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talkfastromance4 · 3 years

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4. Minefields--Ashton Irwin ‘Lovers in a Song’ series

a/n: So while each ‘chapter’ is titled after a song it’s more of the mood and a few choice lyrics that really made the story. This story changed a lot as I wrote it but in the end it all flows really nicely together. I’m so excited to share this with you! Each part is 3,000 with the exception of the last part. Please don’t hesitate to send me messages, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Word count: 3k

warnings: PLEASE READ THIS FIRST, there is physical abuse in this, it is minimal/accidental and happens after drinking/drug usage please, please read with caution, drug use mentioned briefly but no particular drug named, aftermath of drugs, aftermath of hit, more angst

Masterlist

LIAS masterlist

***

1 Year Ago

Cressida is flipping through her magazine on the couch in her hotel suite in Italy. She’s here on a promotional trip for the newest Brandy she helped design. It has a hint of vanilla and is in a beautiful gold bottle. Ashton gave her the idea.

Ashton is also in the hotel across the street. She wonders if he’s thinking of her too. The last time they were together they got into a big fight about Gavin and Lucinda. Ashton’s heard rumors he’s a part of a large drug cartel involving opioids, hallucinogens, the whole nine yards. Cressida disagreed because that’s all just rumors to stir the pot.

She fired back that Lucinda is only after Ashton’s money and plans on taking it all in a large divorce battle where she’d play victim. Ashton told her she was insane and they both left the hotel in huffs of fury.

She flips past a page that has her and Gavin blown up on both pages while they were out walking for lunch. The small article claims there’s “trouble in paradise and alcohol might be at risk.” Gavin has been partying a lot more recently and doesn’t come home until five a.m. most days. Cressida checks the watch on her wrist that matches the bracelet Ashton gifted her.

It’s nearly 2 in the morning now, her jet lag is still a nuisance. She glances to the open window and sees movement in Ashton’s room behind the white curtain. The only way she knows it’s his room is because that’s where they stayed while they were here that wonderful summer.

Her lips are pursed as she contemplates and thinks, eyes glancing to the pink rotary phone and the short yet oh so far distance to where Ashton is. Giving in, she reaches for the phone and dials the hotel’s number asking for the room Mr. Irwin is staying it. When asked who they should say is calling she told them, “say it’s Miss Gold.”

The phone hums in her ear and she saunters over the window waiting to hear his voice and to hopefully see him in the window.

“It’s you,” his voice is soft and quiet. He almost sounds relieved.

“It’s me,” she smiles and begins to pace. “I know this might be a mistake calling you this late but…”

“But what angel?”

The use of her nickname is a sign that he misses her too. She moves in front of the window and sees his silhouette facing her.

“These dreams I have of you aren’t real enough.”

He’s silent for a beat.

“Is he there with you?”

“No, he’s at some club. He doesn’t get back until early in the morning anyway, I could come over and—”

Cressida stops short because she hears a woman’s voice behind Ashton asking if he ordered the turn down service yet. Her heart sinks as she watches in horror when Lucinda wraps her arms around Ashton, their silhouettes become one large shadow. There’s a lump in Cressida’s throat and her vision becomes blurred with tears.

“Is that them? Let me tell them there were used towels—hello? I’d like to complain—”

Cressida slams the pink phone in its cradle, the ringer tings loudly as her tears fall in rage and hurt. She shuts her curtain and falls into bed falling asleep by draining the sadness from her heart.

There’s a New Year’s Eve Party happening at The Golden Lion and Cressida is there with Gavin. When she spotted Ashton by himself at the bar with a friend of his, Luke she thinks is his name, she wants to put on a show for him since Lucinda is absent.

Cressida’s felt embarrassed ever since that phone call to him in Italy. Clearly there’s something going on between Ashton and Lucinda, right? More than just publicity? Cressida downed two lemon shots in a row, loving the sweet and sour taste of the lemon and sugar.

Anytime she and Gavin were in eyesight of Ashton, she’d drape herself over Gavin and laughed extra loud. Sober, she’d hate herself for acting this petty, but being intoxicated made it all appear crystal clear. She could feel Ashton’s gaze on her the whole night until she ducked away to the bathroom.

When she exited she caught sight of Gavin with his hand up some woman’s dress and she’s giggling at something he’s saying in her ear. Cressida sees red, because not only is Ashton happy in his ‘relationship’ leaving her in the dust, but Gavin is also doing it for all the world to see.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Cressida shrieks making her way towards Gavin.

The girl he was hitting on gasps then quickly ducks away back into the main hall where the party is. Gavin sighs rolling his neck from side to side before facing Cressida.

“Please, don’t tell me you’re hurt about this,” he scoffs. “Why don’t you go run to Irwin?”

“What are you talking about? You can’t be seen making out with someone who isn’t me, not when our relationship is in the spotlight 24/7.”

“Oh, come on, you don’t need me to be in the spotlight. You don’t need anyone because you’re Cressida Leigh James, the princess of Brandy because your great grandaddy double-crossed his partner. Guess that does run in the family.”

Cressida felt like she got slapped. While her and Gavin’s relationship is merely for public eye, they always seemed to have gotten along pretty well. She thought they were somewhat friends, but she has been double-crossing him this whole time. She’s been double-crossing her entire family from three years ago.

“You really think I want to marry you?” Gavin stalks closer to her and she backs away, he’s never acted this way with her before. “You’re a selfish rich girl expecting that everyone loves you. I never did and I never will, so when it is announced that we are to be married, I’ll be as faithful as you’ve been to me. See you at midnight.”

He shoves past her and Cressida is left alone with her shame and guilt. It falls out of her from her tears that won’t seem to stop. She hobbles from the room to go back into the bathroom, she’ll stay there for the rest of the night. No one wants her. Ashton has Lucinda, Gavin has everyone else. While she’s swiping at her cheeks trying to dry her tears, she collides into someone and by the smell of his cologne she knows exactly who.

“Cressida? What happened?” Ashton asks steadying her by her shoulders.

“It’s not like you care,” she cries trying to continue her way past him.

“What are you talking about? Did Gavin hurt you? I’ll kill him, I swear I’ll—”

“I’ve hurt myself. I’m hurting other people, too. Leave me alone, Ash, you should be with Lucinda.”

“Angel—”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, I should have known you’d be right here waiting in the wings for her to fall back into bed with you, Irwin,” Gavin’s voice strikes her like a whip. “I came to apologize but I was right. You are a slut for him.”

“Watch your mouth, de Poiters,” Ashton warns shifting Cressida behind him. He takes a step closer to Gavin, his fingers twitching. He’s wanted to punch Gavin ever since he saw he’s been linked with Cressida.

Gavin laughs and comes toe to toe with Ashton, Cressida sniffles watching what will happen. She’s thankful no one else is around, but at the same time she almost wishes there were people witnessing. Then this whole hidden façade could end.

“You hit me then everyone will know about you. Even her Daddy.”

Ashton clenches his jaw and Cressida gasps. Why would he say it like that?

“I know a lot more than you two think,” he jeers. “But I guess I owe you thanks, because I don’t ever have to fuck her.”

Ashton’s fist connects with Gavin’s nose in record speed. Cressida shouts in surprise and watches in horror as they tousle, fists colliding with flesh and snatching onto shirts trying to get more than one hit in.

“Stop! Stop! Please!” Cressida cries trying to break them up.

A defensive backhand meant for Ashton strikes Cressida’s cheek and she falls to the floor with a pained scream. Her vision turns black and spotty, and her ear is ringing from the commotion above her.

“You bastard!”

“I didn’t mean to! Cress, are you all right? I’m sorry, please, I didn’t mean to hit you. I took some pills to ease off tension and—”

“Shut the fuck up and get away from her,” Ashton seethes shoving Gavin against the wall. His face is centimeters away from Gavin’s. “If I hear you talk disrespectfully to her again or if you lay a hand on her, I will kill you with my own bare hands. If you have any drugs that are near her, you get rid of them, you hear me?”

“Y-yes. Please, I’m sorry. I need to make sure she’s—”

“She’s not your concern now because you’re on a trip. Sober up and get out of my sight,” Ashton threatens pushing him towards the door. “She’s going to be with me until you stop acting like a fucking teenager and if I hear you’re anywhere near this building, I’ll have you arrested to rot in prison for life.”

Gavin gives one last pleading look to Cressida who is rubbing at her cheek before leaving. Ashton rushes to her side, his fingers graze at the shine on her cheek. It’s already bruising, and she flinches at his touch, her eye clamped shut.

“It’s me. He’s gone and I’m right here,” he soothes keeping his hand hovering above her face. “Can I help you up?”

She nods sniffling, her hands reaching out for him. She’s off balance from drinking and her head is still spinning from the backhand. Ashton helps her walk but it’s hard for her, so he just lifts her into his arms. She cries out in pain when her cheek rubs against his shoulder.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he hushes, “I’ll take you up to our room and clean you up.”

“Okay,’’ she whimpers, lips trembling. She closes her eyes to blink and when she opens them again she’s staring at their room. Her ears are ringing and it’s hard to see through her puffy eyes, both from crying and the slap.

“I’m setting you on the bed and I’ll call Louisa to send up your clothes and a first aid kit,” Ashton tells her. When he sets her on the bed he removes his hands from her like a hot iron. “No one will know what happened, okay?”

Cressida sways in her spot on the bed, her head feels really heavy and all she wants to do is sleep. It seems like forever until Ashton is back in front of her with a pile of clothes she keeps here that the staff washes and a first aid.

“Do you want to change first or have me clean your cheek?” Ashton’s voice is so soft it reminds her of a feather.

“Change. My feet hurt,” she whispers.

He helps her change out of her dress and into the sleep shorts and t-shirt. She lets out a cry when the fabric touches her cheek, he quickly apologizes then opens the kit. His fingers are very cool and gentle as he splays them on her cheek inspecting it.

“You’re bruising already,” he breathes then dabs at it with an alcohol wipe.

“Ow!” she cries.

“I know, baby, I know,” he coos sympathizing with her pain. “I need to clean it and Louisa brought up an ice pack so we can bring down the swelling.”

Tears roll down her cheeks as he cleans her up, he comments on what he’s doing, how well she’s handling it, and when he’s almost finished. He places a small band-aid on the small cut that’s on the apple of her cheek.

“You’re all done,” he kisses her hand then rests the ice pack on her cheek. She winces again when he places her hand over it to keep it on the most swollen part of her bruise. “What can I have the front desk send up for you?”

“Water,” she croaks, “and bread.”

“I’ll be right back.”

He’s gone again and she feels oh so tired, so she lays down on her side letting the ice pack stay on its own. It’s hard to see because her eye is swollen shut, the pack feels good on her bruise. She wants Ashton.

“I’m here, I’m right here,” his voice soothes, and she’s being lifted to the center of the bed. Cressida crawls onto his chest, his arms wrap around her protectively. Hesitantly, and very carefully, he kisses the top of her head.

He helps her drink the water that’s sent up and feeds her the bread in small pieces, it hurts her to chew. And all the while he holds her, his heart aching for her yet also bursting in happiness by being with her. He lays the blanket over them and holds the ice pack on her cheek while she sleeps. It’s a restless night, whenever she turns she lets out a small cry and Ashton is quick to pacify her.

The next morning, she can only see him out of her left eye because her right is shut completely. Ashton smiles at her warmly but then memories of the night before come creeping back. Gavin’s words, his and Ashton’s fight that resulted with her on the floor. Ashton’s lip is cut but other than that he still looks perfect.

“I bet I look horrible,” she croaks trying to sit up then groans. Her body feels like cement and her head is pounding. She lays her head back down gingerly on Ashton’s chest.

“You’re always beautiful,” his fingers rub over her hair, “you’re just a little bruised up right now.”

They lay in silence as the sun starts to rise, the light lifting higher and higher on the wall facing the window. The steady beat of his heart is a familiar tune to her ears. She’s been graced to be in his presence five months earlier than they planned and from what she remembers from last night, she’ll be here with him until Gavin’s sober.

That could take months.

“He’s never hit me before,” she tells him quietly. His fingers pause on her back. “And I know it was an accident. He’s also never talked to me how he did.”

“He was on something, Cressida. That’s why he was acting the way he was. I know it’s fake between you two, but I thought he had respect for you. I want to make sure you’re taken care of when I’m not with you. I meant what I said, you know.”

She shifts her head so she can look at him properly. He’s a little blurry from her distorted vision, there’s some scruff on his chin. The cut on his lip is dry and she’s confused.

“You were hit more than me and I’m the one who looks worse. And I know you did, thank you for helping me.”

“It’s always the beautiful things that suffer the most damage,” he kisses her head giving her a sad look. “I’ve missed you.”

“Lucinda wouldn’t like to hear that.”

“She’s not here.”

“She was with you in Italy.”

“Is that what has you so upset? I had to accompany her for fashion week, my whisky was the premiered drink. You honestly think I wouldn’t have called you over to my hotel room if she weren’t there?”

“Really?” she smiles but it’s more of a grimace. Even her lips hurt.

“Try and relax your face, angel.”

“It’s hard. I’m so happy to be with you. Is that twisted?”

“A little,” he grins, “but that’s part of your charm. You’re a twisted woman.”

She frowns remembering what Gavin had said, she really is a twisted woman.

“Hey, what he said to you wasn’t true. All four of us are guilty of pretending with each other and lying to everyone else.”

“So, you don’t have feelings for Lucinda?”

“I respect her business, she’s great at branding and marketing. She’s a friend, and she asks about you.”

“She knows about me?”

“It’s no surprise they both caught on eventually,” he smiles, “we’ve been doing this for a long time, angel, and always in the first week of May.”

She touches her cheek carefully; her head hurts from all the thoughts coursing through it and from the throbbing pain in her cheek. She’ll call Gavin later to make sure he’s all right and to let him know she’s okay. Maybe the four of them could come up with a plan where they could all be happy.

“Ashton?”

“Hm? Are you hungry? I told Louisa to have breakfast delivered by ten. I figured you’d sleep later.”

“No, I’m not—” she stares at him.

Memories of their past push away the dark parts that have occurred. This situation isn’t fair to any of them. Even this, her staying with him now might be a mistake, it’s all broken in so many ways. Ashton always puts her back together again, much like last night. They’re in a constant minefield waiting for a bomb to go off. Last night was explosive but it wasn’t the nuclear bomb ticking away like the time they share.

She’d walk through a hundred minefields to be close to him.

“Kiss me, please?” her request is so soft he barely hears her.

“What I risk to be close to you,” he sighs with a teasing grin before pressing his lips ever so carefully on hers in a tender kiss, and she smiles in contentment. She doesn’t know how long they have, but any amount of time is worth it. Ashton is worth it.

“I still belong with you.”

Taglist: @calpalirwin @myloverboyash @loveroflrh @cxddlyash @princesslrh @spicylftv @notinthesameguey @itjustkindahappenedreally @calumance @thew0rldneedsmcreycghurt @sarcastically-defensive17 @another-lonely-heart @devilatmydoor @thatscooibaby @suchalonelysunflower @dead-and-golden @mymindwide @blackbutterfliescal @redrattlers @karajaynetoday @quasighost @i-like-5sos @creampiecashton @calpops @littledrummeraussie @sexgodashton @f-mu @mystic-232

#lias #lovers in a song fic #ashton irwin au #ashton irwin angst #ashton irwin smut #ashton smut #ashton angst #ashton 5sos writing #ashton 5sos #ashton 5sos fic #5sos fic

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greekbros · 3 years

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"greek-Bros: Golden Apples and Lead Consequences"

*the Apollo, Artimes, Dionysus, Hermes, Heracles, and Ares all marvel at another golden apple that had been found hiding itself like a cursed Easter Egg*

Hermes: wooooow.....I wonder how Eris came in and hid this?

Ares: Nah, according to her, these things just appear out of nowhere sometimes. Even she doesn't know when or where they appear.

Apollo: .....yes but why though?

Artimes: bro, thats a stupid question, they're called "Apples of Discourse" for a reason.

Apollo: *unamused but he knows she's right* well....one appearing here years after the battle of Troy really doesn't seem like a good sign.

Dionysus: I wonder what they taste like.....

Heracles: hmf. Probably bitter. I've heard rumors that eating these can do terrible things to you.

Dionysus: like what?

Ares: Make you shit from your mouth, bleed from your pores, give you a mild case of gas or something.

Heracles: I heard it can make you grow more arms and legs and a whole new organ. Truly unsavory stuff.

Hermes: *sort of plays with the apple* .....well...all that has happened with mortals.....maybe it doesn't do anything to gods?

Artimes: .....well....I don't know....I'm not eating something that grows like THAT and just appears out of buttfuk nowhere.

Apollo: Than again, maybe this is what ambrosia is made out of?

Dionysus: or nectar *licks his lips*

Ares: *kinda wants to eat it but he knows Eres has an obvious trick up her sleeve* ....fuck it *gets his sword, cuts it in 6 pieces* If anything happens....we all have a GREAT reason and the perfect person to blame.

Dionysus: *takes a slice*

Apollo and Artimes: *takes a slice each*

Hermes: *takes a slice as well*

Heracles: hmm........I'm going to stand by my decision and not take a slice.....

Ares: *takes a slice* why? Too much of a pussy?

Heracles: no. In case you all may need assistance.

Dionysus: "Designated Demi-god", I like the sound of that. Can't party without safety net.

Heracles: *sits back and watches the gods each take a small bite*

Artimes: *takes a few seconds and spits her piece right out* ECK! Da fuk? It takes like Soaked wool! *Her brown hair now turns pink* AH! GREAT MY CAMO IS FUCKING RUINED!

Apollo: *chews his a little* funny, mine tastes like a regular apple. *He suddenly grows donkey ears and notices everyone stares at him* ..... What?

Dionysus: ugh, it's got a hint o-*gags a little and pukes what looks like tiny flowers* !

Hermes: *hasn't even taken a bite yet a decides to put his down* .....of so that's what it does...*turns to Ares only to find a baboon with wings wearing his aromor* .....

Ares: ......to be fair....I ate Heracles's slice too. *Scratches himself with his foot*

Heracles: *not even sitting comfortably for more than 5 seconds everything goes to shit* .....should I fetch father?

Apollo: *feels his new ears* AH!

Dionysus: *coughing up flowers* Fuk! Yeah go get hi-*pukes out more grass flowers*

Hermes: Already did. *Now Zeus is next to him*

Zeus: ....oh dear.

Dionysus: *coughs up the last few flowers from under the table, stands up and now he has a bull's head* ah, finally...*rubs his head and feels his new face* ...oh...fuk....This is going to make sleeping with Ariadne very awkward.

Apollo: *only has donkey ears and nothing else* YOU THINK THATS AWKWARD! LOOK AT ME! I'm hideous!

Artimes: At least you can hide those ears! I can't hide anywhere! I stand out like a sore thumb!

Ares: *actually not minding his new monkey existence and now currently is thinking of the Donkey Kong theme* .....so dad....can you fix this?

Zeus: Now now, there is no cure.... however since all of you have only eaten a part of the golden apple, it's effects are temporary. Just keep to yourselves, and wait for the effects to wear off....and I hope ALL of you learned a valuable lesson.

Dionysus: so Hermes why didn't you take a bite? *Scratching behind his ear* ooh that feels good ~°.

Hermes: I was.... until Artimes mentioned it's taste.

Dionysus: mine tastes like a rotten cabbage.

Ares: brussel sprouts.

Apollo: mine just tasted like a regular apple.

Zeus: figures. Golden Apples accomodate to the consumer's least desired palette.

Dionysus: *turns to apollo* dude you hate apples?

Apollo: no. It's just that out of all the things I've eaten-

Artimes: which isn't much.

Apollo: *light glare* Apples aren't something I find incredibly delicious, I just find them underwhelming.

Hermes: I see you've eaten a Red Delicious.

Apollo: is it big, extremely red and bulky?

Hermes: yes.

Apollo: ok, what's the matter with a red delicious?

Hermes: if you ever want to consume tree bark and sand than it's the right apple for you.

Apollo: ....you mean...there's.... OTHER apples?

Heracles: No offense dear brother but I believe after this ordeal you wouldn't want to even remember the existence of apples.

Apollo: *pulls down his ears*....I guess you're right.

Zeus: Don't worry, everything will be fine....but if you feel a little impatient.... *Casually takes out a pair of scissors* *snip snip*

Apollo, Artimes and Dionysus: *looks to each other, screams and all three run off*

Hermes: .......*turns to Ares* and what about you?

Ares: *on Heracles picking and grooming little things from his lion pelt* nah I'm fine.

#greek mythology #greek bros #greek gods #hellenistic #greek myth memes #dionysus #apollo #hermes #artimes #ares #Zeus #heracles

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ynkensblogandshitposting · 3 years

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Haikyuu Characters In The Wizarding World (Houses and Headcannons)

Warnings: mlm couples, mild swearing

Karasuno Boys VB Team

#1 Daichi Sawamura - Gryffindor

He gives off major hardworking Gryffindor vibes, I feel like he would be the Quidditch Captain and top of Transfiguration. Always stressed with his teammates sounds a bit like Remus Lupin with the Marauders. He is angry and stressed Oliver Wood, but with t hi g h s. He is always making sure the first years know what to do and where and who to stay away from. Very responsible. Only detention he has ever gotten was because he accidentally blew up his cauldron in Potions because he was too busy staring at his partner and wasn’t paying attention and landed them both in detention. But he landed himself a date so he doesn’t really mind.

#2 Koshi Sugawara - Slytherin

I think he would be a very sly, Slytherin. Would most likely be Head Boy and Prefect and would get away with everything because he seems like an angel but he is actually very ambitious. He used his charm and connections to his advantage a bit like our favourite ferret boi. He would definitely be part of the Slug Club and hangs around with his partner in crime Oikawa. Loves flirting with the cute Gryffindor Captain in Potions, the lion gets flustered very easily :P

#3 Azumane Asahi - Hufflepuff

He is very hardworking which is a main Hufflepuff trait, he is also more timid. I feel like everyone would wonder why this tall giant is a Hufflepuff until they see him do something like apologising to a bug he crushed or running away when his feral and energetic boyfriend, Yuu runs up to him with Tanaka ready to create chaos. He is always called on by Hagrid in Care Of Magical Creatures and he hates it because he thinks all the creatures are scary as fuck.

#4 Yuu Nishinoya - Gryffindor

We all saw this coming. A second after the Sorting Hat touched his head it screamed out “GRYFFINDOR”. I mean where else would we put him. He is very brave and treasures family and friendships above all else. I feel like he would get along with all the Weasleys except Percy, he would love pretending not to know whatever Percy is talking about just to annoy the heck out of him. Would most likely be a beater on the Quidditch Team with his BFF Tanaka, he definitely gets judged because he is rather small but as soon as the game starts he proves everyone wrong by hitting a rouge bludger to the other team knocking them off their seat.

#5 Ryunosuke Tanaka - Gryffindor

He is that Gryffindor who is always trying to impress the smart and beautiful Ravenclaw goddess that is Kiyoko. They would be like James Potter and Lily Evans. He is always getting in trouble for being caught out of bed or pranking the Slytherins etc. I mean a Gryffindor isn’t a Gryffindor without a little bit of mischief. He definitely shows off on the Quidditch field, I am sure there was at least one time where he tried to execute a difficult manouever to impress Kiyoko and it ended up with him in the Hospital Wing being scolded by Madam Pomfrey, but it’s all good because Kiyoko came to check up on him.

#6 Chikara Ennoshita - Gryffindor

Is practically Remus Lupin personality wise. Very stressed boi, always trying to make sure Tanaka and Nishinoya aren’t doing something stupid that will land them in detention because for God’s sake they can’t lose anymore house points or else McGonagall will most likely kill them all. Is definitely Quidditch commentator, gets told off for swearing and berating Tanaka and Nishinoya every time they make a mistake but he still has the position because he is Minnie’s favourite and all the teacher’s like him since he is an O student with a good behaviour and attitude.

#7 Kazuhito Narita - Hufflepuff

This hardworking angel is definitely a Hufflepuff. He is one of the most kind boys you will ever meet. Would always be quietly watching all the chaos and mischief happening in the back with his boyfriend and best friend Kinoshita. They’re eating popcorn :). I feel like his favourite class would be Charms because he can enjoy the chaos in peace, while calming acing the class. He and Kinoshita sometimes joins Tanaka, Ennoshita and Nishinoya when they sneak out to the kitchens or the Forbidden Forest.

#8 Hisahi Kinoshita - Hufflepuff

He is that laidback and chill guy in the back of the class who would let you coy off him if you were struggling. But he would most definitely be able to hex or jinx you if you crossed or said something bad about his friends. He is always ahead with the work and will likely tutor you if you need help. He loves Astronomy because he is definitely a night owl. Everyone wonders how he is always awake, he says it’s because he has a coffee addiction. Is always seen with a snack because the house elves love him since he is so polite and kind to them. He is the one who discovered the kitchen first out of his friends and always sneaks out with them.

#9 Tobio Kageyama - Gryffindor

He doesn’t try to cause trouble, he just always end up in detention because he spends most of his time fighting with Hinata. (They are still best friends though) He definitely banters with the tall smart-ass Ravenclaw Tsukishima. Is most likely the Quidditch team’s prized seeker. It’s common knowledge that all animals hate him yet the sweet boy decided to take Care Of Magical Creatures to try and get animals to like him more. He is making some progress. Hinata got him a small, raven coloured owl for his birthday, as a joke, and it attacked him as soon as it landed in the Great Hall. He secretly loves the fact that Hinata got him such a “sweet” present. He called it Shoyu.

#10 Shouyou Hinata - Gryffindor

Very loud. Before he even got on the Hogwarts’s Express he already made a bunch of friends and got into a fight. He will always be seen bouncing around Kageyama. No one knows if they are enemies or friends. Some people think they are dating, I mean who wouldn’t the t e n s i o n. The upperclassmen and professors all have bets on which one it is. He always ends up in fights with students way taller and older than him and lands himself in detention. Yet he has no enemies and everyone likes him. He definitely believes everything Trelawney predicts. He and Kageyama are her favourites because they think she is amazing and cool for having the “gift”.

#11 Kei Tsukishima - Ravenclaw

It was either Slytherin or Ravenclaw but the Sorting Hat thought there was enough salty people in Slytherin so he was placed in Ravenclaw. He definitely has the brains for it. He also brings all his snobbish housemates that think they are geniuses down a peg or two. No one retaliates against him since he is so tall and he is rumoured to be a great dueller. No one knows since the only students he has ever fought were the ones bullying his best/boyfriend Yamaguchi and they landed themselves in the Hospital Wing and were too cowardly to ever talk about the incident.

#12 Tadashi Yamaguchi - Slytherin

Everyone thinks he is a sweet angel and no one really knows why he is in Slytherin but if you look closely you would see him teasing and annoying the hell out of Kageyama and Hinata with his Tsukki. Whenever Tsukishima is have a salt showdown with someone he is always prepared to help him even though he never needs it. Can be seem snickering to himself when someone gets blamed for something he did. Never gets caught. I mean he is a Slytherin. He is the Quidditch Team’s youngest chaser. His most commonly seen in either the library, Quidditch pitch or the kitchens snacking with Tsukishima.

Managing Team

Shimizu Kiyoko - Ravenclaw

She acquired the title “Ravenclaw’s Genius Goddess”. When McGonagall called her name out for the Sorting she has heads turning. Was at first mistaken for a Veela or at least part Veela since she has the same effect on the male population. Everyone thought she would never go on a date until Tanaka asked her to the Yule Ball in her last year and declared his love for her. He was actually successful this time because she realised she returned his feelings and they were the IT couple at school. Was most likely Head Girl, and one of the few upperclassmen that Tsukishima respects and doesn’t mind the company off since she doesn’t annoy him and is very quiet.

Hitoka Yachi - Hufflepuff

She would definitely be a Hufflepuff. Very timid and shy but is one of the most hardworking person you will ever meet. Always trying her best and trying to fit in because she’s insecure but she is a perfect little angel and her housemates and year mates all protect her from anyone who try to corrupt or tease her since she is so small. She spends her time in the library with Yamaguchi and Tsukishima but sometimes hangs out with the other Hufflepuffs in the kitchen since she doesn’t want to intrude or thirdwheel.

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halothenthehorns · 3 years

Text

TLTNL- THE LION AND THE SERPENT

Lily wished she had a whistle herself to get the boys attention sometimes, but finally she'd wrangled them all around one table which did nothing to cease their desire to talk about that room.

She even engaged in a few of their more reasonable questions, like speculation of what would happen if more than one person asked for different things of the room for something at the same time. Harry and his friends were all asking for a similar request, but would the room have two doors appear, combine the two requests as it did for the trio, or remain empty until one more solid thing was asked of. While no one had an actual answer for any of this, it was still fun to speculate. When the meal was over Lily happily nursed baby Harry and laid him down for a proper nap, and when she finally settled down to continue it took the boys a moment to realize she was reading without their even paying attention. It took James pleading with her to start over so they could all hear.

Harry felt as though he were carrying some kind of talisman inside his chest over the following two weeks.

"A worthy secret then," Sirius grinned for his old memories of feeling the same.

A secret that kept him smiling through Umbridge's useless lessons as he easily met her bulging eyes.

"A miracle I'm not sure I could share," Remus crinkled his nose.

The DA's magical ability only grew from their first meeting, Harry often reflecting on their progress while pretending to read the assigned text for his Defence class.

Lily was watching Harry preen with more pride than she'd yet seen, and it was for others accomplishments. She'd loved her son the moment he was born, and seeing him glow with pride at seeing others accomplishments after just a little bit of help from himself truly made her realize he may have found his own calling in this field.

It became nearly impossible for their group to have a fixed schedule what with accompanying three separate Quidditch team practices and the paralleling weather, but this Harry supposed as a good thing. If anyone was watching them, it would be impossible to pin down a non existent schedule for their meetings.

"Indeed, unpredictability is always better," Sirius agreed enthusiastically.

Hermione even came up with a better method of communicating when these would occur by handing out fake Galleons at the end of their third meeting, causing Ron some excitement at first.

"Did he think she'd come into inheritance and was being generous, donating to a worthy cause?" James chuckled.

Lily shushed him and kept going curiously how a coin helped with this.

Hermione explained to the whole group about the numbers around the edge, normally just a serial number, but she'd designed them to all be exactly the same. When Harry changed his numbers, that would be the corresponding date of the next meeting, and the Protean charm she'd placed on them would make all of them change with his.

Lily finished with utter exasperation at herself for still being so impressed with Hermione. Doing a sixth year potion in her second year had been impressive enough, now Hermione was showing how advanced she was in Charms as well, was there any subject, anything she couldn't do without putting her mind to it?

The Marauders were just as impressed. They'd never thought they'd find anything more impressive than fifth years being able to pull off becoming animagus', but it was clear enough to them Hermione would have already been able to do this as well if she'd set her mind to it, and that meant far more to them than any grade she'd ever get.

Hermione was met with stunned silence from the DA, Terry Boot from Ravenclaw demanding how she could perform a Protean Charm, that was NEWT level magic, how come she wasn't in his house.

"We've all been wondering that since her first year," Remus rolled his eye.

"I suppose she asked the hat for Gryffindor, or Ravenclaw and got Gryffindor anyways?" Harry recalled a previous conversation about how the Marauders guessed people got put into houses.

"That would be our guess," Sirius agreed. "As far as I can tell, even after everything we've seen of her, she still seems to value intelligence over, well everything."

Harry said back in defense of his friend, "After the rules she's broken? The laws? I know Hermione puts much more value into our friendship than her grades ever could."

"That's not just a Gryffindor trait though, Ravenclaw's have strong bonds of friendship as well," Remus shrugged. "It's what the hat perceives as the way you'd learn best, and being brave enough to put up your opinion put her in with her lot."

James and Sirius exchanged an amused look but stopped arguing the point. Lily had kept her mouth shut because she'd never liked the idea of sorting at all. One particular Gryffindor coming to mind who most anyone would have called a Slytherin if they knew what he'd done, Lockhart was a blithering idiot, Zacharias Smith had already proven to be an arrogant little thing from the humble house, and her favorite teacher in school had been all the qualities Slytherin house prided itself on without turning into a Death Eater. She would never think of anyone as something just because of what house they were in.

Hermione agreed the Sorting Hat had seriously considered putting her into Ravenclaw,

"Why would she call me the Sorting Hat?" Sirius asked while ducking on instinct, though Remus only rolled his eyes that time.

but obviously she'd been put in Gryffindor instead. Then she kept focus, asking if everyone agreed on using the coins. There was no argument, and as they each took one and Harry examined his own, he told Hermione these reminded him of the Death Eater's marks, how Voldemort touched one and they all reacted.

"Maybe the Order should invest in something like this," James said as he thought it through. "These really can come in handy, so long as you don't lose them."

"Or accidentally sell them," Sirius chuckled.

"How do you know about meetings now?" Harry asked.

"Fawkes appears to us when we're alone with a note," Remus grinned. "How he always knows when to appear away from everyone I've only been able to guess at."

Hermione agreed she'd gotten the idea from that, but she'd seen this better than branding members.

"So much more deniability if you get caught with it," Lily said grimly.

Harry agreed he liked this better, only danger in these was a chance of spending them.

Ron said sullenly he wasn't worried about that, he didn't have another one to mix it up with.

They all winced hard for that line, wishing there was something they could say, knowing there wasn't.

DA meetings were put on hold two weeks before the first match as Angelina was demanding nightly practices. Tension between Gryffindor and Slytherin was always high, but was now turning into daily scuffles as well between the two houses. The teachers were trying to show they weren't taking sides, but Harry realized how much McGonagall cared about this game when she abstained from giving them homework in the week leading up to the match.

Sirius and James whooped with laughter at Harry's face as he got to partake in their old head of house's favor for her Quidditch team. Both of them were giddy with such excitement for finally getting another game they'd yet to complain about the fact they hadn't gotten this chapter.

When this announcement was met with stunned faces in class, she turned grim eyes to Harry and Ron and told them to use this extra time to train hard, she'd grown too accustomed to seeing the Cup in her office.

The other three joined in the laughter as well, all imagining how many times McGonagall had looked to that Cup and smirked.

Snape was no less obviously partisan;

"But that part's not unusual," James grumbled less harsh than normal because he was still grinning for his own head of house.

he had booked the Quidditch pitch for Slytherin practice so often that the Gryffindor's had difficulty getting on it to play.

"Wait, I thought you said the staff couldn't book the pitch for the team!" Harry yelped furiously.

"I, thought they couldn't," James's euphoria was instantly wiped clean in frustration. "At least, they used to not be able to, I can't imagine why Madam Hooch is letting him."

"I wouldn't even be that surprised if he was doing it around her noticing," Sirius grumbled in disgust.

He was also the worst in pretending no such fights ever took place, such as when Alicia Spinnet got put in the hospital wing because her hair was growing so thick and fast it was obscuring her eyes and mouth. Snape refused to punish the Slytherin who'd done it, despite the fourteen witnesses saying Bletchley had. He instead insisted the girl must have put a hair-thickening charm on herself and messed up.

Harry scowled in agitation that McGonagall hadn't been able to do anything either because the complaint had been set to Snape, though he didn't know why Alicia had done such a thing.

Lily saw red for a moment, hating this vile creature who continued to act like the very thing he'd hated as a child.

Harry still felt optimistic about their chances, as he'd never lost to Malfoy. Ron still wasn't up to Wood's old standards, but he performed very well when not under pressure. The problem turning out to be when he blundered once, he was far more likely to continue doing so.

"That is a really, really bad start," James muttered, bouncing in place as he tried to work on some advice in his head he'd offer Ron for that.

When he was on point though, Ron had shown off some spectacular saves, such as one memorable practice where he'd swung free from his broom and kicked the Quaffle so far away it went into the other team's hoop instead.

"Wow, sounds like Ron pulled off a Starfish and Stick," Sirius grinned for the talent.

The whole team had praised this, comparing it to the Irish International Keeper who'd performed this move. Fred and George had been so proud, they'd even seriously considered admitting Ron was related to them,

"I would never deny my relation to the Weasley's, it's one I'm actually proud of," Sirius grinned.

something they assured him they had been trying to deny for four years.

Lily tisked while the boys chuckled at the jab.

The closer the game approached though, the worse Ron continued to get. As Harry had been on the team for years now, he was well used to the buildup and resulting snide comments in the corridors, such as Pansy's whispered threat that Warrington was promising to knock Potter clear from his broom. Harry responded by laughing that Warrington's aim was so bad, he'd be more worried for the person next to him.

Harry grinned as it caused those around him to laugh as well, nothing pleased him more than watching them laugh, at least when he was in on the joke.

Ron however had yet to respond in kind, instead turning green at every insult, or else shaking so bad he'd likely drop whatever he was holding.

"And here I thought Ron always wanted attention," Remus sighed.

"Clearly not this kind," Sirius rolled his eyes.

"Well then this is a good lesson for him to learn, you don't just get one kind of attention," James said a little sourly.

The morning of the match dawned bright and cold.

James and Sirius groaned in unison they'd missed out on a Quidditch chapter, but both kept their mouths silent from complaint, for now.

Harry awoke to find Ron in bed, knees pressed to his chest, his eyes gazing at nothing. Harry insisted he'd loosen up as soon as he ate some breakfast.

"Food does seem to make him feel better usually," Remus agreed.

The Great Hall seemed noisier than usual with so many talking excitedly about one thing. As they passed the Slytherin table, they all jeered as usual, but many of them waved at Ron while pointing at tiny little silver crown badges they were wearing and then laughing.

"More scare tactics," James scoffed.

Harry could tell there was something written on the badges, but was walking too fast to get Ron away from them to read what.

"Maybe Umbridge approved some new club," Lily said without much care, though she'd already rather hear about that than spend another chapter on a game where her son was likely to be injured, so she supposed she should enjoy the boredom while it lasted.

They received a much more welcoming arrival by fellow Gryffindor's, but if possible Ron found the cheer more depressing as he sank into his seat as if it were his last meal.

"And all he's going to get is cereal, what a disappointment," Sirius chuckled.

Whispering hoarsely to Harry he'd been mental to think he could do this.

"He's being too hard on himself, the first game is always the hardest," James said with honest sympathy this time.

Harry said he'd be great, it was normal to be nervous, and reminded him of his brilliant save even Fred and George had admired.

"The highest praise that can be offered," Sirius grinned.

Ron turned miserable eyes on his best mate as he admitted that had been an accident, he'd almost fallen off and hadn't even realized the Quaffle had been coming towards him.

Remus couldn't help snorting in surprise even while the other three boys huffed in disappointment, James and Sirius at least thinking they never would have admitted that and instead Ron should have learned how he'd done that and practiced more.

Harry had to scramble a moment to recover from shock before saying a few more accidents like that and the game was made.

Remus and Lily started giggling this time while the old players chose to ignore them.

Ginny and Hermione arrived as Harry finished his own bowl of cereal, Ron watching the dregs as if seriously considering drowning himself in them.

"I've never considered drowning myself in milk," Sirius said with his head cocked to the side, this time ignoring altogether as Remus smacked him upside the head as he continued, "but that one's original at least."

They asked how he was doing, and when he didn't answer, Harry assured he was just nervous. Hermione said that was normal, she was always anxious before exams.

"Because bringing up homework right now is really the way to make him feel better," James scoffed.

They were called from behind, and turned to see Luna smiling at them with a peculiar item on her head, a life size lion's head hat.

Lily paused for a moment to take that one in while Sirius immediately clapped his hand to his forehead and cried, "how could I never have thought of that?!"

"Because you were on the team with me," James was grinning even as he rolled his eyes at Sirius, "why would you ever think to make something like that?"

"Because it's brilliant!" Sirius' grin kept stretching wider by the second the more he thought about this, before swatting Remus on the arm and demanding, "Moony, why didn't you ever think of this?!"

"I apologize," Remus said, and Harry couldn't tell how much sarcasm was in that.

She gestured to the hat as if they'd missed it while informing them she was supporting Gryffindor for this match.

"You think she has one for Ravenclaw?" James chuckled.

"I think Harry would have noticed before now if he'd ever played against Ravenclaw and a student was wearing an eagle on their head," Lily smiled.

She'd even magicked it to roar like a lion, demonstrating as much when she tapped her wand against it and the whole hall jumped from the noise.*

Sirius gave an exaggerated yawn at the idea as he watched Lily's cat lick itself, he'd never been afraid of a cat in his life. The lion head had been a cool idea to support his team, but the sound effect would have just made him laugh.

Luna asked if they liked it.

"Yes," Remus agreed at once. "I'm curious what she made it out of."

"I'm sorry I didn't ask," Harry said honestly.

Then continued on saying she'd wanted to recreate a serpent tail being eaten to represent Slytherin, but she hadn't the time.

"Now there's an excellent use of crafts!" James beamed, "I think I finally see why some kids wanted an art class."

"Well when Harry beats Slytherin and they have a slight chance at a rematch, Luna can put it on in the meantime," Sirius chuckled, both boys missing the pained look Harry got for imagining himself in the next game...

Then she gave Ron a good luck wave as she walked off.

The three Chasers came over to collect the boys, but Harry assured they'd be down soon, he still wanted Ron to have some breakfast.

"Remember your first match and how you were too nervous to eat," Lily reminded him, "I don't think it's going to work dear."

"Well we finally found the way to make Ron not want food," Remus muttered to Sirius.

After ten more minutes though, it was clear Ron wasn't having it, so Harry moved to get him out of the Great Hall. Hermione gave him a hurried whisper before he left not to let Ron see those Slytherin badges.

"Why?" All five muttered to themselves, trying to figure out what that had to do with anything.

Then she wished both boys good luck, before standing on tiptoe and giving Ron a kiss on the cheek. Ron now looked more bewildered than ever as he touched the place as they left the Great Hall.

"Oh, so she didn't kiss you on the cheek as well?" Sirius switched to snickering about this now.

"Here's hoping that puts Ron in a better mood," Remus said cheerfully.

"Or it might just distract him," James scolded much to his friends amusement, now remembering how he'd reacted when Lily kissed him before his last game.

He was now so distracted Harry had the chance to read a badge as he passed the table even while getting Ron outside quickly as possible, and saw the tiny words Weasley is our King.

"I'm confused," Sirius said slowly, knowing he was supposed to be angry but not sure at what yet.

Lily however kept reading while beaming, and it took the boys a minute to guess what she thought those were. Lily was probably hoping some of the Slytherin's were finally starting to show some equal support for both houses, and none of them were going to be the one to burst her bubble, though they were all thinking if it was anything like that Hermione wouldn't have told Harry not to let Ron see them. Lily was probably just discounting what Hermione thought they were though like she was to them.

Harry at once knew they weren't anything good as he led Ron outside. The frost covered grass crunched under their feet, the weak sun above making all visible without being cumbersome, and there was no wind.

"Sounds like perfect conditions," James said wistfully, he really was looking forward to a game soon that he could play in again.

Even when Harry pointed all these things out, Ron still seemed more distracted than anything, and this kept up even as they went into the locker rooms to change and Ron tried to put his uniform on backwards for several minutes before Alicia took pity on him.

"I don't see why they couldn't have been left like that," Remus couldn't help but poke fun just as he always did to his friends when they needed it whether Ron was here or not.

The crowd outside was already thundering into the stadiums as Angelina began telling them she'd only just gotten the final line-up for the Slytherin team.

"Typical of any team to hand that over last minute," James rolled his eyes.

Last year's Beaters had graduated, but the two new guys didn't look much different than the old gorillas, named Crabbe and Goyle.

"Wow, wondering if Malfoy got them the latest Nimbus models again to let his friends on the team," Sirius scoffed.

Harry said he knew them well enough, and they were of the same mold as the old dunces.

Angelina nodded, and then called them all to line up to head outside, wishing them all one last good luck.

"It sounds like they're going to need it," Remus couldn't help mutter.

A roar of noise greeted them from the cheering and booing of both sides, also what sounded oddly like singing.

James was starting to get a nervous feeling about that song the more it was mentioned, if it had anything to do with the Slytherin's he just couldn't hold out hope it would be a good thing.

The Slytherin's were lined up and waiting, Malfoy at once catching sight of Ron and tapping his badge while smirking.

Lily sighed deeply, any hope for her idea gone already if Malfoy was wearing one. Now she read on grimly, somehow looking forward to getting through this less every line.

Hooch instructed both captains to shake hands, and if Montague's tense frame was any indication, he was trying to crush Angelina's fingers, who never winced.

"Tough girl, it's not hard to see why Fred likes her," Sirius grinned. "Hey Harry, did her and Fred keep together after the Yule Ball?"

"I never asked them," Harry shrugged, "but I had seen George hanging around with Lee once or twice without Fred around, so maybe."

The fourteen players mounted their brooms, and the game began. Harry and Malfoy at once streaking to opposite ends of the field to find the lone gold snitch.

"Is he not going to try following you around with lame insults anymore?" James chuckled.

Commentation at once began with Johnson with the Quaffle,

"Honestly Lily, how can you read that sounding so bored," Sirius groaned as she read out for the commentator as if reading the morning paper.

Lily simply shrugged, but Remus suddenly wished Sirius hadn't said anything, as Lily continued if possible in an even more flat voice, much to both his friends annoyance.

he'd been saying for years how good she was and she should go out with him-

"Maybe I was wrong about Angelina and Fred though," Harry said good naturedly.

"Or the friends messing with one of the twins," Sirius brushed off, still glaring at Lily more every second as she tried to make her voice as monotone as possible.

but McGonagall finally cut in on Jordan and told him to focus. Lee agreed at once and went back to more details on the game, the Quaffle passing between Montague, then hit with a Bludger by a Weasley twin, then to Katie, Alicia and she was off for the Slytherin post-

"Alright, that's it," James made a lunge for the book, which Lily neatly dodged and kept the book close to her chest, now full blown grinning at her husband.

"What, I'm not allowed to have a bit of fun?"

"This is the opposite of fun woman!" Sirius groaned. "I've never heard someone be so dull about a sport in my life."

Lily's giggling increased while James kept muttering at her side and eyeing the book with longing, he'd clearly been out of practice to long, but when she kept going it was clearly getting harder by the moment to hold a blank face as her own amusement kept rising.

Harry was listening intently to Lee's commentary as he continued his own search, only hearing about Alicia avoiding a Bludger and Warrington, but pausing in confusion when he heard singing.

While Harry had been enjoying the show, both his mum messing with the two and his old Quidditch memories, he could already feel a stirring of unease for whatever was fixing to come. Lily clearly felt it as well as she couldn't quite keep up a bored tone anymore, wondering at who could be singing during the game.

Lee paused so that the lyrics could ring out, insert Slytherin version of Weasley is our King.

Lily had blanched in shock upon the first line, but she'd managed to stutter the whole thing out in the thick, heavy silence before coming to a screeching halt when she'd finally run out of insults.

"I-that is the lowest-" Remus looked too disgusted for words at what they were doing to Ron.

"Wow, I have seen a lot of backhanded things to mess with a player, but never a song dedicated to them," James's face was scrunched up with derision even as a very tiny part of him vaguely admired the dedication that went into something so elaborate.

"Really makes you wonder what Malfoy does with the rest of his free time, sings ballads to Hermione's parents, or poems to Harry's fame." Sirius snapped, his face twisted with dislike as he knew he'd have cursed Malfoy out of the air if he'd been there.

There was no longer any fun in Lily continuing with much less enthusiasm than anyone else, they all would have felt the same forcing themselves to read this bit no matter their love of the sport.

The moment Lee had realized what was being sung he'd tried to launch back into even louder and more detailed comments, but Alicia had passed to Angelina, who'd missed, making the ball Slytherin's as the song erupted again louder than ever.

James was practically vibrating in place, wanting to snap on a burst of speed and deck Malfoy where he flew, wanting to say something that would make Ron put that stupid song out of his head, but both were lost to him.

Warrington was heading back up the pitch with the Quaffle, finally putting a test to the new Keeper blood Ron Weasley, brother to Beaters Fred and George.

"The twins friend is doing a terrible job of helping them deny relation," Remus randomly muttered as anything else to think about, fighting back the impulse to press his hands to his ears in worry for this to come.

Even as Lee cheered on Ron, his wild dive saved nothing, it was ten zero to Slytherin.

All five of them cursed in sync for this misfortune, Lily denying doing any such thing by reading on loudly so as not to let the boys miserate for too long.

The singing burst through even louder, more people seeming to join in with every rendition.

"That can not be allowed!" Harry finally burst with frustration. "Can you put a whole house in detention! McGonagall, or someone shouldn't be letting them say that about him!"

The others remained completely silent with frustration, no one wanted to be the one to tell Harry what he already knew, there was nothing that could be done, it would be impossible to halt the whole game and kick those singing out of the stands.

Gryffindor continued the game with the ball in hand, as Harry continued more desperately now for the search of the Snitch, the chorus still thundering through the stadium.

Lily was forcing herself to keep reading this in a flat rage now, what she wouldn't give to put silencing charms on the lot of them for ever turning someone's life into such a cruel joke of a song.

The pattern continued as the ball continued passing hands, even out of the immediate action the song still being belted in the background.

Remus was twitching with unease in the tense room, wishing he could go back to laughing along with his friends about something as fun as a Quidditch game, why couldn't they ever go one of these without something terrible happening every time.

Harry refused to watch the actual action as he passed by the Slytherin Keeper, who was singing along with the lyrics.

"I'm going to imagine for a moment they skipped on some practices to all memorize this rubbish," James hissed under his breath.

Soon enough though, Ron was once again at bat, and the groan from his side of the crowd below was all Harry needed as answer. Still, twenty-nil was nothing, a few goals and they'd be back on even.

Sirius gave Harry an absent pat on the shoulder, absolutely agreeing with him this could all turn around any moment. The score wouldn't even feel as bad as it did if that wretched song would quit being passed around, but though Lily looked like she was considering skipping any more lines of it, that wasn't making it vanish.

After two more goals got through though, Harry really felt the beginnings of panic. He needed to finish the game quickly, and then no one would remember the rest of this mess. Angelina gave the Gryffindor's below something to cheer on soon, making the score forty-ten to Slytherin. Harry was ducking a Bludger sent his way

"Hooch didn't call that?" James snapped. "Could have used that penalty, Harry wasn't showing any signs of having seen the Snitch!"

"That's such an arguable call hardly anyone goes for it," Remus disagreed, James opening his mouth to argue the point but Lily ignored them both.

and keeping an eye on Malfoy as the game continued around them with those lines still being shouted.

Finally Harry saw the Snitch at the bottom of the Slytherin's goal posts, he dived, and in seconds Malfoy was on his tail, the two neck in neck,

Had Lily's joke at the start of this game not been interrupted she still wouldn't have had it in her to mime carelessness now, even with that horrid song echoing in the back of her mind she was edging in her seat with excitement.

It was over in one breathless swipe, Harry's fingers encasing the struggling, minute ball as Malfoy's fingers scrabbled at the back of his hand, and Harry stopped short to wave to the roaring approval of the Gryffindor crowd.

"YES!"

The echoing cheer of excitement could have woken neighbors. This was exactly what they needed to shove in those stupid Slytherin faces just how useless they were, how some hateful song wouldn't be enough to stop such a magnificent team!

Harry glowed for a moment in their praise, but the smile never quite reached his eyes as he watched them bounce with excitement for him. He wasn't sure he wanted to understand this feeling of dread, of something heavy just waiting to pounce on him for this win. Was it to do with Ron? Surely no one was really going to hold that against him, it was his first game after all...

WHAM.

Harry felt a Bludger punch the small of his back, flinging him off his broom.

Lily jerked in surprise as she read that, whatever victory she'd been holding before in that small moment blown away as effectively as a cannonball. The game was over, and Lily was hoping Ron got his revenge by clocking whichever Beater that was for pulling that stunt.

Harry was still only five feet off the ground, so the tumble forward merely winded him. Hooch at once flew up to begin shouting at the Slytherin Beater while Angelina landed near him, asking if he was alright.

Harry said of course he was while getting to his feet.**

"Oh yes, just a solid metal ball slamming into your spine, walk it off," Lily grumbled under her breath as she eyed her child, then turned sharp eyes on her husband who looked no more pleased but certainly not worried about injury.

Angelina explained it was Crabbe who'd done it. Then she began cheering they'd won!

A derisive snort from behind showed that Malfoy had not landed far away, now furiously telling Harry it was a miracle he'd saved Weasley's neck, but of course he'd be rubbish, he was born in a bin, then asked Harry if he liked the lyrics, he'd done them himself.

"He's wasting his talents as a slimeball," Sirius snarled, "he needs to pass on already and become a poltergeist."

"So long as he doesn't haunt Hogwarts," James agreed.

Harry refused to answer, turning away as the rest of the team landed around him except Ron, who landed over by his goals and was walking towards the changing room alone.

"I hope you go after him Harry," Lily couldn't help but urge, "you're only giving Malfoy what he wants by hanging back and listening to him."

Harry didn't answer, his face growing tighter by the minute as that feeling of anger continued to pound through him.

Malfoy kept going, pretending he had an audience as he explained he'd wanted to add some more in about being fat and ugly, for the Weasley's mother of course,

Harry's eyes flashed, he tensed and would have shot a curse at nothing if Sirius hadn't laid a restraining hand on his shoulder and whispered a calm reminder there was nothing for it now. It didn't make anyone feel any better, even though some of them held a dislike for Molly now they could never condone saying such a thing about her.

as well as loser for his father.

Lily was trying to read this quickly, so as to get the feel of sandpaper off her tongue from pure frustration. It never angered her any less when Malfoy continued using the same insults.

Fred and George tensed as they watched Malfoy with disgust, but even as Malfoy began backing away he was still talking about why this wouldn't bother Potter of course, the stank of the blood-traitors house must be similar to the Muggles who'd dragged him up.

No one ever appreciated any reminder of the Dursley's, but putting them in any kind of comparison which was the safe house of the Burrow like that truly was the most insulting thing they'd yet heard.

Harry grabbed hold of George to stop him doing anything, while the three Chasers were doing the same to Fred.

"I don't know why they're bothering," Sirius articulated through gritted teeth, "Malfoy's gone past where a detention would be worth it."

Malfoy clearly didn't care as he kept going, saying Potter must remember the stench from his own mother's house, she'd been even worse off being a-

James moved so fast Lily didn't realize the book had been wrenched away until she was staring at her empty hands, a slight burn in her palms from how tight she'd been holding the cover the only imprint of it. Maybe he'd just been going easy on her before then.

She turned to snap at him, but he was too busy jabbing his wand at the offending page. "James!" She protested, trying to push her hand in the way to stop him before he did permanent damage.

"I am sick of that little scumbag insulting everyone, especially you," he said in a scary calm voice.

"Well doing whatever you're trying to do to that won't fix anything," she snapped as she pulled it back to her.

He gave in with a hateful scowl still in place, and Lily turned back to see the spell he'd managed to put in place, where Malfoy's name had been replaced with, well a colorful swear word Lily wasn't going to be saying. She fixed it and then kept going while James grumbled that hadn't been nearly enough payback.

Harry had no memory of releasing George, the two running side by side on their path to Malfoy, nor the shouts from his fellow teammates telling them to stop. All he knew was the fist drawn back, punching at Malfoy as hard as he could.

Lily stopped for a moment to look at her son, nibbling softly on her lip, but not a word could she find to speak against this. She couldn't claim to be much better if someone had been speaking of her mother.

The two only stopped when they fall off after the shout of the Impedimenta curse.

"I don't see why that was a reason to stop," Remus said quietly, "now's the time to go for the wand when the Muggle way stops working."

Sirius nodded in absolute agreement, his hand had long since been on his wand, just aching for something to curse.

Madam Hooch was in a towering temper above them, her wand out meaning she'd performed the jinx. Malfoy was still curled up in the grass, whimpering and nose bleeding.

"Clearly you didn't bash it into his skull, so I don't know what he's crying about," James snarled.

Hooch demanded the two go to McGonagall's office at once. They stormed off, Fred still being pinned beneath the Chasers and immune to anything else around them. It was only when they got to the office door did Harry start to feel something, and he glanced at his hand in surprise to see the one he'd been punching Malfoy with had still been holding the Snitch.

James struggled for a moment, but the compulsion to share his life with his son won out after his anger as he burst into speech, "I convinced our Seeker, Shilling, to keep the Snitch after every match and she passed it along to me. One of my favorite past times when I was bored was to pull it out and keep my reflexes up. Even I never thought of that though!"

"One of your very many annoying habits," Lily sniffed, her old angry bleeding tone giving James even more flashbacks. "You looked like such a show off."

"I was showing off," James agreed without remorse.

Harry couldn't marshal up much of a smile for the two, there was something about this day that promised to get even worse for him, and he had a feeling it wasn't about detention. There was also something else, a smaller memory that didn't align with this day, but promised he somehow had a first hand account of knowing those things his parents had just said, but that was ridiculous of course, how could he have known that?

They only stood there for a second when McGonagall came marching into view wearing a red and gold scarf, which she at once tore off as she pointed into the room looking livid.

"Damn, and I always loved it when she showed our house colors," Sirius winced.

"We're past flattery to make this better Padfoot," Remus rolled his eyes.

"Never stopped me from trying," Sirius shrugged.

She threw the scarf to the ground as she rounded the desk and on them.

"Now that was just uncalled for violence," James grumbled.

She demanded an explanation, and Harry quickly said they'd been provoked, which McGonagall did not find excusable as she pounded her fist on the desk, knocking over her tray of Ginger Newts.

"I think she needs to have one of her own biscuits and breathe for a moment," Lily said grimly, knowing Harry would get a chance to explain, but also knowing as well as anyone it wouldn't get him out of trouble no matter how much Malfoy had deserved it.

She snapped of course he had, he'd just lost, but nothing he could have said should have justified the two-

George cut in to say the insults, but McGonagall still said they should have gone to Hooch instead of displaying Muggle dueling.

"A very educational performance with splendid end results, really they should be getting thanks at least from Burbag," Sirius said flatly.

"There's that extra week we always got," Remus muttered.

Nothing further could be said before a hem, hem, entered the room.

"No!" Lily groaned as she gazed at that stupid little noise. "No, no, no-"

"Oh Lily, please tell me you're doing a terrible impression of a joke," James groaned into his fingers, he couldn't even look to her face for confirmation.

"What on earth is that roadkill doing there!" Sirius all but exploded. "She's nothing to do with any of this!"

Harry's horrible impression was growing more sickly by the moment. Somehow, this was all about to get terribly worse.

Harry and George turned in surprise to see Umbridge in the doorway wearing a green cloak, only further enhancing her resemblance to a toad as her pudgy eyes gleamed with a sickly ominous way Harry had come to associate with imminent misery.

"A face only my mother would love," Sirius groaned, digging his heels into his eyes so that he wouldn't have to keep watching Lily's face turn red from frustration of having to read about this woman in the same vicinity as her son again.

Umbridge offered McGonagall help in a poisonously sweet voice.

"You can help yourself off the astronomy tower," Remus snapped.

McGonagall actually grew more furious in the face of this, asking what help.

Umbridge insisted she'd thought McGonagall would be grateful for a little extra authority.

"I'd be more grateful if you dove headfirst into the black lake, meet the local population," Sirius promised.

Harry would not have been surprised to see sparks fly from Professor McGonagall's nostrils.

"Ah the twisted irony, Umbridge is actually doing more good than harm arriving then, because now McGonagall might go slightly easier on you in front of her," Lily sighed.

McGonagall snapped she'd thought wrong, trying to turn back to the two boys and giving them a week of detentions, but Umbridge would not be so easily deterred as she again made the hem, hem noise.

McGonagall closed her eyes as if praying for patience before slowly looking back to Umbridge.

"Merlin himself couldn't have offered any support for this except some toad-be-gone," James snipped.

Umbridge insisted she thought they deserved more than a detention for this display.

Harry was starting to twitch uncontrollably in his seat with unease, fighting the urge to either bury himself under the couch from a reaction he could sense coming, or tear the cushions in half from his own mounting anger. It helped nothing his family might just join in with McGonagall breathing fire soon, they all knew what Umbridge meant about her 'detentions.'

McGonagall's eyes flashed with outrage as she snapped that as these two were in her house, it was only her decision that mattered.

Umbridge oh so politely corrected that her decision did matter more while reaching for something.

"No..." Remus trailed off, too appalled to manage anything else in fear of where this was headed.

She pulled out something Cornelius had sent her, before correcting herself the Minister of course,

Lily only absently noted the lack and then use of the title as Umbridge's own self-importance in thinking she could be so informal, she was far more keyed into the new level of horror of where this could be going.

and unfurled a paper declaring it as Educational Decree Number Twenty-five-

though McGonagall interrupted in exasperation not another one!

"My sentiments exactly," James snarled.

Umbridge looked to her in surprise, saying McGonagall had given her the inspiration for this one as she'd overstepped and had Dumbledore intervene about putting the Gryffindor team back in play. Umbridge couldn't have that.

"No good deed goes unpunished," Remus said faintly, his two friends going bone white as they suddenly feared why this was being brought up again. Surely, no it wasn't possible, Umbridge couldn't have found a way to force the team to disband again, could she?!

Umbridge had contacted the Minister after this of course, the High Inquisitor couldn't be superseded like that or she'd have no more power than a common teacher.

"You shouldn't have any more authority than a sack of dung!" Lily screeched. She didn't want to keep going, was almost tempted to hand the book back over to James just so she wouldn't have to be the one to find out what this monster was going to do to her son next.

Then she went back to reading the amendment, that the High Inquisitor would henceforth have supreme authority over all punishments in school.

Lily had found it hard to believe the audacity of those first few amendments, and they somehow got worse every single time. This woman was creating these as she went along, and no one was stopping her!

She folded it back and put it away, before turning to the two boys and decided a life long ban on Quidditch for these two seemed sufficient enough punishment.

Harry's mind went blank. He heard shouting, he saw something get tossed across the room, but it was impossible to understand details as he struggled to wrap his mind around what he'd just heard.

Lily watched as the book thunked onto the mantel above the fireplace without regret, her fingers still twitching to throw something much bigger. She wasn't even a fan of her son being on the team and that was too far! She only held herself back from saying this by watching her husband work himself into a rampage with the only background thought being she should find a way to record this moment, otherwise there would be no record of Umbridge left when James was threw with her.

"-youngest Seeker in a century, she can't do that to him!"

Then again, what did they need a record of her for except an example of a transfiguration spell gone terribly wrong.

Sirius was too busy running scenarios in his head about something far too violent to be put into words, he needed action to get this one out of his system. Remus couldn't get his mind to act much better, as affronted as his friends and more than willing to enact whatever revenge they came up with.

Lily watched the lot of them try to find some way to work off their temper without destroying the house in vain, she really couldn't see a way to call their attention back even if she'd wanted to. So it was to her surprise when James finally found something resembling his normal voice and forced himself not to shout at his wife, "Lily would you keep going please. I'd like to get to the end of this book and find out how she's leaving this school." Then he trailed off into more hateful mutters about how that wasn't going to happen fast enough, and he couldn't believe his son was missing this sport for a whole year until that walking wart left.

"If it isn't Remus tearing her head off to replace her than it's not going to be as satisfactory," Sirius said grimly.

Lily silently agreed as she summoned the book back and pressed on for more horror.

Harry went numb in shock as he gazed at Umbridge telling herself this was for the best, terrible tempers the both of them, and for good measure Fred Weasley should be taken off as well as surely he'd have joined in the malay if he hadn't been restrained. She also wanted their brooms in her office, to make sure her ban was being enforced.

"She's gone from crossing the line into a whole new abyss!" Sirius howled in frustration. "She's, that's not, there's no-"

"She can't do that," Lily said in opposition. Quietly, a dangerous predator about to strike. "That's his private property, it's not against school rules to have."

"Well don't tell her that, or she'll ban brooms from the school next," Remus threw his hands up in the air in exasperation.

Then she addressed McGonagall that she was not being unreasonable,

"You are something that I have only called one person, and you deserve the term far more than them," Remus growled.

she would allow the other members to continue playing, while McGonagall gazed at her as if carved from ice.

"I need McGonagall to understand that her life purpose now needs to be revenge for this," James pleaded with the universe. "Someone in that castle must understand this!"

"I'm worried there will be someone who does," Remus suddenly said with a touch of worry, looking to a still fuming Sirius. If he heard about Umbridge doing this, he may come up to the school and give her what he'd promised Harry Prongs and Padfoot would do in their own time.

With a look of satisfaction, Umbridge left the horrified room with silence in her wake.

Angelina was beside herself with anger when she heard there were no more Beaters or a Seeker on her team. Harry looked around the rest of the morose common room, it was as if they hadn't won at all.

"This woman is the physical embodiment of a mood killer," Lily groaned.

"I honestly believe she's a demon sent from hell at this point," Remus agreed.

Angelina was the only one with energy, shouting about the injustice of this. Fred didn't even deserve it, he hadn't done anything!

Fred snapped back in anger that was only because he was being held back from punching that scumbag to a pulp.

"Hey, the twins," Sirius suddenly snapped his fingers, giving Remus a pleased enough smirk. "Stop your worrying about me Moony, I can guarantee the twins won't be taking this one lying down."

Remus nodded grudgingly. It didn't make anyone's anger disappear by one level, but it did ease the misery of watching Harry's face as he relieved this moment.

Harry could only gaze out the dark window where snow was falling again. The Snitch had made its way back to the common room with him and was now flitting about chairs with Crookshanks chasing it.

James sighed as he imagined the old grin he could put on people's faces as he did this same thing nights in a row, of the party that should be going on, of simpler and fun times in his school, was it truly impossible for his son to enjoy that?

Angelina finally slumped off to bed, wishing this was all a bad dream and they hadn't even played yet.

"I don't ever want to relive this day, considering I'm struggling to come up with a worse outcome than this," Sirius huffed.

Remus gave a commiserating nod of agreement, Lily frowning pityingly at all of the boys in the room, but even she couldn't imagine how this could have gone a better way, the end results seemed inevitable by this point.

The common room slowly dispersed as well, only Harry and Hermione lingering because Ron had yet to make an appearance. When he finally did come edging in, he was covered in snow and just as pale as it.

Hermione quickly ushered him to the fireplace, asking where he'd been.

Ron just said on a walk, then told Harry he was going to resign first thing in the morning.

Lily truly pitied him, but couldn't help wondering if that wasn't for the best. Just because you were good at something didn't mean you could do it in front of a crowd, and that's clearly where Ron was sitting. She'd hate to see him ever feel so low again.

James absolutely disagreed, setting his shoulders and wishing he could drag Ron onto the pitch right now, already an idea forming in his head of how he'd help him to work through this. First he'd put one person in the stands until Ron could easily ignore that no matter what was said, and then keep adding people until Ron could block them all out. He didn't care how long it took, he'd find a way so that Ron would never let someone get the better of him like this. There was no such thing as quitting with dignity as far as he was concerned.

Harry snapped at him if he did that then there'd only be three players left. Ron looked at him in confusion,

"He hadn't heard of this!?" Remus said in surprise.

"I was wondering why he didn't question why the common room wasn't in party mode," Sirius grumbled, "clearly he hasn't heard much of anything."

before Hermione explained what had happened.

Ron looked even more anguished as he said this was all his fault.

"Oh it's nothing of the sort," Lily snapped, wondering if Hermione would whack Ron upside the head for his thinking something so stupid.

Harry said it was nothing of the sort, while Ron returned if he hadn't been so bad at Quidditch,

"Malfoy would have caused all this no matter how Ron played," Sirius snapped.

the two going back and forth like this until Harry burst loudest of all for Ron to stop blaming himself for everything.

Remus winced for Ron, sympathizing with him more than anyone else as he could really see why Ron did. People telling you you were something long enough tended to leave a mark.

Ron remained in a silent misery for a moment longer before saying this was the worst he'd ever felt in his life.

Remus had watched the exaggerations of his friends all his life long enough to know better than to pick on Ron for that statement. Though he was hard pressed to really not ask if this was worse than thinking his sister was dead.

Harry snapped he could join the club.

Hermione had gotten to her feet to stare at something out the window before telling them she'd found something to cheer them both up.

"Umbridge's tombstone," James snapped.

"His Firebolt back," Sirius sighed.

Harry asked what that could be skeptically, and Hermione said with a brilliant smile that Hagrid was back.

"He what?" Harry demanded, jumping to his feet in joy as Lily eagerly pressed the book into James' hands now so he could read more about that!

HPHPHPHPHP

The Lily reads a Quidditch game in a monotone voice idea was offered by, DjuulLOVEhp!

*Fun fact, most lion roars in movies are actually done by tigers. Ever heard a lion roar? You should, it sounds like their hacking up a hairball, not exactly intimidating to watch on a computer screen, more funny than anything, but I'm sure it's plenty scary in the wild. Now tigers, those guys will make you piss yourself through an enclosure.

** Reports say a Bludger weighs 149 pounds! I don't need to be a scientist to know that is more than enough to not only break a spine but go right through the human body if dropped on someone, let alone hit with force from a distance. In second year one of these was enough to break his elbow at a glancing blow! I'm not sure whether to call bull on inconsistency, or wonder if Harry died in this moment and the rest is all some twisted version of hell.

#The Life that Never Lived #Harry Potter #fanfiction #reading the books #OotP #hp #The Marauders #James Potter #Lily Potter #Jilly #Remus Lupin #Sirius Black

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simsadventures · 4 years

Text

Knight in Shinning Armour

Summary: You and Bucky tiptoe around each other for the longest time, unable to follow your hearts, until the compound gets attacked and one of you gets hurt, that is.

Warnings: mutual pining, angst, fluff, smut, sexy talk (whatever I mean by that), implied smut

Pairing: Bucky x plus size! reader

Word Count: 2333

A/N: This little story was requested by the sweet @rainbowunicorns92 (who I can’t seem to be able tag, for some bloody reason) and I’m horrible for taking so long to actually write it! Also, I wasn’t feeling too smutty, so I hope this will be ok. So so sorry love, hope you’ll enjoy it nevertheless, and that it is what you asked for :) Hope everyone else will enjoy reading it as well, and you know, feedback is gold so please, tell me what you thought :) xx

P.S.: I chose Lion King as the go to movie, because that’s my all time favourite. Don’t judge me :D

Full Request: Hello! I was the awkward turtle that ask if you take requests haha🙈 but I was wondering if I could request a Bucky x plus size reader where the reader is really sweet, shy, insecure and a Disney nerd and one day the Avengers compound gets attack and the reader gets hurt and Bucky confess his love to her? Fluffy smut? I’m sorry this is a hot mess haha! I’m new to this haha! Merry Christmas 💘🎄☃️❄️

Bucky Barnes Masterlist __ Masterlist

It was another quiet evening in the compound. You were seated in your favourite armchair in the common room, snuggled in your plush grey blanket with a cup of tea in your hand, watching the Lion King for the 1000 times.

You wouldn’t say you were addicted to Disney movies, you just liked them better than any other movies. Easy as that. You were at the part which always got you, Mufasa’s death, and even though you knew it would happen, tears welled up in your eyes. You just hated to see little Simba teary-eyed, trying to wake up his dad.

You felt somebody’s presence behind you, and when you turned around, you could see Bucky leaning against the door frame, watching the television with a frown on his face. You tried to make yourself invisible.

You had this big fat crush on Bucky ever since you joined the team as another super-soldier, even though your super strength didn’t reside in your body, but in your mind. And the little rolls of fat on your stomach were a great example of that. Not that you hated the way you looked, it was just that you weren’t exactly the top-model type, let’s say like Natasha or Wanda. You were just… you. And you were sure that somebody like Bucky would never go for somebody like you, so you just never said anything.

Staying friends with him was just fine with you, at least you tried to make yourself believe that. You definitely didn’t need him to think you were some weirdo who watched Disney movies all the time, being able to quote most of them line by line, singing all the songs.

You tried to reach for the remote control and switch it off, but then you heard Bucky say something under his breath, which sounded awfully like why the hell did he let those wildebeest stamp on him.

You raised your eyebrow and let the movie play, trying to see if you heard right. Your suspicion was real enough because, in a few minutes, Bucky was seated on the nearest couches to you, his eyes still glued to the screen.

“What kind of a fairytale is this? His dad just fucking died!” Bucky mumbled, his forehead still crunched, pout on his lips.

You snorted out a laugh, which made Bucky look at you and his frown even deepened.

“Why are you laughing, doll? This ain’t funny! This is fucking heartbreaking, and I’m not sure I wanna see more of this movie!”

“C’mon, Buck. I promise it’s only gonna get better. But this tragedy had to be there for the story to unfold properly, you know? And it also teaches us that we can lose those we value the most in a heartbeat and that we should really waste no time in telling them just how much they mean to us.”

By the time you finished your little speech, you weren’t sure if you were still talking about the movie, or if you were suggesting something a little deeper. You bit your lower lip, returning your attention back to the television as if you just didn’t have that little outburst.

You could see from the corner of your eye that Bucky was still watching, his sole attention on you. You knew that if he figured out what you were feeling, things would change between the two of you, and not for the better. And you didn’t want to risk your friendship for something as stupid as love. It just wasn’t worth it for you.

You could hear Bucky taking in a breath, and you just hoped he would turn back to the TV and let it go. But that wouldn’t be Bucky.

“Look, Y/N, are you talking just about the film? Or are you referring to something else as well?”

You shook your head, your eyes still glued to the screen.

“Nope, just the Lion King. What else could I possibly have in mind?” You asked, trying to sound as incredulous as possible, hoping your acting performance was good enough for Bucky to stop bugging you.

“Well, I-“

Crash

“The Avengers Compound is under attack. I repeat. The Avengers Compound is under attack. The left-wing has been compromised,” sounded from the speakers, as FRIDAY gave you a report on the attack.

You and Bucky exchanged horrified looks, before you both jumped out of your seats, running towards the left-wing. You were not as fast as Bucky, even though you’ve been trying to get in better shape lately.

You could see he was holding back for you, not running to the best of his abilities.

“Go, Bucky! I’m right behind you, but you need to go and try to have a look at what the fuck is happening,” you yelled at him, trying to be louder than the sirens booming across the whole building. Across the hall, you could see Steve running like a madman with his shield in his hand.

“What if something happens to you, Y/N?” Bucky asked, looking back at you.

A smile spread on your face, and you shook your head at him. “I’m an avenger as well, Buck. I’ll be just fine. Just go and be a hero before Steve gets all the praise!”

Bucky laughed at that, and checked you once again, trying to look for any hesitation in your features. When he couldn’t find none, he nodded, his face going rigid, preparing for the fight. He put on the full mode of his speed, and before you knew it, you were alone in the hall.

Well, not completely alone. You were about to turn the corner when you heard rustling from the other side of the hallway. You swiftly turned around, only to see a guy all in white running towards you, with a machete in his hand.

You only had time to duck, gasp leaving your lips as you did so. When you came back up, you felt an elbow hitting your ribs and a dull pain that followed and spread through your whole chest.

Your powers, being close to telekinesis, suddenly came in handy big time. Before he could hit you again, or worse, impale you on his fucking machete, you sent him flying against the opposite wall. The attacker tried to run towards you once again, but you were prepared this time.

Instead of sending him against a wall, you sent him flying out of the nearest window, shattering it in process. He fell through with a shout, and you had a little while for yourself, checking if your ribs were broken, but the only thing you could tell was that it hurt like hell and that if nothing else, the bruise would be massive.

You hissed as your fingers brushed against the skin on your ribcage, making a mental note to have somebody check it once this shitshow was over.

You wanted to get to running, but the pain shooting through your whole body wouldn’t let you do that. So you settled for a high-tempo walk, breathing through your mouth, and probably sounding like one of those crazy runners you often met in Central Park. All you could hear was whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, and if you weren’t in a deadly situation, you would probably even laugh.

You reached the left-wing corridor pretty soon, seeing that your fellow Avengers had it mostly under control. But just to be sure, you swiped a few guys against the walls, hard enough to knock them out.

Bucky was just fighting one of those attackers when he suddenly stood alone, his attacked splashed against the wall, falling down like a sack of potatoes. He knew it meant you were there, and you were ok, and he let himself relax a little.

Ever since he left you in that corridor, he had this uneasy feeling of you getting hurt while he wasn’t there, but from the looks of the guys passed out on the floor, you were as good as new.

He turned around to face you and smiled at you before he marched towards you and hugged you tightly. He had never done something so bold with you, but he just couldn’t help his giddiness. You were alright, and that was pretty much all that mattered.

It was only when you hissed almost inaudibly, and if he weren’t a super-soldier, he would have probably missed it. But he didn’t, and so he pulled away from you, inspecting your face. He could see you were trying to have a brave face, but underneath this courageous mask, you were hiding pain. And his blood started to boil.

“Where are you hurt? Who hurt you? Talk to me, Y/N!” Bucky almost shouted in your face, and you had to blink a few times from all that was happening. First, he hugged you as if his life depended on it, and now his seething face was all you saw.

“I’m fine, Bucky. Some idiot jabbed me in my ribs, but other than that, I’m good. I sent him on a flight from one of the windows, so I don’t think you have to worry about that.”

“I don’t have to worry about it? Are you fucking kidding me? He could’ve killed you! He could’ve killed the woman I love, and I wasn’t even there to protect you. So don’t tell me to not fucking worry about it. I’m gonna find him, and I’m gonna rip his limbs off of his body, one by one. He’ll wish he never even looked your way!”

Bucky hissed and wanted to march out of the room and towards the window you were talking about, but a soft hand on his chest stopped him in his tracks. He looked at the hand, and then at your face, which looked like a mix of awe and happiness.

“What did you just say?” You asked quietly, not really trusting your own voice at the moment. Bucky, the man you wanted more than anything in the world just told you he loved you, and you were sure as hell gonna address it. It was now or never.

“I said I’m gonna kill-“

“Yeah, I don’t mean that. I mean, what did you say about me? Did you mean it?” You tried not to be too hopeful, but your heart was failing you. Hard.

Bucky seemed puzzled until he realised what he just said out loud for the first time.

“I-uh, yeah, that! I mean, I like you, Y/N, like, you’re kinda amazing, but if you wanna be just-“

You didn’t even let him finish his rambling and pulled him closer by his collar, and kissing him passionately. Your shyness was suddenly nowhere to be found, Bucky’s love confession pouring new-found confidence to your system.

You were starting to worry that he wouldn’t kiss you back, but just as you were pulling away, beginning to feel the disappointment kicking in, his left arm snaked around your hips, pulling you closer, while his right hand found its way to the back of your head, cradling it, and interweaving his fingers with your hair.

He pulled your hair from its roots ever so slightly, but the pressure on your scalp made you gasp into his mouth, giving Bucky the perfect access to your tongue. He kissed you with so much fervour, taking your breath away by every swipe of his tongue against yours.

You were putty in his arms, and you were just kissing. You just hoped this could be continued in one of your apartments because the fire he ignited in your body could not be put down easily. In fact, there was only one thing that would satisfy you, and it was now well hidden in Bucky’s pants.

Bucky’s mind probably wandered the same way as yours, because he suddenly hauled you in his arms, and started to walk away from the mess left behind after the attackers. From the corner of your eye, you could see your teammates watching you with raised eyebrows, but they had enough of their own issues to care that the two of you finally admitted your very obvious crushes.

“Bucky, let me down. I’m too heavy for you to carry,” you whisper against his neck, sucking a hickey there.

Bucky stopped immediately, making you look up at him.

“Stop talking like that. You’re light as a feather for me, and I would be damned to let my dame walk such distance!” He scoffed and returned to walking. You giggled like a schoolgirl, letting him do as he pleased. You would be lying if you said it wasn’t another confidence boost for you, that Bucky didn’t see you as this big girl, and was willing you carry you anywhere. Ok, maybe now just to his bedroom, but still.

When you finally reached his door, Bucky was panting heavily, and it was not from your weight. You could feel his very hard member pressing against his pants, and right against your ass, which was bouncing as Bucky walked, adding another pleasure to his body.

“You keep wiggling that cute ass of yours a little longer, and Imma take you right against this door,” Bucky hissed to your ear.

Bucky pressed you against the wall next to his door, trying to fight with the door handle, but because he pushed you a little too hard, his enthusiasm evident from his moves, you hissed in pain again.

He let you to your legs immediately, cradling your face in his hands.

“Did I hurt you? Talk to me, doll.”

You smiled and kissed his nose sweetly. “Maybe let’s just not have crazy rough passionate sex tonight, huh?”

Bucky smiled at you like you were his sun, and caressed your cheek.

“I’ll be gentle, I promise.”

“Good, but also promise that once I’m all healed, you’ll give it to me good!”

Bucky laughed, throwing his head back before he looked back at you and winked.

“Oh, you bet doll. You fucking bet!”

Bucky Taglist

@this-kitten-is-smitten @paradisiacalsparks @crazybutconfidentaf @owlyannah @lassini @s-trawberryv-eins @reniescarlett

Marvel Taglist

@voltage-my2dlove @kneel-begyourpardon @lumar014 @ptrs-prkrs

Forever Tag:

@eileenalone @sasbb23 @p8tn0lish @coffeebooksandfandom @waiting4inspiration @caswinchester2000 @mogaruke @justthatfangirloverthere @mushyjellybeans @livsheph @sebbbystaaan @notyourtypicalrose

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talpup · 3 years

Text

Summary: Yami Sukehiro just wanted to join the Magic Knights and make his mentor proud. He knew there would be trails. He knew trouble would come his way. Knew he would be faced with discrimination for being a foreigner and a peasant. What he didn’t know. Didn’t expect. Was that literal Chaos would come his way. That he and his mentor’s sister would be at the center of world ending trouble. Or that he would fall in love with his mentor’s sister and face more than discrimination; but the jealously of Nozel Silva who loved the same woman he did.

***Please remember this fic is rated mature and has warnings of violence, abuse, sexual tension, eventual sexual behavior, and other possible triggers.***

For a full list of story tags please check the fics AO3 (link to that at the top of my tumblrs homepage).

Notes:

And we're back! We hit the ground running with a little bit of everything in this chapter. Fun times, heartache, romance, angst, drama, fighting; you name it and it's probably in this chapter. As always, thanks for sticking with me on this ride, I hope you all enjoy.

Also, look at that book cover @simpingforthisonedeer friend made for this fic. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen and am getting it printed as a poster to hang in my living room.

Book II

Dark

84.1

Greywright sat at his desk staring at the file of Bronn’s death. The case had been closed for over two and a half months and still it sat on his desk waiting for his final signature. The Knights Commander just couldn’t bring himself to sign the thing and let it be filed away. Not when Gilly’s crying screams still echoed in his mind. The woman deserved better. She deserved happiness. Bronn deserved better. Sure the man had been the most disrespectful and troublesome Magic Knight to have ever served under him. Bronn Rendel had been a pain in the ass whose only saving grace had been his loyalty to Jax. But, Bronn had been a Magic Knight. He had died serving and trying to protect his fellows. He deserved better than to be butchered and killed. He deserved better than to have his hands taken so they could be given and used by another through use of black magic.

Greywright hadn’t told Jax or Julius of this, but he was certain that the Ellara that he had spoken to as the sun set on the night of the Winter Solstice hadn’t truly been Ellara. That the person had been a transformation mage in her image. It had been more than the persons lacking knowledge of his army magics workings or the lack of differential title when referring to Sir Jorah. Though those two things had certainly been big tells.

Of course Greywright had no proof, but he was also certain Bronn had followed the real Ellara straight into a trap and his death. He was now positive that Ellara was working with the Agents of Chaos. And more sure than ever that she was using her magic to effect Sir Jorah to their will when needed. But, he had no way of proving it. Worse yet, Greywright had no one to go to. He couldn’t go to the other Magic Knight Captains. If they believed him, they would want to remove the Wizard King from power and that was something Greywright wasn’t ready to do. Not yet at least.

Despite Sir Jorah’s faults, which had certainly tried during the case of Zara Ideale’s murder, Greywright still had hope and faith in his Wizard King. He had sworn his life and loyalty to the man upon becoming his Knights Commander. And though Sir Jorah’s handling of certain matters would have made Greywright pause if faced with doing it all over again, he still would’ve sworn his life and loyalty to Sir Jorah.

A knock on the office door sounded.

Greywright closed Bronn’s file and put it back in the drawer before calling. “Enter.”

Kess entered, followed by Nozel. “You wanted to see me, sir? I brought my Vice Captain. He can wait outside if--”

“No need, Captain. You and your Vice Captain come in. Have a seat.” Greywright watched Nozel as the two sat. ��“I hope this promotion sits easier than the war time one that made you acting Captain.”

“It does, Commander. I hope to serve Captain Kess and the Silver Eagles well as Vice Captain.” Nozel said.

Greywright smirked at the formal response, wondering if Nozel ever loosened up or always spoke thus. “I have no doubt you will.” He turned to Kess. “Pyter was a good Captain. His leadership will be miss by more than just the Silver Eagles. But at least he bowed to his wife's demands and retired before the Star Awards. It’ll give us a chance to introduce you to the people without having to wait nearly six month like we have with Whilf. We’ll introduce you and the Purple Orcas Captain tonight before the squad rankings are announcement.”

“As you say, Commander.” Kess nodded.

“I know as Vice Captain, Pyter didn’t always expect you up there in the wings. But you won’t be in the wings this time Kess. As Captain you will need to be there at least thirty minutes before the first set of fireworks.”

Kess nodded again. “Understood, sir.”

“Feel free to ask me or your fellow Captains for assistance. We’ve all been where you are and would like to see you transition as smoothly as possible. Pyter was a fine Captain. You have some big boots to fill. But I’m sure you will, in you’re own way.”

“Thank you, sir.” Kess said, feeling both nervous and encouraged.

“Would you like to know where your squad ranked this year?” Greywright questioned.

Kess straightened in her seat. “I thought the Captains learned the rankings the same as everyone else. When they were announced at the Star Awards.”

“They do. All but Julius that is. For years one of his friends from Magic Investigations has been sneaking him the rankings early. But I have the rankings in front of me. Seeing as this will be your first time representing the Silver Eagles as Captain before the masses, I figured knowing where your squad ranked would ease some of those jitters.”

“Was Captain Pyter offered this his first year as Captain?” Kess questioned.

“Pyter was Captain for four months before the Star Awards. You’ve been Captain for less then one week.” Greywright said.

Kess considered the offer a moment. Knowing the rankings ahead of time would certainly help ease her nerves. But she couldn’t be sure this wasn’t some sort of test. Finally, she said. “Thank you, Commander. But I’d rather learn the rankings at the same time as everyone else.”

Greywright took his hand off the envelope that contained this years squad rankings. He should have expected Kess would decline. Kess, like every Silver Eagles Captain before her, was honorable and proud. Greywright was sure Pyter would have said the same his first year as Captain if he’d been made such an offer. Though if Pyter were still Captain, Greywright had no doubt the man would’ve accepted the knowledge with little question.

Greywright smiled, imaging Pyter’s response. The man hadn’t been ready to retire. But after nearly a month of both his wife’s and father’s incessant demands, Pyter had broken down and submitted to their will, handing in his letter of notice. Two months later and Pyter had stepped down, Kess taking command of the Silver Eagles. There had been no Captains Challenge for her. A rarity in the Magic Knights. And a shame for Kess as it was more of a welcoming and celebration than it was a test. But with the Star Awards coming up and three new Vice Captain's in Yami, Teris, and Fuegoleon, too much had been going on. There was also the fact that none of the Captain's or Vice Captain's had felt much like celebrating. Bronn might have been hated by most; but the manner of his death had put a damper on everything. Quince’s lingering injuries making him officially have to step down as the Crimson Lions Vice Captain had added to the Magic Knights somber mood.

They all needed this Star Awards, Greywright thought. A time to forget the bad, celebrate, and have some fun. Greywright nodded at Kess in return. “As you like, Captain. Just don’t be late.”

“I won’t.” Kess assured.

“Dismissed.”

Kess and Nozel stood, both saluting the Magic Knights Commander before they exited.

Once out in the hall, Kess asked Nozel. “Would you have taken that offer?”

“No.” Nozel said without hesitation.

The royals answer made Kess feel better about her response. She wondered yet again if it had been some sort of test. “I want you there, Vice Captain.”

Nozel lifted a brow. “Sir?”

“On the sidelines for the rankings announcement tonight.” Kess said.

“Yes, sir.”

“You’re not going to ask why?” Kess wondered.

“Doesn’t matter, Captain. You said you wanted me there. I will be there.” Nozel said.

Kess eyed the royal prince as they walked. Nozel Silva was difficult to read. Then again, he probably thought the same of her. They didn’t know each other well and Kess blamed herself for that. She knew that when she became Captain, Nozel would be her Vice Captain. The man was destined to be Captain of the Silver Eagles since the day he joined the squad. She should have put in more of an effort to get to know him. At least form a sort of working relationship. Then they wouldn’t be so stiff and unsure with each other now.

Wanting to get away from her Vice Captain, Kess said. “You have the day. See you an hour before the announcements begin. Don’t be late.”

Nozel watched his Captain turn around and head in the opposite direction. After being thrown into the deep end during the Nine Day War, being Vice Captain felt easy. Once things had calmed within the kingdom after the war, after the mess with the gang hired to kill him, Captain Pyter had begun giving him tasks that would see him prepared for his eventual role as a Captain in truth. Thanks to that training, Nozel was confidant in serving as Vice Captain of the Silver Eagles. Strangely, he wasn’t as confidant in serving as Kess’ Vice Captain.

He had always assumed comfort and personal knowledge of a person wasn’t necessary for a smooth and effective working relationship. But in serving as Kess’ Vice Captain for less than a week, Nozel had begun to reevaluate that thought process.

84.2

Tobin entered the dining hall and greeted Yami and Teris with a grin. “Vice Captain's.”

Teris looked up from her seat. “Are you going to get tired of that anytime soon?”

“Nope.” Tobin smirked.

“You could always order him to shut up.” Yami suggested.

“You were up early.” Tobin noted as he made his way to the serving table. He looked over his shoulder at Yami. “Being a Vice Captain whipping you into a proper Magic Knight?”

“Training.” Yami looked across the table at Teris, with a crooked grin.

Teris’ cheeks tinted ever so slightly.

Yami’s smirk grew. It wasn’t as if they hadn’t trained. And trained hard at that. His muscles still ached from the magical hits he had taken. But after… Yami smiled thinking of the after. His leg stretched out under the table to brush against Teris’.

Teris’ blush deepened, her own boot boldly rubbing against Yami’s calf.

Jax entered and nudged passed Tobin to serve first. Teris’ leg quickly pulled back as if caught playing footsie with Yami. Yami smirked and shook his head. Even if Jax could see what was happening under the table, he wouldn’t have cared.

Jax took his seat at the head of the table shoving down the ache of seeing Teris in Bronn’s old seat. At least it didn’t hurt as much as it had the first time he ordered her and Yami to move up the table and sit to either side of him.

Jax cleared his throat. “Got a mission order. Should be a quick one. Back before the end of the day.”

Teris took the paper from Jax and skimmed it. She looked up at Tobin who had set his plate to Yami’s left and was preparing to sit. “Tobin.”

“Aw!” Tobin complained.

Teris stared silently. Barely a second passed before Tobin was moving around the table to take the mission order from her.

Jax looked to his left at Yami and smirked. Whoever had doubted Teris Nova would make a formidable Vice Captain in her own right had sorely been mistaken. Jax had never doubted her. He had only doubted his ability to work well with her. Teris was too much like her brother; which was to say she was obsessive about her work. Jax could barely managed that in Julius and they were close friends. Yami was much more the kind of person Jax could work with. Only problem was that Jax hadn’t been sure, still wasn’t sure, if Yami would heed him well enough. That’s were Teris came in. Jax knew Yami would do whatever Teris asked of him. After all the fool had let Teris talk him into letting her roam the geyser labyrinth after Fuegoleon had ordered them out; and that had been without a time stone.

Tobin read the mission order and handed back. “If I miss the Star Awards festival cause of this...”

“Then you miss it. The longer you stand around crying about it the longer it’ll take to get there, handle it, and get back.” Teris said.

Jax and Yami chuckled. Tobin left, thinking that the easy life he had imagined with Yami and Teris as Vice Captain's had been a fanciful folly.

Teris made to stand.

“Where are you going?” Jax asked.

“To fill this out and send it back to Headquarters.” Teris said, holding the mission order.

“Sit down.” Jax commanded.

Teris hovered over the bench seat. “But—”

“You arguing with me, Vice Captain?” Jax questioned.

Teris sat. “No, sir.”

“Good. Finish eating. That can wait.” Jax told.

Yami looked across the table at Teris. He found her especially cute when she sulked. She had sulked about Jax ordering the seat change too. Yami hadn’t been all that happy about the move at first either. Annoying as Tobin and Gendry could be, he had liked sitting between his friends. But as he did in most things, Yami had adjusted quickly to sitting to Jax’s left. Teris on the other hand was still struggling with the adjustment. She didn’t linger at the table to chat the way she use to. Yami couldn’t really blame her. As they had simply been told to slide down the the table, they still sat on the same side of the table they always had. It had left Teris seated where Bronn once sat.

Bronn. The dead bastard, Yami thought with a frown. If Bronn hadn’t been set to retire to marry Gilly, Yami would have wondered if Bronn had died simply to leave Yami owing him a debt he’d never be able to repay. As it was it had been a pointless death. Jax hadn’t told them what Bronn had been doing. But Yami knew Bronn had been doing it because they thought the Agents of Chaos had plans for him and Teris for the Winter Solstice. Yami couldn’t say why; but he was sure they hadn’t succeeded in staying out of the Agents of Chaos’ hands. The Agents of Chaos simply had no interest or need in taking them this time. Though they hadn’t talked about it, Yami was certain Teris felt the same. They hadn’t talked about much concerning that mess over the last three months. Bronn’s death had left them all needing a break from it least they themselves break. Teris had even stopped obsessively messing with the History of Chaos and going over the copied pages she had. Yami hadn’t even bothered bugging Jax or Julius about Jax’s promise to tell him what was going on with Advisor Ellara after Bronn was married. Why should he? Bronn wasn’t married yet. The man never would be. The bastard.

“How’s Zora Ideale?” Jax asked Teris.

“He’s only written once. The letter was short saying he was fine. But Julius has heard from his aunt who says Zora isn’t adjusting well. She says he doesn’t talk much and when he does it’s always in anger.”

“Kid’s father was murdered. Anger seems appropriate.” Yami commented.

Willing to give Teris some time away, Jax asked. “You think paying him a visit will help?”

“I only met Zora twice. I barely know him.” Teris said.

Yami watched Teris fiddle with the thread bracelet Zora had made.

“You were a friend of his father. A Magic Knight. You were there for him. Pulled him out of hiding and help care for him the night of his father’s death.” Jax said.

Teris looked at the Captain. “What could I offer him? Apparently not the truth.”

Jax’s shoulders tensed. “No. You can’t do that.” He rubbed his forehead and sighed. “Teris. About the Purple Orcas. You’re a Vice Captain now. You can’t--”

“I couldn’t before.” Teris snapped. “I’m not so stupid as to think anything’s changed.”

Yami looked between the two wondering what he was missing.

“All I’m saying is...“ Jax heaved another sigh. “Just don’t do or say anything that will see you in trouble. If you have to ignore them. Ignore them. Turn around and walk away if you--”

“I don’t need anyone telling me how best to manage my feelings, Captain.” Teris snipped.

Jax closed his eyes sorry he had said anything. He turned to the left. “Yami. What of Vanessa? How’s the young witch getting on with Bran’s family?”

Yami shrugged. “How should I know?”

“She sends you letters, doesn’t she?” Jax pressed.

“Ask Teris. I give them to her.” Yami said, not admitting he privately read the letters before he did so.

“I don’t read them.” Teris said.

“Why not? You’re always asking Bran how she’s doing.” Yami said. It was the reason he gave Teris the letters.

“Cause they’re not addressed to me. They’re addressed to you, Yami.” Teris said.

“What’s addressed to him?” Olsen asked, entering the dining hall with Gendry and Abril.

“Vanessa’s letters.” Teris said.

“Speaking of letters. There was one in the slot for you, Captain. I slipped it under your office door.” Abril told, lining up behind Olsen and Gendry at the serving table.

Jax gave Abril a nod. He looked between his Vice Captain's. “Got plans for tonight's festival?”

“Hopefully Tobin gets back in time else well be stuck with a sulking Venice all night.” Teris said, regretting she had sent Tobin on the mission.

“Didn’t think that one through, did you?” Yami teased.

“I didn’t hear you say anything against it.” Teris said.

“And have you looking at me the way you’re looking at me now.” Yami gestured to her.

Teris laughed, dryly. “How am I looking at you?”

“I’m beginning to wonder why. But I want you two there for the announcements.” Jax said.

“Where for the announcements?” Yami asked.

“On the sidelines.” Teris said, understanding.

“What sidelines?” Yami asked.

“Of the balcony. He wants us up there in the wings during tonight's announcement of the squads rankings.” Teris said.

“Get there fifteen or so minutes before the first fireworks.” Jax told Teris.

Teris nodded at the Captain.

“Why are you telling her if you want us both there?” Yami asked Jax.

“Cause she’s the one I trust to see that you’re both there.” Jax told Yami. He got to his feet. “The day and night is yours. Just be there.”

“Yes, sir.” Teris nodded again.

Jax took the mission order from Teris’ side. “I’ll send this back in. Enjoy yourselves. You’ve earned it.”

“Jax.” Yami called.

The Black Bulls Captain turned.

“Did Julius learn the rankings and share them with you?” Yami asked.

“As usual.” Jax grinned. He turned away and left the dining hall.

Entering his office Jax picked-up the letter Abril had slipped in and closed the door behind. Seeing it was from Gilly, his heart clenched. He had wondered why Abril hadn’t mentioned who the letter was from and appreciated her not saying. It would have dampened everyone's mood and he didn’t want that.

Moving behind his desk, he sat and broke the seal, reading:

Jax,

Damn you. I told you I didn’t want your money. But, I thank you for it just the same. Sorry I didn’t visit before I left. I just couldn’t bring myself to go to your base. Not when there are so many memories of him there.

I also couldn’t bring myself to go the the town we had planned to start our life together. So please take note of the address. Not so you can send more funds! I’ll be fine. My clinic is doing well. While most can’t pay in coin. They pay in other ways. Namely food. So, so much food. I end up giving most of it to other patients that are either too old, young, or sick to work.

Oh my, Jax. If you could see the state of some of these kids. But, what am I saying. You and he knew better than I what I was getting into wanting to start a clinic at the edge of the Forsaken Realm.

I found a nice little place to stay. The owner has a sickly child that requires lots of care and attention. In exchange for treating her I get a discount on my rent.

I don’t cry as much. Though I feel like it every time I think of him. I’m not crying myself to sleep every night anymore either. I’m far too tired for that. These people need help and it gives me a reason to get up each morning. On days that the pain is too much to bare I can easily lose myself in my work.

Thank you for checking in on me everyday that first-- Thanks. I’d probably still be wallowing in bed if it weren’t for you. I hope you’re managing alright. Not hiding the pain or drinking it away. I know how you Magic Knights can be. But you can’t hide from this, Jax. You can’t look away from it forever. I know wounds. Physical wounds. But when it comes to things like this, emotional wounds aren’t all that different. You were there for me. And though I doubt I was very good, I’d like to think I was there for you too. I still am. Whether you chose to write me about it or not. Please, Jax. Deal with this. You were too important to him for me to let you lose yourself to this.

Thank you for looking out for me. I’m sure it’s what he would have wanted and expected. But you still didn’t have to do it. I’m sorry I struck you that terrible day. It was the first time in my life I had ever hit a person. I’m ashamed it was you. I’m even more ashamed that I ever said it was your fault. It wasn’t your fault, Jax. You must know that. Even that terrible day I didn’t blame you. I was speaking out in anger, not truth. Tell me you know it’s not your fault. I couldn’t bare it if you thought that. He would want me to make sure you didn’t think that.

Oh mana! Will I ever be able to say his name again! I’m sorry. I got to go. — Gilly

Jax’s tears splashed over the smeared ink of the last paragraphs, further warping the paper and making the ink bleed.

84.3

Teris entered the great room on her way upstairs to change for tonight's Star Awards festival and paused. “Leon?”

Fuegoleon turned. “Gendry just went to find and inform you I was here.”

Teris shrugged. “He’ll figure it out if he doesn’t give up or get distracted first. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Good of you to think my visit a pleasure.” Fuegoleon said, wondering how long that feeling would last. “Can we talk somewhere more private?”

“Sure. This way.” Teris led Fuegoleon to the never used squad meeting room.

Never used until Teris had taken it over and began using it as a sort of office. Jax really didn’t do any of the paperwork a Magic Knights Captain was expected to do. And Teris had barely been able to stand the stacks of ignored work sitting on practically every surface in Jax’s office before she was Vice Captain, feeling anxious and itchy every time she entered. Now that she was Vice Captain, Teris was in the Captain's office much more often. Thankfully as Vice Captain, Teris could also do something about the backlog of work. In most cases all that was needed was a simple reviewal and signature. So slowly but surely Teris had been taking a pile from Jax’s office, going through it, and sending it wherever it needed to go. She wasn’t sure Jax had figured it out yet. But Yami had and shook his head every time he saw her with ink stained hands.

Fuegoleon entered the room, eyes narrowing at the pile of papers splayed on the long table. “What are you up to this time?”

Teris closed the door behind them and turned to her cousin. “Nothing.”

The Crimson Lions Vice Captain raised an unbelieving eyebrow.

“I’m going through the backlog of Jax’s work.” Teris explained.

Fuegoleon looked over the mass of papers with renewed consternation. “That’s quite a lot of backlog.”

Teris wanted laugh and cry. She took a seat at the table and gestured for Fuegoleon to do the same knowing it was best he thought this was all of Jax’s backlog and not a small percentage, least he fall over.

“What’s going on?” She asked

Fuegoleon sat. He looked at his cousin wondering how to go about what he wanted to discuss. It had taken some doing, but Fuegoleon had finally gotten Nozel to tell him what had been bothering him since the last time they had last visited Teris shortly before the Winter Solstice. After, Fuegoleon had both wished Nozel had never told him and was furious Nozel hadn’t told him sooner. Things had clearly gotten out of hand with Teris and Yami if jokes about gifted underwear were being tossed about. At least Fuegoleon hoped that’s all it was. A joke. A poor, crude, extremely unfunny jest.

The Crimson Lion stood up, concern and temper rising.

Teris stood as well. “Fuego. You’re scaring me. What’s going on?”

Fuegoleon cleared his throat. “When Nozel and I were last here. Some things were said--” He shook his head and tried again. “Nozel heard--” He faltered and stopped once again.

Trying to ease the growing tension, Teris asked. “Is this a of game fill in the blanks? Cause I’m gonna need more than--”

“No, Teris! This is not game!” Fuegoleon snapped.

Teris blinked, head jerking back.

“Just...” Fuegoleon rubbed his forehead. “Just tell me it was some low born attempt at humor.”

Teris’ eyebrows knitted together in confusion. “What was?”

Fuegoleon lowered his hand, fingers curling into a fist. “Did you give Yami Sukehiro one of your undergarments?”

Teris blanched. “I… I didn’t give it to him. It--”

Fuegoleon’s mana flared. “What in the hell were you thinking! How could you? Please tell me you haven’t done anything that can’t be undone.” He grabbed her arms with bruising strength. “Teris! Tell me you haven’t given your virtue and ruined yourself.”

Teris tried pull away. “You’re hurting me.”

Fuegoleon shook her. “Tell me!”

“Of course not!”

Fuegoleon’s hold loosened though he didn’t let go.

“Yami and I agree we want to wait until marriage.” Teris went on.

“Marriage!” Fuegoleon’s grip tightened again. “To each other? Teris. You can’t be serious. You’re intended to Nozel.”

Teris pulled against his hold. “How many times do I have to tell you? I’m not marrying him!”

“This is all Yami’s fault.” Fuegoleon accused.

Teris’ temper rose. “No. I made the decision long before Yami and I met. You know that.”

“If Yami had any care for you, he would have left you alone as soon as he learned you were Nozel’s Intended. But the common foreigner has shown far too often that he has no sense of decency or honor.”

Teris pushed Fuegoleon off. “Don’t speak of what you don’t know.”

“What?” Fuegoleon challenged. “That Yami Sukehiro has no respect for you. That he--”

“Yami has every respect for me.” Teris cut in.

“Speaking openly about your intimates is a show of respect?” Fuegoleon questioned, archly.

“It was joke. And it wasn’t about me or my— clothes. Nor did Yami start the jest. It was Olsen.”

“He openly kissed and marked you while at my family’s cabin.”

Teris blinked wondering how Fuegoleon knew about that when he had gone back to base with the rest of the Crimson Lions well before that nights party. She shook her head. “That’s not all his fault. We both got caught up and forgot how out in the open we were.”

Fuegoleon ground his teeth. Did she not understand? A lady’s duty was to preserve her virtue. But it was on the man to guard it. A true gentleman never would’ve put her in a position where her honor could possibly be called into question.

“He pressures you to do things that are beyond what an unmarried lady of any station should do.” Fuegoleon stated.

“This may come as a shock to you. But there’s no pressure involved.” Teris told.

Fuegoleon pointedly ignored the comment. “He certainly has no respect for your late Lord Father’s memory.”

“You shut up about my father.” Teris stormed.

“Lord Nova wanted you wed to Nozel.” Fuegoleon said.

“I told you to shut up about my father.” Teris growled.

“Lord Nova wanted--”

“--me to be happy.” Teris finished.

“Nozel wants nothing more than to make you happy.” Fuegoleon argued.

“Then tell him to convince Lord Silva to find someone else to wed him to. Nozel and I aren’t a good match. We’re not well suited. We never were. And never will be.”

“How would you know? You’ve never given him a chance! Like it or not you’re meant for him, Teris. Have been since you were two. You belong to him.”

“I belong to no one unless I give my self. And I will never give myself to Nozel Silva.”

“Your father--”

“You shut up about my father!”

Fuegoleon morosely shook his head. “Lord Nova would be so ashamed if he could see you. Thank mana he’s not--”

Teris slapped him hard and fast, the act shocking them both.

Fuegoleon’s head whipped to the side. His cheek throbbed a moment, sting dissipating. Resisting the urge to lift his hand to the burning flesh, he slowly turned back to her.

They stood silent, staring at one another.

The door opened without a knock.

“I knew I’d find you in--” Yami paused. He didn’t need his sense of Ki to tell that Teris and Fuegoleon were furious with each other. He looked between the two, and told Teris. “Tobin’s back. So we don’t have to suffer Venice hanging around us all night.” He looked Teris over. “I thought you were going to change.”

“Didn’t get the chance. Instead I accepted a visitor only to be insulted.” Teris said, eyes never leaving Fuegoleon.

“If you were more discerning about what you accepted and from whom, I wouldn’t have had to call.” Fuegoleon told, fiery gaze fixed on Teris.

Yami’s shoulders tensed. He was sure the Crimson Lion was referring to him. But he could care less about that. It was the clear insult to Teris that made him want to punch the royal.

Teris’ lip curled. “We’re done talking. Unless you want to tell me who else I’ve shamed and let down.”

“We’d be here all night for that.” Fuegoleon said.

“Get out!” Teris barked.

Fuegoleon shouldered passed Yami as he exited the room. Teris turned away from the door, trembling hands splaying flat on the table. Eyes on Teris, Yami listened to Fuegoleon’s retreating footsteps.

Yami stepped up behind her. “Want me to follow him out and kick his ass?”

Teris huffed. “If only.”

“I have no problem doing it if you want.” Yami said, seriously.

Teris closed her eyes and exhaled. “Why don’t we hold off on that. Save it for next time.”

Yami wrapped his arms around Teris’ waist wishing there wouldn’t be a next time, but he knew better than that.

He rested his chin on her shoulder. “If you say so.”

Teris tilted her head back against him, arms crossing to lace her fingers with his. “How petty and ungrateful we must seem. So called noble families bickering and arguing when there’s so much more we could do with our time.”

Yami shrugged. “All families argue--”

Teris spun in his arms, lifting to her toes. She pulled him down by the neck and smashed their lips together.

Yami grunted, words cut off.

Teris’ tongue swiped against his lips seeking entry. Seeking to drown out Fuegoleon’s words. Lord Nova would be so ashamed if he could see you.

Yami pulled back a fraction needing to be sure she was alright. His hand cupped her face. “Mana, I love you.”

He kissed her.

Teris’ arms looped around his neck, holding him in place. As if Yami had any intention of straightening to his full height and leaving her sweet lips.

“Damn, you’re hot when you’re angry.” Yami breathed between kisses.

“Excuse--”

Yami deepened the kiss cutting off her words. His hands smoothed down and around her hips, grabbing her butt.

Lost in the moment Teris didn’t care when Yami picked her up and set her on the table, messing the carefully stacked papers.

Teris broke the kiss, panting. Yami cradled the base of her skull, tilting her head to give him full access to her neck. As Yami worked his way down the column of her neck, his other hand pulled up her torso.

“Yami...” Teris breathed, lashes fluttering. Her fingers tugged at his hair along the nape of his neck.

Yami hummed and nipped at her collarbone. His hand inched closer to her breast.

“Ya—Tobin!”

Yami’s head lifted. “Wrong name.”

Like a startled deer, Teris stared over Yami’s shoulder frozen for a brief moment before bolting into action. Her legs kicked, arms flaying, as she tried to push Yami back and get off the table all at once.

Yami sighed. He knew he should’ve kicked the door closed when the Lion Cub stormed out.

Tobin grinned from the doorway. “Don’t stop on my account.”

Venice appeared behind him. “You two-- Woah! We’ll give you a moment.” She grabbed Tobin’s arm and tugged, though Tobin didn’t budge.

Teris slid off the table. “We’re good! We don’t need a moment.”

“Says you.” Yami muttered. He watched Teris turn and start to straighten the mussed papers. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her away. “If you don’t stop and I’ll really mess them up.”

“Yami!” Teris complained.

Yami pushed Tobin out of the way and exited the room with Teris in tow. He lead her down the hall until Teris pulled her hand free.

“I can walk without you pulling me along.” Teris puffed, having to rush to keep up with Yami’s longer stride.

They entered the great room, followed by Venice and Tobin.

Seeing the rest of the Black Bulls save for Iban, Yami made for the front door. “Let’s get going crew.”

“What about the Captain?” Abril asked.

Outside, Yami grabbed one of the bigger brooms meant for him and Tobin. “Jax is heading out later.”

Teris paused on one of the steps. “Really?” Her eyes narrowed. “Did you even talk to Jax after breakfast?” She turned back to the house. “I should go--”

Yami gripped her wrist. Teris turned back to him. Yami gave a slight shake of his head. He had gone to Jax’s office before going down and across the hall to her makeshift office. He had seen the tear stained letter on the Captain's desk. Though whether the tears had come from the writer or Jax, Yami wasn’t sure.

Seeing Teris’ expression turn worried, Yami told her softly. “He’ll be fine. But he won’t be happy if the others see you worried about him.”

While still concerned, Teris knew Yami had a point. She leaned forward and gave Yami a quick peck on the cheek as diversion for the others.

Olsen gave a low whistle.

“Woah, Yami! You better slow down there.” Tobin teased.

Venice covered Bran’s eyes and played. “You should be ashamed of yourselves. There’s children present.”

Bran pushed Venice's hand away. “I’ve seen them do more than that.”

Yami frowned seeing Teris’ expression become a mix of wounded and angry. Though he acted as if he hadn’t, Yami had overheard Fuegoleon saying Teris’ father would be ashamed of her. The only reason he hadn’t barged in and kicked the Lion Cub’s ass was because of the resounding slap that cut off the Vermillion’s words. It was easy to see where Venice's play would've unintentionally stung, bringing Fuegoleon’s words back to Teris’ mind.

Wanting to divert her thoughts, Yami did the first thing that came to mind. He grabbed Teris and kissed her good and proper.

There was an instant where Teris melted into him; but she quickly tensed when the Black Bulls hooted and hollered, even the quiet Gendry joining in.

Teris pulled away, blushing furiously. “Yami!”

Yami chuckled and took up his broom. “Alright you pack of losers. Let’s go blow off some steam.”

84.4

Jon walked hand in hand through the streets of Castle City with Kess. Voice tight with annoyance he asked. “Why do you look so nervous?”

“I’m not nervous.” Kess said, eyes darting through the crowd.

Jon tried to pull his hand free. “I should’ve known things would change once you officially became Captain.”

Kess held onto his hand and pulled him to a halt. “Nothing’s changed. My being Captain has no effect on our relationship.”

Afraid to admit he had his own reservations about it, Jon asked. “Are you not ready to let people know we’re together?”

Realizing how silly her concerns were, Kess stepped closer to him. “Would I do this if I weren’t?” She stretched, kissing him lightly on the lips.

Jon’s smile fell before it could form. “Venice!”

“Venice?” Kess repeated, thinking Jon called her the wrong name while scolding her.

Jon looked from the oncoming Black Bulls to Kess. His mouth opened to explain.

“Jon. Captain Kess.” Tobin greeted, arm casually slung around Venice’s shoulder. “Glad to see you moved on, Vice Captain.”

“Tobin!” Venice scolded.

“I was only--” Tobin tried.

“Not now.” Venice silenced. She gave Tobin a shove, moving him along and away from the couple. Glancing over her shoulder, she gave Jan an awkward, tentative smile.

Kess frowned at the way Jon looked after Venice. She frowned further seeing how far he had moved away from her upon seeing his ex. “What were you accusing me of?”

Jon turned back Kess. The Silver Eagles Captain looked livid.

“Kess. I—that— I wasn’t--”

“Save it, Vice Captain. Find me when you’ve learned how to form proper sentences.” Kess turned and stormed away through the crowded street.

Jon might have followed, but he saw Yami and Teris. Teris kindly looked elsewhere while Yami stared directly at him. Jon glared at the male co-Vice Captain.

“That’s rough.” Yami commented, clearly amused by the scene.

“Yami, stop.” Teris hushed. She plucked at Yami’s shirt, the best she could do with Julius’ rules, and moved to follow in Venice and Tobin’s direction.

“Teris, hold up.” Jon called. Though he was a First Class Senior Magic Knight and she a Second Class, they were both Vice Captain’s now. As such, he added as belated respect. “Please.”

Teris turned back.

“I’ve wanted to talk to you about that night.” Jon told her.

“That night? You stepping out on me?” Yami looked at Teris with a feigned scowl.

Jon’s eyes widened, mouth opening to refute.

“It’s his bad idea of a joke.” Teris eased the Azure Deer. She shook her head at Yami, battling a small smirk that tugged at her lips. Focusing back on Jon, she said. “The solstice was nearly three months ago. What could you possibly want to discuss now?”

“Not now.” Jon said. “And I wanted to before. But with—with all that happened it didn’t feel right. Can we schedule something?”

“You know where I live.” Teris said.

“Outside both our bases.” Jon said.

Teris blinked in surprise. Did that mean Julius didn’t know what Jon wanted to discuss? Or maybe Julius had told Jon not to and Jon was doing it anyway? No. The idea of Jon going against her brother was ludicrous.

“Yami’s welcomed to come.” Jon added, knowing Teris would tell Yami what was said anyway.

“Good. Cause I was going no matter.” Yami said, his thoughts running the same line as Teris’ and put on alert because of it.

“We could schedule something for tomorrow.” Teris offered.

“Not if the Lioness does another of her lava spring things.” Yami looked at Teris remembering last year out on the rock overlooking the valley below. Even in the low light he could see Teris’ blush and knew she was recalling the same.

Teris cleared her throat and suggested. “The day after that?”

Jon thought of his schedule and nodded. “I can do eleven on the fourth.”

“If not at either base, then where?” Teris asked.

Jon looked passed her seeing a tea shop. He had frequented there with Venice, when they were still together. The cafe had private tea rooms. Since it was open for the festival, he could walk over and reserve a private room for April fourth at eleven once Yami and Teris had agreed and moved on.

“The tea house behind you. I’ll buy.” Jon said.

Jon offering to buy reminded Yami of Jax saying they would go out drinking once the solstice was over and he would cover Yami’s tab. That was just one in a long list of planned things that had never happened after that night. Drinks. Answers about Ellara. Bronn’s retirement and wedding. Teris’ voice cut into Yami’s thoughts.

“Works for me.” Teris smiled, shyly. “You and Kess make a cute couple.”

Jon looked in the direction Kess had gone in and sighed. “If we’re still one.”

“She’ll forgive you. Venice use to say she couldn’t stay mad at you for long.” Teris said.

Jon looked at Teris in surprise. “I think she may have been lying about that one. Venice held onto a grudge forever. Brought past wrongs up whenever she felt she was loosing an argument.” He chuckled. “She use to--” Catching himself he stopped, smile falling. “April second at eleven.”

Teris nodded at the agreed time. Her hand brushed Yami’s as she continued walking. “Enjoy the festival, Jon.”

Walking beside Teris, Yami waited till they were some distance before saying. “He still has a thing for her.”

Teris looked at Yami out of the corner of her eye. “Your sense of Ki tell you that?”

“No. Being a guy told me that.” Yami said.

“You don’t have to be a guy to have picked up on it.” Teris said. Bad as she felt for Jon, Venice was clearly happier with Tobin. And for her, having her friend happy was the most important thing.

Yami stepped closer to Teris as they made their way through a crowded crossing. His hand brushed her butt. Teris jerked, head snapping around.

“It was only me.” Yami soothed. He hadn’t considered that with the crowd she might’ve thought it was some passing person.

Rather that easing, Teris’ expression sharpened. “Stop it. You know Julius’ rules. We’re not at the base.”

As much as Teris hated Julius’ stupid rules meant to keep Fyntch from making her life hell, the last thing she needed was Julius catching her and Yami breaking them. She did think she could bare Julius scolding and looking at her in disappointment after her argument with Fuegoleon.

Yami growled. He just wanted him and Teris to be free to do what they pleased, when and where they pleased. Who was to say Nathyn Silva wouldn’t be a sore loser and send people after him even after he had freed Teris from her family and wed her? A year and a half, Yami told himself. Teris would be twenty in a little over a year and a half. No matter what Nathyn Silva decided to do after Yami battled Fyntch, he and Teris would be free to do as they wished. Yami just hoped it would indeed be Fyntch he faced, and not Julius.

“I need a drink.” Yami declared.

“I could use one too. But I need to eat else I’ll be drunk after a single mug.” Teris said.

Yami eyed her. “I wonder what kind of drunk you’d be?”

“We’re not finding out tonight.” Teris told.

“Tomorrow then?”

Teris laughed. “I don’t plan on ever getting drunk.”

“That’s just cause you haven’t had reason to yet.” Yami said, bumping her shoulder with his.

“Teris? Yami.”

Yami and Teris turned.

Seeing her brother Teris smiled. “Julius. I was hoping--”

Julius stepped around a group of passerby's and grabbed Teris’ arm pulling her to his side and a proper distance from Yami. “What have I told you?” He looked disapprovingly at Yami. “The both of you. You know the rules. Unless on mission you’re not to be alone together outside of your bases property.”

Yami ground his teeth and took a long calming breath least he say something he regret.

Teris pulled her arm free of Julius’ hold. “We weren’t doing anything wrong. You’re the one calling attention to us.”

“Did you think that because you’re Vice Captain’s that changes things?” Julius questioned, not hearing her.

“We were with Tobin and Venice but lost them.” Yami said, waiting to take Julius’ focus off Teris.

Julius turned to Yami. “Not good enough. You know the reason why. You know what could happen. Do you want Nath--” He stopped and glanced at Teris, worried she had caught the slip before he could end it.

But Fuegoleon’s words were replaying in Teris’ head, drowning out what Julius said to Yami. “I’m sorry I’m such a disappointment to Leon, you, and father’s memory.”

Yami frowned, wishing he had gone after Fuegoleon and beaten the Lion Cub to a pulp.

Julius stared at a loss for words, wondering where that had come from. Teris couldn’t be a disappointment to him or their father’s memory if she had tried. Before he could ask, Teris had turned away.

Having been on his way to meet Commander Greywright, Julius told Yami. “Go after her.”

The order was needless as Yami had already turned to follow Teris.

Yami muttered under his breath, angry that Julius had seemingly popped up out of nowhere just to ruin their fun. His mentor had been right about one thing though. Yami had thought that the silly rule about them not being alone outside of the bases property unless on mission had been done away with now that he and Teris were Vice Captain's.

Having lost sight of Teris in the crowd, Yami tracked her mana to a pub. He entered and saw her standing at the bar. Stepping behind her, Yami signaled the bartender to double the order of ale Teris had just made.

“What happened to eating first?” Yami asked.

“What happened to wanting to see what kind of drunk I was?” Teris questioned, sourly.

Yami smirked, tempted. “Maybe another time. You have to make sure we’re wherever it is Jax wants us to be.” He looked over the slate on the wall where the nights menu was written in chalk and told a waitress. “Bread bowl of vegetable cheese soup.” To Teris, he urged. “Come on. Let’s find a table.”

Teris frowned at the bar-top. “You heard Julius.”

“Julius told me to follow you.” Yami said.

Seeing Teris’ shoulders slump, Yami reached out to comfort her and pulled back, silently cursing the crowded bar. Thanks to Julius’ reminder it felt like everyone was watching them, just waiting to report back to Lord Silva. Yami stuffed his hands in his pockets.

“He cares about you, Teris. Wants you to be happy. He was just looking out for you.” Yami’s angry irritation at Julius eased, knowing his mentor felt and wanted the same for him as well. “Come on. Don’t let it ruin the night. Let’s--”

“Yami!” Someone called, loudly.

Teris’ nose wrinkled at the familiar grating voice.

“Yami!” Jack called again.

Yami turned, eyes easily finding his gangly friend in the crowd.

“Come sit with us.” Jack invited.

Seeing Teris tense, Yami told her. “He’s not that bad.”

Teris gave Yami a pleading look.

“I tolerate Lion Cub and Bird Braid.” Yami said.

Teris scoffed, thinking the word ‘tolerate’ was rather generous. Then again, she’d tolerate Fuegoleon fairly poorly at the moment herself.

“You think I make that effort cause I like them?” Yami asked.

Teris’ lips thinned, knowing full well Yami suffered Fuegoleon and Nozel for her. The least she could do was try to put up with Jack for him. But why did it have to be tonight of all times?

“Think of it this way. We won’t be alone anymore so Julius will be happy.” Yami said.

“Fine.” Teris relented. “But, you owe me.”

“For hanging out with me and one of my friends? If I knew we could do that your sweet ass would be indebted to me for life.” Yami teased.

“My what?” Teris asked, daring him to repeat what he said. She should’ve known better. Yami had no shame.

Eyes a mix of humored and sultry, Yami glanced down at her butt and said again. “Your sweet ass.”

“You got a mouth on you.” Teris said, cheeks heating even as she smirked.

Yami returned her smile with a wolfish one of his own. “You knew that already. Never heard you complain when it was being used on you.”

“Yami!” Teris’ blush deepened. Her eyes darted about to see if anyone else had heard him.

“Get your drink. I got a treat for you if you can manage to be civil to Jack.” Yami said, giving her a wink. He took up his ale and the bread bowl of soup, leading the way to his friend.

Teris wasn’t in the mood to try and be friendly with Jack, but she tried nonetheless. She did to for Yami. How could she not when Yami did so much more than try to be civil with Fuegoleon and Nozel? Yami put up with her. And Teris knew that in itself could be a task. Then again, putting up with Yami could be a task too.

At least Yami sat between her and Jack at the circular table which made things easier. Though the added buffer of Jack’s two fellow Green Mantis friends disappeared soon after they joined. Teris figured it was because they could only handle Jack for so long.

The time passed with Yami and Jack doing most of the talking. Despite the food, Teris started to feel tipsy. It was probably because every time she wanted to say something unkind to Jack, tell him to shut up or how much she hated his stupid laugh, she took a drink of ale.

Yami had also consumed his share of alcohol and was feeling good. He wasn’t drunk. But his filter, which didn’t work well at the best of times, had all but shut off.

Pretty down in the drink himself, Jack suggested they head to another pub. Yami agreed. Teris didn’t care. But stretching her legs and getting some fresh air sounded good so she nodded her assent.

Between the crowds and desire to distance herself from Jack, Teris walked in front of the two men trusting Yami wouldn’t let them get separated.

Suddenly a hand grabbed hers and pulled her into a dark alley. Teris spun around fist raised, other hand glowing should she need to use her magic.

Yami didn’t even flinch at the threat. “Easy.” He soothed and glanced over his shoulder toward the street, making sure no one was looking or coming their way.

Teris relaxed, hand dropping to her side, other hand dimming. “Yami. What--”

Yami silenced her with a kiss. He tasted of ale. No doubt she did too. Gripping her hips, Yami walked Teris backward several paces until they were better hidden halfway down the alley.

Teris pulled her head back, voice a hoarse whisper. “Yami! We can’t.”

“Shh. Someone might hear you.” Yami breathed.

Whether it was because of the alcohol in her own system or some odd interest she hadn’t realized she had, Teris found Yami’s ale tainted breath arousing.

She shook her head, trying to clear it. “Yami...”

Yami’s hands roamed down her sides. “We’re alone. I need to feel you.”

Needing the same, Teris stepped back pulling Yami with her. Her back hit the side wall of some building. Yami bent, kissing her. His hands slid down and around to her ass, grabbing and lifting her slightly.

Teris’ tongue swirled, dancing with his. An inner voice told her this was a mistake. Listening to that voice of reason, she broke the kiss. “Yami, we can’t. Not here. Someone will see. I don’t want another earful from Julius. I don’t want you getting in trouble.”

Valid as her concerns were, Yami didn’t care. He was frustrated and tired of Julius’ damned rules. Even if they were meant to keep him safe from Nathyn Silva. In that moment Yami was done with such fetters. An idea struck him. Using his magic, he sheltered them in a cocoon of darkness.

“Better?” He rasped.

Teris used her magic to dimly light the small sphere.

“That’s better.” She smiled up at him now able to see his face.

Teris shivered at Yami’s low hungry growl. Hands on his chest, she felt the rumbling sounds vibration. Yami fed on her mouth. Leaving her breathless, he moved onto her neck, pressing a thigh between hers. Teris gasped then moaned. Her legs trembled. The urge to grind against him overwhelming.

Yami’s lips worked their way back up to her mouth. The front of his leg pressed and rubbed against her center. It was difficult and easy to ignore his own throbbing need when Teris began to roll her hips against him. While her response told him he was doing it right, he wished she wasn’t able to block her Ki from him.

Teris moaned into his mouth. Her hands clutched the back of Yami’s shoulders, nails digging in. Yami’s muscled tensed and jerked, pleasure far outweighing the sting. Their kiss broke, both of them panting. Yami’s eyes lowered taking in her heaving breasts.

Teris’ head fell into the curve of Yami’s neck. “I love you.”

Yami’s hands tightened around her hips. “Ikigai.”

Teris attacked his neck with nipping kisses, not caring that she didn’t know what the word meant.

Yami gave a throaty hum, delighted at her assault.

The grinding pace and pressure of his thigh against her intensified. Teris’ breath hitched followed by a shuddery exhale. Yami’s hand panned over the side of her ribs to her breast. Teris tensed slightly. But she was too far gone to censure or stop him.

“Yami...” Teris half breathed, half moaned, toes curling in her boots. Her hips rutted against the front of his thigh, back arching to press her breast firmer into his large hand.

Yami squeezed her breast lightly, thumb flicking over the pebbled nipple wishing her top and bra were out of the way. His mouth latched onto her collarbone.

“Yami?”

Yami paused at the sound of a male voice. Teris went rigid. A string of curses flinted through Yami’s mind. Could they just have one moment of uninterrupted peace?

“Yami? Is that you? Are you alright?” The male voice tentatively asked.

Yami took a step back from Teris as she cut off the dim light she had created with her magic. Yami dropped the dark cocoon and quickly jerked back from a magical attack of condensed air.

“What’d I do to offend you?” Yami demanded the attacking Crimson Lion.

Randall relaxed, seeing Yami wasn’t in some sort of trouble. “Sorry. I sensed an excess build up of mana and--” He faltered, eyes falling on Teris. His expression darkened realizing what he had disturbed. He glared at Yami. “I thought you were in danger. Fighting. I should have left you to fend for yourself.”

“That would’ve been preferable.” Yami said, thinking the only danger he’d been in was releasing in his pants.

Randall frowned at Teris. “You should be ashamed of yourself. A royal lady cavorting in an alley like some common--”

Randall would’ve stopped even if Teris hadn’t stepped toward him or Yami made a fist, glowering.

“What’d you say?” Yami and Teris questioned in dangerous unison.

Ashamed at himself, Randall shook his head. “I didn’t—”

Yami felt Teris’ flare of mana. After Fuegoleon and Julius, now wasn’t the time to antagonize or tell Teris she wasn’t living up to expectations.

“I suggest you walk away before she lights up your ass.” Yami warned.

“And I suggest you stick to your own class. Even if she wasn’t meant for another, you can’t have her.” Randall told.

Teris pushed passed Yami in her march to get to Randall. “That’s it. I’ll show you the power of a royal, noble scum.”

Yami stared after Teris a moment. Damn, she was hot when she was like that. Shaking sense back into his head, Yami called. “Teris.”

“You know the difference between a royal and a lowly noble like you? We know exactly what we want and aren’t afraid to take it.” Teris told Randall.

Yami couldn’t help but smirk. He was so throwing that line back at her later. He could already imagine her blushing beautifully as he teased saying: ‘I know you want me, Princess. Take me. You said you weren’t afraid to do so.’

As Fuegoleon’s friend, Randall felt responsible to protect and remind Teris of her duty. “You’re Nozel’s inten--”

“If you say that damned word I’ll fry you up and open my own food stand.” Teris snarled.

And they called him a hot head, Yami thought. He opened his mouth to call to her again just as the first firework lit up the sky.

Teris spun to face Yami, eyes wide.

Yami held a hand out to her. “Light travel us there.” Glancing at Randall, he told. “Better close your eyes and turn away, Wind Bag.”

Yami and Teris appeared three steps down from the landing. Letting go of each others hand they finished the journey to the top of the spiral stairs, Yami taking all three steps at once.

“You’re late.” Jax remarked, looking none too pleased. His gaze fixed on Teris. “I expected better of you.”

Yami was only partially successful in stifling a growl of protective anger.

Teris’ shoulders slumped, eyes lowering. “Sorry, Captain.”

“Wait here.” Jax turned away, filing out onto the balcony with the rest of the Magic Knights Captain’s.

Nozel scowled at Yami, the Black Bulls laughter from the last time he was at their base ringing in his ears. It didn’t matter that Yami had seemed angry about the others crude joke. It didn’t even matter if the foreigner truly had any of Teris’ undergarments or not. ...Okay, that one mattered a lot. The point was, Nozel wanted nothing more than to smash Yami’s face in.

Resisting the urge, he pointedly moved between Yami and Teris. Nozel sniffed, turning his head to his Intended. His nose wrinkled, voice dripping with disapproval. “You smell like a pub.”

“Not surprising since we were at one, Braid Face. Leave her alone.” Yami snapped.

Ignoring Yami, Nozel sternly questioned Teris. “What were you doing in a pub? That’s no place for a lady--”

“I said leave her alone.” Yami rumbled.

Nozel spun to face Yami. “I have every right to be concerned about where she goes and what she does. Teris’ image is my image. She’s my Intend--

Yami slammed the Silver Eagle against the wall, forearm pressed across Nozel’s neck.

“Say she’s yours one more time. I dare you.” Yami growled.

“She’s mine.” Nozel told though gritted teeth.

The pressure on Nozel’s throat increased. Yami’s mana rose, Nozel’s rising in kind.

Turning to Teris, Fuegoleon gestured to Yami. “And that’s who you choose to favor? He’s worse than a foreign peasant. He’s no better than a rabid beast. Your father--”

Teris’ eyes ignited in fury, her own mana rising. “Mention my father one more time and--”

“You’ll what?” Fuegoleon cut in. “Slap me? That won’t happen again. Lady or not I’ll put you in your place. Maybe then you’ll start acting like a proper royal and--”

“What in the mana fucking hell!” Greywright hoarsely exclaimed.

The other Vice Captain’s rushed to get out of the Knight Commander’s way as he stormed back into the room from the balcony.

The spears of mercury Nozel had formed and aimed at Yami dissolved. Yami’s forearm dropped. Fuegoleon and Teris stepped away from each other.

In a barely controlled whisper, Greywright thundered. “We can hear you fighting like children all the way out there. What the hell do you think you’re doing?” His eyes panned from Nozel to Fuegoleon and Teris. “You three are royals for mana sake. Act like it!”

The three royals lowered their heads. Yami stared at Greywright silently willing him not to say the words he knew were coming.

Greywright looked the four of them over. “You’re Magic Knights Vice Captain’s. You should be ashamed of yourselves.”

Yami sighed and shook his head. This really wasn’t Teris’ day.

Greywright’s daggered gaze focused on Yami. Yami forced his eyes to lower like the others.

“The four of you. Line up. Get to attention” Greywright ordered.

With Fuegoleon and Teris already standing near each other at the center of the room, Nozel and Yami moved to them. Being closer, Nozel took the place to Teris’ right. Greywright didn’t miss the Silver Eagles haughty glance at the male Black Bull.

“The four of you are going to stand at attention till the announcements are done. And mana help you if I have to come back in here before that.” Greywright told.

Jon watched the Knights Commander turn and head back out onto the balcony. While not all the Vice Captain’s were present, those that were stared at their four lined up fellows.

“And I thought Bronn use to get under the Commander’s skin. Don’t think I’ve ever heard Greywright cuss before.” Tryn of the Golden Dawn smirked at the line up Vice Captain's. “Impressive.”

“The impressive fete is that three royals could degrade themselves to the level of a peasant foreigner.” Jaynee said.

Jon frowned at the Blue Rose Vice Captain. But what could he expect from the likes of Captain Jamie’s sister. Like the retired Pyter, the Golden Dawn’s Captain focused entirely too much on society’s class rank.

“Or is it that Yami has hung around them so much he’s begun to act as prideful and presumptions as a royal?” Gueldre, of the Purple Orcas questioned.

Teris ground her teeth and tried to forget the man and his squad existed.

Tryn smirked and looked Teris over. “Pretty sure Yami’s the instigator of some fairly degrading behavior when it comes to one particular royal.”

Jon moved in front of Tryn before any of the men standing at attention could act. “That’s enough out of you.”

Tryn smiled. Taking a step closer, he whispered. “Strangely protective, Jon. Is it cause she’s your Captain’s sister? Don’t tell me you haven’t imaged taking her into your Captain's office and enjoying some time behind the desk. Or maybe on it.”

Jon looked down at the shorter man. “You whisper because you know the three men behind me would kill you, but think I won’t. That’s a mistake on your part.”

Jaynee shivered at the sharp chill that rolled off the Azure Deers Vice Captain. Gueldre watched Tryn and Jon with interest.

“Too bad you aren’t with that fiery friend of hers anymore. They could both service--” Tryn fell silent, eyes closing. He dared not move. Not while Jon had his balls in a vised grip. An uncomfortable cold seeped through the fabric of his pants, causing things to shrink.

“What say I freeze them off for you? Rid you of such troublesome thoughts.” Jon rasped.

“Pretty sure the thoughts would still be there. He’d just wouldn’t be able to do anything about them.” Gueldre said.

“Do it, Jon. Do it.” Jaynee cajoled, eyes bright and wild.

Tryn had always thought his Captain’s sister a man hating bitch. How else could Jaynee have risen to Vice Captain of the Blue Rose? Still, he had thought Jaynee and he got on well enough. He guessed he’d been wrong.

Ignoring Gueldre and Jaynee, Jon questioned Tryn. “Got anything else you want to say?”

Tryn shook his head.

“Good.” Jon released him. “I got to go burn my hand off now.”

Tryn bent over. Resting his hands on his knees, he released the breath he’d been holding. He glared at Jon’s feet. The Azure Deers Vice Captain had been right about one thing; Tryn hadn’t thought Jon had it in him.

“Sir Jorah’s announcing the squad rankings.” Jaynee said, moving to the curtain that shielded the open balcony door.

Jon saw Yami’s eyes on him as the man stood at attention. He wondered at the look in the Black Bulls gaze. There was no way any of the four lined Vice Captain's could’ve heard what was said. He was sure they hadn’t seen anything either. Not with him and Tryn off to their side, and his back to them blocking everything. Jon supposed Yami’s sense of Ki might’ve given him an idea of what was going on. Though he wasn’t exactly sure what Yami’s Ki could sense or how it worked.

Jon pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his hand. Stepping to the curtain with Jaynee, Tryn, and Gueldre, he listened to the Wizard King speak.

Jon was still smirking at Tryn’s expression of shocked disbelief when Sir Jorah, Advisor Ellara, Commander Greywright, and Captains entered.

The Black Bulls had beat out the Golden Dawn for fourth rank this year. If it hadn’t been for the commotion that had brought Commander Greywright back inside, Jon was certain his Captain would’ve been smiling ear to ear with pride for Yami and Teris.

Jon glanced at Kess. He couldn’t remember ever seeing her so furious. As Captain of the Silver Eagles for less than a week and being announced as such before the gathered crowd, he couldn’t imagine her being anything less than infuriated that her Vice Captain had been party to the disturbance. While their argument earlier likely hadn’t helped with her mood, Jon was sure the fact that the Black Bulls had come in one star below the Silver Eagles played more of a role in her anger.

The Wizard King stopped in front of the four line up Magic Knights. “The Vice Captain’s of the second, third, and fourth ranking squads. It’s a shame you don’t put such energy to better use. With the dip the Azure Deers had in the stars they earned. Any one of your squads could have easily ranked first. If you had used your time fighting the kingdoms enemies instead of each other you likely could have gotten your squad the four,” he looked at Fuegoleon, “five,” his eyes focused on Nozel, “or six,” he looked from Yami to Teris, “stars needed to beat the Azure Deers for top rank. A fete that hasn’t happened since Julius became Captain. Instead, we have this.” Jorah gestured to them. His extended hand trembled in rage. He closed it and turned away from them. “I don’t trust myself to deal with this. We can’t afford me inadvertently killing them right now. Commander Greywright, they’re yours. Make sure nothing resembling this ever happens again. Captain’s, you’ll have to do without your Vice Captain’s for a while.”

“What? All of us?” Jamie asked.

“No you idiot. Just the three of us.” Mereoleona gestured to Jax, Kess, and herself. “Mana, you’re such a fool. I don’t know how Breigha hasn’t killed you yet.”

“Is it any wonder that we’re dealing with this when my Captain’s behave no better?” Jorah remarked with dry, deadly calm.

Mereoleona looked at the Wizard King and mumbled an apology. “Sorry, sir.”

Ellara followed Jorah out and down the stairs.

“You four. With me.” Greywright said to lined up Vice Captain's.

Blazing eyes on her brother, Mereoleona asked Greywright. “When can I expect my Vice Captain back so I can kill his ass?”

“After I’m done killing all of them.” Greywright snapped.

Thank you to those who have left hearts. And a special THANK YOU to those who have recently left comments or re-blogged. They really mean a lot.

Next chapter snippet:

The Magic Knights Commander looked across the four Vice Captain's. “You are here to learn how to behave, obey, and get along. And not a one of you is leaving until you all have shown me you are capable of these things.”

“I’m going to die here because of an ill tempered foreigner who—“ Fuegoleon’s mutter cut short in a sharp grunt of pain.

#yami sukehiro #fuegoleon vermillion #julius novachrono #nozel silva #black clover jack the ripper #mereoleona vermillion #randall luftair #Black Clover #light in the darkness

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unicyclehippo · 4 years

Note

Jester's gone when they wake up.

‘Beau?’

The other girl tenses visibly and it is a matter of time spent together that allows Jester to see what she does to take note of herself and the things around her: shoulders flexing to test the bed—in this case, vine-and-rock; hands clenching into fists in readiness; a release of breath it had taken some time for Jester to learn sends Beau’s ki out in a very minor burst—she had been caught by it once as she had leaned over Beau, intent on drawing on her face, and it had been a strange kind of shock for Beau’s eyes to flash open and already be fixed directly on her. Beau must catalogue Caleb beside her and Fjord’s arm under her neck, Frumpkin and Nott curled up close because when she sits up and stands, her movements are graceful and never come close to jostling any of them.

‘Jester?’ she calls back. Pulls her goggles down over her eyes, which magnify behind them. For a moment, Beau blinks owlishly around at the exterior of the dome before finding Jester standing just beyond it. ‘Hey. What are you doin’ out there? Didn’t you get slashed up by a massive fuckin’ tree cat last time we were in a place like this?’

Beau steps out with her regardless of the note of worry in her voice; the closer she gets, the more Jester realises the worry isn’t for the cats—it’s for her. Jester. Beau’s eyes are fixed on her and the way Jester’s fingers twist and twist and twist her rings upon her fingers.

‘I haven’t seen any cats. Except Frumpkin.’

‘Eh, he doesn’t count,’ Beau says, waves her hand. She stops a few paces away.

‘Beau, that’s rude!’

‘Oh - uh,’

‘He’s a fey king,’ Jester chides, starts to laugh. And then the irony of that joke, that lie, catches up to her and her throat closes tight around the sound.

Beau’s face had cleared with the joke but then Jester croaks her laugh and she gets concerned again. She scratches at her shoulder. ‘Um. I’ll apologise to Frumpkin if he calls me out about it.’

‘Good, good.’

A moment, then,

‘Jes?’

‘Beau?’

They each say one another’s name in the same moment and then stop, waiting for the other to speak. Their apologies break at the same time too, and their huffed laughter, and then finally Beau lifts her hand and puts it fully over her own mouth. Lifts her brows, widens her eyes comically wide, as if to say, See? I can’t possibly talk now.

Jester smiles. Turns the rings on her thumb. ‘I—was gonna ask, um, and you can say no if you want because you’ve had kinda a rough couple days and,’ Jester bites her lip when Beau’s hand drops. But the other girl doesn’t talk. She folds her arms and cocks her head to the side like Jester is a thief or a criminal babbling away and Beau is reading her. When Jester’s words slow, Beau nods for her to continue. ‘I was wondering - hoping, really? That you could take me through that meditation again. It was... it was nice. Calming,’ she says much more softly.

From the way Beau’s head shifts the smallest bit, as if she had been looking at the nimbus of her, whatever surrounds her, and now she sees the core of Jester herself.

Jester continues to talk, because Beau isn’t and she isn’t moving either.

‘I had never done that before and you know, you’re really good at it, have you ever taught people before? Oh my gosh, Beau, have you ever taught little monks? Do they come to the Soul as, like, babies? Or are they all -‘ Jester’s eyes widen as she realises what she was about to say.

‘Kidnapped like me?’ Beau suggests, voice sounding like it has dropped an octave. The words drag out rough, as does the chuckle that follows.

‘...Ya. Sorry.’

‘Nah, it’s all good.’

‘It’s not, Beau! It was shitty of him, of both of them,’

‘This coming from Miss Why Not Forgive Your Dad?’ They both still suddenly, each surprised by the words. Beau grimaces faintly. ‘Sorry. Besides, I kinda meant - it’s fine for you to talk about it. Not that it happened.’

‘Though it did bring you to me. All of us, I mean.’

Beau nods. She tilts her head just so and suddenly Jester can’t see her eyes for the deep shadows; it sends a pang of regret through her, and mild annoyance because she’s pretty sure Beau knows exactly what she’s doing to hide her face and that’s not fair.

‘Anyway,’ Beau says, not chipper but firmly, as though setting them back on the path. ‘You want to meditate?’

‘Oh. Ya.’

‘Okay.’ Beau shrugs her acceptance. ‘We can mediate elsewhere but I think the hut is safer. No guarantee we won’t fall asleep this time and we shouldn’t be out in the open for that. Not this out in the open anyway.’

Beau turns and leads the way back to the hut. Jester has to keep her eyes on the forest floor—it isn’t anything like it had been walking with the Traveller, where the vines bent and warped, grew and shrunk to his design. The jungle floor is knitted and laced with the Wildmother’s intricate weave and if Jester isn’t careful, she’ll break an ankle in it.

‘Where’s your favourite place to mediate?’

Jester watches as, ahead of her, Beau’s step falters. It’s as though she locks up tight for a moment and has to prompt her body into function once more, her foot coming down slightly louder than before.

A twig snaps.

They catch their breath, glance about to see if there are any hungry creatures about. But the jungle—beyond the faint flutter of wings and the drone of many insects—is quiet.

It is broken by a single quiet word. ‘Nicodranas.’

‘Huh?’

‘My favourite place to mediate. Nicodranas.’

Jester slows as they arrive at the hut. Everyone still looks asleep and if they aren’t, well, they could still hear outside of the dome. It just feels more private to be outside, somehow.

‘Really?’

‘Mhm.’

‘Huh.’

‘Never seen so much blue before,’ Beau says, the words faintly garbled by her stepping through the dome. Not enough that Jester can’t understand.

‘You liked the ocean?’

Beau considers the question, arranging herself on the floor of the hut where she can sit and not on someone else. Jester sits beside her. It’s cramped, their thighs and hips pressed together, but it’ll do fine, Beau tells her.

‘Yeah. Nothin’ like that in - in Kamordah. The water there’ll kill you, so,’

‘The ocean has a couple teeth too,’ Jester points out.

‘That’s true. Very true.’

Beau settled into a comfortable pose, talks to her quietly for a short while as she gets Jester to focus on her breathing, on feeling it move through her body. Feeling, noting, disregarding the itching sensation of her legs falling numb.

‘Beau?’

‘You’re supposed to be focused on breathing.’

‘I am, look.’ Jester breathes in and out, more obviously than she needs to. Smiles when she hears Beau snort. ‘What’s your favourite colour?’

‘What’s yours?’

‘I asked you first.’

‘I asked you second,’ Beau counters. It would be petulant, which would delight Jester, except for the fact that she sounds uncomfortable. Jester opens her eyes and lets them skate over the furrow between Beau’s brows, the new tension in her shoulders and clenched hands. The way she cricks her neck and her jaw tics before she spits, ‘Blue.’

‘You said green, though. Before? Yesterday?’

Beau shrugs. ‘You didn’t get me with the spell. I didn’t have to tell the truth.’

‘But that means you lied,’ Jester points out. ‘Just because you could?’

Beau’s hand settles on her wrist at the first hint of a wobble in Jester’s voice. She turns toward her, boots scratching in the dirt, and leans in so they can speak more quietly. The goggles let her see but Jester wishes she didn’t need them—wishes she could see Beau’s eyes unimpeded—and reaches up to lift them off. She gestures imperiously for the huts dim light to grow ever so slightly, which it does. Beau helps remove the goggles when they catch on her headband, squints against the sudden light.

‘It wasn’t you,’ Beau says softly.

‘You just like to lie? That’s cool and fun, I guess,’ Jester says, and her voice wobbles the words almost away from sense.

‘No, no, I don’t. I’m not - like that anymore.’ Beau sounds genuinely hurt so Jester flips her hand so she’s holding Beau’s. ‘I just—I dunno. It’s always been green. I loved the valleys and the forests because they were nothing like shitville Kamordah, and I look good in green, and -‘ Her hand goes up to the new jade necklace.

‘Right. Right, right, right.’

‘Why do you wanna know about that anyway?’

‘Oh I don’t know,’ Jester shrugs. ‘Curious, I guess?’

Beau is silent for a bit. Then, ‘Okay.’

Jester finds the strangle hold on her throat tighten somewhat—Beau doesn’t care, Beau doesn’t ask because she doesn’t care, and maybe because Jester is such a good liar now that she can’t tell—but she lets the thoughts and the sensation out on the next breath.

Sucks another in.

Glancing sideways to her friend, Jester finds Beau watching—finds Beau’s face open and gentle and waiting. Peaceful. Like Jester could tell her anything and it wouldn’t flummox her at all.

‘Does this hell you be wise and stuff? Think better?’

‘It helps some people, sure.’

‘Does it help you?’

Beau hesitates. ‘Sometimes,’ she says, which isn’t much of an answer. ‘There’s charms and stuff that meditation helps me counter. Like, I’m more familiar with the patterns of my thoughts and when people try to - to pull them off course, it’s harder.’

‘Huh.’

‘But sometimes I can’t close out my thoughts and fighting is better.’

‘But it hurts.’

‘So do my thoughts, sometimes,’ Beau mutters.

Jester doesn’t think she was supposed to hear it. But she did. So she squeezes Beau’s hand tight and leans her weight into Beau’s shoulder.

‘Mine are just a lot,’ she says. It’s true but it’s a lie as well, and sometimes those are Jester’s favourite statements. Delicate, balanced, and funny only if you know both sides of the joke. ‘I think about whether Toya is singing still and if Caliana is safe and if Pride’s Call has a bunch of lion people living there—‘

‘Why would -‘

‘—and about the big bird in the tree and if it hates us or if it was like oh hey those people were really cool and one of them was a leaf the whole time, which they gotta love right, because they live in a tree?’

‘Probably?’

‘And I think about my mama sometimes,’ Jester confesses, ‘and my dad and Vandren, Fjord’s kind of dad, and your dad,’

‘Wow. We all have daddy issues, huh?’

‘I don’t think Yasha does?’

‘Hmm, well, there’s time yet.’

Beau says it so casually, so well painted with cynicism, that Jester snorts. Claps a hand over her face, mortified. She can’t help but bathe in the amusement, the warm regard that positively shines out of Beau’s eyes when she smiles Jester’s way.

‘Do you wanna try some more?’ Beau asks her, and it’s gentle like she knows there’s more on Jester’s mind, like she knows that’s just what’s on the surface.

‘Ya. If you don’t mind.’

‘Nah. I don’t mind. It’ll help me sleep too.’

‘Okay.’

It’s maybe not perfect meditation practice, but Beau doesn’t let go of her hand.

#cr tag #prompt fill #tagging my stories #not QUITE the prompt but this is what came to mind

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theholycovenantrpg · 3 years

Photo

CONGRATULATIONS, ALYX! YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED FOR THE ROLE OF ARAEL.

Admin Rosey: Oh god, I think Arael was one of the characters that caught me by surprise. But the absolutely mastery of this application, did not at all surprise me because only Arael could - and should - be so effortlessly captured within the span of a single application. Tragedy, as you said Alyx, is woven into Arael’s bones and the fact that they recognize it and are so unbroken by it in their countenance says absolutely everything to me. The plots that you have lined up only feed into that tragedy more and I, for one, am absolutely here for it. I think that Arael is ripe for evolving and I completely trust this beautiful starlit character in your capable and loving hands. Please create and send in your account, review the information on our CHECKLIST, and follow everyone on the FOLLOW LIST. Welcome to the Holy Land!

OUT OF CHARACTER

Alias | Alyx

Age | Taylor Swift vc: Idk about you, but I’m feeling 22!

Personal Pronouns | She/Her.

Activity Level | hopefully pretty active? I have work and classes but I’m taking less hours and my internship is done so I’m hoping I have more time to be on the dash.

Timezone | CST.

Triggers | REMOVED

How did you find the group? | I saw plenty of ads for it on my personal.

IN CHARACTER

Character |

Arael: “Lion of God”; She couldn’t remember her original name. Her memories of the cold abyss of the galaxy came to her in bits and pieces that she latched onto as one would latch onto an extended hand. She could remember that feeling of peace within her falling star. She could remember that acceptance as her annihilation came nearer. She could remember the rage and melancholy that took over her being as she opened her eyes and examined the wings that protruded from her back and the knowledge that her destiny was ripped away from her. The name Arael was a reminder of that original loss. She was never supposed to be a lion of god. She was never supposed to be an angel stuck on Earth. God had claimed her for himself. He claimed her to be a lion, and all she could do was set her icy gaze on her surroundings and roar until her voice grew hoarse and the burning in her chest faded away.

What drew you to this character? |

To be honest, I lurked on the admins’ blogs as the RP was originally being promoted. I tend to search for characters I like by quotes and images posted to their tag, and there was one quote on Arael’s tag that caught my attention. I don’t remember what exactly it said, but I knew it meant Arael was a character I needed to keep my eye on.

I love characters with tragedy built into their bones. There’s something so compelling about a character going through hardships and how they react to those hardships. Arael’s power alone showed me that she was a tragic character. To be able to hold everyone’s hope in your hand aside from your own? It seemed like a twisted gift from fate. As I read more, I realized that she was a creature of tragedy. She was pulled from the night sky against her own will. She was made into god’s image without her consent, and forced to endure the knowledge that she had lost her home and her destiny. She stared at the night sky, but she was never truly able to go back to her original home.

I like playing around with grief and how it impacts a character. I like seeing if they drown in their feelings, or if they rise above the grief and move forward with their lives. I think Arael is drowning in her grief. She’s stuck in this tunnel of rage and revenge that will consume her if she’s not careful. She’s blinded by this need, and I find that incredibly interesting to explore. Will she burn out? Will she start a war between the three parties? We’ll have to see.

Her story also kind of reminded me of Buffy Summers from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Not in a direct way, but there was a storyline where Buffy died and her friends brought her back from heaven and Buffy talked about being in peace before they brought her back. Arael being torn from her fate and made into an angel reminds me of that. The melancholy and grief they both felt from being ripped away from their rightful place. The way everyone notices that mourning. It gave me parallels.

What future plots do you have in mind for the character? |

“Why are you full of anger? Because you are full of grief.”

→ She was happy. For so long, Arael didn’t know what that feeling entailed. She had looked upon her existence as a punishment. She stared at the realm of heaven and only saw a jail cell. Her body was crafted by god, yet all she felt was unfamiliar in her own skin. Uriel had changed that. She had brought a smile to the otherwise stoic angel’s face. She was warmth wrapping itself around Arael’s cold heart. She was that flicker of hope that Arael felt in other people. She was hers, and someone had ripped that away from her. As she stared into her lover’s empty gaze, all she could think about was doing the same to whoever had killed her. She will rip the world apart if that’s what it took to satisfy the grieving of her heart. The only question will be: who will be spared in the end?

A big part of Arael is her dealing with that loss of her lover and that need for vengeance. I definitely want to explore her seeking out the answers to the murder. I want to see her dragging suspects to be interrogated in the hope that one day the right person will tell her what she wants to know. I want her to endanger innocent lives in her quest for justice. I want her to be so consumed with rage and grief that either herself or others get harmed in the process. She is a star on a collision path, and I want her to burn and burn out during this journey. Most of all, I want her to find the person who did it. I want her to find them, and I want her to kill them. It's the only way for her to be satisfied. It’s the only way for her to put her grief behind her and search for that glimpse of hope again

“You turn the pain into power.”

→ To some, her powers seemed like a blessing. To be able to hold onto someone’s greatest hope was to understand what truly made someone feel at ease. It was the way their eyes sparkled whenever their favorite person walked in a room. It was the passion that would surge through an individual during that last battle of a war. It was a glimpse behind the mask that people often wore, and Arael held all that at her fingertips. To her, this power was another way fate mocked her. She could feel what people’s greatest hopes were. She could fill them up with so much hope that they would be blinded by that desire. She could do so much for other people, but it would never be done for her. She couldn’t fill herself up with that hope. She couldn’t understand that blinding urge that she gave out. What does one do with a gift that serves to remind someone of the very thing they’re lacking?

I want to explore the depths of her power. I think that there’s more to be discovered with her abilities, and I want her to discover exactly what she can do with her gift of hope. I want her to see if her power could be used in the opposite direction. Could she drain someone of their hope? Could she blind someone with utter hopelessness to the point that they see nothing but their dreams slipping from their grasp? I think it would be a dangerous discovery if it were possible. I would also like to see a situation where her gift is irreversible— whether it be gifting hope or taking it away. Perhaps anger clouds her abilities and she over exerts her gift. Perhaps she’s trying to find an ounce of her own hope by filling someone up with so much hope that they become a shell of their former self. I want to push her powers to its limits, and I want Arael to see what sort of consequences are dealt from that discovery.

“You allow your anger to blind you.”

→ Arael’s been in a fragile state since the death of Uriel. To feel the small hint of hope get ripped out of her hands by an unknown assailant left her in a state of brokenness. She’s blinded by this ideal that she’ll be satisfied with vengeance. She has it built up in her mind that the death of this assailant will bring her the peace that she almost had with Uriel—- the same peace that was ripped away from her by god. What do others feel about this mentality? Do they find it foolish? Do they understand her mentality? Or perhaps they see an opportunity hidden behind those aching eyes?

I want to explore the concept of manipulation with Arael. I’m usually not fond of manipulation plots, but I feel like Arael’s in such a vulnerable state right now that it might be possible. I want someone to see that anger and despair. I want someone to see this utterly terrifying, broken angel and use it to their advantage. She’s the perfect weapon if used correctly. Her tunnel vision for revenge could easily be directed towards someone’s enemy if they whispered the right words to her. She could start a war if the correct side twisted her enough. I want to see her revenge used for someone’s personal plans. Maybe she kills an innocent person because she was led to believe they were present during her lovers death. Maybe she drags an innocent victim to Abaddon because she was led to believe they had valuable information. I want to see that manipulation, and I want to see the fallout of it.

“You reach for a soul that forever escapes your grasp.”

→ Arael loved Uriel, or at least it was the closest she ever got to love. The angel had gifted her a slice of hope that she had lacked since her creation, and Arael has been seeking a semblance of that hope since her departure. She feels lost, like she was back to her first years as a star-turned-angel, and she hates that feeling. She hates the emptiness that fills her heart as she watches the mortals her companion once adored. She hates the way she feels so distant from the other angels. Most of all, she hates that their love story ended so abruptly. She misses her with every fiber of her being. One often wonders what they would have their final words be to a loved one, but what if she could have that do over? What if she could catch a glimpse of her again?

I want her to approach Ryuk about contacting her dead lover’s soul. I think there’s a variety of reasons why she would want to talk to Uriel again. I think the most basic one would be that she wants to see her again—- even if it’s only through Ryuk’s words. This was the one person that broke her out of her shell and showed her that the world was worth more than mourning. The most plot related reason would be that she can ask her what her last memory was. Arael has exhausted her options when It comes to possible suspects, so perhaps Uriel could remember who was around during her death or who even caused her to perish. I also like the thought of Uriel advising her against this revenge quest, and Arael refusing to listen. She doesn’t realize that this isn’t what her lover would’ve wanted. She doesn’t realize that she’s doing more harm than good. It’s overall a more personal plot, but it’s good development for her and helps lead to either her collapse or her breakdown at realizing what she’s becoming.

“Anger was better than tears.”

→ Mortals were the envy of God’s creations. Angels were tasked with protecting them like a dragon protects its treasures. They razed cities, enacted miracles, all for the species that found favor in God’s eyes. Arael was never a mortal. She never understood the significance of their kind. She had no attachments to the beings aside from those tasks formerly given to her. She didn’t care for them like Caphriel did. She didn’t despise them as others might. Her feelings towards them might be classified as indifference. However, the stance changed after the death of Uriel. Eyes that might have had a glimpse of care for the beings shifted into anger at the thought of one of them murdering her beloved. Eyes that casually looked over the beings stuck to watching them with careful eyes. One human in particular has gotten caught within her storm. The question is: will she shatter the tentative peace that held the world together? Perhaps a bigger question is: will she have any regrets if she does?

Personally, I find the thought of Arael killing Bastien quite sexy. This would be completely up to the Bastien player, but even if it didn’t go that far, I still love the connection. I like the thought of Arael breaking that peace between the three factions. She sees Bastien as this arrogant fool, and she’s bothered by his position of power. How does her Uriel, gentle and kind, die while men like him thrive? It frustrates her. I’d like to see her knock him from his place at the table. Whether this be done through violence or jeopardising his spot amongst the ten would be up to the Bastien player and what they feel comfortable with, but I can work with either one. Arael’s desperate for some sort of vengeance. I think the more she struggles to find the one who killed Uriel, the one she’ll lean into these desires to destroy someone else, and Bastien is the unfortunate victim of her wrathful gaze.

“You’re a being of isolation.”

→ She is the only one of her kind. No one else knows what it’s like to live amongst the stars. No one else knows what it’s like to be plucked from the night sky and recreated in someone else’s image. No one knows the loneliness that comes with such a fate. The other angels are her brethren, her allies, but they don’t relate to her on that level. She’s a solitary creature, a lone star stuck wandering the earth, and it’s a painful existence. Will she ever figure out that some stars lay in clusters? Will she ever realize that she has the opportunity to shed that loneliness? It’s hard to say. It’s hard to pull herself out of the isolation that she chose from the start.

I want to explore her dynamic with the other angels. I think Arael struggles with connecting to them due to her origins. She doesn’t have that connection of being formed from the Earth or reborn as an angel. She’s different from the others, and that caused her to separate herself. I want to see how they take her quest of revenge. Surely some of them were close with Uriel, maybe even close with Arael, so perhaps they would support the mission. On the other hand, I’d love to see that disapproval. I want to see them trying to temper her anger only to be met with an icy glare. I’d love to see someone try to talk her down from her grief. She’s blinded by this mentality of an eye for an eye, but she doesn’t realize how that affects her fellow angels. I want them to show her how it affects them. Let them get caught in the crossfires of her vengeance. Let them struggle to pull her away from the brink. I think the angels quietly realizing that this fallen angel, this hollowed soul, might do some real damage would be delicious to watch.

Are you comfortable with killing off your character? | Absolutely!

IN DEPTH

Driving Character Motivation |

They say the story of Arael is a tragic one. She was a burning star plucked from the sky and formed into god's image. She was placed among the angels, meant to stand holy and divine alongside her new brethren, yet she found herself standing alone. This angels story isn’t built on blessings. Her story isn’t a fairytale told to the young mortals in an attempt to sooth them to sleep. No, her tale is built on loss, and that’s what motivates her throughout her journey.

Her original loss is the loss of her original destiny. She was stripped of her purpose, ripped away from her original form and forced into a foreign body. She stared at her reflection and a stranger peered back at her. She examined her wings and only saw the fragments of her former self embedded within her feathers. She destroyed cities on God’s behalf, and yet all she could feel was a hollowness in her chest. Loss was her mentality within this point. That acknowledgment of what she’s become and how to endure that was her guiding factor in her initial years of life as an immortal being.

The next stage of loss was the loss of her hopelessness. Uriel had dragged her away from that hole she tucked herself in. The fellow angel opened her eyes to the possibilities of life, and for the first time, Arael’s world wasn’t a bleak landscape. She had color in her vision. She had a slight light in her eyes. Her smile wasn’t forced. She was learning what it was like to look at life as an adventure rather than a chain wrapped around her ankle. This stage of loss was a good thing. It was a stage of growth for the distant angel. She lost that depression that overcame her during her early years. She lost that emptiness that had wrapped itself around her like a blanket.

This latest stage of loss is the cruelest of them all. This burning star, this cold-eyed angel was finally learning the most human of experiences: death. She felt that small sliver of hope rip away from her as she held Uriel’s prone form in her arms. Her body shook with anger as she realized she was once again alone. Her motivation stems from the impact of that loss and the grief that nestled inside her heart. She’s driven to revenge. Her eyes are blinded by the need to punish the person that ripped that hope from her. A part of her knows this is a dangerous path. She knows what happens to stars that burn too brightly. Yet, the loss keeps her locked in its grasp. If she is to burn out, if she is to be destroyed, let it be with the knowledge that she has conquered the loss that has been trailing after her for years.

In-Character Para Sample |

“I brought another one.”

The history behind her statement was not lost on her. Each week she’d latch onto a lead. Each week she’d drag them into the heart of the black cells. Each week she’d watch Abaddon pull out any sort of answers they might have buried in their chest. Each week she’d feel the bitterness of disappointment settle on her tongue as she realized she reached another dead end. It ended the same every time. It couldn’t end the same way this time.

Her eyes traced over the features of her latest endeavor. His porcelain skin and almost white hair reminded her of Uriel, but the resemblance wouldn’t help him out of his fate. She had plucked him out of the crowd in hopes that he had any recollection of that fateful night. With each individual, She wanted a direction. She felt herself grasping at ghosts as the figures from her memory dwindled, and this feeling of loss was becoming all too familiar.

She released her hold on the boy and watched him try to scramble his way out of the cells. Mortals always seemed to have that reaction. Their fight or flight kicked in, trying to make sense of the location they were forced into, before finally realizing the fight was for nothing. They will leave once she gets the answers she’s seeking.

And yet, the boy wasn’t providing those answers. She watched him endure the torture despite the pain it brought him. She watched him fighting back tears, denying pain until it couldn’t be denied anymore, and yet still the answers remained behind clenched teeth.

“Again.”

Her voice was strong as she stared at the bleeding, frightened human before her. She refused to accept that she had reached another dead end. She clung to her quest with sharp claws, and she refused to release her grip for even a second. She was a vengeful angel, a flame with no mercy in sight, and all would endure the burning until she felt satisfied.

Her eyes flicked upwards to meet Abaddon’s, but she didn’t turn away. She didn’t care if the demon saw the hurt in her eyes or the flash of desperation that would spill out every time a mortal came to her with no answers. Maybe the demon had the same look when they got tossed out of god’s favor. Arael didn’t ask. Their relationship wasn’t built on sharing stories or reminiscing over almost forgotten memories. Their relationship was a mutual understanding--- a knife and the being that wields the instrument.

“Do it again until I say otherwise.” Do it again until I can hold any sort of answers in my hand. Do it again until the ache in my chest disappears for a second.

Arael watched the mortal flinch at Abaddon’s nod with cold, unfazed eyes. The scream that erupted from the boy’s mouth would make others grieve, but it only reminded her of the hollowness inside of her. She felt nothing as she watched the pain on his face. She felt only her own rage trying to crawl out of her chest. Perhaps this is what it meant to be a star. Perhaps this was her destiny all along---- to burn from the inside out until nothing but a hollow shell remained.

And perhaps she’ll succumb to her destiny, but only after the grieving in her heart is satisfied. She’ll burn up, but she’ll bring the person responsible for her demise with her.

Extras |

Inspo tag: https://elidclochan.tumblr.com/tagged/insp%3A-arael

Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/aesthctics/insp-arael/

#accepted #accepted: arael

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marumafan · 5 years

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(spoilers)Trick or Treat CD summary

Reminder: I'm just quickly summarizing, might have missing parts.

Trick or Treat

Track 1 It starts with Yuuri sleeping and Wolfram wakes him up early with the first engiwarui cry, it’s still dark. Wolf is wearing the clothes from the halloween illustrations. Yuuri asks Wolf why he's looking so hot (using "hot limit"), and Wolfram confused opens a dictionary. He looks for hot and limit(girigiri). He mixes both words and comes up with 'atsugiri' something like a 'thick slice', and starts complaining about that (because he understood it as fat or something ). Yuuri tries other words like 'revolution' with similar comedic effects. Eventually Yuuri asks where he got the dictionary and looks at the front seeing it was Anissina who wrote it.

As he says the name, she appears, everyone's wearing the halloween outfits from here on.

They talk about Halloween (Harouin -> "Drinking Leaf Dew") in Shin Makoku. She borrowed the whip from Cherie-sama. She explains how she'll be in charge of Harouin and make a NEW Harouin, because Gunter became a victim of her experiments. When Yuuri asks if Gunter’s alive Wolfram says something like "I wouldn't call that living ".

When Wolfram complains about this, Anissina says, maybe you want to be in the experiments instead of your brother and Gunter. Wolfram apologizes to Gunter and lets him continue to be experimented on, and Yuuri says that gives him Deja-vu (Wolfram has in the past let his brother take the fall and never tried to get in his place)

They explain that he's in the okiku doll shooting lasers and can't speak. (The Gunter seiyuu couldn't make it to the recording)

Yuuri sees his suit, he says is the same as Wolf, but Wolf corrects him says that he's a cat and his has wings.

The title for the CD starts

-------------------------------------

Trick or Treat

-------------------------------------

Gwen and Conrad are walking, they talk about their costumes. They're heading to the hills behind the Blood Pledge Castle. They have a container and a spoon (to collect the Dew) Gwen complains that he's too busy and Conrad thanks him for always working for the country. He also says 'daisukidayo' I love you ~, Gwen asks why and he said he just wanted to tell him how he feels. Gwen asks where is Gunter and Conrad says that he must be in some room as a 'Frozen Salmon'. Gwen doesn't understand and Conrad says you're lucky you don't.

Jozak shows up saying he brought Daikenja with him. Murata comments on their costumes, and Jozak says he's jealous and to compliment him too! Murata makes a 'voice' and says your Red Queen Cosplay is good 'hard breathing'. with byceps that can tear off the sleeves. Jozak is happy. Conrad comments that Murata looks cute with his Wolf costume, and Murata gets upset saying everyone gets it wrong, that it's a dog. He says the best part are the dog teeth and then says "gao" (like a 'scray' lion roar). Gwen immediately breaks because of the cuteness. He says it's not scary but cute, and Murata says that Gwen is scary . Conrad apologizes says that Gwen goes blind when fluffy things appear. Jozak says that if His Excellency keeps praising His Highness he'll be jealous (of who is not specified).

Gwen says he's used to seeing Gurie in those clothes for the missions so he doesn't really care at all. Conrad asks if he needs to keep wearing them and Jozak says he needs to shut up. Gwen says he prefers Jozak to use his 'usual' voice (he's been using his girl voice), and Jozak immediately starts using a deep voice. He says that he commits to being Gurie when he's cross-dressed but if Gwen asks he'll just pop instead. Conrad says he's a simple man, and Jozak says he's not, he just has his priorities clear. Murata talks to the audience and says it's a bit surreal with the dress and the biceps, but this time is just audio. Conrad asks who he's talking to. He says to everyone through their earphones and speakers.

Jozak says they made it there. Anissina, Yuuri and Wolf appear. Yuuri tells them he was awoken by Wolf, wonders if everyone was there cuz Anissina called. Gwen says nah, and Anissina starts hitting him with the whip. Then he comments on the costume and how her breasts are popping out and she hits him again. She asks why if Yuuri has been working so hard since morning, he's slacking. Gwen says that the 'Leaf Dew Drinking' was originally something that kids and women did to pray for the safety and health of their family. Anissina gets angry hearing 'kids and women'. Keeps hitting him, saying as a politician he should be more aware of discriminatory bias. And keeps hitting him saying he should be ashamed. Wolf tells Anissina to stop. She turns to Conrad and asks why he's so late. Conrad says that he only wakes up early for the training with Yuuri and didn't think he had to wake up early that day. Yuuri says yeah me too. Then he and Wolf show off how much dew they collected. Yuu says it was fun scooping it with the spoon. Jozak says that if you mix the dew with ink it gives you a beautiful ink. Murata says he remembers that there was a 'setting' that if they drank a few drops something would happen.

Yuuri asks what he means by setting, and Murata says he was the one to come up with Harouin or rather Daikenja. He says that now a days it's different, like drink it to not catch a cold.

Wolf clarifies it's so they don't get sick and also gives you more appetite. Murata says that in the past it was different. Anissina then hits Murata with the whip and Jozak takes it away from her.

She apologizes and says that she wants to do the old tradition of Harouin. She says she wants to do it by drinking the dew of the "Mangosteen Mandragora" flower . (This name never gets heard in full, only the script has it. In the CD it's being constantly beeped out because it sounds like manko-> pussy. In other words, it's like she's saying pussy juice, and btw, they always leave the MA in.)

Yuuri says what did you say? She keeps saying it, even shortens the name (to what can only be manko-> pussy), and everyone's in like super shock and Wolfram says Anissina! And Jozak says: Even though you have such a cute face you're saying something like that (the beeping of everything Anissina is saying has a huge comedic effect).

She continues saying that drinking the MA juice, lets the person see what's to come in the near future.

They keep talking back and forth, Murata agrees, and eventually Yuuri drinks the juice and looses consciousness. -------------------------------------------- Anissina appears in chibi form as a guide ----------------------------------------- What Yuuri dreams is exactly like " It happens to everyone" Gunter is not there so Gwendal talks about him. Gwendal is happy with his horses living in harmony.

Jozak has his restaurant wearing the Chinese dress.

The Conrad scene: They're at the church. Conrad asks about Yuuri in a formal suit, Yuuri says that he does have a party with a princess and a prince.

Conrad says if you're pretending to pray your hands are wrong and fixes them. Yuuri says his fingers are cold. They talk about the weather, how Conrad is kinda mean to him, that Conrad's a celebrity bodyguard. He says the person he's looking after is selfish, but at least they're not as reckless as Yuuri used to be. Yuuri says he was a high schooler, Conrad said he didn't hate it. He accidentally touches Yuuri's neck with his finger and Yuuri kinda jumped, so Conrad gave him his scarf. Yuuri says he doesn't need it, Conrad insists. Yuuri says fine but I'll give it back, WHEN? Conrad doesn't reply. Yuuri says, I can only get things from you but I can't get a reply. Yuuri insists, says choose a time now. Conrad apologizes says he doesn't know his schedule before hand. Yuuri says then at least talk to your friends and brothers! Tell everyone you're ok.

Conrad gets upset and yells,even though I came here to meet you! (you're saying these things). And then he says Yuuri should just talk about himself and not ask him about him. If not, just leave. Yuuri says if you have no plans then come with me to meet Wolf and Greta. Conrad refuses, Yuuri says meet us there, Conrad says: No. Leave. He says he has things to do at the church. Even though you're not a Catholic Yuuri asks, and Conrad says yes, 'to repent'. Yuuri starts hitting him, and says he himself has countless regrets then. Then Conrad says he was the one who decided Yuuri should be on earth. Yuuri says no. Conrad says even though I knew how that would end. Yuuri says it's not his sin to bear. And Conrad says goodbye, have a good night.

and ends.

Yuuri meets with Wolfram and Greta. Just like in the story. Greta is 'upstairs' shopping with other parents. Yuuri complains, did you just leave our cute princess alone. Wolfram corrects him says that because shes 12 he shouldn't use 'cute' anymore, rather he should say beautiful or wonderful. Yuuri says he'll try. Wolf asks if he met with everyone. Yuuri says yes, they're all doing fine. Gunter owns a museum, Gurie owns a restaurant. And Conrad.... Wolf asks if he was just with him, yuuri says yes, tells him that he's a bodyguard for a celebrity. Wolf sounds sad, he said: I thought you'd bring Conrad with you. Yuuri said, I wanted to. Wolf said I thought I'd punch him in the face if I saw him, but I don't want Greta to see me like that, so I asked her to wait upstairs. Yuuri's like so that's what happened. And he apologized for not having the strength to bring him. Wolf says it's fine don't worry. -If he's doing okay that’s enough.- Yuuri says: You're really 'grown up' . Wolf complains says how much older am I than you? Yuuri says, he wasn't talking about actual years, because there's a difference with humans in development. They talk about the relationship with brothers , Yuuri with his too. He then says he couldn't really talk to Conrad and he ran away too. Wolfram says that's because Conrad has no awareness and after Yuuri he's the biggest henachoko. Yuuri says he's strict for being the youngest brother.

Wolfram says that the brothers weren't close until Yuuri came. Then, that saying 'came' is wrong. Wolf continues: "That country.... Shin Makoku, is not our country anymore." Yuuri apologizes and Wolf says there's nothing to apologize, I won't accept any apologies. Yuuri says: BUT!

Wolf:Don't forget, the person who chose to come here, to this earth with You and Greta was me. I've never had any regrets and I never will.

Yuuri says he has tons of regrets. You’re strong. Wolf says Of course! I'm a former soldier Yuuri says, I wasn't talking about the physical, but about your state of mind. Wolf says that's obvious too, because he's Yuuri's husband. Yuuri's like yup yup , husband huu~ And then Yuuri’s like “wait! You're the wife!” Wolf says he doesn't remember becoming his wife Yuuri says: Eh! We find this out right after becoming newlyweds!? Wolf says it's just Yuuri having a problem understanding it. Yuuri says: Gotchu, let's talk about that in detail when we get home. Right now we have to worry about our precious daughter, then Yuuri uses cute again, Wolf reminds him of the adjective. Yuuri says he'll tell her she looks super beautiful and Wolf's like I've already said that to her many times! Yuuri then keeps thinking how to praise her. Wolf says don't think, feel it. What’s with the martial arts advise - Yuuri asks. Yuuri says that unlike his oniichan he can't easily say compliments. Wolf says that just looking at Greta the compliments will flow like in a fountain. Yuuri says he's bad at Japanese and that Wolf is like a 1000 times better than him at fashion sense. Wolf sighs and says thats why you always leave the rearing of Greta to me. He talks about the distribution of work. Wolf says and you're 'otousan' and I'm 'daddy'. Yuu says no objection there. Greta comes out, in a green dress and white cape and Yuuri and Wolf are gushing . Wolf says he wants to show her off, Yuuri says me too, but I guess I can't put her on my shoulders anymore. Wolf says true but you can let her hold your arm to escort her out. Yuuri says she can do that with 'Daddy, that he just wants to hold her hand.

----dream ends--------- Anissina and Yuuri talk Murata calls him on the phone, to wake him up~ Murata says that because he saw the future he shouldn't have seen he'll now forget. Yuuri said it was sad except for Wolf and Greta. ----------------------- So Murata somehow makes him forget except for the good stuff, by making him cross a door from the space Yuuri was.

------------------------------- Track 2

Yuuri wakes up. Everyone is concerned (because they thought he was hurt). Murata says that he passed out after drinking the MA juice.

Wolf was super angry, was accusing Anissina of murder. Anissina appears and apologizes, but says she'll refine the MA juice and mass produce it next year.

Anissina asks about the dream:

Yuuri says he doesn't remember Murata says:what nothing? And then he sorta remembers seeing Greta’s more grown face and hair. Wolf immediately grabs him and says tell me everything how was she was she super beautiful!? Yuuri says stop shaking me my brains will come out of my ears.

Jozak says since it was a premonitory dream wasn't it about Greta 's dream of becoming your wife.

Wolfram looses it. Even though you have me you'd do something so disgusting with your own daughter! Yuuri shouts no no!!! You're wrong! Wolfram says: If you do anything to make Greta sad I won't forgive you

Yuuri says: Of course I'd never do something like that! She's my precious princess. Wolf: really? Yuu: Of course, besides the one I'm marrying is you. Stop it with the weird ideas. Wolf: Huph~! You're being really honest. Finally accepted being my fiance? Yuuri : I don't know if I accepted it or resigned myself to it : Lately I've been thinking 'even though' it's Wolfram I'll be happy marrying him. Wolf: EVEN THOUGH!? WHAT does that mean!? Yuuri: Oh, just let it be! I'll be otousan and you'll be 'daddy' We'll be double fathers and raise Greta. Wolf (surprised): Oh, ok, that’s exactly what I wanted, but what does 'daddy' mean Yuuri says: I thought I'had told you about being father. Wolf's like no... but OK! "Daddy" thats good. (another dictionary scene, dame and ocha ).

Jozak compliments the family scene and says: let me be a part~ Wolf complains but Jozak says he doesn't have anyone~ Conrad says: If Jozak's joining can I join too? Wolf complains more says he won't let anyone interrupt them. Conrad says he needs to let Yuuri decide. Wolf says, Yuuri should scold Conrad for being so brazen~

Yuuri's like : What are you all talking about?

Conrad: We're talking about how since I'm not married, I don't mind being around his Majesty.

Wolfram: We're not talking about that Murata says btw didn't Cherie have a collection of men? Wolfram sad: yeah.... the maou's harem Yuuri remembers the macho guys Jozak says: If Conrad's joining (the harem) so will I~ Wolfram: Gurie, you like Anissina, she's still single. How about you go over there? Jozak: I'm getting kicked out suddenly. Oh no Third Son Excellency you're too stingy! Wolf : It's fine to be, The seats here have been occupied, go ahead and take one next to Anissina. Jozak says : Wolf’s being dumb, that there's no room between his beloved Anissina-chan ,and his most respected Excellency Gwendal.

And he points at them: Anissina then says since Yuuri couldn't remember she has to find a way. So she chooses Gwen as subject. He refuses a few times. She puts him in a box. It's MISEMASHOW. A dream theater that will let her see his dreams. She pulls out another bottle and force feeds him the MA JUICE (lord)

The machine starts electrocuting him

People watching say it's terrible. Jozak says that Cherie said that if Anissina hurt him, she'd have to take responsibility. Conrad reminds everyone of the zombie arm and starting to melt. So Jozak says he can't interrupt those two,

Then Jozak says: Muraken Geika~! I can be your Highness dog any time and do it happily, just let me know ... Murata says: Oh, but I'm a holy man~ Yuuri: What are you talking about? Anissina says Trick or Treat And Gwen cries it’s not a mischief or something like that -------------------------------

Seiyuus talk They talked about their dreams and if they were came true. The nicest thing about this talk is how all the seiyuus are kind of excited about more material coming out? I don't know if it's wishful thinking or if they know something, but it's very exciting.

#kyou kara maou #kkm #maruma #CD 73

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allnewalldifferentwildspider · 4 years

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Rayllum Playlist Breakdown

Eric’s Rayllum Playlist

I used to have this kinda odd hobby of assigning theme songs for characters and ships. It just sorta happens. I listen to one of my favorite songs and a character (or ship) just pops into mind and that becomes their song. That all changed when I moved from Amazon Music to Spotify and started making playlists for ships. Hell, I make playlists for almost everything. The Rayllum playlist I made is my most popular one. Hell, it’s my only popular one. That I aside, I thought it’d be cool to do kinda a breakdown and explain why I picked each song that I did.

DISCLAIMER: We all have our own personal preference when it comes to music. If you’re wondering why I didn’t put X song, it’s probably because 1) I’ve never heard of it or 2) I don’t like that one. I really do have to explain to people on the internet that my personal opinion is NOT a personal attack on you. With that out of the way, let’s get started.

Eric’s Rayllum Playlist

Preferred Play: Shuffle

“Rayla (Moonlight Guide My Way)” by Small Folk

“Vanilla Twilight” by Owl City

“Rewrite the Stars” by Zac Efron & Zendaya from The Greatest Showman Soundtrack

“I Could Fall in Love” by Selena

“Beautiful With You” by Halestorm

“Emotion Swell” by Eyeshine

“Can You Feel The Love Tonight” by Stellar Kart

“Dream Come True” by Casey Lee Williams, Jeff Williams from RWBY Volume 1 Soundtrack

“Invisible” by Linkin Park

“Stratosphere” by Eyeshine

“Because She’s Rayla” by Frederik Wiedmann from The Dragon Prince: Season Three Soundtrack

“By Your Side” by Beachwood Sparks

Breakdown after the cut

1. “Rayla (Moonlight Guide My Way)” by Small Folk - I discovered this song by accident on Spotify and for some reason I’m the only one that got really excited about it. A band wrote a song about/for Rayla. Isn’t that so freaking cool? The song itself is an acoustic song that very nice and well sung. This is literally a Rayla song, so I had to put it on. I even put it on first.

2. “Vanilla Twilight” by Owl City - I know everybody likes “Fireflies” but it’s not my favorite. The music sounds nice, but the lyrics just confuse me. “Vanilla Twilight” on the other hand, as I’ve told others, sounds like Callum writing a love letter to Rayla. Or at least that’s the scenario that pops into my head whenever I hear it. It’s a nice poppy, kinda electronic song that’s easy to listen to. When I told other people about it, they pointed out two lyrics that my dumbass missed. The first one was

The silence isn't so bad 'Til I look at my hands and feel sad 'Cause the spaces between my fingers Are right where yours fit perfectly

Remind you of something? The other one I had to listen again to catch it.

I'll think of you tonight When violet eyes get brighter And heavy wings grow lighter I'll taste the sky and feel alive again

The violet eyes part I should have caught, but In my defense, the whole wings bit wasn’t applicable until the season three finale. See what I mean? That’s why I think this song is Callum’s love letter to Rayla.

3. “Rewrite the Stars” by Zac Efron & Zendaya from The Greatest Showman Soundtrack - I love this movie and the soundtrack, but I didn’t like how everyone tried to connect this song to their favorite ship. There’s a very specific scenario here. I was so confused when people wanted me to add this to my Starco playlist of all things.

This song however does apply to Rayllum. Callum and Rayla aren’t supposed to be together for obvious reasons, but they do anyways. Besides doesn’t it remind you of

4. “I Could Fall in Love” by Selena - This is my pining!Rayla song. I tried to get other Rayllum shippers on board, but they didn’t seem interested. To be fair, it is an old song (1995). The song is about one of those “If I fall in love, I’ll never recover,” sorta deals. The protagonist is afraid of the very real possibility of falling in love with this person and all that it entails. She feels her only other option is to just never let the other person know how she feels. Reminds me of a moonshadow elf joke people are spreading on reddit.

5. “Beautiful With You” by Halestorm - This is another Rayla focused song. The song is about how the protagonist doesn’t feel like she’s all that special and she feels beautiful when her s/o is with her. I think this plays into all the times Rayla blames herself for things that happen on their journey but Callum makes her feel like she’s the best person in the world.

6. “Emotion Swell” by Eyeshine - Finally a Callum focused song. I love Eyeshine, but it seems I’m the only one. This nice acoustic song reminds me of when Callum was learning the sky arcanum. The chorus does have the line, “Breathe in, breathe out.” I just really wanted to get some Eyeshine in there.

7. “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” by Stellar Kart - Yup. This is a cover of the song from The Lion King. It’s a pop punk cover because I love pop punk, but it’s a really good cover. I put this song on every ship playlist where I believe that the couple could inspire others, mostly because of the lyric

It's enough to make kings and vagabonds Believe the very best

8. “Dream Come True” by Casey Lee Williams, Jeff Williams from RWBY Volume 1 Soundtrack - Let me preface by saying I hate RWBY. I don’t like the show, and I fucking hate their fandom. But I adore the music. This song I usually put in ship playlists when there is a third person involved whether it be in a love triangle or pseudo-love triangle. In this case it was Claudia. So it’s like Rayla telling Callum he shouldn’t be focused on Claudia and instead focus on her.

9. “Invisible” by Linkin Park - This song is Callum centric, but it could go both ways. The song is kind of like an apology. The song describes how an issue is complicated and there are no clear answers but still apologizes for their behavior. It reminds me how Callum hurt Rayla’s feeling back in season one but I guess you could pick any moment where they fight.

10. “Stratosphere” by Eyeshine - Another Eyeshine song because I really like Eyeshine and I like this song to. This song is supposed to show how Callum and Rayla want a better world where everyone can live peacefully.

11. “Because She’s Rayla” by Frederik Wiedmann from The Dragon Prince: Season Three Soundtrack - I’m going to be honest, I legit did not know that the score was on Spotify. I just found out like three days ago.

12. “By Your Side” by Beachwood Sparks - I love this song. It’s a sweet slow dance kinda song about how you’ll never leave each others side and stay with them through the hard stuff. I put this in almost every ship playlist because I think it should apply to that ship. It’d be sad if it didn’t.

That’s all the songs I have so far. I might add or edit the playlist as time goes on, but that’s it for now. Let me know if I should breakdown one of my other playlists or maybe I’ll try to make a playlist for another ship or character.

Thanks for reading.

#rayllum #THE DRAGON PRINCE #fan playlist #callum #rayla x callum #callum x rayla #Rayla

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sicprowl · 5 years

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The Fell-Star

Next AO3

Sigh.

He was so bored. So, so bored.

The red head leaned back in his seat, wiggling the pen between his lip and nose while he dazed lazily up at the ceiling.

Siiiiiiiigh.

“Sylvain,” Ingrid tensed beside him, but her fingers continued to glide across the screen of her navigation system as various symbols lit up on the screen in an array of colors. “Can you please stop that?”

The communications expert paused a moment, giving his childhood companion a side eye before looking back up at the ceiling.

Groooooan.

“What?” He laughed and took the pen off his lip to wave it at her, “It’s not the same thing~.”

She wanted to pull her hair out, long braid and all, then strangle him with it. “Why don’t you go do something productive?!”

“Like what?” Sylvain gestured around the empty command deck, “There’s nothing to do.”

Ingrid went back to piloting, tick mark pulsing on her forehead. “You’re supposed to be doing your job.”

“Right, my job…”

Sylvain frowned and put the pen back between his nose and lip. One glance at his terminal showed nothing but a blank map; black, lifeless, boring.

He’d gone to the Officers Academy for *this?* To sit at some desk and listening out into the void, waiting for someone to say hello. The red head had thought he’d hear some juicy gossip, get paid to chat people up, and maybe even answer distress calls to isolated colonies of beautiful women.

Instead all he got was the latter. Minus the isolated colony of beautiful women.

Sylvain gave Ingrid a pout, “My job sucks.”

Ingrid wished his seat was closer just so she could smack him. “Then why didn’t you study something else?!”

“Meh,” he shrugged and leaned back in his seat. “This seemed the easiest.”

She was getting a migraine, “Can you just….Just go bother someone else? I can watch everything here.”

Like always.

“They’re all busy.”

Ingrid huffed while focusing on her console again. “That never stopped you before. Felix isn’t on duty - I’m sure he could use some company.”

Sylvain deflated and the pen dropped to his lap. “He’s in the armory having a mood.”

Ingrid looked at him questioningly, but he didn’t elaborate. He merely waved his hand and spun slowly in his chair. She squinted at him as he stared at his lap.

“What did you do this time?”

He jerked, “It wasn’t me!!”

The doors to the command deck opened and they both looked to see three members of the crew walk in.

Ingrid stood immediately in a salute, gazing at their Captain with stern obedience that was beat into them throughout their Academy days. “My Lord!”

Sylvain was slower to stand, not really liking the formalities of it all. They were all former classmates, most even childhood friends and confidents. Heck, they’ve spent FIVE YEARS running and gunning Empire ships! Surely that meant they could relax in their off time?

He glanced at his friend’s Captain’s face, avoiding the eye patch that covered the ghastly scar from a battle long since forgotten. The heavy bags laid under his eyes as a constant reminder that the man never seemed to sleep and always seemed to be ready to strike. His blonde hair looked unkempt and long as it curled slightly at his collar. His black armor was worn from desperate battle after desperate battle while a long blue cloak with snow lion pelt at the collar. It all made him look like a towering giant; broad, powerful, deadly.

Then there was that lance.

Sylvain gulped, noting the emblem in the middle of the blade cackled like blue lightning. Thankfully it was merely flickers and not the thunderous storm that seemed to erupt from his old friend during battle. But Sylvain didn’t need the lance to tell him that the blonde was aching for battle. The bloodlust in his icy-blue eye was enough of a giveaway.

The red head looked away, unable to handle to see the once calm, and friendly boy of his youth turn into this. Sylvain focused on Annette instead, the cute and cheerful scientist of the group.

“What’s up?”

The small girl jerked in surprise, feeling as if she were back in school and the teacher had called on her.

“Oh! Ashe and I were calibrating the engine when we caught a strange signal on our computers!”

Panic settled on Sylvain’s face as he looked at his screen to see one, lone blinking red light right in the middle of his screen.

Oops.

“Oh!” Sylvain laughed nervously as all turned to him, “Sorry about that.”

Ingrid groaned while Dedue gave him a look of disapproval.

Dimitri ignored them all as he walked over to his chair, his heavily armored boots making the floor vibrate beneath all their feet. He plopped down in his chair, his whole body taking over the spot like a predator staking it’s claim.

“Show it to me.”

The red head didn’t need to be told twice. He sat back down and zeroed in on the signal, fingers dashing across the keys with ease as he turned on the flight screens for everyone.

Annette gasped in awe as the black, white, and blue panels covering the front half of the command deck’s ceiling changed into a vast expanse of stars. They twinkled like fire flies in streams as a lone nebula laid light years away. It shined bright in an aurora of periwinkle greens and cobalt blues, reaching out like in large wings that could easily dwarf a Faerghus warship.

It was breathtaking.

Dimitri gripped his lance as the screen zoomed in on a flying ship that zipped across the stars like a comet. His gaze narrowed as he raked it over the hull of the spaceship, then gave a sharp tooth grin when he found the symbol he so desperately hated.

The emblem in his lance began to spark and Dedue was immediately at his side, ready for orders. He was Dimitri’s second in command on this ship and closest confidant. The large man was ever loyal to the lost Prince of Faerghus and has been after he saved him from the Purge of Duscar.

He was his everything the moment Dimitri pulled him from the rubble.

“Sire?”

The blonde chuckled, making Sylvain’s hair practically stand on end. “It’s time to hunt some rats.”

>>>>>

Felix’s upper lip snarled in distaste at the litter of corpses that laid in the narrow hallway, blood splattered over the floor and ceiling like it was a morbid painting. Most of the bodies had been gouged out with a blade while a few were headless or worse… He always looked away from the worst.

“What a disgusting brute.”

Sylvain didn’t respond as he checked one of the bodies for ammo, putting the ethics of it all in the back of his mind. He’d unpack this all later. Right now, he needed to make sure they were prepared. Felix may have his family shield with him, but that thing couldn’t protect the both of them. Not unless they wanted to straddle each other.

The red head felt the corner of his lip turn up at the idea, knowing it’d annoy the hell out of his prickly friend.

He stood and touched the comm in his ear, “All clear on the lower deck.”

”I don’t see anyone in the barracks.” Ashe responded, having gone with Annette as a third wave in case the first two groups missed anyone.

Dedue and Dimitri had charged in headfirst….Well, Dimitri had, Dedue followed after him with his heavy weapons and armor to keep the enemies off the Lord. Felix and Sylvain had followed after the first few minutes in case anyone came out of hiding to flank them, but lost them when a group of soldiers stormed from another hall. Speaking of…

”We found something in the engine room.”

Sylvain raised a brow, itching to ask what the Duscar man had found, but could only get out a ‘on our way’ as Felix stroke forward.

“Whoa, wait up!”

Felix glared at the path ahead, “Someone should take that thing away from him.”

Sylvain scratched the back of his head, knowing what his friend was talking about. “Yeah…probably.”

Except who’d be stupid enough to try?

“Look at this-this MESS!” Felix gestured around them as they turned the corner to find more blood and lifeless bodies. “It’s changing him! He’s sick!”

The red head bit his lip, not wanting to think about Dimitri being sick. Really, truly sick.

Dimitri had all the signs, all the madness that came with carrying one of the old relics. The irrationality, the paranoia, the hatred. He had to be forced to sleep and eat. They’d find him staring out into space, whispering and pledging to the dead that his goals would be met.

It made getting a drink at night…unsettling.

Sylvain kept his own lance in his room, not really caring for the alien object. The old weapons had always creeped him out. They looked too wrong to be normal and he could only wonder in amazement as to why their ancestors decided to play with them after discovering a tomb on some far off planet. Sure, they could cut through any armor and barrier like butter, and others could stop bullets and blasts. But holding them too long came with a price. A terrible price their Prince was paying for the longer he dwelled on his anger.

Heh. Thousands and thousands of years later and humans still fight with swords and daggers if angry enough.

Ashe and Annette had made it to the engine before them, both unharmed and standing side by side with the Captain and his Second as they stared at the back wall and talked. Sylvain raised a brow, wondering what could be so interesting about some machinery.

“It looks like a pod,” Annette said while bending her torso slightly to get a closer look without having to step forward.

Ashe looked excited, but uncertain. “Maybe it’s some kind of cryo-chamber?”

Annette turned her head when he heard their steps and gestured them over, making room for the two to stop and stare at the strange contraption before them.

Sylvain’s jaw dropped. “What the hell is that?”

Sitting on a pedestal was a marble. A giant, green marble that could roll over them all over with the right push. It was like some big, dull colored crystal ball just…sitting in some corner!

“Is this supposed to be important?” Felix asked with a wave of his hand.

Ashe was looking behind them, hand on his chin. “How did they get it through the door?”

“They had heavy guards protecting it and were quite determined to keep us away,” Dedue said thoughtfully.

“It’s kind of pretty.” Annette finally stepped closer, wanting to poke it.

Dimitri raised his lance and pierced it before the girl could even touch it. She screamed in shock while every hurried to stop him.

“You’re highness!”

“Whoa, dude!”

“BOAR!!”

But it was already too late, the blade of the deadly lance pierced the object with ease while it’s blue emblem roared to life. Sparks flew and a bright blue electric current rushed over the marble in a wave as a drip of lime green water started to drip out.

Everyone stood still, frozen mid grab for their Captain as he tore through the membrane like material (not glass like Sylvain had thought). They all gasped as a dribble of liquid spilled out.

Felix hissed, “You idiot! Are you trying to get us kill-!?!“

The object suddenly bursted open as swamp like water pooled at their feet and a cloud of gas sprayed out. It hit Dimitri first as he raised his arm to cover his mouth while the others quickly followed. The only sound that filled the room was their coughing and the hissing of gas that seemed louder then the ship’s own engines.

“D-Don’t breathe in!” Annette cried out, squinting her eyes through the slowing fog to try and see what was happening.

Ashe was already pulling out a small device to scan the air, his arms shaking with fear that they’d all suddenly drop dead. He blinked and slowly pulled his hand away, only to sneeze.

“O-Oh,” he rubbed his nose. “It’s safe. Nothing you wouldn’t find in a rainforest on Almyra.”

Everyone sighed in relief, opening their eyes and looking around at the strange conditions. The engine room felt less dark and dank and more…bright, nature-y.

Felix jerked away when something touched his cheek and quickly raised his gun, “What is this!?”

Sylvain couldn’t help but laugh. His friend was waving his weapon around at what looked like giant, glowing dandelion seeds.

Annette’s eyes sparkled as one floated past her face. “So pretty~!”

“Step back, my Lord!”

They all looked to see Dedue suddenly in front of Dimitri, his arm out to shield him while his other held his large gun, pointed and ready to fire at the broken marble. No one knew what was happening until the gas began to thin and the spores lit the room up like little lamps. Sylvain held his breath as a dainty figure stepped out of the object.

“Oh!” Annette covered her mouth while Felix aimed his gun, all of them wide eyed as a woman with glowing green hair stepped out. Wait, even her eyes!

Everything about her seemed to be bright, yet soft. Like a warm night light that lulled children to a peaceful sleep.

Her skin looked porcelain, fragile and mark free of any kind of battle or accident. Her features beautiful, sharp and blank, almost…inhuman. Then they noticed her ears and Ashe jolted with amazement.

“I-Is she…?!” He daren’t say it.

Space had been in their grasp for a good while now. Their race had traveled many light years and colonized many planets, moons, and even asteroids. But they’d always be alone with no sign of others living in this vast universe. But now…?

The woman(?) swept her gaze over them, stopping to stare at each of their faces as they all stood still in shock. It took her to fully step out for Dedue to aim his gun again.

“Halt, or I will be forced to shoot!”

She continued to stare at them all blankly, her eyes blinking at Dedue’s weapon. The girl tilted her head, her hand on her cheek as if in deep thought as she studied the heavy gun. Then her lips parted slightly, a small puff of air coming out in surprise(???) when she saw Dimitri’s lance.

Her hand reached for it and Dedue shot at her feet.

Annette paled when the strange woman didn’t react to the shot, her eyes now glowing as bright as the orb on Dimitri’s weapon. The lance practically shook as their Captain snarled, unwilling to let this stranger take what was his. He raised his lance as he had with the marble and shot forward, aiming straight for her head-!!

There was a scream and a scrambling of feet as half of the team backed away and the other stepped forward, ready to fight - but the scuffle never came. Nor did the blood or mangled body falling to the floor like all their enemies.

Instead they could only stare in awe as the blade froze in mid air, the shaft shaking in Dimitri’s hands as he seemed to be fighting to spear her.

“W-What is this!?”

She didn’t react to his snarl, her focus solely on the orb as it continued on with it’s thunderous rage. A small hand reached out again, ghosting over the emblem with a soft caress. It did not quell under touch, but also seemed to grow brighter the moment her skin made contact.

Dimitri snarled and the woman looked at his face, her own void of any emotion as she moved both her hands to his chest. The blonde recoiled, but didn’t move again when the mist in the room finally faded away.

Sylvain blinked, once, twice. Three times he had to make sure he knew what he was seeing.

“She’s naked!” Annette gasped while Ashe covered his eyes - all of them more or less agreeing this *was* a woman.

Dimitri’s gaze flickered down then shot right back up, cheeks turning a ruddy red as his arms began to twist.

“Idiot!” Felix hissed as she moved closer to lay her head on his chest. “Grab her!!”

Sylvain had to hold in a guffaw when their Captain looked over his shoulder with panic, one hand now holding his weapon while the other tried to find a place to grab.

“W-Where?!”

“Anywhere!”

He didn’t seem to like that answer. It meant he had to look at her again, take in her form and try to…restrain her. Sylvain could only look on fondly as Dimitri began to fluster as the woman seemed to be resting against where his heart was. It reminded the red head how painfully bad Dimitri was with women.

Who would have thought this raging beast would fall apart before some girl?

Dimitri swallowed hard when she looked up, eye wild with uncertainty as she reached up to cup his cheeks. He held his breath, thankful for the armor that separated his body from hers. All he had to do was not look too far down at her…ample….c-c-c-chest.

But he didn’t have to worry about that, not when she was tugging his head down into a kiss that made him drop his lance.

Annette gasped, Ashe asked what was happening from behind his arm while Felix and Dedue seemed at a loss. Sylvain was the only one doing something about the situation, and that was taking a few sneaky pictures to laugh at later.

The Prince was no better, his body tense in shock as the woman’s soft lips pressed his cracked ones. She held fast to his face while turning her head slightly, her eyes closed as if this was her long lost lover. Dimitri almost, almost closed his eye too, not wanting to admit that it was…nice. Yes, very nice.

But she had stopped before he could, letting his face go and staring up at him expectantly.

Dimitri blinked, body trembling like a teenage girl as he stared back.

Ashe finally took the time to look, having missed the strange kiss during his nervousness. But now he was interested and he couldn’t help but finally say it. “D-Did we just make first contact?!”

Sylvain snickered, glancing at their lost Captain. “Someone here sure did~”

#fire emblem #fe3h #dimitri x byleth #au #scifi #aliens #shenanighans #dimitri #byleth #dimileth #sylvain jose gautier #thefellstar

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waeziverse · 4 years

Text

Royal Punch (chapter 11)

“Dimi. You are upsetting the little ones.”

Dimi looked at Aura with a grim expression on her face as she stopped sweeping the stable. The wife of her godfather was holding a griffin cub she was studying to see if the newborn animal was healthy. The cub began to cry, and so did the other three cubs that were hiding under the wings of their mother who growled while looking at Dimi.

“I’m not doing anything.” The human princess returned to sweeping.

“You are scaring the little ones, they can feel you are upset.”

Dimi sighed. The downside of her animal empathy powers were that they could feel all of her negative emotions as well. And cubs were extra sensitive to that. “I have a right to not feeling cheerful.”

“Oh, you most certainly do.” Aura returned the cub to her mother and siblings. “But you don’t have to be here while being... moody.”

“I’M NOT MOODY!” Dimi snapped at the sphinx woman.

That resulted in all of the four cups crying loudly. Aura narrowed her eyes as she made a now-look-what-you-did gesture.

Dimi groaned as she dropped the broom. “FINE, I’m going outside.”

The human girl sat on the chopping stump near the stable. She looked at the forge. Smoke came out of the chimney, meaning that Ivan was still working. This suited her just fine, since that meant she didn’t have to see him just yet. She was almost as angry at him as she were on her father.

“So, you wanna talk about it?”

Dimi looked to her left. Aura stood and looked at her somewhat worried with her arms crossed.

“Talk about what?”

“Well, you are clearly upset about something. And you are not talking to Ivan about it, that’s not a good sign.”

“That’s because Ivan is part of the problem.”

“Really? What did he do?”

“He DIDN’T tell me that my dad was a spineless jerk.”

Aura lifted both her eyebrows. “Ouch. Harsh words. Where is this coming from?”

“I met a gorgon today.”

Aura’s left eye twitched. Dimi luckily didn’t notice. “A gorgon? That’s... nice.”

“It was, until she explained to me that humans killed a ton of her ancestors, treated them like garbage AND that my dad didn’t do squad to make up for it.“

“Ah. I see.” Aura leaned against the stable. “That’s rough, kiddo. But what is Ivan to blame for here?”

Dimi scoffed. “He didn’t tell me! For so long I wanted to get my dad back, and NOW I know that he is a cowardly jerk!”

“You wanted Ivan to call your old man that?”

“YES! Wait... no? Yes? Ah...” Dimi looked dumbfounded. “I don’t know! Look, I wanted the truth!... I think!” Dimi slapped her forehead. “Dammit, I’m not suppose to be angry at him!”

“Who? Ivan or your dad?”

“BOTH OF THEM!” Dimi stood up and kicked a bucket.

“Dimi...” Aura wondered if what she was about to say was a bad idea. “Ivan and me talked a lot before getting married. He wanted me to know everything about him before the wedding. We talked about things he might not tell you. You want to know about what he thinks of your dad?”

Dimi stood with her back to the sphinx for a couple of seconds before she turned around and walked over to Aura, leaning against the stable. “Sure. Yes.”

“Look, you have a right to be angry about not being taught about the negative aspects of your family history. Trust me, I can relate.” Aura narrowed her eyes. “History is not exactly appreciated where I came from, I know what it is like to hear the ugly truth. And sure, your dad was sort of a pushover. But I think you should consider that before your dad became king, he was just, well... a normal guy, I guess. Just regular Pater the Human. He grew up in this little town as a normal guy without much talent for human magic either. And then he met a girl who was ANYTHING but regular, one who actually fell in love with him. A princess. They decided to start a family together. But you know the problem with marrying a princess? You become royalty. Worse, you become a MONARCH if your wife die. Pater assumed he was just gonna be the husband of the queen, that he was gonna look pretty and nothing else. But then his wife died and he had a whole KINGDOM to be responsible for. Not everyone is cut out for that sort of responsibility.”

“So WHAT?!” Dimi narrowed her eyes. “It was STILL his responsibility. And he screwed up.”

“Well, he did do some good things. He made better laws for foreigners like me. the only reason to why I was allowed to move into the kingdom of Nesredna after I deserted the army was because of king Pater.”

Dimi looked shocked at Aura. “Wait, army? You were a soldier?”

“I will tell you some other day. What you need to understand is that your dad became QUITE unpopular after that little law change, so he decided to play nice so to say. Give his subjects what they wanted. And most of these subjects were humans who hates gorgons, minotaurs and others.”

“Why would Ivan then even agree to raise me?”

“Your dad was his best friend. They grew up together like brothers. And when no one else gave a damn about Ivan, your dad pulled MANY strings to help him out.”

“With what?”

Aura hesitated. THAT she thought Ivan had to tell her if she needed to know at all. “That’s... grown-up stuff, Dimi.”

“Whatever. I’m still angry.”

“That’s okay. You are entitled to be angry.” Aura laughed. “You are a teenager for gods’ sake, you are SUPPOSE to be mad at your parents.”

“NO, I’M NOT! I’m not SUPPOSE to be angry at my dad. I’m suppose to miss him.”

“You should especially be mad at him if you miss him.”

Dimi was about to say something. Then, she just sighed and looked defeated.

Aura placed her clawed hand gently on Dimi’s shoulder. “Being angry doesn’t mean you don’t care about him.”

“Whatever.” Dimi looked at her feet to evade eye contact.

“Would you... heh...” Aura smiled awkwardly. “Would you like a hug?”

“I’m not a baby.” Dimi scoffed. Then she looked the lion-woman in the eyes. “... Actually, a hug would be kinda nice.”

The sphinx embraced the human girl who awkwardly hugged back.

“Okay...” After the hug had lasted for a couple of seconds, Dimi gently pulled her herself free from Aura’s embrace. “That’s enough Ah... thanks.“

“Don't mention it.”

***

“OW! Damn it all to hell!”

Ivan blew on his finger that he had hurt with his hammer. He was normally not that clumsy. In fact, he wasn’t clumsy at all when it came to his work.

Then again, it bothered him how angry Dimi had been. Or he assumed that she was angry? In fact, he was unsure if she was angry at him. Ivan had no idea what went through that girl’s head. He partly felt bad about not going looking for her to see how she was doing, but he assumed she wanted some space from him.

Or maybe she didn’t?

“Why is it so hard to figure out how young women works?!” Ivan yelled as he fetched his hammer to finish the horseshoe.

“Tell me about it, we can’t figure ourselves out.”

Ivan turned as he heard Dimi’s voice. She had just entered the forge. She looked at him and looked at him with an expression that was somewhat hard to read.

“Hi.” Ivan didn’t know what else to say.

“Maybe you should take a break? I can take over for a while.”

“Sure...” Ivan shrugged. “That would be... nice.”

Dimi took the hammer from Ivan and looked at her feet. “I’m not mad. Not at you, at least. Just... confused?”

Ivan shrugged again. “That’s fair.”

The human girl and the bull-man smiled awkwardly at each other, not sure what to say. Dimi then tied an apron around her waist and started hammering on warm steel while Ivan went to the house to prepare dinner.

Aura was already doing so when Ivan entered the house. “Hey, darling. Did you and Dimi talk things out?”

“Something like that.” Ivan kissed his wife on the cheek. “I wonder who told her about Pater.”

“Dimi met...” Aura hesitated. “A new friend. They talked about her negative feelings toward Dimi’s father. I decided to talk to her about it and tell her what you told me.”

“Ah...” Ivan looked worried. “Did you tell her about... Veronica?”

“No, absolutely not. IF she needs to know about that bitch, YOU should tell her, not me.”

“I don’t mind her knowing about Veronica as such.” A grim expression appeared on Ivan’s face. “But I don’t want her to know about my mistakes.”

The next day...

“I’m telling you, Dimi, Oswald is the cutest Satyr in the kingdom. Sure, not as cute as my Cobalt, but I think you would like him.” Amethyst followed Dimi to the former bakery while she tried to convince her to go on a double date with her and the dwarf she was currently in a relationship with.

“Amethyst, I’m...” Dimi sighed. “I don’t have time for stuff like that. I train and I work and I rather wanna spend my free time with you.”

“Yes, and I do think you should spend it with me. AND Oswald.”

“I don’t know him.”

“Yes, and we can fix that.”

“Right now, I want you to meet Ruby. I think you will like her and she needs a hand fixing up her new place.”

“More than happy to. It is about time we got a place where we can go to eat locally.” Amethyst smiled about the thought of a restaurant in Jadedale.

She stopped smiling when she spotted who she assumed was Ruby.

The young gorgon stood with her back against Dimi and Amethyst as she was adjusting her dark glasses when she was taking a break from cleaning a window. One of the snakes on her head hissed. Ruby turned around and noticed her new friend and a dwarf had come to lend her a hind in fixing up the place that was gonna be her very own eatery. “Hey, Dimi! Glad you came, I could use a hand here.”

“Sure, no problem. I brought a friend to help.” Dimi smiled at Amethyst as she waved a hand at the snake girl. “Amethyst, this is Ruby.” Dimi stopped smiling when she noticed that Amethyst looked like she has eaten something she couldn’t stomach. “What’s wrong?”

“Hello, nice to meet you.” Amethyst made a half-assed smile at Ruby(who gave the dwarf a tired look) then turned to Dimi and pulled her arm. “Dimi, could I talk with you privately for a sec?”

“Ah, sure?” Dimi looked at Ruby who narrowed her eyes the same way she did when Dimi pointed out that she was a gorgon. “Ruby, we will be back in a sec.”

“Sure, whatever.” Ruby sighed as she went inside with her bucket and wet rag.

Amethyst dragged Dimi a few steppes away from the closed down bakery before she gave her a stern look. “Dimi, how did you meet her?”

“Ah, in Onyxville?”

“No, no. I mean how did you meet her?”

“Ah... when some creatures were ganging up on her?”

“Alright. Why did they gang up on her? Did you ask her that?”

Dimi gave the teen dwarf a blank stare. “Ah, no? I kinda think it was unimportant why anyone would.”

Amethyst groaned. “Dimi, you can’t be that naïve. Did you consider that maybe that gorgon did something? That she had it coming? That she was... you know... asking for trouble?”

Dimi’s blank glare was replaced with an angry one. “No, it didn’t occur to me. Why would you even think that?!”

“Dimi, she is a snake person! Doesn’t the snake part bother you just a little? Everyone knows that gorgons are violent, their freaky hair has a mind of its own, they steal, eat up animals while they are still alive-”

“AND WE HAVE AN AMAZING SENSE OF HEARING ON TOP OF THAT!” Ruby yelled from inside her house.

Amethyst blushed while Dimi gave her an angry glare.

Dimi was so angry she was practically steaming. “What the hell is WRONG with you?!”

“Dimi, I didn’t mean to upset you-”

“Upset me?!” Dimi pointed at Ruby’s soon-to-be restaurant. “You just called Ruby a criminal, violent snake-monster!”

“But she most likely IS one!”

Dimi grind her teeth. “If Ruby is a snake-monster, then maybe YOU are a freaky, bearded BIT-”

SMACK!

Dimi’s cheek turned red after Amethyst had made a small jump to reach the human’s face in order to slap her.

The human and the dwarf glared angrily at each other before Dimi smiled mockingly and said; “I dodge punches for a part-time job. You only stroke me because I LET you do it.”

“SOD OFF!” Amethyst stomped away while steaming like a kettle.

Dimi sighed as she watched the dwarf leave. She entered Ruby’s shop to be met by the gorgon at the door. The puddle at the floor around her mob indicated she hadn’t done much while Dimi had talked with Amethyst. “I’m sorry about that.”

“Nothing you should be sorry about. Hey, should I mob the floor?” Dimi said with a tone that indicated that she didn’t think they should mention the incident.

“Ah, sure.” Ruby handed over the mob. “Hey, while you do that, how about I warm us up something to eat? How does turkey ragoût sound to you? I made some earlier.”

“What’s ragoo?”

Ruby smiled. “Give me a few minutes.”

After a while when Dimi had just begun drying up the floor, the human could smell something amazing and stood up from the floor to see Ruby holding a wooden bowl in each hand. Dimi took one and saw a sort of stew in it. The two of them leaned up against a wall and Dimi took the spoon from the bowl out and took a mouthful of the “ragoo”. It tasted unbelievably good.

“Ruby, on behalf of everyone who lives in the village, I wanna thank you for moving to Jadedale. This restaurant is gonna be a success!”

Ruby smiled bitterly. “Glad you are an optimist.”

Three days later...

Ruby threw another knife that impaled the opposite wall. She groaned as she stepped out of her kitchen and looked to see if someone had entered the restaurant.

As expected, no one had.

She kicked a chair that stood by one of the four tables in the room. She was frustrated, but not surprised. Moving to a smaller town had not helped at all.

Her savings, as well as her dad’s savings, had been wasted for nothing.

She had gone to the city square to do shopping. The only good thing to say about Jadedale was that people at least just gave her looks of dismay instead of downright insulting her. Bottom line was that no one wanted to associate with her unless she actually talked to them, and they would keep it short.

“I’m moving to the ocean to live with my parents...” The young gorgon made a sigh of defeat as she sat on the floor and felt helpless.

***

“Feast your eyes, ladies. It’s vegetarian night!”

“BOO!”

Ivan smiled like a watermelon as he placed the pot with spicy carrot soup on the dinner table while Dimi and Aura shoved their disapproval by making thumbs down gestures.

Ivan shook his head. “Don’t you boo at this soup. It is my grandpa’s recipe. Nectar of gods I tell you!”

“What kind of god, a rabbit one?” Dimi smirked as she poured soup in her bowl.

“Ivan, I want meat tomorrow, you hear me?” Aura sipped the soup of her spoon. “You can eat all the vegetable you like, but I want MEAT when we go out to celebrate our anniversary.”

“OH, that’s right!” Ivan placed his spoon in the bowl. “We still haven’t agreed on where to go. There are plenty of places we could eat in Onyxville.”

Aura made an awkward smile. “Except for Pie House.”

“Oh, ABSOLUTELY NOT the Pie House. Never setting my foot inside that place again.” Ivan made an awkward laugh.

As Dimi had finished her soup, she realized something. “Hey, I have an idea for where we could go.”

“Sure, we are open for suggestions.” Ivan smiled at aura as he poured more soup up for himself. “Right honey?”

“I think Dimi very much has a say here.” Aura grinned, revealing her sharp teeth.

“Well...” Dimi coughed. “We don’t have to go to Onyxville. We have a place where you can buy food now in Jadedale. And I had food at Ruby’s that was great.”

Ivan and Aura seized smiling right away. Ivan looked as if he was about to choke on the soup. Aura looked worried at Ivan.

“Ah... Ruby’s?” Ivan began to blink nervously. “That’s right, I forgot that we... have a new creature in town.”

“Yeah, she is great. And I had her cooking before, we should totally go there tomorrow.”

Ivan bit his lower lip. “Dimi, I’m not sure I would be... comfortable about that.”

Aura slapped her forehead as she mimed the word No with her lips.

Dimi raised an eyebrow. “What’s that suppose to mean?”

Ivan realized he had messed up. “Um, it means that... I just think we should go to a place we are familiar with since we rarely go out that often.”

Aura slapped her forehead three times more.

“... I don’t believe it.” Dimi stood up and pointed a VERY accusing finger at her godfather. “You are just as bad as everyone else!”

Ivan blinked. “What is that suppose to mean?”

“You know EXACTLY what I mean!” Dimi slammed a fist on the table. “I always loved how everyone in this little town got along despite the many diverse species. But not I realize it is because it was all the good species lived here. As soon as this nice girl moves into our supposedly very welcoming community, EVERYONE give her the cold shoulder because she just so happens to have scales!”

“Dimi, be fair now.” Ivan tried to use his I’m-older-thus-smarter voice when he wanted Dimi to accept something he was about to explain. “I don’t know your new friend, but have you considered that maybe there is a reason to why people don’t... trust that kind of creatures?”

Aura sighed as she rolled her eyes.

Dimi gave Ivan a glare that could set a house on fire. “Suuure. I bet there are plenty of good reasons to why no one likes gorgons. Hey, I bet there are good reasons to why people think minotaurs eats babies!”

Ivan looked shocked at the human princess, then looked at his wife for backup.

“Don’t you look at me.” Aura waved a clawed finger. “The kid has a point.”

Ivan stood up and looked at the girl with anger in his eyes. “Dimi, that was uncalled for. That was not fair.”

“You are right, Ivan. It is so not fair. It is not fair when people talk smack about you behind your back in Onyxville. And it is NOT fair that people assume Ruby is trouble when she has only been here for less than a week and done nothing wrong. It’s not fair that no one gives Ruby a chance.”

Ivan opened his mouth. Then he didn’t say anything since he was unsure what to say. He closed his mouth so he wouldn’t look stupid. He lifted a finger, then lowered it.

“Ahem.” Dimi and Ivan turned their attention toward the sphinx woman. “If anyone would like to know what I think, then I think going to Ruby’s sounds like a lovely idea. We get a nice meal as well as supporting the local economy.”

Ivan looked at his wife. Then at his protégé. He sighed as he sat down. “... She serves vegetarian food?”

***

Ruby stared at the still closed door as she threw a second knife at it.

“Move to the countryside, he said!” Ruby sneered as she took aim. “Creatures will be more welcoming in a smaller town, he said! Start fresh!” Her snakes all hissed in anger along with the teen as she impaled the door with her knife. “Bunch of ignorant, self-righteous, butt-scratching HICKS!”

Ruby was about to throw another kitchen knife... and almost had a heart attack as the door was opened.

A minotaur looked terrified at the knife in Dimi’s hand. He gulped as he raised his hands above his horned head. He looked at the young gorgon who blushed and looked very embarrassed.

“Oh, NONONONO!” Ruby bit her lower lip as she smiled. “I wasn’t... It’s a cook thing!”

“Hello...” Ivan smiled awkwardly at the snake girl. “Do you have a table for a party of three?”

“Sssuuure...” Ruby looked at the empty chairs. “I can squeeze you in.”

“Name is Ivan, I’m the town blacksmith.” Ivan stepped inside. He was dressed in a green jacket. He looked at the knife attacked to the door before returning his attention toward his host. “I’m here with my wife and my goddaughter that I believe you know?”

A lion-bird-woman stepped inside along with Dimi. Both of them in dresses that weren’t expensive but looked nice.

“I’m Aura.” The sphinx made a warm smile as she grabbed Ruby’s hand and shook it firmly. “I heard your ragoo should be divine!”

Ruby laughed timidly. “Oh, you won’t be disappointed, madam. I promise you that.”

“Madam?!” Aura laughed. “Dimi, I LIKE this girl!”

Ruby pulled herself free from the handshake as she looked at the bull-man. “And I hear you are a vegetarian, sir?”

Ivan wanted to kick himself. This gorgon was a nice young lady. “Yes, you have any soups or salads?”

“Oh, I have something much better.” Ruby looked very please. “Ever tried ratatouille?”

Ivan looked baffled. “Rattoo what?”

Ruby chuckled. “Give me a few minutes and you are gonna have a new favorite dish, sir.” Ruby looked at Dimi. “And ragout for you?”

“Absolutely!” Dimi sent Ruby a big grin.

“Alright, give me a few minutes and... oh. right.” Ruby went to the front door and pulled the knives free. “Gonna need these...”

Dimi resisted the urge to giggle as Ruby went to the kitchen. She immediately lost the want to laughed as she front door was opened once again and two dwarfs entered the establishment.

“Come now.” Amethyst’s mother Agate gently pushed her daughter toward the table where Dimi and her family sat. “Go on.”

Amethyst sighed as she walked toward the table, not looking Dimi in the eyes. Dimi however stared at the teen dwarf.

“Dimi...” Amethyst groaned. “I had a long talk with my mom... and she pointed out that maybe judging creatures because of garbage she has been told by idiots may not be that smart. That I should be more unbiased when I meet new creatures. And that I was just being rude and should be more open minded. And...” Amethyst looked up and stared Dimi directly in the eyes. “I’m sorry. I was a jerk.”

“Am, I’m sorry I made fun of your beard.” Dimi stood up from the table. “But I’m not the one you have to apologize to.”

Amethyst looked like she wanted to shrink into nothingness. “Do I have to?”

Dimi nodded. “You don’t have to like her, but she is my friend and you insulted her.”

Dimi offered Amethyst a hand that the dwarf girl reluctantly accepted as she walked toward the kitchen.

“Ivan...” Aura decided this was a good moment to talk with Ivan about why he had had issues coming in the first place. “I know you didn’t want to come here because you kept thinking about Veronica when you heard about Ruby.”

“Oh, PLEASE.” Ivan shook his head. “I was being stupid, I realize this now. That Ruby girl and other gorgons can’t be held responsible for the actions of one woman.”

“I didn’t want to say anything.”

“Well, I’m glad Dimi did.” Ivan sniffed. “Hey, I think I can smell eggplants!”

***

Old man Sunmut the Satyr and Greg the Goblin looked at the restaurant from a distance.

“This would NEVER have happened back in my day.” The old goat man looked at the little building with a judging look. “Here I thought Ivan was a smart lad.”

“Yeah, and the dwarf family too?” Greg sighed. “Some people have no standards.”

“I’m telling you, they will all come out turned to stone.”

“Hear ya, hear ya.”

The two creatures said nothing for a while.

“... smells kinda good though.” Greg gave Sunmut a look.

“Yeah...”

The goat and the goblin exchanged glares.

“Ah, to heck with it!” Sunmut tightened his grip around his cane. “I’m old, it’s too late for me to fear death. I’m going in!”

“So am I, I’m STARVED.”

#Royal Punch #Dimi #Dimicatio #Dimi the Princess #Ruby #Ruby the Gorgon #gorgon #Ivan #Ivan the Minotaur #minotaur #Aura #Aurauaakarusaank #Aura the Sphinx #Amethyst the Dwarf #RP #waeziverse #fantasy

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sapphicsylvari · 4 years

Text

The Rise of the Dread Fleet Chapter 2: A Bold Move

Thank you all for your coontinued support on this series! I means the world to me and there’s a good chance your tags on a reblog have literally made my day before. Love you!!

@tyrias-library

ON AO3

Asha can still feel Raya's cold gaze upon her as she meanders along the Lion's Arch harbors. The Siren is hiding the waters, keeping pace with her.

It had taken them three whole days to reach the mainland again, Asha on a makeshift float, Raya pushing her forward, keeping her safe from the dangers of the Sea.

As she'd explained on their journey, Raya had defended her from other Sirens, who had flocked to her bound form like moths to a flame, and injured several in the process. That had caused the swarm to cast her out. Raya's only choice was to stay with Asha, as loneliness is lethal for her kin.

Now that Asha's terror had burned away, her new focus is on her anger. Years of mistreatment at the hands of her father, and fighting back gets her executed? It's not fair, she thinks, as she continues on her path.

Revenge is on her mind, but she's just a little girl with an overly attached fish lady in tow. She needs funds. She needs a ship, she needs a crew. Now, where does a young pirate acquire funds to entice people to join her?

Asha's eyes narrow as she spots a lone Asura wandering into a alleyway. He barely comes up to her elbow. Bingo. After a quick glance over her shoulder and a nod toward Raya in the water, Asha jogs in after him, draws the crude knife she had Raya scavenge off the ocean floor. The Asura hasn't noticed her yet, so she seizes the opportunity to grab him by the shoulder and push him to the wall.

“Your money or your life.” she hisses at him and the Asura sighs deeply. “Miss, you really don't wanna do this.” he tells her, sounding more apologetic than frightened. “I'm pretty sure I do, Mate. Pay up.” Asha's been through too much to be shy here. “No, honestly, this is a bad idea.” he presses, pausing briefly when Asha lifts her knife to his throat. “Oh dear.”

Before Asha can react, she's got his fist in her stomach, a kick to the shin, and a heavy uppercut to her chin. Pain flares, and the world fades.

When Asha comes to, she is lying on a matress, covered up to her chest in a thin blanket. The scent of medicinal herbs stings in her nose and she groans, sitting up slowly. The blanket is pushed up at the foot end of her bed, and there he is, the Asura, currently in the process of bandaging up her shin.

“What the...” she mutters, still dizzy with a skull-splitting headache. “I told you, you don't wanna do this.” he says, without even looking up from his work. “But you just had to pull a knife on me. I had no choice.”

“You beat me unconscious?” she asks, still trying to piece together what had happened. “Yes. In self-defense, mind you. I bear no ill will.” the Asura clarifies. “No, I mean-... you? You're like....” “Small and weak?” he cuts her off. “Probably. Compared to a Charr. But not compared to you. When's the last time you had a warm meal?”

Asha is caught off guard by this question. “Uh.” “I don't know what led you down this dark, lawless path, kid, but I assure you, not everyone that looks like an easy target is actually an easy target.” he continues on. “Besides, you're too thin and you smell like you just came out of the ocean. Really, the odds were against you.”

“I did come out of the ocean, in a way.” Asha admits, as the Asura ties up the bandage.

“You did?” he asks, finally looking up to her. He looks... very unlike his punches may suggest. His big, beady eyes carry a permanently concerned look, and his long, white hair is tied up in a comically large antenna-like hairdo, straight up in a ninety-degree angle.

“Yeah. Say, you lookin' for employment? I'm trying to start a crew.” Asha cuts straight to the chase, leaving the Asura frozen in disbelief for a second. “I-... what? You tried to rob me, and now you want to recruit me?” “I mean, yes? You clearly know how to fight and I could use you.” Asha confirms. “Look, I was raised on a ship. If I can gather enough people to steal one, I can sail it.” “Why do you want a ship? You look like a common street rat.” the Asura inquires and Asha snorts.

“Look who's talkin'.” she jabs. “I want a ship because I was cast overboard unjustly, clawed my way back to land, and now I want revenge. But I clearly can't do much on my own, as I just proved to you. So, you had the heart to patch me up after beating the shit out of me, why not help me?”

The Asura's hands hover idly over her leg and he looks at her with a blank expression, processing what she's suggesting to him.

“Kid.” he finally speaks. “How old are you?”

“I'm fifteen.” “Oh dear.” He stops to rub his temples. “Well, I'll give you one thing, you have ambition. But you're also right about another issue – you won't last long without help. I'm already too invested in you to let you die on that ludicrous quest. I'll help.”

“Awesome. When I get a ship, I'll make you my First Mate.”

“...You don't even know my name yet, do you?”

“Right. What's your name?”

Another beat of hesitation in disbelief of the sheer nerve Asha has “It's Snezz.”

–

After Taidha's death, most of her men have dispersed and fled from the Lionguard forces swarming the fortress. Vaixx himself has taken the chance to slip away, before Sebba could change her mind about keeping her word, making his way back to Raxxi's hideout.

She's there, alright, blood streaming down her face, currently in the process of frying the last of her attackers alive. When Vaixx enters her field of vision, she looks up, almost looking feral, teeth bares and eyes wide with battle-fueled adrenaline.

“Took ya long enough!” she gasps at him. There are three deep gashes on her face, and the blood spilling from her mouth implies that she lost a few teeth.

“Apologies, overthrowing a tyrant isn't a ten-minute-errand.” Vaixx counters. “You okay?” “Been better.” Raxxi actually spits out a tooth. “Where's your Lionguard buddy?” “Probably arresting people. She kept her word.” “Surprising. Let's get the fuck out of here before she goes back on that.”

Vaixx grimaces. “Exactly my idea. C'mon.” The two quickly make their way through the same secret entrance they came from, ad have themselves helped back on board of the Rascal.

After a bath, stitches to the face, and a hot drink to the gullet, Raxxi and Vaixx are back in Rowan's old quarters, now sans his corpse.

“Right. Now what?” Raxxi opens the discussion, while Vaixx pours them both mugs of rum.

“Now we sail to LA and get support from your brother.” he responds. “With Taidha gone, there is a vaccuum in the tyrian pirate scene. He would probably see the benefit in having that filled by us, as opposed to someone else.”

“He would. Because that means he can control us.” Raxxi says, accepting the mug Vaixx is handing her. “So? He's not exactly malicious toward us and his goals align with ours.”

“Look, Mate.” Raxxi sighs. “I hate to shit on your parade, but isn't that basically what Taidha was to us? Someone we were dependant on? The only difference is that this dependancy isn't manpower, but money.”

“Yeah, but I like your brother, unlike Taidha.” “You called him a small-eared bureaucrat.” “That was in college, and I was drunk.”

“He does have small ears, though.”

Vaixx grins. “Point is, I like him. And I think he can help us.” “Might as well join is damn guild at this point.” Raxxi grumbles. “Honestly, why not? Or at least affiliate with the Grudge? Why not get him on board with the entire project, beyond just investing?” “Because-... Okay, look, fine. But let me do the talking.”

The next morning, still slightly hungover, the two pirates stand in the lobby of a very fancy building in Lion's Arch, both holding glasses of expensive elonian wine in their hands, piping up when the large, winged door at the front side of the lobby opens. A young, human woman beckons them closer. “Mister Vermillion will see you now.” she says, and Raxxi follows her, Vaixx in tow, while sarcastically imitating her.

The room behind the door is a lavishly furnished office, and behind the mahogany desk resides an Asura, lounging in a red velvet seat. He's well dressed, a monocle framing one of his bright blue eyes as he waves offhandedly to his apparent receptionist to leave them alone. He has short hair, similar to Raxxi, but deep crimson as opposed to her blue. Quincy Vermillion, as Raxxi's twin brother Raxx calls himself in Lion's Arch sits up properly to face his visitors.

“Raxxi.” he greets her. “And your friend Vaixx. What brings me the honor?” His voice is neutral, and he gives Raxxi's injuries, as well as Vaixx's bandaged shoulder a scrutinizing glance.

“Money. We want money.” Raxxi blurts out. “We all do, sister dearest.” Quincy answers. “I assume, it is an emergency, judging by your state?”

“Sorta. We offed Taidha and Vaixx wants to start a fleet of his own.” Raxxi wastes no time with formalities. “And for that, we need your help.”

“Ah.” Quincy hums, a hint of glee in his eyes. “I heard of Rowan's death. I could have assumed that an ambitious man such as you, Vaixx, would rise to the occasion.” “Rowan's death was a tragedy.” Vaixx presses forth. “As is the death of his young daughter. I do wonder which hurts you most, the demise of your Captain, or your duty to kill a child?”

“That's not the point here.” Raxxi interjects, before that topic can be explored any further. “This is the one opportunity we have to become the new, dominant fleet in the Sea of Sorrows. You have to see that.”

“Oh, I do see that. And I know of your capabilities as a pirate.” he admits. “But the Rascal is an old ship. She will not get you very far. If you do this on my budget, you will do it properly. Gather a crew and I will give you the ships you need.” Raxxi draws breath to speak, but Quincy continues before she can do so. “In exchange,” he adds. “I want a monthy percentage of your winnings, let us say fifteen percent for now. That is only fair, considering my stake in this.” “Ten.” says Raxxi. “Thirteen.” Quincy fires back. “Twelve.” “Fine.” Quincy reaches over the table and offers them his hand to shake.

Vaixx takes it, feeling an unusual coldness from Quincy's touch.

“Very well then. I believe we all have work to do.” Quincy says upo withdrawing from the handshake.

–

“Now,” Snezz says, after swallowing his ale. “If you want to assemble a crew, you need to offer people something they need. And right now, you have little more to offer tha your company. If I hadn't been without direction and purpose in my current life stage, I wouldn't have agreed, no matter how endearing your recklessness is.”

“Desperate and lonely people, got it.” Asha says. They're in one of the cheaper taverns in the city, having dinner on Snezz' bill. He had insisted Asha get at least a full meal before agreeing to anything else. “That's not what I-...” “I know that's not what you said, but we both know it's what you meant.” Asha points at him with her fork for emphasis.

“Fair. Remember, you're a teenager covered in bruises. You have to make up for that with charisma. Try aiming low for now. Street rats, common bandits and the like. You won't have much luck with-...” “That Charr!” “What?”

Asha points at a few tables over, at a large, dissheveled looking Charr, currently brooding over a long-empty mug of ale. “That one looks miserable enough.” “Asha, you can't just go over there and-...” Snezz interrupts himself as the girl gets up and limps over to the Charr's table, plopping herself down opposite of them. “Oh dear.”

“Hi.” Asha greets the Charr, who looks up from the empty mug. “You lost?” she asks, not really interested in a conversation. “No, I meant to approach you. You look like you could use some company.” Asha responds and snatches the empty mug from the Charr's hands. “Hey barkeep, a refill for this one!”

“I don't-...” “Yes, you do. Anyone as mopey as you needs more alcohol.” Asha insists. “What do you know about alcohol? You're, like, twelve!” “Fifteen, thank you very much. And I know enough. I was raised on a pirate ship.” She offers her hand to the Charr. “Asha Gaets. Who're you?”

“Aurelia Sharp-... Just Aurelia.” The Charr takes her hand in her much larger one, the pads of her retracted claws smooth against Asha's skin.

“Sharp? Sharp what?” Asha prods and Aurelia pulls a grimace. “Sharpwit. Used to be my warband name. But I'm... not really supposed to use it anymore.” she admits. “Kicked out?” Asha inquires. “Something like that. It's complicated.”

“So that's why you're moping around all by yourself.” Asha deduces, while a waitress hands Aurelia a fresh beer. “I'm not 'moping around':” she insists. “Whatever you wanna call it, I think you need some new friends, that won't kick you out for some reason.” Asha offers. “I'm looking for new friends too, you know. See that dweeby Asura over there? I tried to mug him, he beat me up and then treated my injuries. We're friends now.” “Your definition of friendship seems, uh...” “No, really. He's paying for my food. Oh, and your beer.” Asha says. “Point is, we're looking for people to sail out into the Sea of Sorrows with, and you don't seem to have anythig better to do, so why not come along? Got anything to lose?”

“My life?” Aurelia suggests and Asha snorts.

“Oh yeah, you've got a great one here, rotting away in smelly taverns getting wasted. C'mon, don't be grumpy and start over. I had to do that too!”

Aurelia takes a long swig of her mug, then sets it down on the table hard.

“Point taken. What's the mission?”

#gw2 #guild wars 2 #gw2 fanfiction #tyriaslibrary #pirate saga #the rise of the dread fleet

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