#prayer request for healing the sick
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I need every prayer in the book tonight.
My cat is sick, and I need to take him to the emergency vet, but I cannot afford it because my paycheck hasn't cleared the bank yet.
The vet offered to put him to sleep if I brought him, and that was their only solution.
To kill my ESA. On zero notice. As an autistic human. WITHOUT EVEN SEEING HIM.
I am praying he makes it through the night until the Aid to Animals near me opens. But I am terrified. I am losing my entire mind.
Please. Pray for Reaper. Pray for both of us. I don't know what I will do if I lose him.
I would burn the world to ashes if it meant he gets better.
Please. Please. Please. Just let him live
#tw animal death#tw animal sickness#sick cat#emergency vet my ass#please pray#prayers requested#healing vibes
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A doctor rushing to a small town on horseback, praying diligently to Hermes for safe and speedy travel so that they may make it before the patient is too sick to help. Hermes hearing this - and curious by it. People often ask for safety from thieves. Thieves ask for luck amongst the roads, potential targets to snag and steal. Merchants request shortcuts so they may sell their wares quicker. Rarely does he ever hear prayers for safety, for speed, for luck so that someone may help another.
So he follows silently, a little sparrow soaring above. Slips down from the air to the ground, as tiny as a mouse, and darts rapidly behind running boots. Watches from the corner of a room as a child weakly breathes and a doctor patiently attends to them.
It's interesting to him, the care. He's not yet seen it much in travelers - seen it in families, of course, in friends. But never in strangers. People are wary of those they meet on roads. Strangers on hidden paths, far away from helpful eyes and warrior swords, prickle with potential danger.
And yet...
It's interesting to watch the colour rise back to a pale face, cheeks flushed, lungs drained of fluid and now breathing clearer. A medicinal paste is rubbed into a lanced wound. Clear words, clear instructions.
The doctor stays for a few more days, attending to small ailments, checking in on the child. And then they're off to the next town, praying for safety and speed so they may help those who need it before it's too late.
He follows. He watches. He learns.
It fascinates him. Healing, helping. Traveling roads endlessly to take care of others. Even at cost, it's baffling. The effort, the drive - how do they manage it? Aren't they tired?
All travelers settle down eventually. Nomadic lifestyles run thin as age impacts movement. Energy. And yet on and on this doctor roams. And others soon follow.
Please, Lord Hermes, they whisper into rushing wind, please let me make it in time. Before someone falls prey to Death's cold scythe. I just want to help.
Okay, he whispers back, inaudible to their ears but not to their growing spirit. Run, my child. You will make it. You will help.
#was thinking about how the cadauceus is the symbol of medicine when it should be the rod of Asclepius#but also my belief that since doctors often traveled from town to town they were under hermes's guidance just as traveling merchants were#and travel is still normal for medicine!! traveling nurses are still a thing you know#and doctors who go overseas to perform medicial procedures in impoverished places that dont have access to that kinda care#happy talks greek mythos#hermes#he's curious and he follows and he learns
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"suffering and the promise of a radiant tomorrow"
body guard: Misha/Mikhail
Coming from Siberia, the great man took care of his sisters and his sick father in the icy mountains, and at that time due to lack of resources things began to get difficult due to persecution during the war, after taking refuge, Misha does not see There is no alternative but to join the group of assassins to keep your family well, and in the middle of your daily prayers a deity listens to your request and in return will give you healing in your hands.
/////////
Heavy continues to be strong, he just seeks to protect those he cares about like his family, now his team of assassins.
He knows first aid, that's why he carries a bag full of equipment, he's like a tank, he can be the front of his team.
Sorry for the delay in posting this, I'm making the other assassins (they here in this AU are not mercenaries).
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Bedeviled | Chapter 12b: Apple (continued)
warnings for this part *contains SPOILERS*: suGgEsTive content, summoning demons (do not), pregnancy, miscarriage, severe depression, manipulation, major heart break I'm sorry, sickness, death, loss, mentions of torture.
this part can get heavy, pls read at your own discretion.
WC part 2: 13.2k
read 12a first...HERE
Just as you suspected, Jungkook spent every waking hour hunting down any and every little thing that might lead him closer to a way to stop the curse.
He spoke to people in the village, who led him to the towns over, who then led him to the towns just a few further down.
Yoongi stayed with you a lot upon Jungkook’s request. He didn’t want to leave you alone, but he refused to give up. There wasn’t any effort he didn’t go to trying to save you.
There were many tears.
Many nights full of enraged screaming when it was thought no one could hear the soul behind the desperate cries for help, when he was all on his own; looking at the stupid fire he made to keep himself warm on the nights he was away, looking for help.
He didn’t bother throwing those thoughts into the flames. They were what kept him going.
-
You already had your fill of rage and sorrow over the past year; although it still ate at you internally, turning your stomach to knots every waking moment.
Jungkook, on the other hand, continuously held out hope that perhaps he was trapped in a nightmare that he would soon wake from.
He would go to you, and you would not be worn down with the symptoms that continued to grow worse. The dark circles under your eyes would not be there, only the beautiful shining light in your irises that could chase away even the nastiest storm.
You would not be sitting on the floor and trying to figure out how to draw to pass the time, but instead, running through the sunlit forest and climbing the apple tree.
He would find you in the clearing and wait just for a moment.
A few seconds to admire the beauty in front of him, the sun shining on your fingers as they reached for the clouds.
You would smile at him.
And everything would be okay.
And he would love you.
-
The next year passed much like that, Jungkook never resting.
He would come back bearing ointments claiming to cure any ailment, prayers that would heal even the sickest. Nothing worked. You could see it wearing him down, the dark circles under his eyes growing each night he didn’t sleep.
“Jungkook, please stop this.”
He looked at you from where he was finishing putting together a satchel.
“What do you mean?” He asked, turning back to tighten the clasp before swinging it over his shoulder.
“You know what I mean,” You whispered, frustration building up inside you.
You were so tired, all you wanted was to be with him.
He had missed your seventeenth birthday, and if he left again, you were going to miss his nineteenth. The poor boy was in tears for days after not getting back until the day after your birthday. The guilt consumed him for weeks, he almost couldn’t handle it.
You really didn’t want to see him like that again.
“I found something, I know it’ll work this time.”
“What is it?” You gritted out between clenched teeth.
“Something that even the curse can’t fight,” He sounded more hopeful than he had in months, “It will work, Apple.”
You stared at him with furrowed brows, “What is it?”
“A flame,” He said quietly, not looking you in the eye.
“What kind of flame?”
He finally looked at you, “It doesn’t matter-”
“It does to me.”
Jungkook sighed, “It’s called the Flame of Immortality. If you just trust me-”
“What?” You were beyond confused and more than a little stressed out, “That sounds like trouble, Jungkook…how did you come to know about this?”
He looked at you steadily before whispering, “Desperation will lead you to many secrets.”
You swallowed, “Don’t. I don’t want you to-”
“Apple, you can’t just tell me not to-”
“I don’t want to be immortal!” You were getting frantic, “Not without you-”
“It might work on two people, I won’t know until I learn more.”
After a moment of tense silence, he said quietly, “I’m not going to give up.”
“I’m not asking you to,” You took a deep breath, “I just-...”
It was silent save for your heavy breathing. You put a hand to your head, the room suddenly feeling as if it was tilting.
“Apple?”
You didn’t answer him, focusing too hard on not toppling over. Despite your best efforts, you fell forward, quickly losing consciousness.
Jungkook caught you before you could tumble off the bed, holding you in his arms as he lowered to the ground.
You came to a minute later, curled up in his lap as he hugged you.
“I’ve got you,” He whispered tearfully, hand caressing your hair.
“Jungkook,” You spoke quietly.
“Mm?”
“I miss my best friend,” You gripped his clothes tightly in your fist, “Please, don’t leave me again.”
He closed his eyes, a few tears sliding down his cheeks as he put his chin on your head, holding you close.
“Okay.”
He sounded so defeated.
You hated to make him feel like that, but you were scared to be alone. You didn’t want him to leave anymore, especially because you really didn’t know how much longer you had.
“I love you,” You whispered, messing with the sash on his waist as you continued to rest in his hold.
“I love you too, Apple.”
You smiled and closed your eyes, breathing deeply.
“Can we climb the apple tree?”
He gulped, hating that he was unsure of granting your request. After a minute, he couldn’t bear the thought of denying you.
“Of course.”
-
He held your hand the whole way there.
“Want to swing first?” His voice was pitched higher, clearly trying to sound more positive. You smiled at the old swing, the rope handles fraying a little.
“Yes, please.”
You sat down, giggling as he pushed you gently, your hands gripping the rope tightly. You looked over to the bush where you always imagined the invisible person to be and smiled.
I’m okay.
They knew you would be.
Then you looked up towards the sky, seeing a few rain clouds floating.
Don’t cry for me, I’m okay.
The grass was soft against your feet.
Jungkook helped you climb up to your sitting spot, settling in across from you and smiling at the pure joy on your sweet face.
The wind was gentle on your sensitive skin.
“What are you thinking about?” He asked after watching you smile at the clouds for a few minutes. You looked at him, a light in your eyes that hadn’t been there for over two years.
“I want to get married.”
His heart clenched in his chest, “You do?” He whispered.
You nodded, practically glowing.
___________________
The wedding had taken place in Jungkook’s old home. Tradition was to do it in the bride’s home, but that wasn’t an option.
You saw her that day, before the ceremony. She passed by as you were walking through the village. There wasn’t a single sign that she cared you were there. She simply walked on, not even sparing you a glance.
That was the last time you ever saw your mother.
-
Jungkook was his sweet and gentle self the whole day. By the time you got back to the shed, you were practically vibrating with joy. The wedding ceremony was beautiful, all you could’ve ever wanted.
Your wedding night was even more so, and the next morning, he was right by your side.
“Happy birthday,” You whispered with a smile as he kissed your forehead.
“Thank you,” He scrunched his nose at you, then he leaned down and placed a sleepy kiss on your lips, “How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay, Jungkook.”
He knew you were, but that didn’t calm his fears.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been happier,” You whispered, gaze never leaving his beautiful dark eyes. The way you looked at him like he was your whole world made his heart ache.
“I know I haven’t,” He whispered back playfully, making you laugh.
_________
It was only a few weeks after your wedding that Jungkook left again.
He hadn’t told you.
In fact, he had purposely made Yoongi go and distract you. You were almost hysterical when you figured out what happened, your cousin had to physically keep you from storming out of the shed.
It wasn’t a rundown abandoned shack anymore; Jungkook had worked on it since you left your mother’s and stayed there. He worked tirelessly with you helping where you could- mostly holding things for him and being his emotional support buddy- until it felt like a home; somewhere you two could live comfortably for many years.
It didn’t feel like home that day. You were so angry with him for leaving you alone again.
Yoongi tried to calm you, tried to explain how Jungkook must be feeling; his wife and best friend slowly dying and there was nothing he could do to stop it.
“He said he wouldn’t leave!” You cried into your hands, “He lied to me!”
“____,” Yoongi held your shoulders, “If he thought you would die without him, he would not have gone. He has hope, you need to let him give some to you, too.”
You clenched your jaw, fighting the tears back.
You felt betrayed.
If you were in his place, you wouldn’t give up either. But you could feel yourself slipping away. You wouldn’t be able to fight it much longer.
Your body was tired, more than you let on. No matter how much you told it to woman up and be strong, it continued to fail.
At that point, it was normal for you to have fainting episodes daily.
You didn’t let your cousin know, but your legs had begun to swell a little in the past few weeks. Your husband never hesitated to rub them gently in the mornings to help with the swelling.
You wouldn’t have told him either, but of course he noticed. He was married to you.
Jungkook meant well by leaving, but he promised you he wouldn’t, and he broke that promise.
You would never forgive him if he left you to die alone.
-
Jungkook lit the fire, then stepped back, holding the herbs tightly in his sweaty fist.
Out of nowhere, there was a sudden whisper of warning somewhere to his right, making him flinch and look over. There was a slight breeze, rustling the leaves. When he saw no one, he turned back to the task at hand.
Closing his eyes, he gulped as he tossed the bundle into the fire, whispering the words he was told to say.
A moment passed, but nothing felt different.
He opened his eyes, anger seeping into his chest as the tears burned; threatening to spill.
That old man was just insane, he should never have listened-
“Well if it isn’t another desperate little human.”
Jungkook flinched and turned around, coming face to face with a tall dark-haired man; his beauty unnatural. There were large black feathered wings upon his back, resting while not in flight.
“Are you a demon?” Jungkook whispered, his eyes falling to the tattoo on the man’s bicep.
A white rose…dead, and being strangled by a serpent.
“I’m not just a demon,” He whispered with a smirk, “I’m the demon.”
Jungkook wasn’t sure what he meant.
“Lucifer,” He practically hissed as he observed the human in front of him, “And you are?”
“Jungkook.”
“Well, Jungkook,” The demon called Lucifer smiled menacingly.
There was a split second where Jungkook saw him glance over his shoulder as if seeing something behind him, then his smile grew, “What can I do for you?”
The young man swallowed, “I need the Flame of Immortality.”
“I see. And what use would that be to you?”
“There’s someone I need to save,” Jungkook whispered.
Lucifer chuckled darkly, “Typical. And you think the Flame will save them?”
“It has to,” Jungkook grit his teeth, “I don’t have any other choice.”
“Well,” The tall man leaned closer, “What if you did?”
“What?”
“What if you had another choice, human. Would you take it?”
Jungkook blinked, then nodded, “If it means I can save her, then yes.”
The demon smirked as he watched the despicable mortal become more and more helpless even as they just stood there. Tears formed in his eyes, then slid down his cheek.
“What on earth did the big man do to you and your poor girl?” Lucifer whispered, feigning pity.
“She was cursed,” Jungkook wiped his nose, “She’s dying. I- I can’t live without her-”
He burst into tears and fell to his knees, heart aching more than it ever had as reality came crashing down on him.
If this didn’t work, he was going to lose you.
The demon watched him with a glint in his eye and a smirk on his handsome face, “What if I told you that I can cure her, and you won’t even need the Flame.”
Jungkook looked at him with wide eyes, “Can you?”
“Most definitely.”
“Please,” Jungkook choked out, “Please break the curse.”
“Oh, it isn’t a curse, silly boy.”
He looked up at the demon in confusion, “But-”
“It’s something she was born with,” He waved a hand dismissively, “A mere disease.”
“Oh,” Jungkook wiped at his eyes again, “But you can take it away?”
“Of course.”
Jungkook felt his heart rate increase as he realized that he had finally done it. He found a way to save you.
He broke down into sobs, “Please help me-”
"And what will you give me?"
There was another warning in his ear, frantic and pleading. Just a faint breath in the wind.
“Don’t do it.”
Jungkook trembled, his hands clasped as he tried to contain his tears enough to speak.
"I- I'll give you anything, just please save her-"
"Anything?"
The young man nodded frantically, bowing his head, "Whatever you wa-"
"How about your soul? A life for a life."
Jungkook was startled at that, looking back up at the demon.
"M-my soul?"
A simple nod in reply, nothing else. No negotiations.
He gulped.
An image of you smiling at him, only four years old as you held the apple out, came to his mind.
“Jungkook, please-”
He nodded shakily, forcing himself to ignore the voice that whispered its last warning, "Ok."
A smirk spread on Lucifer’s face as he crossed his arms, the tattoo of the dead rose on his outer bicep stretching as he did, "Looks like we have a deal.”
-
You blinked your eyes open, taking in a deep breath.
Was it morning already?
Sitting up, you rubbed at your eyes before looking around your tiny little home. You slept better than you had been for a while; it must be the bed that Jungkook spent almost a week making. He said it was long overdue, humble and shy as always when you praised his hard work.
You took another deep breath in, blowing it out in a large puff.
Just before getting out of the bed, your eyes landed on a beetle crawling across the covers. At first, you almost jumped out of the bed screaming.
After a moment to calm yourself, you looked at the small thing, minding its own business as it walked along slowly. It really wasn’t very big, maybe half the size of your pinky nail. Leaning down to look closer, you saw pretty gold patterns along its back, a vibrant green peeking out here and there.
“Oh, you’re quite pretty,” You whispered. The beetle paid you no mind as it continued on its way.
“You’ll die in here,” You said softly, gathering your bravery and leaning over to brush it gently into your hand, “There’s no food for you.”
It sat still in your palm, not moving as you brought it closer to get a better look. You smiled, keeping it safely in your left hand as you pushed the covers from you with your right and swung your legs around to get off the bed.
Just as you were moving to hop down, something made you freeze.
Your brows furrowed as you leaned down to look at your legs. Had the swelling gone down overnight? They looked…normal.
The past week, they had kept getting more swollen each day, to the point it was painful to walk. You never told Yoongi, and it was easy enough to keep it hidden under your long skirts. There was no reason to worry him. You had a feeling he knew that your time was coming soon anyway. He just refused to believe it.
You looked back at the beetle in your hand, “What do you think?”
Lowering your hand so he could see your legs, you gave him a moment to consider, then you brought him back up, “Do they look swollen to you?” After a moment, you nodded, “That’s what I thought too…we better get you outside.”
Once your bare feet hit the floor, you almost flinched at the fact that pain didn’t shoot through your legs at the contact. You had been expecting it.
Your eyes widened as you looked down, seeing your toes against the wooden floor. The simple white night dress hung down to mid shin, showing how normal your calves looked.
Taking in a long breath, you felt your lungs expand.
It didn’t hurt to breathe.
Tears sprung to your eyes as you looked at your little friend. Excitement that you were going to have a good day filled you as you couldn’t help but laugh. Without another thought, you ran out of the shed and into the sunlight.
The moment you stepped onto the velvety grass, you stopped short, still holding the beetle.
Twenty feet in front of you, Jungkook was there.
He looked worn out, but there was a smile on his face at the sight of you first thing after walking all day and night to get home.
Carefully, you bent down and shooed the beetle onto a leaf, then you straightened up and stared at the person you had feared you might not get to see again.
A few moments of silence passed, the two of you just looking at each other.
“Hi, Apple.” He finally whispered.
You didn’t say anything, just broke into a run.
He caught you as you flung yourself into him, tears springing to his eyes as he wrapped his arms around you and lifted you from the ground. Wrapping your legs around his waist, you hugged him as tight as you could.
“I missed you,” He mumbled into your neck.
You couldn’t respond, all you could do was breathe shakily, never wanting to let go.
Jungkook adjusted so that his hands were under your bottom so he could better hold you. Once he felt you were secure, he carried you back inside your home and sat on the bed. Still, you said nothing, you just kept your head tucked into the space between his neck and shoulder, not moving yourself from his lap.
After a few more moments, you whispered, “I thought I was never going to see you again.”
Jungkook caressed your hair gently, “I’m sorry. I couldn’t just sit around and do nothing.”
“I know,” You sniffled.
His hands ran along your sides and down your legs, pushing the nightgown up so he could run his palms along your thighs. He had missed your warmth for weeks, it felt almost unreal finally being back in your arms.
As he was running his hands up and down along the length of your legs, he suddenly stopped. You pulled back to see a look of confusion on his face as he glanced down to where his hand rested on your ankle.
“What is it?” You asked.
“Lay down for me for a second.”
You weren’t sure what he was getting at, but you still crawled off his lap and onto the bed. As soon as you were off of him, he turned around and looked at your legs, holding your ankle and slightly pushing up your skirt to better see them.
Your cheeks warmed.
It had been weeks since you two had done anything.
“Apple,” His voice sounded weak with emotion as his eyes flitted back to yours, “Can you take a deep breath for me, love?”
He watched closely as you took in a big breath, your chest expanding and deflating as you did so. Not a single cough passed your lips.
As you took another breath, you saw tears in his eyes, a look of pure disbelief on his face.
“You’re okay?”
“Hm?”
“Your leh-...your legs aren’t swollen,” He whispered, warm hand caressing your calf once more, “And you took a breath and it…it didn’t hurt you?”
You shook your head with a small smile, “It didn’t hurt me.”
“It worked,” He breathed, looking back into your eyes.
Your eyes shifted back and forth between his.
“What do you mean?”
“The curse...it’s gone.”
“Jungkook, what are you saying-”
Your words got cut off when he leaned down and pressed his lips to yours.
Laying back on the bed, you sighed into his mouth as he climbed over you, hands back to pushing at your dress.
You didn’t understand what had gotten into him or why he was crying as he ran his thumb in circles on your bare waist, deepening the kiss as he did. Whatever was going on, you weren’t going to fight it.
Jungkook’s breath shuddered as he moved back to look at you, then he leaned down again, unable to get enough of the taste of your lips.
Whatever would happen to him, it didn’t matter.
You were going to live.
-
At first, you didn’t believe him when he explained that you were no longer cursed. But as the weeks passed by and you only felt more and more alive, it started to hit.
He never said what really happened in detail, only that he found a cure. He didn’t know it was going to work until he came home and saw you.
Jungkook never hesitated to do anything with you. He wasn’t going to take time for granted ever again. There wasn’t a day in the following months that you didn’t go outside and run around, climbing trees and making him take you out on the boat.
Each day you felt stronger, even more so than before the symptoms started. It was like life was surging through you at new levels and shining from within. He could see the light in your eyes, the glow in your sweet face.
You were going to live.
____________________________________
It was May; Jungkook’s favorite month.
It was the month of your birth, nothing could ever top it. The world seemed a little brighter, a little more colorful; just a bit more full of purpose. You turned eighteen in the middle of the month, but the start of that day wasn’t as fun as you thought it would be. That morning you didn’t feel well. The two weeks leading up to your birthday you weren’t feeling well either.
You had missed your monthly course, but didn’t mention it to Jungkook. It was probably just late.
Jungkook was worried sick when it seemed you were constantly feeling nauseous in the mornings. He was terrified that the disease had come back. You assured him that you were fine, that it didn’t feel like it did before. You just ate something bad and it would let up soon.
But on your birthday when you couldn’t even keep rice down during breakfast, saying that it smelt funny and you couldn’t eat it, he insisted something was wrong. He had been begging you to go to the village and be seen for a while, in case it was something serious, but you hadn’t wanted to.
“Apple, please. Even if it’s just for me, to put my mind at ease,” He pleaded with you that morning for the hundredth time.
“Okay,” You sighed, “If you’ll feel better, I’ll do it.”
“Thank you,” He kissed you on the forehead, “Can I take you there on my way?”
You nodded, letting him help you up from the floor.
-
You smiled at Jungkook’s mother when she opened the door.
“Why, ____! How wonderful to see you!” She pulled you into a hug, smiling at her son over your shoulder.
“It’s so good to see you,” You whispered, hugging her back.
“I need to go to the town for some supplies, today is the only time I can,” Jungkook said before looking at you pointedly, “Apple wants to speak with you, if that’s alright.”
His mother ushered you inside, “Anytime, my dear. We’ll see you later, Jungkook!” Then she shut the thin door, not sparing another word for him.
He chuckled, shaking his head as he went on his way.
-
“My, how long has it been?” Your mother-in-law poured some tea into a small cup for you, smiling as you thanked her.
“At least a few months,” You said sadly, “I’m sorry I haven’t visited you.”
“Oh nonsense, nonsense,” She waved off your apology, “You two are meant to be enjoying time with each other, not worrying about coming back to this place.”
You knew she was never a fan of the people around here either. But she did a lot of good in the village with her knowledge of medicine.
“What did you want to talk about?” She asked before sipping her tea.
You took a drink of yours before clearing your throat a little, “I’ve been feeling a little off these days. Jungkook insisted I come to you.”
She laughed, “Of course, he did.”
You laughed with her, both of you knowing how stubborn he could be.
“Tell me about what’s been going on, dear.”
-
“Hey, I was expecting you to be at mother’s still,” Jungkook said as he came in the door of your home, “It scared me when you weren’t there.”
“Sorry,” You whispered, eyes locked on your hands.
“What’s wrong?” He set his things down on the table and walked over to kneel in front of you, “She said it was nothing to worry about when I asked. But she wouldn’t tell me, she insisted I come back and hear it from you.”
“I-...” You bit your lip, excitement bubbling up in your tummy as you finally raised your eyes to his.
It was the best gift you could’ve gotten for your birthday.
He smiled gently.
You scanned his face, wondering if they would have his doe eyes, or his sweet pink lips.
“We’re going to have a baby,” You whispered, biting the tips of your fingers, a smile slipping out even as you tried to keep it contained.
The complete and utter shock on his face made you laugh.
“Really?” He finally whispered, his eyes staring into yours.
You nodded, eyes shining as you took his hand and placed it on your stomach.
“I told you I was okay,” You said quietly, scrunching your nose at him.
Jungkook’s gaze fell to where his hand rested on you, where your child was growing. You watched happily as he closed his eyes, a few tears spilling down his cheeks.
After a moment of silence, he leaned forward, placing both hands on your lower back and pressing a kiss to your stomach, making you giggle at the ticklish feeling.
“I love you,” He whispered as he looked up at you.
You pushed the hair out of his face, smile never dimming as you whispered the words back to him.
-
If Jungkook was over protective before, he was even more so after finding out that you were with child.
Instead of climbing the apple tree, he pushed you gently on the swing when you wanted to be outside. You would sit on the ground, leaning your back against the tree and messing with the silky grass with your bare feet, giggling at the feeling between your toes. He would sit with you, chuckling at your antics as he handed you an apple, watching as you munched on it happily.
“How are you feeling?”
You answered the question over a hundred times every single day, but you didn’t mind. You would just laugh and tell him you felt amazing. There was never a time in your life that you had been happier.
Only three years ago, you were told you would most likely be dead before you even reached your twentieth birthday.
You never thought you would be nearly four months pregnant with your first child at eighteen and married to your best friend. You didn’t know what happened to change things, but not a single day passed that you didn’t thank whoever was watching over you.
-
“How-”
“Am I feeling?” You laughed quietly at the young man who was getting ready for bed and worrying his pretty little head off about you as usual while he did so.
Jungkook gave you a look, which made you laugh harder.
“I’m just checking,” He whispered as he climbed into bed, nudging your nose with his, “Scoot over.”
You did as he asked, blushing when you saw him watching you with a smile as you struggled to make room. “What?”
“You’re just cute,” He laughed.
Covering your face with your hands, you turned away from him.
“Stop,” You whined as he fought with you to uncover your face.
“Ugh, you’re so annoying,” He pouted, then smiled again as he placed a hand on your small baby bump.
The way your belly had started to grow was so endearing to him, a physical reminder of the life inside of you. Even as you hid, he pushed your nightgown up and over your tummy so he could place kisses along the skin that stretched slightly to start to accommodate his baby girl.
“I love you, Aera,” He whispered to your belly before kissing it again as you took your hands from your face, smiling at his words.
“You really think it’s a girl, huh?”
“Only because it is,” Jungkook stuck his tongue out at you. You thought so too, so you didn’t argue. Jungkook had picked the name, saying it came to him in a dream.
You loved it and there was never another thought as to what she would be called. It was perfect.
He moved up until he could kiss your lips, whispering against them, “Love you, sweet girl.”
“I love you, too,” you ran your fingers through his hair, “Jungkook?”
“Mm?”
“Thank you.”
“For what, love?”
You swallowed, “For saving me.”
It was the thousandth time you had thanked him.
His smile was warm like honey, “You saved me first.”
-
It was August.
It was the eighteenth day of August.
The sun was bright, but it wasn’t too hot. There was a slight breeze, just enough to cool what heat the sun did provide.
You ate rice that morning, feeling better since the sickness in the mornings weren't present the past week.
You washed some garments early in the afternoon. Jungkook insisted he could do it, but you asked him if you could do at least a few things. You wanted to do something, you wanted to be helpful.
He couldn’t stop you from arranging the roses he brought for you from the bush on the small table, tucked into the vase that Taehyung had given to you after your wedding.
“I’m fine,” You brushed him away with a laugh as he hovered over you while you folded the clothes that were dry after hanging outside since the day before, “I’m sitting, Jungkook!”
“I know,” He sighed, shifting nervously on his feet as he watched you, “I just don’t want you to overdo it.”
“Jungkook,” You gave him an unimpressed look, “I have not felt this good in months. I have barely done anything. All I’m doing is sitting and folding, it takes barely any effort.”
“I know,” He said again, but finally sounded like he might be calming as a small smile appeared on his face. After a few minutes in comfortable silence as you folded and he worked on his most recent project, he spoke up.
“Are you hungry?”
You thought about it for a minute, then shook your head, “No, not really. You eat if you’re hungry though.”
He pouted, standing up and grabbing a pear from the small basket sitting atop the chest, “I don’t like eating when you’re not.”
You chuckled, shaking your head at his silliness.
“How are they coming along?” You asked, trying to distract him.
Jungkook immediately brightened and walked over to pick up his newest work, bringing them to you and setting them gently in your lap, “They’re finished.”
You gasped at the most adorable little booties you had ever seen. It was clear he had spent time and a great deal of love on them.
“Jungkook, these are so beautiful!”
He blushed, “Beautiful enough for our little girl?”
“Oh, certainly,” You smiled at him, holding the little shoes to your chest in a tiny hug, “She’s going to be so grateful to have a daddy that loves her so much.”
Jungkook breathed out an embarrassed chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck as he smiled at you.
-
It was August.
It was the eighteenth day of August.
The sun had set. It was cool, but not enough to be uncomfortable as you settled into bed, pulling the covers up to your chin.
Jungkook was outside speaking with Taehyung, but you were exhausted, so you went to bed early. The three of you had been sitting around the fire, chatting.
You had no worries. You didn’t toss any worries into the fire that night.
You went to bed early.
It was just over an hour later when you woke up, wincing at the foreign pain in your abdomen. Breathing deeply didn’t help. You sat up, a small grunt of pain leaving your lips as you did.
“Ah,” You tried to take another breath, but it only began to hurt more.
Looking over to the door, you could see the glow of the fire still burning through the cracks.
“Jungkook,” You called weakly, wincing.
Something was wrong.
There was a warm feeling between your legs. You lifted the covers but couldn’t see anything. So, you reached a hand down, brows creasing when your fingers came away wet.
“Jungkook,” You called out again, fear settling in your heart, “Jungkook!”
The door opened and you saw him walk in, concern clear on his face at your hollering.
“Apple, what’s wrong?”
“I- I don’t know,” You began to cry, “It hurts.”
It was the eighteenth day of August.
You remembered only fear and pain, the sound of Jungkook screaming for Taehyung to get his mother.
The feeling of strong arms lifting you from the bed and hurrying out of the front door.
The moon was bright on the eighteenth day of August.
You could see it shining through the leaves as they blurred past. He was whispering for you to hold on. You were terrified.
There were no clouds in the night sky, but the stars were shining.
The world felt cold.
There were no clouds, you couldn’t see them.
You wondered if they could see you.
You wondered if they wept for you.
-
“Apple?”
You looked up from the small blanket in your hands.
Jungkook wasn’t sure if you were looking at him or through him. He swallowed thickly, his heart bleeding as he walked over and sat on the floor in front of you. Slowly, he took the blanket from you, but you didn’t react.
“I’ve got some food for you, love.”
You said nothing. He took a steadying breath, then picked up the bowl of porridge and dipped your favorite wooden spoon into it, getting a good amount.
“Open.”
You did nothing but look at the dirt on his clothes.
“Apple, open your mouth.”
Finally, you listened, albeit slowly. He carefully placed the spoon past your lips, patient as ever while you swallowed. It was only a few spoonfuls that day. But it was more than the day before, where you hadn’t eaten a single thing.
“You did well,” He whispered as he set the still almost full bowl down next to him, “I’m proud of you.”
There was a faint smile on your face at his words, but your eyes were empty. Jungkook closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
It had been two months since that night, since you lost the baby. You weren’t the same since.
He hadn’t been well either, but he couldn’t let himself check out like he wanted to. Not if he wouldn’t be there to take care of you.
Every night, he cried more tears than he thought physically possible. His baby girl was gone, his best friend slipping away from him soon after.
He wasn’t sure how much he could handle before he followed suit.
-
It was not until six months after the loss, that you began to come out of it. All those months were nothing but a blur to you. You had no control over anything during it. All you could remember was the color gray. It was like you had forgotten everything; how to eat, how to sleep, how to breathe.
You certainly didn’t know how to live.
You weren’t supposed to live.
That plagued you every moment of those months. The guilt of giving Jungkook something so wonderful only to take it away again. You hated yourself. It felt like you had failed as a mother.
You hurt your best friend because your body couldn’t do what it was made to do.
By the time you came out of it, you were so ridden with guilt that you almost couldn’t handle it. Not only because of the miscarriage, but because you realized what you put him through for all that time. He didn’t even get to grieve.
“I’m sorry,” You whispered, eyes glued to the empty vase by the door.
Jungkook looked at you from where he kneeled by the chest, just finishing putting a few things away.
“Apple-”
“No,” You choked out, “You don’t have to comfort me. I should’ve been there for you. I shouldn't have let you suffer alone.”
He sighed and stood up, walking over to be in front of you, “I don’t blame you for that.”
“I do,” You wiped at your eyes, “And I’m so sorry. Please forgive me-”
“There is nothing to forgive,” He leaned down and kissed your forehead, “Do you really believe you chose to be trapped in that state of mind?”
After a moment, you shook your head.
It happened instantly. One moment you were going to sleep while your husband and friend talked outside, the next moment the world was gray and you couldn’t do anything.
You lost six months of time, it was not your choice.
But you still felt horrible.
A few nights later, you held him as he cried.
You dried his tears, finally able to be there for him when he needed you.
-
You opened your eyes to see the roof of the small shack right in front of you.
A smile broke out on your face as you sat up in bed and looked to the side to see the sun shining through the window in a golden stream dancing across the dirty floor.
The bed creaked when you climbed off of it, rubbing your sore limbs as you walked over to the tiny table that Jungkook placed in the corner, smiling at the vase of flowers sitting there, as pretty as always.
The roses must be blooming.
You sat in one of the two wooden chairs, rubbing your eyes before sniffing the air.
Something smells good.
You stood and walked over to the door to step outside, squinting as the bright sun wished you a good morning, shining its blinding light into your eyes.
“Hi, love.”
You grinned at the young man who was busy cooking something over the fire, his bunny smile directed at you the second you came out.
“Hi,” You croaked, morning voice betraying you.
“Are you hungry?”
“Very,” You laughed lightly.
Jungkook stood up, dusting off his clothes before walking over and placing a kiss on your cheek.
“Good, the food will be ready soon. Oh, and Taehyung is coming over.”
“Really?” Your eyes lit up at the news. You hadn’t seen him in far too long.
Jungkook nodded as he tucked a stray hair behind your ear, then he took your hand and pressed a kiss to your finger, right where your ring rested.
-
When Taehyung came, he was relieved to see the two of you in better spirits. It had been over a year since you lost the baby. He wished he could erase that night from his own memory, the thought of being one of you in that situation was unimaginable.
Jungkook was to be turning twenty-one in only a few days, and you were nineteen. Both of you had seen far too much grief in life already.
It was the first time he had seen you after coming out of the stupor you were in for half a year.
You were taken by surprise when Taehyung immediately went to you and pulled you into a hug. Putting your arms around him, you hugged him back.
“It’s good to see you again, little bird,” He whispered after pulling back. You weren’t aware that the last time he saw you, your gaze had been so vacant that he wasn’t sure you had even seen or heard him. You were sitting on the bed, looking at the vase he had gifted to you and never elsewhere.
-
Taehyung stayed with you two for a few days, spending Jungkook’s birthday there.
The day after he left, you were sitting in the swing, pushing yourself back and forth slowly. The leaves on the trees were beginning to change color.
You smiled sadly at the sight of a tiny leaf sitting right next to a larger one.
Even time could never heal some wounds.
“Your daddy’s birthday was fun,” You whispered, pushing the swing back again, “He would have loved to spend it with you.”
It was unclear exactly when you had started to speak with her while you were alone. You refused to believe she couldn’t hear you.
Maybe she was sitting with the invisible person or climbing the apple tree as you swung below it.
“We love you, a lot,” You looked over to the little bush that you had always felt was where they sat to talk with you. It felt different.
Standing up from the swing, you slowly walked over, holding out a hand. Ever so gently, you touched a little leaf hanging from one of the skinny branches. If you listened close enough, you thought maybe you could hear the sound of tiny laughter.
You turned around, looking at the forest around you, listening as hard as you could. Then there was the sound of a twig snapping, which made you turn again to see the newcomer.
“Jungkook. You startled me.”
“Sorry,” He smiled at you as he came closer, “I thought you might have been out here.”
You nodded, smiling at the swing.
Part of you wanted to tell him what you had been doing, for years even, back when it started with the invisible person. Perhaps it might bring him some comfort as well. You weren’t sure why you felt a bit self-conscious though. Nevertheless, you didn’t say anything.
“Did I interrupt something?” Jungkook asked, sensing that you were a little distracted.
You shook your head with a laugh, “Not at all.”
Taking his hand, you turned to walk back with him as he excitedly told you about the meal he had prepared.
There was no special occasion, he informed you, it was just because he wanted to do something for you. You had done so many things for him since you were little without needing a reason, always saying you just wanted to.
You laughed at his rambling as you walked, swinging your joined hands back and forth. Only once, you turned and looked over your shoulder at the swing that moved slightly in the breeze.
If you looked close enough, you thought you might see her.
Long black hair flowing down her back as she swung back and forth. Tiny hands were gripping the rope tightly. There were pale yellow wings, like that of a bird, on her back. Her little legs kicked under the swing.
You couldn’t see her face, only a small glimpse of her very small nose when she looked to the side and laughed at something. There was a child’s voice whispering on the wind, but you couldn’t hear what they were saying. A moment later, you realized what it was.
“I’m okay, mommy.”
You blinked, and she was gone.
-
“I wish you wouldn’t go.”
Jungkook bit his lip at your words, feeling terrible.
“I’m sorry,” He whispered, “I promised her I’d accompany her to the Cho’s, she wants to be there by the end of the week at the earliest.”
You smiled, brushing it off, “I know, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad for wanting to help your mother. I just wish the Cho’s lived closer.”
“So do I.”
“It can’t be helped,” You laughed quietly, “Your mother is too talented for her own good, pretty soon people will insist she multiply herself and live in each of their towns to help.”
He laughed, “She would do it too, if she could.”
-
You walked with him to the village to bid her farewell. She was so kind, it always brightened your day to see her.
“I’ll try not to keep him too long,” She promised with a wink.
You laughed, “Oh, keep him as long as you like. Make him do all the work.” Jungkook shook his head with a smile as you and his mother tittered, as if sharing jokes he was no part of.
“You better go,” You gave her one last hug, “I don’t want you two traveling at night.”
His mother kissed you on the forehead sweetly, “Always so thoughtful. I will see you later, my dear.”
“Be safe,” You smiled warmly at her before turning to Jungkook. He leaned down and kissed the tip of your nose, pulling back with a smile.
“Is that all I get?” You whispered teasingly as his mother pretended to be busy with counting the things she was bringing.
He only smirked, giving you a little wink as he backed away, “See you soon, Apple.”
-
He was meant to be gone for nine days.
It wasn’t a quick journey to the town a few over; three days each way. And he was going to help his mother get settled for her two months stay.
The first few days were a little lonely, but on the fourth day, Yoongi came to see you. It felt like forever since you had seen him.
You sat and talked for hours on end, wanting to know every little thing that he had been doing. He told you all about the research he was doing on agriculture, and how he finally understood your love for nature. He also told you about the girl he was courting, much to his embarrassment at admitting how strongly he felt for her.
It was wonderful. You had been so close as kids, growing up always made people and things grow apart. You hated it.
Yoongi didn’t ask you how you were feeling, which you appreciated. You knew he cared, but he also knew and respected that you didn’t want to talk about it. The way you kept pushing the conversation onto what he was up to, made it clear enough even if he didn’t already know you well.
-
Jungkook was meant to be gone for nine days.
Word came five days into his absence, from a young teen boy, that he was going to be away for another week at most. You thanked the boy as he turned and ran off, laughing to yourself as you pulled the water bucket up from the well in the outskirts of the village.
The stream where you usually collected your water was oddly sparse that week, so you thought you might as well come into the village and see Yoongi before getting some water to bring back home.
The next day, you came back to see him again, getting more water on the way. As you were leaving, wooden bucket sloshing around with water as you held it in both your arms, you stopped when you saw someone standing in front of you.
“I thought it might be you!”
“Jisoo?” Your eyes widened when you saw the girl you hadn’t spoken to in at least three years. She looked a bit older, more mature than when you last saw her. There was a child in her arms, just over a year old at most.
Jisoo nodded, “I’ve seen you around a few times over the years, but wasn’t sure if you wanted to talk.”
You laughed, “Why shouldn’t I?”
She shrugged, the baby on her hip smiling at you. You smiled back, a horrible pain in your heart as you did.
“You were always off with that strange boy, what’s his name-”
“Jungkook,” You said, a bit shortly, “His name is Jungkook. And he’s my husband.”
“Ah yes,” She looked a little embarrassed, “Jungkook. I must admit, I never could see what you saw in him until the other week. He really has changed.”
You didn’t like the smirk on her face as she said that.
“No,” You adjusted the water in your arms to better hold it, then you looked her up and down, “Out of everyone in this village, it seems he’s the only one that hasn’t had to.”
Jisoo didn’t respond at first, only shifted uncomfortably as you stared at her.
“Yes, well,” A nasty smile curved on her lips, “Tell him if he ever wants a girl that can keep a baby, he can come to me anytime he’d like.”
She laughed at your silence before walking around you and leaving.
If there wasn’t a child in her arms, you would’ve dumped the water you were holding all over her. Only heaven knows what you would’ve done after that.
Instead, you stood there, unable to say a word or move a muscle, even after she left. There was a slight tremble in your knees as you stared at the dirt where she once stood. You blinked a few times, swallowing the pain from your heart that almost came crawling out of your throat in a horrible scream.
After a minute, you lifted your chin and kept walking.
-
You were strolling along the outskirts of the village, a few flowers in hand that you picked, small white ones. It was silent except for the rustle of leaves and the very quiet mumbling of you talking to the forest around you as you looked for more flowers.
“Pretty,” You muttered as you picked up a yellow one that you hadn’t ever seen before.
The sound of running and someone screaming broke you out of your trance and shattered the sacred silence. You turned to see a young girl around twelve hurrying up to you.
“You’re miss ____, right?”
Blinking in confusion, you nodded.
“Please help us,” She whimpered, and you finally noticed the tears on her face.
“What’s the matter?” You asked, fully alarmed.
“My cousin he’s- he’s fallen ill. No one knows what to do since the medicine lady is gone.”
Your stomach turned, “I- I don’t know medicine-”
“You married her son, didn’t you?”
You nodded again, throat dry.
“She must have taught you something! Please, he’ll die-”
“Take me to him.”
Your voice sounded much stronger than you felt.
The girl grabbed your hand and you ran after her, all the way through the village and to a relatively large home, one almost twice the size as everyone else’s. You went in, following the girl to a room where you could hear crying.
The second you stepped in, your heart stopped.
Jisoo was there, weeping. There was another woman, her mother, pacing the room. Lying on the floor on a few cushions, was a small boy, only three years of age. He was sweating, little whimpers leaving his mouth.
You snapped out of your shock and immediately jumped into action, “Get out,” You shoved Jisoo’s mother out of the room, gesturing for Jisoo to do the same.
“I’m not leaving, why are you here anyway?!” She shrieked.
You turned towards her and hissed quietly, “If you don’t want to leave your other child motherless, get out.”
The girl that had come to fetch you took the shocked young woman’s arm and led her out, explaining to her that you were there to help. That you knew the medicine lady and could help.
You shut your eyes, taking a deep breath.
Pull yourself together.
When you opened your eyes, your mind was no longer clouded with panic. You were not educated in medicine, but your mother-in-law did show you a few things over the years you’d known her that might be of some help.
You called out a few orders to the people outside of the room, telling them to hurry as fast as they could. Then you turned and went to the small child. He was looking at you, his eyes showing the terror he felt.
“You don’t have to be afraid,” You whispered, offering him a gentle smile as you knelt on the floor next to where he lay. He didn’t resist when you placed a hand on his forehead, then carefully ran your fingers across it, brushing the damp hairs away.
“You’re going to be alright, I promise,” You kept running your fingers along his cheeks, the action seeming to calm him, “I’m not going to leave you.”
He looked just like his mother.
Jisoo always had the prettiest eye shape, and he definitely inherited it.
There were frantic voices on the other side of the door, but you ignored them.
-
For hours you stayed in the room with the boy, cooling his skin with wet rags and feeding him the remedies that you could remember how to make. The people outside did everything you asked and would leave things at the door for you to grab and bring back inside with you.
When day turned into night, you still sat there with him, replacing the cold cloths on his skin with fresh ones. He eventually fell asleep.
You sighed with relief, knowing the worst had passed. If he could sleep, he was going to be fine.
-
You woke up on the floor of the room, blinking at the sun coming in through the window. Only a few feet away, the child still slept soundly.
Reaching out a hand, you felt his forehead, then mumbled a prayer of thanks to the invisible person you knew was there. They must have listened to your earnest requests the night before; his skin was cool to the touch, and he was breathing normally.
You stood up, groaning quietly at the soreness of your muscles from your sleeping position.
When you walked out and saw Jisoo sitting on a stump just outside the door, you approached her, “He’s going to be fine.”
She flinched at the sound of your voice, then turned and saw you standing there. It was silent for a minute, then she stood up and faced you, “If you think I’m going to thank you, then you’re just as crazy as they always said you were.”
You weren’t sure what you were expecting, but that certainly wasn’t it.
“How dare you barge into my home and order me around?” Jisoo stepped closer, “Of course he’s going to be fine. He was just feeling a little off, you did nothing, you are not a hero.”
You stared at her for another minute.
“Ok, Jisoo,” You finally whispered, moving to get around her. She grabbed your arm though, before you could leave, “Don’t ever step foot into my home again. We don’t want your curse spread to us, infertile witch.”
Shoving your arm away as if she would catch something from being around you too long, she walked back inside.
All you could do for a moment was bite your lip harshly and stare at a stick on the ground. You knew, deep down inside, that even if you had known that would be her response, you still would’ve done the same thing; that child didn’t deserve to be in pain.
You walked all the way back to the shed, for the first time saying nothing to the trees and flowers that you passed on the way.
Maybe they missed your voice.
Maybe they cried for you.
-
You woke up the next day feeling strange.
The night before, you had felt a little hot and didn’t pull the covers over your body like you always did. In fact, you had chosen to strip yourself of all your clothes in the middle of the night while half asleep, which would explain the confused state you were in upon waking up completely naked.
Your head was aching and the sun was too bright.
Why ever was the sun that bright anyway?
You didn’t realize that you had slept well into the afternoon after unknowingly tossing and turning for hours in the night.
Standing up from the bed after pulling on a simple dress, the room spun for a moment before righting itself. You were going to get some fruit from the basket, but decided against it when the thought made your stomach turn.
You drank water instead, then climbed back into the bed and removed your obnoxious clothing again, but this time pulled the covers up to your chin and promptly fell asleep.
-
Yoongi knocked on the door of the shed again, waiting with furrowed brows. You hadn’t come into the village since the day before last and he was worried. The stream was still too dry to gather water and he had been expecting you to be going back for more at the well and visiting him while you were at it.
You said you would.
He had heard about what happened with Jisoo and wanted to let you know that her son was feeling much better.
When the third time he knocked was still unanswered, he opened the door and walked into the small but comfortable living space. His eyes were instantly drawn to the bed, where there was a little lump in the covers.
“____?” He walked over and shook your shoulder gently, “Wake up, you daft girl. It’s mid-day already!”
When you didn’t respond, his frown deepened and he shook you harder, letting out a small gasp when you turned over and he saw how clammy your skin was.
“____, wake up!”
Finally, you peeled your eyes open, they looked glassy and unfocused.
“Hm?”
Your cousin turned your body more to get a better look at your face, noticing briefly that you were unclothed under the covers, “____, what’s happened? Why are you like this? Are you ill?”
Your brows creased as you looked at him in confusion, “Wha-...Yoongi, is that you?”
His stomach dropped at the state you were in.
Something was terribly wrong.
“I’m going to go get someone,” Yoongi spoke slowly and clearly, “I need you to do your best in waking up, alright?”
You didn’t really acknowledge him, only mumbled something incoherent, but he didn’t have time to figure it out. He rushed out of the shack and through the woods, unsure who he was going to get but knowing he needed help.
-
The next few days were horrific.
There were two other people in the shack alongside Yoongi that did more than they ever cared to when you were young.
They tried their best to feed you, to cool the burning heat of your skin, to keep you from thrashing about and hurting yourself when you were racked with suffering.
You didn’t understand what was happening. You didn’t recognize anyone there, not even your own cousin. All you knew was that you were in pain and scared.
Sometimes you saw your mother, standing over your bed and shaking her head at you in disappointment. She kept calling you the sick one, the sick one.
Sometimes you saw a man that you thought was your father. He did nothing but stare at you emotionlessly, standing in the corner of the room.
Most of the time you saw the strange people with cloths over their mouths. They would put painfully cold things on your head and try to pry your mouth open to shove things inside. You fought them the best you could, but you grew weaker by the hour and couldn’t fend them off for long.
The nights were the worst at first; the pain reaching levels you had never experienced, ripping broken screams from your throat. Soon, the nights blended into the days, the agony never ceasing.
You didn’t know why two of the strange people left one day and never came back.
You didn’t hear Yoongi urging them to leave after seeing the rash spreading on your skin, telling them to stay away from the others until they knew they hadn’t caught it, lest the entire village be consumed by typhoid.
_______________________________
Yoongi sat outside of the shack, staring at the lone flower that was growing a few feet in front of the door. Inside, you were screaming.
The only thing he could catch from what you were sobbing was Jungkook’s name.
Apparently you remembered him.
You had been sick for nine days, only growing worse each day.
Taehyung ran up, breathing heavily as he stopped in front of his older friend.
“Jungkook is on the way home, but he doesn’t know.”
“You know this, how?” Yoongi mumbled.
Everyone he had sent out over the past week said they couldn’t find him.
“Someone said they passed him on the road two days ago, he wasn’t in a hurry. He doesn’t know-”
The sound of agonized screaming reached his ears, his eyes widening in horror. He almost ran in, but Yoongi stopped him.
“Don’t.”
“But-”
“There’s nothing we can do now,” Yoongi whispered, grief clear in his eyes, “You cannot risk going in there and catching it. You shouldn’t even be here.”
Taehyung took a faltering step back, shaking as his hands came up to cover his ears at the next round of dreadful sobbing.
“Taehyung, look at me.”
His eyes darted to the older boy.
“You need to get Jungkook, before it’s too late.”
He hated that he understood what was meant by that.
He hated that he understood no one could save you.
Stumbling away, Tae turned and ran, disappearing into the forest.
Yoongi gulped and turned to look at the door, knowing what would meet him when he went back in. Miraculously, he had not caught anything yet.
That did not lessen his fear of entering.
Catching it was not what he feared.
Stepping back into the door, Yoongi’s gaze fell on you instantly.
You were crying quietly, dressed in nothing but a thin nightgown, too weak to rip it off of your otherwise naked body. There was no recognition in your eyes when they landed on him.
“Please,” You whispered hoarsely, throat torn to shreds from the only way you were able to manage the torment you were in, “I need him.”
“I know.”
“Why hasn’t he come for me?”
It was the most you had said in over a week, your exhausted gaze drifting around the room, as if searching once more.
“Why did he leave me?”
Yoongi saw the endless stream of tears on your cheeks, his heart breaking.
Your chest shook with each little breath you took, not enough to keep your lungs full.
“I’m scared.”
You didn’t know who this was in front of you, but there was no one else to talk to.
“I’m so sorry, ____.”
You blinked, a few more tears falling. Your body had been trembling for days, you couldn’t control it. Yoongi noticed that you no longer tried to, you just laid there, shivering.
“He said,” You swallowed, voice shaky, “He’d never leave me.”
“Jungkook is coming, ____. I promise. Just hold on a little longer.”
At his words, he saw a tiny smile on your chapped lips. The indescribable pain you were in was clear, but there was a tiny light in your eyes when you heard his name.
“He’ll come and hold me?” You whispered, eyes locked on the stranger standing next to your bed.
“Yes,” Yoongi choked out, “He will come and hold you until you fall asleep.”
“Oh,” Your eyes shifted, a small smile still on your face as you looked at the dead roses in the vase behind the stranger, “Okay.”
After a few minutes of silence apart from the ragged breaths that escaped you, Yoongi went and sat in a chair at the little table, his head falling into his hands.
“It hurts a bit,” You mumbled, staring at a tiny crack in the ceiling.
He swallowed, knowing that it hurt a lot more than that.
-
Taehyung ran until he couldn’t breathe, yet he didn’t stop.
He kept running.
Jungkook couldn’t be too far away, he couldn’t be.
It wasn’t too late.
-
Yoongi stood up and walked to the bed, a horrible pit in his stomach at how silent you had been the past few minutes.
When he got closer, he saw your chest rising and falling slightly. He let out the breath he had been holding, fingers digging into his eyes as he rubbed them.
You weren’t gone yet.
The smallest groan slipped from your lips. He watched you closely for another minute, then he heard the sound of running from outside.
Turning, he hurried out of the shack, but saw no one. He decided to go down the path a little way to see if he could see them approaching.
“Taehyung?” He called out, “Jungkook!”
But there was no answer.
-
“Jungkook!!”
Jungkook flinched in surprise when he saw Taehyung running towards him, screaming.
He smiled and waved, adjusting the sack on his shoulder that he had been carrying for a while. Maybe he could get Tae to carry it back for him.
But he was only a few minutes from the village, why was he meeting him here?
Taehyung stumbled, falling into the younger, who caught him.
“What’s gotten into-”
“It’s ____!” Tae choked out, coughing violently from not being able to breathe.
“What?” Jungkook’s heart stopped in his chest.
“She’s- she’s sick-”
Taehyung couldn’t even finish his sentence before Jungkook took off running, the things he previously carried lying in a heap on the ground.
-
Jungkook raced all the way to the village and through it, ignoring the silent stares as he passed.
His heart was in his throat, terror filling him as he ran as fast as he could.
The village was quiet that day.
The people watched as they always did.
But the village was quiet that day.
-
You opened your eyes slowly; the stranger wasn’t there.
They had left you.
Your bottom lip quivered before you bit it, the excruciating pain in your abdomen silencing your cries; it hurt too bad to scream.
A shaky breath went into your lungs, trickling back out seconds later.
He didn’t come back.
You blinked, a tear rolling down your cheek.
You were all alone.
“Apple. You love me, right?”
His voice echoed in your muddled brain as you stared at the wilted roses across the room.
“Yes,” You whispered weakly, the room turning cold, his presence that you thought was there fading away.
Please don’t leave. I’m scared to be alone.
Fear slowly started to consume you as your eyes drifted around the dark empty place you called home.
Then they closed gently.
________________________________________
When your eyes opened again, there was someone standing there.
You sat up, confused when it didn’t hurt.
It didn’t hurt anymore.
Nothing hurt, at all.
There was an overwhelming sense of calm around you. All of the worries that plagued your mind were gone. You couldn’t remember a single thing that once caused your heart to be so heavy with grief.
Your eyes lifted back to the person standing in the middle of the room. It was a small girl, only five years of age; long black hair falling past her shoulders and doe eyes watching you.
There were feathery yellow wings on her tiny back, and a bunny-like smile on her cute face.
She looked just like somebody you once knew.
You couldn’t remember who it was though.
The girl stretched her hand out towards you and you finally noticed there was another figure there as well, standing next to her.
You couldn’t see their face, only a bright glow shaped like a tall human. The two of them felt familiar somehow, like they had been waiting for you for a long time.
“Come on,” The little girl laughed, “You’re okay now.”
You moved your legs to the side of the bed and climbed out.
There was no hesitation as you walked forward and took her tiny hand, the smile on her face growing even more when you did.
___________________________________
Jungkook rushed through the forest, thin branches scratching his face and arms.
But he didn’t stop.
When he could see home, he pushed himself harder, fear gripping his heart when he saw Yoongi standing just outside of the door, staring at nothing. He pushed past the silent man and stumbled inside, freezing up at the sight that met him.
You were lying in the bed, seemingly asleep, but with face and lips drained of color. The dark lashes resting on your cheeks were a stark contrast.
He stood there, staring at your figure.
“Apple?” His voice sounded far away, not like his own.
Jungkook walked forward, bending down and cupping your cheek with his hand.
“Wake up, Apple,” He whispered, brushing the hair from your face and shaking you gently, “I’m bah-...I’m back.”
When you didn’t respond, he shook you a little harder, his whole body beginning to tremble, “Please,” His voice broke, “Please wake up…I-”
A quiet sob cut him off as his shaking hands cupped your cooling cheeks once more, “Don’t leave me, please don’t leave me-”
He carefully lifted your frail body, pulling you into his lap and cradling you in his arms.
Yoongi stepped inside the door.
Taehyung came in right behind him, his eyes closing slowly when he saw Jungkook sitting on the bed and holding you against him in a tight embrace.
“Apple, I’m sorry, pleas-” He whimpered as he held the back of your head with gentle hands, rocking you back and forth, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”
He wasn’t there.
He wasn’t there to hold you.
You were cold and alone.
A sob tore itself from his throat as he held you tighter, praying that you could feel his warmth and hear him begging for you to come back.
You weren’t supposed to go without him.
“Jungkook.”
“Please don’t leave me alone,” He pleaded hoarsely.
Maybe, if he begged hard enough, you would listen to him and come back.
“Jungkook.”
“Please, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I broke my promise, Apple. I won’t leave you anymore,” Jungkook coughed, choking on his tears, “I won’t leave you ever again, ever.”
Yoongi gulped, unsure what to do. The guilt was eating him alive; he had stepped out only for a minute. Because of him, you died alone.
“I promise we can climb the apple tree whenever you want, you can eat all of the fruit before dinner, I won’t ever say no,” Tears ran down his face as he caressed your hair, just the way you always liked, “I won’t tell you that you should wait until after dinner, I promise. I promise.”
Taehyung put his face in his hands, his stomach turning. It didn’t feel real, you couldn’t be gone.
“You were faster than me.”
Tae looked up to see Jungkook was cradling you like a child, thumb brushing your cheek as he spoke softly, his eyes running over your face.
“You beat me to the swing, fair and square.”
Yoongi sucked in a breath and bit his lip.
Memories of that day floated through his mind; the way you shrieked with laughter as you climbed onto the swing, too small to get on easily.
“Push me! Push me!”
He could hear your tiny giggles clear as day.
Jungkook rested his forehead against yours, his breath warming your lips as his hot tears fell onto cold cheeks, “I love you,” he spoke under his breath, for only you to hear, “I loved you since the first moment I saw you. I can't live without you.”
Maybe, if he said it enough times, you would listen to him and come back.
“Jungkook,” Yoongi choked out, “We need to move her.”
There was no reply.
Taehyung swallowed the heavy lump in his throat, “Yoongi-”
“It’s still contagious,” The older boy whispered, “We can’t let him be with her for too long.”
“But-”
Yoongi turned on him, anger and sorrow lit up in his eyes, “Get him out of here.”
Taehyung clenched his jaw, then walked around him, over to where Jungkook was still whispering to you.
“Jungkook,” He took a shuddering breath, “I’m sorry.”
It was like he couldn’t hear a word the older boy was saying, tears falling endlessly as he held you close, continuing to sway you just a little.
Taehyung moved down to remove one of Jungkook’s hands from you, but the younger’s grip tightened.
“Jungkook-” Tae strengthened his own efforts, finally prying his hands from you and trying to pull him up.
“Let go of me!” Jungkook screamed, ripping his arm away and moving to hold you again. He kept you in his lap, arms around you protectively, refusing to let either of them close.
Yoongi stepped in, “Jungkook, you need to let go-”
“No!”
“Let her go,” Yoongi’s voice cracked as he struggled with pulling you out of his arms while Taehyung grabbed Jungkook.
“Stop it!” Jungkook was bawling his eyes out frantically as he reached for you, “Don’t take her! Please!! Yoongi, Yoongi, please!!”
Taehyung wrapped his arms around Jungkook’s chest, not letting him get a chance to fight your cousin, who was gently laying your body on the bed again and covering you with the sheet.
“Please!!!” Jungkook was screaming at the top of his lungs, heart crushed far beyond repair, “Please don’t take her!!”
“Get him out!”
Taehyung dragged Jungkook kicking and screaming from the shack.
In the tussle, they knocked into the small table, the vase teetering for a moment before falling to the floor, a long crack running through it as the dead roses lay scattered about.
“I hate you! I hate you!”
He didn’t know who he was screaming at.
But maybe, if he screamed loud enough, you would hear him.
Maybe, you would come back.
_____________________________
It was the year 1523 when you left him.
You were nineteen years old.
Jungkook sat curled up in the corner of the shack, legs tucked up to his chest as he stared at the broken vase on the floor. It had been three days since you passed, he hadn’t slept. All he had done was sit in the corner and stare at nothing.
He shut them all out.
They had taken you away from him.
He never saw you again.
Except in his mind.
His days and nights were haunted by the last time he had spoken with you.
“Is that all I get?”
Your voice echoed in his mind, the smile on your face burned into his bruised and bleeding heart. He didn’t kiss you, he didn’t tell you he loved you.
All he did was leave.
Jungkook closed his eyes and leaned his head against the wall, a tear sliding down his cheek and dripping from his chin.
-
He would be found only hours later, still curled up in the corner.
It was a broken heart, they said.
It took three agonizing days after your death for him to follow.
For a human heart can only take so much pain, before it can’t.
__________________________________
“How utterly wretched.”
Jungkook opened his eyes to see a tall figure standing over him as he sat in the corner of the dark shed.
The only thing he felt while looking at the demon who was staring at him with mock pity, was an empty hatred.
He whispered hoarsely, “You said she would live.”
Lucifer leaned down, a sneer on his face, “I only said I would get rid of her disease. Typhoid fever is a nasty business, isn’t it? Strange that she was the only one in the village to catch it after miraculously helping the boy. A real tragedy.”
Jungkook just stared at him.
“A life for a life, that’s what you told me,” He finally spat, the anger beginning to spread through his body.
“Ah yes,” The Devil chuckled and rocked back on his heels, as if the whole ordeal was quite amusing to him, “See, we didn’t agree on a third life though. I was far too nice to let you get off so easily with conceiving the infant.”
Jungkook gulped.
“Oh,” The miserable creature’s face fell and he pouted, “That one didn’t make it either, did it?”
“She,” Jungkook hissed, “Her name is Aera-”
“Well, it was going to be,” Lucifer threw his head back and laughed, “Rest assured I had nothing to do with that unfortunate incident.”
It was silent for a moment, then Jungkook spoke up quietly, “You were never going to save her, were you?” His eyes were locked on the dead roses, “You lied.”
“And you,” Lucifer crouched and leaned close, “Fell for it.”
Jungkook’s eyes closed as he did his best to conjure up an image of you.
You were somewhere safe and warm, where the sun kissed your cheeks and danced upon your fingers.
Somewhere the apples were sweet and crisp, where the water was never too cold.
There was a sharp pain on the skin of his outer right bicep, making him grit his teeth as the demon laughed darkly.
“Look at how ruined you are,” The voice whispered with shameless glee, “All because of love.”
You were somewhere you could fly with the clouds, never alone.
Somewhere the roses would always bloom.
“Don’t bother.”
Jungkook opened his eyes and looked at the demon.
“She isn’t anywhere pleasant.”
His heart shattered into a million little pieces.
“She’s somewhere cold,” Lucifer stared at him, “Stuck alone in the dark, full of unbearable torment, just like her last moments..”
Jungkook’s breath caught in his throat.
“All because you left her. All because of Him.”
The young man’s eyes were filled with tears of anguish that slowly ebbed into a deep resentment with each word the Devil spoke.
“He did this to you, you know that right?” Lucifer smirked, “You were created by Him. He made you, so that you could suffer.”
The despair clung to his heart like a lead weight, another burning scratch going across his skin, right where the pounding muscle lay.
“He created you to love her and lose her. Tell me; was it worth it, Jungkook?”
The torment wouldn’t come to an end.
The deal was struck and the punishment would never lessen.
Even without understanding why, the agonizing torture of his heart ripping itself to shreds over and over again, would never ever stop.
For a human heart can only take so much pain, before it can’t.
But the heart of a demon can never die.
________________________________________
a/n: tysm for reading, your thoughts are always welcome
#jeon jungkook#jungkook fluff#jungkook angst#jungkook demon au#jungkook smut#bts fluff#bts#bts reactions#bts angst#bts jungkook#bts fanfic#jungkook x reader#jungkook x y/n#bts x reader#bts x y/n#bts demon au#bts smut#demon!jungkook
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Hi. Firstly love your writing. Secondly (only if you want to write it of course if not I thank you for taking time out to read this) may I request Hantengu clones reacting to their first kiss with S/o?
【♛demie: yes you may and i do apologize for taking so long to get to this request! i hope you enjoy it!】
first kiss with the hantengu clones (sfw)
pairings: sekido, karaku, aizetsu, and urogi x gn!reader
synopsis: hantengu clones sharing their first kiss with their s/o.
notes: reader is gender-neutral. no pronouns are used. reader is of age. in sekido's the reader thinks that he is a monk and sekido gives them a prayer. it wasn't my initial idea to go for it, but it fit in with the plot so i kept it. if i was incorrect with some things or offended anyone please let me know, respectfully, and i will remove it. otherwise, enjoy this! p.s. sekido's is also pure word vomit bc i wasnt thinking of sticking to a decent size script.
— SEKIDO
When Sekido first met you, a human, his first thought of you was that you were weak. You were weaker than him, a demon, because of your mortality. In his mind, humans were susceptible to illnesses and diseases that weren't easy to cure with herbs and medicine. So when he encountered you in the cold hours of the night inside of your hut, after slaughtering and cannibalizing half of your village, his original plan was to just eat you alive.
But when he saw you, something in Sekido couldn't bear to even touch you let alone eat you.
You were laying on your back on a shiki futon next to a burning fire pit and covered by a thick blanket. He could hear your labored breathing and pained grunting at each breath you took. It didn't take a genius to notice that you were sickly. The beads of sweat on your forehead and dazed look in your eyes was a tell-tell sign that you weren't in good health. To him you looked too pathetic to kill.
He was standing in the door way and then turned his back to you. He got ready to leave when your croaky voice spoke, "A-Are y-you a m-monk?" His shoulders went tense as he stood there listening to you, "P-Please m-monk... I'm a-afraid that I don't have... much time."
Sekido huffed in annoyance, but he turned on his heel and further walked into the hut. He stood in the shadows to keep his appearance hidden, not that you – a weak human – could do anything to him. You were most likely on the brink of death.
"Thank you... I-I want to a-ask if you c-c-could pr-pray for me. My health has not been well as of lately, and my family do not live here with me in this village. I've just been taking care of myself, but as you can see I'm not doing a very good job." You let out a soft chuckle though it turns into a coughing fit and eventually subsides, "I will be honest with you monk, I am not a religious person, but if a simple prayer from you would alleviate me of this sickness then I will turn over a new leaf and b-be forever g-grateful..."
The anger demon gripped tighter on his staff as he placed a knee on the floor. Why was he entertaining you? Why was he still here? He should have left you for dead, but his body is refusing to leave. Sekido sits fully on the floor now, crossing his legs and holding the shakujō to his shoulder.
"What is your name?" He asked you. Your heart swelled up with gratitude and you smile affably to the person you thought was a monk. Tears prickle at the corners of your eyes when you state your name to him. "That is a beautiful name. I will give you a prayer now, let us close our eyes and start."
Sekido waited for you to shut your eyes first, before he began the prayer that you requested. The prayer was solely for you and he prayed to relieve you of your sickness. He prayed for you to be healed, your suffering to be freed, and for protection to be bestowed upon you. When he was finished with the prayer, he stood up from the floor and just looked at you blankly.
The anger demon didn't know exactly how to feel when he left you in the hut that night and returned to his counterparts. They asked him where he went to which he ignored the three and trekked in the direction of their next mission destination.
After his mission was complete, Sekido returned to you a night later and found that you were still sick. Your condition did not improve. He had asked you if had eaten and your response was you tried but you kept vomiting. He was a demon, and he didn't know of any herbs or medicine that could cure whatever you had. He stayed with you and gave you prayers to help ease your mind at the least. Sekido would show up to your hut every night at an odd hour to sit with you, offering you his company, and give you a prayer.
One night, Sekido made a decision that could possibly affect him for better or for worse. After consideration, Sekido poked a needle into the tip of his finger and held the bleeding digit to your chapped lips. He let the blood drop several times onto your tongue before pulling it away and regenerating the skin there.
That night Sekido sat with you for a while waiting for any signs of improvement after he gave you a taste of his blood. You didn't show anything, so he figured that you must have passed away. He got aggravated. It was a waste of his time to be stuck here thinking that you – a human – would be alive.
He left your hut that night with the firm belief that you had died. What a pity. What a waste of a time. It clearly showed him that humans, especially a person such as yourself, shouldn't be bothered with trying to strengthen. He couldn't say the word "help" because to him that meant he was performing an act of kindness. Something that he, a demon who felt solely anger, couldn't be synonymous with.
As he went on about his own life, Sekido would ignore the pangs he felt in his chest whenever thoughts of you crossed his mind. He would make battles between him and his counterparts against demon slayers short because he wanted to return to their safe house quickly. Every time he came across a human that he wanted to feast on, that was weak like you, he couldn't consume them. He would just kill them and leave their mutilated body behind.
His counterparts appeared to have notice his slight change in demeanor. Though neither of them made a comment on it. They didn't want to address it for fear of Sekido's rage.
It was maybe a month after declaring you as dead, when Sekido felt a strong pulse out of nowhere surface. He had been resting at their manor when he felt it arise. The demon thought danger was coming and he quickly grabbed his staff and ran out into the rainy thunderous night.
The strong pulse came again and this time it was getting closer. Good. The closer it got the easier it would be for him to kill it. He chases the origin of the pulse to a clearing in the forest. As he neared the center he stopped in his tracks and searched his surroundings for any incoming attacks.
Just as he was about the lure the attacker out with his lightning, Sekido heard a faint shout, "Monk!" and it eerily sounded like you. "Mooonk!" the voice gotten clearer, and louder, you were getting closer.
Sekido turned on his heel to his right to see you running into the clearing. Your clothing was drenched from the pounding rain just like his own, but to his astonishment you were alive. You were on your feet. You were breathing. You were speaking. You... survived.
"Y/N..." he murmurs your name as you slow down to stand right before him. There was no shadows or obscurity covering his face. You could see Sekido for what he truly was. A demon. A human-eating, murdering, demon.
You threw your body onto his as you embraced him in your arms. Why were you hugging him? Shouldn't you be repulsed by the sight of his face? Why weren't you running away from him? Your arms squeezed him tighter and your face buried into his chest.
Sekido's hand comes up to your head and cradles it gently in his grasp. He stands there, still like a statue, as he listens to you speak, "I never got to say thank you for saving my life monk. Without your prayers, I don't think I will be alive right now. I owe you my eternal gratitude and I wish to serve you."
The anger demon looks down at the top of your head and blurts out, "Why are you not running from me?"
You ignore his question and look up at his face. Your lips curve into a radiant smile, "I never saw your face before, monk, you are quite ruggedly handsome." You say as you take a hold of his hand and bow your head. "Please take me to where you rest your head and we shall both explain things to each other."
Sekido growls and squeezes your hand in his own, he scorns at your wince, "Answer my question first."
"I don't want to run away from the person who gave me a second chance at life. Not when I owe them my life in return."
"Are you stupid? Are you blind? Do you not see how I look, human?" He interrogates you, before bellowing, "I am a demon!"
"And I don't care!" You shout back, your lips trembling as you refrain yourself from crying. "I don't." You whisper.
After a brief moment of silence between the two of you, Sekido unwillingly led you to his manor where you two talked over what happened. You explained that after Sekido had given you his blood, you woke up the next morning feeling stronger than before. Your fever and chills went away, you could actually move on your feet, and the bruises you had from being bedridden were gone. You told him that you had tried to walk out into the daylight, but your new body couldn't stand the sunlight so you were left to do things out at night.
Unlike him, you didn't get cravings for humans, you still ate human food. Sekido went on to tell you that he wasn't a real monk and that he was an upper rank demon. He said he found you that night sick, after slaughtering and cannibalizing your village. He didn't even want to kill you or eat you because you looked to be on death's door step anyways. Though when you cried out to him he was forced to stay around. When you asked him why he kept returning every night, he refused to explain why. The only answer he had given you was that he felt pity for you.
Following your discussion over that, you asked him once again if you could stay by his side. To which Sekido allowed you to, but you would only be introduced to his counterparts as his ward. You agreed to that. You stayed underneath Sekido's watch and protection while living with him and his counterparts at their hideout. Sekido arranged for you to sleep in the same room as him, though not in the same bed.
Eventually, you and Sekido grew closer to each other and when you were alone you both liked to lay next to one another. Kind of like tonight, with you laying on his bed facing him while he had his eyes shut. You closely admired the purple veins on his forehead and eyes, the curved horns, and sharp pointed fangs that stuck out of his mouth. He was, in your terms, ruggedly handsome.
"I can feel you staring at me, human," Sekido mutters with his eyes remaining closed. You let out a short chuckle and he adds on, "Why are you staring at me?"
You reached up to cup his cheek in the palm of your hand. You answer his question softly, "I'm just admiring your face, Sekido. You know you are not as scary as you look. There's a few rough edges to your appearance," You didn't flinch when he opened his eyes and crimson hues were fixedly narrowed at you. Your finger delicately touches his jawline then the bridge of his nose and finally his furrowed brow bone. "But there's also the softness that I'm fond of." You smile brightly at him.
Sekido took your hand in his own and murmured, "What are you talking about?"
You didn't say anything instead you leaned closer to him and confidently pressed your lips to his. The demon's eyes widened at the feeling of your lips touching his own. He laid there stunned and still until you slowly pulled away from him.
A giggle past through your lips when you noticed the bewildered expression on his normal scowling face. Suddenly Sekido's hand came to the back of your head and pulled you back to his lips. His mouth locked in with yours while his tattooed tongue delved into the cavern of your orifice. You gasped into his mouth from the unexpected kiss, but returned it with just as much vigor as he bestowed.
You kissed him until your lungs were crying for air and only then did you finally pull away to pant against his supple lips. Sekido's face was tickled by the puffs of air onto his skin.
"I have lived for over two centuries, and never have I encountered a human like you. You are foolish if your wishful mind thinks that a demon like me would ever learn to devote their life to you."
His cruel words were strikingly different from his earlier actions. Though you didn't bother to argue or point it out. While it certainly wasn't an explicit explanation of rejection, you smile regardless to him and lay your head on his chest. "Then call me a fool then, Sekido, because I don't think my mind will change when it comes to someone like you."
— KARAKU
You chirping with glee as you sat on Karaku's lap and patted powdered makeup that matched his dark skin tone onto the areas of his face that had purple veins on it. You held his chin in your other hand while closely examining for any spot you may have missed. Thankfully you didn't and you slid off of his lap while grabbing a handheld mirror and showing it to your lover.
"Look to see if I covered everything up." You say.
He takes the mirror out of your hand and looks at his reflection, his green eyes narrowing for any missed spots. "Hm... I think you covered everything up fine." He then turned to you with a frown and pointed to the horns on his head, "Now what are we going to do about these?"
Your face warms up when you remember the horns on his head. You didn't think about trying to hide them so you didn't know of any method of doing it. As far as you knew, Karaku couldn't conceal them. Therefore you were left with only one option.
With a cheerful smile you blurt out, "We can just tell everyone that they're a part of your costume!"
Karaku grimaces at you, "If you wanted me to dress up as a demon, we could have just forego the makeup and I could have just went as myself."
"Y-Yeah, but what if people get scared by how...devilish you look?"
The demon stood up from the bed and folded his arms above his head, "So? My devilish charm didn't stop you from mounting me like an animal." He smirked at the flustered expression you made.
"You shut your mouth! We've never even gotten that far!"
"Yet." He interjected.
After he made you fluster and stammer over your words again, you decide to ignore your lover for the time being and went to get dressed for the night. Tonight, you had established a date with Karaku by going out to a festival in the entertainment district. Of course there would be people there dressed in bizarre clothing, so you believed that Karaku could attend it without a problem. The only thing you had difficulties with was concealing his horns. Once you were dressed in your outfit for the night, you instructed him to dress in his black yukata tied with a red obi.
You left with him to go to the festival, while you were there some children were in awe at Karaku's "mask" and said he looked like a formidable demon. He arrogantly boasted about his muscles, showing his arms off to the kids and letting them hang off of it like a monkeys in a tree. Eventually they left you two alone and you and him enjoyed your time at the festival. There were some occurrences with Karaku almost exposing himself as a demon. Such as him tossing a ring and when he didn't land on any of the flasks, his supernatural strength was exposed when he slammed his fist on the counter and broke through the surface. Of course, the humans around you just assumed he was a overwhelmingly strong brute and paid him no mind.
As the night grew to a close, the musicians at the festival played lively music at a venue. The strings of the samisen, pounding on the taiko, and whistles of the shakuhachi sing. You took Karaku by the hand and led him in a graceful, animated dance. Your fingers were intertwined with his as you two dance closely to each other's bodies. The radiant smile you had never once faltered from your face as you moved your body to the rhythm of the music.
"Thank you for coming out with me tonight, Karaku," You say as you stare lovingly at him. Your heart was beating in your chest like a drum, and you had an inkling Karaku could hear it even with the music playing in the background. "I really enjoyed myself with you here."
The demon's lips curved up, his fangs peeking through when he did so and his hands settle on your hips. "The feeling is mutual my little human." His eyes softens at yours, and lids lowered as he leans closer to your lips.
Your face heats up when he leans intimately towards you. You try to back away from him, but Karaku is quicker and he keeps you pinned to his strong body. A flutter rises in your stomach. Your hands tighten on his shoulders, and you keep your feet planted on the ground.
"Karaku," you shyly whisper his name.
He doesn't say a word, instead his lips closes in on yours and the distance between you two is shortened. Your eyes shut as you perceive his warm and soft lips on yours. An idea crosses your mind to embrace Karaku by locking your hands together behind his nape. He could taste the sugary flavor lingering on your lips from the candied treat you had ate earlier. While the savor of it was unpalatable to his demonic appetite, Karaku found it to be rather nice as it was solely comparable to your gentle spirit. As your breaths mingled through the exhales of your noses, your hands moved up and fingers weaved into the thick wispy tresses of his hair.
The passionate kiss you shared with Karaku was abruptly short by the loud explosions of fireworks bursting in the night sky. You two pulled away from each other, and your eyes were locked. The explosion of fireworks weren't the only thing enchanting you that night.
— AIZETSU
You were laying in your bed, sleeping underneath the warmth of your blanket, at the time a gust of crisp air entered your room. The wind lifted your blanket away from your body and carried it to a desolate corner where it dropped into a heap. You unconsciously flinch and move into a fetal position. A candle you had lit beside your window got extinguished by the strength of the breeze. In seconds, you slowly awoke from your slumber and drowsily took in your surroundings in your bedchamber. As soon as you turned your head to your right you see an all too familiar dejected face framed by wispy onyx hair and luminous azure eyes.
You lift yourself up to sit upright and look up at your demonic significant other. "Aizetsu... what are you doing here?" You asks him softly. His sudden arrival was entirely unexpected as usually he would send you a letter about coming to see you in advance. With him appearing to you now in the dead of the night, you had wondered if anything went wrong with a mission he been assigned to.
He places his spear against the wall and slid off the bulky ropes around his shoulders. He takes a seat on the bed beside you and looks at the wooden floor. You don't utter a word when he reaches out and grabs your hand in his. Aizetsu's thumb strokes the top of your hand whilst gingerly holding it.
"Aizetsu," you repeat his name again and close the distance between your bodies. "What are you doing here?"
The sorrowful demon stops stroking your hand and tightens his grip on it. He quietly says, "I'm sorry for arriving without letting you know. We were in the area and I really wanted to see you before we left for our next mission." His head turned to face you with a troubled expression.
Your eyes widen and your body freeze for a moment. Then you mull over what he just said, and your face brightened. He separated from his other counterparts so he could visit you before they departed. It was thoughtful of him to do that.
"I'm happy to see you tonight, Aizetsu."
Your words took him by surprise as he stuttered, "Y-You are?" He questions, and leans his face closer to yours. The demon gently cups your cheek in his hand as he pleaded, "Please don't tell me you're saying that just to ease my misery."
You could feel your heart beat quicken from how close he was. You could just how many eyelashes he had and analyze the plum-colored ridges below his eyes. It was astounding despite how many times you spent with Aizetsu you were always nervous around him. You wonder if it was the same feeling for him.
Gradually, the distance between your lips closed and you felt sparks fly when his lips touched yours. The kiss wasn't anything too sensual or too dull, to you it felt just right. Aizetsu didn't want to encourage you into deepening it either, so the two of you just sat there feeling one another's lips in a sense of innocence.
Your lack of awareness of your surroundings was dwindling until the sudden bang! of your door pulled you away from the demon. Startled you both looked to where the origin of the sound came from and were annoyed to see none other than Karaku standing in the door way.
"Time's up kiddos, Aizetsu has to go with us now to the next location!"
You let out a sigh and turn your attention to your sorrowful lover, "I take this as you have to leave now, yes?"
Aizetsu nodded his head while he stood up from the bed still holding onto your hand. "I will be back for you, my beloved. Next time I will send a letter before surprising you again like this."
"You don't have to send a letter of notice anymore Aizetsu. If you surprise me like this again with a visit then I will be happy."
— UROGI
"UROGI!" You hollered from the from the ground and watched as your part-avian demonic lover flew through the sky terrorizing children. You knew that he wanted to eat them for sustenance, and while he was a demon and you were a human, you didn't want for him to do that to children. At least to keep his need to eat humans away from your sight and mind.
Once more you shout out his name, "Urogiiii!!"
He chortled and flew right past you shouting, "Just a moment my sunshine!" Your face fell into a frown when he did that. You could hear his boisterous laughter and the sound of children screaming afterwards. You did not want for him to consume those kids so you ran as fast as you could towards the sound.
"Urogi, do not eat those children!"
You came upon your lover and a small group of children, you thought that he had already began to eat them. Fortunately, you were wrong. Urogi was just playing with the human kids, and letting them climb on his back while he flew around with them. The stomach twisting feeling you had went away and you were relieved to find out the children were unharmed. Some of them had bright grins on their cherubic faces as Urogi leapt up towards the sky with three of them on his back and circle the glade.
The demon winked at you from above and played around with the children for a while. You waited for him to eventually descend from the ground safely with the kids and told the group to not tell their parents that a bird-man was flying around with them. For one, you didn't want to get into trouble, and two you didn't want for Urogi to end up getting killed by a hashira. To keep the children's promise not to tattle, you offered them candied treats if they wanted to play with Urogi again and led them to the path of their village before waving them goodbye.
After you watched the last child leave to go into their village, you turn your attention to Urogi and scowled at him. "Urogi! What the heck were you thinking?! Those children could have told their parents!"
"Relax, sunshine, those children weren't hurt were they? They'll be fine!"
You smack your hand to your forehead and rub your temples, grumbling, "That's not what I meant you bird brain! Children have loud mouths, if any of them tell someone about a bird-man flying around with them, they will come to get you!"
Urogi rolls his eyes at your excessive worry, "Calm down, do you want to go flying with me too? Is that it?" He took a step forward when you took a step back.
"W-What? No! I don't want to go-"
"Let's go for a ride, sunshine!"
As soon as the words left from his mouth, Urogi snatched you by the waist and took off with you into the night sky. The shrill shriek you emitted echoed as you wrestled with the demon to let you go. However you immediately stop once you realize that if keep struggling, and Urogi (accidentally of course) drops you, you could end up looking like a pancake. You glare at you lover who just smiles at you cheerfully.
You throw your arms over his shoulders and shout, "This isn't funny, Urogi!" Your eyes take a peek at how high up you are and you quickly hide your face in the junction of his neck and collarbone. A small fearful whimper resonating from you.
"It's not funny for you but I am having a joyous time right now!" He lowered you two towards the ground, though still he hovered just a few feet above. "Now does this make you more comfortable sunshine?"
"Yes it does."
You caught him off guard when you planted your lips against his. The kiss was fleeting, yet it still brought his mind to a brief pause. His golden eyes widen at you and he stood with his feet on the ground. The demon looks away from you once you start to grin.
"What's wrong my birdie? Did that kiss catch you off guard?"
"Don't tease me like that sunshine or you could end up in a predicament."
notes: it was not my intention to use gifs created by the same person lol but they all looked really good so- why not? also sorry for not posting as much, i have been fairly busy and also mentally drained these past few weeks.
#demon slayer#hantengu clones#hantengu clones x reader#kny#kimetsu no yaiba#sekido x reader#karaku x reader#aizetsu x reader#urogi x reader#sekido#karaku#aizetsu#urogi#sekido x you#karaku x you#aizetsu x you#urogi x you
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Huichol Yarn, Deer, Eagle Shaman & Sun Eagle
Talon Abraxas
A GUIDE TO HUICHOL SYMBOLOGY
SHAMANS - The spiritual leaders who are ambassadors to the gods, shamans preside over ceremonies, recite the divine passages, cure the sick, interpret dreams, etc. They are believed to have supernatural powers and insights in the metaphysical world that are considered out of reach for normal humans.
SPIRIT GUIDES - Intermediaries between human and spirit realms, the guide can take the shape of half-human, half-animal being. These figures appear in visions and dreams and remain with each shaman even after apprenticeship is over.
FIRE - Considered a very valuable gift from the gods, fire is called Tai. Tai is believed to enable the Huichol to have visions. The fire god, Tatewari, is always honored at Huichol ceremonies, and receives many offerings such as corn meal, sacred water and much of the art that they make.
HEALING WANDS - Called Muvieri, each shaman carries a wand in their medicine basket. They are made of pairs of eagle or hawk feathers attached to ceremonial arrows, and are used in rain making ceremonies and other divinations.
PATH OF LIFE - Wavy lines represent the "vine of life", which the Huichol Goddess of Life gives to every soul (plant, animal, human) at birth. This vine is the soul's spiritual connection to the breath of the goddess in the ethereal realm. When people chose to follow her "path of flowers", they receive her blessings: prosperity, abundance, creativity, health, and their hearts' desires.
WOLF PEOPLE - Believed to be the earliest ancestors, they spoke and lived like people. Tacutsi, the goddess of life, first taught them how to live well and overcome hunger and cold.
PRAYER ARROWS - Used to express gratitude or requests to the gods, called Urus, prayer arrows, like gourd bowls, are ceremonial objects through which the gods are believed to give their blessings. Special prayer arrows have crystals attached to them, representing the spirits of departed ancestors.
PEYOTE CACTI - Symbol for life, sustenance, health, success, good luck, and acquisition of shamanic powers, the peyote appears in practically all Huichol art and is considered a gift from the gods to the people to enlighten their lives and bring them into the mystical realm.
THE SUN - Brings light and illumination to the world. Tayaupa is father sun, master of the heavens, and his wife is the Eagle, mother of the sky and goddess of life. The Huichols believe all living things receive their power from the sun, and that He guarantees healthy crops and abundant food.
SNAKES - Instruct shamans to become healers. The rattle on the Rattlesnake is believed to be the tongue of the greatest shaman of all, which is the fire god. Snakes may also be associated with the rain goddess. The Mother Goddess of the Sea is pictured as a huge coiled serpent forming herself into a cyclical storm cloud from which rain falls. The Huichols believe that rain itself consists of millions of small snakes. They are valued for their work in the cornfields where they eat the rodents and pests harmful to the corn harvest.
DEER - The spirit guide Kauyumari, who leads the shamans on their visionary pathways and teaches them how to gain their special knowledge. One of the most commonly seen motifs, the deer, maxa, in Huichol, often appear in male and female pairs, symbolizing the unity between men and women on their spiritual journey. Legends about the deer abound in Huichol culture. The deer mother is the guardian spirit, the important animal in Huichol shamanism. She holds tobacco gourds and corn plant, both of utmost importance for Huichol survival. The Huichols believe that deer give their lives willingly to those who hunt them in a sacred manner. After a deer hunt, the hunters have to perform purifying rituals for many days to insure that the animals are properly thanked for giving their lives to the benefit of the people.
FLOWERS - Play a part in all Huichol ceremonies, and all flowers are considered sacred in healing rituals; the patient's head is anointed with flowers. Shamans use them to prepare for the deer hunt and during harvest ceremonies to adorn the new corn. One flower that appears often is called Kiera, the tree of the wind. It is a hallucinogenic plant said to open the Huichols spirits to the highest level of enlightenment.
BIRDS - Believed to be messengers to and from the gods, all birds are held in great regard. The shamans use tail and wing feather of eagles and hawks in their rituals and ceremonial chanting. The double-headed eagle is another common design, representing the shaman's omnipotent power to see in all directions.
TURTLES - Esteemed as assistants of the rain goddesses, turtles are believed to be responsible for replenishing the water of underground springs and the purity of all water sources.
WOLVES - Carrier of spirits, Kumukemai, the wolf, is honored in all peyote ceremonies. Many Huichols believe they are descendents of the "Wolf-People" of primordial times. Huichol shamans claim to possess the power to transform themselves into spirited wolves.
GOURD BOWLS - Used by shamans as containers filled with important symbols, such as corn, animals, and images of family members. Colorfully decorated, they are carried during ceremonies and prayer for protection, health, and abundance. The symbols themselves represent attributes of different gods and goddesses. They are placed in shrines and sacred sites throughout the Huichol homeland.
SCORPIONS - Used by shamans to repel evil and bad luck. They are both esteemed and feared. A deadly species of scorpion inhabit Huichol land and cause numerous fatalities every year. However, the Huichols believe that the scorpion spirit is a powerful ally that protects them as well.
SALAMANDERS - Agents of the rain mother, salamanders are connected with the water and rain, stirring up clouds and making rain fall.
JAGUAR - Messengers of the god of fire, Tatewari, they are guardians of the sacred vows taken by shamans during their years of initiation. Called Mayetse, they are given the power to devour the spirits of those who fail.
EAGLES - Believed to be the embodiment of a goddess known as Mother Eagle, Mother of the Sky and Queen of Heavens. Huichols admire Werika, the eagle as the most magnificent among all birds.
CANDLES - Represent the illumination of the human spirit, Catira, candles hold the sacred gift from the sun and fire gods. Along with flowers and ribbons, attached candles serve as offerings and payment to the deities who have granted special wishes to a Huichol.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF COLORS:
WHITE - Cloud Spirits.
RED - The East, fire, masculinity.
BLUE - The South, Pacific Ocean, water, rain, femininity.
GREEN - The Earth, the Heavens, healing, the heart, grandfather, growth.
YELLOW - A special root from Wirikuta used for face paint in ceremonies.
ORANGE - "Wirikuta", the sacred land where the Huichol believe life began and also where they gather peyote.
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Im on the verge of suicide and I suspect my two sisters are as well. While I don't think I will ever do it, because I'm religious, idk about them. And even if I won't do it, to live in such a torment ad the one I'm experiencing is unbearable and unimaginable. Logically I believe in the power of prayers, but on a personal level I find it unlikely anything will ever help me. But I'm still asking for prayers in the intention of us three staying alive no matter what.
I'm really sorry to hear that you and your sisters are struggling with suicidal thoughts. I don't know where you live, but please know that there will be crisis and non-crisis resources that you can access for support and pass on resources to your sisters (as well as to use for yourself). Suicide hotlines are just one form of accessing support. You can absolutely reach out to your local doctor, or see what other support services are in place. Sometimes you can access therapy groups which can often have shorter waiting list times and can often be offered for free or low cost. There are also a range of apps that are free or low cost that offer a range of coping mechanisms. I would recommend just putting in 'mental health' or 'suicide support' into your app store because sometimes it will also recommend apps that are ran by local resources to you.
As for prayers, something that you can try and do is use these prayers. You can say them when you get up in the morning, before you go to bed, or whenever you feel like anxiety/pain/etc is building up. You can pick up praying one of them a day, or whenever you're able, or using more than one. Whatever you feel is most beneficial to you (and also most achievable). I'm giving you a range of prayers under a readmore, just because some of them vary in length and you might find a certain length of prayer works best for you.
Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner
----
Good Saint Dymphna, great wonder-worker in every affliction of mind and body, I humbly implore your powerful intercession with Jesus through Mary, the Health of the Sick, in my present need. (Mention it.) Saint Dymphna, martyr of purity, patroness of those who suffer with nervous and mental afflictions, beloved child of Jesus and Mary, pray to Them for me and obtain my request.
(Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.)
Saint Dymphna, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us.
----
Glorious Archangel Saint Raphael,
great prince of the heavenly court,
you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace.
You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air,
consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners.
I beg you, assist me in all my needs
and in all the sufferings of this life,
as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels.
Because you are the medicine of God,
I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul
and the ills that afflict my body.
I especially ask of you the favor
(mention your request here)
and the great grace of purity
to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit.
St. Raphael, of the glorious seven
who stand before the throne of Him who lives and reigns,
Angel of health, the Lord has filled your hand
with balm from heaven to soothe or cure our pains.
Heal or cure the victim of disease
and guide our steps when doubtful of our ways.
Amen.
---
O my beloved Queen, my hope, O Mother of God, protector of orphans and protector of those who are hurt, the savior of those who perish and the consolation of all those who are in distress, thou seest my misery, thou seest my sorrow and my loneliness. Help me—I am powerless; give me strength. Thou knowest what I suffer, thou knowest my grief: Lend me thy hand, for who else can be my hope but thee, my protector and my intercessor before God? I have sinned before thee and before all people. Be my Mother, my consoler, my helper. Protect me and save me, chase grief away from me, chase my lowness of heart and my despondency. Help me, O Mother of my God!
----
Thee alone I follow, Lord Jesus, Who heals my wounds. For what shall separate me from the love of God, which is in Thee? Shall tribulation, or distress, or famine? I am held fast as though by nails, and fettered by the bonds of charity. Remove from me, O Lord Jesus, with Thy potent sword, the corruption of my sins. Secure me in the bonds of Thy love; cut away what is corrupt in me. Come quickly and make an end of my many, my hidden and secret afflictions. Open the wound lest the evil humor spread. With Thy new washing, cleanse in me all that is stained. Hear me, you earthly men, who in your sins bring forth drunken thoughts: I have found a Physician. He dwells in Heaven and distributes His healing on earth. He alone can heal my pains Who Himself has none. He alone Who knows what is hidden can take away the grief of my heart, the fear of my soul: Jesus Christ. Christ is grace! Christ is life! Christ is Resurrection! Amen.
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Sin of Purity, Purity of Sin: Part V
previous masterlist next
Over the next few days, Kiri began to learn the patterns of her new life in the captivity of the High Temple. Before dawn each morning, a meager breakfast was brought to her and Anden’s cells. They had just enough time to eat before the arrival of the healer priestess, who checked on the progress of the healing brand mark on Kiri’s chest. Meanwhile a pair of guards wrestled Anden into his restraints, which at first had merely been the manacles at his wrists. But after the second morning when one guard had kicked at him and Anden had kicked back, they’d added added a set of shackles at his ankles, the connecting chain barely long enough to allow him to walk. The healer priestess would then tend to Anden’s numerous injuries while Kiri was bathed and dressed by two female attendants. Her hair and makeup were finished, his muzzle was strapped in place, and they were declared ready to begin the day.
Apparently there would be another procession each Holy Day, including Fifth Day each week, and Kiri felt ill whenever she thought about it. Not that the unhallowed days spent inside the High Chamber were all that much of an improvement.
From sunup to sundown, she and Anden each stood before the one of the two pillars that flanked the Divine Throne of Vato, collars around their necks keeping them chained there on leashes of a scant few inches. Those who entered the High Chamber to submit a specific request to Vato had to first stop at her column and recite a prayer offering up their gratitude to Him. They would then dip their fingertip into a bowl of water on a nearby pedestal and trace a small line of water droplets somewhere across her skin, just like the previous Vessel of Purity had done to her just before the Midsummer’s sacrifice. Based on the doctrine she’d learned back in her village temple, she determined that a person submerging themselves, or in this case their fingertip, in water was symbolic of being immersed in Vato’s blessing. Transfering that water on to Kiri showed that they were offering up a portion of Vato’s blessing back to Him in thanks. Kiri thought it might almost have been a lovely sentiment.
Almost, were it not for the fact that this ritual required an unwilling person to be used as an object. Or for the fact that the ritual was technically incomplete until Midsummer next year, when she would be killed as a sacrifice to Vato.
She was trying not to think too much about that just yet, though. It was already bad enough having to stand there for the entire day, still and silent, collared like a housepet, letting so very many people touch her.
Evidently, anywhere her skin was bared was permissible for the ritual’s transference of water, because none of the nearby priests objected when someone stroked her cheek or caressed her throat or even fully clasped her hand within theirs. That she had to hold still and just allow such invasive contact made it all the more awful. But she was terrified of what the consequences might be for both herself and Anden if she didn't, so she maintained her position, her shallow breaths and shaking hands the only giveaways to her true feelings.
It was impossible not to see that Anden already had it bad enough, after all, and certainly didn't need her bringing any further torments on him. Once they were done at her pillar, worshipers then crossed over to Anden’s. They’d recite a prayer asking Vato to remove any evil in their hearts, prick themselves with a small knife, and smear their blood off onto him. It was a truly vile practice; she felt sick if she watched for too long. And if the poor man ever shifted too much in his numerous restraints or tried to curse at anyone through his muzzle—which he did quite often—a nearby guard with a baton would strike him, hard. By the end of each day, the man was covered in blood and fresh bruises. She didn’t know how he hadn’t already broken down under such abuse; just seeing it occur made her heart pound heavy in her ears.
When the sun finally set in the evenings, the worshipers were ushered out, and she and Anden were released from the pillars. She quickly learned that the day’s trials were never over yet, though, as there was something unsettling about the guard who always escorted her back through the winding halls—one by the name of Edric, as she’d overheard.
While the other guards had quickly accepted that, unlike Anden, she’d simply follow where they told her to go, Edric always made a point of taking her by the arm and pulling her along close beside him. She knew there were strict rules as to how anyone could interact with her—the priests were very concerned with maintaining her “purity”—and she supposed Edric never actually broke any of those rules. Still, there was something in the way he held her arm, or in certain sidelong glances he sent her, that made her uneasy. It was becoming a strange relief each night, to be back in her cell. Yes, the bars kept her locked in, but they also gave her the illusion that others could be kept out.
Unfortunately, those bars couldn’t offer even the illusion of any privacy. She had been relieved to discover that Anden was respectful of her modesty, at least, always pointedly diverting his gaze when she made use of her chamber pot just as she did for him. By their fourth night, they’d fallen into something of a nightly routine together. They kept their backs turned to one another while he cleaned himself as best he could with a pail of water and greasy-looking bar of soap, and she stripped off her jewelry and her draped silk gown before wrapping her blanket over her thin sleeveless shift. Attendants would come to collect her finery and deliver their tasteless dinners, and once they left the day was finally over.
Kiri hated the way she’d come to look forward to the scraping sound of outer chamber door being barred shut. It should be a dreadful reminder that they were imprisoned here against their wills, but after only a few days she was already associating it with safety—it meant that she would be left alone till morning.
Well, alone with Anden, anyway.
The night of their first Third Day there, she sat toying with a strand of her dark hair and singing softly while he slept in the other cell. Or, she thought he was sleeping. She learned otherwise when he grumbled, “Don’t you know any songs that aren’t fucking hymns?”
“Sorry, I didn’t—I didn’t think you could hear me.” She looked down at her hands wringing the blanket in her lap. “I, um, I don’t know many other kinds of music.”
Anden winced in pain as he rolled over to look at her. “How do you only know temple music?”
“I know a few unhallowed songs,” she defended weakly. “I just—I’ve spent a lot of time in temple, I guess.”
He snorted. “What, did you actually believe in all this crap?”
A “yes” and a “no” were jumbled together at the tip of her tongue; she supposed she’d never had a simple answer to that question, and now she was more confused than ever. Rather than try to sort it out, she simply told him, “My father was head priest in our village.”
“Oh.” Anden was quiet for a moment. “I assume he knows you’re the new Vessel?”
Numbly, Kiri replied, “He’s the one who volunteered me.”
“What?”
At that moment came the unmistakable creaks of the outer chamber’s iron door being opened. Kiri’s eyes flew to inner chamber’s open doorway. “No. No, no, no, no,” she breathed. This wasn’t supposed to happen; they were supposed to left alone till morning! That’s how this worked, wasn’t it? A shared glance with Anden showed her own worry reflected in his green eyes.
Guards swarmed the inner chamber and pulled them from their cells. Anden’s stream of angry curses were cut short when they discovered who was waiting for them in the outer chamber: Emitis, the High Priest. Kiri’s breath hitched. She’d not seen him since the Midsummer Morrow’s procession; his presence now could not mean anything good for her or Anden.
Emitis smiled at their stunned silence. “Prepare the Vessels for tonight’s ritual.”
Struggling against the guards’ grip on his arms, Anden demanded, “What ritual?”
Narrowing his eyes, Emitis declared, “Not the full muzzle for this one tonight—I’d rather like to hear his screams.”
Kiri paled. What exactly did this ritual entail? Trembling violently, she watched Anden’s angry stream of curses be rendered unintelligible as a thick, coarse rope was pulled between his teeth.
Emitis’ took her chin in his cold fingers and forced her to look up at him. He studied her for a long moment. “Bind this one too,” he told a guard. “She’s compliant enough but too fearful—I’ll not have her ruining this if she loses her self-control.” He released her from his grip, and a guard procured a coil of rope from one of the cabinets lining the wall. It was wound over and under her arms and shoulders and cinched tight at her wrists, crossing her hands over her breast and holding them firmly in that position. When a thick length of cloth was pulled between her lips and tied behind her head, she couldn’t contain a small whine—never had she felt so completely helpless.
Anden looked even more vulnerable. His hands had been lashed together and were held high over his head by a hook that hung from the ceiling. A guard had just finished tying his legs at the ankles when Emitis ordered, “Higher.” The hook was raised until Anden was so stretched out that his toes barely touched the floor. His incomprehensible shouts were defiant as ever, but Kiri could see how hard and fast he was breathing—he was scared, too.
Emitis ordered an attendant who stood by the door, “Show him in.” Moments later, a gray-haired man richly attired entered the Chamber of Vessels and bowed his head to the High Priest.
“Vato has agreed to grant your request for a private audience with Him in the Chamber of the Divine Throne,” said Emitis, “once the appropriately amplified rituals of water and blood are complete. These Vessels are prepared to act as your substitutions, in thanks for your generous monetary offerings to the High Temple.”
Amplified rituals… substitutions… Kiri was beginning to worry that she knew where this was going. To her dismay her suspicions were confirmed when Emitis began to step down into the chamber’s large sunken bathing pool and motioned to the guard who stood at her side. As she was ushered into the water, she whimpered into her gag and glanced over at Anden. His eyes widened as she was forced down on her knees—evidently he’d worked out the nature of tonight’s ritual too. With the water lapping at her chest, she began to panic. She did not remember that she must not be caught disobeying again; she only knew that she needed to get away, now. But the ropes rendered her helpless against Emitis’ tight grasp holding her down.
“You may begin the prayer,” Emitis told the worshiper.
“Vato, wisest in the heavens and ruler over Ilyrna, kingdom of the Great River—”
As the man recited the opening words of the prayer that she’d heard dozens of times each day while leashed to her pillar, Emitis tilted her back until she was fully submerged in the pool. She knew that she should be focusing her energy on conserving air, but her senses were soon so fully overwhelmed by the water and the ropes and the long fingers digging into her shoulders that her mind could only scream at her that she had get out. She thrashed hard against the High Priest’s grip and was at last brought back up to the surface, only to be shoved back down as the worshiper began the second stanza of the prayer. So unprepared, she’d scarcely had time to draw in a small breath, and her lungs were burning by the time she was brought up once more.
Over and over, she was forced beneath the water’s surface. She lost track of the number of stanzas that had been recited, as her whole world became nothing but water and all-too-quick bursts of cold air. Her struggles against her bonds became merely involuntary tremors as she lost any control over her body. As she was brought up for air once more, she sucked in a breath but took in water from her soaked gag with it. Just as she finished coughing it up, she was forced back underwater.
No air.
She had no air.
She was going to die.
Time lost all meaning. For eons, the panic ran rampant through her mind and body as she fought desperately to break through to the surface. Swirls of color flooded her vision until everything else disappeared.
She was going to die.
And then she was lying the side of the pool, taking in deep, ragged breaths. She vomited up the water she’d swallowed, nearly choking on it until someone finally removed the fabric still tied between her teeth.
A hand tenderly stroked her hair and she recoiled, kicking out as she scrambled to get away from the unwanted contact. The hand released her tresses only to grab her by the throat, pinning her to the floor. Emitis leaned over her and hissed, “How dare you strike out at the voice of Vato?” He backhanded her so sharply that his jeweled rings sliced open her cheek.
Garbled shouts thundered through the chamber, and she looked over to see Anden glaring furiously at the High Priest as he pulled at his bonds. When his gaze shifted to her, his green eyes were filled with so much concern and fear that her own began to brim with tears.
It hit her all over again: she’d really thought she was about to die.
Her tears overflowed and turned into racking sobs, and no matter how quickly she gasped in air she simply could not get enough into her lungs. When Emitis declared her hysterical and ordered her taken away, the guards had to carry her because her legs were shaking so much. They finally cut away the ropes binding her upper body and shoved her into her cell, swiftly locking the door shut as she collapsed onto the hard stone floor.
Her hands flapped in distress as she lay there weeping. She could hear through the open doorway when the worshiper began reciting the prayer of the Vessel of Sin. At regular intervals, his words were interrupted by the sound of a sharp crack, followed by a muffled grunt. Later the grunts became piercing cries.
Damn the priests; for that matter, damn Vato. Anden didn’t deserve this, and neither did she.
Gods, she’d really thought she was about to die.
Though she felt pathetic and weak laying there shaking on her cell floor, somewhere within she felt a resolve form and grow strong: whatever manner in which Emitis planned to sacrifice them next Midsummer didn’t matter. She was not going to die that day; she would make certain of it.
next
I love Kiri so much and I just want her to be happy, but I wrote this for her instead. Guess my hand slipped :)
Thank you for reading!
tag list: @starlit-hopes-and-dreams
#whump#whumpblr#whump fic#whump writing#captivity whump#fantasy whump#religious whump#multiple whumpees
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Saints&Reading: Sunday, December 24, 2023
december 11_december 24
Week of Holy Forefathers:
The Sunday that falls between December 11-17 is known as the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers. These are the ancestors of Christ according to the flesh, who lived before the Law and under the Law, especially the Patriarch Abraham, to whom God said, “In thy seed shall all of the nations of the earth be blessed” (Gen. 12:3, 22:18).
VENERABLE DANIEL THE STYLITE OF CONSTANTINOPLE (490)
Saint Daniel the Stylite was born in the village of Bethara, near the city of Samosata in Mesopotamia. His mother Martha was childless for a long while and in her prayers she vowed that if she had a child, she would dedicate him to the Lord. Her prayers were heard, and Martha soon gave birth to a son, who was without a name until he was five years of age.
The boy’s parents desired that since he was born through the good-will of God, he should also receive his name from God. They took their son to a monastery located nearby and approached the igumen. The igumen gave orders to take down one of the service books, and unrolled it at random. He found the Prophet Daniel (December 17) mentioned in it. Thus did the boy receive his name. The parents asked that he might remain at the monastery, but the igumen would not accept him, since he was still only a small boy. At twelve years of age, saying nothing to anyone, the child left home for the monastery.
His parents were happy when they learned where their son was, and they went to the monastery. Seeing that he was still going about in his worldly clothes, they besought that the igumen should clothe him in the angelic garb. That Sunday the igumen fulfilled their request, but permitted them often to visit their son. The brethren of the monastery were astonished at the saint’s ascetical efforts.
Once, Saint Simeon the Stylite (September 1) visited the monastery. He foretold to the young monk that he too would undertake the feat of pillar-dwelling. Saint Daniel continued with his ascetic life in seclusion. When the place of a new exploit was revealed to him in a vision, he withdrew into the Thracian wilderness together with two disciples. They set up a pillar, upon which Saint Daniel dwelt for 33 years. People thronged to the pillar, the unfortunate and those who were sick, and all received help and healing from Saint Daniel. Byzantine emperors also sought the prayers of the holy ascetic. The most notable of the saint’s predictions was about a great fire in Constantinople. Saint Daniel possessed also the gift of gracious words. He guided many onto the path of correcting their lives. The monk reposed in his eightieth year.
Source: Orthodox Church in America_OCA
St NICON THE DRY OF THE KIEV NEAR CAVE( 1101)
Saint Nikon the Dry, the son of rich and illustrious parents, gave up everything for Christ and became a monk at the Kiev Caves monastery. In the year 1096, during the incursions of Khan Bonyak, he was taken into captivity with some other monks. The captors treated Saint Nikon harshly, while waiting for a ransom to be paid. When the saint refused to be ransomed, his masters began to torment him with hunger, and left him exposed in the heat of summer and the cold of winter. He was mistreated and beaten every day for about three years, for his captors thought he would change his mind and send word to his relatives, asking to be ransomed.
The saint gave thanks to God for everything, and once said to his tormentor that the Lord, through the prayers of Saints Anthony and Theodosius would return him to his monastery within three days, as Saint Eustratius (March 28) had predicted while appearing to him.
The captor cut the tendons in Saint Nikon’s legs and set a strong guard over him. But suddenly, on the third day at the sixth hour, the holy captive became invisible. At the moment the guard heard the words, “Praise the Lord from the Heavens” (Ps. 148).
Saint Nikon was transported to the Dormition church, where the Divine Liturgy was being served. The brethren surrounded him and began to ask how he got there. Saint Nikon wanted to conceal the miracle, but the brethren implored him to tell the truth.
Saint Nikon did not want to have his fetters removed, but the igumen said, “If the Lord had wanted you to remain fettered, He would not have delivered you from captivity.”
After a long while Saint Nikon’s former master came to the Kiev Caves monastery and recognized his former captive, who was withered from hunger and the loss of blood from his wounds. He came to believe in Christ, and accepted Baptism. After receiving monastic tonsure, he became a novice under Saint Nikon’s direction.
Saint Nikon died at the beginning of the twelfth century and was buried in the Near Caves. Though he did not enjoy good health in this life, his holy relics were glorified by incorruption. His memory is celebrated also on September 28 and on the second Sunday of Great Lent.
COLOSSIANS 3:4-11
4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. 8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
LUKE 14:16-24
16 Then He said to him, "A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, 17 and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, 'Come, for all things are now ready.' 18 But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.' 19 And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.' 20 Still another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' 21 So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.' 22 And the servant said, 'Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.' 23 Then the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 'For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.' "
Commentary of the Church's Father:
Theophylact of Ochrid AD 1107 : Because the man who sat at table with Him had said, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God, the Lord teaches him at some length what it means to feast with God, and tells this parable. By a certain man the Lord means His Father, the Lover of man. Whenever Scripture alludes to God's power to punish, He is called a panther, a leopard, or a bear [Hos. 13:7-8].
But whenever it alludes to God's love for man, He is presented as a man, as is the case here. Since the parable treats of God's extreme love for man and the divine economy of the Incarnation which He worked in us, making us sharers of the Flesh of His Son, the parable calls God a man and this divine economy a great supper. It is a supper because the Lord came in the last days, as it were at the evening of this age. And this supper is great because great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of our salvation. [I Tim. 3:16]
And he sent his servant at supper time. Who is this servant? The Son of God, Who assumed the form a servant and became man, and as a man is said to have been sent forth. Notice how He did not say "a servant," but instead, using the definite article, the servant [of his.] Christ is the One and only Servant Who in His human nature was perfectly obedient and pleasing to God. For Christ is pleasing to the Father not only as Son and God, but also as Man. He is the only Sinless One Who carried out all the counsels and commandments of the Father and fulfilled all righteousness, and in this sense is said to serve God the Father. He alone can be called the true Servant of God. He was sent at supper time, that is, at the appointed and proper time.
For there was no other time more opportune for our salvation than the reign of Caesar Augustus, when iniquity had reached its peak and it was critical that it be cleansed. Just as physicians allow a festering and malignant boil to burst and release all its foul pus, and only then apply the medication, so too it was necessary that sin first display all its forms, and then the Great Physician applied His medicine. For this very reason the Lord waited for the devil to fill the full measure of iniquity, and then the Son of God took flesh and healed every form of iniquity by every aspect of His holy life. Therefore He was sent at that hour, that is, at that comely and opportune season of which David says, Gird Thy sword upon Thy thigh, 0 Mighty One, in Thy comeliness. (2)
Certainly the sword here signifies the Word of God [Heb. 4:12], while the words upon Thy thigh indicate His Nativity in the flesh which was in comeliness, that is, when the time was right and seemly. He was sent to speak to those who had been called. Who are those that were called? Perhaps this refers to all men. For God has called all to the knowledge of Him, by means of the order and harmony of visible creation, and by means of the natural law. But those that were called are also, more specifically, the children of Israel, who were called through the law and the prophets. In the first place, then, the Lord was sent to the sheep of the house of Israel. [Mt. 15:24] The Lord was saying to all the Jews, Come, for all things are now ready, when He proclaimed the good tidings that the kingdom of heaven is at hand [Mt. 4:17], and among you [Lk. 17:21].
And they all with one accord began to make excuse, that is, as if at a signal. For all the leaders of the Jews refused to have Jesus as their King, and thus were found unworthy of the supper, one because of his love of wealth, and another because of his love of pleasure. The man who bought a piece of ground and the man who bought the five yoke of oxen signify those who love wealth, while the man who married a wife signifies those who love pleasure. Furthermore, the man who bought a piece of ground signifies the man who cannot accept the mystery of faith because he is governed by the wisdom of this world. The piece of ground represents the world and, in general, nature, and the man who must go and see his piece of ground is he who sees only nature, and cannot accept what is beyond nature.
Therefore the Pharisee, for example, "sees his piece of ground," that is, he looks only at the laws of nature and cannot accept that a Virgin gave birth to God, because that is beyond nature. Because they are examining this "piece of ground," that is, nature, none of those who boast in external wisdom have recognized Jesus Who made nature new. The man who bought five yoke of oxen, and tested them, also represents a man who loves the material world. He has yoked the five senses of the soul to the five senses of the body and has made the soul into flesh. For this reason he is concerned only with the earth and does not desire to commune of the rational Supper, for as Wisdom says, How can he get wisdom that holdeth the plough? [Eccles. (Wis. of Sirach) 38:25]
He who stays behind because of a wife is a lover of pleasure who has devoted himself to the flesh, the mate of the soul. By cleaving to the flesh he cannot please God. You may also understand these things literally. We also fall away from God because of fields, because of yokes of oxen, because of marriages, when we become so attached to them that they consume our whole life and we are carried away even to the point of shedding blood over them. Then there is no divine thought or word that we can practice, or even comprehend
#orthodoxy#orthodoxchristianity#easternorthodoxchurch#originofchristianity#spirituality#holyscriptures#gospel#bible#wisdom#saints
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May I please request mini headcanons of the House of Fingolfin taking care of their S/O when they are sick?
Inspired by your Beleg request!
House of Fingolfin — Caring For Their Sick S/O
Fingolfin
Despite being mortal which is scary enough for him to panic, Fingolfin is tranquil as he goes about caring for you. Making frequent check-ups during the day when he had meetings, or staying at your side if he has a free day. He wouldn't go the entire distance and baby you, he'll leave that for the medics, but he'll provide comfort by chatting or reading and keeping you company so you don't feel lonely. Expect to be scolded to eat and rest with intermittent kisses.
Fingon
Who needs healers when he exists? He's going to be caring for you after spending all his time consulting with the healers on all the precautions for treating you. You need to eat, he got you. You need to take a bath, it depends on how far in your relationship you two are, he'll assist you or leave it to the healers. You need to go for a walk, he got you with that as well. He'll even cuddle and shower you in kisses since he can't get sick. Fingon takes the opportunity presented to baby you. Compared to his siblings, he's a bit more relaxed and not panicking that you can possibly die.
Turgon
He's fretting because he knows how fragile humans are and he's heard so many stories about them dying so he's hovering like a mother hen. Checking up on you every few minutes — might as well tell him to stay the entire day or days at your side. Torn between wanting to feed and take care of you himself and allowing the healers to do their duty. He forever sits at your bedside, holding your hand and chatting away with you, refusing to let you lift a finger. He even kisses your hands and forehead with whispers to heal you.
Argon
A little confused baby who hasn't heard much about human being unwell so he consults the healers and grows panicked because their response gave him a stroke. He grows weary of you becoming worse even though it's a simple cold and fever. Argon wants to do everything and anything to keep you safe and healthy and give you a speedy recovery. Aware that he can't become unwell, he will cuddle you in hopes that his presence will ease any discomfort. A few kisses to your forehead will be delivered seriously with a prayer behind each.
Maeglin
Not panicking one bit and is level-headed when it comes to caring for you. He will reach out to both you and the healers to learn what must be done to help you recover. From home-cooked meals to some cuddling here and there, a few kisses and whispers of prayers to assist your recovery, Maeglin is babying you. He'll take time off to visit you and take you on walks for some fresh air and to stretch your limbs. He's very patient and delicate when caring for you.
#mini headcanons#fingolfin x reader#fingon x reader#turgon x reader#argon x reader#maeglin x reader#nolofinweans#silmarillion imagine#silmarillion x reader#silmarillion headcanon#house of fingolfin#doodlepops responds
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SAINT OF THE DAY (April 29)
St. Catherine was a third-order Dominican, peacemaker, and counselor to the Pope.
She singlehandedly ended the Avignon exile of the successors of Peter in the 14th century.
She is the co-patron of Italy and Europe.
Born in Siena, on the feast of the Annunciation, 25 March 1347, Catherine was the 23rd of Jacopo and Lapa Benincasa’s 25 children. Her twin sister died in infancy.
She exhibited an unusually independent character as a child and an exceptionally intense prayer life.
When she was seven years old, she had the first of her mystical visions in which she saw Jesus surrounded by saints and seated in glory.
In the same year, she vowed to consecrate her virginity to Christ. When, at the age of 16, her parents decided that she should marry, she cut off her hair to make herself less appealing.
Her father, realizing that he couldn’t contend with her resolve, let her have her way.
She joined the Dominican Tertiaries and lived a deep and solitary life of prayer and meditation for the next three years.
She had constant mystical experiences, capped, by the end of the three years, with an extraordinary union with God granted to only a few mystics, known as ‘mystical marriage.’
Catherine suffered many intense periods of desolation alongside her mystical ecstasies, often feeling totally abandoned by God.
She ended her solitude at this point and began tending to the sick, poor and marginalized, especially lepers.
As her reputation for holiness and remarkable personality became known throughout Siena, she attracted a band of disciples, two of whom became her confessors and biographers.
They served Christ in the poor with even greater ardor. The Lord also called Catherine to a more public life while she was still in her 20s.
She established correspondences with many influential figures, advising and admonishing them, and exhorting them to holiness, including the Pope himself who she never hesitated to rebuke when she saw fit.
Great political acts, which are attributed to her, include achieving peace between the Holy See and Florence who were at war, to convince the pope to return from his Avignon exile, which he did in 1376, and to heal the great schism between the followers of the legitimate pope, Urban VI, and those who opposed him in 1380.
She achieved this while on her deathbed.
Her Dialogues, one of the classics of Italian literature, are the record of her mystical visions, which she dictated in a state of mystical ecstasy.
In 1375, while visiting Pisa, she received the stigmata, even though they never appeared on her body during her lifetime, owing to her request to God.
They appeared only on her incorruptible body after her death.
She died in Rome on 29 April 1380 at the age of 33.
She was beatified on 29 December 1460. She was canonized by Pope Pius II on 29 June 1461.
Pope Paul VI declared her a Doctor of the Church, along with Teresa of Avila, on 4 October 1970.
Pope John Paul II proclaimed her patron saint of Europe on 1 October 1999, along with five other saints.
She is also the patron saint of journalists, media, and nursing.
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Halloween requests? Don't mind if I fucking doooo! I had an idea for an angel S/O... And I was wondering if blu medic would be a better fit and I guess he could be a better yan.... So i got an idea... What if Angel Darling finds an almost dead medic n being the lil good ngelic healer and mortal lover they nurse medic, bringing him back from the brink of death! But oh shit look at that! He doesn't want them to go away! So he does all he can to keep S/O from leaving and helping more humans as their godly duty demands them to do for this earth
I also had a concept for a Demonic S/O but I might leave that for later... >:3
Okay! I'll write a concept for this ^^
BLU, this is the second time you consulted supernatural forces to heal you in this event alone, it clearly never ends well-
Yandere! BLU! Medic with Angel! Darling
Concept
(Halloween Event - Angel)
Pairing: Romantic
Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Manipulation, Possessive behavior, Blood, Near death, Violence, Drugging, Cutting of wings, Delusional behavior, Kidnapping, Forced relationship.
- Medic really thought he'd die that day.
- He felt the life leaving his body and was just about to let it happen.
- Perhaps his time really has come?
- He just hopes he was a good doctor...
- He gets ready to close his eyes and let the darkness consume him, only to feel a warm hand touch him lightly.
- "You poor mortal... taken way too soon. Don't worry, I'll give you a second chance."
- Medic opens his eyes to see an angel aiding him.
- He wasn't expecting to see something so supernatural.
- "This is impossible... am I dead?"
- "No, not yet. I found you just in time."
- "Are you really an angel or a hallucination?"
- "You mortals are always so cute... of course I am!"
- Such a realization leaves Medic stunned.
- He's been revived by a real angel.
- He feels his face heat up and weakly tries to sit up, he only coughs as a result.
- "I will stay by you until you heal. Please, do not get up. I can heal you but it will take time."
- This is how Medic meets you.
- Meeting an angel is a once in a lifetime thing.
- Now he has one wandering his home, treating his wounds and being so kind and caring to him.
- He learned your name is (Y/N) and you adore humans, helping them around the world if you felt they deserved it.
- Medic would probably fake being injured/sick once he heals to keep you around as long as possible.
- It looks like your judgment on Medic was wrong....
- He's greedy once drinking in your presence.
- As you heal him, he finds himself falling for you.
- How could a mortal resist the charm of an angelic presence?
- You were enough to wake dark desires in the doctor.
- As you healed him, you let him touch your wings, you let him touch your face....
- To you, he was just a curious mortal.
- Like a child wishing to learn more about the world, he was just in awe of you.
- In a way, your reasoning was almost true.
- He was in awe of you, just for different reasons.
- Medic knows lying to you would soon turn suspicious.
- Which means behind your back, Medic's doing research on how to keep an angel down to earth.
- You're of the impression Medic is just an injured mortal that is just as kind as you.
- While in reality, Medic was practicing how to remove your wings with a bonesaw as painless as possible.
- He doesn't wish for you to be in pain.
- But if he doesn't clip your wings, you'll leave him forever.
- You look so beautiful with them...
- Yet you'll look just as beautiful without them.
- Aiding this human only led you into a trap.
- You'd learn this when he lead you into a false sense of security after two weeks.
- He says he wishes to thank you.
- He wants to show you how much he cares for you healing him.
- Then he injects you with a strong anesthetic, much stronger than any for normal humans.
- You're out cold when he gives you a pain killer, pulling out his bonesaw and murmuring a small prayer.
- Asking God to forgive him for taking one of his messengers for himself.
- Medic may be damned to Hell for this, although he is willing to accept his fate.
- He cringes when he feels the bonesaw remove your wings.
- The cracking of the metal hitting bone a disturbing noise.
- By the time he was done, he was covered in blood and bandaging the nubs you now had.
- White feathers turn to red, a sin weighs heavy in his soul.
- By the time you woke up you felt betrayed.
- Here stands the human you saved in front of you, covered in your blood and feathers.
- He grins at you like a monster.
- Like he's a demon in disguise.
- You scream in fear at what he's done.
- Medic only smiles softly at you, sitting beside you.
- "I couldn't let something so beautiful leave so soon... now I can have you! No other mortal should be blessed with you... only I can."
- Due to him, an angel may now never return home.
- You'll die here as a forced mortal.
- All because of a mortal's twisted possessive desires.
- "I love you more than anyone else...."
#yandere team fortress 2#yandere tf2#yandere tf2 medic#yandere blu medic#yandere blue medic#panther halloween event 2022
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Greetings skippy. I would like to humbly ask for a prayer request. I have severe iron deficiency and the treatment is very harsh and makes me sick. My husband has been unfaithful during my illness and my family is ignoring me. I feel very alone except for when I read your posts. I would appreciate any and all good thoughts, happy vibes, and prayers. Thank you so much, and have a beautiful weekend.
I am so very sorry to hear of your trials. Oh my! You are most definitely not alone….we are here, and God is with you every second. Anytime you need to chat, I am here. I will of course add you to our Prayer List, and I will say my rosary for you tomorrow. May God Bless you and heal you, and keep you close. 🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Request a drabble using this prompt list!
His scarf unravels from his body, his feet dragging themselves across the floor.
He leaves a wet trail as he moves, earning an immediate scolding from Lobanov- one that melts away when he takes a proper look at Piper's features.
They don't know what exactly came over him, to play in the snow- but they quickly determine he has a cold, and he has the privilege to rest on Lobanov's rickety bed, while Abbot fluffs his pillows and instructs him to rest.
Normally, he and Kurosawa would jab at one another- but Kurosawa was not in the mood, and Kurusu left him alone fairly quickly without another word, retiring themselves into their shared bedroom.
Outside of a quick reminder to drink his medicine, Technamare and Aibert didn't throw so much of a fuss either.
He doesn't see Descante at all, outside from hearing muffled music from his headphones- he barely seems to take them off these days.
Finally, that leaves Antoniou- he offers to keep watch over Piper for the night, to swap responsibilities with Abbot if he himself needed a wink of sleep. Lobanov offers, but is quickly shut down by everyone else.
The night passes by slowly- but Piper is unable to process any feeling outside from the numbing cold and the burning heat.
No matter what position he shifts in, how many times Antoniou offers to swap his pillow to the cooler side, how much water he drinks- he can't sleep.
He doesn't remember the last time he got sick- had it always been this agonizing?
He settles for sleeping on his side, his face against the wall; their looks of pity were only making it worse.
Not too long afterwards, he hears the light snoring from Antoniou, no doubt slumped in the shitty sofa that Lobanov himself fell asleep in multiple times.
He couldn't drift to sleep.
He shuts his eyes, counting Mareep- and then Wooloo, up to the hundreds and to the thousands.
He counts Spoink jumping over the fence, tripping on their tails and dropping their pearls.
Until eventually, he starts counting Floette, plucking the petals of their flowers one by one.
As if his prayers had been answered, a cool hand places itself on his forehead- and he feels relief.
"Don't open your eyes," The voice whispers. "You're burning up."
He follows- he doesn't need to see who it was anyway, he knows.
"Slater," He croaks out, leaning against his hand. "Read me a story?"
"Oh?"
"Can't sleep. Your voice, it's nice."
He feels himself flushed from embarrassment- but in times like this, where he felt like he was dying, it didn't matter.
Plus, it was true- he knew that Slater's voice was important, but he didn't initially believe the rumor that it could heal souls.
Slater hums- and he could imagine the warm smile.
"Okay, Piper."
And so, Slater begins to speak.
He tells him a story of a hero, a warrior, and a scholar, accompanied by a heart.
He tells him a story of prophets, priests, and doctors.
He tells him a story of happy endings, bad endings- and those in-between, and what came after.
As he speaks, Piper's body relaxes and he sinks into the pillows, his ragged breaths turning calm.
It wasn't long until sleep finally claimed him- the effects of a Relic Song.
...
Earlier, in the midst of a snowy day, Kurosawa and Descante had gone out to shop for canned soup.
They spot Piper kneeling in the outskirts of the beach, where snow meets sand.
Kurosawa is about to call out for him, to ask him what he was doing- only for Descante to put an arm in front of him, his eyes hidden behind fogged glasses.
Piper digs into the sand, frantically calling out for the name of someone- the same person that had been claimed by the ocean weeks ago.
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Etiquette Of Making Dua
In order to properly make a dua that is more likely to be accepted by Allah SWT, there is a specific etiquette and form we must stick to. You must try to “sandwich” your duas in between the names of Allah and sending blessings or salawat on the Prophet PBUh.
Here is how you should form your dua (in order):
1- Start the dua by invoking the names of Allah SWT that are relevant to your dua. For example: if you are asking Allah to give you something, use the names Al Razzaq or Al Wahhab. If you are asking Allah to heal you from sickness, use the name Al Shafi. Allah SWT has 99 names. Use them.
2- Mention your request. Remember to make it specific and detailed. You can also make dua for more than one thing at the same time. Allah’s power and mercy is limitless.
“Allah has power over all things” (35:1).
3- End your dua by sending peace and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Prophet Muhammad PBUH is the master of the universe and the best of all creation. Anything he PBUH has touched is blessed. Sending peace, prayers and blessings upon him will give our dua the best and most blessed seal.
#islam#quran#islamic#muslim#islamicquotes#pakistan#islamic group#muslim community#muslim countries#istanbul#arabic dua
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THIS DAY IN GAY HISTORY
based on: The White Crane Institute's 'Gay Wisdom', Gay Birthdays, Gay For Today, Famous GLBT, glbt-Gay Encylopedia, Today in Gay History, Wikipedia, and more …
c.500 – Today the Christian church honours the feast day of St Galla (d.550), a Roman nun of the turn of the 6th century. What makes her of particular interest to gay people today, is her intimate friendship and devoted attention to her colleague, the nun Benedicta. This devotion was so intense, that according to legend, in answer to prayer, they were permitted to die together, so as to avoid being separated even for a moment of eternity.
In his Dialogues, Pope Saint Gregory the Great speaks of a holy woman of Rome named Galla, who had been married for less than a year when her husband died. Refusing to remarry, the young widow resolved to devote the rest of her life to God. To protect her beauty againt men's attention, it is said she disguised herself as a man and God gave her a beard.
Joining with a community of women living near St. Peter's Basilica, caring for the poor and sick, this wealthy and pious woman founded a convent and a hospital. She is reputed to have once healed a young deaf and mute girl by blessing some water, and having the girl drink from it.
As she lay stricken with breast cancer, Galla kept two candles burning each night at the foot of her bed, for Gregory explains, "She hated darkness, being a friend of light, physical as well as spiritual light."
It was between these two candles that one night the Apostle Saint Peter appeared in a vision to Galla. The dying woman asked him: "Have my sins been forgiven?"
Smiling, Peter nodded yes and answered, "They are forgiven. Come."
But Saint Galla now requested, "I beg you to let Sister Benedicta come with me."
Peter told her, "Sister Benedicta will follow you in thirty days." Three days later, Galla died, and a month later, Benedicta.
Their story (or myth) is an important reminder that for all the modern Church's opposition to homosexuality, the record shows that same-sex couples and queer saints, nuns, priests, bishops, and popes have always been present, throughout Church history.
1984 – Odin Biron is an American actor living in Moscow and Minneapolis. While not well-known in the United States, he is best-known in Russia for playing the character Dr Phil Richards in the popular medical sitcom, Interns.
Born in Duluth, Minnesota, Biron grew up nearby in rural Minnesota, moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan, with his mother after his parents' divorce. While studying at the University of Michigan, he studied at the Moscow Art Theatre on student exchange and was, unusually, invited to stay and join the incoming Russian class. In one of his final student roles, he won an award for his portrayal of Hamlet in a production that toured to New York's Baryshnikov Arts Center.
Landing a role in Interns, a top-rated Russian medical sitcom, in 2006 raised Biron's profile substantially and he has spoken about being recognised in nightclubs and avoiding "celebrity events" as a result. In a country where a large majority of the population view the United States "badly" or "very badly", Biron is one of a few Americans in the public eye, yet the success of Interns has led to Biron being considered a heartthrob and very popular.
Biron came out to his parents as a teenager and made no big secret of his homosexuality, but Russia is very socially conservative on LGBT rights, with hostility towards legal recognition of same-sex marriage and support for laws discriminating against LGBT people. His character on Interns was raised by two gay fathers, though the treatment of the issue of sexuality on the show has been described as reinforcing the Soviet idea that homosexuality is a product of Western moral decay, rather than being used to promote more liberal values.
It is very common for LGBT performers in Russia to avoid coming out, with an unspoken don't ask, don't tell arrangement between the entertainment industry and the mainstream press. After the passage of 2013's Russian LGBT propaganda law, Biron's Interns co-star and former Orthodox priest Ivan Okhlobystin made international news with genocidally homophobic remarks made in a December 2013 talk in Novosibirsk, leading Biron to consider leaving the show and Russian TV altogether. As a result, he came out in an interview with New York magazine in early 2015, to mixed reactions, reported in the Russian press accompanied by mentions of Okhlobystin's remarks. After an initial reaction leaving Biron with "a sense of physical danger, political danger", he initially left Russia. He returned later without any apparent negative effect on his career, though his friendship with Okhlobystin had become untenable after the former priest's reaction describing him as a "pervert" and a "sodomite".
Biron lived in Moscow with his boyfriend, a Kazakh film director. In an interview with Minnesota's Star Tribune in May 2015, however, he mentioned that he was back in the United States permanently and, as well as acting, was pursuing a Le Cordon Bleu culinary degree.
1840 – John Addington Symonds (d.1893) was an English poet and literary critic. Although he married and had a family, he was an early advocate of male love (homosexuality), which he believed could include pederastic as well as egalitarian relationships. He referred to it as l'amour de l'impossible (love of the impossible). A cultural historian, he was known for his work on the Renaissance, as well as numerous biographies about writers and artists. He also wrote much poetry inspired by his homosexual affairs.
John Symonds was born at Bristol, England in 1840. Considered delicate, the younger Symonds did not take part in games after age 14 at Harrow School, and he showed no particular promise as a scholar.
In January 1858 Symonds received a letter from his friend Alfred Pretor, telling of Pretor's affair with their headmaster, Charles John Vaughan. Symonds was shocked and disgusted, feelings complicated by his growing awareness of his own homosexuality. He did not mention the incident for more than a year until, in 1859 and a student at Oxford University, he told the story to John Conington, the Latin professor. Conington encouraged Symonds to tell his father about his friend's affair, and the senior Symonds forced Vaughan to resign from Harrow. Pretor was angered by the younger man's part and never spoke to Symonds again.
In the fall of 1858, Symonds went to Balliol College, Oxford. In spring of that same year, he fell in love with Willie Dyer, a Bristol choirboy three years younger. They engaged in a chaste love affair that lasted a year, until broken up by the senior Symonds. The friendship continued for several years afterward, until at least 1864. Dyer became organist and choirmaster of St Nicholas' Church, Bristol.
In 1862, an accusation of misconduct caused a nervous breakdown and a rest trip to Switzerland where he met his wife to be, whom he married in 1864.
In 1868, Symonds met and fell in love with Norman Moor, a youth about to go up to Oxford, who became his pupil. Their affair, erotic and sensual but kept short of coitus, lasted four years. According to Symonds' diary of 28 January 1870, "I stripped him naked and fed sight, touch and mouth on these things." The relationship occupied a good part of his time. (On one occasion he left his family and travelled to Italy and Switzerland with Moor.) It also inspired his most productive period of writing poetry, published in 1880 as New and Old: A Volume of Verse.
While the taboos of Victorian England prevented Symonds from speaking openly about homosexuality, his works published for a general audience contained strong implications and some of the first direct references to male-male sexual love in English literature. For example, in "The Meeting of David and Jonathan", from 1878, Jonathan takes David "In his arms of strength / [and] in that kiss / Soul into soul was knit and bliss to bliss".
The same year, his translations of Michelangelo's sonnets to the painter's beloved Tommaso Cavalieri restore the male pronouns which had been made female by previous editors. By the end of his life, Symonds' homosexuality had become an open secret in Victorian literary and cultural circles.
Simultaneously to these widely available works, Symonds was writing, privately publishing and distributing more candid writings about homosexuality. As well as a large number of poems written throughout the 1860s and 1870s, Symonds wrote one of the first essays in defense of homosexuality in the English language, A Problem in Greek Ethics, in 1883. A follow-up essay from 1891, A Problem in Modern Ethics, includes proposals for reforming anti-homosexual legislation.
1924 – On this date the Chilean writer Jose Donoso was born (d.1996). He lived most of his life in Chile, although he spent some years in self-imposed exile in Mexico, the United States (Iowa) and Spain. After 1973, he claimed his exile was a form of protest against the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.
Donoso was the author of a number of remarkable stories and novels, which contributed greatly to the Latin American literary boom and the foundation of the literary movement known as Magical Realism. His best known works include the novels Coronación, El lugar sin límites (The Place Without Limits) and El obsceno pájaro de la noche (The Obscene Bird of Night). His works deal with a number of themes, including sexuality and psychology, and are often darkly humorous. He is also considered an innovative stylist.
After his death his personal papers at the Iowa Writers' Workshop revealed an active sex life and the fact of Donoso's homosexuality. It came as a shock to some in Latin America's intelligentsia that one of the great writers of the 20th century was in fact Gay.
1513 – Spanish conquistador Vasco Nunez de Balboa discovered what he claimed was a colony of cross-dressing males in present day Panama. It was reported that he massacred them.
1659 – Richard Berry is banished from Plymouth Colony, after his third arrest on various homosexual sex charges.
1969 – The Washington Blade publishes its first issue. At that time it was called The Gay Blade and contained hard hitting journalism and gay activism.
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