, during The Rebel of the Wilderness, I kept trying to slip in every little chance for Leona to use his unique magic. Which mean, The Rebel of the Wilderness has more battle scene than The Crimson Tyrant.
In the end, I managed to slip in [King's Roar] in four accidents:
The sudden sandstorm during the flight practice (not a battle scene)
Jonah vs Leona one-sided Magishift
The stampede
Pre-Overblot battle
This is still considered little compare to what Ruggie did offscreen, but this is enough for the reader to know at least Leona uses his magic before the big overblot battle.
I'm not done yet!
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EARN YOUR "HAPPY" ENDING
Once we're done with that overblot problem, we have to talk about the whole aftermath. Because this ending is the main reason we have pacing issues.
First, let's look at Heartslabyul Arc. After Riddle's overblot and Ace demanded a Revenge Unbirthday, Riddle was shown to be taken to the infirmary by Trey. A few days later, the Revenge Birthday Party happened.
See this? There's a small few days gap between the overblot incident and the finale for the kids to recover and to think about his action, even have time for Riddle making that salty tart.
Now let's see Savanaclaw Arc. After Leona overblot, Crowley wanted to disqualify Savanaclaw from the match, but the Victim Club requested to keep the team. The Magishift then happened, Yuu got hit with a disk, wine up in the infirmary, and met Cheka.
You see something? The ending of Savanaclaw Arc happened on the same day of the overblot sequence. Which means, these kids didn't get a chance to rest. Leona never had a chance to think about the action. Ruggie didn't get help for his scar from Leona's power. And overall you basically overworked these kids!
You can argue that these kids are tough, but are you also saying that it's okay for Ruggie, who was threatened to turn into sand, to not get help? For Leona to take a break after overbloting?
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Can I also add that Leona flashback felt so rushed? Let's see the others' overblot flashback:
Riddle's flashback has five scenes in between monologues (1-28):
His birthday
Him studying with his mother
Meeting Trey and Chenya
Little kids’ strawberry tart discussion
His mom got angry.
Azul's flashback has four scenes in between monologues (3-34):
Two bullying scenes
First meeting with Floyd and Jade
Azul revealing his unique magic for the first time.
Jamil has the most with six scenes and probably more if you count every Kalim’s appearance in there (4-36):
Jamil got scolded for denying Kalim's request
Jamil's parent telling him to purposely hold back
Kamil kept "winning" in a few scenes
Kalim being chosen as the Scarabia Prefect and Jamil discussing this with Crowley
Two scenes of Kalim trusting Jamil
As for Leona (2-27):
The servant talking behind his back
Leona and Farena's argument.
Two. Leona has two flashback scenes. Leona flashback has more "tell" than "show"! Not to mention, this flashback only happens half of the episode! The other half was the overblot aftermath when Crowley was about to disqualify Savanaclaw Team. Why are they holding back? Why they only give so little about Leona's childhood?
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THE REBEL OF THE WILDERNESS PACING ISSUE
Because of me trying to add more of Leona using the power and fixing the ending, The Rebel of the Wilderness experienced more changes in its structure. I kept on cutting chapter into two and adding battles in the middle of the plot, and, for those who read my adaptation, the ending of The Rebel of the Wilderness is completely different from Savanaclaw Arc. Compare to Savanaclaw Arc's happy ending, The Rebel of the Wilderness can be considered as a bad ending. Leona wasn't able to join in the Magishift because he was unconscious post-overblot, so he could only watch the match from TV/magic mirror. Ruggie, who was spared from disintegrating, lead the team but still lose. And this is the last time we see Jonah with both of his real hand. Also, instead of Cheka, Farena was the one who talked to Leona, and it ended up with both of them arguing. Overall, it was a downer ending.
Another reason why this was hard to adapt was that I kept messing around the scenes to make the plot flow better.
This is the order of event in Savanaclaw Arc:
Cafeteria incident with Ruggie stealing Grim's sandwich
Overblot + Magishift explanation
Prefect Meeting regarding Magishift + first incidents
The Ramshackle Ghost introducing to Grim on how to play Magishift
Crowley asking Grim and MC on investigating the incidents
Heartslabyul + Pomefiore interview
Visiting Trey + teaming up with Heartslbyul squad
Scouting Rook, the Leech twin, and Jack
Magishift mock battle versus Leona
Malleus' first introduction
Interviewing Jamil and Kalim
Ruggie chase
Teamed up with Jack
The stampede
Pre-overblot battle
Overblot battle + Leona's flashback
The Victim Club stopping Crowley from disqualifying Savanaclaw
Magishift battle
Cheka’s appearance in the infirmary
Grim eating more rock
Mickey’s appearance
And these are the exact scenes what happened in The Rebel of the Wilderness (also in JADBSSG and B&G):
Overblot + Magishift explanation (Chapter 36 & 39 of JADBSSG)
Prefect Meeting regarding Magishift + first incidents (the first chapter in The Rebel of the Wilderness)
Cafeteria incident with Ruggie stealing Grim's sandwich
Visiting Trey + teaming up with Heartslbyul squad
Crowley asking Grim and MC on investigating the incidents
Heartslabyul + Pomefiore interview
Scouting Rook, the Leech twin, and Jack
Magishift mock battle vs Leona
Malleus' first introduction
Interviewing Jamil and Kalim
Ruggie chase
Teamed up with Jack
The Victim Club stopping Crowley from disqualifying Savanaclaw
The stampede
Pre-overblot battle
Overblot battle + Leona's flashback
Cheka’s appearance in the infirmary (last chapter in The Rebel of the Wilderness)
Mickey’s appearance (Chapter 64 of B&G)
Grim eating more rock (Chapter 67 of B&G)
The Ramshackle Ghost introducing to Grim on how to play Magishift (CHapter 74 chapter of B&G)
Magishift battle (last chapter in B&G)
This also doesn't count the small changes in them, like how the Magishift mock battle happened or Farena's appearance.
However, with me changing these scene order, plus the built-up relationship in previous chapters, many reasoning that happened in this Arc change from canon:
Crowley's explanation about the overblot came way earlier than canon because I feel like this is a very important thing so he could delay from telling them. We don't know how long between Heartslabyul Arc and Savanaclaw Arc, but I assume it was weeks after the Heartslabyul Finale. What's the delay Crowley
Instead of hearing this from Crowley, Jonah hears about the Magishift from Riddle to further their relationship post-oveblot. Not only that, here Jonah was invited to the Prefect Meeting unlike in the canon.
Speaking of Prefect Meeting, I have two instead of one. The first one to establish Jonah equal position as Prefect with the others and to set up of Azul being the Magishift head committee, while the second went just like canon but with Jonah/MC attending that.
In Savanaclaw Arc, Crowley asked the MC to investigate. MC and Grim interviewed the Heartslabyul and Pomefiore victims first before hearing that Trey got injured and teamed up with the Heartslabyul squad. However, in the fanfic adaptation, Jonah and Grim heard about Trey's fall first then meeting Crowley about the investigation along with Riddle. By switching these, it felt like Riddle was the one having the idea to do the investigation instead if Crowley thrusting the responsibility to MC. I just want to show how Riddle had grown into a more caring good friend since he's taking the matter more personally as Trey's childhood friend first before his prefect responsibilities.
Not technically a change in scene orders, but because Jonah has a closer relationship to the Octavinelle Trio rather than the MC, the way the trio acts here were different from canon. Most notably, was the Azul declined to help Leona, forcing Leona to use his Unique Magic to caused confusion in the parade and letting Ruggie control fewer people without an amplifier.
The appearance of the Victim Club to Crowley happened off-screen but presented in a flashback instead of at the end of the Overblot battle because you know how much changes happen beyond that.
Both the Magishift practice and the actual match happens in the filler Arc instead of in the main arc, mostly because I want this to happen when everything is more stable between Leona and Jonah.
So many reasoning, but all of them are connected to Break & Gosh
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WHEN YOU REALIZED YOUR FILLER ARC IS NOT TECHNICALLY A FILLER
According to TV Trope (my source of knowledge), filler episodes are entries in a generally continuous serial that are unrelated to the main plot, don't significantly alter the relations between the characters, and generally serve only to take up space. This could be considered Padding (the addition of scenes to lengthen a story) applied to a whole franchise by creating a brand new episode.
I call JADBSSG and B&G as 'filler arc' is because it's original from me to fill the time gap between the main arc for a reasonable pace. However, I also realized that nearly all of my filler episodes have some purpose for the plot with important plot points that it's impossible to take them out.
This includes:
Overblot explanation (36)
Magishift explanation (39)
Monstro Lounge's 'Sunday Supreme' program (40)
Jonah's new arm (63-64)
Jonah's inability to drink potions (63)
Jonah's birthday (70)
An explanation for Ruggie's loyalty (65)
Leona's therapy (72-73)
Leona's past (72-73)
Ruggie's past (65, 73)
Magic System explanation (75)
Magishift gameplay (74)
Hints about whatever Crowley had been doing with the overblot news (65, 66, 74)
Ramshackle lore (74)
Disney movies dreams (64, 66)
Not only that, some filler episode Mark's the first time characters ever interact with each other:
Jonah and Epel (38)
The Board Game Club (37, 69, 70)
Ace-Deuce and Silver-Lilia (63)
Lilia with the Golden Trio (63, 67)
Heartslabyul and Octavinelle (75, 76)
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However, this is even harder during B&G rather than JADBSSG and not only because B&G is trice the length of JADBSSG.
In JADBSSG, while it may be just a collection of one-shots, but there are some chapters that are connected with each other, which are 37, 39, and 40. Meanwhile, chapter 36 and 38 can stand on their own. So, I can actually change those two chapters in whatever order I can or even slip it in between the three-chapters, but I can't rearrange those three main.
However, you can't do this with B&G. You can't take away a chapter in B&G without making it awkward in the flow. Each chapter in B&G is connected in that certain order. You can't have Leona's Therapy (72-73) at the beginning of the Arc, because we need to address the Overblot aftermath damage (63-66) The Halloween chapters (67-71) can't happen after the Magishift Rematch (74-77), because we need Jonah and Leona to mend their relationship first in the therapy. You see, what I mean?
Heck, I can even consider B&G is part of The Rebel of the Wilderness because we haven't got that therapy and Magishift match until the end of the filler arc.
But in the end, I can't delete both filler arc because both of them have important plot points that will affect the main arc.
.
.
END OF RAMBLING
Writing Break & Gosh was an experience. It was my first time writing sports scenes, but you can also call this the first time writing a full-fledge Arc. I'm still salty about my update schedule and how I kept changing the arc length, but it was certainly something. And despite all my rambling and nitpicking, I still like Break & Gosh.
The next filler arc is probably more lighthearted than Break & Gosh, probably in the same tone as Jonah Argentum's Declassified Boarding School Survival Guide, since it will be a Christmas special but also mark the point where I fully diverge in canon (related to Scarabia Arc, Happy Beans Day, and Fairy Gala). The Merchant of the Deep Sea will be the last time I'll follow canon in terms of the timeline.
I also want to say thank you to all who still sticking around after that mess of an arc. I tried my best to give Leona the therapy he deserved, but I'm still not sure whether I succeed or not. I'll let you decide whether this is a good arc or not.
Also while you at it, with filler arc you like better? Jonah Argentum's Declassified Boarding School Survival Guide or Break & Gosh? And which episode from the arc you like the best?
#twisted wonderland fic#twisted wonderland fanfiction#twisted wonderland fanfic#twst fic#twst fanfic#twisted wonderland#disney twisted wonderland#twst#the captain's rambling#twisted-wonderland: our precious treasure
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Midwinter Solstice Eve
Seasons greetings to one and all! I hope everyone is enjoying themselves and celebrating the holidays as best they can with friends and family.
Just a heads up: this is a long RWBY fanfic, taking place in the same AU as my first fanfic RWBY: Family Lost and Found.
For the RWBY fans who made my time here really swell this year and also enjoyed my past writings, @littlemisssquiggles, @miki-13 , @maripr , @blackhakumen @davidellisartworkstuff , @accel-dragons @jade-rosepine and @che1sea-xiao-long this is for you. Hope you’re having a lovely holiday, and I hope you enjoy.
Act 1
Midwinter Solstice Eve had brought an unprecedented level of calm to the island province of Patch, even with the increasing threat of Grimm attacks. The coastal port towns were bathed in warm golden and crimson lights, security was at an all year-high and people went about their ways doing their best to keep merry. Airships and boats to the other kingdoms were preparing to leave. At first, the setting sun pierced the clouds and shafts of bright orange light cut across the frosty blue snow-laden fields and forests. But over time, these clouds grew thicker and snow fell faster and heavier than before, and the last of the daytime light was dying out.
In a secluded forested part of Patch, a two story log cabin stood resolute against the thickening blizzard, and cosy golden light gleamed invitingly within. The home of Taiyang Xiao-Long was a model of Midwinter Solstice preparations. In the kitchen was filled with the tantalising scent of slow-roasting game birds, and Tai went up and down the kitchen with his recipe book while his assistants, Nora Valkyrie, Lie Ren and Oscar Pine went about their culinary tasks.
“Alright girls and boys,” called out Tai as he removed a tray of roast potatoes from the oven, “let’s move this feast to the final phase! Nora, stop eating those potatoes and put them in the oven!”
“But they’re so tasty – oh, fine!”
“Ren, how are those vegetables coming?”
“Almost ready, Mr Xiao-Long!”
“Also maybe put a little more icing on the chocolate yule log, you know how my girls love their sweets.”
“I thought you wanted Ruby to eat less sweet stuff?” he asked incredulously, “I mean pudding, mince pies, and yule log?”
“True, true; but since it’s that time of year again we only get to go this big once. Just wait, between Ruby and Nora there’ll be hardly any desserts left!” he chuckled with a pat on the farm boy’s back and went into the lounge to check on how his daughters and their partners were doing.
It was a much more pleasant sight; the lounge was filled with soft carpets with the walls and mantelpieces decked with crimson, pine-green and gold trimmings. True to form, Ruby Rose and Weiss Schnee were partnered off on the decorations, while Blake Belladonna and Yang Xiao-Long moved in and out of the house doing different jobs in conversation. Chairs were pulled in and a portable Atlesian fire-place where the TV used to be was just starting to burn; ‘an old present from James’ as Tai said. Taking a short break from cooking, Oscar picked up a nearby guitar and strummed it a few times before settling on a soft melody, glancing towards . In the corner stood the decorated festive pine tree, with Ruby happily humming as she placed hand-carved and painted robins on what free branches still remained, thinking fondly about her mother. Weiss levitated a wreath of red and white roses onto the pine tree’s highest branches with Myrtenaster’s Gravity Dust function, smiling as she floated the wreath up and down. Blake came in and gave an amused smile at the sight.
“No offence, but that doesn’t look like the most efficient use of your limited Dust reserves. Couldn’t you just get the ladder?” suggested Blake.
“You’re right I could, but I never get to do any of this festive stuff, so I’m taking every chance.”
“You really are Defiance aren’t you,” chuckled Blake, more to herself than Weiss, who merely stared back quizzically at her as she went out again.
“Actually, I haven’t felt this relaxed – this happy even, in a long time.”
“Oh, it’s great isn’t it? I can’t wait to see your face when you open my present!” said Ruby excitedly, bobbing side to side, making Weiss giggle.
“Well you’ll just have to be a little patient,” she said with an air of playful parental authority, and she smiled softly at distant memories, “I remember when I was little my Mom would say that to get me to wait because I always wanted Midwinter Solstice to come a day early. I used to get so excited… but that really didn’t last long. Before I left for Beacon they had become so suffocating dry, formal and by the end so cold and resentful that I almost forgot just how sweet they could be.”
Weiss looked down sadly, and Ruby lifted her chin up encouragingly.
“Dad and I have tomorrow all planned out: snowball fights, games, movies, and karaoke!”
“Wonderful!” said Weiss with a bigger smile, which faltered as she saw Nora, Ren and Oscar talking worriedly among each other. She pointed this out to Ruby just as Yang and Blake came back in, and the two teams convened.
“Something wrong, guys?” asked Yang.
“This snowstorm is looking worse by the minute,” said Nora looking worried, “and we’re just hoping that Jaune and Pyrrha’s boat made it out in time.”
“They said their ship was leaving before the storm hit, but we haven’t heard from them in a while,” said Ren holding up his scroll.
“I’ve seen blizzards like this before back on the farm, and they’re worse than hazardous to travel in,” said Oscar as he stared out the window.
“Also, this little guy’s feeling homesick,” added Nora, wrapping her arms tightly around Oscar.
“Nora! I said it’s not a big deal!” he said quickly, but too late as a light chorus of endearment broke out among RWBY, turning the lad bright red as Nora grinned and Ren sighed.
“I mean, she isn’t wrong,” admitted Oscar, “I just had a rush of memories of watching the snow from the farmhouse bedroom and keeping warm by the fireplace with my aunt and uncle. Sometimes the extended family came over! It’s my first Midwinter away from them...”
“Awww, don’t worry, Oscar, you’ll feel right at home here,” said Ruby, smiling and placing an arm around Oscar’s shoulders, causing the boy to smile nervously and attempt to hide his blushing. “Dad always makes the best Winter Solstice dinner.”
“Actually, from the looks of things we might have a little too much food on our hands,” said Yang, “Guess we know what we’re having for lunch tomorrow!”
Suddenly, Ruby’s scroll starting buzzing. She answered and put it on speaker.
“RUBY!” yelled Jaune’s voice; he sounded panicked and hoarse, “Please get down here with Bumblebee fast! It’s me and Pyrrha, we’re stranded and the ice is breaking!”
Act 2
Within minutes, the four girls strapped on their Huntress gear and wrapped up warm for the mission. Based on Jaune’s description, the river was less than ten miles away winding between two hills. Yang fixed a snowplow on Bumblebee’s front wheel and revved the bike up for heavy duty action while Ruby fixed a trailer to the back. They gathered torches and ropes and packed them in the trailer. Before RWBY could set out, they heard a shrill voice load and clear.
“That’s half our team out there! We’re coming too!” declared Nora.
There was no arguing with her on that matter; time and the elements were both against them. With Yang driving, Ruby on the scroll to keep Jaune calm and determine where he was
“Wait, I want to help!” Oscar called out, covered head to toe in warm clothing, as the bike sped down the road until it vanished behind the snow drifts.
“Oh, no you don’t!” Tai yelled, grabbing Oscar’s arm, “Those kids are tough and capable, and you’re not at their level yet, Oscar. If you run out there you’ll get lost and freeze and I’m not losing anyone on Midwinter Solstice!”
“Tai, this snow’s getting much worse, they won’t be able to see where they’re going!” said Oscar, undeterred by Tai’s warning, “We’ve got to give them their best chance to get back.”
With the headlights at full beam, Yang drove as fast as she could through the forest towards the river, bobbing and weaving without dislodging the trailer behind her. Ten miles of straight road would have been nothing to Bumblebee but the combination of weather and treacherous downhill terrain slowed their progress. Even with the warm clothing and aura, they couldn’t stay out for long. As the trees gave way, they saw the river winding through the two hills and plowed through the heavy drifts to the riverbank. Everyone disembarked from the trailer and searched the area, calling out Jaune and Pyrrha’s names.
“There they are!” called out Blake, pointing towards a faint and distant flashing light several hundred yards away on the river’s ice covered surface. She could make out two distant figures, one stretching out and waving the other collapsed
“Guys, I think Pyrrha’s down!” added Blake, her ears folded down in dread.
“Then let’s go!” yelled Nora as she began to charge, only to be stopped by Ren, pointing out the fickle character of the frozen surface.
“I can use my semblance to get to them faster!” said Ruby with determination, “Nora, can you give me a boost?”
“CAN I?!” she bellowed with renewed vigour.
“Alright, then I’ll follow behind. I can get some distance with my glyphs,” said Weiss.
“I’ll tie the ropes together, Blake can you help me?” said Ren, Blake nodded.
“I’ll keep Bee warm for when we need to get out of here,” said Yang, revving the engine.
With the intensifying blizzard obscuring their vision of Jaune’s scroll light, they put the plan into motion. Blake and Ren had finished tying the ropes together, and passed them over to Weiss.
“Hurry, I think the ice is beginning to crack,” warned Blake, Weiss nodded.
She cast her glyphs across the river and began to run with all speed across her conjured bridge. Ruby stood perched like a bird of prey atop Magnhild, and Nora sent Ruby soaring through the air with a mighty swing in mid-semblance. She careened through the frozen night air, keeping altitude with Crescent Rose, a cascade of red against the black sky and pallid snow. Ruby used her semblance one more time as she spun towards Jaune and Pyrrha and skidded across the ice, clamping down with a swing of her scythe. Weiss wasn’t far behind.
Both of them looked pale and exhausted, Pyrrha was barely conscious but Jaune managed to pull a smile as the two friends embraced with one arm still around Pyrrha. She looked further ahead and gasped at the broken ice just a few yards ahead.
“Oh am I glad to see you!” cried Jaune frantically, “She fell through the ice! I’ve been trying to keep her warm! Help me carry her!”
Ruby nodded and raised Pyrrha up; she was murmuring deliriously and barely able to stand but still managed with the last vestiges of her aura to keep going. They started making good progress towards the shore. Suddenly the ominous sound of cracking ice came beneath them.
“Grab on!” yelled Weiss, tossing them the rope and casting a glyph beneath their feet as the ice ceased to support their weight. Back on shore, the combined strength of Nora, Ren, Blake and Yang tugged them back to shore. When they touched solid ground, the two reunited teams broke into a tight and tearful group hug, Pyrrha especially with light sobs of relief and gratitude.
“Hey guys, plenty of time for this back at Dad’s house,” said Yang, starting to shiver herself.
“I can’t tell where we are! This blizzard’s getting impossible to move through!” said Blake, barely able to make out the road with the snow obscuring the way and filling Bee’s tracks.
“We just keep going uphill,” said Yang stubbornly, “there barely any roads through here. And Bee’s using up too much juice to keep warm.”
They had been gone five minutes up the road towards Tai’s lodge. Nora and Ren kept close to Jaune and Pyrrha, and Weiss had conjured a small flame to keep them going. After another five minutes of more empty woodland and a winding trail, Yang slowed down and stopped to look around, the others stared around looking for any sign of habitation, like distant lights or smoke.
“Shit… none of this looks familiar,” she said angrily, “Where the hell are we?!”
“Maybe we should double back,” suggested Blake.
“We could get even more lost,” said Weiss, now starting to get nervous.
“Wait, I’ve got Dad’s signal, he must have followed us. I’m calling him!” said Ruby, opening up her scroll and tapping Tai’s number. She didn’t have long to wait.
“Ruby, finally! I’ve been trying to reach you!” said Tai over the wire, “I followed your trail halfway down the southern road but can’t find you guys anywhere!”
“We got lost! Are you out there by yourself?”
“Yes, Oscar’s back at the house. Listen to me; look out for the red signal flare. Find that and you’ll find the road. I’m launching in three, two-”
“Look, there it is!” cried Nora, pointing towards a bright red flash, barely covered by the falling snow and thick snow-laden branches.
“Yeah, I see it too! It’s not that far!” said Ruby excitedly.
“What? Ruby, I haven’t fired mine yet! Are you sure you see a flare?” said Tai incredulously, “I’m firing mine now; keep an eye out for it!”
Seconds later, another much further and fainter red light appeared, coming from back the way they came. The group looked amongst each other, now uncertain what to make of this. Then another flare rose up from beyond the tree line, same as where the first flare came from.
“Ruby, I see it too, you’re a lot further out than I thought,” said Tai, something in his voice sounded different, “change of plan, follow that flare, it’s closer to the lodge.”
Wasting no more time, Yang revved up Bumblebee and made a break for the source of the flare. Bee started to sputter, and fear began to grip the teams at the prospect of walking blind and losing precious time. The light from the flare went out. But before long, the trees became less dense and the familiar warm lights of Tai’s house came into view. Yang laughed and whooped and punched the air as she revved towards the lodge.
They spotted a lone figure glad in green standing in the snow covered field and waving his arms, and a few of the group peered out to see as they got closer.
“OSCAR!” yelled an ecstatic Nora, and with her arm outstretched grabbed him right off his feet and into the trailer locked in a tight tackle hug. He was shivering and had snowflakes tousled in his hair, signs that he had been outside for a while.
“Guys, we all gotta get inside,” reminded Blake, pointing to Jaune and Pyrrha lying prone, everyone nodded in agreement as they convened inside Tai’s house.
Act 3
Yang had her scroll out to inform Tai that they all made it back. The Atlesian fireplace was burning low with fresh fuel, another one of Oscar’s preparations before he went outside. Weiss went back and forth from the kitchen and came back with mugs of tea and hot chocolate for everyone, and knelt before the closely huddled Jaune and Pyrrha, both of whom were too tired to talk and looked close to drifting off.
“There, there,” cooed Weiss softly to both of them, stroking their foreheads gently, “just take it easy; you both had a tough time of it. But you’re safe now.”
Ruby brought down a high pile of blankets, jumpers and sweaters for Jaune and Pyrrha to put on, one red and one yellow, while Oscar brought extra cushions and draped them both in a thick blanket and sat down beside them.
“I’m so glad you’re both safe, I was scared we were gonna lose you out there,” he said gently.
After every means to be comfortable was taken, the fatigued RWBY and JNPPR sat huddled close around the fireplace in silence for the next several minutes, taking in the welcome warmth and looking amongst one another with in subdued, harmonious relief.
“That was way too close,” said Weiss at last, hugging her knees.
“No argument from me,” stuttered Jaune, as Pyrrha held him tightly.
The door opened again, it was Tai.
“Hey kids,” said Tai discreetly, with Ruby and Yang running up to hug him followed by all the other team members. He went down to green Jaune and Pyrrha, but Oscar guiltily hung back. He turned to face everyone, “Seriously, well done everyone. I’ve seen some daring feats in heavy snow at night, but you just raised the bar. So, you want to tell me what happened out there?”
While Ruby and Yang took turns recounting what happened, Tai listened intently and nodded proudly at each of them, and team spirit was on the rise.
“It sounds like you guys were just legendary out there!” said Oscar at last, looking around excitedly and gesturing to each of them in turn, “I mean, Ruby soaring through the blizzard Weiss with her glyphs, Nora with her hammer, and the rope plan. You guys must have been legendary!”
“You should have seen Yang’s driving, she was on fire!” said Nora with a little bounce.
“Why thank you, Nora! Bumblebee’s gonna need a lot of work after that,” commented Yang, scratching the back of her head sheepishly.
“Well, any vehicle is only ever as good as its driver,” said Blake with a smile, “and that placed us in excellent hands.”
Yang grinned and thanked her partner, and the two leaned in closely.
“Oh, and I switched the oven and cooker off before I went out, to not spoil the food,” said Oscar shyly to Tai, “I put them back on and reset the timers when we returned.”
“Smart move; the meal was saved just in time, despite the danger you put yourself in,” said Tai with his arms folded, he seemed to be making a concerted effort not to be cross.
“Dad, please don’t go there,” said Ruby reproachfully.
“Sir, if it weren’t for Oscar’s timely signal flare, we would probably be dead,” said Jaune with a little more strength in his voice.
“We put everyone in danger,” said Pyrrha at last, her eyes misty and cast down.
“Pyrrha, honey, please don’t-”
“It’s true… I wanted Jaune to meet my family for Midwinter Solstice. I wanted to make it this grand, almost fanciful meet-up. After the ship left without us, we argued a lot along the way, I insisted we try to get there no matter wat. We should not have tried to make the journey back to Argus with the blizzard closing in…”
“Pyr, I’m just as much to blame for this, if not more, I said we could make it to Tai’s lodge before the bad weather hit. We got turned around and stranded on that river, and then you fell in the ice!” Jaune cried out racked with guilt and anger, Pyrrha placed her hand on his shoulder.
“You wouldn’t leave me,” she said reassuringly, “I knew I had a chance with you.”
“You two wanted to spend Christmas with family, I think we all understand that,” said Ren.
“I think anyone who has a family they would brave a blizzard to be with is a special kind of lucky,” said Nora, “I know I would”
“We kind of did,” added Ren. Smiles started to bloom among the group.
“You both need to stop blaming yourselves for what nearly happened,” said Oscar earnestly, “You’re right, mistakes were made and it was way too close. But through it all, I’m just happy to have both of you here and alive with us under this roof, brought together in spite of peril and strife. In the end, Midwinter Solstice is all about that.”
“That reminds me about that song you played for me a few nights ago, could you play it again for us?” asked Ruby.
Oscar’s eyes went wide, but with a deep breath he asked if everyone else wanted to hear. With everyone giving consent, Oscar picked up the guitar and sang softly to the low fire crackling.
“When the silence wakes you, when your nights are long,
When the world forsakes you, please be strong.
Nothing hurts you forever, it will fade away,
And the sky will be blue again, one day.
No matter how cold the winter, no matter how deep the snow,
We will be warm again and the grass will grow.
No matter where life may take us, no matter how hard they try,
They will not break us, you and I.
When it’s dark inside you, when your flame is low,
I will be beside you, you will know.
Let it fall all around you, let the cold winds cry,
Let the old winds of yesterday blow by.
No matter how cold the winter, no matter how deep the snow,
We will be warm again and the grass will grow.
No matter where life may take us, no matter how hard they try,
They will not break us, you and I.”
Oscar blushed as applause broke out among the group, and some cheering from Yang and Tai.
“Well sung, little dude, well sung,” said Jaune.
“At Beacon you were all there when I needed help, especially you Pyrrha, and honestly this is just a small way of saying thank you,” said Oscar, still red in cheeks.
“Oh, Oscar, bless you,” said Pyrrha softly, eyes glistening. She held her arm out invitingly, Oscar budged closer and she pulled him into gentle, caressing hug.
“Thank you for being there when we needed you,” she murmured, gently swaying him side by side, enveloping her arms and blanket around him until he was effectively cocooned within. She held his face close and leaned and kissed his cheek causing the boy to open his eyes wide in shock.
“Are there no limits to your adorableness?” cooed Jaune as he embraced both of them within his blanket and ruffled Oscar’s hair.
“Mm-mm” shaking her head and giggled, still cuddling Oscar.
Nora and Ren piled in on either side of the three-way hug. In the middle of them, a series of small squeaks came from Pyrrha, grinning whilst tears down her cheeks. Team RWBY looked on, a mixture of awe and “aww” shared between them.
“I think I’ll skip the dessert, because that was the sweetest thing I’ve ever feasted my eyes on!” Yang whispered to Blake.
Ruby felt Weiss’s hand on her shoulder.
“Hey Ruby, despite the near-death experience out in the wilderness, I just want to say thank you for inviting me over for Midwinter Solstice; being here with everyone is so much better than being back at Atlas.”
“Don’t mention it, Weiss. It certainly crazy how close that was, but it worked out in the end! Just promise me one thing for the holiday.”
“Name it!”
“Don’t think about Atlas or anyone there who makes you unhappy and unfestive; I forbid it!”
“I don’t think ‘unfestive’ is a real word, but deal!” she said happily, drawing her in for a hug.
Tai came back in to announce that the game birds were cooked and there is definitely enough for the two new guests. Blake and Yang went in first, while JNPPR went in as one leaning in among each other. Ruby winked to Weiss and both reached out to pull Oscar in, and he gave a little yelp when both girls pulled him into their embrace. Ruby glanced up, something small and green was floating above them.
“Wait, I don’t remember ever hanging up mistletoe…” said Ruby nervously.
“Oscar, was this your doing?” said Weiss, raising her eyebrow.
“How could it be my doing?”
They paused and followed the line of string hanging the infamous little festive plant and gave out one big, shared yell; “NORA!”
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Note: I really did want to write a new poem/song for this story rather than recycle an old one, but it still felt fitting both to the story and for the season.
Thank you, everyone.
#rwby#rwby fanfiction#rwby fanfic#rwby au#rwby christmas#christmas#team rwby#team jnpr#jnpr family#rwby ruby rose#ruby rose#weiss schnee#blake belladonna#yang xiao long#jaune arc#nora valkyrie#pyrrha nikos#oscar pine#lie ren#taiyang xiao long#arkos#rwby arkos#ruby and weiss#blake x yang#nora x ren#rwby rosegarden#christmas feels#rwby feels#fluff at the end#ruby rose x oscar
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