#i will send this out and then disappear from the earth ty | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

jinlizz-dragondrama · 7 months

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Chapter 2

A Hero is Born

18 years later

The sun shines through the purple curtains, groaning. I turn over and smother my face into my pillow, smiling to myself and slowly falling back to sleep. The peace and tranquility were disturbed by a loud alarm ringing in my ear. Lazily grabbing the phone, I look at it, and its bright bold rainbow-colored words it ready. "Birthday Time."

"Wait, what?" My eyes shoot open, and just in case I look over at my calendar and see a very boldly circled birthday date.

Quickly hopping into the shower, and jumping out to brush my teeth, I slide into my room with my wet feet, finding my clothes that I neatly pulled out last night for this occasion which include my signature pink crop top hoodie and purple workout pants, tying on my white sneakers. I brush my unruly curly hair, taming it as best as I can, I grab a little accessory, which is a small backpack purse with the Monkey King logo on it that I stitched

"Oh yeah, looking good," admiring myself in the mirror snapping a quick selfie and sending it to Mei.

Running out of my apartment door and sliding down the stairs railing, I run into a chaotic scene of Pigsy throwing a wooden spoon at MK for giving my dad free noodles. I found out pretty early on that Tang isn't my dad but that he loves me no matter what. MK and I were pretty much raised by both Pigsy and Tang. Once Mei joined, we became the three amigos. I moved into the spare apartment above Pigsy's restaurant since Tang's place was pretty small, and the rest is pretty much history.

"Ugh, Tang, not again. You're gonna get MK in trouble," I sigh as I stretch, I promised Pigsy that I'd do a quick shift with MK to get a little extra birthday money. Pigsy insisted that I didn't have to, but he gave up when I gave him my puppy dog eyes.

Grabbing MK and dragging him out the door with a handful of orders. Jumping into the tuk-tuk, MK starts the directions, and we're off. Each time he makes a stop we go in opposite directions to deliver, which makes it faster and a lot more fun as we time each other to see who delivers the fastest and gets back to the tuk-tuk.

We get to a stop at a construction site, and we go down several floors til we are at the ground level deep underground. I hear a woman's voice, which causes me to stop in my tracks, and MK bumps into me. Quickly grabbing MK we hide behind some rocks and look on there is a woman and young man staring pretty menacingly at a tree with beautiful orange leaves, surrounded by green grass and a staff of some sort impeded into the earth.

"Finally, after all this time, we have the means to lift Monkey King's legendary staff," the woman says

"Monkie King's Staff," we both say, shocked and look at each other in awe

A flashback goes through my head of Monkey King smiling at me while holding it, but as quickly as it came, it disappeared. I shake my head to clear my head, and when I've regained myself, I see MK climbing onto the ceiling and holding onto the pipes above. I freak out quietly to myself. He hangs from a pipe and prays that he doesn't fall. A bull-looking robot walks to the staff and tries to pull it out with no success, and its reward for attempting is losing its arms.

The man with flaming red hair mocks the poor robot and reveals that he has something more powerful to release the staff from its grassy prison. The man I now know called Red Son walks up to the staff and once he makes contact with it a great amount of energy is released pushing me back a bit but I hold firmly to the rock wall I'm hiding behind. It takes the man great effort to release the staff, his hair and eyes explode into flames, and screams out as he pulls. The woman watches on in delight, the vine that wrapped around the staff dies, and soon the staff is pulled from the ground.

But nothing happens, I look up at MK holding on for dear life as he looks down at the unknown people.

"Mother, are you sure this is the right mountain?" Red Son asks

"No, maybe it was the other mountain with a magical staff sealing away my husband!" She says, annoyed

"Mother? Husband? Then that means..."

The ground starts to rumble and shake, and out from the earth emerges the Demon Bull King. My jaw drops so low that it is probably dislocated.

"Holy Bull..." I start to sweat profusely, and I look up to see a very cheeky bird peck at MK's hands. I move from side to side to try to catch him as he falls, but I miss entirely, and he lands on the daddy/mommy issues man.

"MK!" I stupidly yell, alarming the demon bulk king family of my presence.

"Do you know what you just did? You ruined my moment, " Red Son yells as his hair turns to flames as he throws MK

"Oh boy...." I awkwardly say

"Little eavesdroppers have fallen into our midst it seems a waste to crush something so insignificant as my first act as ruler of this new world. But so be it, " DBK says as he moves his large foot over us with the thought of crushing us like bugs. Thankfully, Red Boy decided to interrupt his father's squashing path.

"Uh, wait...father, waste not your energy on these PEASANTS. Please allow me to show you how powerful I have become in your absence, " He says triumphantly

"Peasants?" I repeat as my eye twitches

"Uh, Nuwa...." MK says while walking over to me

"Peasants!" I repeat as I roll my sleeves up and start marching towards him, but MK holds me back.

"Let me go, MK. I'll show him who the peasant is. He's got the right one on the right day today!" I shout, trying my hardest to reach the red-headed jerk.

"As you wish," DBK says

MK starts to pull me away and try to escape. We see the staff, and both grab it together and use it to block Red Son's punch successfully.

"No way!" We look at each other in awe, but the moment is short-lived when the Bull Bots start to attack us. But with a mighty swing, we send them flying back.

"That stuff doesn't belong to you, children. Hand it over, " PIF says

"Yeah, well, it doesn't belong to you, either." I challenged

The staff started to move, and it catapults us towards to exit. We get thrown into a construction elevator, and the staff punctures through the bottom of it and shoots us up to the surface. When we reach the top, we scramble to get into the tuk-tuk and speed off. Red Son is following closely behind.

"Hand it over, Noodle boy...and accomplice," he shouts

We throw noodles at him and crash through a poor soul's apartment. Crashing into the street, the tuk-tuk breaks down, so we take off on foot. I'm hoping to take a hoverboard we take from a kid while I toss some money at the guy. Red Son is on our tail, but we lose him in a tight alleyway, but that doesn't stop him for long as he deploys a motorcycle.

We zoom down the freeway, and Red Son catches up to us and destroys the hoverboard. We head toward an unfinished part of the freeway, and we scream as we fall off. Thankfully, Mei comes to the rescue, grabs MK, and tosses me my compact motorcycle I deploy into riding mode, we zoom past Red Son, and I stick my tongue out as we continue our escape.

"So long, Red Boy," I shout, taunting him

Once we finally stop and recover from our adrenaline high. Mei and I take a quick selfie after she transforms from her riding outfit.

"Nailed it," Mei says

"Mei!" MK says excitedly

"That was an intense game of tag. You guys looked like you were having so much fun! I wanted to join in, too!" Mei says giddy

"Actually, we almost died back there," MK says

"But you didn't, so let's celebrate with a round of Monkey Mech! You should invite your new edgy friend too" Mei counters

"Yeah, he was trying to kill us," MK says hesitantly

"Well, in that case, where does he live?" Mei says, going slightly psycho as she pulls out her phone with a destroy button on the ready

"Love the enthusiasm girl, but none of that on my birthday, please," I say while slowly pushing her phone down

"Oh yeah, Happy 23rd Birthday! Here's your present, but you can't open it yet," Mei says while handing me a box.

"Aw man," I say while pouting

Pigsy comes out and starts yelling at us about someone leaving a 0-star review. But MK grabs me and pulls me into the restaurant to look for Tang. After we explained what happened, we showed everyone the staff, which they didn't believe at first until we both touched it, and it extended itself and broke a table.

"Monkey King's Staff! I knew it all along. The legendary weapon that only he could wield to seal away evil. Wait a minute. WHT do you two have it? Tang says after realizing we have the real deal.

"All right, I'll bite. If the staff is here, then where is the demon punk now?" Pigsy says, still not believing us

"He's at the shoe store," Mei says

And sure enough, there are posts all over social media with DBK at a shoe store. We watch a video of them flexing to the camera while wearing the very expensive and limited edition shoes. Soon, DBK is rampaging through the city, destroying everything in his path. But we are driving in the Pigsy Food Truck trying to figure out how we're gonna get to Flower Fruit Mountain, and we come across a huge boat. We meet the infamous Sandy, who turns out to be a total teddy bear that loves tea.

I laugh my head off after hearing all the stories of how ruthless Sandy was but not being able to see it. But our puppy eyes work pretty effectively to persuade him to sail us to the mountain. We set sail and we just hung out on the deck while MK fooled around with the staff we stopped at a lava-filled volcanic path but our path was blocked by PIF, MK went in for the attack but PIF used her son's gauntlet she grabbed the staff as I run to try to help him. But she flings him away and he knocks himself into me and we get thrown far off course. Pigsy rushes with Mei back to safety. When they return everyone mourns our loss and thinks of a plan to get revenge on the DBK family.

I wake up feeling sand under my body, I groan as I sit up turning around to see Flower Fruit Mountain. Gasping loudly I shake MK to wake him up.

"Wake up, wake up MK!" I shout successfully waking him up.

"We made it, pinch me," MK says excitedly, i punch Jim in the shoulder

"I said pinch not punch," He says annoyed

"Eh minor details, let's go MK!" I shout while taking off into the brush and he follows after me.

As we made our way up the mountain I saw little monkeys along the way and couldn't resist I had to give them cuddles and neck scratches. We reach a beautiful waterfall, stepping close to it both of us reaching out to touch it a golden seal unlocks and reveals a pathway through a cave.

"This day just gets better and better!" We walk through and follow the pathway

Stopping at a very worn-down mural, we stare at it and all of a sudden everything turns golden and flashes of Monkey King's life. A projection of money king runs towards another opening in the cave which MK follows. I start to follow him but something catches my eye on the mural, I dust off some dirt and see a woman that has horns and her skin is red. Hearing MK call out for Monkey King I rush to see what's going on.

I see a small cozy hut on a hill, looking around for any sign of the Monkey King but to no avail. I put my hand on his shoulder and sighed. Sitting on the ground together a butterfly lands on MK and I look at its interesting wing design but before I can fully process the design it speaks.

"Sup?"

We freak out slightly and I point at it with my finger quivering.

"T-That butterfly just spoke!"

"Yes, yes it is I Monkey...." The butterfly starts to talk but MK steps on it.

"Is it dead?" We both say while I peek over MK's shoulder.

The butterfly transforms into several creatures until it is revealed that it is THE MONKEY KING.

"Mo-Monkey King?" MK asks and I pass out.

"The one and only, so where's my staff?" monkey King asks and I quickly recover as we start crying about how we lost the staff. We find out that he's been keeping a very very close eye on us. Which makes my rye twitch just a bit.

He chuckles and says "Ha! The looks on your guy's face! You're perfect" he points at MK with a bamboo stick

"Uh perfect for what?" MK asks

"To be...my successor," Monkey King says

"Eh?" I look at MK then back at Monkey King

"Look kid not everyone can fight demons, survive, and lift my staff," He says nonchalantly

"Yeah barely survived" I whisper to myself as I scratch the back of my head awkwardly.

While MK and Monkey King gave a pep talk, I looked around, leaned against some vines, and fell through rolling down a hill I hit something that stopped my descent.

"Well, that was fun," I say while dusting myself off. Looking at what I rolled onto it was a small shrine of sorts that was very well taken care of. Some candles and incense were burning, and a folded worn piece of paper was placed in the center of it. Vines and flowers have grown around it which gives it a beautiful ambiance. Being the nosey person I am I opened it up and it was a painting of the same beautiful woman.

"Wow! Who is this person?"

"Nuwa, come on let's go save the world!" MK shouts

I jump a bit, quickly putting back the picture and rushing out of the cave with MK.

"All right now how do we get out of here?" I say while looking at the volcano that surrounds the island.

Some monkeys are jumping on a metal crate which causes it to open and reveal some sort of flying motorbike. We hop in MK starts up the engine and we're off.

"You better not let me die on my birthday MK!" I shout

We barrel straight into the city and crash into Red Son. Falling out onto the ground and wiping the sweat off my forehead I look at the limp body of Red Son and poke him with my foot.

"Oh good, he's not dead," I say sarcastically

Mk took off on a motorbike to fight DBK and was able to retrieve the staff. I summon my bike and drive to MK to help.

"Let's do this together!" I smile at him

"Right" He smiles back

He creates a Monkey Mech and I turn my bike into a small version of my own. We nod at each other and come at DBK from both sides. I dig underground get some momentum from my thrusters and shoot upwards and MK flies down from the heavens with his staff pointed towards DBK.

We shout together, "Here comes Monkie Kid!" And we punch DBK leaving a big dent in the ground

Red Son appears from the rubble next to me and I look at him surprised that he's able to stand. But after having a little tantrum he limply falls into the hole we created and passes out once more. Before we can do anything PIF takes her family and retreats for now.

I transform my Mech back into my bike and sit on it. High-five everyone and head back to Pigsy's noodle shop.

"Well, this was an interesting birthday!" I say while stuffing my face with a steaming bowl of noodles.

"Definitely one for the books" Mei replies while typing on her phone.

We party all night, MK, Mei and I go to the arcade and I beat some serious butt. Once we're done and exhausted MK carries all my prizes to my apartment which is right above his. Deciding to have a sleepover Mei and I get ready and hop into our PJs. I pop some popcorn, grab some snacks and pop, and get the movies ready for a marathon. Mei grabs the blankets and pillows for our fort. I set up the food on a table, MK returns to my apartment in his pjs, we fist bump and I start the movie. While the previews play I decide to put my hair in a ponytail so I go looking for a hair tie in my room. While putting my hair up there is a knock on my French door window, I push it open and see no one but there is a small wrapped box on the porch. I take it, close the door, and start to open it. A small silver comb is in the box, I gently take it out and examine it. It was beautifully made Definitely by someone very skilled.

There is a note inside and it simply read "Happy Birthday from Monkey King"

"No way, he didn't have to get me something" I smile to myself and gently place the comb into my hair. Looking at myself in the mirror admiring what I saw. A quick flashback goes through my mind of someone handing the same comb to me. But it disappeared quickly. Shrugging it off, I return to my friends and start watching the movie.

Little did I know that Monkey King was watching and smiling down at my apartment.

"You've finally returned to me my peach," He says quietly and transforms into a bird and flies off into the now purple and blue night sky.

#lego monkey kid oc #lego monkie king #lego monkie kid #lego monkie kid x reader #monkie king #monkey king x reader #lego sun wukong x reader #lego sun wukong #lego macaque #lego red son

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snippychicke · 9 months

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For the Sake of a Smile (V.2) Chapter Fourteen

Title: For the Sake of a Smile (Revised)

Overall Rating: Mature (18+)

Chapter Rating: M for Mature. We've begun the 18+ content

Trigger warnings: Nothing beyond the child abuse hinted in the series, though we do explore the consequences a bit more.

Main Pairing: Balam Shichiro/Reader

Summary: Hell on earth was your motto for your job. Granted, you were pretty sure earth really was hell, considering the shit you had seen in your life. And the fact your coworker was a child.

A child named Suzuki Iruma, in fact. A kid who’s life was decidedly worse than yours, but yet he smiled despite everything. It wasn’t long after meeting him that you decided you’d do a lot for his smile. Including summoning a literal demon and signing your soul away.

But as it turns out, hell (The Netherworld, actually) was a lot better than living on earth. Demons were more humane than a lot of humans you knew.

And Iruma’s smile wasn’t the only one that would change your life.

Masterlist | Ao3| Mairimashitai! Simps Discord

When you returned home later that evening, you were confronted by three very inquisitive beings; two of which (Sullivan and Iruma) could barely keep their grins contained.

It seemed the grapevine of Babyls was as alive and healthy as always.

"Can I help you three?" You asked the trio, deciding to be a little impish yourself and not just spill the news without teasing them a little.

"We heard something interesting happened in the Library today," Sullivan started. "Would you mind sharing?"

"Well, that shipment of books on advanced torture theory arrived," You said. "Marbas was excited about that. He was wanting to show one of his classes some tactic that they used several hundred years ago. And speaking of tactics, Ipos decided to use war tactics by sending a bunch of first years to raid…"

"They meant between you and Shichiro," Opera interrupted as Sullivan and Iruma's expressions fell. "Something about my kohai tying you up in front of the Seduction instructor?”

Your impish attitude disappeared as quick as the blush appeared on your cheeks. "It wasn’t like that," You defended, though now the idea has been seeded in your mind and refused to completely disappear no matter how hard you tried.

"And the cute little bracelet you have on your wrist?" Sullivan hummed a bit too innocently. "I don't recall seeing it there earlier today."

You sighed in defeat. "Yes, alright. Bal--Shichiro-- asked if he could court me, and I agreed."

Sullivan and Iruma cheered as they tackled you in a hug, while Opera looked rather pleased like a cat who had caught their prey.

And for the moment, you wondered if everything would be okay.

--+--

Balam -- no, Shichiro -- kissed along your neck, his fingers trailing along your upper thighs beneath your skirt.

"So beautiful," He praised as you whined slightly, your body feeling like it was on fire from the way he was taking his time. As if he wanted to taste every inch of exposed flesh, touch and memorize the soft curve of your legs up into hips, while torturously ignoring your innermost parts. "My precious human. My most precious…."

"Please," You begged as you shifted your hips, "Please, Balam. I-I need…"

He nipped your collarbone with his fangs, the large dull points pressing into you without piercing your skin. "Tell me." He commanded softly as he tended to the bruised flesh with both his tongue and lips. "Tell me what you need."

"You," You answered, bravely guiding his hand towards the apex of your thighs. "I need you here."

He palmed your groin, reminding you just how big his hand was in comparison. He rubbed gently, making you gasp at the jolt of pleasure. Your fingers dug into his shoulders and his hair, pulling slightly on his silvery-white hair.

Shichiro groaned, though you weren't sure if it was you tugging his hair or the fact his index finger slipped easily between your folds, finding your entrance almost instantly.

--+--

You woke just as dream-Shichiro's fingers entered you, making you gasp and whine when you realized you were alone in your bed, pre-dawn light sneaking through the sheer curtains.

The small positive was the faint weight of the vines encircled around your wrist, assuring you that not everything had been a dream.

Yesterday had been such a whirlwind you were still shaken and confused by parts of it, but the bracelet was grounding. You had admitted your feelings to Balam --Shichiro -- and he returned them. His kisses had been real back in his prep room. You could remember his touch and weight as he laid against you on the floor, almost as desperate as you.

Your hand trailed underneath the blankets as you glanced at the clock. There was plenty of time yet, and you definitely couldn't go to work like this.

Shortly afterwards, you weren't sure if it was the pent up emotions, memory and imagination now intertwined, or the way the bracelet rubbed against you that made you nearly scream as you came.

--+--

Your head was in the clouds later in the day, feeling better than you had in quite a while, though you had a feeling it was just a small reprieve. That the small dark voice in the back of your head was just waiting to start whispering its truths once again.

"Well, someone looks happy," Furcus stated dryly as she entered the library, approaching your counter. There was a conspiratorial smirk on her face as she arched her brow. "Considering Balam was in a similar state when I passed him in the hall, I suppose there's been a change in your relationship?"

"Maybe?" You offered, biting back your smile. You couldn't even bother to be shy or embarrassed, you were just so happy!

Furcus' expression shifted to a soft smile. "I'm glad, you two deserve it. May I ask what he gave you as an offering?"

You only knew what she referred to from Shichiro's own ramblings earlier, and showed her the vine-bracelet. Her eyes lit up, her interest piqued as she studied it, though was careful not to touch it.

"I'm surprised. Historically, an offering would be something valuable, such as gems or food, though nowadays many get by with just some store-bought trinket like a horn or tail ring. This is neither… what is it, some kind of Nigi-Nigi weed?"

"Um, it's actually from Nigyul," You explained, feeling a little uncertain. "It's--"

"Infused with that powerful mana he's known for," She interrupted, and you realized she was completely in researcher mode. "I wouldn't be surprised if he or his nigyupnil couldn't track it. It'll also ward off any idiot who thinks you may be an easy target. Not just for being rankless, but for being so humiliated yesterday."

Humiliated?

Oh. Oh. You presumed she meant your fight with Raim when you had lost control. You blushed, unconsciously pulling your hand away.

There was that little dark whisper, grinning in victory as your mood sank. You had argued with the Seduction teacher in front of everyone, and then attacked her. Not with the small amount of magic you were learning, but as if she had been as weak as you.

Which she wasn't. Not in the least bit.

It had been Balam to pull you off of her, but she had acted as if the whole thing was just a little play fighting between friends when at the moment you had just been wanting to make her hurt.

Hurt like you had been feeling.

You fiddled with the bracelet, the two parts warring with each other. Balam Shichiro cared for you in the same way you felt. Had stumbled over his words trying to reassure he would be as considerate to human customs as you tried to be with demons'.

Yet you still felt like an idiot, just now with the added twist of being so caught up in your own thoughts and self-denials you hadn't realized the truth.

There was a sharp, burning pain in your fingers, making you wince and look down at the bracelet. The once light green smooth vines had darkened, and had somehow grown small hair-like thorns.

"Fascinating," Furcus all but purred, leaning to take a closer look. "I'm hardly an expert in devibotony or in magical zoology, but I don't think that's typical…"

"I don't believe so either." You didn't have much choice but to agree. After all, you were hardly an expert either, you were still learning the basics of the subjects. But considering everything, you highly doubted the change was a positive one. "Would you mind…"

Her smile had a slight smirk to it. "I can mind the counter for a while while you go consult the expert. And considering everything, I'd be happy to find someone to cover if you happen to dally."

You blushed, not quite how to protest now that you were courting, though you highly doubted that anything would really happen. There were no longer the charged emotions of yesterday - and despite the memory of Shirchiro's lips against yours hungry and desperate, part of you still…. Doubted.

So you just muttered a quick thanks before quickly escaping. The halls were quiet, considering classes were still in session. You realized with a twisted stomach Balam would likely be in the middle of class, but you couldn't just return to the library either.

Maybe you could just catch him between classes? Just long enough to assure that nothing deadly was happening.

Luck seemed to smile on you, the bell screaming shortly as you reached the hall where Balam held his classes. A few students you were vaguely familiar with greeted you in passing, and you tried to ignore their smiles and giggles as soon as their back was turned.

But you couldn't help but wonder what they were so amused about; the fact you were waiting to talk to Balam, or the rumors of yesterday. If they realized how weak you were, and how easily you had let your temper get the best of you...

How much of your rant at Raim had been overheard? How you had professed your feelings for Shichiro in your rage amongst admitting the frustration of being powerless.

Your thoughts were interrupted as you were suddenly lifted up, Shichiro calling your name happily as he hugged you tightly. As your initial surprise waned, warmth flowed through you, both in contentment and embarrassment. Being picked up and cuddled like a teddy bear in front of students was awkward.

But being in Shichiro’s arms, his face nuzzling against your hair, was undeniably heartwarming and reassuring. "Good morning," He mumbled against you, the low rumble of his voice causing your stomach to flip flop. "I'm surprised to see you. A happy surprise, of course."

You shifted so you could face him, indulging in his embrace. "Good morning," You returned. "I don't want to bother you, but…."

"You're never a bother," He assured immediately, setting you down for a moment. "But what's up?"

You wordlessly showed him your bracelet, causing the interest to pique in his expression, but there was concern as well as he gently took your hand in his. "When did this happen?"

"Uh. Within the last hour? It was fine until just a few minutes ago when I was talking to Furcus…"

"Hmmm, let me talk with the students of my next class for their assignment and then I'll meet you in the prep room. Unless you don't have time?"

You shook your head, the knot of anxiety building in your stomach. Did that mean the change was something to be concerned about?

The idea stewed in your mind as you parted ways and retreated to the prep room he shared with Suzy, though she admittingly rarely used it, considering she had the entirety of the greenhouse as her own.

You heard Nigyul's odd little chirp as soon as you entered, and smiled at the pair of golden eyes staring down at you. "Hey you," You greeted as you stepped closer to the tangle of vines he had made a nest in. You lifted your hand for him to sniff in greeting before he butted against it, demanding to be pet as usual.

With the bracelet near its origin, it was easier to tell how much it had changed, making you frown despite Nigyul's small pleased chirps as you scratched his small snout.

The door opened a few moments later before Balam entered. "I'm sorry for the delay…"

"You're supposed to be teaching," You chided lightly. "If anything, I should be apologizing for bothering you."

You could tell he was frowning from the tilt of his eyebrows as he cupped your face gently. "My dear, you are never a bother. Especially with something like this."

You tried to beat back the warmth in your cheeks, reminding yourself now wasn't the time to fawn over how sweet he was, nor how his touch caused goosebumps as his fingers grazed down your arm to the bracelet in question.

He led you to the large overstuffed couch, settling into it and pulling you to sit close as he studied the bracelet closely for a long moment. You allowed him to twist your arm gently to look at the entire loop of dark vines, and you had the oddest sense of him… prodding it with his mana.

"I would guess it's been able to feed off your own mana," He admitted thoughtfully after a long moment. "Which is very surprising, but to be fair no one has kept a Nigyupnil in captivity before or used a cutting from them in such a way. Especially with a human…"

His words more or less flowed in one one ear and out the other. "I wasn't using any mana. I haven't created any runes or anything since…" You trailed off, unable or maybe unwilling to explain that using magic had only stirred up memories that had been too painful for you at the time.

"Granted, we don't know a lot regarding the differences in human and demon magic," He hummed thoughtfully, stroking your arm as if trying to be reassuring. "To the point that I had honestly thought humans had no magic until I met you and Iruma. But, from how you've explained using Runes, it's obviously linked with emotions, just like demons. Were you having any strong emotions?"

You grew quiet, and Balam frowned as he noticed you withdraw slightly from him. "I was just… stressing over some things." You mumbled awkwardly, avoiding his gaze.

Without thinking, Shichiro pulled you close to him, more or less causing you to fall into his lap as he curled his arms around you. "Stress is a form of strong negative emotions, likely to cause evil cycles and flares in magic. It would explain things. But… what's caused you to be so stressed?"

You hesitated as you pressed your face against his chest, trying to avoid the dark thoughts. "Just… things. Feeling like I keep messing up. That I'm an idiot…"

"You are not an idiot," He interjected quickly. "Look at you! A wealth of sacred information."

"Which is useless here," You shot back, looking up at him. "I mean, to you it may be great, but no one else. I'm surrounded by teachers and I look stupid compared with even the first year students."

His frown deepened as he cupped your face once more. "Ask Ifrit about biology, and he'll tell you it could burn. Ask Orias about torture and he wouldn't have a clue. Demons have their passions and their niche interests. Take me, for example. I have always been fascinated with the different forms of life since I was a child. My mother's favorite story is about how I learned to walk because I was chasing a lizard in the yard. But you seem to know so much about various different aspects of your world, that to answer your questions about ours I often have to research it."

His words resonated as you leaned against him, feeling warm and protected as he rested his chin on the top of your head, his arms wrapping around your waist. "What's your passion?" He asked after a moment. "What is your driving force?"

"I never had a passion, other than to survive," You admitted. "My life… sucked back on earth. Iruma was literally the best thing that had ever happened to me. I wanted so badly to take care of him, to show how much I cared for him…. And then we came here and suddenly our lives became so much better. He doesn't need me looking out for him anymore. I should be able to just relax and enjoy things, but I-I can't.."

Balam sighed as he hugged you a little tighter. "I wish I could ask Tsumuru on how to help you, but I worry they would ask too many questions. But, I do know that when a demon loses their ambition, it can be catastrophic to their psyche. If your goal was just to survive, and now it's no longer something you have to focus on, I'm sure there's some kind of correlation."

Was it really that simple? "But, I still want to be a good mother to Iruma. A good daughter to Sullivan. And… find out where this is going," You admitted after a moment, emphasizing your words by stroking his chest lightly. "But they seem so insignificant compared to everyone else's dreams. I mean, I know Iruma loves me, but he doesn't need me. Neither does Sullivan. In fact…"

You trailed off, unwilling to voice that dark thought. But Balam wasn't going to allow it, apparently, as he pulled back to look you in the eye, encouraging you to continue.

You glanced away, avoiding those fathomless pools or warm darkness. "It's nothing," You tried to lie, forgetting for one moment such tricks didn't work on the giant demon.

He cupped your face, encouraging you to look at him. "It's not nothing, judging by the reaction from my bloodline ability."

You cursed to yourself. Of all the demons and their abilities. "... shouldn't you go back to your class?" You asked as you tried to avoid answering. "I mean, if this isn't going to be a danger to anyone, surely they take precedence."

"My students are reading the next chapter and likely thankful for the unexpected study time," He answered. "They'll be fine. I'm worried about you."

"I'm fine," You answered automatically, causing his frown to deepen.

"You're not," He voiced the one thing you were trying to avoid admitting. He pulled you back to him, holding you tightly. "Let me help you. Please. You mean so much to me, please tell me what's wrong."

His words echoed from the day before, and like then, you cracked. "I can't help but feel like I contribute nothing," You admitted as you pressed yourself against him. Hoping maybe you would be able to absorb some of his strength or his certainty. "That my foolishness and mistakes are going to endanger Iruma. That maybe things would be better for him - for everyone - if I wasn't here."

His embrace tightened to the point of almost hurting. "You may believe those words, but they're lies." He growled, surprising you with the venom in his tone. "You are needed, you are wanted, by all of us. You belong here, human or not. Lord Sullivan and Iruma love you, as does Senpai. The students adore you, especially the misfits. And I…I could not stand it if you left merely because you thought you were not wanted. I would find a way to go to the human realm if I had to, just to be with you."

His words cracked something deep in your chest, and despite your best efforts to press down the lump in your throat, you were soon crying into his chest as you clung to him.

Why? Why did he have to be so damn perfect and sweet? How could he know the virtually perfect words to say? "I want you, we all want you here," He repeated, running his fingers through your hair as you cried. "Nothing would be better if you weren't here. If anything, it would be much worse."

--+--

Neither Furcus nor the library battler was waiting for you when you returned to the library. Instead, Sullivan was helping the students, a cheerful smile on his face despite the baffled looks of the students.

"I didn't expect you down here," You admitted as you approached. "I thought one of the others was going to cover?"

"Well, I happened to overhear--" Sullivan paused as he turned to face you, his smile disappearing in an instant. There was a brief moment as his cheery expression fell, revealing a sort of cold anger that disappeared as soon as it appeared, replaced by tears welling up in his eyes as he tackled you. "Sweetie! What could make my dear princess cry?!

Ah. Right. For as much crying as you did, your eyes were likely red and puffy.

"I-I was talking with Balam about some things," You tried to explain, vaguely aware as students started to awkwardly avoid the area, knowing how Lord Sullivan got sometimes.

Sullivan froze for a moment, that odd steelines returning to his eyes. "Balam made you cry?"

"Not like that!" You answered quickly, and that cold look disappeared instantly.

"Then what?" He asked, clutching your hands tightly. "What could have made you cry?"

You shifted guiltily, half tempted to lie since Sullivan did not have Balam's lie-detection ability - yet the idea also left you uncomfortable. You had admitted the truth to Shichiro, so maybe you should do the same for the demon who had made all of this possible in the first place.

"You know how I haven't been quite myself lately?" You started, finally deciding on which half to listen to.

Sullivan nodded with a slight frown, "I had hopes that had been resolved, considering the rumors and your bracelet."

You blushed. Has it really been that obvious? "Well… so…" You looked around, assuring no one else was around before sighing. "It was more than that that was causing me to feel depressed. With everything that's happened… I was feeling like I was more trouble than I was worth, for everyone involved."

Sullivan's eyes softened at your words, one hand reaching up to brush your cheek. "You don't think that, surely?"

You pulled your hands away from his and rubbed your eyes as you avoided his gaze, so full of both pity and pain. "I have been… still kind of do," You admitted quietly. "but Balam talked me through a lot, and--"

You were interrupted as Sullivan pulled you into a tight hug. "My dear daughter," He spoke softly, not at all like his usual exuberance. "You have no idea how much you mean to me."

"I just kinda fell into your life," You argued lightly, "chasing after Iruma. I'm essentially just an accident."

"Yes," He acknowledged slowly. "However, I would have never offered just anyone to become my daughter. I had never seen such love - such compassion - in all my years. I knew that not only would it be beneficial to Iruma for you to remain, but I had hoped that it would be a good change for so many others as well. And I selfishly hoped that you would come to see me as family just as Iruma had."

"I do," You answered without thinking. "I never had a father figure before… but I still can't help but worry that I'll end up failing or disappointing everyone."

"My girl," He said so fondly, that deep paternal expression on his face as he pulled back slightly. "The only way you could disappoint me was if you gave up. I know being here must be challenging, but you have no idea how important you have become. For you to give up would devastate me and so many others."

"I'm not that important," You scoffed. Yeah, the Misfits would miss you, and Shichiro, Iruma, and maybe even Sullivan would be sad… but that was it. No one would be devastated.

There was a sparkle in his eyes, "You saw for yourself in Walter Park, your matronly nature is rare - virtually unheard of, in this realm. Just as Iruma's kindness draws demons in, so do you. Can you imagine how Iruma's classmates would react if he thought the same as you?"

Devi, there would be literal chaos as they would try to make him see the truth. Especially Az and Clara.

But it wouldn't just be the Misfits. He had proven with earning Royal One that he was respected by so many.

"I'm not him, though," You replied, shaking your head.

"No, but the effect would be the same," He responded. "The teachers see you as their equal. The students of all years and classes respect you and dare I say adore you. You have done so much good for the morale of this school. Losing you would be the same as losing Iruma. Which, let's not even discuss how he would feel."

The same sentiment as Shichiro, but said with a father's love. The dark whispering in your mind quieted, silenced by the weight of their words. It was also the way Sullivan had said it, with that rare solemness you were unused to.

"And if you ever doubt how loved and wanted you are," He continued after allowing you to mull over his words. "Say something in the future, my dear. I would be happy to remind you, as I am sure Balam and Iruma would as well."

--+-- Su Ki Ma --+--

There was a knock on your door later that night as you mindlessly skimmed through one of your books, unable to read as your mind tumbled over all the events of the day, weighing and ruminating over both Shichiros and Sullivan's words.

Iruma poked his head around the door, his blue eyes already in puppy-mode. "Can I come in?"

"Always," You answered, setting the book aside and patting the area beside you. He quickly crossed the room and climbed onto your bed, snuggling close to your side without hesitation, which surprised you. Yes, he was affectionate for someone his age, you thought, but usually not like this.

"Is everything okay?" You asked as you combed his wild blue hair with your fingers, that curled lock at the crown of his head refusing to comply.

"I'm fine, but… I heard you weren't," He admitted softly. "I know you haven't been your usual self, but Opera and my classmates thought you and Professor Balam were just pining after one another. But… then I heard you were crying today…"

Demons were the worst about gossiping. You were starting to wonder if there were any secrets in that school.

Then again. You and Iruma were proof that a few secrets were kept safe.

But, how to explain everything to Iruma? He was impossible to lie to, especially with those large blue eyes of his. "...my mood was not entirely because of my feelings for Professor Balam," You sighed. "I've been struggling with some other things, but it's getting better now."

He looked up at you, confused. "What do you mean?"

You sighed again, rubbing your head. "It's really hard to explain, but I guess it boils down to the fact that I've been feeling rather useless lately, now that things aren't as stressful and you're well taken care of."

His hold on you tightened. "But I do need you! You're my Mom! I mean, I love Grandpa," He admitted softly after his initial outburst. "And everyone else too. But you're my Mom. No one could replace you. You were the first person to actually care for me. Who actually loved me."

Guilt ate at your heart as you pulled him closer, pressing a kiss to his head. "It was just a feeling, sweetie. Sometimes depression hits hard, especially when things are too good to be true for those of us who have struggled most of our lives."

To be honest, you were shocked he hadn't shown any of the negative effects of his past. He had gone so much worse than you had, yet seemed to carry on without so much a shadow hanging over his head.

You prayed to any higher powers he would stay like that. That he could leave his trauma behind and embrace his future.

But you also feared that maybe it was still looming in the future, buried far deeper than your own.

Maybe you could help him, should that dark beast be lurking in his psyche.

"Having people who love you, who care for you, is the best thing for these kinds of things," You said after a moment, thinking to how much Shichiro had helped; how much Sullivan - even Raim in her own way - had finally caused that dark feeling to loosen its grip. "Even when you feel at your worst, it's okay to talk about it. To reach out for comfort."

It was a bit hypocritical in hindsight, but you could admit that trying to deal with everything on your own had not been the right choice.

"Even if you feel like no one will want to listen, I will," You continued, looking down at those sweet blue eyes and allowing that motherly love and fierceness burn in your chest. "I will always be here for you. No matter what."

#mairimashita! iruma kun #welcome to demon school iruma kun #balam shichiro #balam/reader #suzuki iruma #lord sullivan

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imfluentinfangirlandgay · 1 day

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A Father's Resolve - Ch 11

Ingo returns after a decade - with two extra cars in tow. Years later, his kids are swallowed up by time in the same way he was. Will he be able to find them? Will they be able to make it out alive?

Word Count ~3100

Irida gazed down at the huge basket of balms. The wicker basket nearly rose to Rei’s knees. She sighed, flexing her hands after so much tying. Lian shook his head and looked up at the twins. “I will summon the mighty Kleavor, if you are ready.” The twins locked eyes. They nodded. “Very well. Prepare yourselves.” He motioned for the three others to step back as he approached the pedestal. “O, mighty Kleavor, Lord of the Woods, benevolent lord who works between heaven and earth, we offer our gratitude. Though it may not be time for the ceremony, we have gathered offerings of your favorite things. We beseech you. Reveal yourself to our eyes…”

Irida whispered to them, “Dodging will be vital. Try to avoid his attacks. I fear he will not hold back.” Blood was beginning to pulse through Rei’s body. Was this going to be hard? How hard?

“GRAASHAAAAA!” Rei jolted upright as something loud, large, and heavy screeched just up ahead in the arena. Akari took his hand and they walked together into the Arena. A massive tree stood in the middle of it. Other than that, it was just a deep pit of dirt with walls on all sides, forming a perfect circle. The two glanced around, Rei’s heart rate still picking up.

A flash of gold. Rei whirled around to see what it was. Something streaked past them, circling them as it watched from the edges of the Arena, running so fast it was a blur, the sound of something slicing and then a thud. Rei watched with wide eyes as a huge golden silhouette with glowing white eyes landed on the ground just a few paces in front of them. It was watching them closely. It lifted the huge axes it had for hands high into the air, sending them crashing down into the packed soil so hard, it sent some flying. A tree behind them fell with a loud crash, making Rei jump. Had this thing cut it down? It had been a full grown tree! The creature had very spindly arms and legs, but its main body seemed to be rather insectoid. It roared at them in challenge. Its eyes glinted a bright yellow-

“Rei, duck!”

No sooner had it roared than a flurry of activity happened all at once. The thing swung at the speed of light. Rei acted on instinct, rolling away and dodging the attack. He could feel the wind from the swing on his cheek. He managed to get to his feet and just started to run. He ran around the Arena, seeing the golden light in his peripheral. Was it following him? He finally managed to get a look.

It was charging up an attack. It had its axes planted firmly into the dirt, energy building up around it. Its eyes glinted again.

Rei ducked around the tree as it thrust itself forward, using its axes like a catapult. The space he had just inhabited was met by two large swinging axes. Something smacked its back, spattering pink sparks everywhere. The creature’s head swung around to the spot of the disturbance. As it turned, Rei saw the smatterings of some fibrous vegetation burning away on its golden hide and an aromatic smell wafted into his nostrils. He’d completely forgotten about the balms! The thing was now watching his sister closely, preparing another charged assault on her. It swung its axes, slamming them into the ground, then began to build up energy again. Rei snaked a hand into his waist satchel and fished out a few balms and began chucking them at its back. One hit, then another, and another. They weren’t doing anything! As they hit, the divine aura it exuded would immediately begin to dissolve them off itself, turning the offering balms into pinkish sparks that fell to the ground and disappeared, leaving nothing but the strong stench of vegetables. Rei continued to throw the balms in a blind panic as the thing charged his sister. He saw her roll away in the nick of time, a bit of her hair being chopped clean off in the process.

Kleavor could not stop his dash, however, and collided directly into the big tree in the center of the Arena. Rei seized this opportunity to throw a pokemon out and into the fray. Any way he could avoid dying, the better. To his surprise, this seemed to pull Kleavor’s attention off him or his sister and instead onto Campfire. Rei’s partner cried out in defiance.

“GRASHAAAAA!” Kleavor immediately shot off a devastating Stealth Rock. Rei’s heart nearly stopped as Campfire fainted instantly. This was going to be more difficult than he thought. He threw in Spark Plug. It managed to shoot off a Thundershock, but that did next to nothing. Kleavor shrugged it right off and cut down the Luxio with an AIr Slash. The last thing Rei had was his little Eevee.

“Baby-Doll Eyes!” The Eevee hit the move and even managed to take the bone-curdling Stealth Rock that Kleavor hit it with. “Quick Attack!” It was not near enough, Kleavor didn’t even seem winded as he took out the last of Rei’s small team. He could feel the panic rising up in himself as Kleavor raised its axes, mere paces away from Rei.

Sparks flew from its back as Akari hit it over and over again with balms. Her face was scrunched up in concentration, a red line oozing liquid onto her face. Was she hurt?! The Noble turned once again to his sister. He raised his axes again and in a single fluid motion swung out several times, cutting out at anything in its path. She rolled out of the way, smacking into the thick tree in the middle with a dull thud. Rei took this opportunity to throw some balms of his own. Was it just him, or was Kleavor looking more sluggish? He threw with a renewed vigor, hoping beyond hope that he wasn’t seeing things as Kleavor swung its attention back to him. It narrowed its eyes as it readied another attack aimed at him. It dashed forward again and he barely managed to dodge in time. He was also growing tired. How long was this going to last?

Rei could hear balms hitting above him. He peeled himself off the floor with a grunt to see Kleavor locking onto his sister, still trying to get up. He dashed to the basket by the entrance to the Arena to snag an armful of balms and immediately began throwing more at the enraged pokemon. Kleavor roared in frustration as Akari again rolled away from him. There was a small amount of dark liquid on the ground where she had been just moments ago. Rei began to smack him with more balms. He was definitely growing tired, Rei could tell. “Akari! Battle him!”

Rei dodged an attack from Kleavor - another dash. This one ended up in Kleavor once again hitting a wall and becoming disoriented. This time, Akari tossed out a pokemon for battle. Rei did not watch the battle, but instead threw balms at Kleavor as much as he possibly could during it, knowing he was temporarily ‘safe’. Balm after balm burst apart on Kleavor and sizzled away into dust and Rei prayed to Arceus that it was actually growing weaker and weaker and weaker…

Rei noticed Bonnie going down. Akari tossed out Riptide. Rei shook his head and kept throwing the balms. He needed to keep throwing balms. His elbow ached, beginning to scream with each throw. He needed to keep throwing balms. Rocks slung from the dirt ripped directly into Riptide, making it scream. He needed to keep throwing balms. Akari cried out an order, holding her shoulder awkwardly. He needed to keep throwing balms. He was running out of balms. He needed to-

A huge Water Pulse hit at the same time as Rei’s last balm. A huge shockwave hit Rei, sending him crashing back into the dirt as pure golden light flooded his eyeballs. He threw up a hand to shield himself as a harsh wind picked up and the gold surged up into the sky. Was it finally over? He couldn’t keep back a slight smile.

Left before them, wobbling a bit, was a dark brown and black pokemon. Its axes were varying shades of gray. It had thick rocky eyebrows and springy ankles and a segmented body seemingly made of stone. It held itself up on its axes as Rei rounded it, running towards his sister. She stood as Kleavor approached them slowly. Its eyes were a dark chocolatey color now. It smacked the side of the tree with its ax, much more feebly than before, this time causing something to fall from the tree’s high branches. Rei picked it up. It was another colored brick like the one Wyrdeer had given them, this one a light green.

Kleavor huffed at them one more time - assumingly in thanks - and then ran off as quickly as it had arrived, its ax arms trailing behind it. Rei hadn’t even had the chance to say anything. It fell silent in the Arena. No pokemon chirped or buzzed or barked nearby - seemingly startled away by that battle.

“What just happened?” Lian asked as he ran up to them. “What was that light that erupted from Kleavor’s body? Has his frenzy been truly put at ease now?”

“Does this confirm that the strange lightning was to blame for Kleavor’s unnatural power?” Irida glanced between the twins.

Rei shrugged. All these questions were making him overwhelmed as the adrenaline began to wear off. “Maybe. I’m really not sure.” He brushed off his bottom where he had fallen.

“All we know is that the lightning came from the rift the other night. The bolts must have struck Kleavor and driven him into the frenzy after all.” Irida’s eyebrows drew together in the dying light, making her blue irises stand out even more in concern.

“Wait,” Lian said, “If the lightning came from the space-time rift, and almighty Sinnoh lives there then the strange lightning… was it Sinnoh’s power? Were we even right to interfere?” His voice was raising, sounding angrier and angrier by the second. “I went along with the plan happily like a fool!”

“Calm yourself, Lian,” Irida soothed the boy. Akari was already rubbing at a spot on her arm, Rei noticed. She definitely had a cut on her cheek, which was still bleeding. It was also now coated with a fine layer of dirt and forest rot. He’d need to make sure she saw the med bay when they got back home. “Kleavor has protected our people and the forest for generations. Would our almighty Sinnoh truly send him a power that attacks people and pokemon indiscriminately? I doubt it. What Rei and Akari accomplished just now… it needed to be done.” Lian fell silent and suddenly found his shoes to be quite interesting. “I’m glad this is settled without any further strife. If any other pokemon find themselves in the grip of a frenzy… please help them.” Irida flicked her irises between the twins, assessing them. Her gaze lingered on Akari’s shoulder as she cradled it.

Daytime was giving way to dusk. The trees around them were filled with a duller golden light than the stuff from Kleavor. Lian grumbled. “Fine. I suppose I must concur. I apologize for being briefly incomposed. I am grateful to you both for helping my Lord.”

“Allow me to heal your beloved pokemon as thanks.” Irida stepped forward, a relieved smile on her face once again.

—-----------------------

Emmet rubbed his eyes as he stared at his device, occasionally glancing over at his brother. Ingo was still stone-faced, as ever, staring intently at the worn pages of the thirtieth book of the day sprawled out in front of him. He hoped that their company would just arrive soon. They were supposed to be here-

A loud knock sounded at the door. Ingo did not even flinch or pause in his reading as Emmet swiftly stood to get the door. It was still hot outside, summer in full force, even now that evening was settling in. Drayden stood alone at the door, much to Emmet’s surprise. “Where’s Iris? I thought she was coming too?”

“She got held up. Another challenger at the League.” Drayden stepped over the threshold and removed his boots at Emmet’s gesture inside, moving his bulky form into the dining room. The large man paused and sighed softly seeing his nephew buried in a pile of old literature. “Ingo?” Emmet noted his brother did not move. No reaction at all came from him.

“Ingo, hey. We have company.” Nothing, again. Emmet strode over to his brother and tapped his shoulder, making him jump so hard he nearly knocked himself over.

“Wh-what? What’s happening? Drayden? When did you get here?” His eyes darted around between the two of them, in complete shock at being disturbed.

Drayden stayed silent for a few moments. “We need to talk, Ingo.”

“Wh- about what?” Ingo continued to watch with wild eyes as Drayden and Emmet each took a seat on either side of him.

“You.” Their uncle folded his hands, setting them down on the table. “We need to talk about you.”

“What about me?” Ingo snapped. “I’m just fine. Fine as I can be.”

“See, that makes me think you are extremely not fine,” Emmet quipped. “You haven’t slept in days. You won’t eat. You also won’t talk anymore at all. It’s like sharing a house with a statue.”

“I’ll be fine, as soon as I bring the kids home.”

“Ingo,” Drayden spoke loudly, pulling both of their attention to him. “There is no ‘I’. There is no ‘just me’, ‘alone’, or ‘by myself’. There is an ‘us’. You are not the only one in this.”

“But-”

“You are not alone,” Drayden spoke much more loudly, snapping his yellow eyes directly in Ingo’s direction in a way he hadn’t since they’d misbehaved gravely when they were small. Ingo actually shrunk in his chair under the gaze. “Now, I have some requests. You will take care of yourself, at least somewhat. Eat something, even something small, at least twice or even three times a day. You will shower regularly. You will leave the house sometimes. I’m not asking much, just a few times a week. And you will at least lay down to try to sleep, even if you don’t fully get there. Am I clear?”

“But I need to find them,” Ingo argued. He had found his voice and he fired back at Drayden. “I need to make sure they’re safe. No one else is even looking for them anymore!” Ingo stood from his chair and pointed a finger at Drayden. “I have not seen anyone else still researching or checking around. So who is this ‘we’?”

Drayden slowly stood. Emmet’s eyes widened. “Uncle Drayden, he’s not-” Emmet was cut off by a large hand held up in his direction. He pulled out his phone, tapping the screen, and showing it to Ingo.

“Not looking, huh?” Ingo scanned the screen, his eyes losing their fire. Emmet glanced at the screen.

A wall of texts in a group chat met his gaze. Drayden scrolled his thumb up slowly, allowing them to read some of the texts. The chat was labeled ‘Elite Members’. At least fifty people had to be included in it for how many different names and numbers and profile pictures Emmet was seeing. At regular intervals, it seemed almost daily, one of the numbers would text Drayden a picture of a child with light hair asking if that might be them. Many news articles and headlines were sprinkled through the chat.

“This is the Champions, Elite Four members, and even Gym Leaders in almost every single region in the world, in one large chat. Iris helped assemble it for me. Any time they see anyone that might even potentially be related to the twins, they ask me immediately. I even flew out once or twice to see for myself without getting your hopes up. This has existed since the first week that I found out about them going missing. Not only am I and Elesa and Emmet and even Iris taking time to scour everything and try to find anything about their whereabouts, we have every single master battler on the face of the planet also on the lookout. And you are the only one looking? It’s just you on your own little personal crusade?”

Ingo stared at the spot the phone was in, even as Drayden took the device away and pocketed it. His expression softened considerably as Ingo floundered, looking for something to say. He laid two large hands on his nephew’s shoulders, garnering his attention. “Listen. All I want is to see you functional. I understand being worried sick. I understand that it feels pointless and worthless and like it is counterintuitive. I don’t expect you to be back to normal. I just want to know that you won’t collapse at any given moment. If you carry on like this, you might need to be hospitalized.”

That made Ingo blink a couple times. “I. What?”

“Trust me, you don’t want that,” Emmet said solemnly. He shook his head. “Not fun. Awful time.”

“Emmet?” Ingo knit his brow at his brother. “What are you saying?”

“Did I not tell you about that?” Emmet asked genuinely, cocking his head at Ingo. Surely he’d mentioned that at some point?

“No?” Ingo sat back down, prompting Drayden to do the same. “What happened?”

“I kept telling everyone I was fine but refused any type of fuel for months. It wasn’t until I fainted at work that they realized how bad off I actually was and I was hospitalized for a few days. They kept watch on me until I proved I could function again.” Emmet mirrored his brother’s perplexed expression. “I really feel like I’ve mentioned this before now.”

“Not to my knowledge.” Ingo stared at the table. “I… I had no… I’m so-”

“Hush, Ingo,” Drayden spoke softly, cutting him off. “No apologies. If you feel guilty, show me by eating something. Even just a little snack, but preferably a meal. It is getting close to dinnertime.”

Ingo sighed. After a few moments, he nodded. He placed a scrap receipt in the book he was reading and closed it, marking his spot for later. “Let’s,” was all he said, his voice small.

Emmet hated seeing his brother like this. So unsure, so small, almost feeble. Ingo was not supposed to be feeble. Ingo was supposed to be confident and loud and outgoing and boisterous. But right now, he was none of those things.

Emmet wanted his brother back.

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#submas #subway boss ingo #subway bosses #pokemon legends arceus #my writing #ingo #pokemon #dad!ingo #subway boss emmet #gym leader elesa #pokemon akari #pokemon rei

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luverofralts · 2 months

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Arkhelios Adventures

A great mountain range. Buildings that were easily centuries old. The long, cold reach of the Void. Adam could see it all as easily as if it were standing in front of him. He didn't seem to have a choice whether he wanted to see these images or not. They were darkness and beauty, strength and fear, each seared into his brain with one word tying them all together.

Theo.

"So hey, sorry if I'm interrupting your private moping time. Dad wanted me to check on you. I don't see the point since it's basically been a prison here since You-know-who left. What trouble could you possibly be causing? I think this is the first time in a week that I've actually seen you out of your pajamas."

Remy didn't even bother knocking on the door of the gardens. Adam had locked himself inside them for the past week, attempting to meditate or something equally as pointless. Mediation wouldn't heal her brother or make him talk to her about what had happened between him and Theo. She was his twin sister, though, and that made it her duty to get him back to the person he'd been before the incident. At the very least, she would get him out of this one room and socializing again.

"You can say his name, Remy. Theo is my boyfriend...or he was." He paused to consider his words carefully. "I don't know. Either way, saying his name isn't going to break me like Mom seems to think it will.

Says the guy hiding away from everyone to "meditate."

"I know I'm not Mom's biggest fan, but she might have a point," Remy said cautiously. "You seem...twitchy whenever he comes up. Have you heard from him at all?"

"Of course I haven't," Adam snapped, louder than he meant to reply. "Mom took our phones, remember? Wherever they sent him, I can't send any magical messages either. It's like he just disappeared off the face of the earth! I don't even know where to start looking for him."

"Do you want to find him?" Remy asked quietly, truly curious about the answer. "It's okay if you don't. I'd understand. No judgment here. With your condition, I'd be pissed too."

"My condition," Adam repeated bitterly. "You don't even know the half of it. No one does."

"Does Theo? Mom threw a fit about you two being connected, and I'm guessing that that's why things got so bad when everything happened. Can't you just sense him?"

"No, that's the problem," Adam sighed. "No matter how hard I try, he's just...gone. It's not like we were connected strongly or anything like that, but I should be able to feel something about where he is. Instead, there's just silence."

He's lying. I don't know about what, but he's lying. He's easier to read than a book. But he's lying for a reason. If I don't press it, maybe he'll tell me in his own time.

"Hey, he'll come back," Remy promised, hugging her brother tightly. "Whether I have to track him down for you myself. Elowen and I will have him back in an afternoon."

"Yeah, thanks. I don't think I'll need you two though."

"So you two are over," Remy gasped, trying to remain playful before he shut down again. "There are lots of other people here who would be happy to date you. Some of which, Mom might actually approve of."

"We're not over!" Adam snapped. "Not officially. We'd have to have a conversation for that to happen, and no one will tell me where he is!"

Remy rolled her eyes and grabbed her brother's hand, dragging him with her to the ground. He tried to wriggle away from her, but Remy was stronger.

"Nope. We're having twin time now," she insisted. "Just like when we were kids. You and I are going to talk this out. I'm sick of your moodiness, and I can't tell if I'm supposed to be rooting for Theo to come back or if I should be setting him on fire for hurting you. So spill."

"We're not little kids anymore. Just leave me alone."

"Not going to happen. If you won't talk to me, then I'm going to be forced to call Elowen and Bronwen in as reinforcement. I'm sure you can remember how powerful your sisters are when we fight together."

"How can I forget?" Adam groaned. "If Theo wasn't so strong, you three would have made my life miserable." He smiled fondly before he caught himself. It was hard to separate his childhood memories from thoughts of Theo. They'd been friends since Theo started at the academy and had been inseparable for years. There was no way of thinking about his past without being reminded of Theo. He just wasn't sure if his future would be the same way.

"Look, it's complicated," Adam said at last. "I love Theo, but...people have been warning me about him for awhile now. He's this kind, funny, loyal person who loves me with the intensity of the sun. But he's also a dangerous, reckless being with so much power that deities monitor him. I love him, but he's like fire. The closer I get to him, the more I get burned. I just don't want to get burned again, Remy. I don't want to hold him back from his potential either, though. He can do things I've never seen someone do and with ease. He might be better off without me."

"If you love him, it shouldn't matter," Remy insisted. "You've known for forever about Theo being unstable and you've never cared before."

"I never thought he'd hurt me like this before!" Adam snapped angrily. "He promised me that he'd protect me, not scar my face and leave me for dead."

Remy paused, unsure of what to say.

"I was there when everything happened, Adam. I saw the look on his face. He was desperate to save you. I mean, the two of you are usually nauseatingly cute together, but this was different. He was going against his own self interests to protect you, Adam. It tore him apart and he still did it. They dragged Theo out of here on a stretcher just like you, and he's not complaining. All he did was ask for you."

"I know, I know. That's what everyone says, but...maybe our love isn't a good idea like Mom says."

"What?! Who are you Mr. I'm Planning My Wedding at Nineteen? Did Mom bewitch you with one of her spells, or did you really hit your head that hard when you fell?"

"It's not like that," Adam mumbled quietly. "It's just common sense. You know that Theo and I have...been intimate lately?" He continued when Remy nodded. "This whole thing stems from that. Theo can't handle the emotions or the increased connection between us. He went off because of me, because of my desire to be close to him. I'm too dangerous for him and he's too dangerous for me. We just end up hurting each other."

"Hmm, fair," Remy conceded. "That makes some kind of sense. I've never had that problem, but I do tend to stay away from demons. Too much drama involved."

"He...he changed me, Remy," Adam admitted quietly.

"Well, yeah, you've been friends forever, of course you're going to change each other's lives."

"No, I mean that he changed me. That day. Why do you think that I spend most of my time here, trying to meditate? It's not for fun."

"I don't know what you're talking about. No one does when you're that cryptic. If you're going to break up with Theo, then you should at least come hang out with some of my friends. Get out there, see what the world outside of Theo looks like before you make your decision."

"I'm not sure if I want to break up with him. I just need some time. I want him to know what he's done and I need to know how he feels too. I want him to see this and ask him what he's going to do about it."

Adam gestured to his cheek, where a dark scar remained. Remy had helped her father try to reduce the supernatural scarring on Adam's face, but a corner of it refused to leave. His eyes were still red and bloodshot from the spell that had twisted the small amount of demonic DNA in his system.

"A deity told me that we have demon ancestors," he continued. "That Mom's side of the family came from Pleasantview demons."

"That's the first I'm hearing about this. Though it does make sense that Mom is slightly demonic. It explains some things." When Adam didn't laugh at her joke, Remy scowled. "Where on earth did you run into a god? Don't they have anything better to do than spill family secrets?"

"She was warning me about Theo. I...I think when the incident happened, our connection latched on to any dormant demon genes I have and went crazy trying to give him their power. I don't have a dark form, Remy, but Theo's energy twisted me into something that looked like one. They had to fix my skull with magic. They had to fix my skull, Remy. Our connection tore demonic energy I barely had and gave it to Theo. It scraped everything I had and...and he just took it."

"That's not something Theo did purposely though," Remy said softly. "He can't control himself. That's why they sent him away to demon boot camp. He would never choose to hurt you, that should be obvious."

"What if I can never sleep with him again?" Adam demanded, his voice betraying how close to sobbing he truly was. "What if even kissing him makes...makes all of that happen again? I can't trust that it won't happen again. He sometimes goes off without any obvious trigger, how will I know how to avoid it? If being with me makes Theo lose control of himself, then I don't think I can take that risk anymore. Next time I might die."

Remy kicked her brother in his shin, making him yelp.

"He's going to boot camp, Adam. When he does come back, he's going to know how to control himself. Do you really think Mom and Dad are going to let him come back here if there's a chance that you'll be in danger? No way. You're being stupid. Give me some time, I'll find a way to talk to your dumb boyfriend and get this sorted out. Life's too short to mope over something that can be changed."

"The scar's not the only change," Adam insisted, still looking like he was about to cry at any second. "The meditations are supposed to be controlling this." He flicked his wrist, releasing a purple haze that oozed from his skin. "Let me show you something."

Without another word, Adam rose from his seat on the floor and gestured for his twin to follow him.

"Well, this should be good."

Adam's pace was slow, but determined. There was still some physical damage from the incident that was slowly healing and Remy noticed that her brother was limping slightly. If it did turn out that Theo had caused all of this on on purpose, there was going to be hell to pay.

But it was an accident, she reminded herself, taking a deep breath to let go of the anger. Theo was just too dumb to handle a Darktide in the bedroom, like so many of Remy's past hookups.

He's just an idiot with no self-control. He didn't do this on purpose. You don't have to murder him for touching your brother.

"Are you okay with walking this far? I can teleport you wherever we're going."

"I'm fine. We're here anyway." He gestured to the expensive telescope that students used to calculate moon phases and chart astrology. "Watch that telescope."

"For what? It's just sitting there. Are you sure you don't want me to get a chair for you or something? Should I get Dad?"

"Dad already knows about this," Adam replied, intensifying his stare at the telescope and holding his hands in a magical stance. "You can't tell anyone else about this, Dad's trying to find someone to help with this, but people wouldn't understand if they saw what happened to me."

He flicked his hand again, and released more of that purple haze as he did so. When he moved his arm, Remy could see the telescope shimmer slightly, and then immediately surrender itself to a sudden rip in the atmosphere. The Void consumed the light around the object, wrapping itself around it so tightly that the two seemed fused together.

"Oh my god, Adam! You've actually become interesting!"

"Thanks," Adam replied angrily. "I'd like to think that I already was interesting before all of this."

Remy scoffed, still staring at the flashing telescope with wonder.

"So you can what? Attack people with the Void? Open portals just like Theo?"

Adam shrugged, flicking his wrist again as he did. Immediately, the tear in the atmosphere reappeared and began to rip the pieces of Void from the the telescope. Within a blink of an eye, the telescope was back to its old appearance, completely Void free.

"I don't know what it is," Adam confessed. "Dad thinks that Theo regenerated some of my DNA to work like a demon's would. Between trying to force a dark form and being able to touch the Void, my body is different now. It responds like a really weak demon hybrid might. A really weak hybrid. I can't do half the things an infant hybrid could, but-"

"But you're more resistant to Theo's demonic magic, just like you both wanted," Remy guessed. "You don't have a lot of cool powers from this, but you should be able to handle more demonic energy than before. You can help ground him if he goes off in the future. Maybe it could keep Theo grounded and balanced when you two are in the bedroom."

"Remy, stop!" Adam shouted. "I don't want to be changed so that I can make Theo feel better about himself or be his backup plan when he's about to have an incident. I want to be me, just like I was! I love a hybrid, but I don't want to become the pale shadow of one. I don't exist to make Theo's life easier."

"Okay, fair," Remy conceded. "But do you know what I could do with that much power? Lots of fun things."

"I also don't exist to make your life interesting, Rem. God only knows what you would do with access to the Void. Probably end up in the same place as Theo."

Remy laughed at the thought.

"Yeah, probably. Maybe that's how I'll find him for you. I'll get Mom to send me to demon military school."

Adam's knee buckled from standing too long and his sister rushed to his side even as he was pushing her away.

"Okay, well I think that's enough demon magic for today," she declared. "Now that you're out of your moping room, let's get you something to eat. You can't say no when you're leaning on me to walk."

Adam scowled, but didn't resist. He was a little hungry and it would be a welcome change from ruminating on what had happened all day like he'd been doing lately.

"Okay, fine. You win."

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superwingscentral · 10 months

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Pirate AU Masterpost (AU name pending)

since im a person who like to make aus that does not fit with the canon at all, im gonna go all batshit with this one lets go. i havent made proper aus in a long time hhhh

my english went scrawny all over in some places so im sorry for that :'D this post is also extremely messy so buckle up yall

They're gonna be humans in this AU, because I have no idea how to incorporate planes in a setting like this. (also i think it may or may not fit since 'advanced tech'...does not really exist. it isn't set during old times though, it doesn't have a clear time period because it isn't set in our earth.)

The characters don't have clear designs, but FYI, I'm personally going to use my own gijinka designs for visuals like 'screenshot redraws' in this.

Anyway...if you have questions or suggestions, you can ask away! (they help a lot to build my art/stories geniunely + also i think this post is all over the place oh god)

Some parts were inspired from the suggestions given by @stormvanari , ty so much!!!✨️✨️

■■■

This world is filled with islands, but without a clear bridge between them. So the only and the safest way of transportation is with, well, ships. This includes supplies too.

Pist, one of the small islands, took charge of transferring supplies to the other islands due to its location, under the name of "World Delivery". "WD" in short. (the reason for that is the amount of way to the other islands are pretty much same. Although visitors are not really common in the island, even if it's in the center of the whole ocean. It's not a touristic place. People prefer going to Gire, or Dimdi.)

Jimbo-Sky-Storm are 3 of the residents in Pist, and they are in the charge of this delivering organization. Jimbo is the head of it, Sky and Storm are second-hands.

A client sends a letter to WD about what they want, and boom. If there are smaller orders, they'll be sent by small ships. If the order clashes with a supply delivery, it'll be sent with a big delivery ship. Still fast. (residents of pist usually go to there themselves to order. its close)

There is a factory in Pist to produce the supplies (although rumors say the trio uses an extra deal to make their delivery items because there are almost no workers in the factory...)

Storm manages the factory, Sky is in the charge of managing the delivery ships.

There are many ships that work directly for World Delivery HQ (most of them being Pist residents), but there are freelancer ships that come to help them from time to time.

(I divided them in a quite strange way honestly, because I didn't want to seperate the s1 quartet or some 'squads' sorry xP Also FYI: there are many ships. So they don't only consist SW characters. Think of them as...extras? yeah that. i wanna make them go on a long trip once and i dont wanna put wd out of business)

●●●●

The main ships in the AU (not all of them work in Pist but when they pass by they do work for them sometimes. i was gonna put them all under the same workplace but then scrapped that)

Speedy (they're still working on the name. the other three teases the hell out of jett because of this): Consists of only Jett, Dizzy, Donnie, Jerome. Smallest ship with a crew of only 4 people. They reside in Pist, and they're the only ship out of all the SW ships that is actively working for WD.

(well, except for the time they all suddenly disappeared one day on a journey. Turns out they sneaked out.)

Neptune: Mira, Bello, Swampy, Wily, Sparky, Neo. They never stay on islands, instead they live in their ship. It's bigger than Jett's, so it has extra rooms for other things like a greenroom. Speaking of, the crew has a reputation of making herbs and medicines due to their master use of plants (thanks to the captain and her first mate.) They pass Pist by all the time, and help them deliver things, mainly medicine.

Goldstar: Paul, Kim, Badge, and numerous other officers. They're a security ship, and Blackbird is number 1 on their hit list. They're usually sent by Miz, to catch thieves and sometimes to hunt monsters. (But the crew of Goldstar has no idea about what Miz is doing after they hand over the criminals or the monsters, because they're constantly on missions.)

Although their beef with Blackbird's captain is a personal case, not Miz's (mostly for Paul).

Loyalty: Grand Albert's restored historical ship. He travels between islands, along with his students (the top student being Narae) He used to be a famous adventurer that fought thieves who stole artifacts and returned them to their homeland, but now he retired and in prefarence of a slow, peaceful life. He's now sailing a ship-library and is open to visitors. Somehow pirates don't get too close to him.

He also has a granddaughter named Ellie (who is also his student) but she left due to her wish to sail to adventure with her own friends.

Galacti: The most mysterious ship possible. Nothing much is known about them, except for one thing: They're seen during the night. Their morals and goals are also unknown. They're also known as the ones who only know the safe ways to the North. And they home several magical artifacts: ancient spell books, weapons, mystic plants, etc. All of them are wanted by Miz, especially the captain.

Blackbird: The most notorious ship, with the crew of ruthless thieves. They love to mess with the other ships, they ambush the delivery ships while on their way, steal their goods, and scatter the 'useless' ones to the ocean for ships to crash on and sink.

Rumor say the captain Phantom used to navigate a security ship, and people wonder what led him down this path.

No one knows which islands are the crew is from, but they know for a fact that they can sail to the waters in South effortlessly. (The waters in South are also violent, so majority of security ships sunk in hopes of investigate the island.)

●●●

Tech is a bit weird in this AU. It does not exist, but it does at the same time. Phones, internet, or holograms, those stuff doesn't exist, for example.

There's a thing. It's not a common thing, it's a rumor in some islands, it's forbidden to use or even speak of it in some islands–

It's magic. Yep.

Big islands like Miz forbid anyone to ever talk about. Ironically, the most powerful professional magic user is from Miz.

Small islands like Pist though, it's mostly a rumor in there.

Anyway, the magic in this AU mostly relies on spells. Only some certain people can do it. For example, rumor say the mysterious ship Galacti can use magic effortlessly (especially the captain). But the island of Miz, the island the captain is from, can't catch them because the ship is literally invisible.

There's also another type of magic. It's not like a 'wizard-y' type, or done with spells. It affects the physical appearence, like 'monsters'.

Sea creatures are the only known 'monsters' at the moment but there are some research for other possible 'monsters' alive.

There are 3 different sea 'monsters' rn:

The 1st type: Your good ol' cliche sea creatures. They live underwater all the time, cannot go up to surface. Some of them look like a giant squid but some of them have humanoid appearence (like sirens). They're the most common.

The 2nd is: Luca-style. They appear as humans when dry. One of the main ship captains is this. No wonder she rescues people so swiftly from the water? Also the new lackey in Blackbird too, but with the addition of a siren voice.

The third type is a curse that turns the person into a fish, then a bubble. They start to appear as scales under eyes, then ears start to look like fins. At the end of two days they will turn into a full fish, then foam (curse you little mermaid /j). It has a solution though, but it can only be found in the north side of the ocean. Sadly, most people who got cursed end up meeting their demise because the North is even harder to reach than South. The ones who do would still have some side effects like: constant need for hydration and the transformation into a mer-person when dove into water.

(this is completely inspired by that one episode where jett and jerome turn into mer...planes???)

〔 There is also another type of magic, but not a third-type. Instead it's a sub-category, because this one also relies on spells. But instead of performing with bare hands, an object like a wand is needed. 〕

●●●

That's all! For now. I didn't write character introductions, because i didn't know where to put them in (alao the post would be way too long + i haven't written all of them yet.)

Idk if I write a fic based on this. Maybe I'll write snippets?

When I make the outfits, I'll maybe draw 'fake' screenshots?

#i hope this isnt too confusing #i left out some things due to my inability to organize them/having no idea where to put them without making the post more confusing 🥹#gonna post the characters in an another post (so far i have only written jett dizzy donnie jerome)#super wings #sw au #au #curses & deliveries au

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livums · 10 months

Note

Happy STS (or answer whenever if ya want), Liv! For any WIP, talk about piece of lore you’ve been waiting for an excuse to share. And whether will it be mentioned in the story or not. Sending good ☆☆ vibes ☆☆ and good luck to you. - ✨️ (@enchanted-lightning-aes)

Hi Enchant! ty for the disclaimer bc idr the last time i got to an ask the day it was sent to me lmao... such is life.

I'm Demigodsposting again.... lol.

in this post i talk through the fantasy sexism. so now people can actually tell me if this sounds like regular fantasy sexism (which I dislike). or if it's worse, I guess,

so cw misogyny, fantasy sexism + gender essentialism

i wanna talk about the Church of the Sonnelic Host--the so-called "New Faith" (they don't like being called that, because they're not really new at all. lol).

Anyways what I'm about to ramble about is a very important piece of lore in the story itself so hopefully talking through it will solidify it in my shit memory!

For the Sonnelic faithful, the god-of-gods is the Sun. I have been saying that he's like their Zeus. which is such a cheap comparison but also it's so easy and actually kind of real. lol.

the Sun is one of many Stars that exist within the grand assembly that is the Host. As far as His earthly worshipers are concerned, He's the Best and Mightiest and most revered out of all of em!

He is the model for ideal masculinity in the Sonnelic faith. More on that later maybe.

He has three Consorts! The Star, the Moon, and the Earth.

The Star is, astronomically, the closest stellar neighbor to the Sun*. Metaphysically, she is nearly his equal in might. His tie to her is a boon to his influence among the rest of the gods of the Host. The Moon is the moon! She is treasured by the Sun for her enviable beauty. That she is tied to him makes him enviable too! The Earth is, in the eyes of the Host, strikingly unique in that it can harbor life! Like, complex life. Like people! But, certainly, it was not always habitable. The Sonnelic faith holds that, had the Earth not been "tamed" by the Sun, it would become inhospitable to life (human life, most importantly). So it is believed that the only thing preventing the Earth from actively trying harder to kill people is the unrelenting force of the Sun. thanks man.

The Moon and the Earth (and beings like them that exist elsewhere in the Host) are far more susceptible to the cold and empty darkness that we would call space. Proximity to more powerful beings like the Sun and the Star prolongs their existence and staves off... what is essentially entropy, I guess.

*bearing in mind that this Sun is not necessarily... our real-world sun.

So yeah! That's the, I guess, cosmology of the Sonnelic faith! It doesn't map perfectly onto the astronomy we know, and it's not really supposed to, so, lol.

So the faith holds that once upon a time, the Sun came down to the surface of the Earth from the Stellar Stratum in the guise of a human so that he might enlighten man as to their Place in things, the nature of the universe, blah blah blah. One man served as the First Hierophant, and was largely responsible for establishing the Sonnelic faith as an organized religion.

At this point in history, mankind had been, depending on who you ask, terrified of and beholden to the Fae. They continue to be the only source of magic in the world--this tempts man to bargain with the creatures. And Fae are notoriously capricious, spiteful, and easily-offended. at least from the perspective of man. While Fae can just as easily be benign and reclusive creatures, many people know of at least one town across the river or so who fucked up and had their fields decimated or their livestock disappeared or their homes burned by a Fae bargain gone awry. It was a scary time!

Most can agree now, though, that whatever the dynamic was between man and Fae--it was not man who was in control.

Enter the Sun.

The inception of the Sonnelic faith came as a lifeline to many humans who were, like, chronically scared. The Sun sought to instill in man the following:

Safety can be ensured by establishing a cultural order (in this case, the establishment of the organized Sonnelic faith). The Earth, as His tamed consort, is His gift to man--it is not right that they should live in fear of it. By extension, it was not right that they should be in fear of the Fae, either. The Fae, according to the Sonnelic faith, are a resource that can be tapped and utilized as man sees fit. Like fertile ground, or fresh water, or wood from the trees.

The first independently-magic weapons are becoming more and more popular--they are said to pulse with Fae blood.

Culturally, the Sun and His Consorts have a major influence on the ways that many of the people of Brennenhaugh approach intimate relationships, particularly marriage prospects.

Men are ideally modeled after the Sun Himself. While Brennenhaugh is still largely a monogamous culture, the people have integrated the idea that a desirable man is one who could, in theory, physically protect however many women he's got. Not from entropy this time, but from like, physical threats most iconically.

The purpose of a woman in a relationship is to embody desirable qualities in such a way that reflects well on her man, to whose status she is ultimately tethered. She can accomplish this in one or more of a few ways:

Physical power. A woman who displays great physical might is highly desirable. However, according to the faith, she should never be stronger than her man is. If a woman can reliably best a man in a fight or other chosen demonstration of physical prowess, he is considered too weak to marry her, and she becomes available for a stronger man. Beauty. So beauty standards are a whole thing but, aside from that, there are a few aspects that comprise this concept of desirable female beauty that have nothing to do with one's natural features at all--a "beautiful" woman is one who is generally quiet (possibly to the point of aloofness), demure, and who demonstrates a degree of... i guess the word is 'neediness'? Asking a man for help with anything is a bit of a loaded gesture in Sonnelic culture. This last one is much more niche--but girls raised in the Sonnelic faith who demonstrate an unwillingness to abide by its strictures are also, kind of strangely, prized within the faith. They serve a different role--in the eyes of the faith, it is not unnatural for girls and young women to have a phase of rebellion and disregard for convention. Young men of the faith are invested in pursuing such women, because successfully taming one in marriage is seen as one of the greatest accomplishments a man can achieve.

So there's a lot of queerphobia that gets wrapped up in this as well, but I don't really feel like talking abt that right now and this post is truly so long. lol. In short, the Sonnelic Church considers a lot of things that deviate from its gender/relationship ideals to be "phases"--permissible, developmentally appropriate, but only for a time.

Ok and that's about it! That took so long for me to write LOL. I felt so silly writing down a lot of that shit but then I remind myself that the point of the story is women claiming agency so.... ok. ok!

Ty again for the ask! 💜💜💜

#writeblr #asks #amwriting #storytelling saturday #storyteller saturday #sts #{roses there are many}

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stygicniron · 1 year

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inhxuman asked:

[ INCAPACITATE ] : sender knocks out receiver's attacker.

Meme that I am Too Lazy to find the Link for -- @inhxuman

Telkhines, the thought rattled unhelpfully around his mind, low attack power but tended to draw strength from numbers, +5 mobility bonus to all attacks performed in the water. And unfortunately, they had plied all of their strengths to their advantage.

Nico didn't plan to be in Gotham harbor, kidnapped by the Greek monster version of seals-- the passingly bipedal animals wandering all over the deck of the cargo ship he'd been taken to, sliding around much more successfully on their bellies--and he could only assume the Fates must be enjoying this. Granted, putting the son of Hades on water probably had to be intentional, given he couldn't summon any skeletons through the hull of a cargo ship, and being over water meant he couldn't access any of the powers he had connected to the earth either. Being seasick was just another fun bonus.

One of the telkhines approached, fishy smell on its breath almost making him want to throw up, and checked the bonds tying his wrists together. Ropes nipped even tighter into his skin, and Nico bit down on his lip to keep from making a noise, although the monster must have noticed him winced. "Either your father brings us what we want or you're dinner--it's all the same to us!"

Tipping his head back, Nico clocked the monster in the jaw, sending it reeling away in a move that sent his own vision spinning too. Gods above and below, that was worth it even if he barfed. With a bark that quickly turned into a snarl, the monster made a lunge for Nico--only to suddenly disappear in a burst of magical, monster dust. Leaving the slim forward of a dark clad superhero in its place.

"Good trick," he grunted, eying the figure warily. "Please tell me you're the rescue?"

#inhxuman #☠ ▌ ｆｉｖｅｔｈｏｕｓａｎｄａｔｔａｃｋｐｏｉｎｔｓ ( ask meme reply. )#☠ ▌ ｏｆａｐｏｌｌｏ ( toa. )#captured on a cargo ship #yooooooo i am so excited to write with you!!!#this one got away from me for a bit so please tell me if i need to change anything #also going with this maybe being a first meeting?#nico is passingly familiar with bat folks--like what's in the news--and that's it?

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pointreyesjournal · 1 year

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La Fin De La Route : ep219

Tying empty soup cans to the rear bumper of a Ferrari is a dubious task. We send off Mr. & Mrs. The Tech Titan in his Ferrari California. Henrik’s finely fettled Italian sports car clanks and clunks down the driveway and into the street. He will undoubtedly stop just around the corner and remove all of the dangly bits from the bumper and continue on to Napa for a night of relaxation and lovemaking. But, the guests love the newlywed sendoff, so it was worth the effort. It’s been a busy week for Me, Floody and Autumn and we close the door behind the last departing guest with a huge sigh of relief.

Me: I’m glad that’s over with.

Floody: I’m going to eat the burnt ends of that tri-tip steak with a nice bottle of red wine in front of the fireplace. Care to join me?

Me: Floody my brother, I’m afraid there’s someplace that I need to be right now, and to be honest, I’m not sure if I’ll be coming back here for a while.

Floody: Go. I understand.

Me: Water my basil, okay?

Floody: Go. The Ranch is in good hands.

Me: I know it is.

Floody: I love you mang.

Me: I love you too. Hey, I want to be an uncle. You two work on that for me okay?

Floody: Okay. We’ll get to work right after you walk out that door …

Autumn: … right here on the couch.

Goofballs.

I toss a couple pairs of jeans and a few shirts into my dry bag and strap it to the back of my Ducati. A divergent path lies ahead of me. If Cheyenne doesn’t take me back, I’m going to disappear for a while. Maybe to Montana. Maybe the midwest. Maybe to hell.

Cheyenne’s little bungalow doesn’t leave much to the imagination. It’s tiny and her car is in the driveway. She’s definitely home. I back the Ducati up against the curb and take my motorcycle helmet off.

The moment of truth is upon me. I squeeze my eyes closed and listen for a message from the universe but all I can hear is the rustling of the leaves in the trees. So I step onto her porch and take a deep breath.

I knock, but there’s no answer.

Another deep breath.

I knock again. Again, no answer.

Time seems to have warped into some sort of cruel slow motion visual effect. I watch my hand knocking one last time in slow motion, as if it were the frozen bullet time from The Matrix.

And then I wait …

When she doesn’t respond I turn to leave, make two strides toward the Ducati then decide to sit down on her front porch steps until I figure out where to go next. Failure wasn’t truly part of my plans. I actually don’t really know where to go from here so I put my head in my hands and close my eyes to imagine where on earth my motorcycle will take me. Scuba instructor in the Bahamas? Lobster fishing deckhand in Maine? Maybe I’ll photograph the bridges of Madison County? I haven't really thought this through.

Eyes still closed, I hear a gust of wind rustle in the trees, then the sound of a doorknob turning. Footsteps! I feel the warmth of her body as she sits down next to me and lays her head gently on my shoulder. I open my eyes. Her face is so beautiful, so close. The wind blows a wisp of her hair across my cheek. I’m ill with anticipation but manage to croak out a few words.

Me: You should have been at the wedding.

Cheyenne takes my hand and squeezes.

Me: It was miserable without you.

Cheyenne pushes her cheek hard against my shoulder. We sit for a moment in silence.

Me: Your note … how did you know I’d sleep on your side of the bed?

Cheyenne cracks a little smile. It’s the first time I’ve seen light in her eyes since the mediterranean. What a sneaky little girl.

Me: Floody and Autumn moved into The Ranch. They’re taking over the master suite and everything. It’s their home now.

Cheyenne: I heard.

Me: They’re going to make babies and have a family. So I’m moving out. I left with just a few shirts and my motorcycle ...

Cheyenne: Do you have a place to stay?

Me: No. I packed a little bag and I’m hitting the road.

Cheyenne: Where ya’ headed?

Me: Here.

The End.

#novel #first person narrative #love #romance novels #ferrari #ducati

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squidwen · 2 years

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🌳Babe in the Woods🌳

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Summary: Sometimes you just need to drop everything and go for a walk. With the mounting stress of trying to survive the school year the woods are a great place for peace.

However, you can’t seriously believe you’d be allowed downtime, right? Do you know where you are? Who you are? And that you forgot to do something for a certain Pomefiore…

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Dreary clouds clogged the sky, and Y/N’s mind wasn’t much better. Mulch squashed beneath their boots as they trudged through the woods; thoughts knocking about inside their skull. One after another. Relentless.

But amongst the arbour there were no overblots, Grim couldn’t embarrass them, and Crowley - with all his errands - were left back at NRC. It was truly a place where they could be at peace.

Seems a tree’s a tree no matter what world you’re from, they thought as they ran their hand across the grooved bark of a sycamore.

Finding familiarity in a world where nothing made sense was a relief. In fact, so familiar was this woodland that Y/N thought if they went back they wouldn’t see Ramshackle, but rather a National Park’s giftshop, or the family car – waiting to cart them off back home to their real life.

This isn’t what I was going for at all. Y/N kicked the path, sending dust and stones into the air. I’m not supposed to be thinking harder out here. A critter was disturbed in a bush nearby. Leaves rustled, but not enough to be a threat-

WHOOSH!

Y/N ducked as something whizzed past their ear. They could still hear the whistle of it, even after it embedded itself in the ground. What it was wasn’t up for debate: an arrow. With a flint head so sharp all of it disappeared into the earth.

“Quelle deçu,” someone muttered. Y/N jerked up. Their legs were giddy with adrenaline as they scanned the area. The treetops were empty, and the leaf piles weren’t big enough to hide a person. Had someone tried to shoot them? They weren’t going to let a second arrow answer.

After diving behind the thick trunk of an oak tree, they ran parallel to it. Whoever shot the arrow would have to reposition themselves for another shot. It was good enough cover, for now.

Lungs bursting, eyes bulging, nothing else mattered except distance. Get enough distance away.

•~•~•

Eventually, trees started to look familiar. The path became more worn. Y/N took a break, crouching with their hands on their knees. No one had followed them. Not a single footstep could be heard.

Perhaps it wasn’t an arrow that they saw? Maybe it was a sharp twig that had snapped off a branch? And as for a voice? Well, a wind had started up. It could have just been that.

Feeling more self-assured, Y/N took a hasty step towards the tree line when their feet left the floor.

Panic bulldozed through them. Writhing and twisting were useless as they were hoisted higher by a rope around their ankle. When they were about six feet up, the rope around their ankle went taught.

Someone started to laugh. “I have to give you credit for almost escaping me, ma cherie.”

Y/N knew that French accent anywhere.

A shock of blond hair hopped out from behind a tree. Still riding the high from making a catch, Rook wasted no time in teasing Y/N. He swung them gently, pushing them a little higher each time they came back towards him.

“I’m going to be sick!”

Rook’s green eyes were sinister as they bore into Y/N’s. So malicious and devious. The look of a creature who has all the control and is only keeping their prey alive for amusement. Y/N hated the feeling. They struck out at the hunter, only for their wrist to be effortlessly caught and tied behind their back with the other.

At least the swinging stopped.

The knot was firm, executed in seconds. Rook briskly moved onto tying Y/N’s knees together. They kicked with vigour, screaming and cursing. Why was this happening?

•~•~•

Y/N didn’t engage with Pomefiores too much. Besides Epel who was part of their first-year troupe, Y/N only had business with Vil and Rook if they were asked to do a photo shoot…

“Vil has a tight schedule, Trickster,” Rook mused. “When you didn’t show up for the session we booked mon Roi de Poison sent me to fetch you.”

“So you did fire an arrow at me!”

Rook didn’t reply straight away. Securing Y/N’s legs together was top priority since. Prey backed into a corner can be more vicious than any predator.

“Pas du tout! I wasn’t aiming it at you. I was aiming for beside you. I wanted to spook you back towards the beginning of the woods where I’d laid my traps. I’m surprised you walked passed them in the first place. You lucky thing!”

Y/N heard the shing of a hunting knife being drawn. Panic. They twisted so frantically in their bindings that the skin on their wrists broke.

“Don’t damage yourself, ma Cherie.” Rook cut the rope around Y/N’s ankle. They plummeted, yelping, only to land on the hunter’s shoulder like slaughtered game.

Infuriated, they rammed their elbow towards Rook’s head, but the hunter evaded it and shifted Y/N further over his shoulder.

“This is ridiculous!” Y/N cried. “You could have just called me!”

“There’s no service in the woods. That is the beauté of it. It is untouched, unmarred by the influence of civilisation. An emerald amidst the grey stones of cities.”

•~•~•

Walking back to Ramshackle, Rook seemed in a world of his own. He stroked the bark and moss in a gentle caress. The other hand was clamped tightly around Y/N’s waist. They could feel taught muscles in the hunter’s forearms – toned sinew – a preview of the strength in his biceps and shoulders; strength no kicking or struggling could match in a million years.

“Besides,” added Rook, “I haven’t laid a trap for an animal bigger than a fox in a while. I don’t want my skills to go.”

“Great Seven bless Epel,” Y/N murmured.

“Quoi?”

“Nothing.”

Rook halted. Y/N’s chin hit his back.

Dread.

Why had they been so cocky? Regardless of how angry they felt, it was not a good idea to irritate their captor. Both of Rook’s calloused hands gripped Y/N’s waist and hoisted them off his shoulder. Rook’s eyes were cruel as he brought Y/N to his face. Cunning. But Y/N forced themselves to evade them and stick their tongue out instead.

Rook burst out laughing. “I love it when my prey is petty! I should hunt you more often.”

“The ropes are not necessary,” Y/N growled.

“They’re a precaution. Look at your face, and you did just try to hit me moments ago.”

Rook, still giggling, slid an arm under Y/N’s back, and the other beneath their useless legs. Y/N didn’t even think about kicking. Rook’s hold was experienced, cultivated over years of hauling game and firing arrows in woodlands.

As Y/N laid in his embrace, glowering up at him, they began to wonder about the eccentric vice dorm leader. After all, they couldn’t do much else.

•~•~•

Known throughout the school as a hunter, this was his niche, his passion. Like Y/N, Rook went into forests for escape. Despite being on an errand for Vil, he had taken the time to liberate himself, even if only for a few minutes, of his duties and had fun. Wasn’t that the same with Y/N and Crowley?

Plus, the chase had freed Y/N of their stressful thoughts. Were they angry? Of course. But they had to hand it to the hunter: Rook knew how to be thrilling. Maybe learning to hunt could be something to take up?

“You won’t be so lucky the next time we meet in the woods,” Y/N said. “And couldn’t you have taken Vil’s photos today? It’s not like you had a busy schedule yourself.”

Rook didn’t say anything. But his smug little smirk was answer enough.

Great, Y/N thought. Another thing to look out for in this crazy world. One of my own schoolmates playing literal cat and mouse with me. Well, two can play. Don’t go running to Vil when one day your quiver has a hole in the bottom.

#twisted wonderland #disney twisted wonderland #twst #squidwen #twisted wonderland x mc #twisted wonderland x reader #twst x reader #rook hunt x reader #rook hunt #twisted wonderland rook #reader x twisted wonderland

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seriesxwriting · 3 years

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Thunderstorms

Pairing- Rafe x you <3

Summery- Your scared of storms and it just so happens a hurricane has just hit. Rafe gets really worried and risks it all just to get to you.

Warnings- kissing and swearing, mentions of storms and a car crash?

Notes- sorry this one is kindaa short, also my requests are opennn <3. I also need to stop doing Rafe paring I’m obsessed 🤣x

—❤︎—

“Hey baby” he answered as I joined the face time call, he was clearly inside his room though the connection was a bit fuzzy.

His hair messy and wet from the rain outside and a great big grin on his face when he saw me. I sat in a ball shape in my covers in my double bed and smiled the best I could. “You alright?” I blinked not wanted to be on call at a time like this. Rafe noticed there was something up straight away. “I’m fine, are you?” He crawled closer to the screen worriedly, clinging to the phone.

“Yeah of- course I’m fine” “your lying to me” Rafe half nodded still showing worried emotions towards me. Thunder pounded the earth outside my house and I jumped letting a tiny sound of fear escape my mouth. “Babe? It’s just thunder” my boyfriend whispered softly he didn’t make fun of me just offered a comforting smile. He was so cute. “Yeah I know… just jumpy tonight” my eyes had filled up but I hoped Rafe wouldn’t notice. No one apart from my parents knew about my fear of storms. Living on the outer banks, we didn’t usually get that many the weather was nice.

Only my family knew of the incident. I didn’t have any other fears, hights? Loved them. Spiders? There not half bad. Thunder on the other hand. Again the lightning struck with a boom! my heart bounced against my chest as my body jolted and my eyes squeezed shut leaking a tear. “Babe, are you crying? Y/n”. I shook my head smiling at him best I could “no- no I’m not” “you don’t like thunder? Why didn’t you tell me” Rafe asked with a sigh not really being able to comfort me over the phone.

It was a stupid fear to be honest and I didn’t tell people because I was embarrassed. “Because it’s not important” I shrugged drying my eyes feeling my self going red. “Y/n you can tell me anything you know id never judge you baby girl” “I know Rafe” I slumped my shoulders. I wished he was here right now but it was way to dangerous, our houses were quite close but still a ten or fifteen minute walk. Another bolt smashed the ground sending chills up my back, I laid down hiding in my covers bringing the screen close so Rafe would be closer.

“Alright i can’t see you like this knowing I can do something” Rafe got off his bed with a pout disappearing. I heard a rummage in his wardrobe “Rafe you can’t do anything babe, I’m fine I promise” “don’t make promises that ain’t true” he told me coming back onto screen wearing a thick black jacket and sat tying his shoes. “Rafe no your not going out in the storm I’m serious” “it’s not gotten that bad yet, we’re still at the start plus I’m not gonna have you sitting there alone, babe your parents aren’t even there your house is so big” Rafe shook his head vigorously.

I knew there was no changing his mind when it came to me and my safety but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t try. “Come on Rafe I’m not playing it’s a shit show out there way to dangerous I’ll be alright just stay on call with me” my eyes leaked with worry. “We’re in phase one of the storm it’s not too bad, I know you will feel safer If someone is with you” he argued back gently still tying his shoes up.

“How about i- come to you?” I hesitated, I knew I’d be scared but I’d do anything to keep him safe. Even face my biggest fear “We’re in a Hurricane y/n, your not leaving the house” he was done and stood up holding the camera close to his face. “Sit tight I’ll be there in a minute baby girl, I love you” Rafe kissed the camera but before I could say it back ended the call. He knew I loved him but if something happened to him out there …and I didn’t say it back it would eat me alive. I timed him to make sure nothing was wrong, trying to occupy my mind from worrying about the storm and my idiot, really cute boyfriend. I went downstairs to try and eat something.

I hadn’t eaten since id heard the storm was coming, it have been a hours but now I’d managed to consume two sips of tea. I looked at my watch, 16 minutes. It took 15 max so where was he? My stomach felt sick it twisted with emotions and I watched my wall clock tick to twenty minute. With a sudden boost of confidence and adrenaline I grabbed a coat from the cupboard and threw it on pushing my fears down at bay. I hesitated for a few seconds holding the golden door handle but Rafe was more important. I pulled the handle down hard and the wind straight away flew the door open revealing Rafe on my door steps.

I stood there blinking for a second socking it all up, his hand was stretched out like he was just about to knock. “Rafe” I gasped throwing my arms around his neck landing my head under his chin safely. “Hey baby” he kissed the top of my head. I didn’t care the hurricane was literally destroying my hallway right now, something smashed behind us and that’s when I jumped back in to reality. Rafe pulled me inside removing his coat after slamming the door then mine with out saying a word. He sighed turning around meeting me with eye contact.

“Where were you going” he winced, trying to be serious but his voice broke with sadness. I folded my arms onto my hips “where do you think Rafe? It took you twenty two minutes for you to get here I was worried- you shouldn’t have come you could have been hurt”. Rafe gently held my hands shaking his head, beautiful eyes staring at the floor. “But I’m not hurt I’m fine right”. Lights in my house flickered and I held on to rafes tighter. “You could have been” I said eventually “y/n I’m fine, now let me make sure your fine”.

I led him in to the kitchen not letting go of his hand and Rafe carried my tea upstairs for me. We landed in my room and he took a towel from my draw rubbing his hair violently to dry it, I laughed when he took off the towel. His brown hair was going in every direction but he still looked cute as fuck. “So what brought on this fear babe?” He smiled at me warmly. I wrapped my self in my arms under the quilt, he noticed my mood change straight away. “You dont have to” “no it’s fine I think it’s good to tell someone finally” I weakly smile and reached for one of my pillows.

“Few years ago before I moved here, we’re where driving home late from a party and there was mild storm but- I had school in the morning so I convinced my parents to take me back home in the storm”. Rafe stopped what he was doing realising this was gonna be quite bad. He crawled onto my bed replacing the pillow In my hand with his. “A bolt of lightning hit the floor in front of us… my dad was spooked- the car swerved off the road going downhill through a forest” I explained quietly.

“Shards of glass went everywhere stabbing me and my seatbelt pulled me so I whacked my head pretty hard on the chair in front- we hit a tree and the passenger seat broke sliding backwards and slamming in to me …crushing me”. Rafe gripped my hand tighter watching me struggle to keep the tears in “I couldn’t get my mum or the seat off me.. both my parents where knocked out cold but I laid there in the pain for Literally hours I couldn’t move, reach a phone or- anything while the storm was still happening just outside”.

Finally tears escaped my eyes running like a tap down my face. Rafe pulled me on to his lap teary eyed too. “I wish I could have helped you get through that” he sighed kissing my forehead and holding me close. Lights flickered and the wind moaned outside my window tapping on the fames like I was in a horror movie “it’s fine, my dad woke up he freed me and called an ambulance we were all fine- but it was my fault Rafe” I timidly smiled in between his arms.

“I’m sorry that happened to you but it is not your fault you wasn’t to know, y/n you know I’d never judged you on your fears or anything” Rafe let me know while playing softly with my hair. I felt warm inside and content that I’d shared my story. I felt like with Rafe by my side I could get through anything. Even this. “Wanna watch a movie get your mind off it all?” He dried his own eyes and then mine. I shook my head at the boy leaning in to kiss him. Rafe gently kissed me back, it wasn’t like usual where he dominated the kiss roughly.

It was like he saw me as a frail, fragile person he didn’t want to hurt and had to protect. “Rafe I’m okay I promise” I looked at him knowingly but he just offered a simple smile flying his hands to my face “baby I didn’t come here to make out with you though I love doing that, I came here to make sure you felt safe- so what do you wanna do”. That showed how much he cared, I was falling so hard for this man, yea I already love him and we’d said it- me first but it grew every second I was around him.

“Nothing I just wanna go sleep with you”. So we laid down in my bed, my head on his chest, My body wrapped in his arms, my hair slowly being brushed by his hands and my hand being rubbed by his thumb. “Thank you for being here I do feel much better and safer here with you” brining his hand up to my mouth I kissed it.

“I love you y/n” “I love you so fucking much rafe”

—❤︎—

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ncssian · 3 years

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A Favor: Part Twenty-Eight

Nessian Modern AU

Masterlist

a/n: the beginning of the end :,) if u made it this far i think ur cool

***

“Where do you see yourself in five years?” Lana asks.

Nesta closes her eyes, letting the picture swirl and take shape in her mind.

This time last year, she would have imagined nothing. Nothing but a desk in a busy law office, and maybe a nice apartment if she was lucky. That would be it. But now she sees…

“Somewhere with good food and good music,” she muses. “Maybe a sea breeze.” The sun-faded buildings of Portofino fade into the foreground of her imagination. “There are lots of people with me,” she hears the sound of children shrieking and Cassian’s rumbling laughter, “but it’s okay, because I love every one of them.” Her eyes open. “Is that a good answer?”

A near invisible smile tugs at the corners of Lana’s lips. “You tell me, Nesta. Do you like what you see?”

“It’s a little too cinematic if you ask me,” Nesta says nonchalantly, picking up her bag from the ground, “but I suppose all dreams are that way.”

“It’s a good dream,” Lana says. “A worthy dream, and one you deserve to chase.”

Nesta shrugs lightly, not too worried about the burden of the future for once. “Maybe I will.”

“In that case, congratulations on completing your final therapy session,” Lana says, setting her notebook aside. “You’ve made some amazing progress this year.”

Nesta gives her therapist her signature what’s-wrong-with-you look. “I’m going on vacation, not firing you for good. I’ll see you again in two months.”

“Two months can be enough to lose all your progress, if you forget everything you went through to get here.”

Nesta isn’t stupid. She knows that she isn’t suddenly desperate to make babies or be maid of honor at her sisters’ weddings or some bullshit. She knows that the image she just dreamed up, with Cassian and kids and her unburdened heart, is likely more than five years away. If it happens at all, it could be ten, even twenty years of hard work away.

She’s not nearly finished growing yet. “I’ll see you in two months, Lana,” she repeats.

Lana smiles at her fully this time. “Enjoy your summer, Nesta.”

***

The air is different in the Smokies.

Nesta rolls the truck windows down so she can inhale it, relish it. Wind whips her hair every which way as they drive down the winding freeway cutting through the lush mountains, and something about the look on her face makes Cassian chuckle and press down on the accelerator.

Nesta watches the red needle on the speedometer cross ninety, then one hundred. She can barely feel the June heat with how fast they’re going.

In the end, it was Feyre and Elain that reached out and invited her to the Tennessee summer home. Cassian had made it obvious that he wouldn’t push her to go if she didn’t want to, and at first she really didn’t want to. But Feyre had looked so hopeful when she asked Nesta to come with them, and even Elain had revealed a glimmer of eagerness that Nesta would say yes.

So against all odds, she agreed to go.

Exchanging one mountain home for another isn’t much of a getaway, but Nesta can’t help but be excited. Even with the unhappy memories of her childhood, she loves these hills more than any other.

The pure exhilaration of being back in Tennessee overcomes her at some point during the drive, knocking her out in the passenger seat where she sits. In her drowsy state, she distantly hears the windows being rolled up, before feeling Cassian’s hand guide her head to rest against the glass. The rest of the drive is warm and sunny, enough to lull her into a deep sleep.

The next thing Nesta’s aware of is the crunch of gravel and the feeling of the truck tires slowing to a stop. Fingers brush against her heated cheek, and then Cassian is murmuring at her to wake up.

Blinking her eyes open, Nesta twists around to see their destination.

For a moment, she thinks she’s still dreaming.

“Welcome to Holly House,” Cassian says with a grin. The house in question is quaint and sprawling at the same time, the way most upper class Southerners like their houses. The whole thing gleams with a fresh coat of white paint under the afternoon sun, complemented by a sky blue wraparound porch. Colonial style windows and proud columns decorating the facade of the building makes it look like the setting of a fairy tale.

Beyond it, Nesta can see cherry blossoms. Pink, fluttering cherry blossoms that fly off their branches and swirl through the air, some of them disappearing into the thick woods behind the house. Woods that Nesta has walked countless times before.

“The rest of the guys won’t get here until tomorrow afternoon,” Cassian is saying to her, “so we have the whole place to our—”

Nesta isn’t listening anymore. She unbuckles her seatbelt and shoves open the truck door, hobbling outside on unsteady feet to make sure she isn’t hallucinating things. But no, this is…

“Cherrywood,” she breathes, eyes wide in disbelief.

Cassian gets out of the truck, coming up beside Nesta to slip his hand into her shorts pocket. “What’s wrong? You okay?”

“This is Rhysand’s summer home?” Nesta points at the house. “This place?”

Cassian looks around at the building grounds in confusion. “Has been for the last two decades, yeah.”

It’s been eleven years since she last stepped foot on these grounds.

With wonderment in her voice, she utters to Cassian, “I’ve been here before.”

At his puzzled look, she explains, “I lived just on the other side of those woods.” She points to the trees. “There’s an old cracked road that hasn’t been maintained since it was first paved, and you can follow it straight to the poor side of town. Whenever I wanted to get away, I would come down that road and trek through the woods, and I’d end up here. I stopped coming because…” she trails off.

Because she got caught that one time.

Cassian seems to realize it at the same moment as her. His hand slips out of her pocket. “You…”

Nesta remembers a tall boy with shocked eyes and shaggy hair, and she shakes her head slowly in forceful denial. It can’t be true. It’s too much of a coincidence.

But he points at her, then her feet. “You—with the size six Converse,” he sputters. “It was you.”

Before Nesta can confirm or deny it, he grabs her by the wrist and starts tugging her along, up the porch stairs and inside the house.

Even with Rhysand and Feyre’s renovations, it looks undeniably the same as all those years ago. The living room is to her right and the farmhouse style kitchen and dining area is to the left, though she speeds by it all as Cassian pulls her farther inside the house, to the closet beneath the curving stairs.

He lets go of her hand to search the small closet, muttering, “I know they were here somewhere.” But the closet looks like it was stripped empty for renovations, with only bolts in the walls indicating that shoe racks used to hang there.

Cassian turns and heads for the stairs, and Nesta blindly follows him. She also wants to go upstairs, wants to see if the bay window looking out onto the garden has stayed the same.

Like he read her mind, he leads her straight to the room she used to spend hours reading in. It’s smaller than all the other bedrooms in the house, but it’s always been her favorite because of the view.

As Cassian keeps looking for whatever it is he’s looking for, upturning boxes and checking beneath furniture, Nesta drifts toward the bay window. She looks from the cherry blossom trees outside, to the full-sized bed, to Cassian, and a weight drops even heavier in her gut. She has to reach out and grip the edge of the dresser for support.

Finally, Cassian pops out of the closet victorious. In his hand are a pair of ragged shoes that Nesta hasn’t worn in a long, long time.

He comes over and drops them with a thud at her feet.

“Whose room is this?” she asks with a rough voice, still staring down at the shoes.

“Mine,” he answers simply.

“Oh.” She met him before. She met him before.

When Nesta dares to look up and meet Cassian’s eyes, what she finds there nearly robs her of breath: wonder, astonishment, and unwavering fealty. He breaks into sudden wholehearted laughter, which dazes her even more.

“What’s so funny?” she demands.

Cassian gets out between laughs, “What was it Rhysand said about Feyre? When they found out they were close to crossing paths when they were younger?”

Nesta’s earth-tilting shock slowly slips away, replaced by a stern look. “Don’t say it.”

He pretends to remember. “I think it was fate.” A wicked smirk pulls at his lips at Nesta’s resigned sigh. “But I have another word for it, too.”

“Don’t say that, either.” She pleadingly holds up her hands, only for Cassian to snatch one out of the air and intertwine his fingers with hers.

“Soulmate,” he says quietly, now less amused.

Nesta swallows thickly, not having any words for him. All she knows is that he is never going to let her live this down.

“Imagine if we’d gone to the same high school,” Cassian says to her later that afternoon as they lounge in his old room. “Fuck, I could’ve saved myself so much time with all those random girls.” They’ve been swapping childhood stories for the past hour, as if they might find more instances in their history of a red string tying them together.

Nesta doesn’t need coincidences or fateful run-ins to know that a string has always been wrapped around her ring finger, pulling her to Colorado and to that cabin. But for Cassian’s sake, she’ll gladly amuse him. “I would have been a freshman while you were a senior,” she says matter-of-factly. “It never could have happened.”

He hums in thought, head propped up in his hand, elbow propped up against the bay window seat. “Maybe if you were older. You would have been the smart, quiet girl, and I’d have been the player jock, and as soon as we locked eyes in math class, I’d be head over heels in love with you.”

Nesta cackles from where she sits in the window seat above him. “Now you’re just writing fanfiction.”

Cassian grins up at her but doesn’t send a rebuttal her way. The conversation falls into a lull, until Nesta has to reach out and ask, “What are you thinking?”

His smile turns a little sad. “That I wish we weren’t doing this right before I leave for another country.”

Right. That’s what’s been hanging over them the entire trip to Tennessee: that as soon as they get back to Colorado, Cassian is going to be on a plane to Milan.

Getting Keith O’Connell to quit—how exactly Cassian went about accomplishing it, he still won’t tell Nesta—left Rhysand at square one with his search for a team leader for his overseas venture.

When Cassian brought up the idea of taking the job to Nesta, he sounded like he hoped she would shoot him down, talk him out of it. He both wanted to go and was reluctant to leave, like his very soul was glued to his home and he didn’t want to unstick himself.

So Nesta, being his home, had to do the unsticking for him. She nearly accepted the year-long Milan position herself for Cassian’s sake, and it took weeks of coaxing and convincing to put him at ease about the whole thing.

“But we promised to go together for the first time,” he kept saying.

“We’ll still go together one day, and it’ll still be our first time there with each other,” she reassured him.

Eventually, he relented to her and Rhysand’s pressures with a single condition. “I’ll do six months. Not a year.”

Only Nesta knows deep down how much Cassian needs this opportunity. Though Cassian must know it a little bit too, because he wouldn’t have taken the job if he didn’t.

Nesta might have needed him in order to come out of her shell, but now he needs to get away from her in order to find his own shell. Something he can call his own, unburdened by his loyalties to the people he loves. So he can find who he wants to be for himself, without always being attached to her hip.

Rising to her feet, Nesta raises her arms in the air in a full body stretch. Her back and legs ache with being curled up in that window seat for so long without movement.

Dropping her arms, she holds out a hand to Cassian still sitting on the floor. “Come on,” she urges him. “Let’s go outside. I haven’t seen a Smoky sunset in years.”

“But it’s not evening yet,” he argues while taking her hand.

Outside, they explore the garden that leads into the woods while waiting for the sun to slink down the sky. Cherry blossoms ride the summer breeze wherever it takes them, resulting in Cassian sniffling and scratching at his neck as they walk hand in hand.

“Rhysand wanted to take these trees down and replace them with a flower garden for Elain,” he tells Nesta as they walk. His sinuses sound clogged, but he’s refused to go back inside until he’s explained every inch of the land to Nesta. “I convinced him not to because it would ruin the view from my bedroom window. Didn’t I make the right choice?” He throws a grin in her direction.

Nesta’s swallow is tight at that grin. “The view from your room was always my favorite part about the entire place. So yes, you did good.”

His eyes widen at that tidbit of information, and she can almost see him tucking it away as more Soulmate Evidence.

They stroll through the woods for a while, and Nesta points out the path she would take to get to Cherrywood—she still insists on calling it Cherrywood, even when Cassian argues that the house’s original name has been around since the sixties.

“Show me the rest of the way?” Cassian asks her, face lit up in boyish hope. “Show me where you ran away to that day I found you.”

Nesta almost expects the memory of the rundown apartment complex she grew up in to feel like being shoved into sludge: dirty, cold, and slimy. Instead, she finds she has no problem with looking back at her old home, no matter how many ugly memories she holds from there.

However, the dappled sunlight streaming in through the trees overhead has turned from yellow to dark gold, and she shakes her head in apology to Cassian. “Another day,” she promises him. “It’s almost sunset.”

They walk back to the house, rounding it until they reach the front. At the bottom of the hill that the house is perched on stands a pier that leads all the way out to the lake. Green mountains frame the lake from both sides, creating the perfect cradle for the sun to sink into.

They go all the way out to the edge of the pier, as if they’re trying to get as close to the sunset as physically possible. Dragonflies lazily swoop by as the lake is gradually painted in a hundred different colors.

Once there’s more darkness than light in the sky, Cassian nudges Nesta with one of the arms he has around her. “Look.” He points.

Along the shoreline of the lake, little dots of light have lit up to welcome the evening, their blinking glow so small that Nesta almost doesn’t catch it. Fireflies.

Nesta watches the insects flit in and out of the long grasses of the lake shore, getting tangled in the weeds and wildflowers. In that moment, she remembers something Cassian once confessed to her not long after his birthday.

I want to see more beautiful places with you.

Nesta ticks this beautiful place off the long list in her head—the first place out of many that she plans to see with Cassian.

More beautiful than the scene before her is the man in her arms. The man who was kind enough to understand a woman who barely understood herself, and to be her friend when she had none. The man who is extending his kindness right now by not having made any breaking-and-entering jokes about Nesta so far, though she’s sure he’ll pull them out eventually.

Discovering that she once found Cassian, just to let him slip by running away from him, only to find him again over a decade later—it comforts the tiny part of her that’s loath to say goodbye to him in two weeks.

Like Cassian is thinking the same thing, he murmurs into the dark, “I can’t wait to come back to you.”

Nesta huffs in amusement. “You haven’t even left yet.”

“I know.” After a moment, he adds in a low voice that not even the fireflies can hear, “Thank you for convincing me to go.”

She reaches up to squeeze his bicep. “Always.” And then she adds what she really wants him to hear: “Don’t come back until you find what you’re looking for.”

“I better find it quick then,” he jokes. Still, he nods in promise against the side of her head.

The only sound after that is the chirp of cicadas and the occasional lap of water meeting the pier beams. Nesta and Cassian stay outside in the June heat long after the sky turns ink blue.

***

a/n: next chapter is just some ic bullshit so take all ur bittersweet sentimentality here and go

tagging: @sjm-things @thewayshedreamed @drielecarla @valkyriewarriors @superspiritfestival @aliveahaahahafuck @cupcakey00 @sayosdreams @rainbowcheetah512 @claralady @thebluemartini @nessiantho @missing-merlin @duskandstarlight @lucy617 @sleeping-and-books @everything-that-i-love @cassianscool @swankii-art-teacher @wannawriteyouabook @arinbelle @awesomelena555 @julemmaes @wickedqueenoffantasy @poisonous-bloom @observationanxioustheorist @gisellefigue08 @courtofjurdan @theoverlyenthusiasticwriter @wolfiixxx @cass-nes @seashade @royaltykxx @illyrianundercover @monstrousloves-explodinggalaxies @humanexile @that-golden-lyre @agentsofsheilds @mercy-is-alive @cassiansbigwingspan @laylaameer01 @verypaleninja @maastrash @bow-dawn @perseusannabeth @dead-on-the-inside666 @jlinez @hungryreadingaddict @anidealiveson @planet-faerie @shallowhighwaters @ghostlyrose2 @chosenfamily-valkyriequeens @rarephloxes @readiajin @nessiantrashh @live-the-fangirl-life @ifinallygavein @xoblivisci @sjmships @jungtaekwoonie-is-life @lysandra-tiara @lanyjoy-13 @post-it-notes33 @loosingdreams @fromthelibraryofemilyj @18moneytoad @dontgetsalmonella @champanheandluxxury @togreblog @ladygabrielli1997 @meridainthedisneyland @moodymelanist @pixieelea @teagoddess99 @mystic-bibliophile

#nesta archeron #nessian #cassian #ncssianwrites #a favor #nessian au #nessian fic

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dreamerstreamer · 3 years

Text

Devil-May-Care

Pairing: demon!Dream / Clay x demon hunter!gn!reader

Summary: [Demon Hunter!AU] When you went in search of the most powerful demon known to mankind, you didn’t expect him to be so charming.

Warnings: a little horror + some violence + tw// weapons (crossbow, gun)

Word Count: 4.2k

A/N: this was requested by a passionate anon! i fell in love with the request at first sight and had loads of fun writing this, although i did take some creative liberty with it. i hope you all enjoy :)

You huffed as you pushed past the branch hanging in your face, wrinkling your nose as you trudged onward. The forest was almost eerily silent around you, the pitch black night doing nothing to ease the tension that had gathered in your shoulders. Above you, the moon and stars twinkled soundlessly, peering down at you with wide, watching eyes.

Where could he possibly be hiding? you thought to yourself with a grimace. Is he even in this forest?

Your mentor had told you that this forest was the last place he’d ever been seen, and that it would be your best bet. But she also told you not to get your hopes too high, since he was known to be a trickster who never stayed in one spot for too long.

You sighed as you stepped over a fallen log, making sure not to trip. Despite how young the night was, you were already getting tired. Tracking was arguably the hardest part of your job, and easily your least favourite part of it.

Then again, no one said being a demon hunter was easy.

With a slight grumble, you squinted through the darkness while walking past another tree. So far, all you’d seen was tree after after tree, and you were getting fed up. Heck, you could have sworn there was a clearing just ahead of you here.

It was at that moment that the trees suddenly parted before you, and you found yourself standing in the middle of a clearing. The soft grass rustled beneath your feet as you took a tentative step forward, your ears perking up for any noise or movement. When nothing came, the muscles in your legs tensed.

This was the first clearing you had found in hours, and something about it just felt off.

“What are you looking for, little hunter?”

You whirled at the sound of the low, curling voice, your gaze frantically darting around the darkness for its source. You kept your lips pursed as your head whipped this way and that, nothing but silence filling the forest air. Even with the light of the moon, all you could make out between the shadows were the silhouettes of trees and their taunting branches looming over you.

There was no way it was who you thought it was... right?

“Not gonna say anything? Hm. Perhaps that’s just because you can’t see me. Here.”

You heard the snap of a finger, and the clearing around you suddenly lit up in a faint, greenish hue. Your eyes widened as the earth you stood upon began to glow, your fingers twitching at your side. Turning again, you quickly searched your surroundings once more for the voice’s owner. Everything seemed to be exactly how it appeared when you first arrived—the trees were just trees and the grass was just grass, even if they were both admittedly glowing.

Just then, there came a whistle from above you.

You lifted your head, and your gaze fell upon a figure sitting atop a tree branch a few feet away. Your breath caught in your throat at the sight.

Piercing, emerald eyes. A green fitted shirt to match. Dark, golden hair. A smattering of freckles. A cold, wicked grin.

The man smiled at you, swinging his legs leisurely as he tilted his head. “Hello there, pet.”

You didn’t wait another second before your arms were reaching up behind you, pulling your crossbow off your back. You slotted the arrow into the flight groove in near record time before aiming it up at him, aiming for but a split second before you pulled the trigger. In a flash, the arrow went flying through the night sky, pointed directly at his face. You could have sworn you caught his eyes turn red before he suddenly vanished, your arrow passing through empty space before pinning itself into the tree trunk he had been leaning against just seconds prior.

You panted, quickly pulling another arrow out of your quiver and reloading your crossbow as you turned in a circle, not a single detail going unnoticed by your watchful eyes. Adrenaline pumped through your veins as you tried to focus on the rustling leaves around you. Your fingers curled around the stock of your bow a fraction tighter, your heartbeat pounding in your ears.

Where is he? Where did he go?

A smooth voice curled around the back of your neck.

“Is this how you greet everyone you meet, or am I just special?”

Whipping around again, you pulled the trigger without even an ounce of hesitation. A twang of satisfaction shot through you as you heard the distinct sound of flesh being pierced, followed by a tumble to the ground. You rushed over at the sight of the man—or demon, as you should be calling him—lying sprawled on the ground, his arms casually tucked under his head as if he hadn’t just been shot.

“Ooh,” he murmured, wrapping his fingers around the arrow sticking out of his chest, “your arrows are made of dreamshade.” He grinned at you. “Smart one, aren’t you?”

Before you could even react, he ripped the arrow out, watching with amusement as crimson slowly dripped onto the front of his shirt. You stared at the hole in his chest, left behind by your arrow, a glimmer of glee expanding in your chest. Yes! you thought, your lips quirking as your hand floated toward the pistol hanging at your side. Now’s my cha—

All of a sudden, you watched in horror as the skin began to reform, the sinew and muscle stitching themselves back together to fill the gap. In an instant, his chest was whole again, the hole having disappeared entirely with nothing to even hint at its existence, were it not for the tear in his shirt.

“Unfortunately for you,” he said, tossing the arrow behind his head with a flick of his fingers, “I’m tougher than most demons out there.”

In a flash, you were standing over him, one foot digging into his chest. You didn’t even give him the chance to blink before you were pointing your crossbow at him once more, this time just barely allowing the arrow tip to hover above his neck. You tried to calm your breaths, pushing back the sick sense of joy you could feel starting to boil over inside you. You were so, so close to just killing hi—

“Don’t you think it’s a little rude to attack me without even asking for my name?” he calmly drawled, looking bored out of his mind.

You blinked in surprise, your thoughts faltering for a moment before your expression hardened once more. “I know who you are.”

He cocked his head at you, something like delight swimming in his viridian eyes. “Do you, now?”

You gulped, hesitating only for a moment before you began to speak. “Y-You’re Dream. Lord of chaos. Progenitor of destruction. Harbinger of nightmares.” You nearly choked on your own words.

“The world’s most powerful demon.”

He grinned at you, clapping his hands together above his head as he let out a small hoot. “Aw, you know all my titles?” He winked. “That’s cute.”

Cute, your brain repeated dumbly, a fuzzy feeling forming in your chest, but you quickly shook the thought from your head with a scowl. You should not be happy that one of the most powerful demon’s known to mankind called you cute.

(Okay, well. Maybe you were a little happy. Not that you would ever admit it.)

With a stony look, your finger wrapped around the crossbow trigger, the cool metal sending a shiver down you spine. “I’m here to kill you, Dream.”

He didn’t look fazed. “Oh? Even though we only just met?”

A snarl ripped itself out of your throat, fury slowly beginning to claw up your insides. Why did he sound so calm? Didn’t he understand that he was about to die to your hand?

“That doesn’t matter,” you said bluntly, trying to ignore your heart ramming away at your ribcage. “You’re a monster that needs to be disposed of.”

He hummed, absentmindedly picking at his nail. “That’s bold of you to say.” His tone was dull and interested, and his eyes seemed to shine even brighter thanks the green glow surrounding his head. “I can’t remember the last time a demon hunter has ever been so upfront with me.”

The string tying your restraint together snapped. That was it. How could he be so nonchalant? So apathetic? Didn’t he care?

“You’ve killed so many people,” you spat, “taken so many innocent lives, and for what?” You narrowed your eyes, nothing but pure disgust running through your veins as you dug the tip of your crossbow into the soft flesh of his neck. “What reason do I have to stop myself from ending your life right here, right now?”

Below you, Dream only stared blankly at you, his eyebrows raised. Then, he let out a sigh, wrapping a hand around the stock of your crossbow. Panic shot through you as he pulled it away from his throat with ease, his fingers curling around the polished wood. “First of all,” he said lowly, “that little thing isn’t going to do anything.”

In a blink of an eye, you heard the snapping of metal and wood, your gaze going wide. He shot you a cocky grin. “Not anymore.”

You leapt back, gritting you teeth and tossing your now useless crossbow onto the earth beside you. Your hand moved in a blur as you reached down and pulled out your pistol from its holster, pointing it toward him. “Each and every one of these bullets is soaked in holy water,” you shouted, your hand cocking back the safety. “Don’t think I won’t shoot.”

Dream rolled over onto his stomach, his grin widening as he rested his chin on his hand. “Tell me,” he drawled, tilting his head, “do you really think you scare me?”

You ignored the shaking of your fingers. “I—I can and will shoot you.”

He laughed, an uncomfortable warmth wrapping around your gut. “Please, darling—I’ve been alive for longer than you can even fathom. As if you’d be the first to pin me down, let alone try to shoot me.” His eyes flashed crimson, and you felt your stomach drop. “I know all your hunter tricks and tactics, and believe me when I say they won’t work.”

Suddenly, he floated up off the ground, not changing his position whatsoever. In only a matter of seconds, he was hovering above you, blinking down at your shocked expression with mirth glimmering in his scarlet gaze.

Of course he could levitate—what were you expecting?

“Second,” he said, “I did a lot of those things a long time ago, especially in human years. How long has it been?” He tapped his chin. “Probably centuries by now, which is like forever for you guys.”

You scowled at him, your pistol still pointed at him. “That doesn’t mean you haven’t caused any chaos recently.”

“That’s true!” he chirped, snapping his fingers. “But my more recent activities have been much more... tame in comparison to my golden years, don’t you think?”

As much as you wanted to shoot him right here and now, you also wanted to punch him in the face before you did. “Lives are lives, Dream!�� you shouted. “Any more or less lost doesn’t make you any more redeemable.”

A chuckle slipped from his lips, flipping onto his back as he continued to hover in the cool, night air. “Oh, you humans and your morality. How entertaining you all are.”

There was only one word running through your mind as you glared at him, your jaw clenching tight as your rage only multiplied inside you. Monster, monster, monster.

His eyelids fluttered shut as he allowed himself to drift a fraction lower toward you. “Well, I do believe I should ask—who’s to say that I was the one who killed those people, anyways?”

Your heart stopped in your chest. “...what are you talking about?”

He peeked an eye open at you. “It’s not like I flew down from the sky and shot them all with a rifle, and it’s not like I just snapped my fingers and everyone dropped dead.” He hummed at the thought. “Just what kind of person do you take me for?”

You bit the inside of your cheek, your toes curling in your boots. “Stop distracting me—you’re dodging the question.”

“On the contrary,” he shot back without missing a beat, “I’d argue that you’re dodging mine, pet.” You could hear the laughter threatening to bubble up his throat as he spoke. “Do you really think I was the one purely responsible for all that destruction?”

You tried to ignore the slight tremble of your hands. “A-Aren’t you?” you stammered out. “You’ve started wars, detonated massive bombs, pushed people to their absolute limits. That stuff’s all your fault.” You gulped. “...isn’t it?”

For a second, he simply stared at you. Then, he burst into a fit of giggles. “Oh, how naïve you are, pet. Just what were you taught?” As he clutched his chest, he sunk a little lower toward you. “I didn’t fight on those battlefields. I didn’t press the red button. I didn’t kick men and women to the ground, pointing guns in their faces. But do you know who did?”

The cogs in your head began to turn as you wracked your mind over his words. Then, a wave of understanding slammed into you, and you lowered your pistol, your arm going limp at your side.

He couldn’t possibly mean...

“Ding, ding, ding! You guessed it.” His lips curled up into a delighted smirk. “Humanity did.”

Your eyes widened in horror. Oh, no.

The manic look in his eyes only grew. “Oh, yes.” He cackled at the look on your face, pointing at you. “I didn’t even have to lift a finger for you to all walk straight into your own demise! How pathetic is that?”

You took a shaky step back, your pistol dropping to the ground. “B-B—”

“B-B-B-But what?” he said mockingly, mimicking you in a high-pitched tone. “Did they tell you that I’m the big, bad wolf and that humanity is Little Red? Because they lied, pet. They lied to you.” He pointed his fingers together to form an X, tilting his head at you. “I’ll have you know that I’m not a liar. A trickster, perhaps. But a liar?” He narrowed his eyes. “Never.”

He bent down where he hovered in the air, waggling a finger in your face. “The truth is, darling, is that I didn’t do anything. I just stood in the room and watched. I might have pointed out that that one little duke was in perfect view, or that that one city only had so many people living in it, but I never took any lives myself.” He lightly tapped your nose, and you shrunk back as he crooned, “Humanity did all that, pet. They’re the real monsters to blame here.”

You wanted to sink to your knees and melt into a puddle on the ground. He was wrong. He had to be wrong. Your mentor told you that Dream killed all those people—that he was the one to stab the knife in and twist it while pulling it out. She wouldn’t lie to you, never in a million years.

You wanted to believe him, you really did. But there was something about the freckles scattered across Dream’s face and the way the moonlight bounced off his eyes that made you realize.

He was telling the truth.

A few moments passed in silence as you stared long and hard down at your feet. You could feel Dream’s gaze boring into your figure, eyeing you up and down as you struggled to steady the beating of your heart. You half-expected him to mock you even more, but to your surprise, he didn’t. Maybe he was more human than you thought.

“Why?” you finally whispered after god knows how long.

When you were met with silence, you raised your eyes to meet his once more. “Why did you do it?” you said, louder this time. “Why did you interact with us at all if you wouldn’t even get your own hands dirty? If you knew it would only end like this?”

His eyes flashed, the tiniest hint of carmine swirling in their murky depths. “Isn’t the answer obvious, pet?” He flashed you a wicked grin. “I was bored.”

You blinked, realization slowly setting in. “Bored? Bored?” You were about to lose it, now. “You did all that just because you were bored?”

He shrugged. “Sure did. Chaos makes the world so much more interesting, don’t you think? If only good things happened, you would be bored, too.”

Your stomach churned with disgust. “You’re twisted.”

His smile only widened. “At least I’m having fun.”

All you could do was stare at him in defeat. This wasn’t right. There were more ways to have fun than to toy with humanity’s psyche and drive them to end people’s lives, even for a demon like him. There had to be something you could do. For some inexplicable reason you couldn’t bring yourself to name, a part of you almost wanted to help him.

I must be losing my mind, you thought. What person in their right mind would try to save a demon, let alone the most powerful one of them all?

You, apparently.

The cogs in your head began to churn, your mind bustling as it tried to come up with some alternative, no matter how silly. There had to be something he could do that wasn’t just this.

That was when it hit you.

“Why,” you started slowly, your voice coming out shaky and unsure, “don’t you have fun in a way that doesn’t destroy things... but creates them?”

He blinked lazily at you. “Hm?”

You swallowed, raising your chin. “You—you can have chaos, but it doesn’t need to be destructive.”

He raised his brows. “It doesn’t?”

Your gaze hardened. “Not at all.”

Just then, a flash of memory shot through your skull, and you gasped. “Say, Dream,” you began, “do you—do you know how the Greeks thought the universe came to be?”

You didn’t wait for him to answer. “First,” you said, “there was chaos. And from chaos, life was born. Gods and goddesses, plants and animals.”

“And humans,” he added.

You nodded. “And humans—like me.” You pressed a hand to your chest. “See? Chaos can create things. It doesn’t have to be so full of death and terror.”

While his expression was bemused, there was something sad about it that you couldn’t quite put your finger on. “You do realize that that’s just a story that you human made up?” he hummed. “How the universe came to be is far more different.”

You blinked. “You were alive for that?”

He sent you a blank smile, the look in his eyes betraying nothing. “Maybe, maybe not.” Waving his hand, he flipped over onto his back, floating a fraction higher than before. “Point is, that kind of chaos probably doesn’t exist.”

Your hands clenched into fists at your side. “But it could,” you whispered.

He paused, curiosity flickering in his gaze. “What?”

You dug your heel into the ground, raising your voice. “It could! You don’t know that it doesn’t.” You took a step toward him, throwing your arms out. “Isn’t that fun? Isn’t that exciting? That there’s a whole other form of chaos you’ve never discovered before?!”

Your shout rang out into the quiet forest as Dream stared at you, his lips parted the tiniest bit. Rather than looking amused or arrogant, he almost looked... raw. Real. This might just the most vulnerable look you’d gotten of him all night.

Then, he burst into laughter.

Lowering your arms, you huffed at him, trying and failing to ignore the warmth blossoming between your lungs as you took in his wheezing face. “W-What?”

“Oh,” he gasped between peals of laughter, “what a treat you are, pet.”

Heat flashed across your cheeks as he wiped away a tear from his eye, his chuckles slowly dying down. His laugh should not sound as attractive as it was—he should not be as attractive as he was.

“Tell you what,” he said as he caught his breath once more, sending you a devilish grin. “If you tell me your name, I’ll tell you my real one.”

You stared at him for a moment, then your jaw dropped. “What?”

He stared at you, his emerald eyes glowing in the dim light. “You heard me.”

For a few seconds, you simply gaped, your brain still struggling to process his words. “But... but why?” you finally blurted. “It doesn’t make any sense.”

He hummed at you, flipping upside down. “What about it doesn’t make sense? It seems like a fair trade to me.”

Sputtering, you threw your hands into the air. “A demon’s true name is the source of their power! By handing it over to me, you’re basically putting your life in my hands—in a demon hunter’s hands.” Your face blanched at the mere thought. “A human name and demon name aren’t even remotely comparable.”

He blinked at you, slow and lazy. “I know.”

You didn’t understand—you couldn’t understand. “Then why are you doing this?”

He dipped his down toward you, his face hovering mere inches away from yours. “Isn’t it obvious?” he murmured. “You’re interesting. And rather cute, I suppose.”

You back-pedaled, your eyes wide as you stammered, “I-I could kill you if you told me your real name.”

He hummed, tucking his hand under his chin. “Perhaps, I suppose.” His lips curled upward. “But you won’t.”

Your hand squeezed around nothing. “You don’t know that.”

He chuckled again, and your heart skipped a beat in your chest. “Oh, yes I do, pet. Don’t act as though I can’t see right through you. I know you’re too wishy-washy to kill me off just like that.”

He tilted his head at you, his gaze brimming with mischief. “That’s the thing about humans—you’re all so greedy. You all want something you don’t have, something that fuels you to acquire more. It might be power, or fame, or fortune, or love. It’s quite pathetic, really. But curiosity?”

Lowering himself, he pushed himself up until he was standing flat on the ground again, his hands sliding into his pockets. His tongue darted out to wet his lips, and your mouth went dry. “Why, curiosity is your greatest flaw of all. You humans always want to know more, and I know that you want to know what I do next, whether you’re aware of it or not.”

You felt like your blood was going to tear right out of your veins. You hated how right he was, how well he seemed to know you. “You’re insane,” you said.

His smile was lazy and wide as he took a single step toward you. “Probably. But I’ve been alive for ages now, and you might be the most fun thing I’ve seen in millennia. I want to know your name, pet.”

This was crazy in every sense of the word. Any other demon wouldn’t even dare utter their true name aloud, even to themselves, yet here Dream was, bargaining his for yours.

You’d be an idiot not to tell him your name, now.

Swallowing, you didn’t dare look away from his piercing eyes. “It—my name is [Y/N].”

His lips parted in awe, and he stepped toward you once more. “[Y/N],” he repeated, slowly. Carefully, like a wolf stalking its prey. “Fascinating name. Haven’t met too many of those in my lifetime, shocking as it may be.” He paused for a moment, and you could have sworn his smile looked different. “It’s pretty.”

A rush of heat went shooting down your spine, your stomach doing a flip. Biting the inside of your cheek, you glared at him. “Well, stop dawdling! What’s your real name, Dream?”

For a long, excruciatingly slow minute, he only stared at you, scanning every inch of your face. You could feel anxiety begin to crawl up your throat as he did nothing more than watch the rise and fall of your chest as you breathed.

All of a sudden, he was standing in front of you, his hand tucked underneath your chin and lifting it upward. You barely had the chance to gasp before you felt a soft warmth pressing against your lips, light as a feather and tasting like ash and smoke.

Before you could even register what had just happened, he was gone.

You whirled, your face growing astronomically hot. Your heartbeat was pounding in your ears again, but for an entirely different reason this time. You raised your hand to touch your lips while your cheeks burned furiously.

Did he just... kiss me?

Just then, a whisper ran along the shell of your ear, so soft that you almost missed it.

“My name is Clay.”

813 notes · View notes

gyuluster · 3 years

Text

the prince and the jackal | {f}

collab oneshot | fantasy! au | 11.8k words

“Because the prince of the earth can make you fall not only for nature, but the boy who rules over it.”

s u m m a r y : in the Kingdom of Terrae, you, a metalbender, believe in the deforestation to modernise the land. As a member of the Lumberjackals, you thrive on cutting down trees and stealing resources until you get caught by the Crown Prince, Choi Beomgyu, a lover and embodiment of the nature you wish to destroy. However, instead of imprisoning you for your crimes, Beomgyu decides to show you the beauty and wonders of nature, leaving you to doubt your beliefs, your identity, and your very feelings for the certain boy determined to change you for the better.

w a r n i n g s : prince! beomgyu, woodcutter! metalbender! reader, reader hates wildlife and all things nature, beomgyu is sunshine and flowers and everything good, shit ton of wildlife and fantasy stuff, bts kim line are part of the lumberjackals so are evil in this story i am so sorry y’all, beomgyu has a pet squirrel called jisung yes han jisung, kind of enemies to lovers not really but im pretending it is

p l a y l i s t : fairy of shampoo by txt | colours of the wind by judy kuhn | willow by taylor swift

a u t h o r ‘ s n o t e : yes i am back from the dead to bring this fic hello!! this is a collab with @soobmint @juunnies @bffsoobin @honeyju pls do read their parts too they’re so sexc <3 do lemme know what you all think and thank you for reading!!

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“And this prayer I make, Knowing that Nature never did betray The heart that loved her.” — William Wordsworth, Tintern Abbey, 1798.

“ONE MORE BLOODY TREE, AND I’LL SCREAM THIS FOREST DOWN!”

You ignored the complaints of your comrades, trekking deeper into the forest.

The sun was nearly drowned out by the towering shade of the surrounding trees, and there remained a constant buzz of the animals, either scurrying away or chirping in the skies. The cut up logs strapped on your back was a huge burden, and slowed your steps as you trudged onto the muddied pathways, staining your boots.

“_____, how much longer until we go to the markets?” one of the men asked, exhaustion clear in his voice.

“Just a few more logs, Tae,” one of the woodcutters, Seokjin, answered, casting a side-ways glance at you.

“But we’ve already got so many!” the former whined, pointing to the goods over their shoulders. “We can make decent money today!”

Unsheathing your sword, you cut away at the vines in your path, masking your sight ahead. It must be here somewhere, you thought, eyes darting sharply to every flower and bush. It has to be.

“Haven’t you fools understood already?” a snarl resonated from the group. Your horse trotted past you as Namjoon, sat on top, brought out his machete, brutally slicing the branches of the towering trees. “The wood we’ve got won’t last us all year!”

His eyes blazed with a certain greed as he looked over you all. “We must find the Tree of Life,” he declared, strolling past you, cutting down the path. “One strip of its bark could bring us a fortune.”

You listened to his statements with raised brows, following in his steps. In truth, none of you had ever seen the Tree of Life. No one in the kingdom had for centuries — it had become something of a myth, a legend passed down from every earthbender to child of its origins, and its significance. You didn’t know the great specifics, but the whole group knew that if they were to obtain even a twig from the great tree, it could grant them millions worth of gold.

And that was something the Lumberjackals desired more than the wellbeing of an omnipotent tree.

Soon, the search progressed, your group cutting down a few Ebonies for its useful properties, but there was no heavenly legend welcoming you in all its finery. The sun was descending on the horizon, and although Spring was present, you were situated in the part of the forest where the gusts of the Ice Kingdom blew consistently in your direction. The cold was about to descend, and you were far from your home in the Metallum villages.

Taehyung, the youngest of the Kim brothers, held onto a nearby oak, all strength leaving him. “I don’t know about you, but I am not travelling any further.” He glared daggers at Namjoon, who showed no signs of stopping. “I’m setting camp here, and you can do nothing to stop me.”

Seokjin joined his youngest sibling, collapsing on the patch of grass beside the gathering of flowers as he shrugged off his work of the logs. “I vote a little rest, even if Joon does not understand its meaning.”

The said-man let out a scoff at those words. “You both are just bloody lazy!” He turned to you, eyes pinning you where you stood. “You’ll keep searching with me, right?”

You agreed, but when you saw the fatigue in your leader’s gaze you grabbed the reins from his horse, stepping beside him. “You need sleep, Joon,” you said, concern in your eyes. “I’ll do another search. You three stay here.”

Namjoon held your stare for a moment before swiping his leg over the back of the horse, jumping off. He handed you the reins fully. “Come back after dawn. Us three will take over from you.”

You had a right mind to challenge the amount of time he was making you explore, but you kept your mouth shut, heaving onto the animal. Dumping your logs of wood upon the ground, you dipped your head in farewell to the Kim brothers. “I will see you in the morning, boys.”

Taehyung waving excitedly as he set up camp, Seokjin going straight to bed upon his blankets, and Namjoon’s stare cold yet understanding, you cracked the reins as the horse began to gallop away from the oaklands, and deeper into the forest.

The moon barely lit the way as you delved deeper into the trees, the sounds of nature turning sinister as the owls began to hauntingly hoot, and the wildcats began to purr. You kept your sword close, in your hand as the other steadied your horse.

You let out a hard sigh as you commenced your searching. Sometimes, only when you were alone, you wished that Namjoon would snap out of his delusions. There was no Tree of Life, no invaluable source of fortune which would challenge the earthbenders and start their industrialisation. In truth, you only wished for a life more than just cutting down wood, but your leader’s promises could be much too enticing.

Perhaps he was right. Maybe with the metalisation of Regna Terrae the metalbenders would be able to progress. It was not like the Kingdom cared for the likes of you, nor the nature which brought you to existence.

Stupid, damned forest. What good had it ever done you?

Suddenly, you heard the harsh snapping of the twigs which wasn’t from your horse. In an instant you halted, pulling the reins as your eyes darted to every corner of the dark forest.

Silence.

You furrowed your brows.

The forest cannot be trusted. Even its silences were sinister and misleading.

Slowly, you got off your horse, tying the reins to a nearby tree. “Keep still, Aurum,” you whispered. “I’ll be right back.”

Patting the mane, you turned and followed in the direction of where the sound was heard, every step quiet and cautious. There was little light, you having to rely on your ears alone, and the hands which touched trunk from trunk. In moments like these, you wished you possessed a more useful power than mere metal manipulation — firebending would have been nice, but you supposed that luck had never been in your favour.

Seething, you held onto your sword tighter, sending a little rush of power from your fingers as it sharpened the steel. No one tailing you would survive in your hands.

You then heard a little sigh, and whipped your head to the direction. Gritting your teeth, you rushed to the place of the origins, anger rising. Swiping away the branches in your path, your boots were the only sound among the quiet hush of the forest, along with the slicing of your weapon. Whoever was toying with you will not leave your wrath.

Swiping away the plants, you finally found an opening of grass among the trees. Squinting, your anger surged to find a distant figure standing before you, all masked in shadows from the lack of light within your surroundings. It stood statue-still, matching your deathly quietness.

But the figure did not seem like it offered death. Nor anything so dangerous as you promised.

“Come out!” you shouted, taking a step forward. “I know you were following me!”

No response.

“Scared, are you?!” Another hesitant step. “As you should be!”

Still, only silence answered, and the soft crunch of the leaves underneath your boots. You took a deep breath, shining your sword from the moonlight. A scoff emitted from you, nerves disappearing. This should be easy.

With an aggravated roar, swinging your weapon, you thundered towards the figure.

You rushed into the moonlight pooling onto the grass, eyes intent with damage as you willed iron-like power from your veins, and into your hands, swirling around the fuller of your sword until it reached its tip, ready to burst onto the figure.

It was then the shadows moved.

A flick of his hand. A soft glow within the darkness.

And all of nature followed suit.

You were taken aback as the thousands of vines circulating the surrounding trees unwrapped themselves from their trunks, and snapped towards you in thundering speed. You had no time to take in their stems swirling around your feet, cutting off your run towards this certain figure. A gasp escaping, you were pulled back by the impact, and let out a further scream as you began to fall flat on your face. Then, even more shock reverberated through you as your feet were pulled upwards, shooting your body up until you were suspended from a tree branch, your one foot wrapped tightly in the vines.

Your world all upside down, you shook your head vigorously, feeling the strain of your one leg under complete control of the tree. The thrum of powerful magic of nature resonated through your body, ceasing you from moving your free leg and kicking any potential passerbys.

Craning your head backwards, you saw with horror that your sword was clattered upon the ground, too far away to reach from the air. Straining your hand towards the grass, you willed your magnetic force, trying to lure your weapon into your hand.

The sword would have ended up in your grasp if another surge of the same natural magic did not break its path, sending it back on the earth.

Enraged, you looked out to the dark, sight distorted. “Gods, just come out already!” you screamed, swinging slightly by your sheer force. “Stop hiding in the damned shadows!”

There was a flutter of little animals coming out from the shadows. “Ha!” you spat, reaching for the dark. “Only sending a few creatures to scare me? You’re going to have to work harder than that!”

When there was another round of silence, you laughed harshly to yourself. “That’s what I thought.”

This time, however, you were not greeted by their usual, quiet answer.

More vines slithered down your frame, pushing your hands together. You gritted your teeth as the gnarly weeds tightened around your wrists, stopping yourself from using your hands.

Glaring daggers at the darkness ahead, you spat at the ground. “Show yourself!” you roared.

Your threats were answered.

Responded in an unimaginable way as the figure stepped into the moonlight.

You could not suppress your reaction.

The most enchanting boy you had ever seen revealed himself from the shadows. You could clearly see him from the light, the soft, child-like features amplified by his undoubted beauty — his mahogany locks curled around his face, cascading over his forehead. His gentle eyes promised great amusement, more so when they landed upon you, a ghost of a smile lingering on his lips. He was adorned in a fine green gown, few assortments strapped on his belt as leather boots, etched in ink, covered his feet. A crown of flowers and leaves settled in his curls, emitting its own, fantastical glow among the darkness.

The smile curved wider at your widened eyes. “Why so speechless now, my lady?”

By all the gods. Even his voice sounded like the sweetest honey in all the hives.

“I have come before you, now,” he continued, deeply amused by your bewilderment. “I have stopped hiding in those damned shadows, as you said.

“Where is your anger?”

Well, that seemed to bring your rage all back.

“It’s still here, you bastard!” you hissed, struggling in the rope-like vines as you tried to swipe your hand across his face. He merely took a step back, completely out of your range.

“Even without a weapon you are a force to be reckoned with,” the mysterious boy voiced out, raising his fingers as magic sparked from the tips. Instantly the vines encircled your arms, pinning them to your sides as the weeds wrapped around you completely. You were like a human-sized caterpillar, cocooned in vines except you would not turn into a butterfly and rush away into the forest.

This nuisance before you would make sure of that.

A satisfied hum escaped him. “There we go,” he said. “Now you won’t be of any danger.”

“Who even are you?” you demanded, glaring daggers at the sight before you. Terrible shame that the sight was something you wouldn’t mind witnessing for the rest of your life. Even if it was upside down.

A hint of surprise exposed upon his features. “Oh, this is amusing, indeed.”

He took a step towards you, you catching the faint scent of...flowers and trees and fruit and honey. You couldn’t really figure out a perfect essence — if nature had a scent, then this boy embodied it. “I am surprised you know not of me when you wish to destroy what I own.”

You raised a brow, at eye level with him, despite the loopy image.

Then, the gears in your head turned, and you were struck hard with the realisation.

When you wish to destroy what I own.

“Oh gods,” you slipped out.

The boy smiled.

No, not just the boy.

The Prince of Regna Terrae — the heir to the Earth Kingdom.

Choi Beomgyu.

Maybe this explained his otherworldly beauty. Crown princes of the earth kingdoms were known to be blessed by nature, so adorned the finest features known to man. Standing before you now, you cursed yourself for not seeing it before.

And cursed yourself again for cursing at him. Multiple times.

Beomgyu saw your eyes moving a mile a second and spluttered out a soft laugh, raising a finger so you focused on him. “I am glad you have figured out my identity. Now we both know what we are.”

His next words did not possess much hilarity. “I, a prince, and you, a Lumberjackal.”

The declaration had you gulping. There’s no escaping this.

He was not wrong in the slightest — you were a part of the Lumberjackals — a group dedicated to industrialising the Earth Kingdom, and giving it a head start from the other kingdoms who did not possess the natural resources that this land contained. You prided on deforestation, the cutting of wood and, even to a certain extent, the consumption of animals. Although you never participated in the last activity out of pure shame, you knew the Kim brothers certainly did, and enjoyed it to great extent.

“Do you deny it?”

You tried to look away, but his gaze was a little too intense. Even if it was reversed. “I do not.”

“And what do you have to say for yourself?” he got out, and you could hear the pain in his voice. Could you even blame him? You destroyed what he held so dear.

Still. You were a metalbender. The desire for modernisation is in your very blood.

“I do what I must do, your Highness,” you grit out, struggling in your weedy cocoon. “It is the only way we survive.

“And I will not stop.”

The boy’s eyes widened a fraction, in pure disbelief. He could not comprehend this — how could one be so against the idea of nature? How could anyone be so resolute in the decimation of what they survived on?

Prince Beomgyu cocked his head, pursing his lips.

How could one hate a deity he considered so beautiful?

He said so himself.

“How?”

You blinked.

The boy continued. “How can you hate nature?”

His question took you by surprise — you did not really know the answer yourself.

It was not like you despised the earth in all its natural form. Sure, it brought you the air you breathed, the food you ate, and the water you drank. But what else had nature given you?

You soured upon seeing the Prince’s face. You did not possess the powers other Terrae citizens were gifted with. Your branch of magic was hard, unforgiving. Simply a practicality, only useful for finding resources and making weapons.

Where were your subservient vines? Where was your natural greatness?

With this in mind, you mustered up the most brutal expression you could offer to the boy before you.

“Because nature was not kind to the likes of me. So I shall not be kind to it either.”

This time, the Prince’s eyes widened even further, afraid they would pop right out of their sockets.

Once again, his mind was in a twist — how had his dearest accomplice, his most cherished friend, been unforgiving to his subjects? He would never consider himself sheltered, but this was something quite unheard of in his kingdom.

“I know you do not believe me, but this is the only explanation I can offer.” You paused, accepting your fate. “Untie me already so you can send me to prison.”

You felt something swirl beneath the boy’s brown eyes, irises sparkling with wonderment. His voice was soft, if not lost within his own thoughts.

“I believe you, jackal,” he said. With a final step towards you, he left little distance between the two of you, eyes at level with yours as you hung from the tree. “But I cannot be satisfied with it.”

Another blink, taken aback by his declaration. “Well...well, what am I supposed to do about it?”

Shocking you further, he curled a little smile upon his lips. “Well,” he started, and as the smile began to widen further, he knew just what to do.

No, he was certainly not satisfied with her accepted hatred.

“We can start by changing that.”

It was your turn for your pupils to dilate. Gods above. This boy seems one chop away from a stump.

“What do you mean?” you demanded, but the boy was already turning on his heel, looking to the surroundings. He fell to his knees, feeling the ground beneath him with his hands. “Your Highness, what are you doing?!”

He did not deem to answer your question, only counter it with his own. “Do you have a horse nearby?”

You looked at him, surprised he figured it out by merely touching the grass. “Yes, but…”

It seemed that he did not need to hear any more, as he brought a hand out, fingers stretching. A tendril of green power burst from his palm, snaking through the dark air beyond your peripheral vision. The Prince was focused on his conjury, and you wondered what in Terrae he was trying to do.

Then, you heard a distant neighing, and found Aurum following the green trail of his magic, eyes glowing slightly.

You tried to escape the tight cage of the vines. “Gods, what are you doing with my horse?!” you exclaimed. “She hates strangers!”

The magic disappeared, along with the glow in her eyes. You could tell she was confused at her surroundings, about to raise her hind legs at the boy who spelled her. “She’ll kill you!” you warned, bracing yourself to witness the death of a prince.

It was then Beomgyu stepped towards the horse, gaze sparkling with kindness.

His hand touched Aurum’s face.

With no small amount of shock, you watched as the boy whispered to your horse, stroking her muzzle. You had never seen her be so friendly to any human she’s made contact with — by Terrae, she even deigned to show attitude to you, who had fed and groomed her since she was a mere pony. How was she sweetening up to someone she had just seen?

Maybe she’s still under a spell, you thought with malice, but then a more honest thought came to mind, and it only made you angrier.

Or perhaps animals can be just as enchanted with him as humans can.

“What are you talking to her for?” you interrupted them, letting out an aggravated groan as the cocoon engulfed you tighter. “You’re sharing words with her as if she’d spread them!”

Beomgyu slid his eyes upward to you. “I was just asking Aurum if she’d like to have an apple.”

“No, I’ll give her one myself—” you tried to say, but then stopped short. “Wait. How do you know her name?”

He looked at you as if you had asked the most ridiculous question. “Because she just told me.”

You stopped struggling in the cocoon. “What did you just say? Aurum told you?”

Hands never ceasing his comforting upon the horse, he raised a quizzical brow. “Pardon me, jackal, but do you mean to tell me that you...you cannot talk to animals?”

Maybe you were not wrong to think the heir of the Earth Kingdom absolutely crazy.

He gestured to the world around you both. “Can you not sense each and every creature nearby? Can you not hear their heartbeats, in sync to their purrs and murmurs?

“Can you not hear the very trees breathe around you?”

You did not know what to say. Perhaps you did not understand his words, what he really meant by a tree breathing. Was that even possible? You thought it unimaginable.

So you offered him the only thing that remained in your mind.

“I have never felt these things.”

The hand upon Aurum’s nuzzle paused, unable to accept the statement which you offered him.

His suspicions were confirmed. Your hatred of nature and all the beings which it birthed had rid you of your powers.

He had seen this before — lost souls who had done grave wrongdoings to the earth, and as a consequence, their very instincts were snatched, right down to the basics. There was no shortage of Lumberjackals in the palace dungeons, and upon closer inspection, he saw that these woodcutters felt no connection to their surroundings. It broke his heart seeing the lack of attachment, the lack of desire for exploration and yearning for their powers, but he knew it could not be helped.

Whoever crosses nature would not be forgiven.

Still, when he inspected the confused, tired gaze of yours, searching him for any suspected lunacy, he just knew that he could not toss you in another old cell. This plan he had in mind could not occur through rotting in one place for the rest of your life.

“Worry not then, jackal.” He raised his hand, magic blooming from his palm. “I am going to change that.”

Whispering to your horse, he listened for a soft neigh before heaving atop her back, hissing at the reins and other controls tying her down. You watched with slight fear. “W-wait a minute,” you started, trying to squeeze out of the vines, but with no luck. “You’re not going to just leave me here, are you?”

Patting Aurum’s mane, he voiced out calmly, “I wish with my whole heart, but then my plan will not work.”

You pursed your lips, watching his eyes sparkle with mischief. “If you were not a prince, I would have cursed you.”

With a flick of his hand, a rush of magic travelled to your cocoon; you felt yourself turning on your front, hovering you upright as the power gravitated you back on the ground, loosening the vines.

“Not like that has stopped you before,” he merely countered as he observed you shrug off weeds in slight humiliation. “Now get on. We have somewhere to be.”

He waited a moment, sighing when you would not oblige. “Is something the matter?”

You wanted to say yes — gods, you wanted to scream at him to get off Aurum, leave you alone and let you cut trees in peace, but of course, that would be an impossible route to take. You still had no inkling of why the Prince of your kingdom was having mercy on you, and you would be quite the fool to exploit it foolishly.

With gritted teeth, you kept your complaints behind your tongue as you brought your foot on the stirrup, heaving upwards as you brought your leg to the other side, settling upon the horse. “Now,” Beomgyu began, looking over his shoulder. “There is no need to be shy. You may put your hands around me as the horse goes fast—”

“I shall be completely fine, thank you,” you interrupted him, brows furrowed. What was this prince even doing? You wondered whether he was a fraud. With that power you witnessed, though, you highly doubted it.

And his features. There is no way a commoner could possess such enchanting beauty.

Flustered, you soured even further.

“Are you ready, jackal?”

You grunted out a yes, which was enough for the boy to command Aurum to start.

The horse, against your expectation, began galloping much faster, and with a yelp you were nearly sent flying out of the seat. Your hands, on instinct, wrapped around Beomgyu’s waist, and when you realised what you had done you cursed yourself for obliging him.

You could almost hear his grin. “I told you!” he exclaimed over the noise of hooves clattering against the rocky mud.

If only you could slap the heirs of kingdoms. “Just take me where you have in mind!” you barked back. “I need to be back to Metallum at dawn.”

“That will be just enough!”

The horse swept past more trees, animals scurrying from your path as the moon lit the dim forest path. You held onto the prince for dear life, refusing to acknowledge the hard surface beneath his silk, his ethereal warmth radiating onto you.

“Hey, jackal?”

A sigh. “Yes?”

“Your horse’s name.” A pause. “Aurum.”

You looked to the trees whooshing past your vision. “What of it?”

Beomgyu whispered for the animal to slow down, scanning his surroundings for his destination. “’Gold’. A very ingenious name.”

He glanced at your irritated face, and smiled. “My mare is called Argenti.”

Your mouth parted at the little revelation.

Argenti. Silver.

Before you could say more on the matter, the boy stopped the horse, cooing at her and praising her for helping him. Swinging his leg over, he jumped off the horse gracefully. He fixed his flower crown before turning to face you, falling rather awkwardly on the grass.

A small laugh escaping him, you daggered him with your gaze as you stepped beside him, a hand on Aurum. Your stare lingered as he took a circle turn of the surroundings, moon almost winking at him as it journeyed in the blanket of night. After a while, Beomgyu pointed to the tree nearby you, stepping past you to palm its trunk. “Here we go.”

Fingers stretching, magic spluttered as it swirled into the thick expanse of the leaves, nearly covering the sky with their excess. The matter squeezed through, and brought out the hidden vines, tumbling down till they reached the roots. Grabbing onto the plants, the prince turned his head towards you, an offer in his eyes.

You hated how you understood exactly what he meant. “I am not going up with you,” you retorted.

“It’s my arms or the dungeon.”

Gulping, you swallowed down your irritation for him. Taking a step towards him, you maintained a safe distance as you made sure he was aware of your distaste. “Just get us up already.” Damn the gods for making him so aggravatingly beautiful, you thought shamelessly as you looked at him. “Your Highness.”

Perhaps he knew, for the little smile was back, wrapping his arm around your waist, and pulling you close. “That’s more like it,” he murmured out before willing his magic into motion.

Your breathing hitched as you were pulled rapidly upward by the vines, breaking through the surface of the leaves. You closed your eyes, feeling the scraping of the branches against your clothes until you felt yourself still, listening only to the deep breaths of the prince beside you. His hand was still snaked at your side.

“Open your eyes, jackal.”

Somehow, on instinct, you obliged.

And widened them further.

You were in another world entirely — the branches expanded beyond your vision, intertwining with the others from different trees, so intricately interlinked beneath your feet that they created a floor. Upon this branching surface there was a little room, decorated with every unusual object that one could identify. Beside the bed, interwoven by these branches, you saw an abundance of flowers and leaves, an lamp of glowing fireflies resting in the corner, and a thousand other items which needed further explanation.

Judging by the awe on your face, the boy answered you, heading to the small cabinet where everything was placed. “A collection of gadgets,” he began, using his magic to separate every object. “That I’ve bought or been gifted since my princedom.” He took out a few unrecognisable things and strolled to the wardrobe, made from the same intertwining branches, and opened the doors, rummaging through.

“What are you even looking for?” you asked, but were dutifully ignored as he kept searching. You admired the intricate scenery, the plush excess of leaves beneath your shoes, shielding you and the prince nearby.

You heard him let out a satisfied ah! as he closed the doors shut. He walked over to you, showing you the rather odd object — it was an unusually large ice cube, miniscule snowflakes etched onto its every side as it orbited slowly in Beomgyu’s hand.

Your curious gaze upon the gadget had him into explanation. “A present from the Ice Prince,” he said, admiring the cold gift in his palms. “It provides an infinite water supply, so is incredibly useful for long journeys.”

“Taehyun, is he not called?” You shivered at the thought. “I am shocked to think he is capable of such small kindnesses.”

Beomgyu slid his eyes to yours. “Taehyun is not the man that his subjects have painted him to be.” His irises swirled in an indecipherable emotion. “Sometimes, one cannot judge the character of another simply based on rumour alone. Only with having conversation can one truly have an honest opinion.”

A small part of you wondered if he truly meant that for Taehyun, or to you, another villain in the Earth Kingdom’s millennia-old tale. Whatever it may be, you looked away, wondering when you’d be able to leave the prince’s presence.

“Right,” you heard him say, pocketing the other unknown object in his breast pocket of his gown. “Let us go on ground once more.”

The boy was about to tug on the vines again when he was interrupted by a most unusual sound.

Well, not unusual, considering you were situated in a tree house, but the noise was so shrill you instantly looked down to its origin.

Before you was a little squirrel, cheeks puffed as its little hands perched on its sides. Its soft tail moved rapidly behind its body, indicating irritation.

Its small, black eyes were fixated upon the boy beside you. Letting out yet another squeak, you saw Beomgyu sigh out in exasperation, as if he had just remembered an important matter.

“Oh gods, I do apologise!” He exclaimed, falling to his knees as he held his free hand out, the other holding the hovering ice cube still. “I’m afraid I cannot feed you now, but would you be able to wait?”

The squirrel let out another squeak, and this time the prince flinched. You gawked at the scene — so not only can he command the trees, but he could talk to animals?

What can this boy not do?

“Ji, I am sorry!” Fishing out an acorn from his breast pocket, he offered it before him. “I have one, if it helps! I promise to feed you properly after I am done with a certain task.”

Even so, the animal seemed much unimpressed. It then turned its little head to you, and you could have sworn that its eyes judged your very soul.

It squeaked some more, and this time Beomgyu widened his eyes, cheeks flushing. “By Mother Nature, no!” He bellowed out, panicked eyes fleeting towards you. “No, I just met her today.”

“Are you talking about me?” You asked, raising a brow. The squirrel then made another sound, one you could not decipher but, judging from the boy’s reaction, could definitely take a wild guess. “By gods, is this creature mocking me?”

You were rewarded with further squeaking, but was instantly silenced by Beomgyu. “Ji, no! I cannot have you being sarcastic tonight. Save your grievances for tomorrow morning!”

And as the prince scooped the squirrel in his hand, he walked over to the bed, settling it on the sheets. “Stay here. I will be back.”

There was sure to be complaints, but the boy kept sending looks of apology as he stepped back to the edge of the exit, tugging on the vines. “Deeply sorry for Jisung’s behaviour,” he said, swirling the cube slowly. “He is grumpier tonight as I have not fed him this evening.”

“A pet squirrel, huh?” You interrogated, looking down to the grass below. “And one you can talk to? Is that how you could communicate with Aurum?”

Nodding, the prince held his arm out. “Are we ready?”

You hurrying my shook your head. “Not again!” You crossed your arms. “I’ll slide down myself. Without your help.”

Shrugging, the boy held on tighter to the vine. “Your wish, jackal,” he said, and jumped down. Perking up, you squatted down to see him descend smoothly down the tree, landing perfectly on the grass.

Grabbing onto the plant, you looked back to the grumpy pet, stuffing the acorn in his mouth.

He then stuck his tongue out, and you gasped at the audacity. “Rude!” You shouted, but we’re only answered with shrill squeaking. Ignoring the creature, you took the vine by both hands, and followed suit.

Your descent was much less graceful, landing instead on your backside. You were met with the huffed laughter of the prince, and you forced down the urge to beat him with his stupid flower crown. Or perhaps tie these vines around his neck and strangle him.

No, that would only result in him using his silly magic. Awful, attractive bastard.

“What are we doing now, Highness?” You wondered out loud, rubbing your sore backside. “Do tell me there is some use of your rather odd ice cube.”

Beomgyu, after strolling further into the woods, slowed himself for you to catch up. “There is some use, unfortunately for you.” He waved you over, stepping past the wild bushes in his path. “Follow me, jackal!” he called out to you.

Grudgingly, you did as he asked, hugging yourself from the cold breeze of the midnight, wondering where in Terrae he was trying to take you. The trees towered over you like intimidating strangers — if the prince spoke true, then you wouldtuly be unwelcome.

You were surrounded by this coercion until the forest opened up to an open grassland, encircled by the nature which looked down at you. Beomgyu turned to you, bringing out a few seeds from his trouser pockets and standing right in the middle of the circle.

“There you are,” he said as you stepped beside him. He glanced at the moon, measuring the amount of time he had left.

“What are you going to do?” you asked him, still clueless regarding the whole situation. Why has he not sent you to the dungeons already?

His eyes travelled to your face. With a half-soft scoff, he held out his hand, the seeds now in perfect view. “It is not what I’m going to do,” he began. “It is what you are going to do.”

The confusion grew within you. “What do you mean?” you tried to clarify. “What am I to do with these seeds?”

Beomgyu’s eyes promised answers. “Bring out your hand, jackal.”

You did as you were told, holding out your hand as he put the seeds in your palm, fingers barely brushing against your skin. He then descended, knees upon the grass as he patted to the space beside you. “Come, sit.”

Pursing your lips in thought, you knelt before the grass, seeds in your enclosed fist as your gaze never strayed from the boy. “Your Highness—”

Magic oozing from his fingers interrupted your demand, slipping into the earth. Slowly, but surely, a small hole was separated by the green matter, dirt being shovelled to create a dip in the grassland.

Once he ceased his conjuring, he jerked his head towards the new opening. “Place the seeds in the hole,” he instructed. “Gently now! Treat them with the utmost care.”

Grumbling in response, you leaned forward as you gingerly put each seed at the corners of the muddy dip, noticing a small spark with each placement of the grain. It was a bizarre feeling, but assumed it normal in the ways of gardening as you inserted the dirt over them, covering them fully.

You peered at the prince then, who brought out the large ice cube. Turning it rapidly, treacle of water dripped down to the ground, moistening the earth and feeding the seeds of its necessities. Putting the gadget back in his storage belt, he then returned his hand upon the damp mound, closing his eyes in a fixated peace. More magic swirled from his hands, but this time it encircled not only the place where you had placed the seeds, but you, all of you, engulfing you in its otherworldly warmth.

“Your Highness?” You whispered out, but he was murmuring, murmuring words you could not comprehend, words which felt like you were not meant to hear. His curls were being lifted slightly with the tendrils of his power, but he stayed rooted to his spot, carrying on with what you feared was a grotesque ritual.

You, too, became still when you felt fingers curl around your hand.

On instinct you looked at him, eyes widening — you should have expected his hand to radiate some form of heat, considering this boy had such an unusual glow about him, but this…

Despite the soft chaos around the two of you, the touch was oddly comforting.

His hand, dragging you out of your thoughts, led yours to the place you sowed the little grains of life, and spread apart your fingers till they covered nearly the entire, dug up earth. More matter escaped from his fingers, shooting further warmth upon the back of your hand, and travelling up to your heart.

“Close your eyes, jackal,” you heard him chant from his cocoon of magic. “I need you to see from within.”

“See what?!” You beseeched, but his fingers held onto you a little tighter, and, as if he commanded your very body, had your eyelids descend shut, cornering you into the chambers of your mind.

See from within.

What could you see?

Darkness. Eternal darkness, and rusted iron, spilled mercury, and all the grim faces of the people who wanted to decimate the very place you knelt in.

I cannot see! You screamed in your mind, because in the whirlwind of his power you felt alone, trapped in your own mind, trying to join in on a ritual which would cursed the likes of you.

But in reality, you were not alone.

No, not when you felt something foreign in your body.

You swore you stopped breathing.

Your fingers felt squeezed by another, but was ignored because you could see a whole other heartbeat which was not your own.

A familiar voice entered your mind.

“Do you see it?”

The prince’s voice; the soft, almost desperate inquiry, which you could not help but answer.

“Yes...yes, by Terrae, I do see it.”

And perhaps he said some more, but you were not listening to his words. His speech seemed a little insignificant to the little heartbeat — it was as faint as the scent of departure, delicate as a snowflake, and as real as yourself, the prince, and the neverending forest.

When you tried to lift your hand, Beomgyu’s fingers halted you still. You could not believe that you did not mind it. “Whose...whose is it, your Highness?”

You were positive that he did not hear you with the lack of volume you let slide from your tongue. However, he answered your question, almost feeling the joy radiating from his response.

“The seeds.”

Shocked, you opened your eyes, and found the Prince of Earth staring at you with an elevated joy. He gestured to observe your creation, and when your eyes fell upon the sliver of a stem which broke through the earth, between the spaces of your fingers, you wondered whether this was all a dream.

You could not help the curse which escaped you. The boy beside you spluttered into laughter, and you turned to see his face radiating with elation. The heartbeat, the one which you thought was under your control, proved you wrong as it skipped its beat along to his laughs.

“Wh-what are you laughing at?” You demanded, but you were unable to execute it with the anger you wish you held for him. He offered you a honeypot of smiles.

“You’ve brought life to the forest, sweet jackal.”

The little plant shivered in response, along with your own hairs at the back of your neck, which stood at his announcement. Its faint heartbeat grew louder, as well as your own in your ears.

“Do you feel it now?” he whispered, leaning ever so close as he looked to the forest around you. “Do you feel the trees breathing in your presence?”

Unfortunately, although you could sense your plant’s essence, the heartbeats of every tree in the forest were still unheard. You shook your head no, but that did not wipe the grin off his face.

“We have time,” he reassured you. “Just know that Mother Nature has hope for you still.”

He took your hand, putting another upon the back as he brought you a different kind of warmth. “I have hope for you.”

You parted your mouth, unaccustomed to the contact, the kindness...to all that he represented.

His eyes locked with yours, and although he had spared you the wrath of his palace dungeons, you feared whether you could escape the imprisonment of his gaze.

There was no doubt in your mind as you let yourself be arrested into his stare — the Prince of the Earth was not going to haunt just a single night.

FRATERNISING WITH THE HEIR OF REGNA TERRAE WOULD BE THE DEATH OF YOU.

Of course, that was not the last time you saw him — you had become something of a personal project to him, a sin which must be reversed. Almost every night after the fateful encounter, you snuck out from the fences of the Metallum villages, barely evading the suspicious eyes of the Kim brothers, and met with him under his treehouse.

You did not know why you endeavoured so ardently in seeing him. It was not like he had become any less irritable with his amused grins and unmatched power, but there was something about him which you could not fend off.

In a way, he made you believe you were worth more than simple woodcutting, selling oaks in the market, the empty promises of revenge against the Natural Kingdom.

Somehow, he made you realise that, maybe, you truly were deserving of a more memorable path.

These very thoughts accompanied you as the sun began to set, pulling your hood over your head as you swept past the familiar trees, reining in the urge to greet every woodland creature which scurried past you. The past few weeks, after many misunderstood arguments with the Prince’s pet squirrel, you learned the slight quirks which the animal possessed, his every movement and what it would signify. You had Beomgyu to thank once again, but each time you wished to do so, he would say the same, hair-rising reassurance.

“Fret not, sweet jackal. It is a pleasure to show you the wonders of nature.”

Sweet jackal. The endearment made you so flustered, and that aggravated you to the greatest extent. You had already shared your name with the boy, but he insisted on calling you this name, as if the two of you had already established an intimacy from decades before.

The very thought had your actual heartbeat racing.

You made sure to completely dismiss this foolery as you found the special opening of the grassland in sight, the glowing figure waving you over. A small smile involuntarily curled at your lips, hurrying closer till you fully saw Prince Beomgyu’s face clearly in the setting sun.

“You have arrived much earlier this evening,” he said in a way of greeting, fixing his flower crown as his squirrel played with the petals. “I would not say I’m displeased.”

On your part, you certainly were not either — he bore more finery than usual, his normal green gown threaded with gold swirls at the hems, small vines tied around his ears as natural jewellery. His hair was sprinkled with petals, a trait Jisung adored as he settled in the nest of his locks. His hands, too, were intertwined with dark vines, swirls wrapped around his fingers like extended rings.

By the gods, he truly was an exquisite being.

He noticed your silence, raising a groomed brow. “Is something the matter?” he asked, but when he saw your eyes dart to anywhere but his own, he immediately understood. You just managed to catch a satisfied quirk of his lips before he turned his attention to your plant.

Following his trail, you brightened up to see your creation in full bloom — bright red poppies, stark against the pool of grass, stood as they swayed to the evening breeze. You knelt down to observe them closer, and felt a peculiar sense of pride at sensing their clear heartbeat harmonising with yours.

“They’re my favourite flower,” the boy said behind you. “I have always adored how they stand out amongst all the others.”

Watching the poppies almost dance in the cool air, you stood upwards once again. “Then why do you not wear them?” you asked out of curiosity.

“Because my parents do not like me wearing them.” He gestured to the flower crown, at risk of being torn up by Jisung. “They say the colour is too harsh.”

He clicked his tongue in irritation. “At least they could have spared me on my birthday.”

You were about to comment on his parents when those words escaped his mouth. Your own mouth parted in surprise. “Your birthday is today?”

The prince mocked being stabbed in the chest, nearly sending the squirrel to the trees. Taking Jisung from his hair, he propped him on his shoulder. “You have truly wounded me, ____!” he whined. “All this time together, and you had no inkling?”

Although he was only jesting, it only embarrassed you further. “I truly am sorry, your Highness!” you apologised, clasping your hands together. “If I had known, I would have made you a present.”

“Oh?” He took a step towards you. His eyes danced in mirth. “And what would you have made me?”

That seemed to rob you of your speech. “Well, um…” you trailed off, searching your now useless mind of any decent idea for a gift, but he waved off your fluster, chuckling.

“It is no problem, dear jackal,” he said, looking at the red flowers once more. “Seeing your poppies in full growth is a gift to me anyway.”

You wished he had not said that; glancing at them now, you could only hear his fascination within the petals.

There he was again — staining your every entity of his remnants. How much more till he stains your very soul?

Jisung’s irritated squeak brought you back to the forest. You tried not to murder the damned creature as you muttered out, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Beomgyu groaned out. “I shan’t have you calling me that hideous title all the time.” He put a hand to his chest. “Have we not reached first name basis?”

Despite your surprise, you offered him a scoff. “Jackal is not my first name,” you jeered. “And please. You’re the prince of our land. Anyone who catches me being informal with you will surely have my head.”

“I would never let them,” he merely said. “Not before I show you one last part of the forest.”

You quirked a quizzical brow. “I think you’ve shown me half your kingdom by now.”

“But this is...quite different.”

The boy stepped closer to you, reaching out his hand. You found yourself warming up as he enveloped it with yours, a gesture so small yet so triggering to your nerves.

“Follow me, ____.”

With the tug of his fingers, you were led out of the grasslands and back into the jungles of Regna Terrae, catching familiar sights of ancient mahoganies and birches, different variations of trees all grouped together.

As the moon began to ascend, your anxiety increased. His hand worked wonders for your skin, but at the back of your mind, you could not shake off the image of the Kim brothers wondering where you had gone so long.

Especially Namjoon. Seokjin and Taehyung may have been much simpler in the brain, but the leader of the trio bore his suspicions of your whereabouts. He always knew you were never enthusiastic of your occupation as a Lumberjackal, so your sudden interest to roam the woodlands for hours into the night certainly had his ears perking. Of course, you always made sure to know that you were going without being followed, but in the end, the three brothers were quite unpredictable.

You just hoped that whatever the prince had to show you, it would be seen quick enough to leave.

The density of the forest began to increase, and you soon began to doubt whether you had been to this part of the Kingdom before. It was then Beomgyu’s hands flowed with magic, and completely changed the scenery. The ancient trees, trunks as wide and thick as horses began to move apart to make way for him and you, the squirrel holding onto his shoulder tightly as it too squeaked in surprise. Your own eyes widened as each element of nature bent to his will, creating an easier path for his boots to step onto.

It was clearly a sight for admiration. These few weeks you had begun to realise the power of the earth, and how rich and true its roots lay. You felt the faint hum of their essences as you rushed past them, hand still clasped with his, and you dipped your head in thanks to the trees, hoping that one day you would hear them sing welcomes to you.

Slowing down, the group was barred by the curtain of thick vines, hiding you from the world behind. “I have never seen this before,” you wondered out loud, but when Beomgyu let go of your hand, and stepped forward, hands stretched out, your curiosity reigned further.

Jisung quickly scurried from his shoulder, ending up on the muddied path as he watched with black eyes of the phenomenon about to occur. You made to make fun of the squirrel when the prince let out an aggravated moan, hurling your head to his direction.

His heavenly voice chanted in a millennia old language, huge power emitting from his finger tips and swirling to the tumbling vines of the entrance. You could see the sweat beading down his forehead at the sheer effort it took, but he stayed rooted, sending surges of green matter to the cold nature.

Slowly, the curtain began to withdraw. Blinding light cut through, and when the boy let out a roar, pushing the whole family of vines apart you hid your head from the white bursting through.

There was a deathly silence for a singular moment.

You heard his ragged breathing, lasting for ten seconds before it turned into relieved, panted chuckling.

Bringing your hand away from your face, you looked to see beyond the curtain.

Your very breath was snatched from your lungs.

Before you was the most enchanting deity of nature you had ever seen in your existence — it was a glowing white tree, trunk as wide as the two of you twice over, etched with milky-coloured wrinkles that contained sparkles of ancient magic. The leaves, much like finely cut diamonds, protruded from every branch which stretched towards every corner the eye could see. The diamonds were infinite, shining from the gentle light of the moon.

Even though you had never seen it before, you knew exactly what it was.

“The Tree of Life.”

Your gaze dared to break away to see the prince for a second, whose own breathing seemed to have halted. Sensing your stare, he looked back at you, his face half glowing from the deity’s light.

“I...I thought it did not—” you tried to say, but of course you could not when it was right there before you, as if it had been waiting to be found all its life.

“Exist?” He took a step forward. “Every myth is borne from truth after all.”

Indeed it was — you had learned of the Tree of Life when you were a mere girl, listening to fairy tales before being told to sleep. This Tree could not be seen by the common man, and legend foretold that there lived an otherworldly creature inside its trunk. Evidently, no one could prove this theory, but its mystery had what inspired so many people, metal and earthbenders alike, to find it, for opposing reasons.

You knew why Namjoon wanted to find it — for the amount of gold a singular leaf could bring him. Now, having accused him of believing in fantasies, you almost felt ashamed for having ridiculed his searches.

“Come.”

You perked up at the Prince’s voice.

“You must get a closer look.”

Picking up the pace of your feet, you fell into step beside him as the two of you started towards the legend come to life. The closer you approached the more enchanting it looked — the leaves glistened further, as if greeting you with their shine.

Jisung scurried between you both, his little head never straying from the Tree. It let out an awed squeak, and Beomgyu hummed in agreement.

“Have you ever seen anything like it?”

You shook your head, transfixed. “Never,” you responded, feeling the very earth shift beneath your feet.

If nothing else convinced you of the power of nature, then the existence of this deity certainly did.

You stepped past the boy, the grass hushed beneath your feet as you stretched out your hand. When your fingers touched the milky bark your breath shuddered out of you. It was simply unreal. The touch was surprisingly soft, so unlike the normal trees, and with each crack of the bark there was ancient writing inscripted within. With further shock you felt a very distant heartbeat as the fingers ran along the words, faint yet powerful.

By the gods.

“Where have you been hiding all this time?” you whispered to the Tree, tracing the aged trunk. “Your Highness, is everything about the legend true?”

There was no response — you figured he was still star-struck, and you continued to admire the most beautiful force you had ever seen.

It was not until you heard Jisung’s shrill squeak that you turned around.

You felt your soul leave your body.

Because there he was, the one man you dreaded to see. The one man who held Beomgyu’s unconscious body in his hands as he dropped him upon the grass. You noticed the little dart on the side of his neck, and all the blood in your body was drained.

Kim Namjoon.

His answering smirk was more a flash of teeth. “Do you believe me now, ____?”

You backed up against the Tree, eyes darting to the prince. “What did you do to him?” you asked instead, voice void of any emotion.

“That does not matter,” he dismissed. “But of course, it would matter to you now that you’ve attached yourself to him.”

He took a step forward, his ebony machete glinting in the light of the phenomenon behind you. “Stand aside, girl. It is time to make our fortunes.”

On instinct, you stretched a hand out. “I cannot.”

The man was taken aback by your hesitance. “Whatever the gods do you mean?”

Gulping, you tried to steel your will, inhaling slowly. “I cannot let you do it, Namjoon.” Your eyes glanced at the still prince before glaring at the perpetrator. “You won’t get a single branch of the Tree.”

A harsh laugh escaped him, taking a step forward. “Oh, and you’re going to stop me?”

You brought out your own sword — the one which you promised to use on Beomgyu — and raised it toward him. “Do not come any further,” you warned.

It seemed the man was not not going to compromise.

Not when he swung his machete, well on his way to hack you to pieces.

You quickly brought your weapon upon you to deflect his aim, sending him forward, and away from the Tree.

He can try and hurt the Tree of Life.

Easily gaining step, Namjoon mustered his power, ebony sharpening from his fingers as he clashed against you, lightening-fast strikes of his machete having you strained. You never doubted the bastard’s swordsmanship — he was skilled enough to be a general in the King’s royal army.

A shame he chose his fighting for a darker purpose.

You tried to slice the free space of his abdomen, but the man was sharp, quickly dodging as he swerved to the side, another clash of weapons ringing around the forest.

“You cannot beat me, ____!” He roared, one hit after the other, sending you further back.

Taking every hit, you stumbled, gaining your step yet staggering once again with his sword. After all, you could not outsmart the master; he was the man who taught you to fight.

Even so, you refused to give up. “I can die trying!” You seethed as he brought his strength down. His weapon, screeching against your own, slowly descended, closer and closer to your neck.

A harsh groan escaping, you mustered all your strength into sending his machete aside, barely a spare second in your name before you whirled to your left, missing the power blow.

“All this for a bloody tree!” He screeched, thundering towards you. “We would have been rich, you fool!”

Another mighty hit, and you were sent back, averting his strikes with your sword. Because you were so exhausted, your magic would not burst from your hands, adding more power to your weapon. It was your melee strength, nearly all gone, and your nimble feet.

“What is all this for?!” He demanded, slicing at your cloak, cutting through the fabric of your trousers. The clash of weapons continued, faster and faster. “What is worth more than all the riches of the Kingdom?!”

Amidst the brawl, your eyes slipped to the figure before you. Distant, yet instantly recognisable with his eyes closed, and mouth parted, flower crown scattered around his head. Jisung, too, laid injured beside him, watching your fight with fear in his little eyes.

What is all this for?

You only had one person in mind.

But that was not enough.

No, not when that sliver of a second gave Namjoon enough time to strike you, sending his machete straight into your stomach.

A shuddered gasp escaped you as the machete entered through — a burst of pain shot through your entire body, echoing the fatality of your situation. Tears stung your eyes as you dropped your sword, looking at your opponent in the eyes.

The Leader of the Lumberjackals showed no mercy as he yanked out his weapon.

A moan rushed past your lips as you fell to your knees, gripping your blood-gushing stomach. Namjoon gazed down at you with no remorse at all. “Perhaps he was not enough,” he said, cold as metal.

He stepped past you, focusing on the glistening Tree of Life, its white treasures still exalted in the moonlight. Your body, completely spent, could not hold you upright, falling straight into the grass. Straining, you cried out as you stretched your hand out in vain efforts to stop him, but it was simply no use.

You had been defeated.

And now, after witnessing the most perfect element of nature you had ever seen, you were to watch it be decimated.

This is how it ended. You, fumbling for your last breath, your prince nearby and probably dead.

Namjoon raked his eyes over the Tree, grinning wildly. “Oh, you are going to make me the richest man in the Kingdom,” he declared, raising his machete till it hovered just before the bottom of the trunk.

He elevated his voice so you could hear. “Enjoy watching me destroy what you sacrificed yourself for!”

Closing your eyes, you were about to let oblivion take over.

You awaited the sound of his weapon against the bark.

What you heard was something completely different.

An explosion filled your ears as white light, even more blinding than the one before, had you squeezing your eyes further shut. You made out the screams of your once leader as it was drowned out by the eruption, and you tried to see what had so suddenly occurred, only to be greeted with more brazen lights.

What...what was going on?

When the deafening noise quietened, you picked up on the soft crunch of grass, edging closer and closer to you. A compelling force was felt against your dying soul, and you wondered if the Reaper had finally come to take you.

When you felt air-light hands on your abdomen, you did not expect death to be so warm.

Slowly, dragging open your eyes, you prepared yourself to be taken to the afterlife.

What you saw instead was something else entirely.

Something which made even the Tree of Life as a mediocre enchantment.

Looking over you was not human — not with the glowing, shimmering skin, sparkles and shine radiating off its golden, liquid body. Her eyes were white with the same light you had seen twice this evening, fluid locks of hair flowing all around her. Her lips offered a radiant smile, already bringing some life back into you, and her whole body, although similar to yours, was free of attire, exuding the light of a star.

Perhaps you truly were dead.

The being, however, proved you wrong with her words.

“Brave human,” she began, and her velvet voice had you clutching your stomach. “I saw what you did to defend me.”

You tried to open your mouth to tell her that you defended the Tree, but then your eyes dilated at the revelation.

The legend foretold that there lived an otherworldly creature inside its trunk.

But this...this god-like creature was not just a mere girl.

“You sacrificed yourself for my Tree,” she stated, voice echoing across the woodlands. “For my forest, my every creation, despite being an enemy of mine in the past.

“You deserve a token of my gratitude.”

Her voice nearly put you to sleep with the way it lulled in the midnight air. You wondered in your tired mind what she could offer you now that you were breathing your last breath.

Then, you felt her hands upon your stomach.

A loud groan escaped your lips as the torn flesh began to stitch on its own accord, courtesy of the magic which poured from the sublime being. Your whole body worked to heal you, reversing the damage done by your once leader, whose whereabouts you had no inkling of.

The pain, which once tore at every nerve within you, began to fade away, and you opened your eyes further after gaining the strength, fully taking in the earthly spirit which had restored you.

You parted your mouth, voice parched as you rasped out, “I...Beomgyu…”

A heavenly smile curled at her lips. “The prince is fine, soldier. It would take more than a dart to eliminate the heir of the Earth.”

A relieved breath left your lips. You then looked to the being, putting your hands above hers. “I am not who I was,” you whispered.

Mother Nature smiled down at you, and you knew then and there that perhaps the world is not so cruel after all.

“I know, brave human.”

The luminous creature ascended to her feet, letting go of your hands. She dipped her head in acknowledgment, and turned on her heel. Struggling to your side, you watched as the otherworldly figure stepped up to the Tree of Life, looking at you one last time.

Raising a hand to her chin, she blew some magic towards your way, bathing you in sparkles. With a final beam, she slipped into the tree, enlivening the whole structure till it stood straight once again.

You truly could not believe what you saw.

Feeling the glimmer dancing on your skin, however, you knew this was not a figment of your imagination.

Mother Nature saved you from death.

Truly, utterly, ethereal.

Your thoughts were interrupted when you heard soft coughing nearby, and you heaved upward at the sound, your strength all present.

Beomgyu.

Upon your feet, you rushed to where he lay, stumbling from the hurrying as you fell to your knees, hands clinging onto his face. Jisung, his injuries healed from the celestial visit, scurried upon his owner’s chest, waiting for him to awaken.

“Beomgyu?” You murmured out, fingers stroking the soft planes of his cheeks. “Beomgyu, damn you, open your eyes!”

Tilting his face till it faced you, you watched as the prince’s eyes fluttered open, tired and wide and absolutely beautiful.

A trembling breath gasped out of you. “What…” he grated out, rubbing his eyes with his knuckles. “What just...happened?”

You willed the tears in as you caressed his face. “The legend was true.”

His confused gaze had you continuing. “Beomgyu, I saw the celestial creature when I was dying, and she saved me. It was true, Beomgyu, she healed me with her hands and—”

Your rambling ceased when the boy brought his fingers to your face. Warmth flooded your cheeks, and not because of how hot his hands were.

His smile could have easily beaten Mother Nature’s.

“You called me Beomgyu.”

He did not let you respond as he brought your face down to his, tilting it slightly as he pressed his lips against yours, enveloping you in a sweet kiss.

His mouth was warm, just like him, soft and plush, rendering you helpless over him. Your shock was quite prevalent, but you let the affection take over as you kissed him back, hands carding in his curls. He moved against your lips as his fingers stroked down to your jaw, savouring every feathered touch.

When he broke away, his breathing was ragged, cheeks flushed. He saw your own dishevelled gaze and chuckled to himself.

“I think this might be the best birthday present I have ever received.”

The Prince of Regna Terrae laughed some more when you refused to meet his eyes.

You were about to counter him when you heard another, completely new voice.

“You both could have done that without me being here.”

Your stare dove to his chest, to the direction of the sound.

Jisung the squirrel glared at you with the entire irritation of the Kingdom. “Oh what? So now you can hear me?!”

A yelp resounded from you. “How are you talking?!” You screeched. “You’re a bloody animal!”

“Oh, thank you so very much for stating the blatantly obvious!” He drawled, and you could not comprehend the sarcasm that just came from a bloody woodland creature.

You peered at Beomgyu, who was just as surprised as you were, despite his entertained features. “____,” he started, sitting up straighter. “Does this mean—”

Getting to your feet, you looked around the forest, the Tree of Life standing proudly.

It was then you sensed the heartbeat.

Not just your own, or the poppies — but of the entirety of the Kingdom.

Faraway, yet still present, it thumped against your chest like an echo of your own heart, a harmonisation of all the trees, bushes, flowers and animals. It was almost enchanting how it slowly thudded within you, and with such welcome.

Like greeting a friend you had not seen for a long time.

When you caught the Prince’s gaze, his entire face lit up.

Before you could say anymore, you were swept into the boy’s arms, engulfing you with a hug of eternal warmth. His voice rang along your soul as he declared to the whole word.

“Nature has accepted you, ____!”

You heard the clicked tongue of Jisung beneath you, and Beomgyu brought you at arm’s length before sticking out his tongue at his pet.

He looked to you once more, and saw the very emotions you dared not let yourself believe in.

“I knew you were capable of change, sweet jackal.”

The tears, this time, refused to be held back any longer.

The boy melted as he swept away each tumbling drop with his fingers, clutching your face.

As you leaned in this time, kissing him breathlessly, you tasted the smile which flourished upon his lips, drinking in your every essence.

You wondered, thinking away as your heart beat faster, whether this was still a dream, a vision which would end the moment you woke up, back in the cold village you once called your home.

When you felt the presence of the celestial being again, looking down from the branches of the Tree of Life, you knew that this was no delusion.

Pulling away, you turned Beomgyu to the glistening, living structure, both of you catching sight of her.

Mother Nature smiled at her heirs.

The both of you knew it in your hearts, simultaneously beating.

The heirs of Regna Terrae would not let her down.

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