#I finally finished kingdom hearts: birth by sleep (I started it before we moved last year)

[kirby-the-gorb]

[snidgetwidgeon]

Escape

This work was prompted by a fic exchange between friends on Discord. It evolved into something completely different as I wrote it, becoming my first whump! Prepare for the sad.

Zelda endeavors to find purpose through her crippling grief, but sometimes all you can do is leave your world behind, when all it has done is take from you.

~~~

Link found Zelda in the greenhouse treating the hydroponic tank, hands dipped into the cool water, emitting a soft golden glow. He never ceased to be mesmerized by her birth right and the creative ways she continued finding to help people.

She had chosen a quieter path after they sealed the Calamity. Rather than reinstating the monarchy in a kingdom that had clearly survived and moved on without it, she decided to be a healer. It was noble, but he also understood it to be penance. She still blamed herself for everything even though she was better at hiding it after all these years.

“Almost finished?” he asked, playing with the leaves of a tea bush.

She looked up startled, then relaxed as she saw it was only Link in his stealth set. He’d taken quite a liking to many things Sheikah since they made their residence in Kakariko and this was his favorite.

“What have I told you about slinking up on me?” she reprimanded calmly, refocusing her attention on the water.

“Don’t get caught?”

“Very funny,” she replied. “One of these days, you’ll startle the wrong person.”

Link answered with a cheeky grin.

She rolled her eyes, “I’m coming soon, I just wanted to finish feeding the new crop before we left.”

“Alright, I’ll check the horses over, make sure we haven’t forgotten anything. The girls told me to tell you, ‘don’t you dare leave’ without seeing them first,” he mimicked Koko’s manner. “I think they have something for you at the house.”

She turned to say something but he had slipped out as quietly as he had slipped in. She blew out a slow breath, trying to retain her patience.

The glow faded as she lifted her hands out of the water. She dried them on her tunic and ensured the notes she left for Mellie were in the right place. With a final glance over, everything was as it should be. Satisfied, she went to find the girls to say goodbye.

Koko and Cottla slid the door open and threw themselves at her when she knocked. “Girls, girls! You aren’t little anymore, you’re gonna take me out one day if you keep bowling me over like a baby goron,” she chided them good naturedly.

“But we miss you already,” Cottla explained while squeezing Zelda’s waist.

“I’ll be back before you know it. Come on now, you know the drill.” Zelda pried them off. “Right, Link said you have something for me?”

Koko brightened and rushed to the table to retrieve an ornate box. “Dad made this box for you to organize your medicines in when you visit the other villages, and me and Cottie made you something too!”

Zelda took it and admired the craftsmanship. It was engraved with herbs well known as remedies for various ailments and even included a silent princess on the front between the two opening clasps. “This is so beautiful, and very practical. Please tell your father I appreciate it very much in case I don’t see him on my way out.” She then looked at the girls a little expectantly, who were fit to bursting, and asked, “And what did you two make?”

“Open it,” they both chimed, slightly out of sync.

“Oh! How silly of me, of course.” She carefully undid the clasps and raised the lid to reveal a variety of snacks. “My goodness, these look delicious.”

Cottla started pointing, “I made this one, and this one, and those ones-”

Koko interrupted, “And I made this one, and all of these ones,” she said as she lifted the top layer out of the box to reveal an extra compartment beneath.

“They look wonderful, thank you so much. I’ll make sure to stretch them out during my trip and think of you lots.”

With her free arm she hugged them both and kissed their foreheads before departing, mirroring their frantic waving.

~~~

Link and Zelda began in Akkala and made their way across central Hyrule and Tabantha. Zelda’s melancholy was always more noticeable on the road than in the village. They would go hours without speaking, and Link would hum to himself often, hoping that it offered her some comfort. About halfway through their journey, he noticed a change in her spirit.

Their next destination was Gerudo Town. It always warmed her heart to visit and was her favorite. It had been her home away from home when she was growing up and she was never able to visit as much as she wanted.

From Gerudo Stable, it took nearly a day on foot to reach Kara Kara where the pool was quite welcoming. They decided to have a refreshing dip to wash off the sweat and dust of the road. They followed this by sunning themselves on the rocks like lizards until mostly dry then went to secure a room and a meal. The following day they would rent some sand seals so as not to exhaust themselves on the remainder of the journey. Link double checked that he carried all pieces of the vai outfit so he would be able to enter. He did not fancy having to wait outside like that one year when he’d remembered everything but the all important face covering.

He could have returned to Kara Kara to try and source another, but there was no guarantee something would be available and by the time he returned, Zelda would be just about finished anyway. So he had slummed it with the men outside. It wasn’t all bad. They had a nice campfire and a sense of camaraderie during the night, but... never again.

After arriving, Link went to organize their rooms at the Oasis while Zelda sought an audience with Chief Riju. By now she was a young woman of nearly twenty, still on the small side for a Gerudo, but her thick red braid had grown with her and was just as impressive as ever.

“Zelda,” she greeted her guest enthusiastically, “I’ve been looking forward to your visit. Please tell me you’ll be staying longer this time, poor Patricia doesn’t know what to do with herself when you blow in and out.”

“I see you remembered my request from last time. Thank you,” she nodded sincerely.

“Of course, I’d call you anything you like. Absent, late,” she started waving her hands to various examples in jest, “never here long enough-”

“Alright, I get it. I’m sorry. It’s just,” Zelda focused on her feet, “Impa is so frail now, I was wary of leaving at all this year.”

Riju rose from her throne in concern and approached Zelda, taking her hands in her own. “My sincerest apologies, I would not have teased if I knew. How is she?”

Zelda looked up surprised before staring down at Riju’s hands. They were smooth and bronzed, adorned with golden bracelets and teal painted nails that reminded her of Urbosa. “She... she was certainly still well enough to send me packing, telling me not to languish around on her account. The other people of Hyrule need me too, and this is how I have chosen to help, so... here I am,” she smiled but it did not reach her eyes.

Riju enveloped her in a hug and she found herself staring wide-eyed at Buliara whom she could have sworn wore a light smirk. Green mirrored green as Riju then held her at arms length, gazing into her eyes before looking her over. “What has Link been feeding you? Chickaloo nuts?” Before Zelda could answer, Riju took her by the hand and dragged her out of the audience chamber. “We’re going to go have a nice meal at the Canteen.”

Buliara was quick to follow. “Chief Riju, you still have-”

“Whatever it is can wait, I’m spending time with our special guest,” Riju answered over her shoulder. Zelda felt a slight exhilaration being pulled down the steps into the town square where the evening markets were beginning to ramp up. “What about Link?”

Riju grinned, “He’s resourceful, he’ll find us,” she winked.

Zelda felt a flutter.

~~~

A fortnight or so later, they had made their way through the Faron region and hired a boat to take them around the cape into Hateno Bay. Zelda counted the last of the fifty-odd packs labeled Blessed Tea and handed them over to the Mayor when she saw Symin running down the hill from the lab. It only seemed slightly curious until she also spotted a Rito flying away. Suddenly she had a bad feeling.

She quickly finished her transaction, “These should help over winter, Mayor, excuse me,” then yelled for Link and raced to meet Symin, leaving the Mayor with a confused expression.

Link was swiftly by her side and they met Symin halfway up the path, everyone out of breath.

“Zelda,” Symin started, “we just received word- Impa.”

Zelda was stricken, and grabbed his arm, “Is she gone?!”

“No,” he gasped for breath, “fading.”

“Link, pack our things. I’ll get Purah ready.”

The three of them materialized just above Kakariko and Zelda immediately started running down the winding path through the houses. She didn’t stop until she was huffing right outside the door of the Elder’s house. She tried to compose herself. She wanted to brave.

She hadn’t felt such fear since the day she stared down the maw of the calamity.

Link caught up shortly after, having kindly kept pace with an adolescent Purah. Part of her hoped that her sister might chose to stay with them, but in her heart she knew. This whole exercise was going to be futile.

Zelda took a deep breath and pushed the door open, eyes adjusting to the dim light of the lanterns. Paya was sitting next to Impa’s platform, her red tower of pillows now replaced with a futon. Zelda could see Impa’s small form as she approached, appearing as though she could disappear altogether under the covers into nothingness.

Paya stood and took Zelda’s hands, “She’s been holding out for you, I know it,” she whispered.

Zelda choked on a sob. “Is she- can she still hear me?”

“Yes, she’s just sleeping. You look like you could use some rest too. I’ll come get you if she wakes.”

“No, there’s no way I’m leaving her.” Zelda sat next to the futon and put her hands on the cover. She could just make out the faint tattoo in the wrinkled folds of Impa’s forehead and stretched her fingers out to touch it. They started to glow and Zelda connected with Impa’s fading essence, offering comfort and wishing she could do more. She could feel it, she had no power over the natural death of age.

She locked eyes with Purah who was now standing close, and raised her brow in a silent, pleading question.

“Of course I’ll stay.” Purah joined her on the floor, one hand resting on Zelda’s knee for support and the other gripped tightly around her slate to stabilize her own feelings.

They sat for some time, mostly in silence, occasionally telling stories about their favorite times with Impa. Link made himself useful and cared for them the best way he knew how, bringing food and soothing tea, Zelda’s own mixture. It was hardly touched but accepted with love.

Finally, after the sun had just set, Impa stirred. She was having trouble blinking her eyes open so Paya dabbed them with a wet cloth. When she saw them, her mouth opened in a lopsided, toothless grin, “My girls. There you are,” she said with a croaky voice.

“I’m here, Impa,” Zelda darted her hand under the covers to take one of Impa’s into her own, the return clasp was so loose.

“You should be out, dear. Helping-”

“All finished. I’m home to stay now.” Zelda shuffled over a bit. “Do you see who I brought with me? It’s Purah.”

Impa’s mouth became a surprised ‘O’ and she cooed. “Oh my, young as the days I chastised you, I see.”

Purah smiled, “Hey, sis. You always knew how to look out for me, even if I didn’t listen.” She looked between Paya and her slate hesitantly, an unspoken permission requested.

Paya nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat.

“Impa, I can look after you now. Wouldn’t you like to stay longer? We need you.” Her young voice felt foreign to her in Impa’s presence and she experienced a sudden nostalgia for when they used to work at the Castle, an entire era ago.

A soft chuckle escaped the feeble woman and she squeezed Zelda’s hand a little.

“You are all quite well equipped. I’ll not be having you point that thing at me.”

Zelda leaned in, “Impa, please don’t say that. Purah knows how it works now. You could just have half again, even a quarter. I can’t lose you.” Zelda’s breath became shallow and she started to feel frantic. If Impa was gone, it was one more piece of her life ripped away without her control.

“I’m tired, dear. You have to let me go.” Impa smiled and her tattoo started to glow faintly.

Zelda looked to Purah, who appeared confused, and then to Paya, who was suppressing a panic. She knew what it was and white-knuckled her hands against her chest as tears started streaming down her cheeks.

“Paya? What’s happening?” Zelda asked fearfully.

“Gram- Gramma, no. I’m not ready,” her voice broke and she held Impa’s head gently, leaning over to touch their foreheads together.

The blue became stronger between them and Impa whispered, “You are, my child. You are...”

Zelda felt Impa’s hand go slack. “No, Impa. Impa! We can save you, please!”

The clatter of the slate felt like it could be heard across the village when Purah dropped it and lunged for her sister. Impa’s body became a blue energy that broke across the room as Purah cried, “Impa!”

Link stared in awe at a scene he was all too familiar with. A Sheikah, having fulfilled their duty to Hylia, finally being able to return to an essence.

Zelda started shrieking and he rushed to her, holding her tight and letting her sob into his chest. When the light faded, Zelda’s golden radiance remained, but it offered no warmth.

Outside, Dorian heard the screams and held his position stoically as he stared across the village she loved; the village she had welcomed him into, despite his past and his betrayal. A few tears escaped his rugged features. She was one of the greatest souls he ever knew.

The day after next, residents gathered at the graveyard and a fresh stone was added. It looked out of place next to the other well worn and moss covered ones. Impa’s had the Eye of the Sheikah carved in its face. Zelda stared at it for an age and at the same time, felt like she was staring at nothing at all.

After another two days of cultural observations and preparations, Paya was ready to be presented as the new spiritual leader of Kakariko. Zelda blessed her before the statue of Hylia and then kept to herself during the following festivities. She retired early and bade Link to follow.

Once back in the house, she said to him, “I need to leave.”

He nodded in understanding. “Ok. We’ll leave.”

“Tomorrow.”

“What should we tell everyone?”

“That I’m going on a pilgrimage.”

~~~

A few days later they made it to Gerudo Town. Riju couldn’t hide her pleasure from the surprise visit, but the mood quickly turned somber when she found out why. The Chieftain offered Zelda a place in her chambers and silenced Buliara’s protest. She would not have a dear friend grieving away in a hotel, protocol be damned.

As much as she tended to defy her right hand’s strict adherence to the rules, she did appreciate that Buliara was always there to remind her of what was done, and what was not done. That way, she knew when she was making an informed decision to do whatever she pleased.

Zelda accepted her offer and hid in Riju’s chambers for days, cuddling the sand seals and moping. When Riju finished her duties, which were more often pushed aside than not so she could try to offer comfort, Zelda remained flighty about discussing her pain.

Link came by occasionally to check on her but Zelda would have him turned away. It was a hard thing to do because she knew she was hurting him, but she needed to get him used to being without her. Since the moment Impa died, she knew what she wanted. And that was to leave. She needed to leave the past that was weighing in her heart like a black hole, devouring all of her present and future into its guilt ridden depths. Hyrule held nothing for her but regret.

Just as she had been doing every evening, Riju asked Zelda if she wanted to come down and join her for dinner. Until now, she’d been politely refused, but tonight, she was pleased to hear something different.

“Could we take dinner here, in your chambers?” Zelda asked from her lounging position on the sofa. She had a Gerudo text in front of her, mildly interested in learning the modern colloquialisms that had developed since she spoke the language with her mother and Urbosa.

“Well... of course, I see no reason why not.” Riju held one arm in the other and tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Is there something you wish to discuss?”

Zelda gave an expression somewhere between conviction and a half smile as she appeared to work up the courage. “Yes.”

“Say no more.”

They conversed well into the night and found a familiarity that was comforting when Riju said, “You know you’re welcome to call me Makeela.” She became nervous when that caused Zelda to fall silent.

Finally she spoke, and Riju’s stomach felt weightless at hearing her name on Zelda’s lips.

“Makeela, I have been wanting to ask if you’d be willing to help me with a serious undertaking.” She placed her fork on her plate and dabbed at her mouth with the napkin, having only finished a third of her meal.

“I would help you in all endeavors. My resources are yours to command.” Riju took a sip of her wine and played with her braid.

“I wish... no.” Zelda looked at her feet because she did not want to see the hurt she knew this would cause her dear friend. “I need to leave Hyrule.”

Riju’s butterflies plummeted and she tried to keep her composure. “For- for how long?”

“I don’t know. Maybe a few years. Maybe forever.” She worried at the fabric of her sirwal but kept her resolve.

“I- well- a trip like that takes weeks to prepare. It is not the usual season that we cross the desert.” Riju stood, placing her unfinished glass on the table and left for the doorway. “I’ll have to see if we can spare the resources.” She frowned, unable to hold in her disappointment any longer. “I’ll let you know tomorrow.”

After Riju left, Zelda exhaled a low sigh and slumped in her chair. She downed the rest of her and Riju’s wine and crashed, unaware of the Chief’s return later that night.

Riju was also already up and gone the next morning. In her place was Link, glaring at her from the sofa. Zelda imagined he was trying to be intimidating but with a large stuffed seal sitting next to him she could only laugh.

His face faltered to one of pleasant surprise as he hadn’t heard her laugh in so long, but he regained his resolve and began his interrogation. “When were you planning on telling me your designs for crossing the borders?”

She wasn’t immediately forthcoming.

“Zelda, I swore an oath and by Hylia I will keep it, but... I have things- and people that I would need to see before going on a pilgrimage like this. I’d appreciate being part of such a big decision.”

Zelda’s humor had faded and she braced herself under his perfectly justified onslaught. “Well, you’re not.”

“I beg your pardon?” he stood up and crossed the room, taking on an imposing figure; quite a feat considering what he was wearing. He loomed over the edge of her trundle bed against the sandstone wall of Riju’s luxurious chambers.

She looked up at him challengingly, “You aren’t coming.”

“What does that even mean?” he spluttered.

She rose to meet his face and squared her jaw. “It means you are staying here so you can deal with the people and things you need to.”

He was about to protest having his words thrown back at him but she continued, throwing a finger in his face, “No, you should start living your own life. All I have ever done is take from you.”

His features softened to concern, “Zelda, that’s not true.”

She walked past him to the alcove of the terrace and looked out at the morning bustle. “It is, you just don’t remember. You fulfilled your destiny Link. You should be free of me.”

“I would never abandon you.”

She heaved a great sigh and closed her eyes. “Just... just promise me you’ll at least think about it?”

He hovered for a moment before acquiescing. “Fine.” He then swept down the stairs in a mood.

She imagined he would go and brood. Probably going to climb one of his mountains. “I’m sorry, Link.”

~~~

Riju had become somewhat distant since their evening meal but she assured Zelda that preparations for the caravan were underway and expected to be completed the following week. Initially, the lead Gerudo desert scout was not keen on leaving during an off season, but once she found out that Hylia’s Blessed would be with them, she agreed. As per tradition, there was a festival of worship held before a large trade journey to entreat the Goddess of the Sands and the Seven Heroine ancestors to bless their travels across the barrens.

As the sun set, the decorative lanterns strewn about the main square started glowing different colors and swaths of shimmering, patterned fabrics hung from the stalls and palm trees. Drums began to play as the party who had set out the previous day to provide offerings to the Seven Heroine monoliths returned to take part in the festivities. Once they had completed a prayer they were given the first servings of food and drink. Travelers who were fortunate to be within the town at the time were enthralled when the announcement was made in Gerudo, “You may begin!”

Zelda leaned against a palm tree, absentmindedly tracing the pattern on some of the draped fabrics when she noticed that dancing had begun. She was suddenly reminded of when she was little, watching beautiful women in vibrant colors, hips undulating and slitted skirts swirling hypnotically. Her mother had danced this way with Urbosa and she’d drawn Zelda in, twirling her between them. She was filled with an intense warmth and an incredible sadness all at once and almost left to return to her quarters when she saw Riju.

She was in the middle of the dancers, hair wild and free, draped in a teal sirwal to match her lips. She found Zelda staring and smiled dazzlingly. Riju kept her gaze steady on Zelda for the rest of the dance, only when she turned away would it be broken and then their eyes would lock once more.

Once it was finished, a new drum beat started and the denizens joined in, knowing it was now open to everyone. An overly confident Goron even jumped in, wiggling joyously and taking extra care to not knock anyone over.

Riju bounced over, breathless and elated.

Zelda smiled, “Makeela, that was amazing, I didn’t know you could dance.”

“An offering to the Goddess of the Sands. Anyone can join in now. Come join with me,” she held out her hand, bracelets jingling melodically.

Zelda hesitated for a moment, remembering the joy she felt dancing so, so long ago. She then placed her hand in Riju’s and allowed herself to be transported. If only for tonight.

The beat was energetic and the movements were such that they were mostly apart, Zelda trying humorously to get her hips swinging the same way; but when they came together, the warmth of Riju’s hand would cause a shiver of excitement to run all the way to her toes and she was thankful that her blush was hidden by the exertion.

Teal and white swirled through the crowds, long red and golden tresses whipped as they spun. They were constantly laughing, apologizing to those they bumped into because they only saw each other. For a few moments, Zelda felt happy.

The next couple of days passed by in a bit of a haze. Zelda had finally emerged from Riju’s chambers and explored Gerudo Town one last time before her trip. Her heart was heavy, now burdened with the prospect of yet even another loss, but her resolve remained.

She partook in various activities to try and distract herself from the waiting, and even indulged at the Oasis. She melted away during the treatment but the moment she was back outside shielding her eyes from the sun with her hand, she saw a familiar Hylian vai waiting for her. The weight in her stomach returned and she stole herself for what was to come.

She approached him, indicating that she was ready to have it out.

“I have done as you asked,” he said flatly.

“And?”

“I’ve decided to come with you.”

She closed her eyes and inhaled through her nose before looking at him. “Let’s talk about this somewhere else.”

As they moved away, a stall holder scrunched her nose in disappointment.

When they reached a secluded space between some sandstone walls and storage crates she surprised him by outright apologizing. “Link, I’m sorry. The way I spoke to you before... made it sound like you had a choice.”

Confusion and anger crossed his features and she continued before he could speak, “I’m going and you will build your own life here like you always should have been allowed to do. I’m ordering you to.”

“But- my oath. I must keep you safe-”

“You can’t even remember taking your oath,” she spat impatiently. It was cruel. But he needed to be convinced. “If you wish to be beholden to oaths, then I, Princess Zelda of Hyrule, hereby release you of your duty and order you to live your own life.”

“You are my only life,” he said softly. “Zel, you’re all I’ve known since I woke up.”

She was caught off guard and speechless for a few moments, then reached out to his shoulders and pulled his forehead against hers, closing her eyes. “I’m so sorry. Hylia always takes everything from her Hero.”

He wrapped his arms around her and they shared an embrace of kinship only known to the souls of the past who also bore the pieces of courage and wisdom. When she pulled away, her brows furrowed in pain. “If you won’t be parted from me for your own sake then I need you to do it for mine.”

“What do you mean?”

She sat on one of the crates, the rejuvenating energy she regained at the Oasis already drained, swallowed up by her distress. “I don’t think I can heal here. Everything reminds me of my failure and the losses I have sustained. With Impa gone, I just... I can’t anymore. I need to be free of this place and everyone in it. Including you.”

He knelt before her and pulled out a folded piece of paper. “At least take them with you, just in case,” he entreated.

She opened it tentatively and faltered, shaking her head. It was the photo of the two of them with the Champions. He’d kept it with him all this time.

“No,” she refused kindly, placing one hand on her heart and holding it back out for him. “I have them here. You need this more than me.”

On top of everything else she regretted, Link had never regained his memories. She had occasionally tried telling him stories of their lives, but it always became too painful and eventually he stopped asking.

He nodded and returned it to its place in a pocket against his breast. He then drew the Master Sword from his back and held it horizontally before him. They regarded each other sadly and she tilted her head forwards to acknowledge his ceremony.

“I, Link, Knight of Hyrule, renounce my sworn duty to the Crown Princess... at the behest of my dear friend, Zelda.”

She smiled through a chin wobble and nodded her thanks, unable to form words.

He stood and sheathed the blade, a fleeting thought crossing his mind that the next leg of this pilgrimage would be returning it to its resting place in the Korok Forest. He drew her up into hug and stroked her hair. “I’ll miss you.”

A tear dropped onto his shoulder and she let go to hold his face, realizing it may be the last time she looks upon it. She kissed him. “Thank you. For taking care of me.”

He nodded once and then slipped away as her hands fell back to her sides, scrunching her sirwal.

~~~

Zelda returned to Riju’s room and stood numbly for a few moments. She didn’t know what to do with herself and listlessly looked around. She nearly decided on diving into the stuffed seals but then spied the inviting pool close to the foot of her bed. She would wash. Just wash the whole day away.

She perused the shelf of bathing accoutrements as she tied up her hair and picked a few promising items. She dropped two large rubies in to heat the water and an aromafizz that smelled of lemongrass. When the bath was bubbling away, she shed her clothes, folded them neatly on her bed and stepped in, sighing with pleasure. She settled her head on a folded towel at the edge and tried to think of nothing while playing with the ruby under the water. The bubbles had come up a lovely pale yellow and she balanced some on her knees, making little wobbly peaks.

Not long after, Riju came in and exclaimed, “Oh, what a perfect idea. Mind if I join you?” She was already taking off her headdress before waiting for an answer and when Zelda managed to squeak a yes, she started leaving a trail of shoes, top and skirt all the way to the water.

Zelda knew that public bathing was common place for Gerudo but she still politely averted her eyes until Riju was under the bubbles and situating her large braid behind her neck to act as her pillow. Once she was finally settled she let out a big sigh. “Yes, this is just what I needed.”

They relaxed in a companionable silence for quite some time, before Zelda oddly felt compelled to talk about what had happened. She opened her eyes and looked over at Riju. “I sent Link away today.”

“What?” Riju jerked her head up so quickly that her braid fell into the water.

“Sorry,” Zelda exclaimed but Riju waved away her concern.

“Why did you send him away?”

“He should be living his own life, not tethered to me anymore.”

“But who will look out for you when you cross the desert? I mean, on occasion a Gerudo will stay, but usually just for one rotation-” she suddenly looked hopeful. “Does this mean you are not going?”

Zelda stared into Riju’s eager eyes and her resolve faltered. “I- I’m not sure.” The sudden and seemingly permanent departure of someone who had been by her side for seven years made her long for closeness. And Riju clearly cared for her. Did she also, in return?

She started to play with Riju’s braid under the water, removing the tie and unwinding the tresses. Riju closed her eyes in pleasure, feeling the gentle tugs like a scalp massage. She leaned forward and with a wet, soapy hand, tamed one of Zelda’s fly aways before letting her nails glide down her cheek onto her neck. Zelda shivered under her ghostly touch and her lips parted as she gazed at Riju through half-lidded eyes.

“Makeela,” she said softly.

Riju drew the small woman into her chest and kissed her tenderly, as much a comforting gesture as it was an exploration. Zelda yielded to her and caressed her shoulders and neck, deepening their connection. Her hands started to glow golden and Riju gave a start at the sensation, pulling back in surprise. “What is that?”

“I- I honestly don’t know. My power- but it has never done this before.”

Riju raised a curious eyebrow. “Have you ever done this before?”

Zelda spluttered and Riju laughed playfully. “Come here, I’ll give you something to glow about.” She winked.

They were in each other’s arms every available moment Riju had over the next two days. Things felt easy between them. So easy, that assumptions were made. And conversations that perhaps should have been started, never were.

Until the morning of the trade caravan.

Zelda untangled herself from Riju’s limbs and slipped out of bed to start packing. She had already planned what minimal items to take. Just the essentials that she would need for the road and plenty of money to be able to get herself started on the other side. She kept sparing guilty glances over at her lover’s sleeping form. She should never have allowed herself to indulge. Her moment of weakness was going to break this woman’s heart.

She sighed and went to collect some breakfast. When she returned and set her things down on the table she saw Riju was sitting up in bed, staring at her bag. Her brows were furrowed and without looking at Zelda,  stated, “You’re packing.”

Zelda stood still awkwardly before answering, “Yes.”

“But we- Zelda, we’re together now. I thought...” She trailed off, the growing pain evident in her voice.

“Come and have breakfast.”

Riju threw the covers off and approached angrily. “Nothing’s going in that won’t come straight back out. Explain!”

“Makeela, I told you that I need to leave-”

“That was before any of- of-,” she gestured between them, “this!”

Zelda reached for Riju’s hand, not knowing how to reconcile her new feelings with her truth. She knew she still needed to leave. “Why not come with me?” she suggested foolishly, knowing that it was impossible, but holding a faint hope that somehow, Riju would say yes.

Riju let her anger flare, unable to understand the selfishness. “Unlike you, I can’t just leave my people,” she spat, pulling her hand away.

Zelda appeared as if she’d been slapped and Riju immediately regretted lashing out.

“Keela,” Zelda said softly, lip trembling, “all my people are dead. I can’t... I can’t escape my past.” Her eyes began to sting with tears. “All those years, in that thing,” she heaved, suddenly looking frightened. “I don’t know who I am anymore.” The dam burst and she shuddered.

Riju enveloped her into a tight embrace from which Zelda derived no comfort, lost again in the darkness of a hundred years. Her tears fell golden and a light grew over them both, Hylia trying to heal her broken heart.

“Everyone is gone. My family, my friends. Purah is different, and Robbie is also not long for this world. And Impa, she wouldn’t stay. I begged her! I’ve lost Impa,” she wailed.

Riju was horrified that something she said caused such a visceral reaction. She lifted Zelda’s face to her own and wiped her tears, staring frantically into her eyes, “I’m sorry, Zelda, I’m so sorry. You have me.” She kissed her and a tear rolled down her cheek, emotions now taking them both. She pulled away to search Zelda’s deadened gaze. “I love you.”

Riju leaned in again, softer this time, and she felt a slight pressure of return just before Zelda put her hands over hers and lowered them from her face, ending the kiss.

“I... I wish I could say it back.”

Riju’s heart plummeted and it showed, though she tried to hide it.

Zelda squeezed her hands. “It’s not that I wouldn’t. I just... I can’t love anyone else until I learn to forgive myself. I have felt nothing but pain and regret since my escape, no matter what I try. Please-”

“It’s ok, I understand. Just promise me you’ll be safe.”

“Hylia is with me. And now you will be, too.”

~~~

For @aviatordame

[paper-chain-queen]

Once Upon A Dream *1*

Bakugou X FReader

Sleeping Beauty X Bakugou

Sidenote: I made the reader a brown girl but imagine her however ;p I just liked imagining it that way.

Rating: Teen.... because Bakugou I guess

Words: 8,000+

Summary: Super unorginal, fairy tale re-told again with little twists here and there. Please enjoy :)

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Two small children jumped on their plush beds as they threw pillows at each other, their giggles vibrating around the room. The door opened, but the playing did not stop.

"I thought I told you two rascals that it was bedtime." The man laughed as he entered the room and tried to get the two kids to calm down.

"Uncle! Tell us a story!" The little girl begged as she leapt off the bed and pulled on the man's sleeve, her large eyes made him give in quickly, and he let out a sigh as he scratched the back of his neck.

"Fine, I know one. But you have to be still, no more jumping on the bed." He reasoned, and the two kids nodded and quickly got into their beds and under the blanket's covers, getting comfortable and looking to him.

"Tell us, please!" They said in unison, and the man pulled up a chair between the two.

The man didn't need a book, he knew this tale by heart.

"Once upon a time, there lived a King and his fair Queen. Many years had they longed for a child, and finally, their wish was granted. A daughter was born, and they called her Aruna. They named her after the dawn, for she filled their lives with sunshine."

"Was she beautiful?" The young boy asked as he cuddled one of his many stuffed animals.

"The most beautiful."

"Was she strong?" The little girl asked with fire in her eyes.

"I hear she had a pretty good right hook... now shush if you want to hear the rest." He teased the kids, and they both zipped their lips and waited for their favourite uncle to continue the story.

"Then a great holiday was proclaimed throughout the kingdom so that all of high or low estate might pay homage to the infant princess. And our story begins on that most joyful day."

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Joy and music filled the capital, people from all corners came to the kingdom, the streets filled with the many colourful banners of different households and the men and women in taverns gave cheers to the little princess.

Thus, on this great and joyous day, did all the kingdom celebrate the long-awaited royal birth. And the good King Nadir and his Queen Sabina made welcome their lifelong friend.

"Their Royal highness's, King Enji, Queen Rei and Prince Shouto!" The royal announcer's voice bounced off the grand halls as a large, towering man with bright red hair and matching locks walked into the hall. He was followed by his reserved wife with hair as white as snow who carried their young toddler with bi-coloured hair and curious heterochromatic eyes.

Fondly had these monarchs dreamed one day their kingdoms to unite.

The two men shared a friendly handshake, and Enji clapped his friend on the back, hitting him harder than he intended, but the good King Nadir just laughed it off and asked if they had a pleasant journey.

"Any news from those barbarians?"

"Now, Now Enji, they are not as bad as they seem, they're a fascinating people and very intelligent. They would be good allies to have. Their dragon warriors are second to none." The King tried to explain but long time friend who sneered at the very idea of working with the foreign people.

" All I know is that their leader is terrifying and completely unladylike, and apparently they have a little prince of their own," Enji warned his friend, and the good King just chuckled and told him not to worry so much.

"I sent them an invitation, but we haven't seen any of the dragon tribe." He said, even looking around the room to see if they had somehow missed their announcement.

"Good, hopefully, it will stay that way." King Enji scoffed, and the new father just shook his head, not letting his untrusting friend ruin this happy day.

Queen Rei placed her son on the floor and gestured for him to bow to the King and Queen, who smiled at him kindly as he did a clumsy bow. The white-haired Queen curtsied to the majesties of the land, and they smiled and welcomed her, glad they had both been able to make the long journey with their son.

Thus, today would they announce that Shouto, Enji's youngest son and heir, to The King's child would be betrothed.

Queen Rei held her young two-year-olds hand as they approached the small basket where the little princess lay. The Queen Rei lifted him on to her hip so he could look into the crib, and Queen Sabina joined them.

And so to her, his gift he brought. And looked unknowing on his future bride.

The little princess reached out and seemed to be waving at the strangers, causing the women to coo over how adorable she was while Shouto tilted his head, slightly confused by the tiny princess.

Light shined down on the grand hall, and three figures started to take form as they floated down.

"Their most honoured and exalted excellencies', the three good fairies!" The announcer's voice boomed through the hall.

" Mistress Momo!" The black-haired fairy in a dress with red and pinks smiled and waved politely at the crowd.

"Mistress Ochako!" The blue fairy skipped across the hall once she landed and gave a bright smile, her natural pink cheeks giving her a youthful look.

" Mister Izuku!" The freckled fairy in all green garb landed on the polished marble and looked a little nervous as he fiddled with his wand, muttering about what kind of gift he could give, there were so many options, and Izuku could only give one, and he hoped it would be enough.

The blue fairy held his hand to try and snap him out it, but he only blushed and looked like he passed out for a moment before Momo told them both to 'please behave.'

The three used their little wings and glided over to the crib to get their first look at the little princess. They all cooed and gushed as they admired the innocent babe.

"The little darling." Momo gushed and wished the little princess could remain small forever.

"She's so tiny! Look at her little fingers." Ochako reached in, and the baby held on of the fairy's fingers, giggling as she did so.

"She'll be an adult before we know it. Human lives seem to move so quickly." Izuku pointed out.

The three fairies then went to pay their respects to the good King and Queen.

"Your majesties." They all said together as they gave a respectful bow, and the King and Queen asked them to rise for they were friends.

"Each of us may bless the child with a single gift, no more and no less," Momo told them and then approached the crib to give her gift, bringing out her wand and taking a breath.

"Little Princess, my gift shall be the gift of beauty. "

The red fairy waved her wand up above the crib, and glittery fogs of pinks floated around the two, and a chorus seemed to come to life.

One gift, beauty rare

Raven locks that flow and shine

Skin blessed and loved by the sun

Lips that shame the red, red rose

She'll walk with springtime where ever she goes

Momo finished her spell and smiled kindly at the girl as she backed away, and her friend and fellow fairy stepped up.

"Tiny princess, my gift shall be the gift of song," Ochako said with glee as she gazed down at the newborn whose large eyes were trained on the movement of her wand. A haze of light blue smoke with specks of glittery stars appeared above the crib, and a chorus sang out again.

One gift, the gift of song

Melody her whole life long

The nightingale's her troubadour

Bringing his sweet serenade to her door

The spell ended, and the sparkles fell into the crib and dissipated into thin air, but that didn't stop the small baby from trying to grab the magic in her hands.

Ochako giggled at the sight and then dragged Izuku over so he could give his gift. The nervous green fairy took a deep breath and finally decided what his gift to the child would be.

"Sweet Princess, my gift shall be-"

The last fairy was interrupted, and a foul wind blew through the door and lighting struck in the middle of the courtyard, a green flamed formed, and the crowd all gasped in fright.

Out of the menacing green flames, a person was revealed, menacing gold eyes looked over the crowd, and a mask was on his face in the shape of a terrifying beak, a long sceptre in his hand. He wore a black suit with a long jacket that had dark purple fur trim and gloves. He would have been considered handsome, but his gold yes were drenched in disgust, and malicious intent oozed from his very presence.

"Overhaul!" The King shouted as he stepped in front of his Queen and daughter, as if to hide them from the menace's gaze.

"What does he want here?" Ochako asked Momo as she glared at the intruder, and the red fairy shushed her.

"Well, quite a glittering assemblage, King Nadir. Royalty, nobility, the gentry, and.. Oh.. hoe quaint. Even the rabble." Overhaul commented as he eyed the small fairies who looked no older than teenagers. Ochako leapt forward as if to fight, but Momo and Izuku held her back.

"I really felt quite distressed at not receiving an invitation." He sighed as dusted off the dirt that didn't appear to exist off his coat and coughed slightly.

"You weren't wanted." Ochako sneered, wishing her two friends would let her give Overhaul a piece of her mind.

"Not want-... Well then, what an awkward situation. I had hoped it was merely due to some oversight. Well, in that event, I'd best be on my way." Overhaul decided, seemingly done with the whole ordeal.

The King had a terrifying glare on his face and was about to say something, but his queen laid her hand on his forearm t try and calm him down. Hoping to salvage the situation.

"We hope that you're not offended, Your Excellency?" The beautiful queen asked, using her diplomatic tone.

"Why, no Your Majesty." The way Overhaul said 'Majesty' felt dirty as if he was taunting her.

"And to show I bear no ill will, I too shall bestow a gift on the child." He declared as he stepped forward, his black sceptre clicking on the ground with each step.

Overhaul looked over at the cradle where the little princess laid, and the three fairies were quick to stand in front of it. He smirked at the action though no one could see it beneath his mask.

"Listen well, all of you!" He proclaimed as he lifted his arms and then slammed his sceptre to the marble floor, the sound echoing around the room.

"The princess shall indeed grow in grace and beauty, beloved by all who know her. But, before the sun sets on her 18th birthday, she shall prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning well and die!" He cursed the innocent child.

Overhauls magic gave a vision of a grown but still young princess Aruna, lying dead on a marble slate, a coffin.

The Queen let out a cry and rushed to hold her child, keeping the little princess close to her chest as if her arms could protect the little princess from Overhaul's curse.

Overhaul only cackled at the sight, knowing that there was nothing anyone could do save the child from his 'gift.'

"Seize that creature!!!!" The King ordered his guards, and every guard in the hall leapt into action armed with spears and swords.

"Stand back, you germ-infested fools!" He yelled as he raised his arms and was bathed in the green flames. Thunder rumbled, and the guards looked on in terror. Too frightened to move.

Overhaul laughed at their faces and disappeared into the flames, his laugh still echoing through the halls of the court, leaving a chill down everyone's back.

The celebration was over. There was no more laughter or cheers, just whispers of worry and fright.

The distraught queen cradled her child close to her heart and looked up to her King, hoping he would have an answer to save their child.

"Don't despair, Your Majesties. Izuku still has his gift to give." The Momo pointed out, giving the parents some hope.

"Then, he can undo this fearful curse?" The King asked as he looked to the green male fairy who was staring at his wand with determination. But nothing came to mind, and his shoulders sagged with slight defeat.

"No, sire." He admitted, fidgeting with his fingers, his entire being drenched with nervousness.

"Overhaul's powers are far too great," Momo explained though she wished they could do more for the innocent princess.

"But, he can help." Ochako encouraged, fully confident in Izuku's ability.

But...." Izuku tried to look to his friends for help, uncertain that he would be enough.

"Just do your best, Izuku." Momo looked at him in earnest, and Izuku gulped, really feeling all the pressure.

Everyone watched as Izuku stood there, fidgeting and muttering, trying to think of something he could do. The longer they waited, and the more he muttered, the more the King and Queen felt uncertain.

Izuku thought hard as he racked his brain and realized that there was a magic in the world that could stop Overhaul's cruel curse.

It was this or nothing.

"Sweet princess, if through this wicked man's trick a spindle should your finger prick, a ray of hope there still may be in this, the gift I give to thee." Voiced Izuku as he waved his wand at the princess, who seemed oblivious to all that was around her. She looked at Izuku and locked her large eyes onto his green ones, and she had a giant smile on her face.

"Not in death, but just in sleep. The fateful prophecy you'll keep. And from this slumber, you shall wake, when true love's kiss the spell shall break." He spoke softly as he smiled at the little princess, hopeful that this would save her and prove that there was something more potent than Overhaul's cruel magic.

For true love conquers all.

 .-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

The party was over, everyone had returned to their homes but the three fairies who stayed in the courtroom. All in the castle could hear the Queen's painful sobs as she feared for her daughter's life, and the King was ordering his men to stay on guard in case Overhaul decided to return.

Ochako flew about the room in her own distress. Flying in circles as she tried to think of what else they could possibly do.

The blue fairy let out an angry huff, and Momo only shook her head and made a teapot and cups appear out thin air.

"Now, come have a nice cup of tea, dear. I'm sure it'll work out somehow." Momo tried to comfort, even though she wasn't sure she believed it at that moment.

True loves kiss did seem farfetched, but if that was their best bet, then what else could they do.

"The guards won't stop Overhaul." Izuku pointed out as he took a cup of tea and thanked Momo.

"Oh, I'd like to turn Overhaul into a fat, old chicken." Ochako huffed as she grabbed a cup of tea and created a few cookies, eating them angrily as she sipped on her tea.

"Now, dear, that isn't a very nice thing to say." Momo scolded her fairy friend.

"Besides, we can't. You know our magic doesn't work that way." Izuku pointed out, though he did admire Ochako's strong spirit.

"It can only do good, dear, to bring joy and happiness," Momo explained, delicately stirring her tea before taking a sip.

"Well, that would make me happy." Ochako huffed as she hovered a bit off the ground, her wings fluttering furiously.

"But, there must be some way......" Izuku began to mutter again, and the other two fairies could only watch, hoping he would come up with a plan soon.

"There is!" The green fairy jumped up and hovered off the ground, and the other two listened intently to what he had to say.

After firing ideas back and forth, they finally agreed to a plan. The three good fairies came together with their plan to the King and Queen They would raise the little princess deep in the woods and only return when it was deemed safe after 18th birthday.

So, the King and his Queen watched with heavy hearts as their most precious possession, their only child, disappeared into the night.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Many sad and lonely years passed by For King Nadir and his people. But as the time for the princess's 18th birthday drew near, the entire kingdom began to rejoice. For everyone knew that as long as Overhaul's domain the Forbidden Mountain, thundered with his wrath and frustration, his evil prophecy had not yet been fulfilled.

A crumbling castle sat at the top of the dark and foreboding mountain, thunder rumbled, and lightning crackled, an ominous green fog flooded the area. Inside the throne room, Overhaul paced around, yelling at his minions in frustration.

"It's incredible!" He boomed, his voice filling every corner.

 "Eighteen years and not a trace of her! She couldn't have vanished into thin air!" Overhaul explained, mystified over the missing princess.

"Are you sure you searched everywhere?" He asked his minions, who all nodded with fervour.

"Yes, uh, yes, everywhere. We all did." The 'captain' of his minions explained.

"Yes, yes!" All of the minions began babbling.

"And what about the town? The forest? The mountains?!" Overhaul asked, making sure they didn't idiotically miss a spot.

"Yep, we searched mountains, forests...and house and, uh... Let me see. And all the cradles." The minion boasted, proud of how high and low he and his comrades searched.

"Cradle?" Overhaul raised his brow, his gold eyes widening.

"Yep, yep. Every cradle." He laughed as he mimed a cradle, moving back and forth with his hands.

"Cradle!" Overhaul yelled in disbelief.

"Did you hear that, my pet? All these years, they've been looking for a baby." He began laughing hysterically, holding his stomach and all the minions started to laugh with him. It wasn't often that their leader laughed, but they assumed it was a good thing.

"FOOLS!!" Overhaul yelled, lifting his hands in the air.

"IDIOTS!!! IMBECILES!" Overhaul created lighting from his staff and shot it at the large crowd of minions, and they all screamed and as they tried to avoid their leader's wrath.

Overhaul let out a massive sigh in disappointment as the throne room emptied, and he went to his large stone throne.

"They're hopeless. A disgrace to the forces of evil." He told the black crow, the only one he could truly trust.

"My pet. You are my last hope." Overhaul realized as he had the crow hop onto his gloved hand and made his way to the window.

"Circle far and wide. Search for a maid of 18, with hair of raven, and lips red as the rose. Go and do not fail me." He told the crow as he sent the intelligent bird on his mission, watching as the black wings disappeared from overhaul's sight.

.

And so for 18 long years, the whereabouts of the princess remained a mystery. While deep in the forest, in a woodcutter's cottage, the good fairies carried out their well-laid plan. Living like mortals, they had reared the child as their own and called her (Y/N).

A beautiful young woman opened the shutters to her bedroom window as she sang, using a cloth to wipe away any dirt or grim from the sill. She had the beauty of her mother and more, the fairies gifts had done their work as she walked with elegance and grace and had a voice that would make even the birds in the forest envious.

On this, her 18th birthday, the good fairies had planned a party. And something extra special for a surprise.

The three fairies who were posing as regular humans gathered around a table, looking through dress designs.

"Well, how about this one?" Izuku asked, he didn't really know anything about clothes, he thought they all would look nice on the hidden princess.

"This is the one I picked." Momo pointed to a design in the book, a three-piece set with a long, full skirt, a cropped blouse and a matching veil.

"Oh, she'll look beautiful in that." Ochako gushed as she leaned in to get a better look.

"Maybe make some changes here and -" Momo continued, and Izuku could only watch as the two girls conversed about the dress for (y/n).

"Don't forget to put lots of pretty beading and sparkle!" Ochako practically bounced with excitement. They had loved and raised the beautiful (y/n) and given her all that three fairies without magic could do, but she was growing more and more curious about the outside world, and it was time for her to be reunited with her parents and taught who she really was.

"Yes, and a few extra layers for a dramatic effect." Momo decided, very proud of her designs. She had never made anything like this, but she had read a how-to book and was confident in her skills.

"We'll make it blue! A nice, pretty blue will look perfect!" Ochako cheered as she pumped her fists but was quickly shot down by Momo.

"Oh, no, pink."

"But.."

"Of course, we need lots of fabric." Momo had already made her decision and was planning everything out while Ochako sat there pouting.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

(y/n) came down the stairs with a broom in hand and caught a bit of her caretakers' conversation.

"Yes, but how are we gonna get her out of the house?"

"I'll think of something." And they all giggled like children with a secret.

The beautiful (y/n) smiled at the scene and shook her head, a soft smile on her face.

While she had never known her real parents, she felt like she had three perfectly good ones in Ochako, Momo, and Izuku, who cared and loved her with everything they had. Even though sometimes it would feel a bit lonely from time to time, not that she would ever say anything as to not hurt their feelings.

Besides, she had her friends in the forest; she could always talk to when she needed someone. But today... today was her 18th birthday, and she was hoping to ask for something special. A chance to see the world.

The three continued to whisper around something on the table, and the girl decided to make her presence known.

"Well, and what are you three up to?" (y/n) asked as she slightly raised a brow.

They all gasped and crowded the table to hide the dress design.

"Up to?" They all said in perfect unison and (y/n) couldn't help but giggle.

"Well, well, we... uh... " Izuku began to stammer as they tried to come up with an excuse and (y/n) tilted her head as she watched with a knowing smile.

"We want you to pick some berries!" Ochako decided as she looked around for a basket.

"But I picked berries yesterday." (y/n) pointed out, she even gestured to the full basket of berries sitting on the kitchen counter.

"We.. we need you to fetch some water!" Izuku jumped in as he looked for the metal water jar.

"But, we have water right here." (y/n) explained, they lived right by the river and had a working mill and everything, they must really want her out of the house.

"We need it from much further up the river! The freshest cleanest spot you can find, you know the spot where we used to picnic!"Izuku shoved a large jar into her hands, and the others led her to the door.

Momo placed a long dark purple scarf on top of (y/n)'s head and wrapped it around her shoulders, it matched her simple purple skirt that barely brushed against her ankles and cropped blouse.

It would be a far walk, but the fairies needed (y/n) to be busy with something. They rushed her out the door and (y/n) let them, she liked walking through the forest anyway and enjoyed feeling the fresh grass beneath her bare feet as she sang with the birds.

"Now, don't hurry back, dear!" Momo called from the door as she waved.

"And don't speak to strangers." Izuku reminder her.

(y/n) had never seen a stranger in the woods and doubted she would today.

They all gave her their hurried goodbyes and (y/n) turned and waved back at them.

As (y/n) left their sight, the fairies got to work right away on a cake and dress that was made for a princess. Hoping they could get by one more day without their powers.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

As (y/n) walked through the forest carrying the water jug, she began to vocalize, a sweet tune echoing through the woods, alerting her animal friends that she was there.

A few nearby birds heard the tune and repeated it back to her, chirping as they flew done to the forest floor.

(Y/n) sang again and a small blue bird appeared before her, chirping the same song, the bird landed on the low branch of a tree and (y/n) approached, singing again and another bird flew down and landed on a nearby branch.

Both chirped the tune that (y/n) was singing. She laid out her hand, and the birds used her fingers as a perch, she brought them close to her face, and the songbirds gave her cheeks a soft peck, making the young beauty smile and giggle. She waved them off her hand and sang again as she continued to walk along the forest path that she knew by heart.

As she sang, the birds went through the forest, alerting the other animals that (y/n) had arrived. A squirrel heard the song and started scampering around the tree, waking the other animals and forcing an owl out of its hole and pushing him off the branch.

The owl spread it's wings and floated down towards the ground, hooting along to the song as (y/n) caught him in the water basin. She sang to him, and the old owl cuddled into her face as he tried to sing along. She smiled at her little entourage and let the owl sit in the water basin as she walked along, crossing a fallen log to get to another side of the ravine.

While she walked, her song caught another's ears.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Ash-blonde hair whipped through the wind as the boy and his dragon flew up high above the forest. The red dragon was circling the forest. His superior ears had caught something, and without his rider's okay had lowered down from the clouds, now flying just up above the trees.

"OI! What's the big idea!" Bakugou yelled at the red dragon, but the giant beast ignored him, trying to hear again for the sweet song.

"I outta-" Bakugou was ready to curse and scream but the most beautiful sound stopped him and he tried to listen more.

The giant red dragon knew what had stopped the young prince, and a smirk crossed his face, showing off his sharp teeth.

"You hear that, shitty dragon?" Bakugou asked as he looked around, trying to hear the sweet sound again.

Eijirou turned his head to look back at his rider, who was looking down into the forest. The dragon wasn't the one enjoying the tune. The sweet sound came again, and Eijirou watched as Bakugou became entranced.

"... It's beautiful...What is it?" Bakugou thought out loud, his volatile walls coming down.

He heard it again, but it sounded like it was getting farther away, and the dragon wasn't about to let that happen.

"Woah, what the hell are you doing!?" Bakugou yelled at his dragon, but Eijirou was trying to find the sound, if the barbarian prince liked the music then it must be something special, and he needed to be a good dragon and help his friend and rider.

But the forest was thick, and Eijirou was a large dragon, the landing would be a problem. His eyes scanned the woods, looking for an opportunity while his rider practically screamed in his ear to slow down.

Finally, there appeared to be an opportunity, and without giving his rider warning, the red dragon dived down towards the clearing and didn't even realize that Bakugou had lost his grip and let go of the saddle.

Eijirou landed proudly into the large grass clearing but heard a loud splash in the river next to him. He looked over, and the ferocious prince Bakugou looked like a drowned cat as he made his way out of the water. The dragon couldn't help but laugh, and the angry prince took off his soaking wet boot and threw it at him.

"Damn, Shitty Dragon! What the hell was that for??!!" Bakugou yelled, his red eyes glaring holes into the dragon who gave him an apologetic look. The prince told the dragon off as he took off his wet clothes and laid them on a few branches to dry.

"Just great.." He muttered.

Not only had he lost the mysterious siren, but he was soaked.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Meanwhile, back at the cabin, things were in chaos.

Momo, who had never sewn a dress in her life, was convinced that reading from a book would be enough as she started cutting into the pink fabric. Ochako was being used as a model and was still pouting that the material was pink and not blue.

Poor Izuku was trying to bake a multi-levelled cake and was still trying to figure out what the book meant when it said ' fold eggs in the batter.'

"Gently?" He read the text out loud and looked uncertainly at the eggs and then just decided to follow the book and placed the whole eggs in the bowl and fold them in, hearing them crack.

"No, that can't be right..." He muttered as he scratched his head.

It was a mystery how these three were able to raise a child from infancy.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

(y/n) came to her favourite spot on the riverside. Instead of immediately collecting water and going back, she decided to enjoy the beautiful day, sitting on the grassy riverside and humming as a small deer laid its head on her lap.

She watched as two bunnies hopped along beside each other, nuzzling now and then.

She loved her family, she really did. But... it was a bit lonely. (y/n) had never met anyone outside of her own house, and her only friends were the animals of the forest. She loved them and was grateful for them but...

(y/n) turned her head and caught two birds, flying together till they landed on a branch and cuddled and (y/n) felt her heart longing.

I wonder

I wonder

I wonder why each little bird has a someone

To sing to sweet things to

A gay little love melody

The deer that was resting with her raised its head at the song and gave her a perplexed look. She scratched under the deer's chin before getting up a dusting herself off. The beautiful young woman approached the tree that contained the love birds and leaned back against the tree, gazing up at the sky.

I wonder

I wonder

If my heart keeps singing

Will my song go winging

To someone who'll find me

And bring back a love song to me

Her imagination took wing as she thought of what could be out there for her or who might find her in the forest. A dreamy sigh leaving her lips as she continued to stare up at the passing clouds.

"Oh, well...." She sighed as she closed her eyes and rolled over. All the animals looked at each other, wondering what was wrong.

"Why do they still treat me like a baby?" (y/n) asked, and the owl flew over and let out a hoot that sounded like "Who?".

"Aunt Momo and Ochako and Uncle Izuku." She shrugged as she got up and walked closer to the water's edge, placing her toes in the water.

"They never want me to meet anyone...." she looked into the water reflection, and she didn't see a child. She was nearly an adult, and she had never had the chance to go out into the world or meet anyone.

All the animals chirped and made little sounds, trying to console her, and she looked around at them and decided to tell them a secret.

" But you wanna know something?" She asked the forest creatures around them, and they all nodded vigorously, which caused her to let out a little giggle.

"I fooled them! But you must promise to never tell....." She asked the animals, and she booped the owl on his beak. The animals all swore to keep her secret.

"The truth is... I have met someone." And at this reveal, even more animals came in, wanting to hear the juicy details.

"Who?" The owl hooted, his large eyes looking into her's for answers. (Y/n) gave a knowing smile and got up, walking away from the river bank and the animals who then chased her. The owl constantly hooting 'who?' 'who?'.

"Oh? a prince." She revealed, a large smile on her red lips. The birds chirped in her face, asking for details.

"Well.... he's tall." (y/n) explained and hovered her hand a good foot above her own height.

"And handsome.. and strong..." She listed and then got a dreamy look in her face.

"And romantic.." She let out a massive sigh, her heart just racing.

"Oh.... we walked together...talked together... and just before we say goodbye.." She twirled as she spoke of their date together, and the animals all followed close behind, hungry for more details.

"He takes me in his arms...." She wrapped her own arms around her to emphasize her prince's actions. But it wasn't the same as the large, strong arms her prince had, no it didn't compare to that feeling of being held.

"And then... I wake up." She sadly put as she dropped her arms and looked to the grass, and all the birds started twittering until all sighing in disappointment with her.

"Yes, it's only in my dreams.. pathetic, isn't it...." She voiced, but then she saw the sad look on the animals' faces and decided to at least give them a little. She sat down by the water's edge and put her hand in the water, creating ripples.

"but they say... if you dream a thing more than once, then it's bound to come true..." She let out a dreamy sigh, hope still alive in her heart.

The squirrel that was sitting on a tall tree let out a sigh as well, hoping that his friend got the prince she was dreaming of. As he looked off into the distant woods, he noticed something rather odd.

A large piece of red fabric hanging on a branch. The little squirrel got excited and called up some of their forest friends, including some birds and the owl, pointing to what he had seen. The owl then stretched out his wings and told them the idea he had.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

" You know.... there was something off about that voice... it wasn't that pretty. Must be the wind playing tricks or something.... yeah, that's what it is." Bakugou reasoned as he rested on a rock, waiting for his boots and cloak to dry.

The crimson-scaled dragon let out a snort, he knew what he heard, and it wasn't the wind. That had been a girl singing, and now his rider wouldn't admit to the pretty sound that had him completely entranced earlier.

They both heard a strange noise and looked over only to see that Bakugou's clothes had come to life and were flying and hopping away.

Bakugou scrambled to get up and after them, cursing after the animals. Eijirou was just going to enjoy his nap and wait for the prince's return.

..-.-.-.--.-.-.-.

Once back by the river bank that (y/n) was lounging on, the squirrel wrapped the deep red cloak around the owl's neck and the strange crown of bones and jewels they had got, placing it awkwardly on the owls head.

The owl puffed out his chest in pride over this wonderful idea, hoping to make (y/n) happy.

The squirrel organized the bunnies in the boots, making sure they lined up with the owl in his fur-lined red cape. The squirrel then motioned for the owl to drop down and drop down he did, right in the boots and then fell over. A few birds helped out and carried part of the cloak as if it were arms.

It was a full proof disguise, and the owl puffed out his chest, and the team started marching forward, one bunny hop at a time.

(Y/N) was sitting on the riverbank with a bunny in her lap, petting it fondly as she hummed a familiar tune.

In an instant, all the animals scatted from her, and she heard the owl's call. She looked behind her, and there were a few of her dear animal friends, wearing mysterious clothes and walking as if they were a proud prince. Her heart soared at how thoughtful her friends were but couldn't hold back a giggle at the funny sight.

 "Why? It's my dream prince." (y/n) giggled as the crown on the owl head slightly slipped, but it didn't seem to bother him all that much.

"Your highness." She curtsied to her 'prince' and the animals in disguise did the same.

She twirled closer to the red-caped 'prince' and stopped right in front of him, the bird's holding the cape used the material to wrap around her.

" I'm not really supposed to talk to strangers... but we've met before." She flirted as she started to swing her hips and sing a song that had been in her heart for many moons.

I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream

I know you, that look in your eyes is so familiar a gleam

She twirled on the grass, and her long skirt flowed out as she danced, she grabbed onto the red cape and made her 'prince' dance with her. It wasn't how she imagined her first real dance with a prince, but this was still a fun time.

And I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem

But if I know you, I know what you'll do

(Y/n) was so caught up in her fantasy that she didn't notice the ruby-red eyes peeking around a bush, entranced by her movement and her song. The beauty was as carefree as a songbird with her enchanting voice.

Bakugou's jaw dropped when he finally found the culprit behind this whole fiasco, no longer angry about his stolen clothes as he watched her gracefully glide across the grass without a care in the world. Streams on sunlight dancing on her glowing skin and bouncing off her luxurious dark locks as she spun across the meadow.

You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream

(y/n) sang to the owl in his cape and made the arms wrap around her as she danced, and Bakugou knew where he belonged. He had let that owl take his spot long enough. He knew the words, all he had to do was find an opening.

The beautiful girl was twirling and having a grand time, enjoying the gorgeous day and her handsome date.

But if I know you, I know what you'll do

You'll love me at once

Bakugou snatched the owl by HIS cape and trapped him on a nearby branch while the girl had her back turned and gently as he could to slide into place, taking her hands in his, and she seemed to be too lost in dreamland to notice, and he couldn't stop himself from smirking at her trusting nature. The dragon prince decided to join in song, unable to stop the words that so easily flew from his lips.

The way you did once upon a dream

(y/n) was shocked when a deep baritone voice sang with her, and in her shock, she swiftly turned around and threw a punch right at the stranger's face, just like Uncle Izuku and Aunt Ochako had taught her.

"Shit!!! Goddammit!!" Yelled the stranger as he held his face and backed away.

"Oh, my goodness! I'm so sorry!! " (y/n) apologized as she tried to move forward and try to see the damage, but he turned away, and all you saw was his back.

 His bare... naked...back.... he wasn't wearing a shirt and poor (y/n) felt her face go entirely flush and her heart raced.

"Shit... that's what I get, I guess... not a bad right hook." He muttered, and then he finally turned around. He thought the girl was pretty before, but damn he knew he was in love now. Pretty and can throw a punch? That's his girl.

"Look... I didn't mean to frighten you." He pouted as he crossed his arms and stared and (y/n) felt her heart beating a million times a minute. He wasn't the prince she had dreamed of... no, he was something she could never dream of, he was better. His spiky ash-blonde hair, his muscular physique, but most beautiful of all was his red eyes that would but a ruby to shame.

"You.. it wasn't that... it's just that you're a ...a..." (y/n) uttered as she tried to keep her distance, handsome or not, he was still a strange shirtless man in the woods.

"A stranger??" the man finished for her as he grabbed her wrist to keep her from getting too far.

(y/n) nodded at his answer, and he only smirked, his slightly sharp teeth making (y/n)'s skin grew hot. This had to be a dream. Nobody looked like that. Even with the red mark from where she had punched, he still looked handsome.

"Well, aren't you a forgetful, don't you remember sunshine? We've met before." He insisted and (Y/n) blushed over the nickname he had given her.

 "We--We have?"

" Well come on... you said so yourself.. Once upon a dream." He teased as he smirked at her and (y/n) pouted and ripped her hand away from him, not appreciating that he was making fun of her.

"Dammit- I didn't... shit." Bakugou rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. He was a prince, and he had no problem getting girls, they flocked to him, but he never gave them the time of day. They were nobodies.

 Now he had someone he actually wanted, and he had already messed it up. His mother was right... he was a bonehead.

He watched as she walked further and further away from him. She picked up a jar off the ground and hopped on a few stones to get to the other side of the river.

But.... she looked back at him, and that meant it wasn't hopeless. For she had sunshine in her eyes.

He walked to the water's edge and watched as she filled the water jug, looking to him now and then but staying silent.

Bakugou waited for something, anything. And then it happened as he leant down to the water's edge and looked at the reflection of the beautiful girl's face. There was a slight smirk on her face, and their eyes met. Bakugou felt a smile cross his face and then there was a splash of water, and he was completely soaked. Again.

He shook his wet and looked over to see the girl laughing, a bright smile on her face. Bakugou should have been angry, but...he wanted to spend the rest of his days with that smile.

Bakugou kicked the river and sent some water flying her way, causing her to scream in laughter and then she got up and ran, laughing as she raced, her water jug left behind. The dragon prince took chase, enjoying this game.

He sprinted through the river and climbed up on the other side, quickly catching up with the girl who was 'hiding' behind a tree. (Y/N) was looking around, and Bakugou could see a smile on her face, her cheeks flushed from running.

Slowly making his way around the tree, careful not to make any sound until the right moment.

"Gotcha!" He yelled as he grabbed (y/n) around the waist, and she laughed as Bakugou swung her around and soon, he was leading her in dance across the meadow. Singing her sweet song as it had forever been stamped on his heart.

 I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream

I know you, that gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam

And I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem

But if I know you, I know what you'll do

You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream

 Once they finally stopped dancing, Bakugou took her hand in his and walked along the forest path until they came to an empty spot with a perfect view of a beautiful castle in the far distance.

 "Tell me your name," Bakugou asked as he traced patterns on the back of her hand with his thumb, her hands were so soft while his were rough and he would make sure they stayed that way, his queen would have no need to overwork her precious skin. It was only his to mark.

 " (y/n)..." She said so gently, never wanting this moment to end, praying it wasn't only a dream.

" (y/n)... " He tested it on his lips and hearing it from his gruff voice made (y/n)'s stomach flutter.

"And yours?" She asked as she gazed up at him, curled comfortably into his side.

"Katsuki." He revealed and (y/n) tried it out, and Bakugou knew the many ways he wished to hear it from her soft lips.

" I like it..."

"It's okay."

"It's beautiful." (y/n) complimented, and Bakugou felt his face flush, embarrassed at how she had so much power over him.

(Y/n) gazed over the horizon as she saw the sun's position in the sky, she felt a jolt of panic.

" I have to go!!" She jumped up and started scrambling back through the forest, not believing how much time had passed, it had gone by so quickly.

'Wait! What the hell?! Where are you going!?" He yelled as he chased after her, jumping over logs and rocks.

"I'm supposed to be home, they're planning a surprise." (Y/n) said in a rush as she found her water jug and quickly filled it up in the fresh waters of the river.

"A surprise? Who? What's going on?" Bakugou asked, his head spinning over how quickly everything was happening.

"Oh... my family. It's my birthday." (y/n) explained as she tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear and Bakugou felt his heart do a flip, he needed to find a gift for her... he also needed to tell his mother that he found her. (y/n) was the girl he was going to marry.

"When can I see you again?"

"Never."

"Never?!?!!"

"Ahh! I mean... how about tonight?"

"Tonight?! Where?" He asked, still a little out of sorts. The mysterious beauty now had a name, but she was still full of secrets. (y/n) ran back up and stared up into his eyes, as if taking in every feature, treasuring every detail. She gently reached up and placed a soft kiss on his cheek before running off again into the forest.

"The little cabin in the woods! Come after dark!" (y/n) told him and long after she had disappeared around the bend,

Bakugou remained. He reached up and touched the spot on his cheek, it felt warm.

"YES!! " He whooped as he clenched his fist, happy that no one was round to see him like this. He would kick his own ass if he was able to see himself right now, but none of that mattered. The dragon prince raced through the forest to retrieve all his belongings and then returned to Eijirou, who was peacefully napping in a forest clearing.

"C'mon shitty scales, we've gotta fly home and back. I've got an engagement gift to find." He told the dragon as he hopped onto the saddle, and soon they were off into the sky, and Bakugou's cheeks were starting to hurt from the dopey love-struck grin on his face.

It didn't matter if Bakugou was royalty or that (y/n) was a peasant girl, all that mattered that he had found the embodiment of sunshine. The dragon prince wasn't going to let anything get in his way.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

[bi-bard]

Long Forgotten Past- Arthur Pendragon Imagine (Merlin)

Title: Long Forgotten Past

Pairing: Arthur Pendragon X Reader (I tried to make this gender neutral but if I slipped up, I’m sorry)

Requested: Nope... 

Warning(s): Mentions of past abandonment and memory loss

Summary: Someone made a decision that changed (Y/n)’s life forever. Now things are changing and the truth will be revealed. A visitor coming to Camelot makes sure that the truth comes out and (Y/n) learns more in a day than they had in forever.  

Author’s Note: I have had this sitting in my drafts for so long! This was originally a musical prompt but I drifted very far from that original idea... whoops!

---------------------------------------------------------

“Merlin, let go of my wrist,” I hissed as he dragged me through the halls of the castle. 

“No, this is important,” he replied, continuing to drag me along.

“Merlin,” we heard someone shout behind us. Merlin stopped with an angry sigh, tuning around to face Arthur. “Hello, (Y/n).”

“Hello, Arthur,” I smiled. 

“Merlin,” Arthur turned his attention to the boy that was still grabbing onto my wrist. “What on Earth are you doing?”

“I need to speak to Gaius and it’s important that (Y/n) is there,” Merlin explained. “You can make me do any chores you want afterwards.”

“(Y/n), are you alright,” Arthur touched my arm gently.

“I’m fine,” I said with- what probably looked like- a dumb smile. He nodded before waving us off. “Bye.”

“Bye,” he replied.

“God, you two are pathetic,” Merlin muttered once Arthur was out of earshot and you had continued following him to see Gaius. “He is absolutely in love with you.”

“No, no he is not,” I insisted. We had this discussion all too often. Merlin had this idea that Arthur loved me... which wasn’t true. It couldn’t be true. 

“Gaius,” Merlin shouted as opened the door of their room. “I’ve discovered something.”

“What is it,” Gaius asked, stepping away from whatever potion he was making. 

“There’s a king missing his child,” Merlin explained. “His wife died when the kingdom was attacked and the child disappeared.”

“Merlin, where is this going,” Gaius asked. I furrowed my eyebrows and crossed my arms.

“(Y/n) is that child,” Merlin exclaimed.

“What,” Gaius and I shouted at the same time. 

“Is it impossible,” Merlin asked.

“Yes,” I replied. 

“You have no memories from before... about eight years old,” Merlin added. “You know that your parents didn’t give birth to you. Why can’t you even think that this is a possibility?”

“Gaius,” I turned to look at the old man. “Please tell him that he has lost it.”

“Well...,” Gaius started.

“Gaius,” I shouted. 

“We need to tell Uther that there’s a chance,” he continued. “The only one who could confirm this is the man who is potentially your father.”

“You’re kidding,” I shook my head and looked down.

“Come with me, we’ll speak with him before his meeting with the knights,” Gaius said, motioning for Merlin and me to follow him. 

“We’re doing this right now,” I asked. I was scared. I shouldn’t have been scared. None of this was possible. They both nodded. “Okay.”

“Sire,” Gaius said as we all walked into the throne room. “I have an important issue to discuss with you.”

“Make it quick, Gauis, I have a meeting soon,” Uther replied.

“You may have heard about King Rowan,” Gaius explained. “He lost his wife when their kingdom was attacked and his child seemed to disappear at random. Merlin and I have reason to believe that we’ve found his child.”

“Really,” Uther looked stunned. “His child has been missing for almost fifteen years. Who do you believe it is?”

“(Y/n),” I straightened my spine when Uther looked at me when Gaius said my name. “The only person who can confirm that is King Rowan.”

“I’ll have someone go and deliver a message to him,” Uther promised, walking over to us. He placed a hand on my shoulder. “It should only take a few days for him to arrive. We’ll find out the truth.”

“Thank you, Sire,” I said, nodding before going to leave. I still had work to get done... even if my thoughts were in a mess now.

**A Few Days Later**

I ran through the hallways once Gwen and Morgana finally let me go. They had insisted on making sure I looked my best when my potential father showed up. I understood why but it made me even more nervous. 

I only stopped when I was right outside the doors to the throne room. The guards at the doors gave me nods that I think were supposed to comfort me. I nodded back and they opened the large doors for me.

“This is (Y/n),” Uther said as I walked in. Another man was standing there. That must have been King Rowan.

The room was completely silent. I stood in the middle of the room, scared out of my mind. King Rowan walked over slowly. My heart felt like it was going to burst out of my chest.

“Your necklace,” Rowan said. I touched in out of instinct. It wasn’t much. A single charm on some string. But I had always had it. “It belonged to my wife. She told me to give it to my child. It was her last wish on her deathbed.”

“That... That means...”

“(Y/n),” King Rowan pulled me into a tight hug. I felt him shaking. I let tears fall from my eyes. “My child.”

“Father,” I mumbled. I stepped away after a minute, trying to wipe my eyes so I could look presentable. “Why can’t I remember that time? I would’ve been old enough to have memories.”

“That was my doing,” he looked down. “I had a warlock wipe the first ten years from your mind. I didn’t want you to hold onto that pain. Now that you’re here, we can find a way to restore them.”

“Gaius,” Uther said. “He would be able to fix this, yes?”

“I could certainly try, Sire,” Gaius nodded. I turned around and hugged him.

“Thank you,” I mumbled. 

“You’re welcome,” he replied before stepping back to look at everyone. “(Y/n) will need to stay in my chambers and I will need to be able to work with her in private.”

“Of course,” Rowan nodded. He gave me one last hug before following Uther, who was offering him a tour of the castle. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Of course,” I nodded. Everyone had left the room except for Gaius, Merlin, and Arthur.

“I told you so,” Merlin said. I rolled my eyes at him.

“Merlin,” Arthur warned. “One more word, you’ll be sleeping in the stables.”

“Sorry,” Merlin held his hands up. He moved over to hug me. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” I mumbled. 

“Gaius and I will go off to prepare for... whatever is going to happen,” Merlin said before following Gaius out of the throne room.

“So, you’re royalty,” Arthur said after the door shut behind them.

“Apparently,” I looked down. I was caught off guard when he hugged me and twirled me around. “What is it?”

“This is the best news,” he replied. “This is perfect.”

“Why is it so perfect?”

“We’ll talk about that later,” he shrugged with a smirk before kissing my forehead. “Good luck.”

“Thank you,” I gave him a nervous smile before heading off to see Gaius and Merlin.

I walked through the door, fiddling with my hands. My stomach was full of butterflies and I was scared that I would actually throw up. Merlin gave me a comforting smile once he saw me shifting from one foot to another. 

“Come lay down,” Gaius said. I nodded and sat on the cot that Gaius had. 

“How is this going to work,” I asked.

“Well, I’m going to give you this potion,” Gaius held up a bottle. “It should start bringing your memory back but it will cause you to fall asleep because the process of regaining memories can be...”

“Overwhelming,” I completed his thought. He nodded. “Have you done this before?”

“Never had to,” Gaius replied, kind of shrugging at me. I let out a heavy sigh. “It’ll be okay.”

“Okay,” I shook my hands out before holding one out to take the bottle from him. 

I shifted so I was laying down, then took a huge gulp of the potion. I winced at the flavor as Gaius took it from me. My wincing stopped as I started feeling drowsy, my eyelids struggling to stay open. After what could’ve been seconds, I was falling asleep.

**Time Skip**

I slowly blinked as my brain became less and less cloudy. I rolled my neck before moving to sit up on the cot. I jumped a little when I saw how many people were there... just looking at me.

“Hello,” my father said softly, sitting next to me. I smiled at him. “I know this is going to sound a little silly but... can you tell me the name of your mother?”

“My mother’s name was Aleida,” I replied, my eyes filling with tears. “She was killed by a neighboring kingdom when I was eight. And I just forgot her.”

“No, no, no,” my father hugged me, rubbing my back. “You did nothing wrong. I am so sorry. I am so sorry for everything.”

“May I have a few minutes,” I asked. “I just want to collect my thoughts.”

“Of course,” my father nodded, moving to stand and guide everyone out.

Once the door closed, I felt all of my emotions truly come out. I was scared and I was confused. I placed a hand over my mouth as I cried. Almost eight years of lost memories came crashing back in less than a minute. I couldn’t sort through all of my thoughts.

Whether or not I understood what was going on, my tears eventually stopped. I finally stood from the cot and walked towards the door. Everyone was waiting just outside. 

“Sorry,” I mumbled. “I just needed to pull myself together.”

“You’re alright,” Arthur stepped forward and touched my shoulder. I smiled at him.

“Merlin, I believe you and I have some work to finish up, don’t we,” Gaius asked. Merlin nodded, a very smug smile on his face as they walked back into Gaius’ chambers. 

“Rowan, I believe we have a deal to discuss,” Uther announced. “Would you like to go discuss the matter?”

“Of course,” my father replied, walking towards the throne room.

“So,” Arthur said slowly. “It’s true.”

“It’s true,” I chuckled. “So, you can tell me why this was such great news.”

“Well,” he looked down for a moment. “I just want you to know that I love you.”

“Oh,” I froze up for a moment. “As in you’re in love with me?”

“Yes,” he confirmed with a small smile. “I didn’t want to say anything because of the stupid rule about royals not being with people that aren’t also royals... but this was the best stroke of luck because now no one can do anything to you if I was to say anything... which I did.”

“I am very happy that I do know,” I replied. I glanced around the nearby hallway before leaning up and kissing his cheek. “Let’s go see what our dads are so adamantly discussing.”

 “Alright,” he nodded, holding his arm out so I could wrap mine around. I leaned on his shoulder while we walked down the hallway. It was nice. This was a definitely a nice moment.

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[ktheist]

seventeen.

chapters:  16 / 17 / 18 

knight!jungkook x princess!reader

xWord had been sent days ago. Jungkook would have been released from his punishment but so would his title. It’s the compromise you agreed on. He will live away from the palace as a commoner. He may return home. You remember the time when he mentions his family and the peaceful life they had... until that dreaded winter.

Every time you think about that, your deceased father comes to mind. It was his rule that caused the death of thousands of his people simply because of greed. But you’d gained something out of it. Naturally, as you were his daughter. Would Jungkook rejoice at the news of the death of the man that caused doom to his family? Or will he mourn with you if he was here?

The latter, you will never know.

It’s been a week since you’ve arrived. Though the workers’ faces are familiar, their treatment of you is not. Before, they would smile at you, ask about your day and tell you about their grandparents back home or their sweetheart who is in the army. Now, they keep their heads low and murmur a quiet greeting. It is fear they harbor.

“So this is where you are.” Seokjin’s warm voice hits your ear as he sits next to you.

He glances at the book you’ve had laid in your lap for the longest time, “are you going to the dinner?”

“I have to,” you affirm in a heartbeat, “otherwise it would reflect badly to the other foreign countries that the Northern Kingdom born and married to the Southern Kingdom-princess are not on so good terms with her birth country.”

Seokjin shakes his head, a small smile on his lips, “yes, but if you don’t feel like going, it’s alright. Minju and mother would understand. Isn’t that what’s most important? What they think. Not what others think.”

“And those are the words of a King.” You look at him with raised brows, “just don’t let Namjoon hear that.”

“Ugh,” he groans, shoulders slump at the mention of the man, “he’s no different than our tutor that kept us locked in the classroom until we finished the exercises he prepared. Only difference is I can use my ‘king’ voice with Namjoon.”

Laughter fills the air as you feel your stomach hurting too much from it. The ‘king’ voice was something you and your siblings did when you were children. It started with mimicking your father’s deep, authoritative voice but then went on to using it on your governors whenever you didn’t want to take a bath or go to sleep early. One Lady Ryu had laughed it off and bopped your nose with her index finger and chuckled while other workers would hesitate in whether to be firm or to let the Prince and Princesses do as they please. Lady Ryu is now retired, you last heard she lives with her daughter and grandchildren.

Somberly, you recall the last time you used your ‘king’ voice. It was just last night and towards your own husband. The man you envisaged to be your friend, partner and close confidant.

“Control yourself, you disgusting man!” You had pushed Taehyung off when he towered over you as soon as Yerin and the maids left. It was unthinkable to hate your favorite drink but he made it all too easy, reeking of the sweet scent that he had too many.

“It’s been days,” he reasoned, fingers snaking around your waist but the touch was short lived as you break away from his grasp, glaring.

“My father just died and if you don’t have a sense of self-decency, then at least have some respect for the dead.” There’s shuffling from outside the door. The maids must have heard the rise of your voice and wondering if they should knock. 

The series of out-of-character behavior displayed by Taehyung kept you on edge and rightfully so. You didn’t flinch when his voice boomed across the room, “ I released your god damned lover - you made a scene out of it and made me a subject of ridicule but I released him anyway.”

“Do you expect a thank you note?” Your chin was kept high and your nose higher even though your heart pounded erratically in your chest. Did he know about your nightly rendezvous? 

He clicked his tongue, annoyed. Now, that’s the tyrant Prince you married. “Find a place elsewhere to sleep if you aren’t going to fulfill your duties as a wife.”

And you gladly did so. It was way past midnight and you had to knock a plenty of times but your mother finally opened the door. Though a tad shocked but she didn’t question it as she held you like she would when you were just a child, sneaking into your mother’s chamber. Your parents had always had separate chambers and one they shared occasionally.

Your train of thoughts is disrupted by an approaching footman. It’s almost time for tea and the two other ladies of the royal family is waiting for you and the King.

x

Some calls for you while you’re on your way to the villa where you’re staying. Luckily enough, preparations were made speedily for you to have your own, private settlement while you’re here. You don’t know if Taehyung knows you’re to move here but you have no worries as the workers would have told him. You have your own separate bedroom on the third floor while Taehyung’s is on the second floor. Turning around, your heart almost dropped at the sight of the young man dressed in the finest of clothing.

He crosses the short distance and drops to his knees, hand stretched out. “It’s been awhile, Princes.”

The first tear hits your cheek before a whole waterfall cascades freely. You take his hand with a hiccup and let him bring yours to his lips. When he stands, you’re forced to crane your neck. You forgot how much taller he is from you.

“J-jungkook, h- how - why -” The words come out in muffled as you take in his appearance. Not a smudge of dirt on his chin, his overgrown hair trimmed to perfection though his cheeks seems hollow, his lips are more reddish than the pale complexion that you saw him with. He’s donned a tailor-made suit that you only see on delegates since you came.

“The guard gave me a hefty bag of coins,” he smiles as if his imprisonment was nothing but a dream, “said he’s retiring as the palace guard and have enough to start a new life with his family and gave me the rest of what he didn’t need so I got a horse and a nice shirt and rode here as soon as I found out.”

The smile drops into a deep frown, he takes a step closer but minds the watchful eyes, “are you alright, Princess? I’m sorry about his majesty.”

“Don’t be,” you shake your head, wiping off the tears as you look at him straight in his eyes, “he caused a lot of hardship to the people. I can’t say that I’m glad he’s dead but the Northern Kingdom has a new and better King now.”

“King Seokjin,” he nods stiffly. There’s doubt in his eyes of the future of the kingdom. He will not be the only one who thinks so. Seokjin has been missing for five years as soon as he had the chance to leave the palace’s gates to travel. But you would say he’s gained plenty of experience. All which will help him govern the kingdom with wisdom.

“Where are you staying? What are you going to do next? Will you go home?”The onslaught of questions tumble out in one breath. It’s been over a week since you left for your birth country and longer since you’ve seen him.

Jungkook chuckles but answer them anyway, “for now, probably and inn and I’m going to stay by your side of course. Home is where you are, Princess.”

Something tubs on your heartstrings as you stare at the man forlornly, “but you’re no longer a knight... Taehyung...”

At the mention of the name, his face darkens. Gone is the playful atmosphere you two shared. You can see the rising rage and hatred towards the aforementioned man like that of your own.

“Did he - did he hurt you?” His voice shakes with a cluster of emotions that you can’t pinpoint.

You shake your head a tad too fast. “No, but he’s been getting on my nerves too many times to count.”

“I see,” he breathes out in relief before his eyes travel to your belly and back to your face, “are you...”

A pause.

“It’s too soon to tell,” you say but clutches your stomach with both hands anyway.

Just as he’s about to say something, Eunha’s voice echoes off the walls. You catch her figure half-running towards you with that cheery smile of hers. If Yerin were here, she’d tut and tell her to walk, not run.

“Your highness!”

When you revert your gaze to Jungkook, he’s already taking a step back, bowing and brushing past you with a murmur, “till we meet again, Princess.”

“Who was that?” Eunha hums, neck lolling to the side as she stares at the back of the man you were talking to. Panic begin to rise as the seconds stretch on, so you put on your best smile, “So, what news do you bring?”

Almost instantly, her attention focuses on you, “I overheard Prince Taehyung talking about the coronation with the Duke of Goryeo. Before you start showing. Is it true?”

Your jaw falls open just the slightest bit. He hasn’t discussed such matters with you but it is no surprise that all the news you’ve gathered are from either Lord Park or the maids’ gossip sessions.

“I suppose the cat is out of the bag now.” You school a noble smile, rubbing your stomach as Eunha gushes and congratulates you.

[the-omni-princess]

Frozen Heart [Chapter 8]

Author: @the-omni-princess

Summary:  After the war against Hydra, King Bucky comes home to take what has been promised to him since he was young, you. But he is not the same person as the young boy that you grew up with. Can she break through his tough shell and bring back the young man she once fell in love with? Or will she be forced to marry the monster everyone thinks he’s become?

Word Count: 5.2K

Pairing: King!Bucky x Fem!Reader (Royalty Au!)

Warnings:  Absolute and utter fluff!, badass!reader, mild language, a self-harm mention (not reader), Nudity but no smut

A/N:

I’m back! With so much fluff you’ll cry!

So, I have legit like four chapters done so if it all goes well I’ll be posting one a day, plus some one-shots I did!

No smut yet, but I got a one-shot smut Im posting tomorrow and then this series getting smutty :D but 18+ only or you’ll be getting blocked

-

[Series Masterlist]  [Masterlist]

----

Light flooded the once dark room as Natasha opened the curtains. You groaned, turning to your side and pulling a pillow over your eyes. "Five more minutes!" You cried out, your voice gruff with sleep.

Wanda poked her head out of the bathroom to speak, "Rise and shine! You need a bit of a pick-me-up so here I am, your bath is already drawn, and I'll be washing and braiding your hair."

You took a peek from underneath your pillow that sheltered you from the harsh morning light. "With the oils and perfume Pietro brought over?" You asked in a whisper, still desperate for sleep, but slowly being coaxed out of bed.

Wanda nodded, "One time offer so hurry up!"

"I'm coming!" You conceded, stretching your back, and letting the pillow fall off your face.

Five minutes later you were laying in the bath, Wanda washing your hair, her nails scratching your scalp as she shampooed your strands. You groaned softly, melting into her palms as you sipped on your coffee.

"So, y/n," Natasha, who was sitting beside the tub, doing your nails on your free hand, started to say. "How's the King treating you?"

You sighed softly, "I should have known you two were up to something, this sort of pampering only comes before events or when you're buttering me up," you teased. It had been about three months since you had moved up North with Bucky, and the seasons had shifted to autumn, the mountains already had more snow on top of them, bringing the cold to you. Bucky was swept up in work, busy trying to make sure the kingdom had enough in storage to last the winter. In the morning he would rush to meetings, and in the evenings when he could, he would find you around the castle. You were slowly familiarizing yourself in the halls, the passageways had a lot of wrong turns that could throw someone off, which just reminded you of your garden maze back in the South.

So far Bucky had been spoiling you rotten, and despite the multitude of interruptions, he was trying his hardest to spend time with you. He had managed to sneak himself away to give you a silver constellation necklace on a small golden chain, the constellation his birth was tied to, a necklace that never left your neck. He was still working on the greenhouse, but with his help, you managed to fix up the library, including a new window seat with pillows and fur-lined blankets.

You still remember the day you had found his personal study, the place he mentioned he destroyed during a rampage when he first came back from the War. It was an utter mess, books and maps littered the floor, the desk had splintered, and one wall had a hole in it, left behind most likely by his metal arm punching it. You immediately started to clean up the room, and that's how he found you that night, asleep, curled up against the desk, clutching a map of the Southern and Northern Kingdoms, the room mostly cleaned up. He had picked you up and tried to tuck you into bed, but you only buried yourself deeper into his arms, happy for the extra warmth.

You had also begun to bring warmth to the castle, one that you had heard the maids whispering about once. Naturally grown flowers from the nearby village were found in multiple rooms, scented candles from the lovely old lady two villages down the mountain, even representatives from other nations had mentioned the life seeping into the palace. You even had constellation lights added into your chambers, a fact only a select few people knew, and a new book on Morse code since you found out Bucky and Steve learned it in the War.

You had also frequently checked in with Steve, who sent Scott with you since he only trusted a few personal guards with your life, and Scott already knew the Northern Kingdom since his daughter Cassie lived with her mom and stepdad in the North. Steve was also doing perfectly fine as King, making you prouder than ever, and finally had a date with the Lady in court he had been eyeing.

Yet despite the many attempts you had of making this new home, well homely, something always felt missing. Love. Bucky. Always busy, always tiring himself out, wearing himself out too thin, he put the needs of the people and you above his own. You told as much to Natasha and Wanda, the latter having moved on to conditioning your hair now.

"I love him, gods, I absolutely adore him, but he needs to think of himself every once in a while. He has too many duties, taking on everything at once, and I have a feeling that's why you two are currently pampering me," you looked towards Natasha, who had a smirk on her face.

"You're reading my mind, y/n/n," she teased. "A King needs a Queen, henceforth, we are making you one. He has a meeting with his advisors today about increasing the storage for the grains to survive the winter. We both know you have been working on a plan, a good one, but you're too scared to tell him outright."

Wanda combed out your hair, massaging oils into your scalp as she spoke next. "Show everyone you will be a magnificent queen. Today, you're not going to just look like a queen, you're going to act like one. They won't respect you until you show them you're not some show pony princess from the south."

You smiled faintly, "You two are always scheming behind my back, but it is a good idea. Finally, be heard, be in charge, pull some of the weight of the duties off of Bucky, spend more time with him," you sighed and melted against Wanda's magical hands again. "Let's be a Queen." You whispered softly.

You let the two do their utter best, and by the end of it, you looked absolutely regal. A simple pink lace evening dress, and a tiara made of crystals on your head, you held back a proud smirk when you looked at yourself in the mirror. The tiara was made of rose gold, which caught the light when you moved, just enough to catch people's attention without being flashy. You finished the look with the constellation necklace Bucky had given you, which shone brightly against the pink lace.

You pushed your shoulders back, and held your head up high, deciding to use your best regal look, one you had perfected over the years. You entered the strategy room, all eyes going towards you. Advisors circled the table, maps, and plans along the table, with Bucky at the head of the table. Everyone was standing and considering the red faces of more than one advisor, you had interrupted a rather heated fight. You locked eyes with Bucky, who instantly smiled as he saw you, the cold expression he had when you walked in had melted just at the sight of you.

You took your time walking towards his side of the table, standing towards his left as you would if you were seated on thrones, taking your time to address the table. "Good afternoon, my Love," you happily kissed Bucky's now clean shave cheek. He had decided to go for the haircut and shaved after all, with hair just long enough for you to get your hands through it. You then turned to the advisors, "Good afternoon everyone, I have decided to join you all." You smiled warmly, leaving no room for disagreement, full well knowing you would still get some. Bucky looked at you a bit confused but also in awe, taking in the new order in stride, trusting you fully.

His advisors, however, weren't as welcome. "With all due respect, princess, we are speaking about a matter that does not concern you," a white-haired official spoke up, you recognized as Baron Ross. Despite Bucky's surprise of your presence, he knew Natasha and Scott had been teaching you everything to know about Northern Politics, including all the nobles and advisors in court, and who to be wary of.

"Well, Baron Ross, it does concern me. I may have been born in the Southern Kingdom, but the people of the Northern Kingdom will be my people soon enough. Unless you are saying that feeding said people is a topic that should not concern the leader of the people, I should and will be here." You kept your head held up high, determined not to show the fear in your heart that they wouldn't like you. It doesn't matter what they think, you reminded yourself, Bucky chose you and that's all that matters.

Another representative, one you couldn't see, spoke up. "Then what do you suppose you could do about the problem at hand? What could you possibly know about the situation?"

You bit back the growl growing in the back of your throat, Bucky wasn't as suppressed, you could see him tense, no doubt about to lash out at the man who questioned your ability. You gently placed your hand on top of his metal hand that was gripping the table. He visibly relaxed, as the metal had sensors to fire into his nerves, something you had asked Shuri once, and your very touch soothed him.

"Well, I know you have all been bickering about the food storage for the past month. Quarreling like children will only hinder the people instead of yourselves as we all know the Royal and Noble silos have been full for months. Besides, I've been working on a solution that will help the people that all parties should benefit from." You effectively shut the rest of the table up, and all eyes were on you as you explained your idea. Halfway through, Bucky had intertwined your hands together, letting you take charge of the room with his silent support. By the time they closed for the day, you had a fully functional plan and agreement in place that suited everyone's needs while also helping the kingdom.

You walked hand in hand with Bucky, who was in complete awe of you. "You were absolutely amazing, My Love! You going to be a magnificent Queen, you practically already are one!" He gushed, making you blush.

"Took a little push from my ladies but they were right, it's time I help ease the burden upon your shoulders, My Love," you kissed his cheek playfully, glancing behind you towards the personal guards flanking you, new ones you noticed. "What shall we do with our new free time?"

His face lit up, no doubt a grand idea forming in his head. "Follow me, it's time I introduce you to somebody," he sounded excited, already tugging you outside to where the Royal animals were kept.

He whistled once inside, his grip on your hand faltering as he took a step forward. A flash of pure white bounded towards the two of you, jumping into Bucky and knocking him backward. You yelped as his hand was ripped away from you, but all you could hear was his laughter as he wrestled with the white fur on top of him. It took you a moment to realize it was a pure white wolf attacking Bucky with kisses. He finally managed to sit up, and your heart melted at the sight before you. The juvenile wolf was still nipping at him, kissing his face, and yipping happily as he rubbed her ears and muzzle. A breathless Bucky looked up towards you, the bundle of fur managing to tire herself out, now curled up in his lap, definitely too big to fit there but managing to crush him anyway. "This is Aurora, my wolf, she's still a pup but she's already fiercely loyal, and ball of energy," he cooed at the wolf pup, who just whined and nuzzled into the hand scratching her ear.

You knelt beside the two, noticing how the wolf bared her teeth towards you as you got closer to Bucky. "She's absolutely beautiful," you said softly. Bucky gently took your hand in his own, presenting it to the wolf. She sniffed at you warily before nudging your palm with her muzzle. Bucky led your hand, gently brushing the wolf's fur. She was softer than most of the furs in your bed, and soon she closed her eyes, trusting that Bucky wouldn't let you hurt her. She whined softly, and as Bucky let your hand go, she relaxed against your hand, happily letting you scratch behind her ears. Bucky couldn't help but smile, overjoyed Aurora loved you. You sat beside him, Aurora nudging herself onto your lap to enjoy your affection. You cooed at the wolf, "You're such a good girl, aren't you? Such a good Wolfie, so soft and pretty!" The wolf in question melted against you, practically purring in your arms.

Bucky whistled, and her ears perked, but she stayed contentedly in your arms. "She loves you more than me!" He accused dramatically.

You laughed, shrugging, "I'm just that amazing," you teased, giving Bucky a toothy grin.

He chuckled, standing up, "There's someone else you need to meet," when you looked up, you noticed how nervous he was. He tried whistling again, a different tone, and Aurora slowly got up, still looking towards you with her golden eyes. She curled into a ball beside you but now off of your lap, causing Bucky to groan. "Yep, you're definitely the favorite."

You giggled, running your fingers through her fur as she whimpered happily. "So, who is this new person I need to meet?" You asked happily, grinning up at him.

He smiled bashfully, "Wait here, close your eyes, My Love," he leaned over and kissed your temple just as you closed your eyes. You had your hands on your lap, hearing him shuffling around, and the voice of one of the animal keepers. He came back towards you and placed something small and furry in your arms before taking a step back. "Open your eyes, My Queen," he whispered into your ear, goosebumps raising, and a shiver ran down your spine.

You looked down, gasping softly at the small bundle of grey and black fur, a tiny wolf pup in your arms. You cooed, the pup looking up at you with bright blue eyes, which were just a shade lighter than Bucky's eyes. "Aw! You're the sweetest little thing!" You kept cooing, happily holding the pup close. She whined softly, relaxing into your arms, making you smile warmly at the pup. "What's her name?" You looked up at Bucky who was currently taking a picture of you and the pup, his own heart melting as he saw the bundle of fur curl into your body warmth. "Raine," he said with a grin, already putting his phone away and sitting beside you again. "It means Queen. This cutie was born four months ago, and we were waiting for her eyes to open so she could meet you. In another month, she starts her training and before you know it, she'll be attached to your hip like Aura is to me." He was smiling proudly, and the pup whined softly, diverting your attention to the pup.

"You precious pup!" You kissed the wolf's head, who just whimpered, nudging her muzzle into your cheek. You showered the pups with kisses and affection, practically purring loving words towards them. Both wolves eagerly soaked up your affection.

"Technically, she's supposed to be a wedding gift, but I could help myself." Bucky tenderly pushed a strand of your hair behind your ear, smiling warmly towards you.

You launched at him, hugging him and kissing him gently, careful of the wolf pup in your arms. "Thank you! A million times, thank you, Bucky. She's absolutely precious! I love her so much, and I love Aurora so much, and most of all I love you so much!" You gushed, grinning at him.

He gave you a goofy smile, absolutely enamored by you, and he noticed the wolf pup yawning in your arms. "I believe it's this little one's bedtime," he kissed your temple once you two broke apart, and you stood gingerly, still clinging to the pup, walking beside him to put the pup to bed, Aurora staying close to your legs. "And you're welcome, My Moon and Stars," you grinned at the new pet name, your smile making him melt. You put the pup into the fur bed, Aurora curling herself around the pup protectively. "Aura practically adopted her," Bucky explained, taking your hand in his, smiling as the two of you walked back into the castle.

"They are absolutely gorgeous," you grinned up at him, holding yourself close to him. "What should we do now, My Love," you said softly, following him towards his chambers.

"How about a movie? We can finally watch that other movie you wanted me to watch, Moana, and I made sure that we both have tomorrow off." You said goodnight to the guards posted at the door to his chambers, grinning as the doors closed behind the two of you.

"So, an entire day with you all to myself?" You teased him, pressing yourself against the ornate wooden doors. "Sleep in, relax all day, kiss all day," he followed suit, leaning against you, your chests pressed together.

He tenderly laid his forehead against yours, your lips ghosting past each other. "I have a picnic I want to take you on, on this beautiful spot I think you'll adore."

Your lips curled up in a smile, "I'd love that," your hands ran up his chest, mapping his muscles out. "Kiss me, Bucky," you whispered softly, locking eyes.

He tilted your chin up, moving the inch closer to your lips, your lips melding against his. He pressed against you harder as you deepened the kiss; you sucked on his bottom lip, smirking at his resulting groan. His hands wrapped around your wrists, pinning them against the door, making your heart skip a beat.

You broke the kiss, taking a deep gulp of air, your chest heaving against him. Your corset wasn't really helping matters, the restrictive material making it hard to breathe. Bucky noticed, yelping as he took a step back, letting your arms go. "Shit, you can't breathe!" He fussed, his hands freezing right above the lace of your dress.

You nodded, "It's okay, help me out of this thing, before you try taking my breath away again," you teased. You walked a bit into the room, turning and shifting your hair to the side to expose the strings of the dress and corset underneath. You looked over your shoulder, Bucky standing there, frozen in place, unsure what to do. "It's okay Buck, I trust you," you encouraged him.

He stepped closer, but still didn't grab the strings. "I don't want to make you think you have to do anything you're uncomfortable with," he spoke in a meek voice.

"Like I said, My Love, I trust you. If I want you to stop anything, I'll tell you. If you think it's too far, just ask me and I'll answer," you gently led his arms to the edge of the strings. He nodded, tugging the beginning of the strings loose, you let out a harsh breath, instantly feeling better.

"May I kiss your skin, My Moon and Stars?" He whispered softly, his breath hot against your neck, sending a shiver down your spine.

You managed a weak "yes," your body ready to relax against him in total trust. You felt his lips against your neck, just against your pulse point. You moaned softly, the gentle touches lighting your skin on fire. As he tugged more strings loose, he lightly kissed your neck and shoulders. Your eyes fluttered close, melting against him. "Tell me more about courting traditions," you murmured softly.

Bucky chuckled behind you, a bit confused by the complicated corset, but getting the hang of it. "Well, a courting starts with a silent promise written down. The person being courted can only read that promise during their wedding ritual. Any gender can start it towards any other gender and technically at any age, but it typically is done when they are both of age. Courting can take months, or years, or longer. Like how Dum Dum and his wife started courting when they were thirteen, and they married when he came back from the war." He loosened the last few strings of the dress, and you let it fall, now only in the corset and your panties.

"Keep going," you whispered softly. You felt Bucky nuzzle into your neck, kissing any skin he could find while he continued loosening the corset and speaking.

"The person doing the courting spoils the courted person, proving to them and to others that they can provide for them, physically, spiritually, mentally," he paused, kissing right below your ear on your soft spot, making you purr beneath him. "Sexually," he finished the corset strings, which had just enough give to stay on your body.

"Care for a bath instead of a movie? We don't have to do anything," you quickly added, letting your hand slip into his hair, gently carding through the strands. "You could tell me more about the rituals," you mumbled before noticing how silent he was at your idea. "What's wrong, My Love?" You asked softly, turning and quickly holding his face in your hands, running your thumbs across his cheeks soothingly.

He melted against your palms with a small sigh. "You won't like what you see when I am not clothed," he whispered softly. It didn't take a genius to realize he was ashamed of his scars.

"Nonsense, I love you, not for your looks but for your heart," you pressed a tender kiss to his forehead. "We don't have to, this isn't just about my comfort, it's also about yours. Let me hold you close, all of you," he looked down towards you, smiling faintly before nodding.

"I trust you," he whispered softly. Your heart melted, you knew he didn't give out his trust freely, as his trust was more guarded than his heart. You two had made your way to the bathroom, and you turned on the water to the bathtub, turning back towards him as it filled.

You kissed his nose playfully, "No hanky panky," you teased, unbuttoning his shirt.

He chuckled, nodding, "No hanky panky," he mumbled.

You smiled warmly, already letting your hands gently push back his shirt. He visibly tensed as you exposed his left shoulder. The scars where metal met flesh were angry and red, and months of watching the healers patch up others could tell you it was partially self-inflicted. You kissed the scar gently, gauging his reaction. He relaxed just a smidge as he closed his eyes, surrendering fully to you. You let the shirt fall to the floor, kissing every scar along his shoulders and collarbones. His chest was an array of multiple scars and burns; you didn't stop to think about what caused all of them, it was all in the past.

"These scars aren't ugly, My Love. They are your own constellations. They are a map of your past. They mean that you are strong, and you survived terrible things, that you are a warrior." You saw him start to relax as you kiss more scars, practically whimpering as you kissed his skin. His body was well sculpted, made from the gods, is all you could think. Pure muscle, toned, golden skin; you let your hands happily explore his chest and stomach, lightly mapping him out.

Eventually, he melted against you, accepting that you weren't running away or scared. His hands found their way to your hips, running up your back and tugging at the strings of your corset. "May I see you as well, My Love?" he murmured softly against at the shell of your ear. You nodded, biting your lip as he tugged the last string free, letting the corset fall, leaving you in only your panties and the constellation necklace around your neck.

You were a bit insecure, your arms crossing against your chest as you looked away. Bucky's hands stopped you, gently moving your arms away before tilting your face up to see him. "You're absolutely beautiful, doll," he spoke softly. Your nipples hardened from the cold air, a small shiver running down your spine as goosebumps raised on your skin. He chuckled softly, pressing a kiss to your collarbone, "Absolutely perfect," he mumbled. You whimpered softly, your eyes fluttering close at his touch. He ran his hands down your body, before they found their way to your hips, tugging you in as Bucky pressed his lips against your own. That was heaven, you decided. Soft lips of velvet and a faint taste of coffee and vanilla, you loved kissing Bucky.

Your hands stopped the water in the bath, before blindly tugging at his pants as you kissed him, his hands curling against the band of your panties. A few moments later you both stood naked in front of each other, unknowingly both nervous about what the other would think. You locked eyes with Bucky, gently taking his hand and leading him to the bath. He sat in the warm waters first, leading you in the tub. You sat between his legs, happily leaning against his chest, your fingers already tracing patterns into both of his arms.

Nothing about what you two were doing was sexual, both of you needed the intimacy with each other, reassuring the other was really there. "Tell me more about courting," you whispered softly, leaning your head on Bucky's shoulder.

He smiled warmly behind you, wrapping his arms around your stomach to keep you close. "Well, there are cases of mutual courtship, where both parties spoil each other," he spoke softly, one of his hands leaving your stomach to run through your hair.

"There is?! Why didn't you tell me? I would love to spoil you," you whisper-yelled, turning in his arms.

He chuckled, nuzzling his nose into your neck. "Your very presence spoils me. You're my Northern Star, Doll," he whispered softly.

"I never got the chance to ask you what that means," you carded your fingers through his hair, unknowingly soothing him, his eyes closing.

"There's a part of my story I haven't told you yet, My Love," he kissed your exposed neck, smiling faintly as you purred beneath him. "I've been in love with you since we were younger, the beautiful princess I couldn't get enough of. I had a lot of flings when we were younger because I thought you could never be mine, even engaged I thought you'd only see me as your husband out of necessity and not love. During the war, once Steve rescued me I sat for a month, waiting, healing. During that month I read through every letter you had sent me during the time I was gone, and Stevie even let me read his, all of his mentioned me in some way. It took me the middle of a war, already losing everything, to realize you loved me the way I loved you. After the war and multiple mental breaks, all Steve had to do was mention you and it set me right again. You, doll, guide me back home just by existing, you're my Northern Star." You practically melted into his arms as he spoke, gently curling his hair around your fingers. "Sometimes I believe the reason the crown fell onto my head was so that it may also fall upon yours. The kind yet fierce, loyal and brave, intelligent and beautiful Princess. The woman who was born to be a Queen," he murmured into your neck, goosebumps raising where his breath fanned across. "The sexiest woman in the world, the woman who owns my heart."

You practically whimpered in his arms. You were right, you most definitely would not survive lovemaking with him. He kept his metal hand firm on your lower stomach, dangerously close to your core, which sent heat directly towards it. You tensed, feeling his right hand at your rib, just a hair below your breast. "I promised not to try anything," he whispered softly, both hands freezing, "I just want to hold you."

His voice soothed you, and you relaxed against him. "I trust you, truly I do, I've just never... I haven't..." You fumbled for words. Your cultures were very different from each other. In the Southern Kingdom, practically every one of Noble birth waited until marriage, while in the North it wasn't expected of Nobles to do as such, in fact, most didn't.

"You've never had sex before. I understand, doll," he reassured softly. "I will wait for you. Whether it's on our wedding night or even afterward, I'll wait an eternity for you. I'll never push you to do something you don't want to."

You felt hot tears build up in your eyes, you quickly blinked them away, feeling nothing but absolutely loved. Every time you thought you were at the peak of your love for Bucky, he proved you wrong, you couldn't stop loving this man and he kept proving he absolutely adored you. "I want to, and I want you, wholly and fully. I just don't want my first time in a bathtub." You teased lightly, a yawn almost breaking your words. You nuzzled closer to him, your eyes suddenly feeling heavy.

He chuckled behind you, the vibrations sending warmth throughout your body. "Rest, My Love, I'll tuck you in bed, and we have tomorrow off, remember? All the sleep you want," he kissed your temple lovingly, reaching over and tugging the drain loose.

He stood, quickly grabbing a towel and wrapping it around you, picking you up bridal style. Your eyes closed, content in his arms, quickly approaching sleep. "What clothes would you like, My Love?" you hummed in acknowledgment but smiled playfully, tucking yourself deeper into his arms and not answering. He sighed softly, "You little troublemaker," he teased, slowly placing you under the covers of his bed. You whined when he pulled away, much to his amusement. He kissed your hair, smiling as he smelled your lavender shampoo, "I'll be right back, promise," he whispered softly.

He quickly dried off, tossing on a pair of boxers before joining you in bed. You quickly found his body warmth, snuggling closer to him, letting the blanket between you get pushed away. You weren't scared to be completely naked in his arms, fully trusting he wouldn't try anything, you just weren't quite ready (well frankly have the energy) to do anything tonight.

He pulled blankets and furs above the two of you, elated to wrap his arms around you. He kissed your temple, making you purr in your dazed state. He chuckled, thinking you looked positively adorable. "Goodnight and sweet dreams, My Northern Star," he whispered softly, his voice luring you into a restful sleep.

-

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[worldcakecakecake]

Feliciano and the King of Hearts

Chosen by the gods as the Queen of Hearts from the moment of birth, we follow Feliciano’s story as he grows into royal life, learns to rule, go against age old customs, and his relationship with his husband to be, the King of Hearts.

Chapter 1 I  Chapter 2 I Chapter 3 I Chapter 4 I Chapter 5 I Chapter 6I Chapter 7 I Chapter 8 IChapter 9I Chapter 10I Chapter 11I Chapter 12 I Chapter 13 I Chapter 14 I Chapter 15 I Chapter 16 I Chapter 17 I Chapter 18 I Chapter 19I Chapter 20 I Chapter 21 I Chapter 22 I Chapter 23 I Chapter 24 I Chapter 25 I Chapter 26 I Chapter 27 I Chapter 28I Chapter 29 I Chapter 30 I Chapter 31 I Chapter 32 I Chapter 33 I Chapter 34 I Chapter 35 I Chapter 36 I Chapter 37I chapter 38 I Chapter 39 I Chapter 40 I Chapter 41 I Chapter 42 I Chapter 43 I Chapter 44 I Chapter 45 I Chapter 46I Chapter 47 I Chapter 48 I Chapter 49 I Chapter 50 I Chapter 51 I Chapter 52 I Chapter 53 I Chapter 54 I Chapter 55 I Chapter 56 I Chapter 57 I Chapter 58 I Chapter 59 I Chapter 60I Chapter 61 I Chapter 62 I Chapter 63 I Chapter 64  I Chapter 65 I Chapter 66 I Chapter 67 I Chapter 68  I Chapter 69 I Chapter 70 I Chapter 71 I Chapter 72 I Chapter 73

                                                    Chapter 74

It was the third day of Feliciano’s journey in the interludes, well-marked before all in large writings tall above the pool. Louis had made it to keep themselves counted, to make sure and not miss a single beat of this mission. They kept their watch on the body. It was never left unseen. There was a rhythm of turns they had already begun to get used to, all while others took their own turn attending to the war. The room was never quiet, someone was always running in and out, stomping, throwing items or shouting, making it almost impossible to take any sleep as they had hoped.

 “-It is imminent! We need to guard even the Northern Heartian border. The Faroe Islands I’m sure have enough people to act,” Aldrich commanded with those slams on the table that had the sleepers startled away from whatever dream they tried to manage.

 “They only have a population of fifty-thousand, and thirty-thousand of them have already been sent to aid the front with Destro!” Elizabeta joined in those hits.

 “Then they have another ten-thousand to protect their own Kingdom from being attack by Khaos.”

 “Many of those twenty-thousand left are children and caretakers!”

 Aldrich groaned and growled into the palm of his hands, rocking in a way that almost looked like he was defeated in tears.

 Kandake sighed, “I’ll send a messenger to see if there are more soldiers they can offer. If not, then we’ll have to call soldiers back to defend.” Kandake gazed to the latest numbers sent…it looked that perhaps she might have to send from her own people…it hurt and pained how less they had become by now.

 “Tunisia in my kingdom is one of the closest provinces to them…I’ll see if they can send from their own to help,” Lili began, each time tiring, her eyes darkening and ready to fall to the pavement as she stood. Vincenzo, who had awoken and could not find it to rest again, stood and offered to give Lili the chance to sleep. She finished writing her message and headed off without a word.

 Kiku, Louis, Arthur and Renata kept the current watch on Feliciano, close, Kiku at one point had even let himself rest on Renata’s shoulder, and she smiled and caressed his arm. Feliciano still floated just the same, nothing of difference.

 “Tomorrow is the fourth day,” Renata reminded. “After, Feliciano should be heading to the second realm.”

 Kiku yawned, “do you think he’s found something by now?”

 A lulling silence, even Arthur and Louis beside them were struggling to keep their eyes open.

 “I don’t know…we can’t really tell…”

   “Forward! Forward!” Manuel shouted, many others spreading the message and thus the men and women, a mixture of Clubian and Diamond soldiers, stood before the strong winds Khaos blew in rage. At Manuel’s words, they extended their frontal leg forward and raised their hands in a defense posture for the spell. From the united magic and force of these thirty casters, long piercing pillars of emerald emerged from the ground to stand as a wall and hurt the large menace. Khaos was ready to fire with a demanding swish of his hand, but these walls did well to do nothing to the small creatures that laid behind.

 “Now! Now! Now!” Antonio called, riding one of the long dragons that a Clubian infantry let him use. He raised a light in his hand and all ran and rode between the crevices of the pillars, Khaos before them clear to attack with many balls and rays of light that brought another shriek in this large plain.

 “Fire!” A Diamond woman called from a distance, with a long line of Clubians with arrows, their ends with fire and magic, to add, targeted perfectly to blow with the light spells. In his anger, Khaos gained the energy he needed to completely crush the pillars. Many squashed horribly under him and their very own creations, yet still there were survivors who continued their light, the arrows joining in continuing to madden the Dark god.

  Yong Soo could have met his end at the ground underneath him, but to his luck, Zuma came in his own St. Mark, catching him so he could ride as comfortably as he did. “Did you do it?”

 “It’s good and ready!” Yong Soo smiled greatly as if there wasn’t blood dripping from the side of his head and they weren’t right before a nine-hundred meters monster.

 “Get out of there, you two!” Lukas shout came through a small device, a recent creation in the mess that had done them well.

 They hurriedly flew off, at whatever range could save them from the coming blow. To activate it, Lukas used every particle of energy in his being, such a drain that had him falling, gone. Matthias was there to catch him before he hit the ground, sending other casters to finish the last piece, but luckily it worked. It shimmered in different colors, quite beautiful before it teared and pained. Destro screamed and fought on with the soldiers on ground that tried to stall the pace of his walk how they could.

 Yong Soo and Zuma landed on what they considered command grounds, where messengers came and every act began. “We got some time! Now the healing wards can move,” Zuma told and messengers moved to get it done.

 From their far off distance, they could only watch as Destro continued to convulse in the bomb and spell, hoping indeed that he could do so for the mere minutes they needed.

  The darkness remained, the blue light of the line the only divide, the only ground, the only thing that made him aware of the steps he took.

 He had begun to get used to the bodies floating around him, only stumbling and whimpering at the sight of people who were mere citizens, those who couldn’t evacuate in time and were left in the crush. He tended to run past them, hurrying at a pace that still left him in the same nothingness.

 It was hard to find an essence of time, but Feliciano knew that enough have had to pass. Perhaps two days?

 He had walked on, not feeling any tiredness or drain in his legs. To spend some sort of time, he imagined and thought about the people he passed by, wondering their stories, remembering, hoping to find anybody he could give his condolences and help when he returned…if he ever did. No one else awoke, no other walking figure, it was only now that he reached some sort of difference.

 Large chunks of buildings, teared, broken, from all kinds. Churches, schools, homes…stationary, their presence creating bigger glows that gave Feliciano ease. He came close, touching and feeling their smoothness, their crevices, their designs…he never though he would long so much to just touch something that didn’t shock him in pain. He smiled true, exploring where the lines of this window could take him, still in his frontal path, on and on until…big green open eyes, startled, a clear gasp, a figure…a moving figure…running away. Feliciano startled himself, moving back, trying to calm down how frantic he had gotten. When he relaxed…the sudden realization.

 “Someone! There’s someone!” He shouted to himself, taking a run. “Wait! Wait! Wait!” He called and begged behind the rushing green figure, losing finally the single line he had made this entire journey, crossing and turning around all these different ruins as the figure continued to evade him and even try to hide.

 “Please! Please! I need your help! It’s a matter of saving the four kingdoms!” He hoped could convince, but yet they were running, the debris now growing larger, entire courtyards and tall pillars surviving here. It made it easier for the other to hide, to lose himself between in clear knowledge of where he was, Feliciano easily losing sight of him.

 No…no, he couldn’t loose a chance like this!

 He stopped, a realization and then a groan at understanding the idea he had. How he hated it…but if it meant he could get this person to stop…

 “Halt! I order you to stop and come to me in the name of the Queen of Hearts, Feliciano Valenti of Italy!” He shouted in strong command…just as Ludwig taught him.

 Feliciano heard a distant gasp, the footsteps stopped…and they started again, coming close, the figure shy in showing itself, slowly peeking from the crumble of a wall. It just wasn’t his eyes that were green…the top of his head was green…his skin, his light, even the hands that slowly came up to hold themselves, pulling him slightly more up to reveal how even his body was in the same color. With the brightness of his shoulder length sleek hair, Feliciano imagined that in his life it must have been blond. He wore a long flourishing blouse, with a vest rich in floral sewing even to his boots, and fine jewelry. Clubian…as if the mere color wasn’t proof enough to show his kingdom.

 “…your majesty…it’s you…it’s really you…” then he was confident enough to show himself completely, lithe, about Feliciano’s own height…he wasn’t resting…or producing light to offer to this realm…he was just as Feliciano that moment. “But you can’t be! If you’re here… then that must mean you’re-”

 “I won’t be.”

 Astounded eyes, riddled in question, already asking for the Queen to answer.

 “I’m not actually supposed to be dead. My body is currently in a pool in the Berlin castle being watched. I’m here to look for the power of the universal alignment. Once I get it, my mother will release me from a spell, and I can go back and do the job I was prophesied to do!” He rushed and panicked.

 The other looked perturbed and he shone on with more questions.

 “I don’t have any time to loose. Please, just tell me what you know and anything that can help me!”

 With the silence that came, Feliciano worried the man didn’t understand well the common language, but he was thinking, debating. “So…you’re not some spy trying to trick me?”

 “No, no, no! Why would there even be spies here?!”

 “Okay, yeah, maybe not spies, but there are some creepy stuff going on from time to time, I mean, just look at you!”

 Did he have some extra appendage? No, he looked down to himself and only saw his usual. He was to comment on it, but then comparing, he realized that he still kept his own colors. His hair was still brown, his skin maintained its bronze cream, his boots black, his pants and simple blouse shirt in white. The only difference was his silhouetted red glow, and still it did not fill him in completely.

 “From who I’ve met here, you’re only supposed to awaken once all your magic is drained in here.” His green outlook was the proof of all magic gone, the shell of a person’s spirit. “If you’re like this, then either your magic is still with you, which is just weird…or some other crazy crap I don’t know about,” he wailed his hands showing his frustration.

 “I don’t know either! The book didn’t mention something like this and after-” he realized something in what he just said. “Wait! From who you’ve met? You mean there are others!”

 “Oh yeah, tons! All of us who’ve woken up and are waiting for the second realm.”

 “Please, take me to them! They might know something.”

 “I doubt it. Most of them are as confused as I am. There’s really nothing out there helping or explaining anything to us. I came her actually trying to find someone who could or just someone who woke up and needs to calm down.”

 “Then please, take me to them! Perhaps together we can work something out,” he neared already providing a warm comfort, one that made the other smile, already accepting.

 “Well, come on then! We’re not too far, hopefully. We try to stay by recognizable stuff, so we won’t get lost.” He started a route that Feliciano happily followed behind. He didn’t know if this could actually lead to finding out something, but it was still very nice to just meet somebody else, talk and have company.

 “Feliks Łukasiewicz. From Clubs if that isn’t obvious enough. Province of Poland,” he introduced.

 “Feliciano Vale-”

 “Yes, yes, you already introduced yourself all haughty and mighty. Everyone knows who you are, and you will give everyone quite the surprise once they see you. Man, how cool is that, meeting the Queen of Hearts here and on some special mission. I wish I could tell Toris that.”

 It was a long walk, hours surely, much easier as they now had this debris around them to landmark. Feliks knew his way around, with ease, sometimes whistling or chatting on. Feliciano deeply appreciated it, even joining in song or talking of the lifestyle in the castle, something that Feliks constantly asked on.

 “Eight cooks!”

 “The main ones at least. Each one has around eight helpers.”  

 “And, like…do they make absolutely, everything you like?”

 “Everything!” Feliciano smiled, already missing it…back before the war, before bearing, when Ludwig…he shouldn’t let himself wallow like that, not when he found this sudden happiness here.

 “I bet you never had to go to the kitchen.”

 “Actually, I do love cooking and sometimes went there myself to make my own food. Many times, I’ve actually fed all who were in my table.”

 “Wow. If I had a team like that in my kitchen, you would never catch me there.”

 Feliciano chuckled, “there was a time, back in my year of arising, where all I wanted to do was stay there…at the time I was avoiding my King.” The miss, the lessening of his spirit, holding his hands to himself as control to not fall so deep in that misery. Feliks now had to keep his glance on him, worried and wondering. “…but later,” he smiled again, the sweet of the memory giving his cheeks a pinkish glow that made Feliks slightly jealous on Feliciano’s kept colors. “…he would bake me the sweetest cakes…. he would try to make them tall, all because he remembered how as a child he used to say he would one day make them reach the ceiling for me, and well, it was just fun.”

 Feliks didn’t know how to answer, brought into silence, only continuing his heading, that memory of the Queen bringing him to his own memories of the same nature. He sighed, “I guess I know the feeling. A…friend of mine lived pretty far from me, a good three-day coach ride further north. When we were young, we would only see each other once every three months and…we couldn’t stand being so long without the other. He did a short apprenticeship in Washington in Spades and when he came back, he brought this…contraption with him that could bring him way faster to me…only mere hours. I think it was called a…bicycle or whatever. Even if he did have something that made him come more often and quicker, it was still a hard route and many hours of peddling, but…he always came to see me no matter.” He didn’t need to blush in red, Feliciano could somehow see it glow on him with a beautiful green. It made him smile and ease, letting that moment one to appreciate sacrifices and devotions. He was to ask more on this man, but a diverse glow in the distance caught his attention. It was people…awake, moving, many of them, all shinning in different colors and huddled under the ruins of an old dome.

 “That’s them! Come!” Feliks rushed them those last steps.

 They weren’t paying attention to their approach, instead, they focused on the sleeping body of a young girl, a mere teenager, in her last descend down, slowly coming into their arms. Only her arm was left in her old colors, the rest of her now in blue. In one last small shock, the last of her magic was gone and she was completely drained. She fell into the arms of another young man, this one full in yellow. From what Feliciano could tell in his clothes, he was of the highest aristocracy in Diamonds.

 “Be sure to be careful,” one woman in blue told him and he nodded, being gentle as she opened her eyes, gave small groans, looking how she could, trying to make sense. Not recognizing anybody, not understanding where she was, she instantly drew into a panic, sitting up, breathing again harsh and hurting. The man began to soothe, rubbing a hand on her back, calm, something that the rest showed, beginning to give space. Feliks and Feliciano did well to remain in the back. Feliks had seen this happen enough times to know, while Feliciano took the time to see it for the first time and understand.

 “We wish you no harm, we only want to help. Please, tell us your name.”

 She refused to, shaking her head, untrusting.

 “I am Aaron Harbia of Diamonds. The province of Emirates. I am here because I got too close…too close to the furies of Khaos along with a large division of my men and women. I was wiped under him and now I’m here. Do you know where you are?”

 The girl’s breathing slowly relaxed, yet she fretted and shook as if she was attacked by a big cold. “I-I’m…I’m…Sam! Sam Kimura of Spades. The island of Anguila in the Oralee. I….I don’t know. Where…where am I?”

 “Do you not know?”

 She couldn’t recognize anything, nothing of what she had known or knew.

 “Darling,” the near blue woman came down, offering her comfort along Aaron’s, “you’re in the Interludes. You have begun a process of death…”

 She stilled…so hurt, lost more than ever even when the answer was given to her.

 “No…no…no, I can’t be!” She teared, having nothing to hold but to Aaron, taking a harsh grip of his jacket, the kind of force that would have torn if they were back in the living world. “My father would have found me…he wouldn’t have let me…he wouldn’t have let me alone…he didn’t know…he didn’t know…” she was wallowing now, in hardships that didn’t let her speak more. They all gave her that space, understanding well what she was going through.

 “Most of us awake just like this,” Feliks told Feliciano in the lowest whisper he could manage. “At least she has us now…most are not so lucky.”

 “You can tell us what happened. It might help,” a man in green neared.

 They waited until she calmed down, until her breathing eased enough to the point she could speak coherently. “My…my father was called to fight. He…wasn’t so good at fighting…only sailing as all Oralee should and should only do. My family…we begged him not to go, that it was all under control, that we were sure the Kings, Queens and Jacks could manage on their own. But as things got worst, as news of a second monster came, as messengers arrived begging for new people to go and fight…my father wanted to obey to some…sense of calling and pride that I still don’t get.” She whimpered that moment, lost again. More they waited for her voice to come back. “He left with that group…and I couldn’t take it…so I followed after him, dressed to look older…they were so desperate and worried that they didn’t give me a second glance to know if I was age appropriate or not. I followed him the entire time, across the sea, across Spades, I think…I think we reached Clubs when…I saw him…I saw him…” she trembled now in utter fear, those who were there understanding, the very reminder making them sweat and shake, the air becoming somber. “They planned to do a surrounding on two of his sides, with Gegen spells, then fire the Sloan cannons…we were part of the huddle. I tried to stay close to him…and I did…but…I’m not old enough to do Gegen spells, I couldn’t do it. I was trying so hard to do one that I didn’t notice his closeness…it wasn’t until part of my armor disintegrated that I saw the darkness that came, eating and tearing apart everything in its path. My father called for me…he saw me…I know he tried to come for me…but…all I remember after that is pain and darkness…and…now I’m here…” The telling of her story helped to relax her…to come into acceptance of where she was, the ease she was currently in and the comfort of these strangers that surrounded her.

 “I’m…so sorry this happened to you. If there is anything we can do, and it is within our reach, we’ll offer it,” the blue woman said.

 She thought of something, debating if the answer would be to her liking or hurt, “…my father…have you seen my father here? His name is Justo Kimura. We look very similar, but he has very long dreadlocks and a scare on his chin…he-he'll tell you it was from a fishing accident as a kid.”

 “I’m sorry, but we haven’t found anybody of that description yet,” Aaron told her.

 “If he is not here, then take joy that he is still alive and well,” a diamond woman told.

 “I…I really don’t think so. We were both under the same darkness.”

 “If he is here, it could be that he is still asleep,” a Heartian man guessed.

 “Not to worry, child. You will meet him, I’m sure of it. All who die must come here.”

 That was a realization that widened Feliciano and brightened his eyes. “Of course…why didn’t I think of it sooner? Ludwig…it means …Ludwig has to be here!” He smiled large and loud, turning and hoping to see him that instant. His loud proclamation could not be ignored, all taking a glance to the back wondering.

 Many gasped and fretted.

 “It’s the Heartian Queen!”

 “Wha-what?”

 “You-you-your majesty!”

 “No! No! You’re supposed to be in Berlin. You weren’t fighting in the war!”

 “Don’t worry! I’m not really dead! But Ludwig! Ludwig! I have to find him! I just have to!”

 “Wait! Wait! Your majesty!” A Spadian woman called and came near when Feliks couldn’t take a grasp of him.

 Feliciano halted, lost again, not knowing where to look, where to go…for a moment he forgot that he was here to look for something else…not his King. He realized how fretful he was being, especially after what the girl went through, embarrassed to show himself.

 “Sir, the King died many weeks ago,” the Spadian woman reminded, “…he shouldn’t be in the first realm anymore.”

 Like being taken away from him again, Feliciano gripping, hating how easily he could still tear up at his fault.

 “But…it is possible he could be in the second one,” Feliks came close and smiled up to him, a comforting hand on his shoulder, trying to pull him back, to their company…what he wanted…help and the presence of others.

 Feliciano gave him a grin, taking a deep sigh, telling himself to be patient…and focus on what he came here to do. He turned to the rest, showing himself…the others transfixed at how he kept his own colors, shinning unique and truly queenly. Even Sam, in her curiosity and wonder, managed footing again, standing and joining the rest in their impression.

 Feliciano came back, nervous and unsteady, but trying out a smile that was offering. “I apologize. It was very rude of me to cut in like that.”

 “You are desperate to find someone you love…especially after you thought you’d never see them again…” Sam said, shy…she had never been before the presence of royalty. “I understand…and I guess, we should all help each other to achieve that.”

 “That’s a plan I’ll gladly be a part of.”

 “First of all, your majesty, I would love to understand what you’re doing here. You mentioned you’re not really dead. What is going on?” Aaron could stand again, his direction towards him like the rest.

 “I…I don’t know what you were informed, but I was unable to get the power of the universal alignment. Ludwig was really worried about me…especially after finding out I was bearing…” He liked that he didn’t have them so obvious here, people’s gazes wouldn’t go so quickly to them, they could pay attention to him and what he had to say. “He trapped me at the bottom of the castle without any reach to the outside so I wouldn’t dare go back to the war and risk myself. But…afterwards, we…found a way to get it again…and it involved coming here to the Interludes.”

 “So…you killed yourself to get it?” The Spadian woman questioned.

 “Well…yeah, kind of, but, it was carefully planned in the suggested way. My body right now is being held under a spell in a place I can come back to once I get it. And when I do…I can face Khaos and Destro and put an end to all of this.”

 Silence as they all gazed between themselves, taking the time to understand and realize.

 “What do you need now?” Another Heartian woman came forward, ready to act and do what was needed.

 “Information. What do you know of here? How is the second realm reached? The books mentioned that the arsenal of power is in a deep connection between the first and fourth realm. What does it mean?”

 And they all thought and gathered in their minds all they have recently found out.

 “Out of all of us, I have been the longest here.” Aaron offered himself, coming forward to answer. “As I’ve learned of my time here, when you arrive, you are in this deep sleep while your magic is drained. As soon as it’s done, you awaken in the state we are in and linger still in the first realm. I assume I’ve been here about five days. I did meet this lady from the White Kingdom…from those who had been fighting. She was the one who found me and helped me to calm down. After she reached about a week here…she suddenly…” They all came close, eager. “It was like she got frozen…her eyes were covered in light. I tried to speak to her, anything to get her off it, but she stayed…then the next moment, she had her arms spread open and she was swallowed down into the water.” He pointed to the very ground they stood on, all fearful as if it was ready engulf them that instant. “I haven’t seen her since.”

 “It has to be…” One spadian woman worded what all had begun to make certain.

 “But we can’t be sure…until it happens to us,” Feliks reminded that they were still intended to head on that very same faith.

 “Anything else?” Feliciano hoped for. “Anybody else out of the ordinary…anything…that explained to you more of what’s in here…Angels…even an Ace...”

 By the emptiness, Feliciano could already tell there was no such answer.

 “It has only been us…” she then looked around…the ruins, some bodies floating by, yet the darkness, “…and this,” the Diamond woman replied, bringing dread to Feliciano, already feeling like he was back at the beginning, lost in nothing and alone.

 “It will happen to all of us though…the second realm…perhaps there you can find the answers you need…” Sam tried to alight him, and although it raised his eyes and a smile…it was not closer to what he needed.

[nightowlfandom]

The King’s Pet Princess- Royal! BTS x Reader Series Part 5- Yoongi 1

REQUESTS FROM PROMPT LIST- RIGHT HERE!

READ PART ONE | READ PART 2 (NAMJOON) | READ PART 3 (JUNGKOOK) | READ PART 4 (HOSEOK)

Since no one had a name for Y/N’s pet lion....I guess I’ll have to choose and shame on you.....

We’re gonna name the lion Carmen. Gotta problem? Good.

LEGGO! (i’M NOT GETTING RID OF THE LEGGO IT’S STAYING FOREVERRRRRR)

WARNING! There will be certain themes in this...uhhh read at your own risk. This is for you guys who like getting treated like pure trash...I don’t know just read.

Leggo!

...

“Have you been up all night?” Rina stormed into the library where you were hiding. 

“I’m focusing. I’m trying to keep myself busy.” you waved her off, only to have whatever book you were trapped behind taken away from you.

“You are tired, I can see it.” she sighed. “Bed. Now.” she pointed out the door. 

“I’ll be fine.” you yawned.

“Bed!��� she huffed. “You can finish what you were doing in the morning!”

“Okay okay!.” you stumbled to your feet and made haste for your room. 

You were so tired, but you had spent all day looking for books on how to take care of Carmen (please refer to part 4 for insight). How else were you gonna deal with a pregnant lion. Geez, this was just one big mess.

You stumbled, almost hitting the door. 

“Ouch.” you said flatly, even though you weren’t in any real pain. You didn’t even bother to turn on the light, you just walked straight for the bed. It was along more sturdy than you remember and the sheets felt and looked different. Either it was the dark playing games with you or Rina changed your bed sheets. 

You plopped on the bed, letting out a long sigh. You didn’t bother to change out of your day clothes. Yes, skirts were way too uncomfortable to sleep in, but you didn’t really care. At least not that this point. Why was this so difficult. Juggling between getting prepared to be a queen to a miserable kingdom it seems like worrying about your pets, you haven’t even heard from your family back home.

“I don’t know if I can do this.” You mumbled aloud. “I’ve never done anything like this before.” you groaned. “Of course I really should naturally know how to do such a thing. “you mused. “...but how can you tame that beast telling you that you’re going crazy and just take the plunge and do what you need to do for the sake of not going completely insane.”

Poor thing, she was suffering. She would be giving birth soon and you weren’t ready! You weren’t sure. You were human and Carmen was...well a giant 400+ pound lion. There was a tad bit of a difference.

You stared at the ceiling only to notice something was off. You sat up in bed as stared at the dimly lit fireplace which was just beginning to go out. The rug wasn’t the same color it was in your room. Instead of flowy ivory curtains in your room, you saw velvety black curtains. You also took the time to notice the white grand piano. You looked up, even the canopy bed looked diff-

Fuck...this wasn’t your room

“Hm...Pray tell...what beast are you exactly trying to tame.” you heard from behind you. You slowly turned your head to see Yoongi glaring at you. “Hm, finally decided to pay me a visit.” You felt his fingers trail up your spine. “About time.”

“Yoongi! I uh-HMM!” You tried to protest as Yoongi slapped his hand over your mouth. You could only hear your own muffle screams. You were suddenly pinned down onto your back. Yoongi’s hand was still over your mouth. He hovered over your body, a smirk painting on his lips. Him dark eyes bore into yours, setting a fire straight to your mind...or core..whichever made you look less helpless.

“You make it really hard to not do something to you.” he chuckled in your ear. “Unlike my other comrades....I don’t hesitate when it comes to striking my prey.” he spoke, right in your ear. His hand, still over your mouth. “Instead, had I gotten my hands on your first, the other boys wouldn’t even be able to recognize you. Imagine being marked and scratched to your heart’s content...how exciting.”

Thrashing wouldn’t do much, he was way stronger than you. 

“I’ve been waiting for time to strike.” he chuckled, trailing his fingers under your skirt. “You’ve just opened yourself up to me. ”

“Hmm.” your leg trembled as you felt his knuckles brush against your clothed heat. 

“I’m not about that teasing shit.” he huffed. “In fact, teasing pisses me off...oh I’m sorry, were you trying to speak?”

You quickly nodded, which prompted him to slowly removing his hand from your mouth. “I didn’t mean to come in h-here.” 

Yoongi didn’t cease his movement, pressing his thumb against your clit. In fact, it chided him to carry on even more.

“Hm....don’t lie to me. You should know the route to get to your room well enough by know.” he chuckled.

“I got really sleepy....I-” you trembled. “Fu-” Your legs trembled beneath his touch.

“You’re foolish. I’m a man Y/N....Do you know what that means?” she cocked an eyebrow. “It means I’m hungry.” he growled. “And since I finally have you all to myself...I’m gonna rip you apart.”

“Rip me apart!?!” you squeaked. “What do you-” 

Yoongi watched with a smug grin on his face as you sat up and scrambled to your feet. He partially expected that to happen, it only made him chuckle. Like he said, he was hungry and he finally had his turn to go after his prey.

“Now now...don’t run away from me, pet.” you froze in place. “....Hm..Come here.”

Hearing those words made you freeze. He sounded so authoritative. 

“That’s right...come to me. Bring that pretty ass over here.”

You didn’t even notice your feet had started to move. You instantly stopped in your tracks. 

“Alright...why don’t I come to you.” Yoongi threw the covered off and stormed up to you, pushing you against the nearest wall. “See what happens when a slave doesn’t listen to her king?” 

He grabbed your leg and hooked it around his hip, all while pinning your arms above your head. “Now...let’s play together, pet.”

... (Time Skip)

“NO!” You ran away from Rina. “I REFUSE!”

“Breakfast is ready! If you aren’t at that table in the next ten seconds, then they’re gonna question ME!” she pulled your hand. “Why are you so afraid all of a sudden.”

You didn’t want to face Yoongi. If you were being honest, he scared you the most. 

“No reason?” you squeaked. You didn’t want them to blame Rina for your antics. “Let’s just...get this over with.” you grumbled, following her into into the dining hall. You were almost certain you weren’t ready to face them...or him.

Rina practically pushed you into the seat, the only open seat, which was away from the exit...which just so happened to be right next to Yoongi. She gave you a weird look. You didn’t blame her, she really didn’t know about the incident.

“It’s about time you showed up. How bad did it get last night?”

“What?” you looked up in horror at Namjoon’s words. “I beg your pardon!?!”

Was he insinuating what you thought he was insinuating?!?!

“With your pet?...Pregnant Lion? Almost half a ton giant animal?”

“Oh....”you crossed your arms. “She’s fine.”

From the corner of your eye you could see Yoongi who was casually eating. He was acting as if nothing happened! You could only stare at your food, you didn’t dare look up or join in whatever useless conversation the other men were having. 

“You seem off today, Y/N....I hope all is well.” Yoongi got your attention.

“...I’m fine.” you clutched the fork in your hand.

“Are you sure....I wouldn’t want you to be...troubled..”

You felt his hand on your thigh, which made you freeze. “If anything is wrong, my schedule is free today.”

You could feel his fingers inch closer and closer. His digits scratching against your clothed heat.

“I’ll be fine!” you instantly jumped to your feet. “Well I can’t keep Carmen waiting, you know...pregnancy...and stuff...” you didn’t say another word before you bolted for the animal stables.

....

Well, Carmen was doing just fine. Her due date was approaching but you were positive one more visit to the library would have you all set, so that’s exactly where you went.

“Come on.” you sighed. “I gotta get Billy out here and soon!”

Billy was your other lion, Carmen’s lion mate or whatever it was called. You were hoping to convince them to let you bring him, poor thing was probably so confused and sad when he saw Carmen on the carriage.

“Hm...” you mused, walking back to the book shelf. “What if I-”

Suddenly you felt something cover your eyes and tighten at the back of your head. “Hey!!” you began thrashing, but your captor had grabbed your wrist before you could move. 

“Easy now-” you heard Yoongi snarl in your ear. “You make too much noise and we might get caught.”

“W-what do you want now?!” you tried your best to move. “Are you tying my hands behind my back!??! Hey! Stop that!”

“Since you walked out on me so rudely, yesterday, you’ll have to make up for it.” you felt your bindings get tighter and tighter.

“Make up for-....” you repeated. You felt his breath brush over the back of your neck. “Is this because-”

“You so rudely left me without so much as a goodbye...you must have been really caught off guard.” he chuckled. “You’re free to try to leave...but you can’t leave.” he cooed like he was talking to a baby. “Because you can’t even see.” he chuckled.

“Y-yoongi, listen. I know you’re very hands-on.....”

“I didn’t get a chance to have a taste of you yet, Y/N.....That isn’t fair.” you could hear the fake pout in his voice. You felt his fingers trail down your stomach. Yoongi kissed down your neck, trailing his soft lips up your flesh. 

“....I said I went into the wrong room.” you shook in your shoes.

“...Hm....Sure you did, Y/N.” he sighed. “Just be a good girl and do what your king tells you to.” he grabbed the fabric of your skirt, hiking it up. His fingers creeped under your clothes, trailing down your warm skin. 

“Hey! That’s not even fair.” your voice wavered.

“Since when did a king ever play fair?”

....

[cyberramblings]

Kingdom Hearts BBS, DDD Blind Thoughts

Spoilers for Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep and earlier titles in the series. Also warning that I have insomnia and these are utter ramblings on the last 24 hours of blindly binging the Kingdom Hearts series as a total newcomer to the series. Haven’t played three yet and just started Dream Drop Distance. With that warning.....

Birth by Sleep was a ton of fun. We ended up needing to grind a little to make Aqua playable, but that ended up forcing me to learn the game mechanics much deeper, and even my friends leveled up their playing of the game! It was really cool to unlock some of the high tier spells like Triple Firaga and Thundaga Shot, although I do wish we had gotten to chance to unlock even more. I should remember how much more fun the game was after some internet research.

It was very satisfying to unlock the true ending so easily. We had only missed 2 of the 12 required Xehanort Reports. The 2 we needed involved grinding the arena for maybe an hour total and then 5 minutes of finding a treasure chest. We were then able to roll smoothly from Aqua’s finish into the final episode.

Aqua’s fight against Braig was laughable easy, but the final fight against Vanitas/Ventus was slightly tougher. The real challenge was fighting Terra/Xehanort but then the REAL challenge was phase 2 of that fight. I got them all on the first try! It was a really enjoyable flex of my gaming skills in front of the friends.

From a story standpoint, Birth By Sleep had my favorite story of any KH game so far, by a huge margin. I liked certain elements of the KH2 ending (Riku and Sora teaming up, Kairi’s keyblade) but BBS has been the only game where I had any sense of purpose or desire to see how it ends. They did a great job of having each of the 3 routes reveal new information even if played out of order (Xehanort taking over Terra, Vanitas having Sora’s face, Aqua taking care of comatose Ventus).

Obviously it helps to have Leonard Nimoy and Mark Hamill join the cast, plus Aqua’s VA absolutely dominates every scene she’s in. Terra’s VA reminds me a lot of Leon’s monotone edgy boy voice acting (David Boreanaz or otherwise). Of course Ventus shares a VA with Roxas, but the twist of Vanitas being Haley Joel Osmont is really great because he sounds so much older. I think it would have been easier to predict that twist if I had recently heard more of HJO’s Sora voice in Dream Drop Distance or KH3.

Aqua is, of course, the great standout character from BBS. From the start, we got attached to her because of her known prevalence in KH3 on top of her cool design, Arrow voice actress, and the fact that we could finally play a girl (plus one with more human proportions than Kairi). It worked out really well how we saved her for last and had to kind of unlock the secrets of her play style by finally mastering the various gameplay systems.

I much prefer the command deck system compared to the gameplay of KH2. To be fair, these are the only two KH games I’ve beaten. I’ve only barely touched KH1 and Chain of Memories. I felt like BBS did a good job of fusing the action gameplay of KH2 with the (potentially) satisfying deck building of CoM.

Re: Coded is a fucking mess. I might actually go back and play it on a DS emulator just to see the gameplay, but god damn the story is a flimsy excuse for a retread. I almost wish we had skipped it entirely, but just watching the opening and ending worked out pretty well. In the end, it’s literally just “Mickey is gonna give Sora the memories of all the other protagonists” which is badass but probably going to be mentioned again before being relevant. I will say that the ending with Riku and Sora being summoned by Yen Sid for the mark of mastery test is fucking badass and elicited quite the reaction from all three of us. The series is finally starting to have that feeling of “the stakes are high and I want to see what happens with these characters”.

This was expressed most fully in the intro to Dream Drop Distance. Step 1: invoke Disney Magic with a silhouette of magician Mickey. Step 2: Orchestral Simple and Clean. Step 3: use entirely new cinematic footage instead of splicing together an AMB. Step 4: show every keyblade wielder standing side by side. Apparently that’s enough to make me actually cry. We all got very excited by this intro, so it was a bit of a let down to start the game and be seemingly replaying KH1 again.

Of course that’s not the whole game, but I’m still not sure what the whole game is. Riku and Sora have to...wake the seven sleeping worlds to earn their mark of mastery? Are they dreaming all of this, or what? Seeing The World Ends With You was cute for like a second before realizing that I know almost nothing about it. Flowmotion is similarly kinda neat at first but quickly becomes annoying, but maybe it will grow on me with time.

Speaking of fun at first but quickly annoying: Dream Eaters. The Pokémon-esque system seems like a time waster that’s perfect for 3DS but maybe not so much for our tourist play through. The Dream Eater designs are cute when they’re on your team, but strike me as a bit annoying when fighting the same ones over and over. Heartless and Nobodies felt more generic, but that made them feel a little less repetitive to fight over and over. I see the same god damn rainbow colored Panda every god damn fight. To be fair, I think each world randomly contains certain types of Dream Eaters every time you visit it.

Speaking of Worlds, I’m not really looking forward to Hunchback of Notre Dame or Pinocchio world, but at least they’re new worlds instead of retreading Halloween Town, Agrabah, Olympus, Neverland for the millionth time. What I am looking forward to is The Grid from Tron Legacy! I don’t think we’ve seen any Disney world that specifically spotlight a sequel to a Disney world we’ve already seen. We revisit Halloween Town, Agrabah, Beast’s Castle, Olympus, Atlantica but only for some minor follow-up fluff. The Tron world in KH2 meant a lot to me having just seen the film. The Lightcycle combat could’ve been a little more true to the original, but the visuals were so faithful plus having Tron’s actual actor was so fucking cool. Sora and gang getting Tron outfits was so cool too. Also would’ve liked to have a disc fight, but the Sark/MCP fight was spot on. Hopefully we can get both of more in DDD!

It’s a perfect excuse to revisit The Grid since Legacy looks so different from the original. Now, The Grid is not a true world in KH2 but instead part of Hollow Bastion’s computer system. I’m curious if The Grid in DDD is a sleeping world or something that exists within another world, or if it is somehow connected to the KH2 Tron world (which would get real weird real quick if that version of the Grid is a copy of the original, but Legacy is supposed to be set in The Grid 30 years later).

Oh, I like that DDD has the command deck system but I don’t like the pets, I don’t like the link system, I don’t like reality shift, and I don’t like flowmotion. It just seems like BBS with all the RPG features crammed into the pet system with a bunch of gimmick infused into the combat system. Admittedly, gimmick is one of the biggest strengths of the KH franchise, but flowmotion just seems silly. Perhaps I’ll like it more when I get used to it and potentially get to customize the moves.

I’m not sure yet how I feel about the drop system, but I do like getting to play as Riku. I think multiple protagonists is a smart way to stretch the assets and tell 2 stories per world. I rather enjoyed the way Aqua, Terra, and Ventus interacted with some of the Disney worlds. Hopefully we get something similar in some of these worlds.

The dive mini game is definitely gimmicky nonsense clearly designed for the 3DS. In general though, all the games in these collections look great and feel great. I suppose that is why Days, Coded, and Back Cover are cutscenes: to keep the average quality of gameplay roughly somewhere in between KH1 and 2 between all the titles. In fact, I think KH1 is easily the worst feeling out of all the ones thus far. I’ve always complained about KH hopping between systems, but now I can’t really complain about that anymore. My complaint still stands about the games being overly complicated. Plus, the games are clearly taking themselves way too seriously, but that’s very clearly part of the charm.

Really, I suppose the games aren’t that complicated if you heavily condense Chain of Memories, cut out Coded, and try not to think too hard about the phone games. Then it just becomes: Sora defeats the heartless, Sora defeats the nobodies, Roxas backstory, Aqua/Terra/Ventus, training/prep montage, then KH3. Oh, and try to forget that somehow the upcoming rhythm game is canon.

[nyctospoilers]

The Power of Waking and how I believe it affects Sora, Young Xehanort, Luxu, the Master of Masters and destiny.

So I was GOING to say all this in an answer to an ask. But I decided to post it as it’s own so that I can cover more topics then the question itself. And then, I’ll go back to questions in my inbox and answer them with reference to this post.

—————————–—————————–

Sora and the Power of Waking

Before I say anything, I want to list off the rules of time travel stated by Young Xehanort in Dream Drop Distance

First, you must leave your body behind to do it.

Then, there must be a version of you waiting at the destination.

Upon arrival, you can only move forward as per the laws of time.

And you cannot rewrite the events that are destined to happen.

The Power of Waking has let Sora reverse time and change events that were fated to happen. This goes directly against the fourth rule. Young Xehanort has always been able to travel with his body intact, and that goes against the second rule. So how are these laws, these restrictions, able to be broken? I believe that the Power of Waking is a power that allows you to break the restrictions of time travel, and it is a power that Young Xehanort has used (or still uses) himself (and possibly forgets about when he returns to his own time to grow into Master Xehanort, as MX never mentions it once ever). Let’s see word for word how Young Xehanort describes the Power of Waking after Sora fights the Lich:

“It’s for traversing hearts to reach worlds, not for traversing worlds to reach hearts.”

Something we need to ask ourselves is- how does YX know this? Even Yen Sid describes the Power of Waking as simply that- the power to awaken people’s hearts. But YX clearly knows more about how it works and how it can affect other things.

Let’s take a look at each technique. “Traversing worlds to each hearts” is what Sora had just done before this conversation. He traverses the Stations of Awakening of worlds to reach his friends’ hearts and recovers them. That in turn, saves them from the destiny of “light expiring” like the prophecy states. I think it’s important to note that the worlds he arrives in may not actually be those worlds though, but rather something similar to say, the world revisits in The End of the World in KH1. I’ll expand more about KH1 in the next paragraph.

Now let’s take a took at “Traversing hearts to reach worlds”. In my opinion, this is like Sora opening a portal in Master Xehanort to reach Scala ad Caelum. But I don’t think that was actual Scala ad Caelum, but rather a memory or dream of it. Similar to Riku opening a portal in Sora to reach his memory/dream of Destiny Islands. [[ And I also think this is similar to another instance of KH1: Sora having a flashback to Kairi in Hollow Bastion with her grandmother. I recognized instantly from KH3 the Sora gliding through the star field sort of thing. I said “Hey this is like when he see’s Kairi’s memory in KH1!” and sure enough, later he does it and once again is joined by Kairi herself. My point here is, these two scenes of Sora gliding through that space in KH3, I believe is Nomura trying to hint at us that Sora traversed through Kairi’s heart to reach her memory/dream of Hollow Bastion in KH1. In other words, Sora’s been able to use the Power of Awakening since KH1 ]]

—————————–—————————–

The Master of Masters and Destiny

Before I said that the Power of Waking has let Sora change events that were fated to happen. Sora changed destiny, and supposedly there were repercussions to that. But why? Let’s look at what Kingdom Hearts defines destiny as. One of the best examples is Xehanort during his final speech in KH3:

“The World needs someone to stand up and lead. Someone strong, to stop the weak from polluting the World with their endless darkness. Someone to dictate their destiny.”

This connects to Xehanort’s past revelations in his reports:

Xehanort’s Report IV excerpt: And when Kingdom Hearts is complete, it is said the one who opens its door will bring about the creation of the Next World. Such a feat is above any human. Or, to put it a different way: whoever opens that door will be reborn as something far greater than human.

Xehanort’s Report VI excerpt: And, as stated before, opening this door arguably gives that person control over all worlds and all people.

Xehanort’s statements say that the person who opens Kingdom Hearts will give them supernatural powers, allowing them to oversee the World and it’s destiny.

Now tell me, who does that sound like to you?

I could be wrong, but at the moment I believe that long ago, the Master of Masters was the last person to open Kingdom Hearts, and since then has overseen destiny. This is backed up by various lines of KHX, Ava asking Luxu if this was all the Master’s “intentions” the whole time. In Luxu’s Observation excerpts, asking “Are these new events just another phase in the Master’s grand plan?”

Taking this into account, Sora defying destiny and changing it is seen differently. Sora isn’t defying some insentient force. Sora is defying a person- a person with a plan that they desire to come to fruition.

And I think that is the repercussion. I believe, that Sora won’t just fade away because it’s the law of the universe that if you disobey destiny too many times you’ll be punished. I think that when the MoM returns, he himself will punish Sora for defying his will. That is what Young Xehanort is playfully warning him about.

—————————–—————————–

Young Xehanort and Luxu

So what about Young Xehanort? He’s able to time travel with his body. He knows about the potential of the Power of Waking, and he warns Sora about repercussions [not to help Sora, but more to amuse himself], and not at all worried about himself.

I think Young Xehanort is purposely following the Master’s destiny rather than defying it like Sora. I think somehow, Young Xehanort has a piece of vital information that he forgets when he returns to his time. So there is something that Young Xehanort knows, that Master Xehanort does not. And I believe it is Luxu who tells him, possibly during the time that YX traveled with him during DDD.

I think for this, it’s good to refer back to Luxu’s Observation excerpts form KH3:

Observations excerpt 2 “Somewhere in this cyclical history of bequeathings, a chosen one will appear and reenact the Keyblade War. When this scapegoat arrives and takes my Keyblade in hand, that will be the time to take the stage and finish my role.”

Observations’s third excerpt is interesting to me, as it seems to be written at different points of time. Here is the entire excerpt. I will bold important words.

Observations excerpt 3 It seems this body, this name will be my last. The lives I have lived over the ages could fill volumes, but for now I must focus on what matters most.     The Keyblade has been successfully passed down, generation to generation, and it seems a Keyblade Master devoted to the darkness may finally arise. Until now, I have watched over the course of events from a distance. Perhaps the time has come to intervene. I need only play the role of a fool desirous of the Keyblade’s power. I will don the mask of his ally in order to keep watch over my Keyblade from close by.      The Gazing Eye: a Keyblade forged from the eye of the Master of Masters. He passed it to me, as I have to others, and through it he can see the future – all that will ever come to pass. Spanning the ages in body after body, life after life, my task has been to keep vigil over the Eye as it passes from hand to hand. It has been a long time. Longer than I can express.     But now at last the Keyblade War has begun, and Kingdom Hearts will open – a true and complete Kingdom Hearts, born of the clash between darkness and light. I will soon be reunited with my old companions, and in that moment my long vigil will reach its end. He will return…

Excerpt 3 starts off sounding like it’s written during BbS, when Braig meets Xehanort. But then it says the Keyblade War HAS begun. Perhaps Braig is only referring to when Terra, Ven, and Aqua are fighting in BbS’s ending. But I think Luxu knows better, I think he knows it’s the next battle at the Keyblade War that reunites him with his old companions.

I think this Observation was written around the time of Re:Coded’s secret ending, titled ‘Destiny’. That cutscene takes place during DDD, before Lea and the others wake up as somebodies again. However, the Braig we see is his BbS appearance, not his DDD appearance as Xigbar. So we know this Braig time traveled, and being accompanied by Young Xehanort, we can assume they traveled together (notice neither had to give up their hearts). I believe that is why Young Xehanort appears in Birth by Sleep as the Mysterious Figure, to visit Luxu during the time of BbS. And it is AFTER Young Xehanort’s visit in BbS is when ‘Destiny’ takes place.

Why do I say after and not before? Because in BbS Young Xehanort does not use a keyblade (We are given a keyblade when beating him, but it is noticeably different). In ‘Destiny’ Young Xehanort says him having MoM’s No Name is yet to be a reality. BUT, Young Xehanort DOES have a keyblade in DDD, which, like I said, takes place soon after ‘Destiny’. And not only that, his keyblade (notably also named No Name) in DDD is the one we recieve from him in BbS- but now has decorations similar to that of the MoM’s No Name- a goat head and the gazing eye. After ‘Destiny’ Luxu (as BbS Braig, not DDD Xigbar) gives Young Xehanort that keyblade.

THAT is when Luxu writes Observation 3. “Keyblade Master devoted to the darkness may finally arise.” Refers to Young Xehanort, even if he’s in modern times. “I need only play the role of a fool desirous of the Keyblade’s power.” Refers to the way he behaves in ‘Destiny’ and in BbS when he returns. And “But now at last the Keyblade War has begun” refers to the situation of all 12 darkness being assembled (think back to his line in Destiny when he says “The party’s already begun, huh?”).

This is what leads me to believe that whatever Young Xehanort learns that Master Xehanort does not, he was taught to it by Luxu. And what was Young Xehanort taught? We see in KH3 he now knows about the Power of Waking, he continuously teases Sora about his dark fate. I believe Luxu tells Young Xehanort about The Master of Masters and the role he gave him. Even if Luxu returns back to the time of BbS, YX remains with this new information until Sora defeats him near the end of KH3.

We MUST remember this however: Young Xehanort was still able to time travel to BbS in the first place as the mysterious figure. Which means there is an event during the times of Young Xehanort and Young Eraqus at Scala ad Caelum that sets all these events in motion, as Ansem the Seeker of Darkness did not make it so YX could time travel like fan speculation suggests. I believe all Ansem did was give YX the opportunity to cross worlds, leaving Destiny Islands and arrive in Scala ad Caelum.

We must also remember that Xigbar (not BbS Braig) says in DDD that he is already half Xehanort, with an emphasis on his golden eye. We never completely defeated Xigbar in KH3, and he still has his golden eye in KH3′s epilogue. So, Young Xehanort could very well be able to travel forward past KH3. If we find out that he for sure does, it will explain why YX knows so much about Sora’s tragic fate that he warns him about many times in KH3.

—————————–—————————–

The conclusion 

I practically spent all day writing this post. I understand that the Young Xehanort/Luxu part is by far the longest, and for that I apologize. I wrote the other two sections a couple times before in drafts (now deleted) so I already had a better idea on how to condense all that important information. I was realizing things about YX and Luxu while writing this, and that’s why those details seem much longer.

I have a headache now so I’m not really in the mood to properly close this off, I hope you’ll forgive me :’) but now, i WILL answer other asks about this. So if you want more, look at my tag #analysis 

[hearts-lover]

Never Forget about Canons (KH Discussion)

Disclaimer: The first thing that I wanna say, even though that I am a Sokai fan, I do not hates Soriku fans, I do not dislike anyone who supports the pairing, and if you like this ship, then go for it, don’t let anyone else tells you otherwise. That being said, in this discussion I’ll be speaking the truth and nothing but truth, and I know that the truth can be an issue on the shipping fanbase, so if you can’t handle the truth, then Tumblr is not for you. Also, this post will be a reply of a fan of KH and a fan of Soriku, now I won’t be posting a link to the original post or mention the one who made it because I don’t want anyone to attack them. And if the user who made the post read this post, lemme just say that I do not hates you for shipping soriku, I’m making this post because you posted some.... weird discussion that I would like to discuss. I also need to say that this post is my opinion, and my thoughts, so you have the right to ignore it if you want too. Or don’t, you know this is a free website. I also need to mention that I know that there is some Soriku fan that doesn’t think the same way as the user I will respond and that Awesome! This is just going to the people who think similar to the user. But no hates though! With that over with, lemme give you a long story short; I was surfing the Tag Kingdom hearts 3 and found a post regarding Soriku, and even though I don’t ship them, I do like reading people finding more ideas and headcanon about them. But the one that I’ll be talking about is a bit...Biased. one thing before I get started, I need to mention that the original post has like 3 short paragraph, and I will be talking about one paragraph at the time, so this is my time doing this, so bare with me. with that out of the way, let's do this;

oof, what a great start. Alright, first thing first, the paopu fruit; Now the user stated that Kairi didn’t eat the Paopu fruit when she and Sora shared the fruit, everyone has seen that happen, and say that Kairi wanted Sora to keep following her, but doesn’t want him to be together forever with her. Now, this is a weird thing, while that it is true that Kairi did not eat her paopu fruit, that I know for sure;

But, isn’t it a bit weird that before that, Kairi made sure to give Sora the paopu fruit?

that’s like saying that I asked someone to marry me, but have like 3-4 girls warp around my arm, it just seems kinda pointless. Plus, even if both Kairi and Sora didn’t eat their fruit, we already know their answer before Kh3, Before Kh2, and maybe even before Chain of memories. In Kh1, after Riku explains the Lore of the fruit, he asks Sora for a race, at first it was a race of who ship names they gonna use, but Riku change the bet into “whoever wins get to share the fruit with Kairi” where the day before the race, he explains that whoever shares the fruit will be intertwined forever. And even if Sora wins or lose, if Sora goes to find the last mushroom (which is it in Secret cave), what was the first thing that Sora did?

He literally sat down and draw him giving Kairi a Star And at the end of KH1 when Kairi went to the secret cave to see all of the past drawings, she found what Sora had added, and what did she did in return?

Not only the fact that Kairi sat down and gave her answer to Sora, but she gave him a bigger star too. Plus, are we gonna ignore the fact that despite Kairi didn’t eat her fruit, Sora actually DID take a bite? meaning that he wants her and him to be together? Moving that aside, The user also stated that the reason why Kairi didn’t bite her fruit because she doesn’t want to be intertwined with Sora, where if that the case, why did she give Sora the fruit regardless? To find out if Sora still willingly want to be together with her? and even if Kairi and Sora never did that scene, you have to realize that both of them realize that they want to share the fruit when they added them feeding stars to each other. And even if that isn’t the case;

Maybe she, I don’t know, STOP acting like she like sora if that the case? The user then says that Kairi wants to be Sora guidance and have a theory that Kairi is a Chirithy (aw shit, here we go again) Okay, first thing first, we need to what is a Chirithy What we know so far, we know that Chirithy is a death eater, and thus its should have a dream eater symbol on its back;

we also know if we listen to the Masters of Master;

meaning if the player died, their Chirithy died, and if the player became nothing but darkness, same goes with their Chirithy. And thanks to Kingdom hearts DDD, we also know that when Riku became the first Dream eater, the Dream eater symbol will appear behind his back, regardless if he has clothes or not;

So, let’s take a look of Kairi; Does she have any Dream eater symbol behind her back?

Nope When Sora disappear, did Kairi also disappear?

Nope. Did Kairi turn into a nightmare when Sora turns into a heartless?

Of course not, and even if Sora didn’t turn into a Heartless when Kairi didn’t have her heart, the darkness couldn’t take her body because she is the princess of heart. Meaning that it literally impossible for Kairi to be a Chirithy. Also, Chirithy is a Spirits too, while we know that Kairi is human because I don’t think Spirits even have a heart. One paragraph down, 2 more to go;

oh great this one. okay, so many fans realize that the whole “Protect those whose matter” was the Promise that Riku made when he first met Terra in the event of Birth by sleep;

Now despite the fact that Riku is like 5 years old in this scene, noticed how he said: “Friends” and the fact that the end had the “s” meaning that Riku wants to protect other people than just Sora. Plus the way Riku expressed himself about Kairi in KH1;

Even though that Riku was most likely being controlled by the darkness, When Asnem took over Riku body, a few of Riku light was able to hold Ansem long enough for Kairi, Donald and Goofy to run away, its prove that Riku still have his light, despite being consumed by the darkness, he should be aware what he been saying to Sora before he begins to control darkness on his own. And I’m sorry if I act rude when I say this, but who cares about that quote? I can literally use that quote and use that to anyone else beside Riku? As if this is the only thing that can help support Soriku For example; Remember in KH1, Maleficent told sora that because he got new friends, he doesn’t care about Riku or Kairi, and in Neverland when Maleficent give Riku the power to control the darkness, Riku didn’t use it to create new friend, instead, he creates his own Sora;

After that scene, we get to see Dark-Sora in action, but before we get to fight him as a boss, whenever you face other heartless and leave him alone, Dark-Sora seem... silly, Dancing in the middle of battle, Laugh when you get hurt, I don’t think that he even hurt you until you face him as a boss. I think because of that, Riku wants Sora to be silly, basically, act like a joker while a Real hero (aka him) to save Kairi, but when thing get serious, he then summons dark-Sora to finally hurt Sora, but the fact that he creates his own sora and made it act like how he thinks about Sora is supposed to act, A fool. Even before the final battle, when Riku reach near to Kingdom hearts and ended up talking to Mickey, when he asks mickey where is sora and Kairi, mickey just told him to listen to his heart, and who was the first one he finds?

Yup, Sora, and even KH1 isn’t the only one that has Soriku moments Remember in the event of Days, when Riku fought Roxas, he didn’t have enough power to knock out Roxas, so he chooses to use Ansem SOD power, not only to stun Roxas, but also to bring back Sora despite he may always look like Ansem for the rest of his life, but he risk it for the sake of Sora. and, my favorite one is in KH2 when you have 2nd visits to the Land of Dragons After you finished facing a horde of heartless and a black hooded person, that person ran away, and what did Sora say after that?

and since Sora and Riku have been sparring since they were a kid, meaning that Sora knows what Riku fight styles. Meaning that there is more than one scene of Soriku than just one quote that only been used 1-2 times in 3 different KH titles. Plus, why Riku's “protect those who matter” is only about Sora only? Terra, not only the one who gives Riku that Strength to protect his friend, but also the reason why he kept the promise. and even if that isn’t a case, remember, Mickey was able to save Riku in the event of Re:Chain of memories, but also in Days and in KH2 since Mickey has been lying to the Organization and to Sora just to keep Riku safe, and if it wasn’t for Kairi when Sora finally found her again, she would never help Sora realize that Ansem is actually Riku, thus trying to keep sora and Riku together (whatever its mean together as a friend or as a lover) So no, one quote that doesn’t just involve to Sora shouldn’t help your evidence that Soriku is canon. Alright, just one more;

You do realize that this is Nomura we talking about? The same Nomura who made Sora and Kairi draw themselves feeding each other a star where the star represents the paopu fruit The same Nomura who despite Kairi may or may not bitten her fruit, he made sure that Sora bit his. The same Nomura who made Riku say this about Sora and Kairi in the event of 358/2 days;

The same Nomura who set up The Kingdom hearts Orchestra as its play “don’t think twice” (click here if you wanna see) and about 1 min and 30 sec into it, its shows solely based on Sora and Kairi, from KH1, where Sora went to find Kairi and release her heart to wake her up, and then Kairi bring Sora back, KH2 where Sora and Kairi find each other after not seeing each other for a year, The end when Sora and Riku return to destiny island, all to way to kh3 when they share the fruit. You can’t rely on Nomura on making sure he’ll make Soriku canon if he put this so much effort on making sora and Kairi together. Now, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t ship soriku, you can ship them and just ignore the canon, and I get it, but what I don’t get is why people are making theories about Kairi being a Chirithy, and just try to make her irrelevant just so their ship can be canon, and even if that not the case, and excuse my matter, but who the hell care what is Kairi at this point. Remember, Kairi is a princess, and as similar as the princess, like Alice, Snow White, Jasmine, Belle, Cinderella, and Aurora. And I hate to admit this, but Nomura is just following the rule of a Princess being a damsel in Distress, similar as Disney did, he tries to make his own “Knight saving the princess” trope between Sora and Kairi, and he been doing this for YEARS. And you trying to tell me that you believe that Nomura willingly drop all of the Sokai moments and then ADMITTING that they don’t want to separate again, and I apologize for my rudeness, but Nomura, also made Sora say this;

I’m sorry to say this, but I think you put too much faith a Nomura, and I also think you’re overthinking these scene too. Its doesn’t matter if Kairi didn’t bite the paopu, Kairi already gives her answer at the end of KH1, that released back in 2002, That 17 YEARS AGO! 17 years of doing this and now he’ll change it into Soriku? After all of that? After the fact that Sora wanted tot to save Kairi alone? That he basically sacrifices himself for the sake of Kairi again?    I mean I am seriously sorry if I’m acting like a piece of shit, but the fact that KH1 was released back on 2002 and have been remastered on the KH 1.5 that was released 2013, and its was remastered AGAIN for the ps4 and a mixture between 1.5 and 2.5 and that was released on 2017, this user has PLENTY of replay of Kingdom hearts 1, to get the picture. I mean, ship Soriku with all with your heart, fuck the Canon. But don’t try to twist the canon, just so your ship can be canon, cause that just Disrespectful for Nomura, and his story. I think that we should just be grateful for Nomura for letting goes through the adventure of Kingdom hearts and helps us how important Friends without KH can be very powerful, almost a bit meta in some way. But If I’m being personally honest about this whole thing, is that it's wrong, so wrong. But just because it's wrong, it doesn’t mean that the user, nor any Soriku should stop shipping what they like. We just have to respect Nomura chooses, just like how we accept people that have a different ship favorite. So please, people who share the same idea as this user, think reasonable, and just have fun, but don’t try to twist Nomura story, because I’m sure you don’t like it if someone does the same to you. and I know I say sorry like 3-4 times, but I apologize if I acted very rude, I was planning to be honest, being rude was not my intention. But I hope I get my point across. But of course, these are my thoughts/opinions.

[dnmeinster]

Sorting Through Kingdom Hearts III Part 1 - Your 7 Lights, My 13 Darknesses

Spoiler Warning

There was a very specific moment that the story of Kingdom Hearts went from complicated to convoluted.  It was in KH2, when King Mickey tells Sora of the villain they fought in the first game, "He wasn't really Ansem.  He just went around telling everybody that he was."  And it only got worse from there.

 And yet, for all its messiness, I love the series, the characters, and even the storyline.  Though it might seem nonsensical, there is usually some sort of logic to it all, however skewed.

Kingdom Hearts III has me scratching my head at a bunch of developments.  Ultimately, I enjoyed the game and might even write up my impressions at some point.  But for now, I merely want to write up what's confused me and try to sort through it.

We start with Master Xehanort and his scheme to reform the X-blade and gain control over Kingdom Hearts.  I'll let him explain:

"In ancient times, people believed that light was a gift from an unseen land by the name of Kingdom Hearts.  But Kingdom Hearts was safeguarded by its counterpart, the Chi-blade.  Warriors vied for that precious light, thus beginning the "Keyblade War." The violent clash shattered the Chi-blade into twenty pieces--seven of light, and thirteen of darkness.  And the only real Kingdom Hearts was swallowed by the darkness, never to surface again.  I once tried to create my own pure light and darkness to forge the Chi-blade, but the attempt ended in failure.  In my eagerness, I had lost sight of the correct way to achieve my goal.  I acted rashly.  I can admit that now."

Here, at the end of Dream Drop Distance, Xehanort recounts the plot of Birth by Sleep, where he separated Ventus into pure light (Ven) and pure darkness (Vanitas) before masterminding the events that led to their clash.  But their battle failed to successfully produce the Chi-blade, so Xehanort was forced to resort to Plan B, which was basically the events of KH1 and KH2.  But that didn't work out too well either, as Sora intervened to stop him.  So it was on to Plan C, or the clearly intended plot for KH3:

"I used the evil fairy to find seven pure lights for me, just as I prepared thirteen vessels to fill with pure darkness...However, I have not abandoned my ambitions--the seven guardians of light and the thirteen seekers of darkness...All the pieces are destined to appear.  Your seven lights just like my thirteen darknesses, whose final clash will beget the prize I seek--the Chi-blade!"

At this point, Xehanort has Sora in his possession, and intends to use him as his thirteenth darkness:

"But first, the thirteen darknesses shall be united.  All the seats have been filled.  And now the last vessel shall bear my heart like the rest!"

But because of a last-minute intervention by Axel, Donald, and Goofy, Xehanort fails to unite his darknesses.

"We are out of time.  Neither the union of light nor darkness has been achieved, and we must all return to whence we came.  But, the gathering of the seven and thirteen is nigh.  Let us finish this at the fated place, once your lights and my darknesses have joined together."

So, if you're following this, Xehanort did not unite the 13 darknesses at the end of Dream Drop Distance, nor did Mickey/Sora unite their 7 lights.  That was to come in the sequel.

But what exactly does it mean to unite 13 darknesses?  Do they all have to bear Xehanort's heart in order to be considered darknesses?  Or is that purely an egotistical act?

Before we explore further, let's list out the 13 darknesses that our Xehanort gathers in KH3:

Master Xehanort

Young Master Xehanort (YMX)

Terranort

Ansem, Seeker of Darkness

Xemnas

Vanitas

Xigbar

Saix

Luxord

Marluxia

Larxene

Riku Replica

Xion

Benched:

Vexen

Demyx

For Number 1-5, they all already bear Xehanort's heart, as they are all a form of Xehanort, be it his original form, his younger self, his heartless, his nobody, or Terra possessed by him.  But what about Number 6-13?  Did they ever get turned into a Xehanort horcrux?  And what exactly happens to them when they do bear a piece of his heart?  Do they lose their individuality?

This was the first question that originally stumped me.  When Terra becomes possessed by Xehanort's heart, he's not really Terra anymore.  But that was a direct one-to-one transfer.  What about Xigbar?  We learn in Dream Drop Distance that he already bears a part of Xehanort's heart.

"Xigbar:  Xemnas and Xehanort formed the Organization for a very specific reason--round up a bunch of empty husks, hook them up to Kingdom Hearts, then fill them all with the exact same heart and mind.  Translation--they were gonna turn all the members in Xehanort.

Sora:  Make more Xehanorts?  You tricked your friends to...But you--aren't you scared of just turning into someone else?

Xigbar: Me? I'm already half-Xehanort."

Two statements stand out:  "hook them up to Kingdom Hearts and then fill them with the exact same heart and mind" and "I'm already half-Xehanort."  First, by saying he's half-Xehanort, Xigbar implies that he retains part, or half, of his original self.  And he still displays much of the same characteristics that defined him in KH2 and BBS.  If he's only half Xenahort, then we can look to the first statement to understand why.  Xehanort did not fill him with the same heart and mind. He couldn't. He didn't have access to Kingdom Hearts.  So, instead, he resorted to putting a part of his heart into Xigbar.

There are a few instances in KH3 where it's less clear what is required to become one of the 13 darknesses, and they mostly involve Larxene.  This is where my confusion initially stemmed from.

Larxene reiterates multiple times that, although she has joined with the Real Organization XIII, she has no desire to bear Xehanort's heart.  Even when she meets her end, it sounds as if she has refused to become one of thirteen Xehanorts.

"I lost...to a bunch of losers!  ...But...could be worse.  Become that geezer's heart tank?  No thanks."

I originally took it to mean that she never accepts Xehanort's heart within her body.  However, this quote could also be interpreted as meaning that losing to Sora and friends was better than continuing to bear Xehanort's heart.  And, if you pay close attention to the initial battle in Scala ad Caleum, it becomes clear that she did indeed have Xehanort's heart within her.

 Take a look:

 That’s Larxene’s weapons on that enemy.  Why is that important?

"Once a seat of power for all keyblade wielders, here I and my other selves can be one...in Scala ad Caelum."

Those twelve enemies you face are Xehanort's twelve other selves, most likely the fragments of Xehanort's heart, returning to their Master after their bearers were defeated.  Each has a weapon of one of the darknesses, from Marluxia's scythe to Vanitas' keyblade and Luxord’s cards.  Which means that all 12 darknesses did indeed possess a piece of Xehanort's heart.

So, to state this as plainly as it can be stated, the 13 darknesses that Master Xehanort needed were indeed 13 Xehanorts, but Numbers 7-13 were only half-Xehanort; they bore a piece of his heart and not his mind.  Thus, they were able to act independently from Xehanort and were not his puppets.  This explains both their individuality continuing after becoming one of the darknesses and their subsequent betrayals.

One last bit of evidence of this is from the epilogue.  Even though Xigbar has been half-Xehanort, he still had his own agenda.

"Some time ago I had to cast my old form away.  Been through plenty more semblances since, but it’s still me underneath it all...I had a role to play.  And after all these years, it’s done."

So Xigbar aka Luxu could continue to work toward his own goals even after becoming half-Xehanort.  At this point it should be clear:  although Xehanort assembled the 13 darknesses and united them with his own heart, he was unable to supplant their personalities and personal motivations.  Was this because it was not a one-to-one transfer of his heart?  Or because he did not possess Kingdom Hearts to replace their hearts and minds?  It's probably both.

Moving on, we can now tackle the 7 Guardians of Light:

Sora

Riku

Kairi

Mickey

Axel

Aqua

Ven

 They all died.  And then they didn't.  And then there were even more guardians.

(8.) Lingering Will/Terra

(9.) Roxas

(10.) Xion??

Right now, we're only going to focus on 1-8.  And I'm leaving out Donald and Goofy because they're not Keyblade wielders.  But...wait. If the seven lights have to be Keyblade wielders, does that mean the 13 darknesses must be as well? Indeed, I would surmise that Xehanort needed to place a piece of his heart into all 13 darknesses in order to make them, shall we say, Keyblade-eligible. Thus, all involved in the clash to form the Chi-blade must have the heart of a Keyblade wielder.

When the Seven Guardians initially arrive at the Keyblade Graveyard, they are confronted by Terranort and a horde of Heartless.  And then they are all killed.  Why would Xehanort do this if he needs them to clash to create the blades?  We'll get to that.

Sora ends up in the Final World, which is some sort of purgatory/afterlife.  The rest of the guardians, their hearts and probably their bodies, are trapped in the realm of light.  Xehanort has dispatched a Heartless to collect their hearts and use them to complete the Chi-blade. Their hearts are their lights, and Xehanort is capable of staging a clash with his darknesses in order to obtain the ultimate Key.  But it won't be that easy for him.

Sora, held together by Kairi's belief in him, restores himself, returns the realm of light, rescues the guardians' hearts from the Heartless, and then...travels back in time to their initial arrival at the Keyblade Graveyard.  I'm not even gonna get into that right now.

Instead, let's talk about guardian number 8.  What's changed when Sora returns?  Well, Terra's Lingering Will shows up to confront Terranort.  Where did he come from?  Turns out there's an optional cutscene in the Final World where Sora has a discussion with Namine.

"While sifting through memories, I spoke to Terra, the Keyblade wielder you’ve been looking for.  He has a strong will, and it keeps him tethered to the realm of light.  I’ll try tracing that connection."

Namine is the reason that the seven guardians survive their second arrival at the Keyblade Graveyard, as none seem to remember their first, including Sora and Kairi.  Why is that exactly?  I'm thinking it has something to do with Kingdom Hearts' rules of time travel.

Since the seven guardians survive, they go on to clash with the 13 darknesses.  And each clash begets a piece of the Chi-blade.  Even though all of the darknesses are defeated, save one, the Chi-blade is formed, Kingdom Hearts is summoned, and Master Xehanort is on his way to victory.

Except Master Xehanort is also a portal.  A time and space portal.

What is it with this game and time travel?  We'll take a deep dive in Part 2.

[fandom-rants]

Plotholes, Story Rushing, and Shoddy Writing In Keyblade Graveyard, Pt. 1 (p.s. there are SEVERAL issues to unpack here)

~~~~THIS CONTAINS COUNTLESS SPOILERS FOR KHIII~~~~

PLEASE NOTE that this will not be in perfect order; there are so many things wrong with the story in the Keyblade Graveyard that I struggle to balance it all without having a raging meltdown. As someone who adored the Kingdom Hearts franchise (yes, you read that right; past tense) and memorized all the lore and played all of the games (save Coded; I just watched that one because it does not look to be worth it at all) and loved the characters, I can only express deep and profound disappointment in the story. The rushed, chaotic garbage mess of a story.

And those who say otherwise? Have chosen to ignore the story for the sake of the ‘happy ending’ (which is a farce; a happy ending doesn’t include Sora sacrificing himself again for the damsel in distress trope).

If you thought some of my other rants were long, you aren’t ready for this one. It’s so long it needed to be split up into parts.

1. Aqua and Ven

a. Firstly, it’s good to know that Nomura is literally incapable of writing a female who isn’t a damsel in distress. Good to see Aqua go “I’m gonna prove how strong I am,” only to need immediate rescuing. Brilliant.

b. So it’s that easy to wake Ven up, huh? His heart’s been linked with Sora’s for Sora’s entire life, it’s been sleeping in Sora’s for so long that Sora has taken on Ven’s mannerisms, but they can just separate without a single hitch, huh? Just like that, huh? And there’s no problem waking up, it takes no time at all, and he can move in his body without even remote difficulty, huh? Basically, there are no repercussions to any of this, huh? I call bullshit.

c. Going back a page, it’s good to know that these guys all showed up at Castle Oblivion and didn’t even bother clearing the place to ensure there weren’t any enemies around to - /snorts with laughter/ - immediately try to kill Ven while he was still vulnerable. Who could have ever expected such a thing, amirite?

d. Why aren’t Riku and Mickey there?!?!?!

e. This was actually so anticlimactic and boring. Why wasn’t Terranort/wtf-ever there to add some drama and tension? Why was it simply ‘grab Aqua, which can be done merely by having Sora show up and beat her up, even though Riku and Mickey got their butts kicked by her,’ ‘arrive very quickly and suddenly at Castle Oblivion,’ ‘unlock it,’ ‘go inside and wake up Ven’? Why was it so boring? It’s something we’ve been waiting for since 2010, and our reward for waiting 8 years is ‘ta-da! Boom, bam, done!’ Did a child write this?

2. The Requisite Romance Scene Before the Final Showdown

a. We have to really sell this romance, or else people will be pissed about the ending! Quick! Let’s have Sora and Kairi share a paopu fruit and leave their friend completely out of it! Riku doesn’t really matter, anyway. He’s not integral to the entire storyline like Kairi!

b. To make it clear, Riku was integral to the storyline while Kairi was not. Something I’ve already mentioned several times. So why in hell did Sora say he wouldn’t have gone through the things in the games if it wasn’t for Kairi, when that girl hardly entered the storyline at all? It was Riku who started the whole story off, Riku and Kairi both whom Sora was looking for in KH1, Riku only whom Sora looked for in CoM, Riku only whom Sora looked for in KH2, Riku only whom Data-Sora cared to run after, Riku only whose concerns made Sora go through the Mark of Mastery... but yes. It was only for Kairi that Sora went through the things he did. Riku, keep sitting on the sand all night while these two pretend you don’t exist. Perfect.

3. We Arrive and Everyone Fights Against Heartless

a. Is this what we came here for? Is this what Xehanort planned when he told us to come here? To sic a bunch of heartless on us? How does this in any way complete Kingdom Hearts? How does this in any way help Xehanort’s overarching goal? Hell, ignoring that, why would he sic heartless on us when we’ve defeated them a million times? How in god’s name do we fail against them this time????

b. Can I just say that it is beyond suspense of disbelief to have Kairi and Lea finish their fights before Sora? Or that the entire group would finish, see Sora still fighting, and then just run forward without him???

4. Terranort

a. How is he back? No, seriously, let’s look at this. He was brought from the past. But when you defeat Young Xehanort, he says he’s going to return to the past and live his life up to the present. But Terranort can’t do that! Which means Terranort can’t go to the past and stay on as Ansem the Wise’s apprentice. Which means he can’t trick the other students into becoming nobodies - so how is Saix there? How is Axel there as Axel? How do the others retain their memories of being Nobodies? He also can’t become a heartless or a nobody himself, since he’s not returning to the past to do so (because we save him instead of killing him)! So how the hell could Ansem and Xemnas exist??? You can’t argue about alternative universes because those haven’t been introduced in the plotline, and even if they had been, that still wouldn’t explain how this universe had an Ansem who took over Riku and a Xemnas who existed whatsoever. What the fuck.

b. Why in five flaming hells is he just waiting there at the beginning? No, again, I’m being serious. Why? To defeat the seven keyblade wielders? Why? They’re apparently needed to clash with the thirteen Xehanort clones, so why on earth is he there? For sad plotline feels? 

c. Even that doesn’t make sense. After all, Aqua had all night to warn Ven about the state she’d last seen Terra in. Apparently, that was not a topic she thought necessary to bring up. Go figure.

d. How the fuck does Xehanort even have him??? All those who played Birth By Sleep, I can only assume you all have dealt with the same frustration and confusion as me. How did Xehanort retain control over Terra’s body after Lingering Will defeated him?? Because I did. Allllll the way back in Terra’s storyline, I defeated Terranort. So how did he show up in Radiant Garden? The blast of light (or whatever) from the end of the storyline should have, at the very least, turned him into a heartless. Right then. From the start. So how did he even survive long enough to get to Radiant Garden, let alone return to the Keyblade Graveyard? What had been the point of that final battle?

5. Lingering Will

a. I was waiting for him to show up. It makes less than no sense to have him only do so at Namine’s behest after Ven has already been KO’d by Terranort. That entire debacle in the Final World should never have occurred, simply because Lingering Will should have shown up the first time.

b. I laughed in disbelief when I saw Terra’s keyblade turn into a hooked whip and then a giant fuck-off gun. I already thought the transformations were pretty random, considering a keyblade is supposed to serve its own purpose and strength without needing to turn into a door or a frying pan or a pair of yo-yo’s, but to see Terra’s do the same thing when no one else’s had? Oof. Painful.

c. Lingering Will was Terra’s mind, but apparently he doesn’t need that to reconnect with his past body! (Even though it was never with said body; it was always separate, so...?!?!?!) Instead it disappears from the plotline (like so many other necessary details) and acted as KH’s version of Fallout’s Mysterious Stranger, apparently deciding to disappear to wherever said stranger goes after doing its duteous cameo.

6. That Entire Debacle With Everyone’s Hearts

a. There’s just... so much to unwrap here. The fact that it even happened, which I’ve already noted the plot failure there. The fact that Kairi needed protecting not once, but twice, only to fall, anyway. Is she even capable of being something other than a damsel in distress? (Looking at the rest of the story of this world, I can do nothing but snort at the fact that I even bothered typing out that question.)

b. The whole shit with Chirithy. We get it, KH. You want to peddle your stupid mobile game. (A game I’ve been playing for over a year now, like a good, dutiful KH player, only to find that the plotline shows up roughly once every 300+ “chapters.”) This Chirithy shit isn’t plot; it’s bullshit. Nice to know Kairi’s heart was definitely lost, though, because bullshit on that, too!

c. Why on earth are everyone’s hearts just hanging out on other worlds? Why are they in worlds I’ve specifically already gone to in this game? Why not any other worlds from any other previous games, or worlds I’ve never been to? Oh, yeah. To bring back the annoying shit from KH1, where you enter fragments of worlds for no reason in order to fight some random heartless. Is this plot?

d. The whole ‘Dive Into the Heart’ thing being the equivalent of ‘the power of waking,’ which is also apparently how Mickey could get into the Realm of Darkness (and here I remember Mickey saying he could only do that by being in a world when it fell to darkness! Silly me). Just admit you had no idea what the hell you were doing when you made up that ‘power of waking,’ Nomura. Shit.

e. Let’s go a bit farther, because the whole “Dive Into the Heart” thing was awful. Why is that a thing? Why do you need to ‘dive’ into a heart (which, he didn’t, he didn’t, he just dove into different worlds to find said hearts, wtf) in order to save it from... what? Death? Darkness?? What the hell even happened here-

f. How is Kairi fine and waiting for us??? This actually made me think Sora had fallen to darkness (or dreaming, or what the fuck ever), because how in hell was Kairi okay? Namine said flat-out that Kairi’s heart had been lost like the others, and that such was the reason why Sora had found her in Chirithy-Verse (it isn’t any ‘Final World,’ just as it isn’t anything I’m ever going to take seriously). So how was she perfectly fine and, uh, able to... uh... meet with him??? In some sort of... Heart Realm Between??? What happened there?!?!

g. I get that this floaty, hand-holding scene was supposed to once again peddle the romance in some last-minute bid to make us okay with the bullshit self-sacrifice move Sora bounces into with all the finesse of a Sequel Coming trailer, but all it did was piss me off (as every romance scene did in this shithole of a game). There has been next to nothing on the whole ‘romance’ thing other than us being told ad nauseum that it is a thing. If you can’t even give me normal, non-romance scenes between the two, then all it’s going to be is forced trollop that you expect me to swallow simply on your say-so. If you can’t give me a lead-up to the romance, don’t be surprised if you fail to sell it to me. And if you fail to sell the romance to me, then why the hell should I ever find any part of that ending all right?

7. The Time Ret-Conning

a. This one’s a minor gripe, so I’ll just say that I despised the multiple times the game acted as if the previous failures hadn’t happened. ‘Here you go; try again!’ It makes no sense when you realize Sora actually did things to ensure we got this second chance, even less sense, somehow, when you see that neither Sora nor anyone else acts any differently to rewatching the same thing happen all over again - like, what the hell kind of time travel bullshit is Nomura writing here? Is there any rhyme or reason to this shit whatsoever?

8. That Entire KHUX Fuckery

a. I honestly cannot believe we had to watch Sora get saved by Ephemer. A lot of people loved the cameo, but the cost to the storyline is far too high. Our main character needing rescuing in his Final Battle is always bad writing; what’s the point of watching the main hero’s growth if it turns out he still needs to be protected? This other character should have been the one we followed, not the one needing rescuing! And hell, what was the point of all that growth if, in the end, it still wasn’t enough? Simply based on storytelling, it was poorly done. But the fact that he got rescued by a long-dead (I hope; everyone has a bad habit of just living forever through Bullshit Time Mechanics) character from another KH game? Disgustingly shoddy. Thanks for nothing.

b. What the fuck was that triangle spam for??? I was there when the challenge came to KHUX, for those with the highest scores to appear in the game. I honestly thought their names would just be in the credits or something, because how could you possibly add them in without making it the most horrendous bullshit possible for a video game? Answer? You can’t. That entire thing is something I’ve been trying to delete from my memory since I saw it. What a fucking travesty.

9. "I Can’t Do This Alone”

a. You are literally talking to someone, your best friend, and saying you’re alone. What the FUCK.

b. What strength did you get from Kairi, you twit? Riku, on the other hand...!

TO BE FREAKING CONTINUED... Edit: I know Nomura is BS-ing some answers to pretend he didn’t fuck up. I don’t care.

[els-writes]

Some unrequested, unoriginal, and possibly unpopular Kingdom Hearts 3 thoughts - putting them here because I need to vent, sorry if this isn’t the content you’re looking for from me! XD

After sitting on this game for nearly two months now, I think I’ve finally sorted my feelings into intelligible thoughts. So here we go.

Sorry again this is so long and not my usual post, but I needed to vent, and I’m kinda interested to see what other people think! I know the DLC is hinted to expand on the endgame, but that feels like a cheap way of fixing the criticism.

I love Kingdom Hearts. Like love it. I’ve been playing these games for years - I got a PSP purely so I could play Birth By Sleep. I gave UnionX a shot back when it was Unchained, and I even forced myself to watch through all of DDD, even though that game ignites a kind of hatred I didn’t even know I was capable of feeling.

Kingdom Hearts 3 was great. I enjoyed playing it. It was so much fun, and I’ve never wanted to complete a game more. But it wasn’t the game I hoped for. Perhaps I expected too much, or perhaps the game devs built too many plots and overestimated how easily they could put into a single game and tie it all together with a neat bow, but it wasn’t the game I waited years for.

To clear up my thoughts before I get to my main point: 

Gameplay: great. 

Combat: great, if a little easy, but it was fun as hell. 

Pixar levels: holy shit amazing. 

Graphics: so beautiful no game plays the same. 

Music: still got the OST on repeat.

Gummi ships: burn in hell. 

Tangled world: kind dull but pretty. 

Frozen world: why the fuck are they singing. 

Pirates world: I have no idea what’s happening, if I wanted to play Assassins Creed black flag I would have.

But even the negative aspects weren’t bad enough to make me dislike the game (even if I cried in anger at one point during Pirates and I had to leave the room during the songs...)

There were two key problems that kind of ruined the game for me, in a way. 

The pacing, and the treatment of the characters. 

And that’s not a new opinion on the internet from what I’ve seen, but if the pacing had been fixed, if they hadn’t tried to summarise ALL the tiny plots together, if they hadn’t tried to rush through bringing everyone back at once, I think it would have been everything I wanted. Hell, I would rather they had split it into more games! Yeah, I said it! Give me more, fleshed out, singular plot driven spectacular games like BBS and we would’ve been great. They didn’t need to set up the black box plot here. Maybe teased at it, but not had it so thrown in everywhere, only to go no where. Waste of time, and waste of our old villains. Most of the bad guys didn’t really serve a purpose in the Disney worlds - honestly, most of the Disney worlds felt like they only served to level grinding to me - they had no real impact on the overall plot. Disney worlds are always a little thrown in, granted, but no game has had them serve no real purpose whatsoever to the main plot. 

Hard core KH fans have followed these characters through a ridiculous number of titles for this series. These characters are amazing and loved and so incredible. All I wanted was for there to be some decent emotional pay off for them. And honestly? I think they did most of them a massive disservice. 

To start with: I didn’t necessarily want everyone to come back. Some characters (like Roxas, Xion, and Namine) had returned to their ‘whole selves’, and as much as I loved them, I could understand. I was happy that Sora’s story was focused on bringing Roxas back, it felt sweet, like a very in-character thing to do, and I was looking forward to seeing how they would do it. But most of the time, they didn’t have Sora do anything to move towards that goal? He just ran around Disney worlds, and sometimes mentioned Roxas in the cutscenes inbetween? 

The plot barely moved for 30+ hours of my gameplay through the Disney worlds as I tried to complete each one before moving on. As we reached the Keyblade Graveyard, I was excited that things were starting to move forward, thinking it was mid-game. Nope. It was the start of a 2 hour mad dash to the finish line. It was messy, it was rushed, it left me feeling completely unsatisfied and unable to savour the return of most of my favourite characters. 

The scene with Lea/Axel commenting on how confusing everything was was funny, but it felt like the devs making an excuse to not spend time making the most of Ventus and Aqua’s return. I could kind of forgive them for that, since they were in a rush to save the others, and they did try to give the pair a little bit of time. But Terra? Roxas? Xion? NAMINE? They appeared last minute - some of them, Xion and Roxas especially, not even making sense when you think about plot holes. When they did appear, we didn’t get the emotional payoff and reunion of our trios and old friends that I was waiting for, we got quick comments and ‘ironing out plot points’ off screen? Even Roxas and Ventus meeting was completely anticlimactic (yes, I know they were in the middle of a fight, and they probably didn’t have time, but they’re literally twins, a bit more than just a confused glance and then forgetting it was surely needed). 

So overall: 

Roxas: my favourite, appeared without real explanation, barely got time with Axel. And then we still played Sora to fight? When really, Roxas deserved that fight.

Xion: how did she come back? She was in Sora again? Like... explain?

Terra: had to rewatch a few times before I understood what it was all about, but his return was half decent once I understood it. Also Lingering Will? Hello? 

Namine: she doesn’t even speak (aside from in star form) and is just introduced in the ending? I might forgive this, as she wasn’t really needed, if they hadn’t rushed the reintroduction of EVERYONE. 

Seasalt Trio: a momentary hug, the only thing that made me cry in the game, that was cut short and then dealt with off screen. 

Wayfinder Trio: No where near enough emotional payoff. None. 

Kairi: Wow. Nomura must really hate her? 

So, yeah. That’s all I have for now. The more I type it, the more it annoys me to think about. I’m disappointed in how it all played out in the end. It was rushed, hurried through, gave no payoff, and didn’t make sense a lot of the time. 

The game was incredible. Truly. Wonderful game. But the story? As an end to the massive series that I’ve invested so much time into? It wasn’t enough. 

Also no to the ending. Just no. 

[stories-by-rie]

18 Verla and Prymia

The king stood at the window and looked outside. His grief and sorrow were clearly visible on his face, dark shadows under his eyes and his skin pale from the sleepless nights.

He sighed deeply as he stared at the starless sky. He thought of his daughter. His little girl who actually wasn't a little girl anymore, but a strong, young and beautiful woman that reminded him so much of her mother.

His wife had just passed away and the loss of his only daughter seemed too much to bear. He could hear the heavy doors open, as a servant came in.

'There just arrived another, Sire', he said.

Another one. How many princes and knights had already lost their lives by trying to save his beloved child? The princess that was kidnapped by a vicious dragon. He had heard of such stories quite often but had always believed it could never be his girl.

'Let them in', he ordered and soon light steps walked into the great hall.

He turned around, surprised to see a woman in front of him. But not only was she a woman, but also a princess, fierce looking and pretty.

'Your Highness?', she greeted him, bowing deeply and then looking him directly in the eyes. It was obvious that she wasn't easily scared or intimidated.

The king nodded, unsure about how to react. Could he send in a princess?

The yellow light of the candles flickered in her face and made her look like a ghost. Her dark black hair nearly melting with the background.

'Tell me, princess, where are you from and why should I grant you the chance to save my daughter?', he asked, deciding to treat her just like the others.

'My name is princess Verla. I come from the northern kingdom, beyond the big mountain of Feylla, daughter of King Richard the mighty. Let me try to save your daughter. I am capable of returning her and you are desperate, Sire.'

The king who was usually known for being very strict and prone to accurate behaviour looked at her gently and impressed.

'I met your father once. He is a great man. I've sent more than a dozen men after my daughter already. None of them returned. How could I possibly send another man's child after her, fully aware that she might not return either?'

'I might be a woman, but I have been trained in combat since birth. I have the power to bring your daughter back. And... I have the strongest will, Sire.' The princess bowed her head, as she spoke the last part more shyly.

Obviously, the king noticed how she tried to hide her feelings and walked down to her.

'The strongest will?', he wondered.

'You daughter and I met only once on the summer night's ball my father gave. But since then my heart was hers, Sire.'

'So you want to save my daughter because you love her?'

The princess blushed and even in the dense light, it was clear to see how she felt insecure for a second. But she looked up again and nodded.

'Forgive me if I ask too much, Sire.'

'You can't ask too much, princess Verla. I do. I ask you to risk your life by saving my daughter. My only one. She is my only heir.'

He walked a few steps, turned to her and smiled.

'The truth is that I promised my wife before she died that I would let Prymia marry whoever she wanted. Consequently, not only my daughter's life is in your hands, but also her hand... I wish you the best of luck, princess Verla.'

The woman bowed once again, smiled and then left for the kidnapped princess.

After a weeks journey, Verla arrived at the cave, where the dragon held the princess Prymia captive.

The road was covered in skeletons as not only the king's knights and princes tried to save her, but also brave villagers.

Verla pulled out the sword and walked closer to the cave. Chills ran down her spine, but she was too determined to walk away now. The silence made it hard to believe that there was such a cruel creature in the cave. Although she couldn't have said what she had expected.

The closer she got, the more it started to smell awful and as soon as she entered, she felt the urge to throw up.

Slowly she walked towards the centre in the darkness. Hoping that she wouldn't wake the beast. Suddenly she spotted the dragon. A light shimmer spread through the cave, as the animal snared little fires in its sleep. In its arm was the princess. Just as beautiful as Verla remembered her. As she came closer, the giant eyes of the creature opened.

Angrily it stood up and the tail moved dangerously, covered in spikes.

The fight started, not only for Prymia but for both of their survival.

Verla didn't know how she killed the dragon. It happened so fast. But in the end, she held Prymia in her arms, unconscious and covered in the golden blood of the dragon.

She carried her outside, happy to finally breathe in the fresh air.

But the princess wouldn't wake.

Verla wiped away a tear. This couldn't have been in vain.

She sat her on her horse and walked back. She had a week ahead of her, unsure if Prymia would survive. Deep sorrow spread in her heart. She had been so sure that she would have been able to slay the dragon. Never would she have dreamt that she would fail to save her either way.

The way through the woods was the fastest. She continued the journey even at night, therefore the witch's house, that emerged in between the trees, seemed even scarier.

The house was the only thing surrounded by fog, mushrooms spread on the way like a carpet.

Verla took a deep breath and knocked on its door... Cat bones hung under the roof, owls screeched in the woods and one could see the blue lights shining from the outside.

'Who is there?', an old woman asked as she answered the door.

'I am princess Verla. I need help. My friend, princess Prymia won't wake up. She was kidnapped by a dragon and I fear for her life.'

The old woman stared at both of them for what seemed like an eternity, wiped some blood away from Verla's armour and put the finger in her mouth.

'Mmmh, dragon blood. Come in, sweet girl. I just might be able to help you.'

Verla carried Prymia in, trying not to step on the black cats and laid her down on the table.

'Most people don't know, but slaying a dragon is only one half to save a person from them. Their ultimate weapon is the poisonous spikes. If you touch them, you'll fall into the dragon's sleep. There is just one cure against it.'

'Do you have it?', Verla asked hopefully.

'No', the witch answered.

'But you do', she continued and pointed at Verla.

True love? It shot through Verla's head. Nonsense.

'Dragon's blood', the witch said, pointing at Verla's armour.

'The blood is the cure against the spike's poison. In most cases, saved people die, even after the dragon died, because most don't know that they have to get some of the blood. But you have it on your armour. So we are lucky. The dragon usually injects the victim with the poison, so that they can't run away while it is gone. I can help you, but my help comes at a prize.'

'Name it.'

'Mmmmmh... You first born child!', the witch asked with triumph in her eyes.

'Uhm. I don't... Well... The thing is I don't think I will ever have children on my own.'

The old woman looked at her suspiciously.

'Why not? You're a princess, you'll marry. Have children.'

'Yes, but... I love... Princess Prymia. So...'

But the old woman didn't seem to understand.

'I am in love with princess Prymia. If we were to marry, we couldn't have our own children', Verla repeated herself.

Utterly confused the witch looked at both women.

'Then I'll have... Uhm...' the witch looked around as if looking for ideas. Finally, she looked Verla directly in the eyes.

'I'll have you!', she decided triumphantly with a smirk that fitted a small child.

'M-me?', Verla repeated surprised. Perplexed, she looked at Prymia, as she slept on the table, her hair messy and dirty, yet still so beautiful. She looked at her lips, lips she would've loved to touch just once. And now she wasn't allowed to ever hold her head gently in her hands?

'Of course', she agreed, wiping a strand of hair out of Prymia's face.

'Then I shall begin to cure her', the witch whispered and began to collect the blood which still hadn't dried. When she finished, she had a small tube filled with the golden liquid.

As if she was dancing, she started to cook in her kitchen, adding various ingredients. Soon, the room was foggy and a purple shimmer came from the pot she brew the cure in.

Meanwhile, Verla looked at her love. The one evening had been so short. Ever since, she dreamt of meeting her again, telling her how she felt.

She held her hand. In the end, it had been worth it. Not being with her was better than knowing that she was in constant danger. Verla gave happily her freedom for her life.

The sun already started to set, when the old witch came to them with the cure.

'Take it, it will wake her up', she said and as soon as the first drops touched Prymia's lips, her green shining eyes opened.

Slowly she got used to the light, wiping her eyes and sitting up.

'Where am I?', she asked as she slowly came to her senses.

'Prymia! You are saved, do not worry. My name is-'

'Verla', Prymia continued.

'You remember me', Verla smiled and had trouble speaking has her heart skipped a beat.

'Of course, I do. How could I ever forget?'

Verla felt how the blood rushed to her head and her fingertips tickling.

'The dragon!', Prymia suddenly screamed out, panic in her eyes.

'It's fine, I slayed the dragon. You are saved now, you can return home.'

Tears of relief ran down the princesses cheeks and she stood up to hug Verla.

'Thank you. I will forever be grateful. Will you return home with me?'

But Verla couldn't. As tears escaped her eyes, it wasn't tears of joy but sorrow.

'I am so sorry. But I can't. To save you I had to give up my freedom. I belong to the witch now', Verla explained. While she spoke out loud her fate, the grief seemed to choke her throat. The words were merely whispers and her stomach became a pit, filled with lead.

She wasn't even sorry for herself. She gave herself happily so that Prymia could live. But at this moment she could see that Prymia felt similar, if not the same for her.

The deal did not only take that away from her but also from Prymia.

'No. This can't be! Do I have to lose you here, now that we finally found each other? Why would you save me from the dragon if you were about to end my life so shortly after?'

Verla couldn't bear the sadness in her love's face any longer.

'It's fine, Prymia. Just go home now.'

They both held their hands as Prymia was clearly struggling to follow that wish.

'Verla, the day we met, I fell in love with you. I know it was just a short time, but I feel like I know you better than anyone I ever met. If I have thought of you every day since that summer night, I have dreamt of you every day while I was in the dragon's cave. Leaving you behind now, I am sorry but I can't do that.'

Verla's smile seemed to make the whole room shine.

'I've fallen in love with you too, Prymia! Every minute I spend thinking of you gave me the power to kill the dragon.'

The two women fell into each other's arms. The hug seemed to last for only some seconds, as the witch cleared her throat.

'Mmmh, well...', she croaked. 'I can see true love here', she said as if she was speaking to herself. She then proceeded to walk through her kitchen and picked an ugly toat up as she stared at the two princesses.

'I guess now that I have seen your pure hearts, you may both go. And reveal my true form', she laughed insanely and with the flick of her hand she disappeared in smoke - just to step out of it as a friendly looking fairy.

The fairy coughed and tried to wave away the fog.

'You're a fairy?', Verla asked surprised.

'I have been the whole time! Or I am still a witch, whatever term you prefer', she answered with the same hoarse voice as before. Something that didn't fit her appearance anymore.

'I don't need any payment for my magic. I just needed you as bait in case you had ill intentions. But clearly, your love is real. So you may go both home.'

'Thank you!', Prymia grinned and hugged the fairy.

'Greeting cards would be nice though, so I'll know how you two are doing.'

'Of course', Verla promised and hugged her two. She then looked into Prymia's green eyes and a tear of joy ran down her face.

'We can be together now', Prymia whispered.

The princesses came closer and finally kissed, for what seemed like an eternity.

And they lived happily ever after.

~27.05.2018~

[candi-girl]

KH3: Hollower Than Any Toy Review **Minor Spoilers**

I just beat KH3 yesterday. I came out of it feeling a bit disappointed. The game is beautiful and the mechanics are still fun but everything from the story to the boss fights felt a bit lackluster. The last boss fights were extremely easy and did not feel as epic to me as KH2's last boss fights. In fact, I liked KH2's ending way more. I haven't played KH2 in years and I still remember exactly how it goes and how I felt after beating it. After what felt like an eternity of reflecting and deflecting light beams back at Xemnas, Sora and a badly wounded Riku sit hopelessly on the shores of the Realm of Darkness. Suddenly a letter in a bottle with a familiar seal emerges from the dark sea. A light shines, a slowed down piano version of "Sanctuary" plays and we are back in the welcoming and colorful world of Destiny Islands. Donald and Goofy lovingly embrace Sora. His eyes then lock-on to Kairi's, Roxas and Namine's eyes follow suit. This felt wayyyy more emotional than KH3's ending which I struggle to remember even though I beat it today.

Before I go any further, I feel I must preface this especially for a post about KH. No, I haven’t played all the spin-off games but I AM A PASSIONATE FAN of the main games in the series. I played the first one for PS2 at 11 when it came out and I was absolutely blown away and in love. I played KH2 at about 14 and got sucked in all over again. In college, I would play Birth By Sleep in between classes. I played 1.5 for PS3 sometime in college as well. Most recently at 27, I played 0.2 from the "The Story So Far" bundle for PS4. I have tried playing Chain of Memories numerous times on an emulator but couldn't stand the Card System and never got very far or finished it. I've also tried 358/2 on an emulator and I've even tried watching it but never got far with it either. I have skipped Re-coded altogether and as soon as I saw the Dream Eaters Link mechanic in DDD I stopped playing that too. I have played a little bit of the mobile KH game but not for long. Suffice it to say, I'm not into mobile games or games for portable devices. The only 2 games I can recall that I have beaten on a portable device (besides Pokemon games on Gameboy) are Birth By Sleep and FFVII: Crisis Core (both PSP). Generally, I get more immersed in games on a TV screen.

Okay so background out of the way, here is what bothers me about KH3 and probably why KH3's ending didn't make me feel as much as KH2's ending. And let me just say, I know this might not be a problem for others who have played all the games, read all the news and external books, probably follow Nomura on Twitter but I don't do that. When it comes to gaming, here is my process: I see a cool game, I want it, I buy it, I play it, I judge whether I like it based on the content in the game, nothing external. I don't follow any gaming news or actively pursue it. If I happen to have the time I’ll watch E3 and hear about things here and there but mostly, when I pick-up a game, I'm hoping it can be self-contained. So, knowing that about me, you can see why I absolutely loathe that if you haven't played KH DDD, KH Recoded, KH 358/2 Days, KH X (the Foretellers lore stuff) you're missing out on like 3/4 of the story.

Chain of Memories being between KH1 and KH2 irked me but I forgave it because the characters and story were still basically the same. Lock keyholes to protect various worlds from being consumed by darkness, help characters in those various worlds with their problem, stop main baddy from opening up Kingdom Hearts, and don't forget that friends are your strength and light. Nothing is wrong with keeping a story “Simple and Clean” and in fact, I think if a story is simple you can focus on making stronger character arcs and make the game super character driven so that the dangerous stuff that happens to characters IS actually scary and emotional! (Side Note: I also believe that because of the association with Disney, the KH franchise feels like it cannot tackle more mature themes like actual death of loved ones, failure, betrayal, etc. which really holds back what a game about the Heart could explore in a more serious, sophisticated manner. However, games like “Ni No Kuni” still find ways to talk about death, depression and grief in ways that are appropriate for younger audiences so it’s possible to do it, KH!)  

And I know that KH3 pokes fun at itself for having so many different titles in the franchise and I know it tries to get you up to speed but it cheapens the experience when SO MUCH of the story-telling and lore heavily relies on externalities and not the self-contained game. It seriously becomes a hindrance and emotional barrier when #1 I don't know know what's going on (or don’t understand/feel the extent and impact of something that's supposed to be dangerous), #2 don't know characters well enough to care about them and #3 there are no real stakes in the KH world because every game you fight the same goddamn enemies. I don't know all the Organization members like the back of my hand so their deaths don't do anything for me plus you fight them at least twice throughout the series (maybe even more) so that shows that they can always come back. The rules and logic in KH are very fast and loose. It's like playing a game with a child and when they are losing they make something up. And all this "I think I should know this character but I don't remember" dialogue is so cheap. Stop with the amnesia story-lines! Games like Chain of Memories and Re-Coded, that are made for portable devices are made to hold fans over until the big main game comes out. Let’s be real, KH: Re-Coded might as well be called “KH: Re-Sell” because it’s KH one all over again but on the DS. Now there’s nothing wrong with a company re-branding and re-selling a product if they know fully-well that there is a market for it (in the words of Cutler Beckett, “it’s just good business”) but for the love of all things good, DO NOT PLACE INTEGRAL plot points in them that the main games will gloss over. And don't expect me to read Jiminy’s Journal! 

Who is this game for? It plays like a casual game but feels like beginning a story at it’s falling action point. I can’t imagine being a newcomer to this series and playing this game and understanding it. I played the game super slowly, exploring each Disney world thoroughly, trying to take it all in but there is so little KH story given throughout the game. Once I moved on to the Badlands, the actual main KH plot began to unfold. When I first started playing KH3, my gf (who has only played a few hours of the first KH) asked me "so why are you going to other worlds if you're not locking keyholes?" I stumbled on my words to give her an answer. I replied "Sora needs to regain his strength and get the power of waking." She nodded but I knew it sounded kind of stupid. "He looks pretty powerful already!" She said as she watched me defeat hordes of enemies in the first world, Olympus. And that was another thing. I felt super overpowered from the beginning all the way up until the end. When fighting Xehanort all I could think was "that's it?" The game is all about Sora regaining his lost powers and learning the power of waking but you start off super powerful anyway. 

This may be a bit of a tangent but in Final Fantasy X, Yuna started off as the weakest, most feeble, docile character in personality and combat as she is just a white mage. I avoided using her at all costs. I had Lulu for black magic and switched Yuna in only when I really needed Protective magic or healing. However, by the end of the game, Yuna with her fully decked out Nirvana staff, third tier white and black magic, double-cast, and ultima became my most valuable and dangerous character. Not only does she literally become stronger in combat, but her (dare I say it) heart becomes stronger too. She becomes bolder and braver. She starts questioning her religion and the society and world she grew up in. She grows in every sense of the word. Yuna’s character trajectory is one of the most poetic I’ve ever seen and experienced in a game and I absolutely love that it’s FELT both in the combat of the game AND the story. I guess the point I’m trying to make is there should be growth in the character’s development but also growth in the game mechanics and combat. FFX is a game that intertwined both forms of growth organically and I think KH3 really should’ve done that as well. Starting off weak and THEN becoming powerful enough to take on the big baddy in the ending rewards the players for their efforts and also feels way more satisfying. Also, a certain character that begins with “K” and ends with “airi” could’ve EASILY been the Yuna of this game. But once again KH3 repeats the same old ideas over and over again. Also, speaking of Final Fantasy, where are my Final Fantasy characters in KH3??

I know this sounds like a negative review but overall, I actually did enjoy playing KH3 and it was great to see all my favs and like I always say, it always feels like home. I'm definitely not done yet (gotta synthesize ultima, collect all treasures and lucky emblems, reach level 99, and maybe play some mini-games). But ultimately it did not have that emotional impact on me like the first 2 KH's. Maybe I AM too old and broken. Maybe when I replay it one day I'll feel differently. Anyway, see you in 2040 when KH4 comes out!