#I love being a menace on the battle field | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

eureka-its-zico · 7 months ago

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A Body of Stars

Ongoing series

Synopsis: With a galaxy at war, it’s hard to distinguish the stars from the metal of UNSC ships. You were told about the war that waged between the UNSC and insurrectionists; your planet opposing them since you were born. Your enemy was meant to be the UNSC and the Spartans they created, specifically John-117 - the Master Chief. Except, all isn’t as black and white as you were raised to believe, and the galaxy holds secrets far darker than you could’ve imagined.

Pairing: John - 117 x F!Reader

Genre: enemies to lovers, strangers to lovers, slow burn, eventual smut, Halo TV series/Mass Effect mashup

Warnings: mentions of war, violence

Word count: 11.7k

A/N: Alright. As hyper fixations go, the Halo series (and let’s be real, Pablo is a menace) has my ass in a chokehold. That being said, season 2 was amazing and made me want to work on a small fic that blended the series and my love of BioWare’s Mass Effect. Mass Effect is my favorite sci-fi space game about galactic war, friendship, love, sacrifice. I could rant but I won’t. There will be mentions of certain ME things in here, like the reader having biotics, to go along with the lore of the halo series. So, without further ado: its back story time. I hope someone out there enjoys this and as always, thank you for reading 🖤 much love, Jenn

Year: 2521

•Shadow Sea cluster•

•Lera system•

Destination: Laconix

ETA: 13 hours

The Midsummer Night came out of slip space without a hitch.

Not that he’d been worried. It was one of the few things that Captain Jacob Keyes hadn’t worried about during this current mission. What, or rather who, currently worried him was standing less than ten yards from him and came in the form of his ex-wife. He risked a glance where Dr. Catherine Halsey was hunched over with her nose deep inside another holopad.

Those holopads had been one of the many reasons why their marriage fell apart.

There was no doubting the brilliance her work contributed to the scientific field or the war effort. All of her research was the stepping stone humanity needed in terms of augmentation and the human genome. The contributions Halsey and her Spartans made towards this never-ending battle against the covenant saved lives, but, and it was a big but, Jacob knew that Halsey’s methods were questionable, at best. Hell, he’d been a part of those questionable decisions, driving the helm, while she did what she deemed was necessary.

Vital.

So, Jacob Keyes knew without her ever having to say a word that something was off. The Midsummer Night and the Pegasus holding Halsey’s darling Spartain-III’s were meant to go for a routine extraction. Intel indicated one of the leaders in the insurrectionist rebel groups, Kahn Montrello, was located on a planet within the Lera system of the Shadow Sea cluster. It was a typical snatch-and-grab unless they were met with resistance.

Halsey requesting to tag along was more than just a surprise. It was suspicious. Jacob knew Halsey didn’t do anything without purpose.

“Tell me again why you’ve insisted on inserting yourself into a routine mission dealing with insurrectionists?”

Halsey hadn’t even looked up from the damn holopad to acknowledge he’d walked over.

“I’m just here to gather some data while the Silver Team is dispatched to help your marines on the ground.”

Jacob’s boots scuffed against the metal of the bridge as he moved closer to her. His eyes on Catherine’s back - willing her to turn, to acknowledge him - as her gaze held tightly to the readings she’d taken from a tablet from her lab. The data was transferred to the larger scale computer in the bridge’s main console. Halsey’s eyes roaming endlessly through data Jacob himself knew he’d never understand without her help.

“Come on, Catherine. That may be the bullshit you fed Parangosky and the other admirals, but don’t feed me the same lies and expect it to go down smoothly.”

Halsey broke away for the briefest millisecond from whatever data she was reading. Her eyes skimmed over him before returning back to what was more important.

Research in the name of human exploration always was.

“It’s not bullshit. Data collected in the field is highly valuable for furthering my research; proof to Parangosky the Spartan research is worth her continued funding.”

“That’s a nice speech, Catherine, but I know that any collected data during the mission is recorded and sent back to your lab for analysis. So, when are you going to start telling me something honest?”

Honesty.

Asking Halsey to be anything other than secretive was like asking a tiger to get rid of its stripes. Jacob knew even if she told him - really shared - it still wouldn’t be all of the actual information. Key pieces of information - the most valuable - would be forever stored within her; leverage for another day.

Whatever it was she could see on those holopads had her sky blue eyes wide in excitement. Halsey wouldn’t be able to contain it - hide it - for much longer. If the small rise at the corner of her mouth was any indication, all Jacob needed to do was push a little further. Find the right words to spark a rush of hypotheticals that might turn out to hold some truth. If she didn’t crack yet, it would take one more well-placed question and she would cave.

“Jacob,” her voice was breathy, tinged with unrestrained joy. “I think I found something.”

“What are you talking about, Catherine? Found something?”

More cryptics. More hoops.

A sigh heavy with years of fights - conflicts - departed his lips and Halsey rushed to recover some ground. Her body quickly took back the space he left to place her hand gently on his bicep. The grip was soft but demanding that he stay close; pleading with him not to pull away.

Halsey needed him.

“A few weeks ago the UNSC sent over old documents from companies they’d disassembled. Conatix was one of them.”

It wasn’t hard to spot the confusion that deepened the lines in the crease of Jacob’s forehead and scrunched up his nose. His eyes roamed her face searching for a tell, but if Halsey had one she’d never show it.

“Conatix was an old UNSC factory that produced our warships-“

“Yes, I know.”

“Why would you be interested in anything about warships?”

Halsey scanned the room to make sure no one was watching - no eyes lingering on the two of them - before she directed her attention back to him. The caution that darkened her eyes shifted with a spark Jacob knew all too well.

Halsey had found something. Really found something.

“Usually, nothing of value would be of interest in old documents and schematics for warships but, while scrolling through the files I stumbled upon an encrypted file.”

“UNSC documentation is always encrypted when it’s being shipped out to-“

“To be destroyed, yes I already know that, Jacob,” Halsey cut in. Her body directed back towards the holopad that she carefully picked up. Her fingers darted across the screen hunting for the files in question. “But this was different. It wasn’t schematics or calculations - it was redacted - sealed documents about an incident.”

No sooner had she started Halsey was finished. Her hand reached out to give him the holopad and waited patiently for him to take it.

“Go ahead.”

Jacob looked around the ship's bridge to make sure no one was watching. He needed to be careful, not necessarily for Halsey’s sake, but for that of his crew. He should’ve known - did know - Halsey had a habit, a bad one, to go above the chain of command to get what she wanted. That leverage she saved for a rainy day coming in hot to throw around pawns and pieces as she saw fit to get her way.

Cautiously, Jacob secured the holopad from her and started looking at the documents, or what little he could see. Almost with every swipe all he saw were broken links and documents with holes of information missing. Sentences that formed into two words with the rest gone or replaced by shapes and numbers. An elaborate break in the code.

“I was able to decipher most of them. Get back what information they tried to hide-“

“Catherine,” he whispered her name in warning, not for himself, but for her.

“Jacob - this wasn’t about warships or weapons or schematics. Something happened. A ship they’d used with element zero - eezo - had leaked out over a few colonies. A hole in one of the port engines that wasn’t caught in time.”

“Catherine,” Jacob pleaded again, “This isn’t news or anything that concerns you or me.”

Halsey wasn’t going to back down. He knew she wouldn’t. Not when the sheer joy of finding something undiscovered was close. The science behind furthering human evolution. The moment he realized what this was - what he held in his hands - Jacob knew his eyes were saucers. The sudden shock of realization stunning him to the spot.

“Children, Jacob,” Halsey practically laughed. “The pregnant mothers who were infected by the particles gave birth to children with eezo ingrained into their nervous system. The abilities these files claim they saw…it’s like nothing I’ve ever read.”

In her excitement, Halsey reached out and took a hold of his arm. The startled warmth of her touch was enough to knock Jacob back out of his daze. His eyes skimming one more time over impossible things he saw in diagrams Halsey recreated.

“Even if that was true, you don’t even know if any of them are still alive or where they are.”

With her lips curved up in victory, Halsey plucked the holopad from his hands.

“Yes I do. We’re headed there now.”

————-

“You get caught staring up at the sky again and Caster is going to throw a fit.”

“When isn’t he throwing a fit?”

Your question wasn’t meant for an answer. The words barely made it above a whisper while you kept watch on the green hued light that streaked across the sky like a river. Calling it green felt like you were doing it a disservice. You knew it was more than that - the way it moved with purpose across the endless blue above. The different shades that reminded you of the grass on which you stood and dark as the forest that surrounded you.

“Come on,” Thao called over his shoulder. Your name calling from his lips like it would be enough to coax you forward. “I want to get back to actually enjoy what little of my day I have left.”

“You can enjoy it now,” you reminded him.

It took a few more seconds - another millisecond after that - for your eyes to turn back to the world around you. The snap of a branch somewhere off to your right informing you Thao had taken off without waiting for you to catch up.

“Not when my friends are back at the colony having fun without me. And I’m out here looking for dumb ass yaks.”

A small tut of disapproval clicked at the roof of your mouth. Your stride easily brings you closer to the shorter eleven-year-old boy. It allowed you to gently ruffle his hair. Your efforts were greeted by a grunt of annoyance with his hand grabbing at your wrist to gently shove you away.

“And just think, you would be there now, doing whatever it is you troublemakers do, if you and your friends hadn’t set a flare off inside Caster’s hut. And don’t disrespect the yaks.”

Thao’s eyes disappeared inside his head as your elbow gently nudged his shoulder. You must be making some kind of progress, because this time he made no move to push you away.

“Old man deserved it. Always hoarding the chicken eggs.”

“He owns the chickens.”

“So?”

“So,” you drawled, “it means he owns the eggs. Owning the eggs also means he gets to distribute them however he sees fit.”

“How is that fair? You know he gave Lydia and her kids three eggs last week? Three eggs. What is a family of five supposed to do with that? It’s not right.”

You knew what Thao meant. You understood the feeling of anger that burned into sadness and ultimately to the ash of defeat. Kahn allowed those who proved useful in the fight against the UNSC to have a majority hold on most of the items in the colony. Those who allowed themselves to be shuffled around an unseeable chessboard like pawns.

Willing to die, to give up everything, at his disposal.

All in the name of fighting a government who grew more powerful everyday. The UNSC sharing their own videos of propaganda that showed thousands upon thousands of soldiers equally willing to die for a cause, and Spartans being the unmovable force needed to shift any battle back into the UNSC’s favor. It was this very reason Kahn looked for those desperate enough to join, to do anything he asked, to win.

A devoted father agrees to be a walking bomb to blow up a UNSC building? His family is rewarded with food, wood, and blankets to help make it through the harsh winters. Attempting to infiltrate a building to release a virus, whether you were caught or not, Kahn took care of your family. It could be with livestock, guns for protection, or even the yaks whose pelts made the biggest profit at the markets.

Every loss of life was just another reminder of the men and women who slowly disappeared from the colony. A senseless loss of life. You were still trying to figure out what it was for; what purpose you hadn’t been able to see, because for every life lost in the pursuit of justice against the USNC, their numbers only grew. The colony's numbers, however, weren't so lucky.

“You could turn this war around.”

“I won’t kill for you, Kahn.”

You swiftly whipped your head to the side to rid yourself of the memory. Your eyes narrowing on the green rolling hills on the other side of the treeline. That was where you would find the yaks grazing. You gently patted Thao’ss shoulder - for whatever comfort it would give - before you moved forward to take point.

“That’s because it isn’t fair, Thao.”

“See! Even you agree,” Thao huffed out your name. His small body broke into a jog to match your hurried step. “If anyone in the colony would be able to kick his ass, it would be you.”

Your feet were turning before you’d even realized it. Your body answered the piercing spike of adrenaline in your blood with your hands shooting out to grab his shoulders. The action made you crouch a couple inches until you were face-to-face with Thao. Your eyes scanned wildly across his features reading nothing but uncertainty.

“Don’t ever say something like that out loud again, Thao. Do you understand me?”

“I was only saying-“

“I know what you're trying to say. The answer is no, and if Kahn or any of his dumbass lackies ever heard you even mention something like that we are both as good as dead.”

“But-“

“Tell me you understand!”

If anyone asked why you felt the sudden surge of panic ripple over your skin, you wouldn’t be able to say, or place where it stemmed from. Technically, the both of you were out in the safety of the mountain fields and away from the prying eyes of Kahn’s dictatorship. Lost behind a sea of forest, the rolling fields of green, and poppies that puddled around you like blood.

You’d seen what Kahn and his insurrectionists were capable of. Any whisper - false or not - and the person went missing. Kahn ruled the colony with the fear generated by the UNSC, but cultivated his own like the boogeyman.

“Yeah I get it. Whatever.”

Thao shrugged out of your hold and turned away from you. His pre-teen feet stomped a path out of the tree line and out into the field. A sigh left you, worn and heavy, as you watched his retreat.

I Should’ve been softer…

You let out a huff of air as a hand scrubbed over your face. It was supposed to be a simple ‘herd the yaks back to the colony’ type of day. Not grovel to one of the only people - kid or not - who wasn’t afraid of you.

It was your turn to jog after his retreating form. Quickly, you noticed that he didn’t even look up to acknowledge your presence. He wasn’t sending jokes about being an old lady (you were twenty-four, thank you very much) whose brittle bones could snap under the strain of being a person. You would’ve taken being called an old lady than suffering through the silent treatment.

Gently, you nudged his shoulder with your elbow. When he didn’t turn you tried again and again until, finally, you were rewarded with him turning an annoyed side-eye in your direction. You gave him your best apologetic smile and carefully looped your arm around his shoulders to bring him in close.

“I’m sorry. Okay? I was kind of an asshole.”

“A major asshole.”

“Okay. I’ll accept that major part but only for today.”

“If there was an asshole award, you would’ve taken home the prize-“

“Okay, geez. I get it.”

You both settled into a comfortable pace with your arm still draped over his shoulders. Your mind raced back to the last time you’d been able to do this. Thao had been younger - shorter - and with the rate he was growing, you soon might not be able to reach him. Soon, Thao might not care for your company.

“You know, I am surprised you didn’t fracture an ankle running after me at your tender age.”

“Alright, that’s enough for today,” you grumbled in mock annoyance.

You ended up having to shove him away just to try and hide the smile that threatened to lift the edges of your mouth. The sound of Thao’s laughter at your weak attempt at being mean - he 100% knew it took way too much to even make you raise your voice - made the crack of a smile begin to form.

The yaks were about another ten or so feet ahead of you both. Their massive bodies moved in slow steps while they grazed along the long grass. You weren’t sure if it was their adorable long bangs that made it impossible for them to notice you right away (doubtful) or if they just didn’t consider either of you a threat (possible). Either way, they didn’t startle as the two of you closed the remaining distance. Didn’t jump up to try and kick or gore either of you with their horns when Thao produced the ropes from his satchel.

It took a grand total of ten minutes, maybe less, to have all seven of the yaks securely held in makeshift collars from the rope. Their large bodies begrudgingly followed the two of you as you gently pulled the lead, forcing them to give up their meal of dewy grass and follow you back through the treeline.

“You know,” Thao cautiously began, his eyes skimming between you and the trees. “This might be a lot faster if you just…ya know, float them up.”

“Float them up?”

“With your blue magic.”

This time you weren’t able to hide your smile as you shook your head.

“It’s called biotics, Thao, not blue magic.”

“Blue magic sounds waaaay cooler than ‘biotics’. Who even came up with that lame name, anyway.”

“You can thank the good folks at Conatix for that one.”

One of the yaks pulled back on its lead forcing you to give a slight tug back. You could understand if they were tired after eating, but you really didn’t have time in your schedule for yak naps. A huff of air came from the nostrils of the yak to drive home that it wasn't happy not having its nap. Or maybe it was the berry bush it was after, either way, napping and eating stops were prohibited.

You weren’t aware the conversation had died until Thao’s voice interrupted the silence.

“Is it true that you were born like that?”

His question was timid - afraid he would upset you. You were used to the questions; the stares. You remember sitting with your parents in a room, about Thao’s age, when Conatix came back around trying to clean up their mess. Said mess being spilling eezo from their ships across planets that later infected children. While some pregnant mothers had children like you, exposed to element zero in the womb creating a nervous system made of eezo, a majority were far less lucky. Children born riddled with tumors or horrific physical complications that left them in pain their entire lives.

You were supposed to be a lucky one.

One of the lucky ones they’d been trying to take back with them to their laboratories. A lucky one meant to be bought by a substantial fee that your parents quickly declined. It was the last choice they ever got to make for you before they mysteriously died in a tragic accident off-world.

“Yes.”

You didn’t feel lucky and maybe it was the way the words crumbled out of your mouth. The way they sat suspended in the air in a swirl of regrets and dead wishes that Thao knew you didn’t want to talk anymore. Not about your past or anything that reminded you that what you are - who you are - has felt like one big burden. You wondered, most nights, if there was a possibility that curses could be born.

————

The rest of the walk back was filled with an awkward silence. You weren’t sure if it was one you’d made by your lack of response, or if Thao no longer felt like talking. A part of you feared the image he’d held of you since he was young, full of mystery that made you seem cool, was slowly becoming destroyed. You knew it was a matter of time before it happened.

You were an anomaly.

Children saw you as magical, while adults believed you could perform some kind of mind control or read their thoughts. It was the main reason Kahn wanted you to join the resistance. Who wouldn’t want someone who could read thoughts and control minds on their team? You’d know when and where attacks could happen and make them blow up their ships from the inside. Unfortunately, for Kahn, the only thoughts you could read were your own and, as of right now, they were desperately shouting at you not to lose one of the few friends you had left.

Even if they happened to be a young boy who was notorious for being the most talkative kid in the colony.

With a few more steps up the hill, you both came to a stop at the top of the hill. You took in the thatched roofs of the huts that lay scattered in a misshapen circle of rows. The outer ring of homes were made of clay and the only splash’s of color came from designs being painted on the sides of homes or flowers planted in the yard.

The middle ring was meant to be for men like Kahn and his commanders; men and women of importance so that they lived closer to the final, smaller ring, of storefronts and farmers. The middle circle was left open and featured a large walkway down the center of town and out into the hills.

Kahn specifically had the colony built this way. The walkway was the most important, because Kahn believed it was good for his people to be able to watch those that fought for their freedoms return from another victory against the UNSC. You knew it was more about parading around having people kiss his ass than for uplifting any kind of morale.

It was the same path that Thao and you took now as you brought in the yaks from the mountains. You knew it wouldn’t be long until you got them back inside their pen and with the irritated snorts and tugs on their leashes, the yaks knew it too. The sound of multiple small feet came rushing in on Thao’s side and the faces of a few village children came into view. They made sure to stop just before they got in the way of a yak.

“Thao, can you come play?”

“Not yet. I have to finish this choir for Caster.”

A lot of groaning ensued and you felt your free hand reach over the back of a yak. Your fingers waving for him to give you his leashes. Thao’s brow raised in question and you only answered him by pointing at the leash and waving him again to hand it over.

“Hurry up and give them to me before I change my mind.”

You were trying to be grumpy. The way any elder in town would complain about the youth of today being too soft and not knowing the meaning of hard work and blah blah. You were sure they were all just stuck in super grouchy mode from having to be an adult with responsibilities for too long. And because of that, you knew, instead of looking grumpy, a smile was already brightening up your face. Thao’s face lit up in response and his eyes darted - unsure - from up the path and back to you.

“Are you sure? Caster -“

“Will never know that you didn’t help bring them all the way back. Now, like I said, hand over the lead before I suddenly have a fit of amnesia.”

He didn’t need further prompting. Thao’s hand smashed the remaining leashes into your waiting palm and turned on his heel to run off with the other kids. A soft, “thank you,” calling out behind him.

You didn’t waste any more time watching their retreating backs as they tore down a small alleyway between huts. You had your own things that you still needed to finish today. As you continued on your way, you greeted people who were outside in their gardens or hanging up laundry. Some of them returned your greetings of, “Hello,” with grunts with their backs turned to you or hurried inside. Apparently, if they didn’t look you in the eye or were behind the safety of a wall it kept you from using your mind control powers.

You were willing to bet Kahn had something to do with that latest lie about your make believe abilities. If you wouldn’t fight for him, why not cause a little mass panic in your presence. You being the monster and him, the hero, forcing you to toe the line. No ‘mind reading’ unless it was for the ‘cause’.

As you neared the pen in front of Caster’s shop, you started to rotate the leashes tighter in your hands. You were positive if the yaks felt a slack in their leash, they would attempt a revolt. They also weren’t the biggest fan of the metal pen of broken down ships Caster created to house them; the metal of an old hatch door from a USNC frigate - rusted and covered in moss - groaned as it opened. A sound the yaks knew well and instantly sent their hooves stamping into the muddy grass.

“Alright, ladies, I don’t want any trouble. It’s time to get your butts back in here - whoa!”You shot around with a start as one of the yaks gently bumped its nose against your back sending you forward towards the pen. “None of that,” you mumbled. Your index finger pointing at your chest then back to every single one of them. “Your home, not mine. Now go.”

With a cautious glance over your shoulder you took a step forward leading the herd inside. It wasn’t until you’d begun to remove their leashes that the familiar sound of a man clearing his throat brought your gaze up to search the fence. It didn’t take long for you to find Caster leaning against it. An arm hanging over while the other held up whatever self-righteous bullshit questioning he was about to spew.

“Where’s Thao?”

“He helped me bring them here, Caster. I sent him on his way once we reached the pen.”

“That’s not what he was told to do and you don’t have any authority to change orders.”

Every word reached you like a slap in the face. Caster’s irritation was evident with the click of his tongue. You tried to keep your face neutral; your gaze fixed on one of the yak's as your fingers ran through the tangled fur. You gave one final pat to signal your departure before you walked back to the pen’s exit.

“I wasn’t aware Thao had to be the specific individual to deliver a bunch of yaks inside the pen.”

“Bullshit,” Caster snarled your name. His body closing the distance between you as you stepped through the pen entrance. “You can try and play dumb with me all you want, but we both know you aren’t that damn dense. Thao can’t shut up even for a second in his sleep, and you’re trying to tell me the boy magically didn’t complain the whole time he was with you?”

Caster invaded what little space you had once you stepped fully out from behind the pen. The door hadn’t even closed yet before Caster rushed you, attempting to trap you between him and the metal. The cold gray of his eyes roamed your face waiting for you to break at his intimidation.

One of the Shadow Sea’s three moons would have to explode first before that ever happened.

You jammed the cool metal of the pens chains into his chest. You didn’t bother to see if he would catch it when you released it. You knew he would, and when Caster did, you made sure to take a step towards him forcing the older man two options; hold his ground or back up. You weren’t surprised when he did the latter.

“You’re right, Caster, I’m not that damn dense. Close up your own fucking pen.”

You didn’t give him the chance to reply. The first step you took forced him to take another step back, your shoulder ramming into his as you pushed your way past him.

Could you have gone around?

Yes, but, no matter what, it felt a lot better being petty for a couple of seconds than pretending for a second you cared.

It didn’t take Caster long to find his bearings. The sound of the chains rustling in his hands and a slew of curses thrown at your back were the first to greet you before he yelled after you: “Just wait until Kahn hears about this!”

“Yea, yea,” you mumbled.

You were willing to bet no matter how the exchange between Caster and you went, Kahn was always going to hear how it went. Good or bad. Caster yelled something else at your retreating back. You responded with a wave and continued back down the main path before you veered off course into a smaller path. It was one you knew well since you were a child. One you knew led to your grandparents' hut.

Smoke rose from the clay chimney and you knew, before you entered through the doorway, you’d find your grandfather working to dry his latest clay pots by the fire. Your grandmothers weathered fingers working tirelessly with a needle and her beadwork scattered over the small table. It was only a few days before everyone with goods left to try and sell them at the Market. You moved through the small space stopping to kiss the top of your grandmother’s head before you gently took over for your grandfather.

“And where did you run off to this morning?”

You didn’t have to look up to feel the weight of your grandfather’s stare. His scrutinizing eyes waiting for you to give him a response knowing full well it wasn’t going to be the one he wanted.

“There is no need to worry, grandpa. I was nowhere and everywhere all at once.”

“That sentence alone turned what little hair I have left white.”

“All of your hairs’ already white.”

“Precisely my point,” he groaned.

The soft chuckle of your grandmother cut through the tension in the small room. Your eyes now directed to the open flame and focused on turning the pot slowly with the tongs. The last thing you wanted to hear on top of giving your grandfather white hair and an early grave was ruining a pot he’d worked on most of this morning.

“Would you two stop it? I’m sure she has a perfectly good explanation for why she was missing this morning. Don’t you dear?”

Your grandmother sent a coy look in your direction and you couldn’t wait to completely crush her dreams. While your grandfather believed in hard work, your grandmother believed in finding a good spouse who could provide for the imaginary great grandchildren she’d already named.

Either that or joining the resistance.

“I was out helping Thao rally up the yaks that ran away this morning.”

A sigh so heavy escaped from your grandfather’s chest that you could’ve sworn all your ancestors before you joined him.

“And there it is.”

The soft call of your name forced your attention back to where your grandmother now sat idle. Her hands placing the beadwork and adjoining needles on the table. Her small frame turned on the bench to make sure she had your full attention.

“I’m happy you want to help but you already know Kahn will-“

“Will throw a bitch fit. Yeah, yeah, I know.”

A smack on your arm sent you jolting back in surprise. Your eyes cautiously roaming over to your grandmother to see if she was going to hit you again. With how tightly her lips were pressed together, you had a feeling, with some of the things that came from your mouth, the possibility of her doing it again was imminent.

“Whether you like him or not, Kahn is our leader.”

“No, he is your leader. Kahn will never be mine. A real leader doesn’t sacrifice their people to gain information or so they don’t get locked up inside a UNSC prison.”

“And do you think there is someone more fit to lead if he was gone? Who do you think would run the rebellion?”

“Plenty of more competent individuals could step forward to take his place if he wasn’t aro-“

You realized you sounded like Thao who, hours before, you’d shushed him into complacency. Your fear for his safety was paramount over how right his words might have been. And here you were doing the exact same thing inside your grandparents hut.

“Enough!”

Your grandfather wasn’t known for raising his voice and when he did it was usually out of desperation; a fear that surpassed anger that delved into worry from the unknown. You could see it now etched into every wrinkle that creased in the sagging skin of his sunburnt face. The way he tried to hold onto the anger before it was swept away by something he wouldn’t voice in fear of giving it a name.

“Whether you like it or not, Kahn runs this settlement. He is the only one working here to free us from the tyrant that is the UNSC! At least he is doing something, which is more than I can say for my own granddaughter!”

“Ernest,” your grandmother’s voice cautioned.

“So you want me to just let him use me like some kind of weapon?”

You no longer cared about holding the pinchers over the fire or the clay pot - your grandfather's life’s work - held delicately between them. As you stood up from the stool you dropped the pinchers and the sound of clay cracking tapered over your shuddering breathing for just a moment. You moved away from the fire towards a corner of the room closest to the door. The thunder in your ears drowning out the shouts of your grandmother; your eyes coming in and out of focus as you tried to ease the panic from your veins.

It would only take a second - a fatal second of panic to fill the room with a cobalt hue of flame that would ruin everything.

“Kahn offers you a way to use your gift, to teach you how to use it, and better help our people and you spit in his face!” He hissed. “Your parents gave their life for the cause-“

“And what has Kahn given!?” You hadn’t meant to scream. Each word laced with a grief stricken with rage that only bloomed brighter over time. “He asks families to give their husbands, wives, their children to fight his battles and what the fuck does he do for us?!”

“Why can’t you ever see that you can help save us? Kahn can help teach you how to control it.”

“Help me control it or control me?”

“You ungrateful child.”

His words hissed through the air and buried themselves in the hollow of your chest. Your feet involuntarily took a step back, ready to flee the hut, ready to find peace in the hills of the forest when the collective raised shouts of the villagers rang out from behind the walls.

“UNSC vessels spotted!”

It was the distraction you needed to escape the hut. The shouts of worried men and women pushing you to rush outside and greedily take gulp after gulp of fresh air until the flare, the warmth, of your power began to dig back inside your skin. When you dragged your gaze away from the grass you were greeted with villagers running back and forth. The ones who sprinted down the open lane back out towards the open forest only ended up coming back moments later.

You made your way out into the crowd, weaving in between the bodies to get to the heart of the circle their bodies created. They all stood in large huddled groups; mothers clutching their children and the able bodied men moving in front of them, in front of everyone, to try and guard them. The villagers who tried running down the main road were coming, as if herded, back to the center of the village. You didn’t understand why they were all running back to the middle.

This was a kill zone.

Strategically the worst place to be for any of the resistance fighters if they were going to make any attempt to fight back. It wasn't until you made it to the middle that your earlier rage turned to ice as you watched the UNSC marines, and four very big fucking Spartans, make their way up the middle.

If Spartans were here you knew no one stood a chance. A fight would be suicide. You needed to get back to your grandparents. You needed -

“Attention settlers of the Lera system of Laconix: I am Captain Jacob Keyes of the USNC. We have viable intel that led us to believe that you are harboring a fugitive by the name of Kahn Montrello - a known insurrectionist. We are asking for your cooperation in this matter. We can resolve this matter peacefully, with no need to resort to any unnecessary violence.”

“Screw you! You have no jurisdiction here or any outer colonies.”

Fred. That was his name. Maybe. You didn’t know - couldn’t remember. Your brain couldn’t think past your own rushing pulse or speeding thoughts. He was just pushing past the crowd with angry shouts and limbs flying while he moved towards them. You watched as he made his way towards the marines like a man on fire, and was met by a Marine who burned brighter. The butt of their gun cracking against his cheek sent him spiraling to the ground.

You weren’t sure if you were already panicked or if the sight of blood seeping through his fingers caused it. No matter what the real reason was you knew there was no getting around whatever came next. Like a swarm of locusts, the marines fanned out and moved forward. Their bodies corralled the villagers tighter together and kept any hope of escape at bay.

It was the perfect time for Kahn to make his appearance. His form practically glided from between a lake of terrified bodies frozen in fear, clutching one another, as he opened his arms in welcome.

“You say you wish us no violence, only want our cooperation, and yet attack a simple working man.”

“You need to stay where you are or you will be taken down with force,” a marine answered, their gun trained on Kahn who continued to take careful steps forward.

He responded with his hands showing he wasn’t armed. Kahn made a show to come to a stop in front of Captain Keyes.

“Maybe that was advice you should’ve opened with, Captain Keyes.”

Kahn was treating this like a joke. He was wearing that easy smile of his displaying he didn’t have a care in the world. He was either suicidal, genocidial in willing to let them completely kill the colony or, you realized with a sickening drop in your stomach, Kahn had another plan.

“And you are?”

“I’m Malcom. Another humble merchant who lives here.”

Liar!

The panic that settled like lead inside your gut dropped heavier, threatening to upend whatever was left from your morning breakfast. You didn’t have to guess what his plans were, because Kahn was laying them bare for everyone to see. The only difference between you and everyone else is that whoever he chose to sacrifice for the name of his ‘revolution’ would be met with silence.

Captain Keyes outlined Kahn’s frame with suspicion and a pebble of hope was thrown your way. Maybe he could sense the lie that costed Kahn’s words. Maybe it would be enough for him to call bullshit.

“Okay, Malcolm. And what is it you’re wanting?”

“I want nothing, Captain. I just want to show you exactly who you are looking for.”

Kahn never intended to point the finger at himself - why would he when there were dozens of men brainwashed to think their sacrifice mattered. You followed his finger like everyone else drawn to the imaginary string he pulled and waited to see what poor fool he chose this time.

Except this time - no…NO!

It was your grandfather who took a step forward out of the dozens of bodies. The wooden tip of his cane met the ground with a depth of a shovel digging a grave with each step. Your grandmother reached out her arms - called for him to come back - but he continued to make his way forward. His head held high like he was making a decision everyone should be proud of.

“I am Kahn Montrello. The man you seek.”

Captain Keyes took one look at your grandfather and you could see the disbelief reflected in his eyes. The way they darkened further on a decision you, or anyone else, would ever be made aware of until he made it.

“I’ve never known an insurrectionist leader to give themselves up so willingly.”

Thank god Captain Keyes was smarter than he looked. Your grandfather, however, wasn’t backing down. He squared his shoulders and planted his hands coolly over the hilt of his cane. His head held high enough for his next words to strangle him.

“Any leader should be willing to give themselves up for the safety of their people. Is that what you can offer me, Captain Keyes? The safety of my colony if I come willingly?”

“What are you doing?”

You were sure it was the panic that surged you forward. How you found yourself taking step after step until you were out from behind every last villager and into the clearing with Kahn and your grandfather.

“Stay back!”

“Don’t take another step forward!”

You were vaguely aware of the commands being slung your way. The arms that lifted weapons as you took scrambling steps towards your grandfather who only looked on with distaste.

“Go back with the others. I won’t tell you again.”

It was the voice he’d used countless times since you were a child. A voice that radiated with authority that now only showcased his age. A part of you wanted to follow his orders and run to your grandmother’s side. To be a good granddaughter and comfort her the way she needed.

But she wouldn’t need comforting if Kahn wasn’t such a fucking coward.

“No!”

He hissed your name as he nervously looked out over the marines. At Captain Keyes.

“Be good and do as you're told.”

“I won’t let you do this!”

“And I don’t need your permission-“

“What about grandma? You’re just going to leave her like this?”

“I wasn’t aware Kahn Montrello had grandchildren?” Keyes quipped.

You could see your grandfather open his mouth to reply and you made sure to cut him off before he could say another lie.

“That’s because he doesn’t because Kahn -“

“Apologies, Captain Keyes,” Kahn cut in. “This girl is unwell. Ever since she lost her parents -“

“Don’t you dare speak about them.“

“-she’s been desperately trying to cling to anyone willing to call her family.”

You weren’t aware you were moving forward until you heard the shouts from the marines; the gasps of fear from your own people. You were vaguely aware of the tingle of heat that moved like a shockwave from your fingertips up your arms until it consumed you. In another time, a different life, maybe you would’ve been aware that your biotics had flared to life and enveloped you in what looked like cobalt flame.

A fitting image for the one Kahn so lovingly painted for you. An unhinged woman filled with crazy fantasies and a desperation for family.

The only thing you could focus on was Kahn who stood before you. The coward who easily was willing to give your grandfather up to the UNSC knowing what they do to insurrectionist leaders. The unspeakable torture done to collect secrets, and their executions televised on every available feed for all to see.

With the thought of your grandfather’s future weighing behind your eyes you lashed out. Your hand rising forward to catch Kahn midway in taking a step back. Your biotics held him suspended in the air. You were vaguely aware of what sounded like your grandfather calling your name. The wood of his cane crunching through dirt and leaves to rush to you.

There was more shouting - orders being relayed and metal clicks of safeties being released - and you knew chaos was about to ensue.

“Spartan’s your orders are to grab the insurrectionist known as Kahn Montrello. Marines focus on providing backup and subduing any and all threats.”

A wash of relief rippled through you. The UNSC had come to their senses. They must have realized Kahn for the liar he was. Captain Keyes caught on that the rouse Kahn created with your grandfather was all a lie.

Except that wasn’t what happened.

The marines who fanned out around the clearing were now moving in towards one sole target: you. The Spartans who Keyes sent forward to capture Kahn weren’t headed in your direction, but towards your grandfather who was visibly shaking as he watched two of the UNSC’s giants - their most powerful weapons - move towards him.

“No! You have it all wrong! He isn’t Kahn!”

You released the hold you had on Kahn. No longer was he held suspended in the air as you sent his body flying towards the marines. Your feet were digging into the soil, pitching you forward in a hard sprint, as you barreled blindly towards your grandfather. You could hear him warning you to stay back - ‘stay away’ - but you never were good with doing what you were told.

The closest Spartan,only identified by the numbers 028 on her chest, was almost on him. They were so close it would only take a couple more inches and this Spartan would grab a hold of him and you would lose him. Forever.

You were running on pure adrenaline. Your vision honed in on nothing else but the hand of the Spartan that reached out to grab at his arm. If they got a hold of him, that was it. You called on every cell of energy in your body, your arm drawing back - nerves frying - as the eezo inside your body compacted in the space around you, changing it into a powerful ball that you launched with a scream. The Spartan barely had time to react when the cobalt sphere of element zero slammed into her suit and sent her flying back.

“Riz!”

You had a split second to make half a shield before the second Spartan’s fist slammed against it. The impact snapped like a shockwave of its own. The force of impact sent your feet sliding back against the dirt. The sound of heavy footsteps following your rolling body forced you to spring to your knees as you called on another surge of element zero and sent it flying like a fastball.

It slammed into the Spartan but, unlike the first one, it barely slowed them down. The impact crackled against the air and the force field around his armor allowing your biotics to push them back only a few feet. It was all the feet you needed to scramble on all fours to your grandfather, who was kneeling in a heap in the dirt.

As soon as you slide in next to him, you put up a small force field - a bubble of blue that encapsulated you both just in time before bullets bounced against the shield. Gently, you secured an arm underneath his shoulders and tried to lift him up to you. All while your right hand stayed pressed against the barrier you’d created. Your arms shaking with the strain of holding back another round of gunfire and the slamming fists of a very big, very angry, Spartan.

You were running out of time. The strain of keeping the barrier up, of using powers you usually never touched, left a noticeable trail of perspiration to crown your forehead. If you kept this up much longer, you knew the nosebleeds would start soon.

“Come on grandpa. We have to get up now. We gotta get you out of here.”

“Just let them take me, deheyah*.”

A heavy wave of memory, weighted with emotions thick and stifling, threatened to knock you off balance. The last time your grandfather had ever called you that, was before your parents died. When you were allowed the luxury of childhood innocence and the imagination that the world held the beauty of magic before it was destroyed by the gravity of reality.

“That’s not going to happen, grandpa. I won’t let it happen. I can’t lose you too.”

Your body jerked with the next slam of a fist against the barrier. The impact sent a shutter down into the marrow of your bones and snapped at your nervous system. The pain was immediate and tore a gasp from you.

“You will never lose me. I will always be with you. Wherever you go. Whatever you choose to be.”

“No.”

You shook your head violently forcing him to reach out to steady you. The soft leather of his hand cupped your cheek quieting your protests and forced you to keep your eyes on him.

“I’m sorry for what I said. Earlier. I just - I just wanted what was best for you. I always have. But…only you know what is best for your life. Never stop fighting. Don’t be afraid of who you can be.”

“Why are you talking like this? This isn’t goodbye grandpa. Come on, I have to get you back to grandma. She’s going to be pissed if you just stay here.”

But it was, wasn’t it? You’d felt it when your hands touched the layers of shawls that draped over his chest. It was wetter than it should’ve been. His eyes glassy and unfocused and struggling to keep them on you while he spoke. Somehow, you’d been a few moments too late when the bullets came your way, and those few seconds allowed the hollow point of a bullet to find a hole in the center of his chest.

Blood covered your left hand as another sharp synopsis of pain resonated through your nervous system. Spartan 028, Riz, was back up and hammering away at the sphere of the barrier you’d created. The pain should’ve been unbearable but nothing compared to the last gasp of air that shuddered from your grandfather. It couldn’t compare to the feeling of his body, lifeless, and sagging towards the earth where the weight forced you to place him.

None of this would’ve happened if Kahn wasn’t a coward. If he didn’t use people, the very people he claimed were his. People he swore to defend and liberate - for his own gain.

The anger swelled brighter inside like a raging flame. Every beating your nervous system took holding up the barrier became a dulled sensation as you struggled to breathe around the loss of your grandfather.

The Spartans had stopped but didn’t move back. A woman was off to your right. Blonde hair. Blue eyes. Smiling like she was friendly but the mock kindness didn’t reach her eyes. They were bright with excitement; the way hunters spotted prey. A scientist finding a new object to dissect.

“…I’m Doctor Halsey.”

Of course she was. She wanted to dissect you. The same way the scientists from Conatix tried many years ago by trying to buy you from your parents. She was saying your name but she had no right to it.

This Dr. Halsey.

False smile given under false pretenses. Just like Kahn has his fancy glittering speeches that kept hopes high and results low.

“We don’t want to harm you. If you are willing to come peacefully we promise we will leave the colony immediately. No further bloodshed needs to happen.”

The part of you that wasn’t soaked in grief agreed. It was the best call to make - the right call. It promised no more suffering would happen. It meant your grandmother would be safe.

Your grandmother. A woman who lost her son. Her husband. Now her granddaughter. Who would watch her if you left? The thought alone sprang a sharp refusal to your tongue until you stood, your eyes cast down at the warm body of your grandfather. In that moment, whatever reasonable human being you used to be ceased to exist. The only thing left was rage.

Dr. Halsey must have noticed. No longer was she crouched to be eye level with you. She returned to her full height. Her hands placed out in front to shield herself, as if that would be enough to stop what happened next.

“Whatever you’re thinking - don’t.”

Your reply came in a scream that crawled its way from the pit of despair that had lodged itself inside your heart. The loss of your parents, the death of your grandfather, and for your grandmother who would be alone. You used that hurt, bitterness, and rage and used it to erupt your shield into a burst of biotic energy that detonated like a bomb. The sheer force alone sent the Spartans back.

It wasn’t enough but you only needed a minute or two. Just enough time for you to send your biotics crackling along the air in a line until it grabbed a hold of Kahn and pulled him like a slingshot of force back towards you. When he was close enough, you dropped your left hand that you’d use to control the pull of his body, and cocked back your right arm, your palm open, and launched it forward. The slam of the biotics hit home at the center of his chest launching Kahn back through the scrambling crowd of people, with the sickening crack of his sternum mixing with the scream that tore from your throat.

It was all the time you had before the Spartan marked with 117 came into view. His armored fist closes in like a warthog at full speed against your cheek, sending your body spiraling into the dirt. You could feel the earth shift with tremors as he moved to follow you. You could taste the blood from the hit and wondered if your jaw was broken. If you just lost a whole row of teeth.

“John, Incapacitate her only! I need her to be brought back with us. Alive.”

For a glorious moment, your blurred vision swirled only with the uninterrupted view of the sky before the cameo green of Master Chief, savior of the galaxy - or John - 117 - helmet came into view. A joke was brewing on the back of your tongue, covered in humor and blood before his fist came crashing down your line of sight, and the world became blissfully quiet.

_________

You found that the darkness wasn’t as quiet as you’d hoped.

The impact from the punch the Maater Chief, or John - 117 as that woman called him, had launched you into what felt like a nightmare. Held hostage by a paralysis of your own mind. Unable to change the forms of what you saw. The images were vivid. The sounds carried a weight that sat heavy like lead in your skull. It made you miss the pain of being conscious.

You weren’t sure if the screams that bounced around inside your head were real or if they were just a part of the nightmare. Over and over your broken mind played out the moment a Marine’s bullet found a hole inside your grandfather's gut.

No matter how fast you ran, if you launched yourself in front of him, you were never fast enough. Each step you took sunk deeper into the earth as if your legs were trying to race through quicksand. Your own biotics mysteriously grew quiet - refusing to work for the first time in your life.

No matter what the outcome never changed. Your grandfather was gone, and there was no time travel to head back and change that startling fact.

A sickening lurch, one you knew meant a ship was coming out of slipspace, sent the contents of that morning’s breakfast swirling in your stomach. You barely had time to register that it was real, the nausea, and that you were really about to throw up. You’d barely rolled to your side before said breakfast displayed itself onto a very shiny metal floor.

As soon as you finished, you rolled back onto your back. Your eyes fluttered open to take in the fluorescent lights, the cool slated metal ceiling that matched the walls and floor. It was definitely a cell, and you most definitely found out much too late that your wrists were tied behind your back.

When you were sure you weren’t going to upend anymore of your breakfast, you slowly began to maneuver to sit on the only bench they’d laid you on. The pain in the sockets of your shoulders informing you that you’d been like this for quite a while.

You were still trying to gather your bearings when the sliding doors to your right opened. A woman with blonde hair stood at the forefront with a Spartan, the dusk green armor of John - 117, standing protectively behind her. When she moved, he moved. You couldn’t help but consider her a puppeteer and the Spartan the puppet. He didn’t move unless she did and you doubted he would be doing any of the talking.

She entered the room with a cautionary smile and clinical eyes assessing you before she even entered. It was easy to tell she was a scientist and, more than likely, a very experienced one in whatever it was she specialized in.

“Hello, Subject Cobalt,” she said brightly. Her smile never faltered once. “I’m glad to see that you are alright. My name is Doctor Halsey. I’ve come to do an assessment on you and make sure you didn’t sustain any life-threatening or mind altering issues after what happened back on Laconix.”

Subject Cobalt?

Was that supposed to be you?

You eyed her warily as she took her first step inside the cell. The heavy footsteps of Mjolnir armor followed closely behind. If she suspected you were jumpy - a rabbit in headlights, as the old ones used to say - Halsey never showed it.

A few more steps and she was beside the bench. Another breath and she was sitting beside you. The smile on her face beaming and hollowing out her eyes with rapture at what she must have considered a new species. You made a fine new specimen for any scientist, you would imagine. A nervous system full of eezo that lit your body up like an Earthen Christmas tree and the power to wield it like a weapon.

Doctor Halsey was practically giddy beside you.

“I’m going to do a few simple tests to verify cognitive function isn’t impaired. To do so, I’m going to need your assistance. Do you think you could do that for me?”

Your eyes scanned over her as you considered your options. It turned out to be a very short list that was available to you. The only option being to go along with what she asked.

“Okay.”

That one word was all the go ahead Halsey needed to cause her megawatt smile to go up a notch. She must have thought you would be resistant to following orders and she wasn’t wrong but, from where you were sitting, this seemed like the lesser of two evils.

“Splendid. First, I’m going to run this pen horizontally and vertically. I need you to focus on the tip of the pen, and follow it as closely as you can.”

“Okay.”

Doctor Halsey lifted the pen up to eye level, a few inches away from your face, and waited for your eyes to train on the silver point. You hadn’t expected an examination as soon as you woke up. You weren’t sure if you should’ve felt happy or worried about it. If you were one misstep away from becoming a lab rat.

You’d been so deep in thought - your mind considering all the outcomes and possibilities of this interaction ending well - that you completely missed her first question.

“I’m sorry. Can you repeat the question?”

Another smile. Another deflection. It was enough, however, for you to notice the tightness in the fine lines of her face. It was so small you could’ve missed it.

“Of course. During your biotic episode on Laconix, I noticed your nose started bleeding. Does it do that every time you use your biotics?”

“No.”

The tightness again. This time it was the edges of her smile - suspended in that mock sweetness - that reminded you of your mother. Waiting for you to give more detail without prodding and realizing, rapidly, you feared incriminating yourself. The pen dropped into her lap. Her eyes roaming over your face for a sign - a tell - that she could exploit.

“You aren’t in any kind of trouble. I’m merely trying to help you -“

“Is that what you’re trying here, Dr. Halsey? To be my friend? To tell me I’m not in any danger when you took me off my planet against my will?” You inquired. Her mouth was still suspended open, forming around a word cut short by your desire to not hear anymore bullshit. “It feels like there is more going on than what you’re sharing.”

She schooled her face - even her eyes - to remain emotionless. A perfect blank slate to display only what she wanted without giving away what she didn’t.

“Alright. I watched you. At first, you seemed in control, but after the third or fourth time your biotics displayed themselves, and you overextended their use, you suffered an epistaxis - the nosebleed. Further scans done here in the ship’s medical bay presented signs of swelling and hematoma on the brain. A few hours before you woke up, I had them run another analysis and both are gone. Which leaves me to believe it only occurs upon exhaustion.”

She watched you as she spoke. Her gaze searching, prodding, for signs of whatever reaction she expected but wasn’t getting. You would’ve loved to offer up whatever it was she wanted, if only you knew which specific one she was hunting for.

“Tell me. Do you get migraines?”

“What is this?”

“I don’t understand.”

“That’s a lie,” you shot back.

The tone in your voice matched the anxiety rising in your chest. It caused your words to be rougher than intended, alerting the Spartan in the corner who took a step towards you. Only the rising hand of calm - control - from Dr. Halsey kept him from taking another step.

“I think you understand more than you’re willing to tell me or, at least, not wanting to show your whole hand, anyway. You’re a scientist, right? Probably super smart. Smart enough you probably come from some UNSC lab from Reach or Illium?”

“Reach.”

The carefully constructed smile was back on her lips, but this time you could see a spark of something brighten up the soft blue of her eyes. You were doing something she didn’t expect, but her scientific mind found it fascinating. No doubt logging it away to draw it open later somewhere quiet to dissect.

Your lips pouted around her admission. Reach. One of the top three planets, if not the first, for all private and commercial research filled with legal litigation and NDA’s to protect organizations and UNSC labs from the courts of public opinions. It was how Conatix got away with doing what they did to you and the other kids scattered across the galaxy. Only taking notice when it seemed like something that could benefit them. You weren’t stupid. Halsey had taken one look at what you could do - what you did - and only two things came to mind: control or destroy.

You hadn’t figured out exactly which one you were to Dr. Halsey yet.

“Are you going to kill me?”

Halsey didn’t necessarily give you a reason to think it was an outlandish guess. Everything - everyone - was expendable when it came to science and the betterment of humanity. Or whatever the UNSC’s science team's new slogan was.

“Why would we kill you?”

You tried to shrug off the growing anxiety that sat coiling inside your gut.

“To experiment on me. Take me apart and see what’s buried underneath, so to speak. Isn’t that what you people do.”

“You don’t realize what you are, do you? The advancement of human genetics - biology - that is flowing through you.”

“What’s flowing through me is eezo and it cost hundreds of children their lives.”

“Yes, but for one out of a hundred children there is something remarkable. You. The one out of a thousand. A stepping stone towards humans having a place amongst the vast and ever growing populace of space. I don’t want to kill you, Cobalt. I want to integrate you into my program.”

“What program?”

You wondered if madness was contagious. If you asked anyone else, they might have dismissed your words as too harsh. No doubt calling Halsey’s display of excitement for simply that, but you could see her eyes. Underneath all that perfectly concealed pleasant exterior was an intelligence that was willing to break the norms - rules - to get to whatever she needed.

“I run the Spartan program. Granted, you are well past the parameters to become a Spartan, no, I…I want to make a subunit. I think Cobalt, we can help each other, and not only help each other, but possibly end this war.”

UNSC propaganda.

That’s what the war was. Everyone in the outer colonies knew it was just a fancy attempt to stop the growing surge of colonists from joining the insurrectionists. Halsey sensed your doubt before you disregarded her words with a shake of your head.

“No. The covenant is just a UNSC nightmare story to try and get the outer colonies to toe the line. To allow themselves to be governed under your jurisdiction.”

“I can promise you. It’s not.”

“Of course you would say that! You’re a USNC scientist for Christ’s sake!”

“John.”

Somehow, you’d forgotten that big hunk of tin was in the room. Halsey kept you focused on her - solely on her - that when the Spartan took a step forward, the reflection of the room mirrored in his visor, you almost jumped out of your skin.

In his hand was a holopad that he deposited into her waiting palm. Halsey didn’t waste time logging in. Her fingers tapped wildly across the screen with a speed that left you dizzy. When she found whatever it was she’d been looking for she extended the holopad out for you to take.

“This was transmitted to us only a few hours ago.”

Warily, you watched her. Your mind debating if you should take the holopad or tell her to fuck off. It was more made up videos or fancy speeches, you were sure of it. The grim lines of her face, however, left you wondering just how certain you were. It was her turn to place the holopad in your hands. Your gaze on her a few more seconds before it dropped down to the video that played on the screen.

Bright beams. It’s what you noticed first. Beams that erupted from the sky with such brilliant clarity you knew it could only be one form: plasma. You couldn’t understand - comprehend - what you were seeing.

Plasma on that scale was impossible. It should’ve been and yet, you watched as it sliced through the planet's barrier, through molecules, and simple things like trees and mountains. Everything it touched turned red hot like lava from volcanoes you’d heard stories about that were on the original human planet of earth. While the plasma beam continued its destructive course, the magma it left behind flowed behind.

You didn’t understand until you did.

You knew that mountain. You’d glanced at it many times on walks to neighboring villages for trade. Attempted to climb it a thousand times as a child.

“What is this?”

Your disbelief was met with something you couldn’t place from her. Halsey didn’t offer up sympathy. She offered up an understanding of watching everything you love disappear in a wave of destruction. But how could she understand the hollowness, the sinking feeling of dread that gripped your heart and threatened to make it stop?

“It’s Laconix. Shortly after we left the Covenant arrived. They glassed the planet.”

“Glassed? I - I don’t. I don’t understand.”

You were going to hyperventilate if you weren’t careful.

“It’s gone, Cobalt.” That’s not my name. “The Covenant doesn’t take prisoners. They destroy everything. Kill everything. Your planet is gone.”

Gone.

Your home. What was left of your family - your people - your community. Gone. In less than 7.8 seconds of holopad footage.

“But you can avenge them. You can fight for them and to protect every other planet still left out there in the galaxy and I can help you do it.”

Deep down a part of you knew this had been her tactic all along. If reason didn’t make someone join your cause, then using their emotions against them would. You should’ve seen it coming. Took the time to ask more questions but the growing hole in your soul moved on from shock and grief was rocketing towards unbridled rage at lightning speed.

When you glanced back up at her, Halsey knew she had you before you even spoke.

“What do you need me to do?”

As always, thank you so much for reading. Comments and reblogs are always appreciated.

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cowgurrrl · 1 year ago

Note

Okay this is soooo very out there in actual probability of this being logical but the idea of a pool in Jackson or like people are allowed to go out to lake or something or they dig a lake like idek but something that involves reader in a swimsuit and Joel like 😳 in public so maybe a lil bit of jealous Joel in there, I just think it would be so cute and fun and spicy and idek if this makes sense hahaha, I’m so sorry for being awful at explaining ideassss🤦‍♀️🤣

The Snake River actually runs through Jackson so it’s entirely plausible (yes, I did do research for this)

Surprise

Pairing: Joel Miller x fem!reader

Author’s note: I didn’t go into this wanting to write smut but it happened and I don’t hate it?? Please be nice to me I’m just a girl

Summary: Joel has something planned for you [3.3k]

Warnings: language, murder jokes, Joel being a little insecure, Joel the Menace making a return, smut (18+ MINORS DNI), fingering, dirty talk, sex in a semi-public place??, almost getting caught, brief mention of a safe word

Joel Miller is not a spontaneous person. It was one of the first things you found out about him. He hates surprises almost as much as he hates planning them. He's someone who likes to know what's happening and when. He loves a plan. But he loves you more.

Everyone has gone back to school, and the seasons are in a neverending battle of when one begins and the other ends. The hazy August heat permeates the windows of your house as you lie in bed, hiding from the sun and the rest of your responsibilities. This time of year makes you especially grateful for your early morning patrol shifts. You get to finish up your work before the world has the opportunity to finish preheating, and then the town is quiet after that, with people shuffling off to work or school. Maybe that's why Joel wanders into your shared bedroom with your backpacks in hand.

"Are you doin' anythin' for the rest of the day?" He asks, and you give him a confused look.

"Besides waiting for our daughter to come home from school? No, I didn't have any major plans." You tease, and he rolls his eyes before tossing your bag at you.

"Meet me downstairs in five minutes." He says.

"For what?"

"It's a surprise."

"Are you finally going to kill me?" You ask, and he scoffs.

"Honey, if I was gonna kill you, I woulda done it a long time ago."

"Fair point. Suspicion always points to the spouse first," you say, sitting up in bed. "Where are we going?"

"Does the word 'surprise' mean nothin' to you?"

"Only when it's coming from your mouth."

"Downstairs. Five minutes." He says, effectively ending the conversation by turning on his heels and walking away. You groan in protest but get up anyways. If it's something he planned, it's probably worth getting out of bed for. Still, you shuffle your feet lazily as you put more distance between yourself and an afternoon nap.

He's almost giddy as you walk out of the house and into the blaring sunshine. Ellie still has a few more hours of school left, and even then, she's gotten over you and Joel walking her to and from class. She's becoming more independent as she gets older, which is fine, but seeing her not need you as much hurts. You talk about it on the way to wherever you're going. Joel says he's noticed the same thing but doesn't want to pry too much and risk being labeled "uncool." You have to literally bite your tongue to keep from asking when he was ever cool.

When you're far enough outside Jackson's walls, Joel grabs your hand and intertwines your fingers, swinging them a little as you walk through the fields. Rock jasmines and asters shake in the window around you, painting the world in shades of white, blue, pink, and yellow. Sometimes it's easy to forget just how beautiful Wyoming can be, but when vast meadows stretch out to the mountain slopes, and the sky is unbelievably clear, you remember. You look over at Joel with his long, graying hair and scruffy facial hair and smile. It's also easy to forget just how beautiful he can be with his gentle hands and crooked nose. He turns to meet your eyes, taking away your view of his side profile, and gives you a look.

"What?" He asks, and you shake your head. "You're starin'."

"I just like looking at you." You admit, making him scoff. Joel is probably the only person in this world who's unaware of how attractive he is.

"Needa get your eyes checked." He mumbles under his breath.

"Big talk coming from a man who refuses to wear his glasses even though he desperately needs them."

"I don't desperately need 'em."

"Really?" You ask, and he hums. You lift your free hand away from your body and hold up three fingers. "How many fingers am I holding up?" He tugs on the hand he's holding and pulls you against him until your chest collides with his. The wind gets knocked out of you, either because of the impact or because you can see all his freckles when you get this close to him. He smirks as he stares at you, glancing between your eyes and fingers.

"Three." He says easily, leaning in to kiss you. You move back enough to make him huff in annoyance.

"That's cheating."

"Mm, I think it's called bein' resourceful."

"Is that right?" You ask, and he hums as he finally kisses you. You indulge him for a second or two before moving back again. "Could you really not see that far?" He sighs and mumbles your name, but you refuse to let it go. "Joel, if your vision's that bad, you need to be wearing them on patrol. I don't want you to make stupid mistakes because you can't see six feet in front of you."

"Look, I hear you. I do. I just..." he trails off, and you raise your eyebrows at him. "It's stupid."

"Stupider than not wearing them at all?" You ask, and he rolls his eyes—the drama.

"They make me look old, okay? That's why I don't wanna wear 'em," he says. Once again, you have to bite your tongue to stop yourself from making a snide comment. "I'm already one of the oldest guys on patrol, and that's enough for the younger guys to make fun of me. If I start wearin' 'em on patrol, I'll never hear the end of it, especially from Tommy."

"You really care what they think about you?" You ask.

"No," he starts, but quickly shakes his head. "Yes. It didn't bother me, but then they started sayin' they didn't know what you see in an old buzzkill like me, and I just... I don't know." He says. You take a deep breath and wrap your arms around his neck.

"Does this have anything to do with you suddenly planning surprises for me?"

"I told you it was stupid." He avoids the question, but you still find an answer. He tries to hide his face in your shoulder, embarrassed, but your hands find his jaw and stop him.

"I don't think it's stupid. I think the other guys on patrol are stupid for saying that and making you think I'm anything but grossly in love with you. I think they don't know what the fuck they're talking about," you say, your thumb brushing against the patches in his beard. "And I think you don't realize just how hot you look wearing glasses," he scoffs, but you don't let him wiggle out of your grasp. "I'm being serious, Joel." You assert, and something behind his eyes shifts.

"Really?"

"Are you kidding me? It's, like, annoying how good they make you look," you say, and he smirks. "It's also sexy for you to try to stay alive. So, it's a win-win." He laughs, the sound making the sun shine a little brighter.

"I mean, who am I to argue with my wife?" He asks, relenting, and you hum.

"Exactly," you say as you kiss him. It was supposed to be quick, a passing kiss to remind him you love him, but when you try to pull away, he's back on you. His big hands snake their way into your hair as he kisses you like he's drowning and trying to pull the air from you. The buzzing bees and chirping birds of the field disappear, and all you can do is hold him. His body is firm against yours, and the soft flannel of his shirt feels perfect beneath your palms. "Was my surprise making out in a meadow? That's pretty romantic, even for you, Joel." You ask as you break away to take a breath that's not his. He groans and rolls his head back to look at the cloudless sky.

"Almost forgot bout the surprise," he says, looking back at you. "You're distractin' me."

"What did I do?" You ask. He grabs your hand and starts leading you through the flowers.

"You were tryna use your woman powers on me."

"Please, explain to me what 'woman powers' you think I possess."

"If you don't know, I can't tell you." He says like he's answering a riddle, and you laugh. The rest of the walk is spent hand-in-hand with his shoulder bumping yours occasionally as your feet walk over the summer grass. As soon as you hear water lapping over smooth rocks, you look at Joel, who pretends not to hear the same thing. He smiles when you hit the break in the trees, and the crystal water of the river sparkles in the sun.

You've heard rumors about the water being safe to swim in, but you didn't trust it. Not that it mattered. You and Joel have swum in way dirtier water than the winding blue river in front of you. Still, you were sure that it was a set-up by Raiders. But now, with Joel by your side, in the daylight, it's taking everything in you to not jump in the water. "I thought it might be nice. Just the two of us." Joel says. You nod and rest your head on his shoulder, looping an arm under his and holding his bicep.

"It is nice," you agree. "But we don't own swimsuits," you say, immediately clocking the excited expression on his face. "You're a menace."

"What? I planned a very nice day for us, and I just... forgot we needed swimsuits."

"Oh, you forgot?" You ask, and he nods.

"I told you, I'm an old man. I forget things easily."

"Give me a break." You roll your eyes before letting go of his arm and walking over to a big tree. You bend down to take off your boots and socks, and Joel quickly follows suit. His eyes stick to you as you pull your shirt off your head, faded scars catching the sunlight. Once you're left in your bra and underwear, you pause and look at Joel. He's stripped down to just his underwear, too, and you have a full view of his broad frame.

His muscular chest is littered with scars, some old and silver against his tan skin and others new and still raised and angry. Your favorite is from where he got caught under some fence a million years ago. It vaguely looks like a thunderbolt striking from his collarbone to his shoulder. You can see the goosebumps rising on his thick biceps from where you're standing. His hands are relaxed and open at his sides, visible veins thrumming blood through his body. His belly has rounded just a little since you've settled in Jackson, something he grew insecure about while you reminded him every day that you loved the softness of his body. His strong thighs are a little paler than the rest of him, considering his patrol schedule in the summer, but they're still freckled and scarred like the rest of him. Your breath catches in your throat when he pulls down his underwear and stands fully naked in front of you.

I guess we're actually doing this, you think as you unclasp your bra. You leave your clothes in a pile under the tree before darting into the cold water together. He ducks his entire head under while you tread, letting yourself get used to the temperature and laughing when Joel comes up with a sharp gasp. "Oh, you think that's funny?" He asks before shaking his head in your direction, frigid water droplets landing on your skin. You shriek and splash at him to get him to stop. He splashes back, making huge swells with his arms, and you have to dive under to swim away.

Once you call a truce on the water fight, you just swim together. You alternate between floating on your back, watching the clouds float by, and diving deep under the water to see what might be down there. After a few minutes, your bodies adjust to the water, and you can actually enjoy the river currents working against you. It reminds you of all the summers you spent in pools, the ocean, rivers, and lakes before the Outbreak. The memory presses on a familiar bruise in your chest, but it doesn't hurt. At least, not as much. Not when you're here with Joel, making new memories in a new world.

You swim over to where Joel is standing, his long curls touching the water as he looks up at the sky. You wrap your arms around his shoulders and your legs around his waist once you're close enough, and he meets your eyes with a smile. His hands grip your thighs and trace patterns into your skin, the warmth of his touch a welcome relief in the cold. You play with the hair at the nape of his neck as you stare at him. "This a good surprise?" He asks, his voice low in his chest, and you nod.

"I like doing things like this with you," you say. "But I also don't want you to worry about keeping me interested in you," he sighs at your words but doesn't break away from you. "We've been together for years now. We went halfway across the country together. We have Ellie. You're it for me. I don't care what the younger guys on patrol have to say about it."

"You don't think I'm an old buzzkill?"

"Not all the time."

"Alright, smart ass."

"I mean, I don't know a lot of buzzkills who go skinny-dipping with their wives."

"See? Gimme a little credit here." He says, pinching your thigh, and you laugh. As the sound dies in your throat, his gaze hangs heavily on you. Suddenly, you're all too aware of his sturdy body under you and his hands on you. You get a little closer to him, and his stomach brushes against your core. A quiet, shaky breath leaves you, and Joel hears it. His lips ghost over yours as his hand dips down, a deft finger grazing your clit.

"Joel," you cry softly, clinging to him tighter when he presses a little harder. He shushes you as his middle finger ventures lower and just barely pushes into you. More. You need more, and he knows it. Asshole, you think to yourself, but your brain shuts off when he inches a digit into you so fucking slowly. You can feel his smirk when he leans down to mouth at the column of your throat.

"That good?" He rasps in your ear, and you nod as his hand adjusts to thumb at your clit. You jump a little at the molten pleasure pulsing through you. He chuckles lowly and nips at your earlobe. "I've barely touched you, honey, and I can already feel you squeezin' me." You can't even formulate a response once he starts moving. The slow drag of his finger against your walls is enough to drive any sane person insane. You whine when he pushes another into you and claw at his shoulders.

Your heart is fast against his chest. Everything you breathe, hear, and feel is Joel. You can't think about anything other than the weight of his hand working you over in the broad fucking daylight. You're close enough to the shore that anyone would be able to see you, but you hope you just look like a clingy couple enjoying a mid-day swim. It's a long shot, especially since he's mumbling absolutely filthy things to you. "You always sound so damn pretty." "Gonna let me fuck you like this?" "You're so good for me, baby." Every syllable makes you feel like you're burning from the inside out. His fingers languidly move in and out of you like he has nothing better to do before stopping completely, and you whine in protest.

"You're f," your sentence breaks off when he quickens suddenly.

"What was that, sweetheart? Where's that smart mouth now?" He asks. Your hips start moving in time with his ministrations, and he watches you like a man starved. You can feel yourself getting closer and closer as his fingers move faster inside you. You think your blood is thundering through your ears as bliss overtakes your senses, but you quickly realize it's hooves. You don't know if Joel hears it, but if he does, he doesn't stop.

"Joel, I think, fuck," he rubs at your clit with more fervor, making you see stars. "Someone's coming." You breathe, and his teeth scrape under your jaw. It's all too much. You moan and drop your head to his shoulder, losing all motivation to get him to stop.

"You gonna come for me?" He asks, and you nod. "C'mon, I know you can do it. Come for me." He hooks his fingers, nudging that spongy part inside you, and that's all it takes. Your mouth falls open, and fuzziness takes over your senses. You hold Joel closer as he works you through your orgasm with encouraging words and gentle strokes. Finally, you have to reach for his wrist to stop because you're so overstimulated, and he would live between your thighs if he could.

"Y'all alright?" A voice comes out of nowhere, and you jump. You and Joel turn to see one of the patrolmen from Jackson, James, on his horse a few hundred yards away. He's far enough away that he wouldn't be able to see you're both naked, but he can clearly see your clothes and backpacks on the shoreline.

"Yeah, we're alright. Just... havin' ourselves a date." Joel says, his voice annoyingly even. James looks confused, so you nod in agreement even though Joel still has two fingers knuckle-deep inside you. If he doesn't kill you, embarrassment just might.

"Well, then," James says awkwardly. "Y'all don't stay out too long. Maria'll have your ass if y'all come back hurt or somethin'." Joel shifts his hand as he nods, and you choke on a moan but try to play it off as a cough. Still, James gives you a look. "You good?"

"Yeah, are you alright, honey?" Joel asks in a mocking tone. You grit your teeth and dig your nails into his arm before nodding at James.

"All good. Just had a little tickle. We'll start heading back to town now. Thanks for checking on us." You quickly dismiss the patrolman, who is more than happy to get the hell out of Dodge. Even if he didn't suspect anything was happening, you know he's terrified of you and Joel. His ideal patrol is not having to deal with either of you and now he just got the whole package plus some. As soon as he's out of earshot, you smack Joel's arm.

"Are you fucking insane? He could've heard us!"

"Us? I'm not the one who was screamin'!"

"Okay, first of all," you start, holding up one finger. "I was not screaming. Second of all, I told you someone was coming, and you kept going!" He doesn't exactly look apologetic, but then again, you're not really mad.

"You know the safe word just as well as I do, sweetheart. I woulda stopped if you said it," he says, and you sigh. He's right. You hate it, but he's right. You try to hide your smile and shake your head as he kisses you. Slowly, he pulls his fingers from you, swallowing your over-sensitive whines down with gentle licks. A stupid thought wiggles its way into your brain, and you laugh against Joel's lips. Once you start, you can't stop, and Joel looks at you like you're a crazy person. "Now, what is so goddamn funny?" He asks, and you compose yourself enough to look at him.

"Think they'll still tease you over being old after you just made your wife come faster than they ever could?"

#can you tell I’m queer because all my smut is focused on female pleasure #mom June’s being a lesbian on the internet again #the last of us #the last of us fic #the last of request #joel miller requests #joel x reader #joel miller x reader #joel miller smut #joel miller the last of us #joel miller #joel miller fluff #joel miller fic #joel miller one shot #joel the last of us #the last of us fluff #the last of us smut #the last of us x reader #joel tlou

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d34dg1rl5 · 9 months ago

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Yellow! I’ma back! 🤣

You mentioned getting into Cod and liking Konig and Ghost! I’m starting to love ghost but I adore Konig.

Do you think you could do something for both (specifically Konig though) of these giants (and anyone else you wanna link up in here)? 😆

I don’t care how but I was thinking something like:

Through work the boys have always had their eyes on (you/us/the person 😂) making sure that (I think it’d be funny if the person was a girl but I think it’d be funnier if they were a guy now that I think about it) they are fine, they’re just so tiny compared to them it’s honestly kind of funny.

But here’s the kicker for my stupid mind: This tiny little person they’ve been keeping an eye on is a literal baddie! They’re funny to watch because off work they’re seen as a sweet little thing you wouldn’t expect could hurt a fly but then they hit the grounds of their mission and they re absolutely feral, a menace that completely destroys the image that everyone had of them.

I think it’s an absolutely hilarious thought but if you don’t want to do it I understand, and make sure to take care of yourself and have a good day!

Oh boy this is interesting 😏😎

💀 As soon as you enter Taskforce 141 he has an eye on you. Because. You're so tiny?? He doesn't think you'll be able to handle yourself on the battle field!

💀 He always sticks around and near you whenever you're on a mission. He doesn't want a team member to die! He also instructs you a lot on stuff you already know how to do?

💀 "So all you need to do is to keep quiet and catch the enemy when they least expect it. A nice cut to the throat-" "Yeah, I know?" He gives you a stare but stops.

💀 One particular mission went bad. Ghost wasn't careful enough and is sitting against a wall with a wound on his stomach.

💀 Suddenly you turn around the corner and kneel in front of him looking at his wound. "Ghost, can you walk?" "Yeah. I endured worse."

💀 Just as you try to help him up Ghost yells. "Watch out!!" An enemy turned up behind you - and he was twice as tall as you.

💀 With a swift motion you take out your knife and stab it into the guys neck, sending two kicks to his stomach. The guy falls to the ground gurgling. You take the knife out of his neck and plunge it into his skull, the enemy being dead immediately.

💀 You turn around and look at Ghost. You don't see it but a proud grin is plastered on his face. "Good job."

👑 He feels the need to protect you. You're a small and fragile princess in his eyes. You're not supposed to be in the military..!

👑 He hates to see you go on dangerous missions, you shouldn't let your life be like... This. You should be somewhere more peaceful, live a happy life with a lot of friends!

👑 One day you got assigned to go on a mission with him. You had to find out about the an enemy, who was seen to have smuggled a suspicious package.

👑 König decided to go first. "You stay here, verstanden?"

👑 Of course you wouldn't stay here. Duh?? You follow him and suddenly he got ambushed by a guy with a gun. He holds the gun to Königs head but this guy didn't see you!

👑 You push the guy to the ground grabbing his arm and breaking it. He screams in pain and the blood splatters in your face. His bone is standing up and the man whimpers in pain.

👑 König looks at you and hands you his gun. You take it and put a bullet through the guys head. Then you turn to face König. "Are you alright?"

👑 König nods. "Yeah... Danke... You saved my life." You smile slightly. "I am your team mate, I won't let you die. Not on my watch. C'mon, let's finish this mission!"

#headcanons #imagine #x reader #konig call of duty #call of duty #könig call of duty #call of dooty #cod ghost x reader #cod mw2 #könig cod #cod #konig cod #ghost cod #simon riley x you #simon ghost riley #modern warfare

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kyokutsu-sama · 11 months ago

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IM IN LOVE with your volg and the way you write the characters ♥️💖💗

I have two requests but you can do only one of you want too, it's up to you: The captains reaction to a reader who is always sleeping being a monster on the battle field and/or a reader who is half hollow that has a personality like Nezuko from demon slayer

A/n: I hope you're well and I also wanted to say that I am very happy that you are enjoying my writing. This inspires me a lot, thank you❤️🥰

Of the two requests you suggested, I decided to write about the first one. I hope you like it.

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

Shunsui :

He knew you were ruthless and that the battlefield was something you loved. Both personalities contrasted with each other: Him for being calm and avoiding fights and you for being serious, always looking for a good fight and making the most of every minute. He couldn't help but smile every time he saw you sleeping so peacefully that sometimes he had to wonder if it was really you there. Your change in personality sometimes left him speechless. He trusted you enough to know that you wouldn't drag a finger on him to hurt him, but as a precaution, he avoided being close to you when you arrived from a mission with your blood still hot. He preferred to let you calm down over time and only then come to you. He feared you a little. "Y/n is a menace, I'll wait until everything is calm" He said seeing you enter the room

Kenpachi :

So, I think we know that this wouldn't be a problem for him since he's just like you on the battlefield. He would really be happy to know that you have the same bloodlust as him when you fight someone. That makes you two a wonderful duo. However, he himself is surprised to see that you always sleep most of the time like a little angel. Until you wake up… He smiled whenever he saw you all curled up on the mattress, waiting for someone strong to come and call you to fight and guess what? He'll be the one doing it just to get out of boredom. "I really didn't want to have to wake you up like this, but you really look good enough to start a good fight"He said, giving his typical sadistic smile He wouldn't miss an opportunity to do so.

Gin :

This man, in addition to appearing to have a cute and adorable air, won't miss the moment to make jokes about the subject. That's why I love him. He knows that you are tough to fall and that you are always on the front line when there is a fight in which everyone is present to fight an enemy. He doesn't stop admiring you for that. But when he sees you always taking the afternoon off to spend it in your room sleeping, he can't help but chuckle, seeing your personality completely change into something so fragile. He thinks about approaching you so he can caress your cheeks, but he refrains. "It's better to let her sleep, she might wake up and cut my hand" He says leaving your room and closing the door

Jushiro :

He's a cinnamon roll and even though he knows you're like that, he's always friendly with you. He admires your strength but at the same time fears it, especially if you lose control during a fight, something he can't help but shudder at. Because he's a peaceful person, he loves seeing you have a little of that side too, especially when he sees you sleeping like a log when you're not fighting. "So calm that it doesn't even look like the same person"He giggle Because he fears you, like Shunsui, he tries to keep his distance from you when you come back covered in blood and sweat. He likes to leave you alone for a while until you cools down and then he will come to you to offer you tea.

Shinji :

This man plays with fire much more than he should. Just like Gin, he will also make a little joke here and there just to see you look at him sideways, which he responds with a mocking smile. The knowledge that you were a beast didn't stop him from approaching you, unless you were fighting completely out of your mind or when you were sleeping so well that he was afraid to make a sound. He smiled and took a moment to see you lying down and looking so innocent that it didn't even seem like you would kill the first person who appeared in front of you just because you felt like it. "Wow, look! Looks so cute now that doesn't even look like it's a danger in person" He laughed If you woke up at that moment he would certainly run away so quickly that his shadow would be left behind.

#bleach #bleach fandom #gotei 13 #bleach imagines #bleach headcanons #shunsui kyoraku #zaraki kenpachi #jushiro ukitake #shinji hirako #gin ichimaru #bleach x reader #I added my boy Gin because I love him and he deserves more recognition

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lullaebies · 1 year ago

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Daeron is so overlooked by this fandom it hurts my soul😭 so can you give us anything with him, especially with his relationship with Aegon

Of course!! My beloved Daeron the Daring 🥹💕

Daeron The Daring Headcanons

→ Daeron was a totally unexpected baby. He came in at a time when Alicent's nightly stays with Viserys started to dwindle from various reasons, so he was truly unexpected. Alicent's kids saw Rhaenyra pregnant plenty of times but this was the first time they've seen their mother pregnant and had more of an understanding what it meant. Aegon, Helaena and Aemond all care a lot for their mother and seeing her struggle made them help her more - it was the one pregnancy where Alicent had true familial help. When Daeron was born, he was very precious amongst his close family, since the year leading up to it was very uniting overall. The three siblings picked (fought over) what dragon egg to give him (Aegon said it's only right since Jace and Luke got to choose for Joffrey!). They were all very proud of themselves when Tessarion hatched. → That being said, once born, each sibling reacted differently to the newborn baby. Helaena liked to play with him a lot as she felt very comfortable amongst kids, Aemond was very determined to be a good new brother, while Aegon felt rather jealous actually, as Daeron really was well loved within the Keep - as a child he was a very easy one that is easy to connect to. That being said, Aegon couldn't keep grumpiness towards him for long, Daeron adored Aegon - liked to play with his hair and nose and climb over him as if he were his dragon himself. Aegon was Daeron's favorite toy, seriously. → I mentioned it in the Helaena HC's, but Daeron was Helaena's partner in crime, stealing stuff from the kitchens and going on long bug-catching fiascos. He spent a long time with her while Alicent was more busy acting somewhat regent. → At first, he was very upset being sent away to Oldtown. He didn't know Lord Ormund and he felt like his mother was sending him away from his siblings and didn't want him by her side. He was reassured otherwise, but it still bothered him he couldn't be with them. He still didn't ride Tessarion then, being a rather late bloomer, but prompted by Aegon and Aemond telling him he's a Targaryen Prince and he has the mount to return at will, he rode Tessarion for the first time. → Daeron tends to copy the mannerisms of his older brothers when he feels challenged, but mostly in the sass department. Complete menace when somebody talks shit. He's mostly seen as courteous and sweet so it usually comes out of nowhere for people who shade him when he pops the one-liner of the century with a smirk just like Aemond's or a mocking laughter just like Aegon's. His brothers prepared him well for the talking shit Olympics. → Daeron is happy at Oldtown, loves the Citadel and the Hightower, and learned to have Lord Ormund as the trusted father figure he didn't have in Viserys. In this peaceful town he becomes rather detached from what is going on in KL; he sends and receives letters, but his family sees him as a baby, they don't tell him enough. When the war begins and the shitstorm starts, he feels he has to step up, guilty that he has been staying put in peaceful place, especially after B&C. Lord Ormund nor Alicent want him on the field: he is not an experienced dragonrider quite yet, he's young and is known for having a more gentle nature. They rather him stay in the Hightower. But he disobeys, gets to Tessarion and goes to the Battle of Honeywine, unwilling to let his kin face this war without him. This was one of the first times he refused orders. "My duty is to your life rather than it is to a corpse's orders," kind of vibe.

#regretfully i wrote so much yet i barely wrote about tessarion my love #rip #daeron targaryen #daeron the daring #hotd #my headcanons #tessarion #answered

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starlightshadowsworld · 1 year ago

Text

There needs to be a version where Mereoleona just kidnaps Noelle.

If there's one person sisgoleon adored and respected with all she had.

It was her mentor and Noelle late mother, Acier Silva.

To bad mouth her child is to bad mouth Acier Silva herself and Mereoleona would go feral if she saw anyone bad mouth her mentor.

Helped by the fact Noelle is the splitting image of her mother.

Nozel calling Fuegoleon who's just looking out the window.

Seeing his sister climb a tree with said missing child strapped to her back like

:... No haven't seen her.

Mentors her and Fuegoleon making sure the child isn't completely feral.

And Noelle finding later it wasn't about her looks, it was that she deserves a chance.

And who better than Mereoleona, the Queen of taking a chance and her just being so proud of her student and ward.

Like the only person who could survive training with the lioness herself.

Noelle having an older sister figure who genuinely loves and is always hyping her up.

"Hey Sensei, don't be mad but I think your kids gonna surpass you."

Watches Noelle in her Valkeryie armour, "dancing through the battle field."

"Nah, I know so. Kids a menace." She says with a smile.

#mereoleona vermillion #Noelle Silva #fuegoleon vermillion #Black clover

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sombersummerskies · 10 months ago

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A Champion's Love: Chapter 9

Chapter 9: A New Beginning Word Count: 5294 CW: None

Want all the chapters? -> Masterlist

~~~ <> ~~~

The wind felt oddly cool despite it being summer. Calamity Ganon had been slain and an air of peace had settled over Hyrule.

That morning, people all across the land had awoken to a terrifying blood red sky. Anyone with a vantage point could’ve seen the beast that was Ganon in the fields of Central Hyrule, battling with the Champion _____. And when Princess Zelda finally descended and used her sealing magic to put Ganon and rest once and for all, its golden light could’ve been seen all across the lands.

The people of Hyrule began to rejoice. Camps of monsters that had once terrorized civilians seemed to disappear in the blink of an eye. Ancient Guardian Stalkers that once prowled the land looking for anything to shoot at now glowed blue and were docile. The intimidating pillars that stuck out of the ground around Hyrule Castle were now blue as well, instead of the once menacing red that represented Calamity Ganon.

At the front gates to the castle stood Princess Zelda and you, her appointed knight, the Hylian Champion. The battle had ended and you were both exhausted, but Zelda informed you she wanted to see the castle before leaving for a village or stable to rest. You escorted her up to the gates, neither of you speaking much, too tired to have a true conversation.

The malice and monsters that once infested the castle were all gone. The building was silent and still now, not a soul inside. An odd feeling took over as you gazed upon it. You were both happy yet rather sad at the same time. Melancholic.

You glanced over at the princess and she turned to you, tears brimming in her eyes. She smiled weakly and you offered your hand to her. She took it gratefully and the two of you began to walk away. As you walked, you unhooked your Sheikah Slate, looking for the nearest place to rest.

After a few moments of walking, Zelda broke the silence. “So, with the Sheikah Slate you can travel to any marked point on the map?” she asked curiously, and you found yourself smiling at the question. One hundred years later and she was still curious and eager to learn.

“Each shrine, tower, Divine Beast, and even tech lab has this thing called a travel gate. Using the Sheikah Slate, I can automatically travel to any place that I’ve accessed with the slate before,” you explained. “So, hypothetically, you could travel to someplace like Kakariko village in less than an hour, from anywhere in Hyrule, so long as you have a travel gate nearby,” she continued on. You laughed quietly and looked over at her, “Zelda, if you want to go to Kakariko village to see Impa you can just say as much. We'll test and see if it can transport both of us at once, and if it doesn’t work I’ll come right back here and we’ll travel there on foot.”

She pursed her lips, even after all these years you could still read her like an open book. “Yes… I want to go to Kakariko village,” she admitted in a quiet voice, slightly peeved that you could predict her so well.

“Alright, then let’s try it. There’s a shrine on the cliffs right above the village that we can travel to,” you informed her. You swiped across the map on the slate and selected the Ta’loh Naeg shrine right outside of Kakariko village.

You tightened your grip on Zelda’s hand and she did the same to yours, and within seconds both of you were lifted off of the ground, blue streams of light wrapping around the two of you and sending you away.

Not a moment later, you landed on the shrine’s platform. Zelda stumbled for a moment, and you quickly helped her stabilize. “That was… a rather interesting feeling,” she said with a giggle as you stepped off of the shrine and onto the grass.

The sun was higher up in the sky now, and you estimated it was roughly noon. As you and the princess took the path down the cliffs and into the village, you could see practically everyone who lived within Kakariko out and about. They seemed to be having a small celebration of sorts.

Sheikah children ran around waving blue banners, there was a table of food set up which made your mouth water, and you could even see Lady Impa outside with her granddaughter Paya taking part in the festivities.

As soon as they noticed the two of you everyone went silent. Zelda stepped away from you, and everyone turned to watch as she quickly walked towards Impa, embracing her in a hug. The princess and the chief have a quick conversation in hushed tones. The elder nodded thoughtfully as the princess took a step back, and cleared her throat before making an announcement to her village.

“The princess has confirmed it. She and the Hylian Champion have rid this land of Calamity Ganon!”

The people cheered loudly and began thanking both you and the princess profusely. After talking to a handful of people, a wave of exhaustion fell over you, and you could tell Zelda was feeling much the same. The innkeeper offered to let both of you stay cost-free, which led to the two of you passing out on your own beds and sleeping for a whole day straight.

For the first time in quite some time, you had dreams as you slept. Peaceful dreams, and though you couldn’t remember much of them once you finally woke up, you had fleeting memories of a familiar, sharp-toothed grin when you awoke.

…

Two days later both you and the princess were well rested and very well fed. Zelda hadn’t realized how hungry she was after being locked in the castle for a century, but she did not hold back when offered a cooked meal by one of the children in Kakariko village, Koko. Impa even had some of Zelda’s old clothing saved within her home, clothing that had managed to survive the Calamity. The princess took the clothes gratefully and decided she’d keep these sets until she could purchase something new.

Currently the two of you are traveling north. Lady Impa had sent letters to leaders all across the land informing them that Ganon’s defeat was confirmed. You were all surprised when you received a return letter from King Dorephan, but after reading it Zelda explained that the two of you were going to head to the Lanayru region as soon as possible.

You’d been traveling by horse, yourself on Persephone, and Zelda on a pure-white steed that she’d named Storm. Zelda admitted that while traveling via the Sheikah Slate was much faster, it wasn’t exactly comfortable unless it was necessary in an emergency. Since there was no true rush, you could take your time while journeying now.

You paused for a rest in some of the higher fields overlooking Hyrule, allowing both horses to snack on grass and apples in the meantime. From this spot you could see practically everything across the land; all four Divine Beasts, though none were shooting beams at the castle anymore. There was the Korok forest and the Great Deku tree out in the distance as well, and of course, Hyrule Castle right in the center.

“We’ll make our way to Zora’s Domain. Divine Beast Vah Ruta… looks like it stopped working,” Zelda explained, showing you the screen of the Sheikah Slate, and sure enough Ruta’s symbol was no longer blue on the map meaning it had been deactivated, “let’s investigate the situation.”

She paused, looking out across the land, and you could tell she was deep in thought. “Mipha’s father… I believe he would like to hear more about her. The least we can do is visit him and offer him some closure. Although Ganon is gone for now, there is still so much more for us to do… and so many painful memories that we must bear. I believe in my heart that if all of us work together we can restore Hyrule to its former glory. Perhaps… even beyond. But it all must start with us,” she explained, looking over to you with a soft smile.

You nodded at her and her smile turned into a grin as she began to walk towards your horses. “Let’s be off,” she started, before stopping in her tracks, “I… can no longer hear the voice inside the sword. I suppose it would make sense if my power had dwindled over the past one hundred years…”

She turned to look at you with some concern, which slowly blossomed into a smile, “I’m surprised to admit it… But I can accept that.” she giggled a bit to herself, and you shook your head before sprinting over. The two of you set off after that conversation, and you grinned as you thought of a little challenge. Part of you was quite excited to be heading to Zora’s Domain, the thought of seeing Sidon had you a bit giddy. You brought your right hand to touch your left bicep- the prince’s silver band was big enough to fit snug on your arm.

As your horses made their way through the tall grass slowly, a sudden and mischievous idea came to mind.

“Zelda, you’ve got the slate now, meaning you’ve also got the map. I know this area like the back of my hand, so… first one to get to Zora’s Domain wins!” you exclaimed, before grabbing Persephone’s reins and snapping them, making her leap into a gallop.

“Hey! Get back here!” Zelda yelled with a laugh, and you could hear the sound of Storm kicking into action and following closely behind.

…

The sun had begun to set and was casting a warm glow over the land once you reached Zora’s Domain. Persephone’s hooves best against the smooth flooring of the Great Zora Bridge as you approached the entrance to the domain.

Pulling back on her reins, you brought her to a gentle halt once you reached the plaza. “Good job, Perse,” you said with a smile, patting her mane. She whinnied as you hopped off, and quickly ate up the apple you offered to her after that long ride.

You only had time to take one step before a voice stopped you in your tracks.

“_____!”

You spun on your heels when you heard your name- you immediately recognized it as Sidon. A grin spread on your face when you saw him, he was quickly making his way down the steps towards you. As soon as he reached you he engulfed you in a hug, quite literally sweeping your feet off the ground.

You laughed as he spun you around, and had to hold onto his shoulders so you could keep yourself stable. Your embrace had drawn attention from some nearby Zora, the guards watching were very clearly amused, and some children were watching and giggling to themselves.

After a moment or so Sidon set you down, the biggest grin you’d ever seen on his face.

“My father told me the news once Lady Impa sent out her letters. I’d been watching the sky, of course, I was up in the early morning and was caught off guard completely when the Divine Beast suddenly shot a bright blue beam towards the castle. That light woke practically everyone in the domain up,” he explained to you, a look of relief finding his face, “I have so much more to talk to you about later, and so much I want to hear about… preferably in private. But I’m just so incredibly glad that you’re alive and well.”

You had a few more moments to converse before the sound of a horse galloping came closer. The two of you turned to the Great Zora Bridge where you could spot a pure-white steed bounding closer, and a disgruntled looking princess upon his back.

“_____, that was not fair and you know it, you took shortcuts!” Zelda sighed, bringing Storm to a stop next to Persephone. Though she was annoyed, you could sense the humor in her voice. She wasn’t actually mad at you, just peeved that she didn’t win.

Sidon gasped and quickly kneeled before Zelda, a sign of respect. “Your majesty! Allow me to welcome you to our domain-” he began, but Zelda cut him off with a small giggle as you dismounted from her horse.

“Prince Sidon, please, there’s no need for formalities, you can stand up straight,” she told him, and he quickly did get up, “my, you’ve grown so much- well of course you have, it’s been a hundred years. But last time I saw you you were barely above my waist, and your head fin was as long as you were.”

Sidon chuckled, nodding his head with a smile, “yes, it has been quite some time, princess. I believe the last time I saw you was the Champion ceremony, when you granted each champion their titles. But as we all know, that was very long ago. However, we can discuss the past at a later time. For now my father would like to see both of you, and I’m sure you would like to check on the Divine Beast as well.”

You and Zelda both nodded and followed him up the staircases, into the throne room. King Dorephan had seemingly been in the middle of a conversation with Muzu as you walked in, and he grinned at the sight of you and the princess.

“Princess Zelda! How good it is to see you after all this time, please do come closer, we have much to discuss,” he beamed, and Zelda smiled right back at him as you came closer to his platform.

The five of you had an in-depth conversation, discussing the Divine Beast Vah Ruta. Muzu explained how after Ruta shot its final beam at Ganon, its blue light had faded and it seemingly just turned off. Sidon had ventured up to its location upon the cliffs with some guards to investigate but they couldn’t find the problem- let alone a possible solution.

“Well, I did do a great deal of studying each Divine Beast before the calamity,” Zelda began, tapping her chin thoughtfully as she turned to look south where Ruta was mounted on the cliff tops, “if my memory serves me right, Ruta gets its power from the orbs upon its back. That power then courses through the rest of the body, allowing it movement. If it has run out of power, I would assume that it must be an issue with one of the four orbs, or perhaps even all of them.”

She turned to you before looking down at the Sheikah Slate, reading something on the screen before nodding her head, “In the morning we can make our way up the mountain and check on the Divine Beast ourselves, _____. What do you think?”

“Sounds like a plan to me,” you smiled, nodding your head, “We can sleep at the inn tonight-”

“No, please rest in one of the guest chambers of the palace- we cannot have royalty staying in the inn, unguarded!” Muzu quickly interrupted. You turned to Zelda, allowing her to make the decision for both of you. “Well… I suppose if it’s not too much trouble, then I see why not,” she answered, shrugging her shoulders slightly.

“Perfect! I’ll see to it that preparations are made as soon as possible so the two of you may relax comfortably this evening. In the meantime, I implore you to enjoy commodities in our domain,” the king suggested with a softer smile, and you nodded your head as you turned to Sidon and Zelda.

“Well, I don’t know about the two of you, but I’m starving. Sidon, you know where we can get some food?” you asked, and he merely chuckled at the question. “Young one, of course I do,” he grinned, and both you and Zelda followed him out of the throne room, the three of you in your own conversation as you did.

… Some time later you were stuffed with various sea foods- crab cakes, sauteed fish, escargot, fish and rice bowls. A happy and content sigh passed your lips as you sank back into your seat, but the sounds of laughter made you perk up immediately.

“What’re you two laughing at?” you asked in an accusatory manner, glancing over at the two who sat across from you at the table. Princess Zelda was giggling softly as she sipped on some water, and Sidon chuckled quietly as he looked down at your slumped form.

He set down the plate he had been eating from and cleaned his hands with a pleated napkin that had been laid out by one of the servants. “Young one, we merely find your antics humorous. I do believe each of us have finished our meals, is there anything the two of you would like to see in particular?” Zelda quickly perked up, a little smile on her face that you knew signified she had an idea. “Well, a few times when I visited to meet with Mipha I spent time in the library of the palace… could you maybe show me where it is, Sidon? I have some reading I’d like to do, I remember Mipha had penned a journal stowed in the library that held everything she’d learned about Vah Ruta before the Calamity,” she explained, setting her glass down as she glanced over at the prince.

“Oh, of course,” he replied, his eyes lighting up a bit at the mention, “we could use her notes to try and solve the issue with the Divine Beast tomorrow, I’m sure it could prove quite useful. Maybe it has a solution to possible energy shortages that she may have sorted out in the past.” The two of you got up from the table, and a servant of the palace quickly came over to clean up the plates and glasses you’d left behind. Prince Sidon wasted no time in guiding you and the princess through the domain, down steps that lead beneath the throne room. You vaguely recognize these hallways from when you’d paid Sidon a visit before heading to fight Ganon on your own. You didn’t take the same path, however. At a certain point you went down a different hall and found yourselves in a circular room. It wasn’t too big, more so the size of a study or office, but what did stand out about it was that each wall was covered in all sorts of books and rolls of parchment. Even more books were in stacks on the floor and piled on the table in the center of the room. The only light in the room came from a candle in the center, making the room dim but giving it a soothing atmosphere. You walked around and examined the shelves curiously. You pulled one of the books out and examined it- it was clearly very old, the spine and cover weathered from years of use and reading. You weren’t able to read the letters on the front very well, but even if you could you wouldn’t be able to decipher what they said as the alphabet used was one you didn’t recognize. You heard a gleeful sound behind you, and you turned to see Zelda rushing around the table to one of the shelves opposite of the door. She pulled out a small journal- it couldn’t be more than thirty pages long. But, when she set it down on the table and flipped it open you marveled at just how much was written on each page. Mipha, who penned the book, had wasted no space, filling in each and every line and margin that she could to mark these notes down. “Perfect. Luckily for us the princess had some beautiful handwriting and brilliant organization, so it shouldn’t be an issue to read through. I’ll be here thumbing through this, and maybe a few other books as well. If it gets too late, do come and remind me of the time, I tend to absorb myself in my studies without realizing it,” Zelda explained, and you smiled as you nodded your head. She sat herself down at the table, using the candle light to read through the late princess’ notes. You and Sidon glanced over at one another, and you shrugged your shoulders. You put the old book back on the shelf and stepped out of the room, Sidon following suit so the two of you could give Zelda some privacy. “So…” you breathed out as you began to walk down the hallway, “how do you suggest we spend the rest of the evening?”

Sidon tapped his chin as he seemingly thought about it, before a little grin found his face. “Well, I do remember your excellent marksmanship a few weeks ago, back when we first worked together to calm Ruta,” he began, looking down at you with curious eyes, “I would very much like to see a show of that skill once more.”

You smiled a bit mischievously, nodding your head at the suggestion, “I have no issues with that, just get me a bow and some arrows and a target to hit, and I’ll be able to show you anything you’d like to see.”

…

A few hours later, both you and Sidon were heading back down to Zora’s Domain after going to an archery range set up for Zora Guards in training. You’d had quite a fun time showing off for the prince. After climbing up to the range, he gave you a silver bow and a bundle of ice arrows stored away there, then set up three targets for you to shoot at. The first you hit somewhat off the center, and you blamed it on you being a bit rusty after not having a bow on hand for a few days. The next two you shot were perfect bullseyes, earning you some hearty applause from the Zora prince himself. You stuck your tongue out at him, feeling cocky as you aimed up at the sky. You performed an arched shot, and both you and the prince watched as the blue arrow flew up in the air, sailing overhead, before arching and falling and hitting the center target. You’d earned a fair amount of praise from the prince after that. For the next hour or so, the two of you mainly goofed off as you picked up everything you’d taken out of storage at the range. As the two of you followed the path to go back to the Domain, you plucked some flowers from the ground, plucking the petals and letting them go so you could watch them dance in the wind. A calm silence fell over the two of you, though you could tell Sidon had things he wanted to say. This wasn’t the first time you’d sensed tension between you, but you knew that neither of you were brave enough to bring it up. A little sigh passed your lips as you let another petal go. This one acted strangely, it swirled around in the wind, circling both you and Sidon, before fluttering away as a normal petal would. You turned to look at it curiously, wondering why it had done that, wondering if it had perhaps been symbolic. But you shrugged your shoulders as you dropped the petal-less stem on the ground, and you and the prince merely continued your walk back.

Once you’d returned to the library to check on Zelda, it was roughly eleven o’clock at night. You peered into the circular room and giggled at the sight- the princess had fallen asleep at the table, a few books opened in front of her that she’d been no doubt reading before passing out. “Oh dear, should we wake her up?” Sidon asked, looking down at you.

You shook your head as you walked over, knowing Zelda was a deep sleeper so you weren’t too worried about a simple noise waking her up. You lifted her head up, and moved so you could hook your arms beneath her legs and behind her back. You easily lifted her up since she was lighter than you and you had the strength from all your journeys and battles. You carried her in your arms as you stepped out, and Sidon kept himself quiet, clearly not wanting to disturb her. “I’ll show you to the guest room so we can get her up to bed,” he whispered gently, ushering you down the hallway as you held the sleeping princess.

A few minutes later you’d found the room. It wasn’t too unlike the prince’s own chambers, lit by luminous stone lamps, with two beds and a pool of water, likely for a Zora guest. Sidon opened the door from you and you walked in, setting Zelda down on one of the beds and gently laying her head on the pillow.

You took a few steps back, closer to Sidon who’d stayed in the doorway so as to not intrude. “I believe you should be able to find some clothing in the drawers, some robes or comfy articles, just so you don’t have to stay in this clothing for your whole stay,” he explained, giving you a soft smile as he spoke quietly. “Thank you, Sidon,” you reply softly, smiling back at him, “Well, I suppose this is good night. I’ll see you in the morning, I think we all need some rest for our quest ahead of us.”

He nodded his head, “Yes, indeed. Good night, young one, I shall see you in the morning.”

With that he lowered his head, and turned to head down the hallway towards his own chambers. You watched him take a few steps before shutting the door. You huffed a sleepy breath of air as you turned. You took a moment to look through the drawers, pulling out navy blue robes that were soft to the touch.

You discarded your tunic and pants, leaving on your undergarments as you wrapped the robe around you and tied its sash around your waist. You got cozy in the second bed, and before long you were drifting off into a comfortable sleep.

… that was until you woke up with a start.

Something had startled you awake, and you jumped up in bed, your breathing erratic. You looked around, heartbeat calming as you realized there was no sudden danger- nothing in the room other than yourself and Zelda, who was still sound asleep. You had no clue what time of night it was, but it felt well past midnight.

You pushed the covers off and got out of the bed, needing fresh air to clean your head. You exited the room quietly and made your way down the hall, keeping your robe tied tight to contrast the cool of the night. You walked aimlessly, no real destination in mind, until you realized you’d ended up nearby the main plaza of the domain.

Your steps were soundless as you entered the plaza, but you halted your movements at the sound of a voice. You curiously peered around, and saw that it was Sidon speaking in front of Mipha’s statue. You couldn’t quite pick up on the words since his tone was soft and quiet… and quite sad.

You didn’t want to interrupt, but at the same time you wanted to check and see if he was okay. Slowly you took some steps forward, and it didn’t take Sidon long to notice you. “Oh… _____, what are you doing up at this time?” he asked, clearing his throat as he turned his attention to you from the statue.

“I um, couldn’t sleep. Woke up and needed some air. I could also ask you why you’re awake, though,” you respond, flicking your gaze up to the statue, “do you… come out here and talk to her often?”

“On nights where I can’t sleep well, like this one,” he replies, nodding his head slowly, “... which tend to be more often than nights when I get decent sleep. I find her easy to talk to, however. She helps me find peace when I’m feeling turmoil.”

“Pardon me if this is invasive, but are you feeling turmoil right now?” you ask curiously, not wanting to make him uncomfortable if he doesn’t want to speak on it.

His brow furrowed a bit as he looked down at the ground, thinking about your question. “A bit, perhaps… alright, a fair amount of turmoil, I cannot lie to you easily, young one,” he answered truthfully, flitting his gaze from the ground up to you, “now pardon me if I’m invasive, but I have a question for you that’s been weighing on me for some time now.”

Now you looked up at him, curious about what he wanted to know. “Sure.. go ahead and ask,” you mutter, shrugging your shoulders nonchalantly.

“... did you love my sister?”

The question caught you off guard. You mull it over in your mind, not sure how to answer. “I… I loved her as a friend. We were best friends when we were young, before you were even born. I grew up faster than she did, being a Hylian, and by the time she’d caught up to me in maturity I’d gone through my royal guard training… it had changed me as a person and I no longer had free time after that. The only times Mipha and I spent together after that was when the champions would hold meetings. I always knew she felt a certain way about me… but I just had too much on my shoulders to ever look into how I felt about her. If things had gone differently I think I could have loved her… but things didn’t go that way.”

Sidon reached a hand towards you, holding your cheek gently and swiping his thumb across it. You took a moment to realize he was wiping a tear off of your cheek. Your tearful gaze looked up and met his own, and you quickly realized he was crying as well.

You smiled a little weakly, raising a hand to place it on his as he continued to hold your cheek, “why… why are you crying, Sidon?”

He shook his head, closing his eyes, “truthfully, I don’t quite know, _____. But thank you for answering my question, young one. I do think you should get back to bed, however. Just because I can live without a night’s rest doesn’t mean you should do the same.”

“Okay… can… can you walk me back to my room?” you asked softly, and he smiled sweetly as he gazed down at you.

“Of course, young one. Anything for you.”

The walk back to the guest room was quiet. You and the prince stayed side by side, close, your bodies brushing up against each other but neither of you cared to move apart. Once outside of the door to the guest room, you look up at him. There was an understanding between you, yet neither of you had spoken a word since being up at the plaza. You were tuckered out from your midnight rendezvous, but before you could open the door the prince stopped you. He leaned down and pressed a very gentle, very sweet kiss to your forehead. You blushed, and you swore you could see a faint blush dusted on his cheeks as well as he stood up straight.

You bid each other good night, and you crept back into the room silently, a feeling of happiness surging throughout you… though, you couldn’t quite figure out its source.

~~~ <> ~~~

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#botw #breath of the wild #totk #tears of the kingdom #loz #fanfic #x reader #reader insert #female reader #prince sidon #prince sidon x reader #sidon x reader

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