#feed the writers and they will love you | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

booklyns · 2 years

Text

white rabbit | hannibal. l [hannibal]

PART | pt 1. for pt 2: click here, for pt 3: click here.

WARNING | manipulation, cannibalism, hannibal thinking of dissecting you, mention of overdose, might be out of character because i forgot about the show, inaccurate details (??), i'm not a psychiatrist lol, unedited writing.

RELATIONSHIP | hannibal. l/gn. reader.

WORD COUNT | approx 6k.

SUMMARY | you're a little bit crazy in the head after witnessing someone brutally getting murdered in your yard, people say. maybe you are, maybe you are not. either way, it's the psychiatrist that has a say in this. not you, never you. only hannibal's words matter.

please read the warning before proceeding. minors do not interact. this is written only for fun, do not normalise this relationship. please reach out if you're in a toxic relationship or any relationship that is harmful towards you.

You remembered—

You remembered that it was raining heavily and the thunder struck as the time went on. You could recall the warmth you sought from the hot mug of coffee, eyes staring outside of the windows like a hawk as if something interesting was going to happen. It did and you regretted looking out of the windows right away, the shrill shriek was concealed by the sound of rain slamming onto the ground.

But you could clearly see the two silhouettes fighting against each other, the taller man stabbing repeatedly into the smaller figure's stomach. You could vaguely make out the splatter of blood as you froze in front of the window, the mug of coffee fell and shattered onto the floor, just in time for the lightning to thunder behind them.

You saw the murderer's face and that will haunt you forever.

You just remembered—

"Hey, take a deep breath." The police officer in front of you noticed at how your hands would tremble as you recalled back your memories, "The murderer is caught, you just need to remember that. Nothing will go wrong and nobody will go after you. Alright? What you saw was... yes, a nightmare but you managed to be the only witness. You caught the killer."

Your eyes watered and you lowered your gaze, none of his words was soothing you. But you weren't able to force out a smile this time, the nightmare was simply agonising to you and your brain was constantly giving you information of the murder. Whenever you stepped out to the yard, you could smell the scent of blood that was still lingering on the soil.

Many said you're hallucinating.

But you just weren't. It felt incredibly real.

"Okay, how about this? I will give you information about this psychiatrist, he has seemed to help us a lot with our investigation. You remember Will, the man who helped you last time?"

You nodded.

"He has seen a lot of things as well, more than you do and he is always meeting this person. Hannibal Lecter. We don't normally do this but, he might be the only one to help you right now." He handed you the minimalistic business card with an apologetic smile, "He will be of help to you, I'm sure of it. I'm sorry that it has to come to this. You're a wonderful person, you shouldn't have seen what happened on that day but I just want you to remember that the killer is caught because of your statement."

Holding onto the card as if it was a fragile gift, you gave him a dazed look and a nod, unable to force yourself to smile due to days of not sleeping. How could you sleep in a peaceful slumber when the killer kept haunting your dream? He was always constantly saying that he will haunt you down and gut you alive inside the nightmare.

You were losing your sanity bit by bit.

"Thank you, Damien."

But you couldn't tell them.

"Excuse me."

The lady by the front entrance looked up, meeting your tired eyes that showed how obvious you were surviving with the lack of sleep. You tried your hardest to smile, even if your eyes were itchy and stinging in pain, and hoped that was enough to show that you're not that crazy yet.

"Yes?"

"I've made an appointment with Doctor Hannibal Lecter?"

"Ah, yes! Around 3 in the afternoon, right?" Flipping through the pages to find your name, the lady stood up and gestured to the door at the end of the hallway, "Just enter that room, please. Doctor Lecter is waiting for you."

You bobbed your head as a quick thank you and trotted down the corridor, heart thumping as you listened to your own footsteps bouncing off the walls. It would have been a lie if you insisted that you weren't terrified to meet the psychiatrist — he could see what was wrong with you. What you saw and what traumatised you. You felt vulnerable when you thought about how Doctor Lecter would judge you. Gosh, you wished you wouldn't think too much about it but unfortunately, your mind wasn't giving you much of a choice.

Knock, knock.

"Doctor Hannibal Lecter, may I come in?"

"Oh, please do."

You slowly swung open the door and stuck your head through the large gap, instantly gasping in awe at how spacious his office was. In fact, it could even be a home if he wanted to. Considering how well and extravagant his office was, you were certain that Doctor Hannibal Lecter was a well-known psychiatrist and was paid enough. Well, he sure was, considering that all police officers knew about him. Getting a grip of yourself, you gathered what was left inside you and entered into the office, giving a nod to Hannibal as a greeting.

You ended up standing in the middle of the office like a scared, clueless and missing rabbit — extremely awkward that Hannibal's lips curled upwards in amusement.

A scared, little rabbit you were.

You reminded Hannibal of a white rabbit which definitely could be a tasty, juicy meat if it was cooked right. Oh no, you weren't Alice in the Wonderland. You're just the white rabbit who would always run here and there, giving a fun chase for the predator. Not letting his thoughts get ahead of himself, Hannibal gestured to the leather couch in the middle of the room and stood up from his personal desk to sit down in front of you, a coffee table separating the two of you from each other. The way he sat down was graceful, far elegant compared to yours even when he cross his slender leg over the other.

You were just there, twiddling with your thumbs and avoiding making eye-contact with Hannibal. The psychiatrist sure took notice of your behaviour, making a mental note of how you're acting as soon as you stepped into his office.

"Would you like something to drink?"

You shook your head, "No, no. It's fine. Thank you."

"If that's what you wish. Then, shall we begin?" Hannibal continued when you nodded at his question, "Now, do you mind telling me why you're here and what happened?"

You instantly frowned at his question, "You know, don't you? I'm sure the officer told you about what happened to me and—"

"Yes, I do know about what happened however, it is my job to listen to your explanation. It helps to make sure that you know what's happening and what has happened. You can get a grip of reality if you slowly take your time to explain what has happened. Of course, if you're still uncomfortable to discuss about this issue, we can always move on to another topic. Your choice."

Your eyes darted left and right, looking like a prey that was about to be eaten by a predator. Oh, if only you knew what was going on inside Hannibal's mind, you would surely be trembling like a terrified bunny that was actually about to be eaten. The way you looked at him pleadingly reminded him of those people that he fought against. Hell, most of them wouldn't even look at him with such an entrancing gaze. At this point, Hannibal was already thinking of the look you would give him if he were to dissect you alive.

Perhaps when he placed a knife near your throat, you would inhale a sharp, shaky breath and look into his eyes with tearful eyes. When he strangled you with a rope, you would probably try to scratch the rope to break free and thrash your legs around but unfortunately, it would be futile. You're nothing compared to Hannibal Lecter who was an experienced killer. Maybe he could try gutting you alive, most probably you will die from blood loss or faint from the excruciating pain.

Who knows?

"No, I will explain everything from the beginning."

Your voice pulled Hannibal out of his own random thoughts. It was fairly easy for Hannibal to focus on his patient even when he was craving something for dinner. After all, he was a professional psychiatrist and right now, it was his job to help you get a grip on yourself. You were losing yourself, Hannibal could tell just from your tired and defeated gaze alone.

You reminded him of Will Graham.

Looking similar to a pitiful rabbit, you were hoping for something to save you from the hellish nightmare. Perhaps Hannibal Lecter could be the one to pull you awake but that depended on him, wouldn't it? Whether he wanted to make you stay awake or make you to lose your sanity, it was all his choice from the very beginning.

"Thank you. Continue then."

You clasped your hands, holding so tight that your knuckles were beginning to turn white. Oh, what a pitiful look you had there, Hannibal thought. He wondered how you were going to explain the entire situation to him without a quivering voice. Something about the way you looked was stirring up his inside to play with you for a while longer. Just like Will Graham, you simply felt.. human. Something about you was screaming humanity — so fragile, so humane and so terrified of being hunted down by a predator.

"It happened a few weeks ago. Maybe even a month, I can't really remember. But it happened, that's all I know." You bit the inside of your cheeks, "I was at home alone, it was during midnight and I was just about to continue my work. Write, I mean. I am a writer. And as I was about to walk back upstairs, I looked out the window. It was dark but I saw figures in my yard. Something about the entire scene terrified me, it still does. I saw something glinting even from a far away and the sound... I couldn't hear it properly but it's there, I know that! I could hear the knife piercing into the person again and again. And then, the lightning struck and the man looked at me."

Hannibal nodded and you continued with your gaze on your trembling hands.

"He saw me, my face. He stood there as if he's thinking whether he should kill me or just let me go. I saw half of his face because it was too dark but he didn't know that, right? All he knew was that I saw him, that's it. I know he's going to kill me, that's what murderers do, right?"

Hannibal hummed with a cold smile.

"So I ran, I quickly locked the door and got to the phone, and dialed in for the police. I think he knew what I was doing, that's why he came running to my house and started bashing onto the door. When he realised he couldn't get it, he smashed the window with his elbow. Before he got in, I yelled at him that I called the police and they're on the way. He... stopped and just glared at me under the stupid cap he wore. I remember the cap very well, it was a baseball cap with a weird logo on it. And—" You shook, "And he told me that he would find me before leaving."

Hannibal took note of your trembling hands and shoulders, presenting you with a reassuring smile. Everything about him was elegant, from the way he dressed himself neatly, the way he smiled at you and possibly even the way he stabbed his victims.

But you didn't know about the last part, right?

"Would you like to take a break?"

You pursed your lips and shook your head, determination that covered the trauma visible in your own luscious eyes, "No, I can continue. There's still a bit more to go, after all." You gave him your best smile albeit stiff and forced, "Uhm, and then the police came and I was under their protection for a while until the murderer was captured."

"Did you get attacked by the murderer while under the WITSEC?"

"No but—"

He raised a brow, "But?"

You suddenly hugged yourself tight, feeling every inch of your body prickling with anxiety and fear. The discomfort suddenly came surging throughout your body, even when Hannibal's warm eyes were there to accompany you. The familiar sound of those muffled footsteps came ringing inside your ears, and you weren't sure anymore whether it could have been real or fake. You had no idea, you just had no fucking clue about why you're shivering like something was about to fall on you and take your damn life away.

"I could feel his stare. His footsteps." Your voice gave up on you and alas, cracked, "Everything. I could feel and hear everything. It's haunting me every fucking moment and I can't sleep anymore. He might escape from the prison and stab me in my sleep. It's my damn brain that wouldn't stop panicking me."

Giving you a firm nod, Hannibal scribbled something in his notebook.

"Is there anything else you would like to add?"

You looked at him in the eyes, completely tired and hollow inside as the light in your eyes disappeared a very long time ago. Personally, you had been to several psychiatrists before and none, zero, of them was able to help you. In fact, it had been proven to worsen day by day and none of them was able to stop it from worsening. And right now, you were at the worst point of your entire life. You were this close to breaking apart and this man in front of you was the last piece of hope you could have.

"Can you help me, Doctor Lecter?"

He chuckled, "Do you think I can help you?"

"No but I hope I'm wrong. They're calling me insane, Doctor Lecter. Whenever I say that there is a man following after me, they look at me as if I've seen a ghost. When I look back because of the sound of footsteps, they look at me as if I'm sick in the head. When I could hear his voice again and again, they told me to seek help. I have been trying, haven't I?" You tilted your head with a pained smile, extremely sick of everything that had been going on. "Do you think I'm crazy, Doctor Lecter?"

"I do not call my patients crazy."

Hannibal called your name with a professionalism in the tone of his voice but something— something about the way he called your name was hiding a secret deep inside his chest. You almost shuddered, not from excitement or euphoria, but dread. It felt as if something sinister was waiting behind the curtains, waiting to be unraveled. Again and again, you scolded yourself for thinking of such a thought. It was your trauma and paranoia, you reminded yourself constantly. Hannibal Lecter was just a psychiatrist and he's trying to help you right now.

If only you could just give him a minute of cooperation—

"For our next session, I want you to write what you experience inside a book and hand it to me. Anything you experience, from footsteps or voices. I just need to have a general idea of what you're experiencing on daily basis to decide the next course of my action." Hannibal smiled and it almost seemed like he was charming you with his dull eyes, "Will you do that for me?"

You hesitated before nodding, completely stunned from what he just said, "Yeah, yeah. Sure. I will bring in the book for our next session. Just don't... freak out."

"Of course not." Hannibal glanced at the watch around his slim wrist, "Looks like the time is up, I say we have gone through yet another important part of the session. We will continue our session on Monday."

"Thank you, Doctor Hannibal Lecter."

He walked over to the door and held it open for you, gesturing for you to leave the office in a polite manner without making you self-conscious. You gave him a nod, having no strength to actually smile at him and just walked past him.

"Have a nice day."

You can't sleep.

Groaning, you looked out the window of your apartment, a new house that you decided to move into after the previous incident. The sky was beginning to turn orange, slowly fading a darker shade of orange, and you were beginning to feel every ounce of energy leaving your body. Even your life was beginning to weaken and get thinner, you doubted you could live without any sleep.

How many days had it been?

You simply couldn't close your eyes and sleep for a few days now.

"I will find you."

Snapping your entire body straight, you took a gasp and looked around you in horror. The couch felt incredibly sticky with your sweat and the time stopped, your eyes darted all over the place in hope to see what was haunting you. It wasn't long until you felt a hot breath behind your ear, the same and familiar voice ringing inside your itching ears.

"You can't run away."

You let out horrified scream and swiveled around, falling onto the cold floor with a loud thud. Your chest heaved up and down, finding the difficulty to breathe steadily as you tried to search for the murderer, the man who wouldn't fucking leave you alone. Crawling backward, your ears rang with footsteps and knocking on the door. Everything was happening all over again and by the corner of your eyes, you could see a black silhouette standing by the corner of the room.

"Hide."

Yelping from fright, you stumbled forward and slammed your entire weight onto the door before sprinting out from your house. You couldn't remember if you had locked your damn door before bolting away, everything just happened rather fast and your mind was simply in a state of chaos. A part of your brain was blank while the other part was pleading you to just hide, to just seek someone's help. The only one you could think of was Doctor Hannibal Lecter.

Surely he knew what to do with this situation?

Hands trembling and eyes burning in tears, you searched for Hannibal's contact number in your phone and desperately tried to hide in the shadow. Pedestrians, who walked by, glanced at you with confusion before brushing off your presence, probably thinking that you were yet another lunatic seeking for extra money here and there.

"Ah, good evening—"

"I saw him. I fucking saw him, I swear!"

You whispered harshly into the phone, hand gripping onto the device until your knuckles turned white and your throat burned from the cries you let out. Hannibal immediately grew quiet, possibly knowing very well that you were sobbing your heart out and were at a vulnerable state.

"He's here, he's here. I don't know what to do. I'm just—"

You wished you could admit how crazy you were.

Hannibal called your name calmly, "Slow down and tell me where you are."

"I'm— I'm around the XXX district—"

"Just hold on, I am coming."

You had no idea how long you had been waiting but you waited until you were sitting on the dirty ground while hugging your legs close to your chest, tired eyes staring at your legs. Everything wasn't as clear as before, what you saw was blurry and hazy. Even when Hannibal came jogging and standing beside you, you could barely register his presence.

You just had no idea what was wrong with you.

"Are you alright?"

Hannibal knelt down beside you and he called your name.

You weren't sure how to answer his call.

Do you just explain everything from A to Z or do you just admit that you're batshit crazy? Something was wrong with your head, you knew that but you weren't sure if it was because of the lack of sleep or the horror of witnessing a murder. It wasn't even a gruesome murder where intestines were spilling out, it was just a plain, simple murder. So why were you so frightened?

Why did you call him in the first place?

Was it because he's your doctor? Hannibal Lecter was the one who popped out inside your brain when you thought to call for help. He was the only one you could rely on, he knew what he was doing as a psychiatrist. But calling him when you're freaking out? You weren't even sure what you were doing anymore.

"I can't."

Your head throbbed.

Hannibal tilted his head, "Can't?"

You wanted to say something but you forgot, your brain wasn't being nice to you this time as well. Before you could even blink and register what he said, your brain shut down. It stopped working instantly, nothing came in and nothing came out, and your eyes rolled to the back of your damn head, your consciousness faded away.

Hannibal grabbed the back of your head before it could collide with the wall behind you, his eyes watching how you just collapsed. Perhaps broke down would be the right words. He could see the dried tears by your cheeks and the dark circle beneath your eyes simply looked terrible. Without hesitating, he carried your entire body before any pedestrian could ask a question.

He glanced at you, there's definitely no way you could wake up and tell him where you live. It wouldn't be that easy.

To his home then.

Now, Hannibal occasionally would get guests at his home but none would stay until the night. And just like his refined taste, the interior of his house was simply clean. Many would say that Hannibal were like a fine red wine, despite his age, he's still a charming man.

Watching you lie on the couch was perhaps the golden opportunity that he could get. You're unconscious, deep in your slumber, and Hannibal clearly had the chance to make a slice down your abdomen. Yet at that moment, none of those ran through his brain. Hannibal only watched the way your brows were still creased like a rabbit that sleeps with their guard up.

A white rabbit.

Hannibal chuckled.

A white rabbit served as a meal wasn't that bad.

But did he want to actually kill you?

No, Hannibal had no intent to kill you yet, at least not right now. He liked taking his own sweet time and seeing how clueless you were in front of him, Hannibal decided to indulge in the moment for a while longer. Besides, you wouldn't run off or go anywhere. He had your sanity in his own hands and whatever he says has the power to shape you.

Whether he wanted you to be crazy or rely on him for comfort, Hannibal had the say in this. Not you, not anyone else.

Just him.

When you did wake up after hours of slumber, you noticed the sky outside was darkening and Hannibal Lecter was just sitting in a chair with book in his hand. You weren't completely sure what it was about but the title was something related to sleep deprivation.

Was he looking for more information about your condition?

You couldn't help but to feel grateful.

"Doctor Lecter."

Hannibal tore his eyes off the book and looked at you, a relieved smile on his face despite his chaotic thoughts prior to your wake. But there's no need for you to know what he was thinking about. All you needed to know was that Hannibal Lecter was the one you should rely on right now.

He can fix you.

And he can destroy you.

"You're awake." Hannibal placed aside the book onto the coffee table and stood up, sighing at the sore back, "What do you wish to drink?"

Your eyes widened and you quickly shook your head frantically, like a prey that was trying not to offend the predator. Hannibal found it a tad bit hilarious and the corner of his lips twitched upwards. Just how pitifully adorable could you get?

Just like Will, you're breaking down on the inside.

"No, no. There's no need for that, you've done a lot for me. I can't keep overstaying and disrupting your privacy here."

"There's no need to worry, my home is always open to you. Whenever you need help or so, feel free to reach out to me. I'll get you a cup of water, it's best for your condition right now."

Hannibal, without heeding your words, walked into the kitchen and spoke from there. You couldn't see his figure anymore, even if you tried your hardest to crane your neck back. At least you could hear the sound of water splashing into an empty glass.

"Did you have a good rest?"

You rubbed your tired eyes, barely feeling any difference.

"I guess so."

"You've been putting stress onto your brain and body. Adding the fact that you've not been sleeping well for a few days, your brain simply couldn't take it anymore. The rest earlier shouldn't be called a sleep."

He eventually walked out with a glass of water, his back straight and his long sleeves were folded neatly near his elbows. As you took the glass while mumbling a soft thank you, your eyes were instantly drawn to Hannibal's arms. Something about it was.. magnetising, especially with the way his arm flexed when he pulled back and his grip loosened. It was just catching your eyes.

Hannibal continued as if he hadn't noticed your stare.

If he did notice, then he must have been good at covering his expression up.

"What happened earlier was just, sort of, like an emergency button. To prevent yourself from damaging yourself any further, your brain simply shut down. You need sleep," Hannibal mentioned your name abruptly, causing you to flinch, "How long have you not been sleeping?"

"I... don't remember." Your grasp around the cup tightened, "It just sort of like a cycle. I don't sleep and at some point I would just pass out. I can't sleep at all."

Hannibal hummed and took a seat in front of you.

"Have you tried sleeping pills then?"

"The doctors said I shouldn't take sleeping pills with my current condition. They're afraid that I might, somewhat, overdose due to my unstable mental state."

"I see, then that's understandable. Have you tried having a roommate then? Perhaps having someone you could trust in your house could give you a sense of reassurance."

"I tried before but, maybe I just couldn't trust them enough to feel safe. I would often wake up screaming and my paranoia sometimes would scare them off. I don't wish to involve my friends either, they would just freak out."

Hannibal nodded, "Then how about you stay here for tonight?"

Bewildered, you blinked owlishly.

"Sorry?"

"It's late now as you can see. I could send you back but it wouldn't do you any good with your current condition. You can rest here for tonight in the guest room and perhaps, this could help you as well. It might give you a sense of reassurance that you're looking for."

He gave you a reassuring smile, almost too reassuring.

"But— Wouldn't this go against your policy?"

You were certain that all psychiatrists had their own rules or policies regarding their patients. One being to never leak out the patient's details to anyone else and the other would be being professional with all patients. If this matter got out, you weren't sure if Hannibal Lecter could still keep his career.

"I intend to be professional with you all the time so rest assured, there's no need for you to worry about the policy. I am simply trying to help and understand my patient. As long as it's to help you, there's no law being broken. There's nothing wrong with that, am I right?"

Reluctantly, you nodded, "I— I guess so."

Hannibal smiled, "Will you stay here for tonight?"

"If that is not going to interrupt your work then yes, please. I would like to give it a try and... I don't feel comfortable returning home yet."

"Of course, you're welcomed here."

"Thank you, Doctor Lecter."

"Shall we have our dinner?"

When you thought about dinner, you were expecting instant noodles and fried eggs but of course, you wouldn't expect someone like Hannibal Lecter to cook instant noodles. What you didn't expect was a full course meal — medium-rare steak, vegetables adorning the meal and even a small bowl of mushroom soup and Hannibal Lecter was extremely fascinating when he prepared the meal.

Magnetising, even.

When he sliced the raw meat.

When he gently placed the meat on the hot pan.

When he just cut the cooked meat on your plate for you.

You took a deep breath and paused on your thoughts, reminding yourself that you shouldn't stare at your psychiatrist. He may be charming and a gentleman but you're his patient. You needed to remind yourself that there's a boundary line in between the two of you.

"Have a taste."

Hannibal placed the plate of steak in front of you, the same gentle smile on his face as he watched your reaction eagerly. He had always been a fan of watching people enjoying his food without knowing the type of meat he served — they're always so clueless about what they're eating and they usually treat it just like any other meat: pork, beef, chicken.

Humanity was hilarious sometimes.

And now you were the same.

You stared at the steak in awe, eyes glistening with hunger as you realised how long it had been since you ate a healthy, delicious meal. As Hannibal took a seat in front of you, he did not hesitate to bite into the meat, the juice flowing into his mouth just like usual.

Gingerly, you took a bite out of the meat.

"Whoa! This is good."

The way your lifeless eyes shone from amazement was making Hannibal smile. It was clear that your fatigue was gone for a minute and the reason behind it was Hannibal's cooking. His work, his masterpiece — every drop of blood did not go to waste.

If you had known the meat you're eating wasn't beef, pork or chicken, what sort of reaction would you give him? Perhaps you would gag and puke everything out, bawling your eyes out just like when you were in session with him. A reaction that's common, something humane.

Maybe he should entertain you before using you as an ingredient.

But he did like the way you trembled and relied on him.

"I'm glad to hear that you like it."

"Yes, thank you very much for treating me to dinner." Your eyes softened and once again, your exhaustion came back like a wave of ocean, "I don't have anyone to make me dinner right now, you're the first in a long while. Thank you, Doctor Lecter, for this delicious meal."

Hannibal chuckled, "You're flattering me."

"I'm genuinely complimenting your cooking." You grinned brightly, something that he did not expect, "It's not something I can whip out like you do. You're an amazing person, Doctor Lecter."

"I'm just a psychiatrist."

"The one that I put my entire hope on."

You lowered your gaze.

"Thank you for trying to save me."

Perhaps save was a rather strong word but you did need saving, you needed him to pull you out of the state of your mind. Hannibal Lecter was as of the ray of light in an empty, dark tunnel and he might be the one to embrace you with warmth, to stop you from panicking and thinking nonsense.

It wasn't that bad to wish, right?

Hannibal did not mention anything else during dinner and when you were ready to rest, he was awfully kind enough to show the guest room and the restroom. As the guest room was extravagant, you began to wonder how Hannibal's own bedroom would look like. It could be fancy as well but considering the vibe he radiated, you assumed his bedroom would be simple yet rich.

Rich with the scent of a gentleman.

You laid on the bed with an empty gaze, staring at the ceiling that was shrouded with darkness due to the presence of light aside from the bedside lamp. Like an idiot, you waited to fall asleep. You waited and waited yet nothing seemed to happen.

At this point, you weren't even sure how many hours had flown past.

Your eyes slowly trailed to the coat rack and caught a glimpse of something round — something awfully and horribly familiar. It was a baseball cap. A fucking baseball cap that haunted your reality once again. Chilling shudder ran down your spine as you let out a frightened scream, suddenly having an obnoxious idea that the murderer might be here, attempting to scare you until you could have gotten a heart attack.

The image of the man snarling through the window.

The sound of his elbow smashing against the glass.

You feared everything — his murderous gaze that you felt on your back all the damn time even during the day, his glistening knife that sought for your blood and flesh, and the idea that he might be out there.

He told you before that he would find you once he gets out.

How could you not fear that?

Crying even louder as you smacked your ears hard, you begged for him — it, whatever it was that was bothering you — to get out of your damn brain. You covered your face with your hands, closing your eyes tight until all you could see was pure darkness.

You could hear the door creaking open.

Hannibal called you out.

"Get it out! Get it out!"

"I need you to take a deep breath and explain to me." Hannibal called out your name once again, trying to get a grip of your attention, "Get what out?"

"The cap! The stupid cap!"

With confusion, Hannibal stared at you, "There's no cap."

"It's there on the rack!"

"Open your eyes slowly, take a deep breath and take a good look."

Noticing how oddly calm Hannibal Lecter was, you slowly peeled open your eyes and glanced nervously at the coat rack — there was nothing there. Nothing at all. You quavered and your voice, full of dread and fear, vibrated against your throat.

Just what did you see then?

You're growing insane.

You're fucking mad.

Holy shit.

"No... No, I— I saw it?"

"It's not here."

"I— No.. No way."

Breathing heavily, you struggled to catch a breath as you gave a pleading look to Hannibal. You weren't sure where to look at — his eyes, his nose, his mouth. Your brain was going everywhere all at once and you felt as if everything was about to explode into pieces. Everything was hurting, everything was suffocating. You were drowning yourself with your own thoughts, fear, and just everything in general.

"Listen to my voice and focus on it."

Hannibal voiced out, stepping closer to you and noticing that you're hyperventilating with a frightened look. Your eyes were burning from the urge to let those tears out.

"Close your eyes and take a deep breath, follow my voice."

You listened and closed your eyes.

"Inhale."

You inhaled.

"Exhale."

You exhaled.

He repeated everything once again until you could feel the crushing weight on your chest gone. You noticed the bed tilting to the side, Hannibal's weight was causing the mattress to sink. Something about knowing his presence was beside you was comforting in a sense.

It was like a security camera looking after you.

You only focused on his voice and his presence, not the thoughts inside your head and certainly not the hidden voice behind your brain. You didn't know how long it took for you to stop breathing heavily as if someone was strangling you but you assumed it did take a while. After all, it was never easy to calm you down. Beginning to relax after feeling exhausted from panicking, you felt yourself drifting into a short slumber, thinking that your position was safe.

That you had nothing to fear.

Unknown to you, Hannibal was holding onto a baseball cap behind his back, hidden from your gaze and only smiled when he saw how you convinced yourself that you're sick in the head.

One by one, Hannibal will break you apart.

And he will be the only one to glue you back.

part 2 coming soon???

#hannibal #hannibal lecter #hannibal lecter x you #hannibal lecter x reader #x reader #reader insert #fanfiction #romance #i just can't remember how hannibal lecter acts #but i just remember he is damn hot #love me hannibal lecter #just don't feed me human flesh #murderer husband #murderer boyfriend #writers on tumblr #writerscommunity #writers

132 notes · View notes

perhaps-in-anotherdream · 2 years

Text

[CN] Victor x MC Westmoon CH 10 (Eng Translation)

⌚Warning⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a chapter that is yet to be released on the global server. ♡

Please do remember to read CH 9 before continuing: Here! ♡

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

I’ll be adding bullet point summaries for the parts that aren’t necessarily significant or don’t focus on Victor x MC~ :>

Just a little heads-up so you guys don’t get a shock later LOL: This update of West Moon connects it back to the Black Cabin, and this world-line happens to be another “observation project.” So, we are acquainted with the terms Evolvers, Evol, MC’s QUEEN identity, and the QUEEN gene – from the main story~ :>

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

✧ [CH 10-1] ✧

MC finds herself awake beneath the scarlet moon of the Demon Realm with Victor’s blood-stained double-edged sword in her hand.

MC realizes she’s truly a hundred years back in the past.

MC recalls the warnings Victor gave her (on his 3/4 deathbed) for protection before sending her away.

MC starts looking around and finds the entire demon realm too calm, unlike how the eve of war is supposed to be.

At this moment, MC notices a “giant bird” illuminating the night sky and hides in a nearby bush.

She then sees a round door emerging from the bird’s abdomen, and a group of people walking out of it.

MC watches a group of people tied at the very front, looking like hunters from around the Demon Realm. And at the back are people wearing clothes and with artifacts she’s never seen before.

Among these people, there’s a man in a cloak, whom MC discerns to be their leader.

MC hears these people talking about some failed experiments and such in a joking manner.

AT THIS MOMENT—— One of the hunters cries out in pain while those cruel people order him to keep quiet. Soon, every one of the hunters cries out in pain and a dangerous black mist enshrouds each of them, collapsing to the ground. MC realizes they are all being bedeviled, enraged.

Then MC overhears them talking about Evol energy, experiment data, QUEEN gene and needing it as a catalyst for their experiment.

Obviously, MC is unable to understand a single word of what they are saying LOL~ (⁠눈⁠‸⁠눈⁠) But she is certain that these foreign visitors are the very culprits behind the countless tragedies in Westmoon.

Just then, MC’s Master intervenes in the discussion as he also walks out of the bird’s abdomen, causing her to freeze, literally.

MC’s Master warns the man in the cloak that this is his project and he won’t tolerate any intervention. There’s a brief back and forth between the two, ending with the cloaked man warning the Master to play his role of the “The Great Oracle of Westmoon” properly, or else he will truly take matters into his own hands~

After those people leave, MC’s “Master” reveals he’s already noticed her.

He notices Victor’s blood-stained sword in MC’s hand, and immediately discerns Victor as a Space-Time Evolver, and realizes how he used his heart’s blood to send the “QUEEN” from the future. He also adds that Victor’s Evol strength should have reached the threshold by now~ ಥ⁠_⁠ಥ

Utterly horrified, MC ends up addressing him as “Master”, to which the man says such a relationship with MC will indeed make it easier for his “observation”, and that “his plan is going smoothly in the future.”

Though MC has no idea what any of these terms mean, she still puts two and two together –– “her master” is the very person who tampered with her Occulstone, the person who gave rise to the conflict between Humans and Demons.

Pained and desperate, MC rushes forward (in tears) to attack her master, only to find herself collapsing.

In this brief moment of unconsciousness, MC’s master realizes how this girl has very strong emotions which she will need as the “QUEEN.” There’s also a moment of self-reflection –– he says he won’t hurt or deceive her as it’s not good for her future growth. He only wants to see which path to evolution she chooses.

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 10-2] ✧

MC finds herself floating through the chaos of time and space until she finds a beam of light in the darkness, only to find herself surrounded by a group of soldiers in this new place, a sword pressed to her throat.

A soldier suspects MC to be a spy of the demon clan, causing everyone on the site to be alarmed and MC unable to think straight.

At this moment, like always––

–

?? (Victor): Back off first.

At the sound of the familiar voice, I can’t help but lift my head.

The moonlight pours down, and the jet-black strands of hair dance in the wind, playing across the man’s youthful and sharp face.

MC: VICTOR?!

That pair of deep eyes, serene as a placid lake surface, gazes at me, a trace of doubt slowly sliding across his indifferent face.

Victor: [sounds... hopeful in some way] Do you recognize me?

I narrow my eyes as I look at him. It’s unmistakable that the person in front of me is Victor, but he seems somewhat different from the one in my memory.

He is attired in strong armor, his facial features are juvenile, and his tone of voice carries the boyish charm of early youth. And what’s even more odd is that he doesn’t seem to know me.

–

MC’s mind races million miles a second, and she takes this opportunity to take in the surrounding.

After her deduction upon the sight of what clearly is the middle of a war–– MC realizes, she was lost in the gaps of time and space and ended up landing on the eve of the war between humans and demons a few years ago, thus the sight of Victor~ ಥ_ಥ

First things first, MC tries to clear herself of suspicion:

–

MC: Thank you for saving me, General.

Victor: Where have you come from?

I hurriedly remove the Royal Occultist’s talisman from my waist and hold it high above my head.

MC: Reporting to the General, my name is MC. I come from Serenos, and I’m a Royal Occultist.

–

MC tells Victor that the Guild has sent her to the Retrobyss to investigate the truth since the demon aura is rampant nowadays, and she entered the army camp by mistake.

Victor takes her talisman, puts on a show of checking it back and forth before returning it to the nervous MC, and commands her not to enter this area again.

Just as MC is about to be taken away, the military adviser objects, saying MC’s behavior is suspicious and suspects her to be a henchman of the Demon Clan. Though fearful, MC asks him to send someone to verify her identity, but the adviser objects to that too.

–

Victor lifts his eyelids, his gaze sweeps past the bent figure of the military adviser, and lands on me. Surprisingly, a cold smile plays on his lips.

Victor: What the military adviser has said is reasonable. We should indeed be cautious.

Victor: Guards, bring her to my tent. Wait for me to interrogate and deal with her personally.

Military Adviser: General...!

Victor: Adviser, have you forgotten the reason we are standing here at the moment?

Victor’s eyes are majestic, and an aura that causes humans to be quiet in fear and demons to be terrified to their core washes over instantly.

Victor: Or would you like to join me in enacting the punitive measures on the Royal Occultist?

Victor’s words clearly denote that the military adviser has overstepped his authority.

The military adviser bends his waist even lower. His actions are utterly respectful, but his tone is rather indifferent.

Military Adviser: I wouldn’t dare.

It’s truly baffling that Victor, who has always been meticulous in his actions and is not a lenient person would try to save me, a person of unknown origins, several times.

I vaguely have a feeling that there is some other purpose behind his actions, but I’m unable to figure out any clues whatsoever.

–

Just as MC is being escorted to Victor’s tent, a strong demon aura suddenly hits her while passing by a group of kneeling prisoners.

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 10-4] ✧

MC hurriedly uses her Occult to check on the prisoners and realizes they are greatly contaminated with demon aura.

The military adviser urges Victor to give the order for their execution.

Instead of responding, Victor turns to me.

Victor: Since you’re a Royal Occultist, do you have any methods to suppress their demon aura?

MC: I’m not a hundred percent sure, but I can give it a try.

I straighten my waist and extend my hands to hold it up over several people, pushing the Occulstone within me to activate.

The black demon aura lingering around those people gradually dissipates, dispersing along with the dry desert wind.

It’s not until the last wisp of demon aura has also dissipated into thin air that I finally heave a sigh of relief. My entire body can’t help but tremble.

Rashly pressing the broken Occulstone to annihilate the demon aura is indeed a tremendous drain on my body.

MC: ...they seem to be all right now.

Victor nods, giving orders to the deputy general.

Victor: To the Deputy General, since the demon aura has been successfully annihilated, there is no need to carry out the execution anymore. Pass on the order to make separate arrangements for these men, and each troop is to return to the camp in their order.

After the deployment, Victor walks over to my side and inclines his head towards some of the guards.

Victor: Return her the weapon you’ve collected.

The young Victor’s gaze lingers on my sword for a moment, then he says to me––

–

[T/N]: Weeping in hands since the sword MC refers to as “mine” actually belongs to Victor. It’s always the little things~ ;-;

–

Victor: I’ve got some questions for you.

I follow Victor through an endless succession of tents, my apprehensive heart unable to relax all along.

Victor used his flesh and blood to serve as a guide, enabling me to travel back in time. Since I already know the truth of a hundred years ago, staying here for too long will only add to his burden.

But right now, let alone finding a way to return to the future, it’s difficult to even guarantee my personal safety.

As I mentally calculate what I’m to say later, I’ve already followed the young general into his tent without realizing it.

A faint scent of medicine lingers in the tent. I take a deep breath. Now I can only take one step at a time.

Victor sits down at the table, motioning for me to sit in the guest seat. His gaze lands on my face as he hesitates a little to open his mouth.

Victor: I... once heard the voice of the Sorceress in the courtyard of the Heavenbright Academy.

–

[Tidbits]: Victor is referring to their first meeting at the academy as teenagers~

–

I can’t help being stunned, immediately understanding what he means.

MC: ...I’m indeed the Sorceress.

He could’ve gotten straight to the point and revealed my identity on the spot, but he didn’t expose me in front of everyone. It signifies that he has a different plan.

MC: So, you’ve already recognized me long ago. You kept me in the camp... is it because you wish to use me to save those bedeviled officers and soldiers?

MC: As long as everyone knows that those who are bedeviled can be “purified,” these people may not need to die.

A look of applause flows through Victor’s eyes as he nods his head.

Victor: You’re smart. In addition, I need to confirm since we’ve been blessed with the visit of the Westmoon Sorceress – your true purpose for coming here.

This isn’t an ordinary question, but a test and confirmation. I don’t answer, rather throw this question back to Victor.

MC: General, what’s your purpose in coming here?

Victor: When you head for the battlefield, it’s only natural that you’d want to sweep clean the calamity and chaos.

I take a step forward, looking straight at Victor with resolution.

MC: Do you truly think that if you win this war, the calamity and chaos can be swept clean?

Victor: ...

Victor doesn’t speak anymore. His gaze strays far into the distance, and he seems to have sunken into the memories.

As the General, he’s fought countless victorious battles. But with each following battle, his back became a little heavier than the time before.

There’s never been a shortage of sacrifices behind him, yet these sacrifices have brought merely a few years, or worse, only a few days of stability. The outcomes are far away from what he hopes for.

What he yearns for is a long-lasting peace, a future where no one would be separated in life and death by the fire of war.

MC: ...you hesitated. I suppose I can take it that you are no different from me and believe that the Demons are far from the origins of the chaos and calamities.

Victor: Even so, until the real chaos and calamities are identified, it is my duty to win every battle.

I nod, my tone softening.

MC: I know. So, there are some things that I’m obliged to do. That is also my duty as the Sorceress.

Victor remains noncommittal. He simply stands up and walks to the corner, lifts the pot of medicine, and looks at it, before pouring the boiled medicine into the jar.

Victor: Come with me.

–

Victor brings MC to the cell of the camp. To MC’s surprise, none of the captives are “prisoners”, rather hundreds of officers and soldiers who got bedeviled.

–

I feel extremely powerless. I can still “purify” these few people, but compared to the entire continent of bedeviled people, it’s nothing more than a drop of water into the ocean.

Victor leans down to examine the situation of these soldiers, his face wearing a complex and worried expression I’ve never seen before.

Victor: There’s no cure for bedevilment. I can only find some medicinal herbs to calm their nerves as a reprieve.

Victor: It allows them to sleep a little longer, or at least will keep them from causing more harm.

The number of bedeviled officers and soldiers in the battalion is increasing day by day, causing a huge challenge for the camp in terms of food, water, and manpower.

It’s at this moment that I truly understand just how much difficulty Victor had overcome to protect these people.

In comparison, the plan to reveal my ability to “purify” seems like the easiest part of the process.

MC: Can I ask you a question?

Sensing the cautiousness in my tone, Victor nods without any concern.

MC: In your eyes, what is the difference between humans and demons?

Victor: There is no difference.

Victor replies calmly and frankly.

Victor: After all, I have crossed paths with the demons for a long time, and I’ve asked myself how much I truly understand about them, not to mention the fact that these bedeviled soldiers have once been by my side morning and night.

Victor: The demon soldiers with whom we are at war for years on end are no different from the human race in their words and deeds, except for their stance.

Victor: As for these people, I’m more inclined to say that they’ve fallen ill.

With that said, the corners of his lips curl with a trace of imperceptible loneliness.

Victor: You are the Sorceress who has lived deep in the palace for many years, so naturally you have no real feelings about what I said.

MC: No, I agree with everything you’ve said.

MC: Someone once told me that everyone sees the world differently, with their eyes.

–

[Tidbits]: MC is referring to what Victor told her in CH 9~ 🥺

–

MC: My eyes have allowed me to see you clearly, to see the demons clearly. Naturally, the same goes for you too.

As Victor stares on in astonishment, I pick up the medicine bowls and feed the soldiers one by one.

MC: However, this is only a stop-gap measure for now and their arrangement will always be a problem...

Victor’s brows are slightly lowered, and he doesn’t speak for a very long time. After a good while, he draws a breath, seemingly having made a choice.

Victor: I’ve already taken this into consideration. Don’t worry.

I nod my head in astringency, but a wave of bitterness floods my heart that I can hardly quell.

When these officers and soldiers were bedeviled, they still had Victor who took care of them and exhausted the best of his capabilities to protect them at the risk of his own life.

But when Victor was bedeviled, who had ever stood by his side, guarding a side of the moonlight for him?

As I’m thinking this, I look up at the sky. The lonely moon is hanging high, just as it has always been in the days that have gone by.

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 10-5] ✧

I spend this night tossing and turning restlessly in bed, unable to get a good rest as I think about Victor who is far away in the future, and worry about how to leave this place.

–

Early in the morning, MC rushes outside hearing the soldiers screaming, only to find that Victor is injured.

CONTEXT: Victor led the troops to the Chasm Bridge earlier. Despite having the upper hand, Victor’s soldiers who were stained with the demon aura suddenly attacked him. Knowing they aren’t doing this on purpose, Victor didn’t fight back as he should have done and ended up being stabbed in the back. ༎ຶ⁠‿⁠༎ຶ

The physician wants to tend to Victor but of course the goddess of compassion and righteousness ——

–

Victor: No need. You go ahead and check on the situation of those people.

While the physician is in a bit of a quandary, I step forward in a rush.

MC: General, I’ve learned some medical knowledge at the Guild. Allow me to help you.

Victor nods. The physician, though still anxious, no longer hesitates, bows, and goes to examine the wounded men.

I cut open Victor’s blood-clotted garments and find a deep, long wound on his back, clearly caused by a sneak attack.

I dare not delay and hurriedly clean his wounds. At this moment, I hear the physician open his mouth.

Physician: The demon aura accumulated in their bodies is too much and it’s already penetrated so deep into their bone marrow that it’s hard to bring under permanent control.

Victor’s eyes are slightly closed. He’s already anticipated such a situation, therefore he doesn’t hesitate.

Victor: Take them into custody first, and then we’ll draw up the plans.

Military Adviser: General, with all due respect, you’ve repeatedly taken in bedeviled soldiers. You’re being rather too soft-hearted.

The military adviser takes a step forward and lowers his gaze slightly to Victor on the couch.

Military Adviser: Turning into a demon is a betrayal of the Westmoon Kingdom, and they should be punished according to the crime!

Victor: They are tainted with demon aura, and their minds aren’t clear. What’s the crime of betrayal you’re talking about?

Military Adviser: Reporting to the General, the crimes of these men are too numerous to mention. Allow me to state them one by one.

Military Adviser: Willing to be a lackey of the Demon Chasm, treason, one. Sneak attacking the General, the crime of rebellion, two. Irresolute temperament, the crime of disloyalty, three. Failing to control oneself, wrongly convicted crimes, four.

Military Adviser: Failure to report the military intelligence in time, the crime of negligence, five. Wavering heart, the crime of throwing the army into disorder, six. Leaking our military information to the Demon Chasm, the crime of divulging secrets, seven, and occupying the camp’s water and food, the crime of embezzlement, eight!

The military adviser cites eight major crimes in a row, and his words are conclusive. Clearly, he’s deduced them in his mind long before. He pauses, his tone turning mild.

Military Adviser: General, we don’t know how long this war is going to last, and today you were attacked by some mere insignificant little demons. You don’t need to...

Victor: What are you trying to say?

Just when he is about to utter the words “you don’t need to go into the battlefield,” he is forced to swallow them back by Victor’s knife-sharp gaze.

Victor: In that case, how about letting you lead the army to attack the enemy?

The military adviser stumbles over his words. Only when Victor turns around coldly does he breathe a relaxed sigh and murmur in grief.

Military Adviser: In the world of chaos, the men of today have sadly degenerated. If someday in the future, more people are wounded by those traitors, the army will be in great turmoil, and it will become even more irreversible...

What an use of gentle methods and force simultaneously to narrate the crimes and the situation! Sure enough, people are incited by him in succession, clamoring for Victor to rescind his order.

I can’t help clenching my fists and glaring at the military adviser in rage.

When Victor was still the general, these people were able to distort the truth deliberately and single him out in a corner. When he was bedeviled, what kind of “hostility against the common enemy” attitude was displayed by the army?

I know full well that my identity is in a delicate position, and I shouldn’t speak up. So I only put my hand on Victor’s shoulder, trying to give him a little strength.

Victor reaches out and gently pats my hand, then straightens himself and stands up.

Victor: The camp only needs to shelter these people for five days.

Even though he is wounded, he still stands tall like a mountain, overlooking everyone in the tent in a commanding position.

Victor: Within five days, the Westmoon Kingdom Cavalry will step across the Chasm Bridge and force the army of the Demon Clan to retreat.

Victor glances at the military adviser indifferently, his every word powerful and resonating.

Victor: As for the punishment for the crimes mentioned by the Military Adviser, the General’s office will take over the matter and report it to the imperial court.

A momentary silence of fear hangs in the military tent, which is then followed by a succession of loud cheers as everyone embraces the high fighting spirit. Compared with killing their betrayer comrades, what they want more is a swift return of victory.

Victor has won the game of people’s hearts. But in my heart, I know better than anyone else––

For Victor, this is a war that is doomed to no victory.

–

After everyone leaves, I tuck Victor in, then sit on the edge of the couch to watch over him.

Just when I think this silence is going to last, he suddenly opens his mouth.

Victor: I once heard my father say that the vision of ordinary people can be either very small or very big.

Victor: However, as the General, too small or too big of a vision is a hindrance.

MC: Why?

Victor: The General has an established standpoint. He should have his eyes on the stability of the entire Westmoon Kingdom, and he can only protect the common people of the Westmoon Kingdom.

I stare at him. Amid the half-bright and half-obscure light, his side profile is calm and lonely.

MC: And what about Victor?

That pair of serene eyes gaze at me. Though somewhat bleak, a resolute light gradually solidifies within that gaze.

Victor: The “common people” of Westmoon Kingdom that Victor spoke of includes not only people but also demons.

Victor: The chaos and calamity that need to be swept clean are not the demons, but the desires of the human heart, the uneven distribution of benefits, and the prejudices of the races.

Victor: For this reason, even if I’m to be despised by the entire world, I will not regret it.

At this moment, his figure overlaps with the one of him from years later. Momentarily transfixed, I want to reach out and caress his cheek.

Watching his astounded expression, I suddenly become aware that I’ve now only met him by chance, and so this action is really inappropriate. I withdraw my hand.

MC: General, although it might seem somewhat strange to you for me to say this, I’ve made up my mind a long time ago that I will stand by you.

MC: So, you don’t need to worry that there’s no one behind you.

MC: No matter what the entire world thinks of you in the future, no matter what you become––

MC: I will always stand by your side, and I will work together with you to find a future where humans and demons coexist.

I add after a pause.

MC: And there will be many more people like me. There will always be someone who can understand your intentions, pledge their life to follow you to the death, and stand by you.

Victor: ...

Victor: Where exactly are you from?

MC: I-I’m from Serenos...

Victor: ...the Sorceress is supposed to be still in the palace at this time, and it’s impossible for you to be outside the palace for too long.

Victor: What I’m asking you is, are you from the past or the future?

Seeing that I’m too surprised to get a single word out, Victor shakes his head and suddenly takes my hand, pulling up my sleeve before I can gather myself to react.

MC: ...!!

He stares at the glowing Demon King’s Pact on my arm, raising his eyebrows.

Victor: ...the Demon King’s Pact.

Fearing that he would mistake me for a spy of the Demon Clan, I no longer conceal the matter.

MC: If... I said I’m from the future, will you trust me?

Victor shakes his head, but a slight frown emerges between his brows.

Victor: However, there is one more thing I’d like to ask.

There is a slight pause in his tone, which is rare.

Victor: You... what’s your relationship with the future Demon King?

I freeze, and give him an answer that seems like one, yet not quite.

MC: [nervous wreck] It should be analogous to... the relationship between you and I? Supporting each other, and trusting each other and things like that...

When Victor sees me faltering, his thin lips draw out into a handsome arc.

Victor: You truly are a confidant no matter the time and space

When Victor was younger, he looked sharper on the outside, but less unperturbed and reserved afterward.

Victor: All right. I’ve seen that you’ve constantly been agitated these past two days, but you should be able to return soon.

MC: How do you know that?!

Victor: I seem to have a sense of time, and I can perceive the traces of space-time distortion on you.

I was originally supposed to be happy being able to go back, but the repressed emotions in my heart are hard to liquefy.

Only the power of the Demon King can have the perception of time and space.

–– which means... he is close to being bedeviled.

I incline my head somewhat distraughtly and force myself to pull out a smile, and only now do I turn my head to Victor and give a nod.

MC: That’s really... wonderful.

Victor watches my tangled expression and creases his brows into a frown.

Victor: Don’t put on a long face like that. Although we haven’t spent much time together, we can always see each other again.

Victor: I’ll return to Serenos when we’ve won this war, and I will watch you dance in this time and space.

Victor: Until then, I promise you. No matter what dangers and difficulties I encounter, I will not give up easily.

MC: ...yes, we have a pact then.

Words seem to be lingering on Victor’s lips for a long time, and he looks at me deeply before finally just shaking his head.

–

Light and splendor faintly spill all around me, and the next instant, the world turns upside down.

Before an immense quietude spreads over my ears, I hear the young General’s final words to me.

Victor: No need to say goodbye. We will certainly see each other again.

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 10-6] ✧

I walk in the waves of time, the ripples are of unfathomable depth. As far as my eyes can see, there’s only a gray on my horizon.

Instead of being led back to reality by the Demon King’s Pact, I’m trapped in the gaps of time, unable to find a way out.

MC: Is it really going to be like what Victor said, that I’m going to be trapped here forever?

Victor’s face appears before my eyes. I take a deep breath and continue to walk forward.

MC: ...he is still waiting for me.

I don’t know for how long I’ve walked before golden lotuses suddenly spring up beneath my feet, dyeing the ash color into bluish-green waves.

At first glance, the waterfront radiates brilliance, painting a hundred sceneries of the human world.

The sound of paddling, the shadow of lanterns, precious horses galloping on their feet –– a prosperous ambiance.

Here in the streets, lanterns are first lit in the early evening. There is no demon aura raging the paths, no swords, and knives, no difference between human and demon, no deceit and treachery.

I’m moved by this sight and unconsciously immerse myself in it. Suddenly, however, I see a person.

A girl with a fuzzy facial appearance sits alone on a street corner, drooling over the hundreds of brightly colored flower cakes, her eyes full of disappointment.

Girl: Oh no. I was in too much of a hurry before heading out and forgot to bring any money...

The girl feels so very familiar and inseparable to me that I can’t help walking over and handing over the coins.

MC: Ma’am, I’ll have a piece of flower cake.

The girl takes the Osmanthus cake in a daze and can’t help raising her eyebrows in delight, smiling as she calls out a name.

I’m unable to hear it clearly. In the next second, the scene has already changed.

I see that same girl lying on her stomach in front of the dog hole in the corner of the Heavenbright Academy wall, trying with all her might to reach the pastry that has fallen between the bushes.

I walk over to the hole and push the paper bag forward. The girl stiffens for a moment and then pulls the snack over at lightning speed.

MC: What exactly are these sights? Why are they so familiar?

These images seem to have been harbored in the bottom of my heart for a long time, but I’m unable to recall anything about them. The scene has already changed, once again.

I stand amid a layer of crimson veiling the entire sky. As far as my eyes can see, there’s only red in my eyes, the symbol of celebration. It’s so boundless that it seems to have no end.

The girl stands across from me, staring at me blankly. The wind sweeps up the red silk, laying out a long, splendid, and warm backdrop behind her.

She and I murmur in unison, opening our mouths.

MC: Victor...

The moment I call out this name, the girl’s facial features become clear. She’s actually me.

My figure and hers gradually overlap and eventually merge into one. And Victor’s place, the place where I’ve been originally standing thus far, is empty.

–

[Tidbits Time]: The first memory of the “flower cake” is from Victor’s destiny of desire, where Victor buys MC the flower cake for her first ever flower day. The “Heavenbright Academy” memory, as already mentioned once before, is Victor x MC’s first meeting as teenagers (also from destiny of desire). The “red silk” memory is from their “Light and Shadow Date”. 🏮❤️‍🔥

–

I seem to have caught a strand of thought.

These all appear to be in Victor’s eyes, those images are that we’ve experienced together.

Perhaps it’s because of the chaos in the flow of time that I’m able to glimpse these fragments.

I close my eyes, and all the clamors of the mundane world are instantly faded into silence.

MC: ...Victor.

The Demon King’s Pact on my arm gradually warms up, growing hotter and hotter, until it turns so scorching as if it’s going to burn my arm.

In the next instant, the fragments of time leap about in a tumultuous manner, weaving together into complete shapes.

A tall figure envelopes me once more, filling the lonely vacancies in the fragments.

Victor evades into nothingness. In the twinkling of an eye, the white moon is a thousand miles away, dispersing every bit of the misty fog.

It doesn’t take too long before I get to see him again, but I feel as if I’ve surmounted time worth the world taking on a brand new appearance.

I don’t know when but my eyes are already overflowing with tears. I fight back my tears, only calling out his name in a muffled voice.

MC: Victor...

Victor is slightly taken aback, wiping away the moisture from the corner of my eyes.

Victor: I’m here.

The chest area of his robe is already soaked with blood, and his entire body appears to be on the verge of collapsing. I’m just about to use my Occulstone to heal him when he shakes his head.

Victor: We’ll need your strength to get out of here. I can still hold on for a while, so do as I say first.

I have no other choice but to nod my head. Victor waves his hand, and a splendor suddenly bursts into bloom beneath us.

Victor: Try to pour the power of the Occulstone into my sword, and use it to pierce the eye of the Demon King’s Pact. Perhaps we will be able to get out.

I nod, my heart shivering. A cold light suddenly appears in the long double-edged sword, sending out waves of resonance with the formation!

Amid the dazzling radiance, the stars around us have shifted. The tide of time rushes towards Victor and me, the power of which seems to be turning everything upside down.

Victor holds my hand tightly from beginning to end, allowing the monstrous tides to drown us in them.

–

When our visions revive, we have already returned to the palace of the Demon Realm once again. As soon as his feet hit the ground, Victor collapses straight down.

MC: VICTOR!!

His heart gurgles with blood, and his entire robe is drenched. He has persevered until now with tenacious determination.

A little dizzy myself, I use all my willpower to summon the other demons to take care of Victor with me.

MC: Physician, how is Victor’s condition?

The physicians shake their heads, all of them looking deathly pale.

Physician: Your Majesty, the King’s body has suffered too many injuries. The demon aura within his body has fallen into a frenzy. We are afraid it will be hard to suppress...

MC: What is to happen if it can’t be suppressed?

Physician: We fear that… His Majesty will become a completely unconscious demon…

I lean over and look at the sleeping Victor, steeling my mind.

MC: I understand. I’ll take care from here.

I’ve once told him that, no matter what and no matter when I will stand behind him and give him strength.

Now, it’s time for me to honor my promises.

I stand up, stretch out my hands, concentrate my mind and breath, and force the Occulstone to activate with an unprecedented amount of numinous power.

In the next instant, a powerful torrent of Occult gushes out of my body, firmly wrapping the man in front of me.

MC: Victor, I’ve honored my promises. You... mustn’t break yours.

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 10-7] ✧

I don’t know how long has passed, my eyes are a blur, and I’m only pushing the Occulstone relying on my instincts.

It’s only by thinking about Victor’s appearance in my heart, thinking about the time we’ve spent together that I keep persevering, blindly and stubbornly.

Someone’s shadow seems to move in front of my eyes. I blink my eyes but am unable to see who it is.

I eventually collapse to the floor and lose consciousness.

–

When I open my eyes, what greets me is the intricately carved and painted ceiling of the Demon Palace. I try to sit up, but my body is extremely heavy.

Victor: You’re awake?

Given a jolt, I find that Victor is sitting on a golden Chinese redwood chair not far from the bed.

A soft glow envelopes his entire body. He is so beautiful that it seems like an illusion.

MC: …am I dreaming?

Victor walks over with a helpless expression, reaches out, and taps me on the forehead.

I rub my forehead in pain, my mood also calming down subsequently.

Victor: Are you awake now?

MC: Yes. So many irregularities occurred when I traveled back in time that several times I thought I would never be able to come back…

MC: So now that I’m truly back in reality, I’m still finding it a bit hard to believe.

Victor: Rest assured. I said I would bring you back, and I don’t break my promises.

When I hear him say that, I can’t help but think of his injuries again. My heart tightens.

MC: How are you feeling? Has the wound on your chest gotten any better?

Victor lets me have my way with him to check his wounds. The corners of his lips suddenly curve into a bright arc, as if to soothe me.

Victor: Thanks to a certain dummy obstinately clinging to her course, I’m no longer in any serious condition.

MC: You’re talking as if it’s no big deal. Do you have any idea how worried I was!

MC: I couldn’t eat, and I couldn’t sleep these few days. Whenever I had the chance, I felt my arm to see if the Demon King’s Pact was still responding…

MC: I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to come back. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to find out anything. I was even more afraid that you wouldn’t be there when I returned…

Victor silently listens to my venting and simply nods, holding my hand.

Victor: I know.

Victor: But whenever we have encountered difficulties in the past, we have always been able to overcome them, haven’t we?

Victor: So, there’s nothing to be afraid of.

He says it with such calmness and frankness, which in turn causes my heart to soften.

MC: I understand. I just don’t want you to be the hero and shoulder all the responsibilities alone.

Victor: The harm caused by forcibly activating your broken Occulstone is irreversible. Calling me a hero, what are you then?

Victor clasps our fingers, holding my hand even tighter. He then pulls me over to the table.

Victor: All right. Be that as it may, I should also host a sumptuous feast to apologize.

He pours the fragrant tea into the empty cups. The rising aroma of the tea lifts my spirits, dissipating my bitterness and astringency by multiple folds.

The table is decorated with many sumptuous dishes of every color and flavor under the sun, which is an enormous temptation for me who’s constantly been on the move lately.

MC: Humph, I shall reluctantly accept your apology then~

I sit down at the table, and first scoop a spoonful of the congee, the fresh and tender fish fillet sliding into my mouth, extremely delicious.

My eyes light up, and I busy myself with picking up a few more of the peculiar dishes with chopsticks. Each of the delicacies is actually delicious, no less so than the imperial cuisine in the palace.

MC: There’s actually such an amazing cook in the Demon Realm! Every dish is so delicious!

Victor smiles and hands me a handkerchief.

Victor: You’re stuffing yourself for someone who’s just woken up. Be careful not to choke.

Laughing, I take the handkerchief and wipe my mouth, then take a sip of the tea.

MC: I was planning to tell you about my experiences in the past to help with digestion.

MC: I wonder if the Great Demon King is willing to take the time to listen to this very long story?

Victor tugs at the corners of his lips, holding up his cup.

Victor: That depends on whether the story of this “storyteller” is compelling enough.

As I enjoy the delicacies, I tell him about the stories of those former times.

I talk about seeing my Master, and also tell him about my meeting with the young General.

Hearing me describe the situation of those bedeviled officers and soldiers, Victor frowns unconsciously, as though recalling the scenes of the past.

MC: Really, my deepest realization from this traveling back in time is that there is in fact no difference between human beings and demons.

Victor: How so?

MC: I had formerly received teachings from the Westmoon Kingdom palace, taught to think that demons are all bad.

MC: And then, I met you and your men. Then I found out that demons can also be loyal and righteous, and they are no different from people. So I took it to be that demons are all good.

Victor shakes his head and helps me pick up the shrimp into the bowl that I couldn’t reach.

Victor: The world has never been black-or-white.

MC: Mm-hmm. My master once asked me, “Has no one ever become a demon because of their great desire for power?”

My tone sinks as I think about the unfamiliar appearance of my Master I’ve seen when I traveled back in time.

MC: Now, I understand that there’s good and bad in every existence, and it’s not something that can be concluded so simply.

Victor: Every existence has its differences, and these differences give rise to pride and prejudices. Pride and Prejudice are the beginning of conflicts.

I understand what he means. As long as there is the existence of living beings, the conflicts will never cease.

The conflicts will never cease, nor will the fire of war ever be extinguished, and there will always be people who will fall into misfortune as a result of all this.

Seeing that Victor is a little gloomy, I take his bowl and bring a few dishes for him as well.

MC: I really like these dishes in particular. Try some~

Victor takes a few bites and nods indicatively.

Victor: Pretty good, indeed.

MC: As soon as I’m done with these matters at hand, I’ll go visit this cook to formally become an apprentice. And when I’m done with my lessons, I’ll open an inn in Serenos and will surely make a fortune!

Victor: …that sounds like a promising prospect.

–

[Tidbits]: It’s hinted in Victor’s split route that the cook is our master-chef himself! On another note, Victor you literally just got out of deathbed, LIKE LITERALLY! ಥ⁠_⁠ಥ Of course, he would still cook for her~ 🥺💘

–

He releases a sigh but is unable to conceal the smile at the corner of his lips. Somewhat defiant, I toss him the question.

MC: What about you?

Victor: What about me?

MC: What do you most want to do when the conflict ends?

Victor: Haven’t thought about it.

MC: Aren’t you even the least bit curious?

Victor: …I’m not like a certain someone, eating and drinking every day, doing some daydreaming, and going to bed when she’s tired.

Victor: If I must say, when the conflict ends, I’d like to see you dance again.

His eyes are filled to the rims with a soft light. When I look into his eyes, I immediately feel my cheeks growing burning hot, and turn my head.

MC: Now, I’m no longer the Sorceress. I don’t have a stage anymore, nor am I as adept in my dance steps as before.

Victor: Do you only wish to dance on the Occulsoul Platform?

I pause slightly, shaking my head.

Victor: If dancing is what you like to do, why should you be stuck in your identity?

Victor: The entire world can be your Occulsoul Platform, and the flowers and plants, rivers, and mountains will eagerly look up at you as you dance.

Victor dips his chopsticks into the tea and casually draws on the table.

Victor: You have the freedom to go wherever you wish, whether it’s Serenos or the Demon Realm.

For a long time, I stare blankly at Victor, a moist mist emerging in my eyes.

MC: Formerly, the dance was supposed to be for the entire Westmoon. If I can have the opportunity, I would like to dance in the Demon Realm.

MC: When that time comes, I must drag you along to be my first audience.

We continue our chatting for a while longer when someone knocks at the door.

–

[Tidbits]: The latest EN translation has localized “Ashan’s” name as “Sam”. So I’ll be using that from now on for consistency~ :>

–

Sam: Your Majesty, the sentinel has brought back news from the Demon Chasm.

Victor: Got it. I’ll head over there in a moment.

Seeing that Victor has official business to attend to, I lay back down on the bed, yawn widely, and close my eyes.

Victor comes quietly to the bedside, brushes away the strands of hair that were lying scattered on my face, and tucks in the coverlet again.

Victor: Get some rest. I need to go out to attend to some matters. If there’s anything you need, send someone to contact me at any time.

I nod in a daze and feel a small, almost inaudible sigh coming from above.

Victor: Don’t force yourself.

–

Victor’s wounds have healed considerably while he still has to attend to matters at the Demon Realm. MC, on the other hand, stays by his side at the Demon Palace all along, reinvigorating her body and mind.

One day, while MC is out on a stroll for fresh air, she notices some celestial abnormality in the sky and realizes there must be something ominous going on again.

MC hurriedly seeks Sam and asks him to let Victor know why she has to leave while leaving a note for him herself, reassuring and promising him over and over again that she won’t use her Occult carelessly~

–

CH 12 (Victor’s split route): Here!

—

#THE RIDE IT HAS BEEN!!! THIS MAN. AND THIS GIRL!!! Words will fail to do them justice so I shall refrain haha~ ಥ⁠‿⁠ಥ #PG WHAT DO YOU FEED VICTOR’S WRITERS!!!! 😭❤️#*prepares herself for translating the split route* 🫠❤️‍🔥#mlqc victor #mlqc li zeyan #mr love victor #mlqc #mr love queen's choice #恋与制作人 #李泽言 #love and producer #mlqc cn #mlqc spoilers #mlqc translations

64 notes · View notes