#I’m sorry but I cannot stand the slander anymore. when will it end

[red-hood-redemption]

can I please get a Damian fic that doesn’t absolutely vilify Talia and make Selina some sort of savior or something??

[fixitforever]

Losing her broke him (part 1)

A/N: So I’ve had this idea for ages and finally got part of it onto paper. Le me know what you think! (also I haven’t edited this and English isn’t my first language so there might be a few mistakes)

Pairing: Loki x female reader

Summary: Thor tells the Avengers the story of Loki’s wife, who ended up leaving him. Or did she?

Warnings: none so far, maybe people disregarding Loki and his feelings?

Thor sighs deeply as he takes another sip from his beer. He will be leaving for Asgard tomorrow with Loki as his prisoner and he still can’t believe how his brother could have fallen so far that he killed so many people and nearly destroyed New York. He knew Loki was upset, that he was angry, but he didn’t think his little brother would be capable of this.

“What’s with the long face, Sparky?” Tony asks as he lets himself fall onto the opposite end of the couch that Thor is sitting on. “We won, you get to take the tesseract and your brother home.” He goes on when he sees he has Thor’s attention. “You should be happy.”

The other Avengers are scattered around the room and watch the interaction. They’ve all been wondering why Thor is looking so down, but none of them wanted to bother him. Of course that doesn’t stop Tony, not even when Pepper glares at him from across the room.

“I simply cannot believe how far my brother has fallen.” Thor admits. “He was upset when he found out he wasn’t truly our father’s son, but I did not think him capable of this.” He adds before he downs the rest of his beer. “Though he has been growing bitter the last few years.”

“I find it hard to believe he was ever anything but evil.” Clit joins the conversation as he takes a seat on the other couch in the room. “I spent quite a bit of time with him and there was nothing good in that man.”

Thor sends him a halfhearted glare. “He wasn’t always like this. Loki used to be kind to the people of Asgard. He gave them as much of his time as they needed for whatever troubles they had.” He tells them as he leans back on the couch. “He was a fine prince, a loving son, a loyal brother and a doting husband once.”

Tony nearly spits out his drink at Thor’s words. “I’m sorry, did you just say husband?” He asks once he stops coughing up his drink. “There was someone crazy enough to marry that maniac?”

“She was not crazy!” Thor straightens up and angrily points his finger at Tony. “I will not stand for any slander towards my sister in law.” He all but growls at Stark, who holds up his hands in defence. “She was good, made Loki an even better man than he already was.” Thor tells them before his shoulders slump and his face falls. “But then she left and never returned. Losing her broke him.”

“She must have been a pretty special girl to have such an impact on Loki.” Natasha says hesitantly as she perches on the arm of the couch next to Tony. “And she clearly made an impact on you too.” Thor solemnly nods in response, which only makes Nat more curious about this woman. “Would you mind telling us about her?” She asks. Growing up amongst fighters, Nat never knew many true love stories. They intrigue her and she’s not going to pass up on the opportunity to hear the love story of a demigod.

Thor looks at her for a moment as he wonders if he should tell them or not. Loki has always been the storyteller out of the two of them, but it might do him good to share some things so he nods. “Alright.” He says and the other Avengers gather around as Thor starts his story, a combination of his own memories and things Loki, his mother and many others told him.

*****

“What a beauty.” Fandral smirks as he watches the foreign princess approach from the bifrost. Volstagg hums in agreement while Sif scoffs and crosses her arms over her chest. The princess is here because her kingdom is currently at war. Her father didn’t think it was safe for her to stay there anymore and since her father’s kingdom is an ally of Asgard Odin offered her a place to stay.

Thor simply grins at Fandral’s comment and Loki rolls his eyes at the shallowness of his brother’s companions. Fandral isn’t wrong though. The princess is stunning and if Loki is completely honest he’s somewhat enchanted by her, but he’s sure he’s not the only one. Thor’s eyes are glued to her as well and Loki can see several other members of the court outright staring at her.

Once the carriage arrives the princes is helped out of it by one of her guards as another one of them approaches Odin. The guard bows in front of the Allfather “Your majesty I present to you princess Y/N Y/L/N of Domino.” He announces the princes before stepping out of the way so she can take his place.

Y/N bows in front of Odin, but doesn’t stand back up as she speaks. “Thank you for offering me a safe place to stay, your majesty.” She says before she finally rises and looks up at Odin. “My father sends his regards.”

“Your father is a good man and a great king. You are more than welcome to stay here for as long as you need to.” Odin tells her with a slight smile, which she returns. “This is my wife Frigga.” He introduces the beautiful woman standing next to him. Y/N and Frigga bow slightly for each other.“These are my sons. Thor and Loki. You’ve met them when the three of you were still children.” He presents the two man standing on his other side and Y/N once again bows. The gesture is returned by both men and Y/N takes them in for a moment.

She remembers the princes visiting Domino many years ago and they’ve both grown up to become attractive but in completely different ways. Both tall but one broad where the other is more lean. Both with kind eyes but one seems rough where the other appears to be delicate. And both looking at her rather intently, which reminds her of the offhand comment her father made just before she left: ‘They will take good care of you on Asgard and who knows, you might even find a good husband in one of Odin’s sons.’ Her father had meant it as a joke, an attempt to lighten the mood because he could tell his daughter was distraught, and Y/N pushes the thought away with a quick shake of her head.

*****

Y/N can’t help but frown as Thor rather rudely cuts Loki off in the middle of his story to share his own version of what happened. Y/N’s eyes drift from Thor to Loki and the look on her face softens when she sees a glimmer of disappointment pass of his face before he puts on his regular mask of indifference once again. During her dinners with the royal family Y/N has noticed that it’s a regular occurrence for Thor to take control of the conversation and he doesn’t shy away from interrupting his brother to gain that control. She doesn’t believe Thor means to hurt his brother’s feelings, but she can tell it gets to Loki.

Besides the fact that it clearly hurts Loki, Y/N finds that it also brings the conversation down to a slightly less refined level. Loki has a very different way of telling stories that Thor. He has a way with words and Y/N always finds herself enthralled by whatever he’s saying.

In the few months that she has been in Asgard, she has run into Loki many times in the library. The first few times they only exchanged greetings, but one day Loki finally gathered the courage to ask her about the book she was reading and their conversations become longer and longer ever time they see each other. The library has become their safe haven. Tucked away in a wing of the palace, they’re usually not bothered by anyone. The only other person they’ve seen there is Frigga and she only sends the two a warm smile before she’s on her way again.

Y/N hasn’t spoken to Thor as much and when she does speak to him it usually consists of him telling stories of the many battles he has fought and won. He’s always kind to her and she likes him well enough, but he’s a bit too boastful and coarse for her taste.

*****

After dinner Y/N and Fridge decide to take a walk through the garden while the men remain at the table for a moment. Loki is tempted to join Y/N and his mother, but fears his father might frown upon it so he remains seated as well.

“Princess Y/N is going to make a fine queen one day.” Odin says once the women have left the room. “She has all the qualities a queen should have. Wouldn’t you agree?” He goes on and both his sons agree with him. Loki has a bad feeling about this conversation. He’s pretty sure he knows where it’s going and his suspicions are proven correct when his father speaks up again. “You know you’re getting to an age when you should start thinking about marriage?” Odin directs his question at Thor and Loki clenches his jaw as he turns his head to look at his brother.

Loki feared this would happen. Y/N will make an excellent queen one day, Loki is sure of it, and he’s not surprised that his father would want her to become queen of Asgard. But it still hurts that his father doesn’t even consider the possibility of Loki marrying her. Loki would be lying if he said he hasn’t thought about courting Y/N. He has met many noble ladies over the years, but never one that captured his attention the way Y/N does. Her beauty is what drew him in at first, but he has been drawn in by beauty before and always grew bored once he got to know the personal behind the beauty. Y/N’s personality however is even more enchanting than her looks and he wishes his father could see that Thor is not the right match for her.

Thor looks confused for a moment, but quickly catches onto his fathers meaning. “And you believe princess Y/N to be a good match, father?” Thor asks, completely oblivious to Loki’s inner turmoil. Odin nods and Thor mulls the idea over in his head for a moment before he speaks up again. “Very well, I will show her my interest and see if she’s willing to start a courtship.”

[sheisbeautyweareworldass]

Over

📝 fic dedicated to the only and one, my girl @littlx-songbxrd, as part of my 300 followers celebration. just finished writing this one, hope you enjoy it 💞✨

Synopsis: Charles believes he can make Alastair change his mind; Alastair is having none of it.

--------x--------

Alastair stood up as soon as the Enclave meeting ended. He made his way to the door as fast as he could, knowing very well what would happen if he weren’t one of the first to leave, but having sat down at the end of the room, it was rather difficult to reach the door without running over some elderly Shadowhunters. Mrs. Bridgestock had just disappeared into the hall when he realized the room was pretty much empty. He tried to rush his steps but it was no use – he’d been seen.

“Alastair, wait!” Charles cried out. His hand was holding Alastair’s elbow and he seemed oblivious to the discomfort he was causing on the other man. “I just want to talk with you.”

“Any conversation where you have to hold the person you’re talking against their will is a conversation you shouldn’t be having, Charles.” Alastair’s voice sounded monotone to anyone who didn’t know him well, but the sharp tone made it clear how annoyed he was.

Charles let go of his arm quickly as if he’d been burnt. “I just wanted to make sure you weren’t going to run away.” The corner of his mouth uplifted unpleasantly. “You seem to have the habit of running away or hiding behind your sister's skirt every time I'm around.”

Alastair raised one of his eyebrows. “I have no wish or need to talk with you, Charles. If you think of me as a coward for avoiding you, do it. I see it as me sparing myself from being in the same room as you.” He crossed his arms – Alastair was already annoyed from spending the day in his father’s presence, the last thing he needed was to finish his day with a longer-than-5-minutes interaction with Charles. “Besides, I already said everything I wanted to you.”

The redhead raised his voice slightly. “You might have done it, but I didn’t.”

Alastair took a breath - he wished Cordelia was with him, not because he needed her there, but because desperately wanted someone to roll eyes with. He looked at Charles, who had placed himself right between Alastair and the door. He was blocking his way out. The fastest way to leave the room was listening to whatever the other man had to say.

“Very well, I'm listening,” he nodded, “but make it quick.”

“You should rethink your decision, Alastair.” Charles’ voice adopted a soft, gentle tone – the kind of tone that could make Alastair’s mind travel back to their first months together. He ignored the pang on his heart caused by the memories. “I understand you were angry and frustrated with last months’ events. I mean - my engagement with Grace, and Cordelia’s health, not to mention the situation with your parents... You were obviously under too much stress.” Charles smiled. “But everything is better now, isn’t it?”

Alastair’s only response was narrowing his eyes.

“You must’ve realized, by now, that what you asked from me was inconceivable,” Charles continued.

“What I asked from you?” Alastair’s voice was dismissive. “It was you, Charles, who asked too much from me. Every time I talked about my desires, my plans, and my ambitions, you were the one asking me to be rational about what it.” He let out a humorless laugh. “Asking me to not be naïve or delusional, asking me to focus on other things - because you knew that if I paid attention to the things I wanted for myself, you wouldn’t be a part of my life anymore.”

“And now you’re the one asking me to give up on my ambitions and plans! How is that fair, Alastair?!” Charles exclaimed. His face was acquiring an ugly shade of red.

“I’m not asking anything from you, not anymore.” He eyed the man before him, His feelings weren’t the same as months ago, but he still hated arguing against him. Especially when “arguing” included to say the same thing, over and over again. “I respect your choice to live in the way it pleases you, Charles, and I don’t judge you for it. But that’s not the way I wish to live and I will not stand by anyone dictating how I should proceed.”

If Charles was the more perceptive kind – or if he had used some of their time together to learn the meaning behind Alastair’s body language and facial expressions – he would’ve already realized that the discussion was useless. However, Charles was Charles, so he remained clueless to the other man’s resolution.

“Alright.” His voice now sounded scornful. “But you surely must see why this is so confusing to me.” Charles glanced around the room as if to make sure that there was no one else and lowered his voice. “At one week you say you lo- what you felt for me, and at the next one you say you don’t want to see me anymore.” He raised his chin, adopting an even more arrogant posture. “It’s... fishy, how fast your feelings seem to have changed.”

Alastair raised his eyebrows so high that they almost met his hairline. “Are you calling me a liar, Charles?”

“No! I have no intention of slander your honor by calling you a liar, Alastair.” Charles smiled patronizingly. “It’s just that you’re not an inconstant man and the way your emotions seem to have shifted raise some doubts about the truth behind them, that’s all.”

The dark-haired man snorted. “I didn’t think I would have to explain the basic concept behind self-preservation to you, Charles.” Alastair stepped closer and raised his voice a ton higher. “I never lied to you, and certainly not about my feelings, whatever they were at the time. You love yourself above all other things, Charles, I merely decided to love myself above you.”

“Do you really mean it, then? Do you really wish for what we had to come to an end? After everything we went through, you cannot even think about coming back to me?” He sounded desperate now, a bit lost, like if only now realization was hitting him. If Alastair didn’t know him well, he could’ve felt sorry for the man.

“What we had, Charles, was an illusion. What we went through were secret encounters late into the night after you’d returned from dinner with your fiancée's family.” Alastair met the other man’s eyes with determination, making sure that every word spoken was listened to by him. “So, to answer your question: no, I cannot even think about it. Look around, Charles” he opened his arms wide, “we’re in a room alone, you’re trying to win back, and not even then you can say you love me, can you?” Alastair’s smile was painful and knowingly. “No, Charles. I won’t come back to you. And now I ask - in the name of what we had, that now seems to be valuable to you – for you to leave alone, once and for all.” He gestured to the blocked door. “Inconvenience is not a good look on the future Consul.”

The older man opened his mouth, but whatever he was about to say was cut off by the sound of steps in the hallway. Cordelia emerged, looking worried; her mouth turned into a thin line once she took notice of who was with her brother.

“Is something happening here?” She asked.

“No,” Alastair crossed the room, without looking at Charles’ direction, to join his sister at the door. “Not anymore.”

“Oh,” Cordelia raised one eyebrow. “Did Charles finally comprehend the meaning behind you not replying to his letters and not welcoming him at our house? We should celebrate!” She exclaimed locking her arms on Alastair’s and smirking at the redhead man.

Charles' face grew with lividness. “Maybe if addressed your superiors with more respect you wouldn’t so often be caught in controversial situations, Cordelia.”

Before she could say anything, Alastair turned to face him again, his eyes burning with quiet anger. “Respect? Like the respect you showed to Ariadne by seeing me while you two were engaged? Perhaps you refer to the respect you showed her when you broke off the engagement while she was in a coma? Or are you talking about the respect you direct to your current fiancée by chasing me around?” His voice was as sharp as his daggers and Cordelia was reminded that her brother had a talent with words when he wanted to. “You’ll think twice before addressing my sister like that, Charles. And maybe think thrice about your concept of superiority if you really believe to be superior to her in any way.”

He left the room without a second look; Cordelia went happily with him. She waited a few seconds before speaking again.

“See, I would say ‘thank you’ for such a passionate demonstration of fraternal love back then, but I remember that when I’m the one saving your ass, you always say that you didn’t need it. So, tell me Alastair dadash, should I be polite or should I take a page from your own book?” Cordelia inquired him with a smile.

“You be quiet,” Alastair rolled his eyes, but she could see his lips twitching.

“You think Charles is going to leave you alone now, for real?” She asked on a low voice.

Alastair took a few seconds to answer her. “To be quite honest, Layla, yes, I think so.”

Cordelia gave a small clap and smiled brightly at him. “We should really celebrate this, then. Did I tell you that Bridget baked a blueberry cake? Fate, it’s what I say.”

Alastair couldn’t help but laugh at her. He let her sister led him to the dining room where the Herondales were waiting for them. He didn’t feel as comfortable at their presence as Cordelia wished him to, but after standing Charles’ presence for more than 5 minutes he felt like he could easily win a fight against a demon army alone. Besides, promise of a blueberry cake was enough to make him enjoyable for the rest of the night.

[ladyanput]

Seeing Green Ch.15 {End}

Warning: light gore.

Once they landed back in Paris, Marinette felt a sense of finally being home, but it wasn't as overwhelming as it used to be. Part of her yearned to go back to Gotham, to be with Damian and the others, there was a sense of belonging there, now that Paris was once again safe.

Oddly, no one once mentioned anything about Marinette being Ladybug. In fact, when she talked to them, playfully suggesting about Ladybug's identity, they all began saying their thoughts, but not once mentioned her. Odd, but she didn't push her luck. Maybe the Miraculous Cure had been extremely generous and wiped their minds? One less thing for her to stress about.

Once she got back to school, her, Miss Bustier, Lila, and Marinette's parents were immediately summoned to the principal's office. Mr. Arquette did not look the least bit pleased, his hands folded neatly as they all shuffled into his office and took a seat.

"I received many disturbing reports while you all were in Gotham, reports that I should have known would happen since I left those children in your care." Arquette spoke, his voice firm and cold as he glared hard at Miss Bustier. "You abandoned a student in the middle of a dangerous city, you left your students roam as they pleased with no supervision, one student stole the money from another, a student was kidnapped and you never once reported it to myself or her parents, much less the police. You even had the audacity to say that her kidnapper did nothing wrong. Caline, you've been on thin ice for quite some time now, but this gross negligence is the final straw. One of the students was even assaulted at the Wayne event and you did nothing to break it up and just stood back and watched. I don't believe we have a place for you here at Saint Louis anymore, not after your behaviour."

"Please, you don't understand, it's all a misunderstanding! Marinette manipulated Adrien and-" Lila began, looking tearful.

"And you," Arquette turned his steely gaze on Lila, cutting her off before she can try and spin another flimsy web of lies. ", You have crossed many lines. Lying about medical records, of how to contact your mother, long series of absences, and I heard much about your deeds in Gotham. Your mother is almost here, Miss Rossi."

"What?! No, she can't-" Lila was on her feet within seconds, her body trembling. Caline, herself, looked quite shaken as well, as if she were about to be sick.

"Miss Dupain-Cheng, I am greatly sorry for what you've had to endure all of these years. I should have taken a more firm stance on things, I should have gotten someone else to attend the trip with your class." Arquette turned to Marinette, his expression turning to one of regret. He stood, then rounded his desk, kneeling next to her chair. "I take full responsibility for what happened to you in Gotham."

"No, Mr. Arquette, please. No one thought I would be kidnapped, and luckily Batman saved me." Marinette put in quickly, feeling a sense of relief, now that Miss Bustier would no longer be around. That pressure of being the perfect example was finally lifted from her shoulders. "You're a great principal, you couldn't have known. But I appreciate your actions now, you're more than making up for this."

His shoulders seemed to relax and he nodded before returning to his desk. It wasn't long before Lila's mother showed up, and then the show truly began. 

"You've been lying to me? Me?! Your own mother?!" Mrs. Rossi screamed at her pale faced daughter, before pulling a few brown envelopes out of her bag and holding them up. "Do you know what these are?! These are court orders! Court orders from Jagged Stone, Clara Nightingale, and the Waynes! What were you thinking, having your friend slander their names all over her blog?! You basically accused Jagged of being a pedophile by saying he wrote a song especially for you, that you're his muse!"

"She is also saying she's the personal muse to Gabriel Agreste, ever since she became his model." Marinette put in helpfully, and sat back as she watched Mrs. Rossi got red in the face and continued to berate her daughter.

"And now you'll be going to live with your aunt back in Italy, if these lawsuits don't bankrupt me! I'm only a secretary, Lila, what made you think we could travel like that?!"

Marinette merely watched as Lila was reduced to tears, and expelled from the school. Mrs. Rossi dragged her daughter out and Caline Bustier was promptly dismissed to go and collect her things.

"What will happen to my class?" Marinette asked the principal once she and her parents were about to leave.

"Well, they will get a new teacher, it might be a bit difficult with only a few months left before you all graduate." Mr. Arquette admitted, looking thoughtful.  At the tense silence, he cleared his throat. "Miss Césaire will be thoroughly punished for her actions as well, in Gotham. Assaulting another classmate is completely u acceptable. I was told by her parents she is already being punished as we speak."

Marinette left that school, her parents figuring that she needed a day off after all that had happened. So she silently went up to her room and collapsed onto her bed, finally processing it all.

She was finally free of Lila. Hawkmoth was defeated, and she had both Nooroo and Duusu back, after having fixed the Peacock Miraculous. 

When she heard her phone buzz, she picked it up and smiled to herself.

{Damian} I miss you, Angel, I hope your flight landed safely.

{Damian} I miss you already Angel. And Plagg's taste in cheese is the smelliest ever. Alfred is threatening to throw him out.

The smile on her face didn't drop for the rest of the evening, as she spent the entire evening messaging Damian.

…

Ladybug stood firm at the podium, her teammates standing with her as they faced the flashing of cameras with stoic expressions, press members shouting out questions. She merely stared at them, waiting for them all to quiet down. The crowd quickly got the clue and did such.

"Today, I am here to announce that Hawkmoth has finally been defeated. The terror he reigned over Paris for so long is finally over." Ladybug announced, and this only caused the crowd to go into a bewildered frenzy once again. Ladybug waited, and the media was quick to quiet again, realizing they had to be polite with this one. "Gabriel Agreste, formerly known as Hawkmoth, has been arrested and placed into the custody of the French authorities."

"What about his son, Adrien Agreste? Was he in cahoots with his father?" A reporter blurted out, and it took everything in Ladybug not to flinch at that name.

"Adrien Agreste was not in league with Hawkmoth, he and his mother are innocent." Well, as innocent as one could be. Adrien had been arrested, but anyone could see the boy needed mental help due to all of the mental abuse and grooming that had been forced upon him by his father. So Adrien and his mother, who had indeed woken up, had moved out of the country, where Adrien was getting good care in a good facility, not that he'd ever leave it, not after all he had done.

"What happens now?" A young reporter asked. Ladybug recognized her from her school, Estelle Desrosiers, a sweet girl who always sought out the truth, but was respectable about things. So Ladybug gave her a gracious smile.

"Well, Miss Desrosiers, the Miraculous will be retired and I shall be leaving the city. There are dangerous villains in the world and the world needs the help of the Miraculous to stop it. They're here to keep the darkness from taking over." She spoke firmly, and everyone could see the hero they had all grown to love and admire. There was much outcry at her stating she was leaving, but she stopped the noise and set a hand over her heart. "I love Paris, I love France. This is my home more than anything, but I cannot stay, cannot sit by as the rest of the world suffers. So thank you, Paris, and embrace your newfound freedom. And here's my final Bugout!"

With that, she and the rest of her team took off, followed by the cheers.

Back in her family apartment, Alya was seething as she sat between her parents on the couch, watching the live broadcast. That should be her up there, basking in the glory of defeating Hawkmoth with Ladybug, if Ladybug had actually used her head and gave her back her Fox Miraculous! No one was better suited to be a hero than Rena Rouge! Or it should at least be her at the front of that media stand, asking all of the important questions, getting the big scoop. But her parents had made her delete her blog. She had lost every single electronic she'd had, due to her actions in Gotham and her recent attitudes towards everyone. She had even screamed at her little sisters to the point she had made them cry.

The future was not a bright one for Alya Césaire.

…

Graduation had quickly arrived and when Marinette left her class, she didn't once look back. Sure, they had all apologized, save for Alya who had been expelled and needed to repeat her senior year, but they had thrown her aside so easily for a complete stranger. The kind of trust she had had with them was never going to exist again.

As she arrived back at her place to pack her bags, she saw Luka, Kagami, and Chloé in her room, waiting for her. They each gave her a grateful smile, before they began giving the Guardian back their Miraculous.

"I'm going to miss you." Chloé whispered as she nuzzled Pollen, then handed the hair clip over to Marinette, who tucked it safely into the Miraculous box. "And we'll miss you too, Marinette."

Marinette smiled and opened her arms, Luka, Chloé, and Kagami moving in for a group hug. The four of them held onto each other tight, before finally letting go.

"Have fun in Gotham." Luka whispered, ruffling her hair gently before he kissed her temple. "Keep in touch."

"I will." Marinette tucked the Miraculous box into the hidden compartment in her suitcase, then made her way downstairs, embracing her parents tightly, tears welling up in her eyes. She was finally leaving the nest, leaving the home that was full of such love and happy memories. But she still felt something deep inside of her calling for her to go back to Gotham, her new home.

Once she got in the taxi, she settled back and glanced down at her phone buzzed, biting her lower lip to hold back a giggle.

{Damian} Once you land in Gotham, go to the Wayne Botanical Gardens. I have a surprise for you, Angel.

"I'll be home soon, mon prince.."

…

Marinette stepped into the greenhouse and grinned at the sight of Damian standing there, next to a checkered blanket and a picnic basket. She dropped her purse and ran towards him, hugging him tightly as he lifted her up and spun her.

"I missed you, Angel." Damian whispered into her ear as he set his giggling girlfriend back onto the ground, then motioned towards the picnic. "I thought I'd surprise you, to welcome you back home."

"And here I thought you and your brothers were gonna throw me a party." Marinette grinned, taking a seat beside him. When he began setting out the food, she felt her smile only widen. "You really spoil me."

"Well hopefully I don't spoil your appetite too much. Jason decided to go into the kitchen today and bake you a 'welcome back' cake. Pretend to like the inedible mess." Damian gave her a wry smile as he poured them both a cup of sparkling juice, before holding his up as a toast. "Welcome home, Angel."

"Glad to be home, mon prince." She tapped her plastic cup against his and took a long drink, unable to wipe the smile from her face. The hour passed with them joking and eating the food Damian had brought, Marinette glanced at the time and sighed. "We should get back. I really want to see everyone, I've missed them."

Marinette stood and stretched her body, groaning softly as she managed to loosen a few tense muscles, then took a step towards the exit.

"Marinette."

She turned towards Damian. Damian met her gaze, then raised his gun. A shot rang out and Marinette stumbled back a few steps, clutching at her chest as a bewildered look on her face.

"D- Damian..?" She dropped to her knees, then was jolted onto her back when he shot her again.

"I thank you, Marinette. The Miraculous are much more powerful than I would have ever thought." He smiled thinly as he made his way over and knelt down next to Marinette, who was choking on her own blood.

Marinette stared up at the boy she thought she was so deeply in love with, tears beginning to slide down her cheeks as she tried to reach up for him.

"I'm glad you were at least useful. You really are a ditz, aren't you?" He stood and ground his foot into the gunshot wounds, making her let out a choked scream.

Marinette's mind was in a whirl, struggling to breathe as her world began to dim.

So she had just been a pawn…? Been used to get the Miraculous…?

He had lied to her?

How could she have been so stupid?

As the light left her eyes, the only thoughts were on betrayal, and the fears of what would happen to the Kwami, to Tikki.

When her body went limp, Heretic grinned.

…

Damian rushed his entire way to the Botanical Gardens, silently cursing Mr. Freeze with every inch of his being. Because of the bastard, he was two hours late in meeting Marinette. He knew she'd understand, but still, no one deserves that. He feared she was angry because she wasn't answering her phone.

He rushed through the roof doors, when a strong coppery smell hit him, a smell he was very familiar with. His body instantly tensed as he reached down the small knife in his pocket, carefully making his way into the greenhouse as his eyes darted this way and that.

And what he saw made his heart stop.

Marinette was sprawled out on the floor, staring skyward, with two gunshot wounds in her chest, a puddle of blood beginning to congele around her. Hovering over her was a loudly weeping Tikki.

"Tikki,what happened?!" Plagg burst from Damian's coat pocket and rushed towards her, hugging her close as his dearest friend broke apart in his arms.

"I- I don't know! I was asleep, I was so tired because I- I'm still trying to help Nooroo through his trauma, and I just woke up! What happened to her, Plagg? She can't be dead, she just can't be! I can't lose her, please, tell me she's not dead!" Tikki wailed.

"Marinette…?" Damian knelt next to the body, cupping her face ever so gently. He felt tears burn his eyes as he rested his forehead against hers, desperately wishing for the reality to not be true. She was gone, he had lost her and he hadn't been here to protect her. The tears began to flow as he let out a sob and hugged the body close. "No, please, Angel, please don't go.."

He sat there and rocked as he sobbed. Eventually, he got the will to call his brothers. They'd have a horrible call to her parents.

…

Tom and Sabine wept as their little girl, their only child, was lowered into the ground. Damian felt numb, like nothing was really worth it anymore. But beneath that numbness was an angry ready to burst forth and cause the death of whoever caused this. The police hadn't found anything, no DNA, no fingerprints, nothing except for Marinette's. Why couldn't they do their goddamned job and find the murdering bastard?!

"Diana, what are you doing here?" Bruce's surprised tone brought Damian's attention, and he watched as Diana Prince approached them, looking grim.

"I am here to honour a brave and dutiful Ladybug. My mother had wished to attend as well, but we did not want to cause much ruckus." Diana admitted, looking down at the casket being slowly covered in dirt. She let out a long, defeated sigh. "But one so young… No one should ever die so young."

"Why would your mother care about this?" Damian snipped, but Diana took no offense, seeing how torn up the boy was. Many people lashed out in their grief.

"She was a previous Ladybug." Diana admitted, noticing Plagg peeking out from Damian's coat pocket. She smiled down at the Kwami and knelt, pretending as if to tie her shoe. "Hello Plagg."

"Hello there, Princess, you've certainly grown." Plagg said rather sadly, before looking away. "Tikki.. She's not doing so good."

"I have no doubt." Diana nodded and stood once again, turning towards Bruce. "What will happen with the Miraculous now?"

"They need to ensure somewhere safe. You said that your mother was once a Ladybug, yes? Perhaps you can take the body back home? I know it would be greatly protected there." Bruce glanced over at his son, who was staring at his ring. "But the Black Cat Miraculous…"

"It can stay here." Diana assured him softly. "You never separate a Black Cat from their Chosen." 

"It was the last thing Marinette gave to me." Damian murmured and Diana felt her heart break at how defeated he looked.

"Keep the ring safe, Damian. And Plagg, help Damian as well." Diana reached down and stroked Plagg's head gently once she was sure no one was watching. "I shall take the box home to Themiscyra."

"Thank you, Diana." Bruce turned his gaze back to the grave, his hands curling ever so slightly into fists. "I know Marinette would appreciate it while we hunt down whoever is responsible for this."

"Once you do find out who it was, make them suffer." Diana hissed, a dangerous threat in her eyes. "Or I shall."

…

That night, Diana took the Miraculous box, sans the Black Cat ring, and returned to Themiscyra.

That night, in a graveyard in Paris, several people approached the grave of Marinette Dupain-Cheng and began to dig.

…

Marinette felt as if she were floating, the entire body full of warmth and strength.

She opened her eyes and realized she was seeing nothing but green.

Then something took hold, something indescribable. She burst forth from the green water, letting out a scream of rage as memories began flooding back, memories of her murder. Eyes almost blind to anything around her, she charged towards a faint figure in front of her and body slammed them. When another person came forward, she flipped them over her head. She broke another man's arm and leg.

"Hold her down!" A feminine voice snapped out, and quickly Marinette found herself being restrained on a cold floor, snarling and snapping, screaming out for Damian's blood.

But eventually, that madness faded and she found herself staring at a beautiful woman who knelt over her.

"Who… Who are you?" Marinette croaked out, her entire body still shivering, tears beginning to flow from her eyes.

"Oh Marinette, do not weep. My name is Talia." The woman stroked the hair from the young girl's face, smiling kindly down upon her. "Do not fret, I shall take care of you from now on. You are in safe hands."

{To Be Continued in the sequel}

Taglist: @realrandomposts @interobanginyourmom @ladybug-182 @ladylb @zalladane @mochinek0 @persephonebutkore @urbanpineapplefarmer @vixen-uchiha @angelofmusickaterinapetrova @thewheezingbubbledragon @northernbluetongue @thequestionablyhuman @ginamarie1512 @maude-zarella @2sunchild2 @saphiraazure2708 @ayuchan07 @virgil-is-a-cutie @thepeacetea @miraculous786 @enchanted-nerd @ficsforthestars @emo-elaine13 @caffeinetheory

[spaceguybob]

“A memory that remained” Housamo fanfiction Scenario - Ophion.

Tokyo After-school summoners. Fanfiction/scenario. "A memory that remained"

PREFACE - This Fanfiction is my personal love letter to the creators of the TAS game, their imagination and fantastic story telling. Especially to Ophion who is a amazing husband character and i thought his storytelling could use a bit more.

** That bizarre adventure was finally over with things seemingly back to normal. Both you and Seth laughed when you saw each other again this day, especially since you thought you may not see one another ever again. Faith has some odd twists and turns. But now, you were glad, able to finally relax. As much it was possible of course in the summer resort when you were surrounded by a gang of over-hyper friends chasing around the swimming pools, jumping into the water and causing general havoc. "Come on! If you don't get in the pool I'm going to bash you till you do!" Kengo yells impatiently from the water area but his words get blurred out by water sprays coming from Hanuman's water gun. Seth laughed in the background after seeing the scene, he and Shiro oddly found a common language together. Ganglie and Ryota snuck away to replenish the food supplies, and Toji and Moritaka were hiding in the shade debating something formally, perhaps it was sword fighting or training? Or just generally plotting revenge on Kengo for throwing both of them into the pool. Closing your eyes, sitting comfortably on the lounger you only want to drift away. The muscles still felt bruised and tired, although there is no physical sign of the experience you went through, the mind still thinks all the signs are there. Also, there are things you are still slowly processing. Especially one thing. There was a memory that kept creeping on you, almost every time you closed your eyes. It was hard to describe to be honest because memories have images and this one felt so distorted, it was a mix of colours, images, conversation and laugh, and most importantly music and a feeling. The last two things started following you in a pair, always. There is a melody you remember and a longing. Having been told multiple times that your rule has permanently cut you off from memories of your many lives past you have eventually accepted the fact that whatever the past was, it will have to stay in the past. Except for this one broken memory which felt like it was coming from a badly adjusted radio.

A sudden squirt of cold water pulled you sharply out of the depth of your mind. So sharply your whole body jerked up in surprise. “Undercover ninja attack!” Hanuman flashed his teeth from the edge of the pool waving his water gun at you. “Sleepy face gets a direct hit from the super water blaster 1000!” Kengo cheers with him jumping out of the pool heading in your direction fast.

“Sorry partner but you asked for it! I warned you” He grins rubbing his hands ready to grab your legs, but you are faster than him and swiftly turn around jumping off the lounger before he even tries, unexpectedly Kengo slips on a puddle of water created by Hanuman’s gun as he tried to outmanoeuvre you and ends up flat on the lounger waving his arms in panic. You can’t stop but laugh together with everyone else who was observing the scene. Kengo immediately tries to retaliate with a face red like a boiled lobster and chase you but he doesn’t have the stamina you have. Time and time again he tries grabbing you but with a swift zigzag, you outsmart him every time, having the rest of the gang cheer loudly with each of your successful escapes.

“Not fair partner! I’m barefoot!” Kengo huffs loudly.

“Like that stopped you before!” You shout in the air trying not to lose your path, still just to make sure you were far away, for only a split second you turned your head to see Kengo a meter behind, and he suddenly stopped with a surprised face and then – thump! Without knowing you run into something or someone solid feeling the air escapes your lungs as you sat down in shock.

Before you was Xolot standing still firm like a tree, unmoved. He looked down at you with an awkward, slightly fearful smile.

“Oh hi!” Then his expression changed as he realized what just happened. “Sorry! Sorry! It’s my fault I didn’t see you! Mistress Hakumen told me to find you and your friends I didn’t see you run. Are you ok? Sorry!” As you thought that nothing can beat the avalanche of his apologies a high pitched laugh pierced the air and immediately you closed your eyes in a grimace knowing Mistress Hakumen was incoming. Brace yourself you thought.

“Ohohoho! My darling Lucifuge why do you always assume I am up to no good? That’s so presumptuous of you! I’m but a flower pulled by the winds of never-ending emotion!”

“My dearest. You are a jelly fisher. One can have a conversation with you that seems all nice and friendly and sweet, then you suddenly feel like you've been stung with deadly poison, or end up locked in a prison, or even worse; without knowing what happened.” Lucifuge nervously giggled.

As you tried to sneak away back to your group Xolot extremely over-enthusiastically and loudly shouted: “Mistress Hakumen I have found him! You will be so happy I found him, Mistress! Yes!”

You felt as you were betrayed on the spot and couldn’t but grin covering your ears.

“Thanks for blowing my cover.”

“Oh sorry! Were you hiding? I’m so sorry! Please forgive me!” But, you couldn’t be angry at Xolot since he was always more than loyal to his mistress, even if it was in a very misguided and not very smart way. And so you braced hoping not to, again, become the object of their fights, and love arguments of these two.

“Milord! There you are! Oh!” Hakumen sang with her flirtatious voice toward you trying to hide behind Xolot, only for him to be shoved aside by her. “Move you idiot!” her songbird voice turned into a snarl. She still kept her flashy swimsuit on.

“I’m sorry! Mistress!” Xolot yelped putting down his ears.

Uhhh here we go, you think to yourself forcing a polite smile as they surround you from both sides.

“My fallen star! Don’t you just find it exhilarating here? My dearest remember, nothing succeeds like excess, well of everything! Maybe with one exception” Lucifuge glanced at Hakumen. You wondered how he wasn’t feeling hot in his flamboyant clothes where everyone else was practically half-naked.

Hakumen snarled slightly in response. “What does that supposed to mean Lucifuge, you half-jelly devil! I have not spared any excess to make this place perfect for my beloved Milord! Don’t you think my bellowed? I know it is so because you enjoyed it so far! Ah, the adventure we prepared for you! And the excitement you had! Ohohoho! There will be more!” She flutters her eyes to you.

“It’s fascinating my bellowed fallen star how Mistress Hakumen can turn any offence into a half baked compliment.”

“It wasn’t?”

“I must have said it wrong.”

“Maybe you should try it too Lucifuge. It would save us so many awkward situations when you behave like you swallowed a toad. Some aristocrat you are.”

Lucifuge looked genuinely hurt and shocked. “Mistress Hakumen, is this your new tactic now? Slander me in front of my divine lord! The beautiful star I wish to capture?! How low of you!”

You can feel like their argument and bickering is getting more intensive every second, completely ignoring your existence which oddly is a relief although you still didn’t even manage to say hello to anyone.

“I would never! Not in front of my beloved milord! For him, I’m a precious flower and I-”

She gets interrupted by the very familiar beaming voice that towers everything and everyone.

“I do hope I am interrupting something! What are you two arguing about now? Isn’t there enough scheming and plotting you caused recently?” Ophion towers above the pair, behind him Aizen marches with his ever-odd military precision and an angry look. You are sure he is judging every square inch of the summer resort and thinking of ways of purifying it from the filth.

Then Ophion saw you and skillfully moved himself in front of the arguing couple.

“My bellowed flower, my world, I heard what this vixen has done. Are you Alright? I should have known she cannot be left without a proper supervisor, as this may end up in another unplanned adventure as she calls them only to vow you into her claws.”

“That’s outrageous!” Hakumen squealed behind him but Ophion stopped her with his arm.

“Silence! Is it not another of your plans? Whenever my spouse is involved you always have a scheme ready. You twisted fox, you have schemes within schemes within schemes!”

“No need for such excessive complaints my dear! My beloved milord already knows his mistress is a genius among her peers!”. Now all three began arguing. It was fun to watch initially but it always becomes tiresome after a while. Especially with Aizen giving you murderous looks.

But the fact was, the moment Ophion showed himself you felt something change. It was that scrambled memory that keeps haunting you. Unsurely if it was the memory or yourself, or both your attitude changed towards Ophion. Yes, he was too much, but what can be expected of millennia-old god dragon that created life – or so he claims. And although it was extremely embarrassing for you to hear him proclaim his love to you every single time so loudly everyone within half a mile could hear, it was also cute. But, was it you or this memory. You couldn’t hear the music anymore, but there was something you decided to do during those nights you spent on the desert with Seth, Hanuman and Ganglie. You decided to gift that one memory to him.

Now only if you could get their attention.

“Hey everyone -!” But they were too occupied in arguing. Well, since nobody is paying attention, you though there is only one way. Next to where you were standing, on one of the loungers, there was a water gun, one of many that were left around the pool for the enjoyment of the guests. So you thought – Let’s see how they like a cold shower.

Their expression was priceless when you squired water around. The bickering stopped immediately and everyone looked just at you!

“Now since everyone is back to planet earth.”

“My dearest milord how could you!” Hakumen cried in shock.

“How undignified! I need a change of clothes!” Lucifuge complained. But Ophion didn’t say anything only piercing you with a highly amused look, you flashed his teeth to him winking innocently.

“How dare you! Have you no brain! Look what have you done to Sir Ophion’s clothes!” Aizen suddenly roared.

“Aizen, you need to stop this!” Ophion waved his hand annoyed at the man.

“Well, if the only way for You to stop arguing about nonsense was me squirting all over you then, I’ll gladly do it again!” You grin at the trio.

“Ohoho the wordplay! My darling milord, you make me blush! Ohohohoh I want to hear more! Please don’t stop!”

“Lady Hakumen, must you want him only for yourself all the time! Such lack of dignity eh!” Lucifuge complained loudly, messing about with his wet shirt. “No, no, no this will not do! I cannot be seen in such an imperfect, undignified outfit” He mumbled to himself and turned on a heel and walked away ignoring everyone.

“My darling spouse is absolutely right. How shameful of us, concentrating on tiny squabbles. Please forgive me, my beloved. “ Ophion steps in front of them closer to you, only to have Hakumen overtake his position pushing him away with her elbow.

“Hmpf! Speak for yourself lizard! There is nothing tiny about us!” She envelopes the curves of her body with her hands. “Mistress Hakumen is all about beauty and grandeur! We go big or not at all! We love or we fall! My milord must know this! He needs to know at all cost how I love him!” You could feel your face getting hot from embarrassment as Hakumen was performing her little dance around you, touching your shoulders and hips in an unwanted way.

“Ha! Pick your words and actions carefully fox-woman! You shall not touch what is not yours!” Ophion’s voice roars in the air.

“Lady Hakumen! Have you no shame! I shall not tolerate frivolous behaviour like this polluting our guests! Especially with this one!” Aizen adds after Ophion glaring at her with fire in his eyes.

With a heavy sight, you can see them start again.

“Lady Hakumen, Xolot mentioned you were looking for me?” The security therion moved his ears and grinned happily as he heard you mention his name.

“Oh, oh! Indeed my beloved milord! How could I get my mind clouded so much by this stupid debate!” Hakumen put on another singing performance. “We, wish in our grace, to invite you to an evening concerto today evening. Of course, you are welcome to bring your friends with you. Just make sure milord they like such events. We only want to make you happy! It won’t be your typical music show, however, ohohoho! Oh no, no, no! There will be a live performance and all guests will receive pillows and drinks or food for their leisure! It will be performed here in the resort and it will be marvellous!”

It sounded fantastic to you since, at least you think, you enjoyed music, saying you think only because with the lack of memories it’s hard to know if you ever heard a live concert. But always enjoyed listening to different radio stations whenever given the chance and craved the occasion to listen it live.

“I would love to!” You say eagerly without hesitation.

“You would, my beloved spouse?” Ophion jumps into the conversation.

“Yes, I never listened to the music being performed live. Or at least I don’t think I did.”

“Ohohohoho! Milord, you please me gratefully! Oh, so many preparations need to be made before tonight! Now my darling run along and let your friends know and leave everything in my hands!”

“My darling spouse, my beloved jewel of the skies, if you are attending so shall I! I will reserve us the best spot and the most luxurious of seating for your comfort!” Ophion shakes in excitement. “I, your husband, delight in well-played instruments!”.

“Not in a million years!” Hakumen snarls. “I won’t let you steal and hurdle him only for yourself!”

Aizen who kept quiet jumps straight into the conversation. “Ophion, sir! I beg you to rethink! This is absurd. You cannot waste your precious, glorious time on such idiotic whims!”

“Nonsense!”Ophion shrugs Aizen’s words away. “I have but all of the eternal time for whims that will please my beloved spouse!”

“Ophion… could I- Could I talk to you for a second? Please?” And so you said it loudly for the first time, unsure if it was best left alone, but you can’t just let it drill a hole in your brain.

“Absolutely not! You shall not pollute my lord's mind with your absurd ideas!” Aizen roared angrily pulling his whip. You were sure that one day the blood vessels in his eyes will rapture spectacularly.

“Silence!” Ophion snapped at Aizen that immediately shrunk within himself in fear. Then looked directly at you with an intense stare, so intense it could only rival the one you remember from when you first saw his younger incarnation that recognized the piece of the soul of his wife within you. “My dearest, my beloved, I am all yours! Please tell me what it is!”

“Uhmm..” You suddenly lost your courage having everyone, especially Ophion look directly at you. It was definitely harder than all of the scenarios you run in your mind before, and even harder when you had to ignore Lady Hakumen scowls and angry grimaces of her theatrical sobs just now. “Can we talk somewhere in private?” After saying that you did expect Aizen to come out with another snotty comment but the last reprimand hit hard on his ego.

“Ha! All these moments I have waited for such a request! Oh, everything of this world! Your Ophion shall give you as much time as you want! Let us find ourselves a quiet place and talk my love!” The golden dragon leads you to a fairly empty bungalow just a few steps away from where you stood. You don’t even want to look back at Lady Hakumen, because her theatrics are just too much. Both her and Aizen are probably burning a hole in the back of your head right now.

“Look here my beloved, shall we step in and hide from the prying ears of the world.” The inside of the bungalow is quite narrow and you are surprised Ophion manages to go inside at all for his massive posture. He is after all much higher than any human, with his wings and long tail and massive physique. But without thinking you follow and close the door.

“Ah, my beloved! I cannot contain my happiness! Please tell me what burdens your heart and mind! My flower of the skies I want to know everything.” Ophion’s voice boomed so loudly you were absolutely sure anyone outside could hear him. And you were also sure the walls had ears, so without thinking you lifted a finger to your lips. The golden dragon looked at you curiously with a smile and a playful wink.

“Are you sure this room isn’t too small for you?” You then said in a low voice. He did look a bit uncomfortable. “It would have been better if You sat on the floor I think.”

“My dearest spouse, I do not care about such trivial problems! The closer I am to you the happier I am but I shall follow your request. The roof of this place is painful for my wings.” Ophion answered and slowly sat down. It felt as he was sitting in a dolls house. “Now, my dearest, please tell me, is everything alright.” But you heard a creak just outside and were sure somebody was listening. The last thing you needed.

“I think somebody is trying to listen so I’ll have to whisper to your ear if that’s OK.” You say casually to Ophion. The dragon turns his head curiously and looks around. But as you think how you can whisper to him you realize how big his stature is. “I’m sorry but I will have to climb on top of you!” You whisper again oblivious about what you just said.

“My dearest! Those words! I can’t believe this wonderful day!”

“That’s not what I mean – ah!” You try your best to reach to his ears, especially since Ophion doesn’t seem to want to help you and without realizing you place your hands on his bare arm. And then it shocks you.

“Ah!” There is a quiet gasp that leaves your mouth

"Is everything alright my darling? My jewel! Are my scales to tough for you?"

"No... No... You are very warm." You leave your hand on his arm and then another on his shoulder for a few seconds.

"I don't think I've ever touched you but it is like I know how it feels all along."

Ophion glances at you with his dark amber red eyes with intensity for a few moments.

"And how does it feel my darling spouse. Is this body of the godly dragon wonderful? Please give me, your beloved husband an answer, my jewel." When Ophion isn't screaming to the whole world his voice is surprisingly husky.

You hesitate not knowing what to say but you don't remove your hands just looking at him.

"There is something I'd like to give you. I have... I've been remembering something and I thought you should have it. As a gift." You whisper closely to his years. " And I don't want others to know because... Because I would like to keep it between us only."

You feel Ophion's hand on your back, you think he was trying to help you keep balance but... Well, this feels really embarrassing and your heart is pounding. This is definitely too much for one encounter, especially since nothing is going as you imagined it. This is harder than fighting. Why does it have to be harder than fighting?

"My beloved, oh how adorable you look blushing like that. Oh my jewel, I'm at a loss for words. Do you have a gift of memory for me? For me? Your husband? Through the cosmos, I knew this day would come. I shall empty my whole calendar for you, my beloved spouse. Will this be a romantic encounter? I shall ask for dinner to be prepared! "

"No... No... Can it just be two of us? Nothing special, no dinner. I'll bring something with me. Will that be ok?" Gods you feel so embarrassed and it feels Ophion grew in size since you asked him. Not sure if it's because he is so proud of himself or excited or both, proud and excited, which reminded you.

"Please, don't go telling everyone."

"Ah, my beloved jewel, why do you think I would do such a thing?" Ophion protested quietly.

"Because you would want everyone to know how proud you are, and to make Lucifuge and Hakumen jealous and angry." You point out.

"My beloved, your words are so hurtful, however true. I would take great pleasure in making, especially that fox woman, jealous as you say. Her scheming is always troublesome." Ophion grimaced and then smiled towards you sticking his tongue out the way he always would. You both spend a moment in this odd silence. Your hand on his arm and shoulder leaning towards his head, Ophion's hand holding your back. You feeling his touch on your bare skin. His dark amber red eyes piercing through you with an intensity you haven't seen before.

"Sir Ophion! My lord! Please I beg you, enough of this. This is inappropriate! This situation should cease immediately!" You hear Aizen's voice coming loudly from behind the door.

You think of moving but Ophion's hand remains still holding you.

"My beloved jewel, I made a promise to shower you with my love for every day I have missed you from my lonely existence from when you have fallen into the sea forcibly. This short encounter, my beloved, has given me so much joy I struggle to express it with words. I... This young Ophion is stunned. You may think my beloved treasure, that I'm rash, and juvenile. But for one like me who lost so much and lived lonely in different worlds, I learned to treasure every moment. That's why my darling spouse, my heart's shouts so much whenever I'm with you. Please don't think any less of this godly husband of yours because of that."

You could hear a commotion outside.

"I... Think...I missed you." You say quietly embarrassed. Ophion closes his eyes with a smile and as your words were a magic spell his grip loosens letting you go.

"I will see you tonight before the concerto, yes my darling? Will that be suitable for you? And then tomorrow? Yes? My beloved?"

You nod in response. Suddenly the door bars wide open.

"My precious fallen star! Others have told me you were her-!" Lucifuge barges straight in completely oblivious he was set up probably by Lady Hakumen. He stops mid-word once he saw both you and Ophion and his face struck with panic and shocked grimace.

"Oh, gods this is so embarrassing." You back away from Ophion who pierces Lucifuge with a deadly stare and very, very quickly excuse yourself and leave both of them who just started their typical arguments.

 *

"What do you mean you don't want to come with me? Come on? Nobody?" You cry annoyed hearing all of the gang decline your request.

"Kengo?"

"I'm sorry partner but I have a training session with Moritaka. Besides, I'm very into music and all sorts. Maybe if it's a fighting club or something. And we can join in!" He clasps his hands.

"I can't believe you are even thinking of asking this meathead. He doesn't know the difference between a drum and a cello if he saw one." Shiro huffs unimpressed. "Had I known earlier, and I mean days earlier I could have made different plans but this is too late of notice."

"I understand Shiro." You say resigned. "How about you Tsathoggua?"

"No!" He yells back at you from the gaming console.

"But-!"

"Nope! I mean there will be too many people there, and Hakumen and the rest. I just want a peaceful evening, yeah?"

You roll your eyes looking around the room.

"Ryota? Come on, please!"

"I would like to, but I've made plans to see Maria earlier so I can't. What's the problem anyway? Just go and enjoy yourself."

"Certainly, it will be a good, new experience for you and you can tell us everything about it. Just make sure you are back in time, yes? Keep me noticed about everything?" Shiro reminds you with a stricter tone.

"That goes to all of you. Not just our Guild Master!" He roars across the room.

"Sure dad" Kengo grins and quickly slips out of the room before Shiro reacts.

"Right, you all have fun. I wanted to see Mr Mononobe and ask him for a favour."

"Enjoy the music" Ryota's voice follows you as you leave.

"Thanks!" You stick your head back through the door with a grin.

Mr Mononobe wasn't the easiest to find but eventually, you spotted him during his round checking classrooms.

"Hello, Mr Mononobe. I hope you are well." You start politely.

"Ahhh. Hello, young one. Are you not getting ready to enjoy the weekend? I can see you have been spending a lot of time outdoors, the sun has definitely left a mark on you."

"It's just too hot to stay indoors if you don't have to. Can I ask you a favour Mr Mononobe?"

"Sure, let's hear it. I can't promise anything though." He smiles gently looking at you with his typical fatherly look.

"Can I borrow the star projector from the astronomy classroom for a day or two? There is a... project thing... I'd like to use it for."

"Project thing you say?" He measures you up with his look for a few seconds thinking. " Well, I can't see no harm in it. We do have more than one in the inventory, so I'm happy for you to borrow it as long as you return it in the same condition you took it." Mr Mononobe says, but then seeing you smile adds "But, in return, I'd like you to help Shiro out with his duties for the next week after that, yes? Fair deal?"

It sounded more than fair to you, especially since in your mind you imagined it going much less smooth.

"Thank you so much Mr Mononobe. You are the best!" You add with a smile.

"Everything for my students." He ruffles your hair flashing his teeth for a second then walks away to finish his duties.

Realising what's the hour you run back to your dorm room, but something catches your eye. On a wall within the main building was a painting, which you never noticed before. Thinking it through you realise it must have just been hang since you are absolutely sure it wasn't here before. The painting, presented in brilliant colours and detail a scene where a huge wave of water covers what looks to be Japan. With a red torii in its right lower corner and there a medieval warrior with a golden shield and what looked like a ghost of a woman.

Struck by the beauty of the painting and how unusual it was you remain in the hallway for a few minutes only to hear a familiar voice.

"Sheesh! It's so hard finding you! Hanuman gasps wildly, he must have been running all over the place trying to find you.

"I'm sorry. I was just on my way back to my room and got sidetracked". You reply.

Hanuman just gesticulates at you silently, clutching his knees and trying to catch a breath. Then he produces three envelopes and waves them in front of your face.

"Those came for you just now..."

You take the envelopes from him, all of them came from the Roppongi guild.

"Listen, Hanuman don't you want to go with-" You start saying but when you lift your head to look at him he is already running away.

"Sorry gotta go!" You can't stop yourself from making a sour face.

It's a bit off to receive three different envelopes from them, but you have a feeling you know what they are.

The first one containing a card that's so heavily soaked with perfumes you started sneezing. It's from Lady Hakumen who praises you in a million different ways and invites you to join her in her private pavilion for the concerto.

The second envelope contained a card that's full to the brink with gold leaves and very elaborate writing. You must admit the way the words were written is quite beautiful. It's from Lucifuge who also invites you to his private pavilion and to enjoy his company.

Holding the third envelope you are absolutely sure whom it's from and you feel a small tingling sensation when you open it and take the card which says: My dear friend. Would you like to join me today evening for tea before the concerto? I'm looking forward to seeing you. Licht

You read a few times, surprised and immediately make a decision as you haven't seen or talked to the Roppongi guild master in a while and thought it would be a nice change. At the same time, you feel just a small amount of disappointment you haven't received a card from Ophion. Quickly shaking that thought off, your return to your room and change. Thinking on your feet about what to wear you decide to put on a light yukata haori with a white upper part and a black lower one, hoping it's going to be presentable for the concerto. It looks good you think and leave. Glad about your choice you head towards Roppongi. Because of how light your clothes feel the summer heat doesn't bother you much anymore, still, the air feels heavy this evening.

After a while, you reach the resort. Surprised you noticed Melusine.

"Hi, Melusine" you say approaching her.

"Good evening, young milord. I'm happy to see you." She bows slightly, so wearing a summer yukata in pastel colours.

"Did Licht send you to meet me?" You ask thinking you already know the answer.

"Indeed, Monsieur Licht asked me to show you to the pavilion and prepare tea for you." She answers and you start walking together slowly.

"That's very kind of him. We haven't spoken in a while, it will be so good to catch up. Is everything ok with you? "

Melusine seems a bit distracted and before she can answer a stranger runs up to you. She stops suddenly and immediately steps in front of you as if she is trying to protect you.

"Is it him! Is it the one everyone is talking?! Is it the one Mistress Hakumen mentioned? The one who's soul contains souls of others?!" Melusine stops him before he can even get near to you.

"I'm sorry but I won't allow such behaviour around young milord, he is a guest here and under my protection!" Her voice changes slightly, becoming less friendly, not yet threatening.

The man stops but there is an odd uncontrollable craze in the way he talks and moves.

"Melusine it's ok." You feel like you should help him if you can. "Can I do something for you?" You ask stepping forward, finally able to look in his face.

His crazy eyes search for something within your face for a few seconds and then... His whole body shrivels down, like life and all hope has left him.

"I... I... I'm sorry. I thought you may be her... I thought... I'm sorry." The man apologies in a shaking stream of words and leaves.

Melusine doesn't say a word and both of you resume your walk. When you get to the concerto venue you can see there is plenty of sitting space for everyone with a multitude of comfy pillows in from of a large stage and a few smaller ones. All this from three sides is enclosed by three private pavilions that let you hide from the public eyes but still enjoy the music and the atmosphere.

"Monsieur Licht had some guests earlier so do not be surprised by the decoration" Melusine adds softly as she opens the door for you and you stop in the doorway speechless. The pavilion it's filled to the brink with the most delicate orchid flowers in gentle pastel colours, their sweet fragrance seeping into the evening air. Like a child, you wander around with an obscene smile touching the flowers and smelling them.

"This is... This..." You start but Melusine finishes for you with a rare mysterious smile.

"This is amazing? Please have a seat-" she points at pillows and seats and a coffee table "I will bring the drink and... Monsieur Licht should be here shortly."

Before she disappears you ask.

"Melusine, that man we met, who was that?" There was something about him that felt familiar and made you sad.

She stops with a sad look on her face.

"That was Orpheus, he is one of the artists that's going to perform tonight. Beyond that, I can't say I know more." You thank her for this and Melusine leaves you alone. Yet within a few seconds you couldn't but get up to explore the room and the beautiful flowers and their shapes. You heard shushed voices thinking it must be Licht and returned to looking at the flowers. Some of them were small and looked like butterflies in dozens on a single spike, where others were easily the size of the palm of your hand with long pendulous garlands. They were just beautiful, and you struggled to find and other words to describe it. What Licht was thinking you had no idea, and what guest he had earlier but this went beyond your wildest dreams. And then you thought maybe, just maybe it was for Melusine knowing their history.

"My dearest, beloved jewel." That voice.

You turn around only to see Ophion standing in the entrance where Melusine disappeared. He was wearing a white and gold yukata that lightly enveloped his body, uncovering a lot of his imposing, muscular stature. His wings spread only slightly as he wanted to make sure you won't run away. "What do you think, my wonderful spouse? Has your husband surprised you? This is a beautiful, delicate trap I have prepared for you."

"I have walked straight into this one, haven't I" You agree defeated, it was never an option you thought about. You had to admit you felt flattered.

"Of course, my beloved, my light that fills the darkness. This young Ophion, although not as experienced in strategy or tactics as my elder self, has unprecedented knowledge of what may please your heart. And if I know, I will spend every moment to find out! Hahaha!" Ophion laughs triumphantly.

"I can't believe Licht would trick me..." You ponder amused.

"Oh, my darling flower, do not hold this against our Guild Master. I have merely asked him for a... favour, which he was happy to oblige. Because of this nobody shall interrupt us if we don't want it. My beloved, I planned this just for you, we have so very few moments together alone... " He opens his arms wide invitingly but behind him appears Melusine with a bow and quietly excusing herself.

"Ophion, sir. Please forgive me the intrusion, I have brought the requested refreshments."

Ophion only nods looking at her nonchalantly and let's her prepare the table, after that she retreats bowing slightly again and sending you a brief smile.

"I..." You start."The flowers are beautiful... I've never seen anything like this before." You add to him. You are embarrassed, especially that you let yourself get into a trap as beautiful like this. Especially when you feel really flattered and there is a lot of thoughts rampaging around your head.

Ophion laughs triumphantly "These are merely a shadow to your beauty my darling, but it warms my heart knowing you like this little trap I have made. Shall we rest?" He extends his hand to you. "Do not be afraid, we won't be interrupted by anyone. I made sure of that."

You sit down and offer to fill his glass with a cold juice which he accepts with a warm smile towards you. But you notice, not for the first time there is an odd flame in Ophion's eyes, and now it hits you, it's somehow similar to the one you saw in the man you met earlier, Orpheus.

"There was something strange that happened today." You start hesitantly. "A man approached me and Melusine, he seemed... Troubled... Very, troubled and sad. He wanted to meet me, he seemed desperate, having his hopes high up and once he did he seemed... Disappointed. Like he lost all hope."

Ophion listed in silence but you could see he wasn't too pleased yet you continued.

"Melusine said his name is Orpheus, and I was... Concerned. "

A few moments passed before the golden dragon finally responded.

"My beloved spouse, I know the man of whom you speak. He is a fool. A poor fool, but a fool nonetheless and there is nothing you can do for him. He brought his fate on him himself."

But not being too happy with such a puzzling answer you decided to push on being honest about what you realized.

"There is a look in your eyes, the Old Ophion was very similar to him." You say slowly trying to pick the gentlest of words. Ophion ponders for a moment with a stone expression and then extends his hand to you inviting to sit closer to him.

"My darling spouse, this what you speak of, is the experience of loss." You hesitantly accept the invitation and sit next to Ophion, feeling the warmth of his skin. "Let me tell you a story of Orpheus, the fool as he is."

"Orpheus was born with a talent of music he was and always will be a singer, musician and poet, carrying a magnificent lyre on his shoulder able to enchant god, man or beast with his music, he had recently proposed to Eurydice whom he loved with all of his heart and beyond, but on the day of their wedding, ‘in the very bloom of her life’, she was bitten by a viper and died of its venom. Distraught with such grief, Orpheus fell into madness and wandered the earth looking for a way to bring his wife back to life. He wondered day and night until he finally found the entrance into the underworld and descended into the fiery pits of hell itself, determined to restore her to mortality. Nothing could stop his brave loving heart. He finally pleaded with Hades the god of the dead and Persephone for his wife's return, and his courage, devotion and eloquence ‘melted the hearts of the gods and the denizens of the underworld, and all fell silent’. Even Cerberus, the fierce three-headed dog that guards the gates of Hell, lies meekly at Persephone's feet.

The gods agreed to Eurydice’s return: Persephone especially sympathetic as she recalled her own forceful abduction by Hades. The only requirement was that Orpheus would not glance back at Eurydice until she was safely ensconced in the upper world. If he broke his word, she would be lost forever into Hell and there would be no changing the god's mind this time.

Orpheus agreed with the loving lightness in his heart and both him and Eurydice depart the underworld, him in the front paving the way for them, she quietly behind him stepping softly. However, Orpheus as emotionally tormented he was through all this time, with the creeping madness slowly started doubting and struggling to look ahead soon the deities have consented to her return. Throughout the underworld, the lovers ascended a steep and misty path and, as they neared the earth’s rim, Eurydice hasn't spoken a word in fear of what the gods may make of it snd anxious Orpheus began to shake inside of his soul. "What if they lied to me and this is but a trick, a joke of the gods. What if this is not my beloved Eurydice but some monstrous wickedness." These were the thoughts in his head. His mind fought with his heart. And just as they approached the exit from the underworld, just as the morning light shone in front of them through the dark gate, the fool Orpheus looked behind thinking "We are almost here. It won't hurt and I must know. My heart must know! He looked for his bride, and as he did he saw her gentle face her loving lips and eyes filled with fear when their gaze met. Eurydice immediately fell in pain and only managed to whisper a final farewell before being taken by a deathly shadow that dragged her into to the dying place. A godly force punched Orpheus out of the underworld and the gates shut before him and disappeared. He cried, pleaded and begged but no one would listen to him and after many days and nights broken Orpheus began to wonder again the world playing his music, with a mind of madness and a heartbroken beyond repair. Somehow he found his way here to this world my beloved spouse, and he hopes, maybe, maybe his wife was reborn in a different form. " Ophion finished his story with half-closed eyes, being so engulfed in his voice you didn't even notice when the music started and it must have been playing for quite a while now. "There is something we share, your Ophion and the fool Orpheus, we both lost our beloved, forcibly taken away by the world. You have seen my elder self, who was beyond help with his heart darkened and madness in his mind. This is why my dearest, my glittering jewel, I promised to gift you my love, my passion, with my whole self every day. This Ophion has finally found you!"

He finishes with a strange note in his voice. You think you finally understand, both what Orpheus and Ophion went through, it's different yet so similar. Remembering how much it took for the elder Ophion to snap out of his destructive madness. What loneliness and sorrow must have driven him to such a state. Looking for words to say you realise that through the story Ophion was slowly using the fact you were so enthralled into his tale to get closer to you. Both his large hand and wing were wrapped around you as he was laying on his side stretched across the floor with your body naturally using him as back support. He was surprisingly gentle.

"They say we are all fools when we are in love." You say finally.

Ophion laughs delighted, his ego right now must be beaming knowing he has you where he wanted, and willing to accept his advances.

"Indeed my beloved spouse, indeed we are. But let this golden dragon tell you who knows many stories, in my millennia-long life I learned it's what you do every day about your love that matters."

You then thought to yourself well what if you are a bit of a child and a coward. Fighting is definitely easier than talking about one's feeling, even Shiro's knowledge tests are easier than... Ok just breathe. You look around the pavilion, the sun slowly setting down painted the inside in crimson and amber shades. Shades elongated everywhere and within them Ophion's burning eyes and the music in the air.

"My darling starlight, beloved spouse, you are so beautiful today, this husband of yours cannot take his eyes off you. Had I known it would be so easy to capture you in this beautiful trap of my devotion I would have done it a long time ago. "Ophion says caressing your shoulder with his arm.

"I wasn't expecting tonight to be like this, you are correct, but everything else after was because I wanted it to happen..." You say turning your head away, but Ophion's lures your gaze back at him by placing his fingers along your chin.

"Is that so, my beloved spouse? Has this husband of yours made you happy?" His voice lowers to a grumble.

"I can't confirm or deny because I'm worried you may want to tell everyone gathered here." You tease lightly.

"Bwahahahaha" Ophion laughs amused. "My beloved, always so feisty, always know how to keep your husband on your toes. How you turn my words against me my jewel in a delightful skirmish."

You close your eyes with an amused smile, having to admit this evening had turned so much better than you could have ever expected.

"Could you tell me another story? Something about heroes, or how the stars were created." You ask, Ophion seems to have a talent for telling captivating tales, or maybe it's because he tells them to you. The golden dragon smiles mysteriously sticking his tongue out.

"Ah, my beloved spouse, you want another story? But where is there a reward for your dearest husband? I have gifted you one tale of the past already. This dearest Ophion of yours should ask for something in return. All stories are of value." He says still smiling mischievously. But before he can make his loving demands you stop him.

"What about if... Umm... If I move closer." You say trying to move your body but Ophion's arm already pulls you towards him.

"Closer you say, my beloved? I'm not sure if this husband of yours can accept such a payment" He murmurs amused.

"Closer..." You reply with a laugh feeling his arm move you further.

"Perhaps... This Ophion can agree to such a delightful agreement, but I'm not..." He continues pressing on your arm, you can feel the pillow you are sitting on moving.

"Just shut up and embrace me" You laugh finally in response and with these words you can feel his huge figure move suddenly, his large strong arms find their way under your own wrapping themselves around your chest. You are glad for your light clothes because of the heat emanating from his body, feeling the stone-hard musculature touch your back.

"This Ophion has finally captured the most beautiful pray in his delightful trap." He says into your ears.

"A pray would only allow such a thing if they wanted to be caught." You answer him with a strongly beating heart, feeling that Ophion will not let you go that easily tonight.

"My beloved spouse, you... You... hahaha I have fallen in my own trap! You make this Ophion's heart so happy, I can feel my body trembling." There was a shiver that travelled across his arms as he spoke, his words rumbling in your ears. "I shall grant your request, my beloved, my jewel in the skies, let me tell you a story of a war between two cities and a woman who caused it all..."  As he spoke his voice mixed with the music in the air that evening.

 *

 You slept well this night after you returned from the event. Ophion purposely extended his story almost making you late for the school curfew. But you didn't mind at all.

This night you experience a dream, very different from the calm ones you seemed to have. Before you would see beautiful, serene scenery, hear a piece of gentle music that you taught yourself to replicate and a gentle song. What you remember most was a pair of gentle amber-red eyes following your every move.

This nights dream was different. You found yourself on a beach overlooking a vast dark ocean covered in thick clouds. A bright fiery light cut through these lights like and hit the ocean like a projectile of fire only to vanish under the waves momentarily. The clouds opened only for a second for you to see a tall mountain. Everything started to shake, the ground moving violently and suddenly the mountain top exploded ravaged by bright, angry flames sending massive pieces of rock everywhere. As you cover your eyes and duck you see a tremendous, angry wave approaches the coast growing bigger and bigger. The ground doesn't stop shaking.

 You wake up suddenly only to realize the shaking hasn't stopped and an alarm is resonating through the school. Slightly panicked you look around, furniture creaking and moving. Right now you should be making sure you were looking for cover and sticking to the disaster prevention and Safety protocol, but instead struggling to keep your balance you throw on your clothes and run out to make sure your friends are safe.

Not long after you see Kengo and Moritaka half crouched trying to hold their balance.

"Kengo! Moritaka! You are ok!" You shout running towards them

"You idiot! What are you doing here? It's dangerous!"

"Indeed my friend, you should not be exposing yourself to any dangers like that. Earthquakes are not something we can control with sacred artefacts."

"Oh? And I thought you just bashed Kengo's head hard enough the ground started shaking." Suddenly you hear Shiro, he was walking slowly toward you. "You shouldn't be looking for trouble in a situation like this!" He adds angrily.

"Same goes to you!" You respond quickly.

"It's my duty to make sure everyone is safe!" Shiro huffs unimpressed.

"I have to make sure my friends are safe. Where is Ryota? Did you see Hanuman?" You flash a challenging grin towards Shiro. His frow disappears hearing your words replaced by embarrassment.

"Ryota stayed over at the Aoyama yesterday, he called me asking for permission. "

"Hanuman was in training with us but left earlier, he said he was starving. I'm sure he will be fine..." Moritaka responded to your questions and halfway through the shaking eased down and stopped. Everyone was waiting in silence but the quake didn't return.

"Mr Jin there they are" You recognised Toji's voice.

"My students! My beloved students are you alright?! Is everyone safe".

"I'm so glad we found you!" Hanuman jumps all over the place happy as you slowly get up, lending your hand to Kengo, who is unimaginably heavy.

"You really need to cut down on chocolate." You say after he is up.

"Oi! Cut it out. It train really hard!" He protests with a fake anger outburst.

"Hey, why is everyone here," Toji asks. "Hanuman only said about Kengo and Moritaka, not you two."

"I had to make sure my friends are alright. Shiro did the same."

"I'm so glad you all are safe!" Mr Jin laughed and suddenly stopped. "What did you say?! You were ignoring the obvious dangerous situation?! "His angry roar could be heard from everywhere and it attracted the attention of Mr Mononobe who together with the other teachers was making sure everyone is ok and there is no structural damage to the school.

"Mr Jin, what is this shouting? Are the students alright?" Mr Mononobe was walking very with a serious face. He must have been incredibly worried and stressed.

"No, no, no Mr Mononobe. All of our beloved students are fine, except these two who blatantly ignored the crisis of the situation." Mr Jin talks very fast giving both you and Shiro an unpleasant, angry look.

"How do? What have they done." Mr Mononobe forces himself to be calm narrowing his eyes at both of you. Shiro's face went pale but you decided to take the blame even if there was nothing wrong about what you have done.

"Mr Jin, Mr Mononobe. We have only left the safety of our rooms to make sure our friends and anyone who may be in trouble is safe." You straighten up without letting the teacher speak. Mr Jin huff loudly surprised.

Mr Mononobe considers his words for a few seconds, his frow eases down.

"What if you helping others would put you in direct danger? Have you thought about that?" He asks you.

"It won't matter as long as we can help them." Shiro jumps in the conversation.

"That's right." You agree.

Mr Mononobe closes his eyes and nods slowly.

"It's ok Mr Jin, those kids have their heads and hearts in the right place. Now stop standing around and go help! "

Quickly the whole gang scatters around the school to help the teachers and other students. Your whole morning passes in a new busy routine, checking the news and listening to your elders to make sure everything is going to be fine. The earthquake was classified as an isolated tremor that came from the land, with no predicted aftershocks. The city didn't experience any problems or damage except some broken furniture and unfortunate accidents that were treated in the hospital right now. It seems everything was back to normal.

Having the chance to relax you pick up the projector from the inventory and send Melusine a polite message asking her for a favour explaining you would need something transported to Ophion tower, small personal items. Only if she wouldn't mind. Shortly after Melusine answers, she would be happy to help and she will meet you shortly at the school.

Gathering your thoughts you return to your room. You look at a guitar that stands hidden in the corner. So far you managed to keep it away from your friends, especially Kengo, as you were worried he would break it by just touching it with his large, clumsy hands.

When the dreams started, the memory a few weeks back you could hear a melody. Initially, it was all scrambled up, just like everything was in reverse or through a badly adjusted radio. You couldn't make sense of anything. But then you started concentrating on one thing, the melody and each time it was clearer and clearer. Then one day, on a whim perhaps you thought, this melody shouldn't be hard to replicate, and being able to play it yourself could help with understanding the memory.

Thus you found a music shop, that stored all kinds of instruments, from drum and percussion kits to electric guitars and pianos. A very slim transient feline covered with many colourful patches of fur welcomed you very enthusiastically. She introduced herself as Saraswati and proceeded to praise all of the instruments and types of music.

Her welcome filled you with warmth and confidence, so you proceeded to explain, however badly, you wanted to learn how to play a melody from your memory. Saraswati was perplexed by your explanation but it made her curious so she kept asking questions, what instrument.

"AHH... I'm sorry... It was ancient-looking. I know how it looks but I don't know the name."

"How did you learn that melody in the first place?" Saraswati asks curiously.

"Most kids come in here wanting to become the next great idol, play the cool thing. Very few come because they love music, even fewer want to learn to play the piano or a violin. Sad times are upon us. I know all instruments, maybe if you draw it for me I'll be able to guess." She gives you something to draw on.

You agree and take a pencil from her. The lines you draw are a bit shaky and in the end, you present an image of u shaped instrument that reminds you of a horseshoe with strings in the centre of it going to the crossbar connecting both arms.

Saraswati studies it for a few seconds and then presents you with a smile. "That's a lyre. It's an instrument used in ancient times. You can say it's similar to a harpe but the rules of its music are more like a modern guitar."

"A lyre? Oh, that would make sense." You think about your dreams.

"Would it? Why so?"

"I saw this instrument in a dream that I think maybe a memory. But it's only a guess."

"Well, the only problem is I don't have a Lyra in stock. So sorry. On fact, it would be hard to get one anyway. These types of instruments are done per request and are quite pricey. Then you would need to attend a special lesson... Oh, trust me you don't want that!" She chuckled softly. "But... I have an idea".

Saraswati adds seeing your disappointment and pushes you into the depts of the shop.

"As I said the modern guitar operates on a very similar principle as the lyre. If you look and listen carefully you may even find one that sounds almost identical." She winks at you mysteriously.

"None of them is secretly sacred artefacts are they?" You joke nervously.

"Ahahaha oh no! Can you imagine what problems that would cause? Oh no, I can't have that in my shop! I put too much heart into it!"

Following Saraswati advice, you slowly look through all of the guitar instruments. There are electric ones in futuristic shapes or ones that resemble those you saw musicians holding on posters, then there are large guitars called acoustic but their sound just doesn't sit ok with your ear. Lastly, you glance on smaller, simpler guitars called classical one, their soft strings produce a warm melody very similar to that from your dreams.

And then you see the prices of these and your heart sinks while the jaw levitates very close to the floor. You have some money you managed to save up recently but not nearly enough to afford even the cheapest of those instruments.

Well, this plan will have to be put on hold for now you think and then unexpectedly something draws your eyes. You just noticed a boxed display with a Sale label on it. Within it you see all sorts of instruments, some are ex-display models, some seemed slightly damaged. In this box you find a single classical guitar, there was absolutely nothing wrong with it except one string being broken. You have just enough money to buy it.

"What's wrong with this guitar?" You ask Saraswati, the feline takes the instrument from your hands to inspect it.

It's a beautiful light guitar, painted in a very dark blue colour that reminds you of the night sky with silver nylon strings.

"There is nothing wrong with it deary, except the broken string. I can thread one for you for free, it will take me just a minute."

"Why was it in the sales box?" You ask curiously.

"It's the colour you see. Very few people would buy a guitar that's not in a light colour like brown or cream. If they are lacquered then maybe but this beautiful thing is in matt."

You admit you are completely lost and ask if you could buy it.

"Of course you can. Let me put on a new string, you know what because you are my first customer today why don't I present you with a guitar case and a book how to play it, yes?"

Saraswati is so kind and nice there is no way you can refuse her. And from that day each free moment, you found you spent on learning how to play the instrument, learning how to replay the sounds from the dreams. Initially, it was hard, your fingers hurt but each time seemed a bit easier. Then the dreams slowly became clearer, and the melody guided you. With the melody came words and suddenly you saw a familiar face with burning dark amber red eyes. Then you realized it wasn't any memory or dream, it was something from Ophion's past.

"Now I know what you were doing all this time when you weren't with us! Are you planning to become a musician, Guild Master?" Shiro's voice interrupted your chain of thoughts as you were sitting on your bed plucking the strings lovingly. Your heart sank and you face immediately felt flushed. Shiro laughed hard seeing your expression. "Don't be concerned, I'm not going to tell the others unless you want me to!"

"Don't you know how to knock?!" You cry out embarrassed.

"You left the door crack open."

"Ah-! I'm... I'm sorry I have been distracted recently." You reply slowly feeling guilty.

"I have noticed that's why I came to talk to you. Your head seems in the clouds, you drift away more often than usual. Is everything alright?"

You scan Shiro's face and measure your words not to say too much and you tell him about the memory and then your last dream with the earthquake.

Shiro almost jumps excited but there is some concern I'm his voice too. "Having a memory recall like that is fantastic! It means something in you is unlocking its secrets even if just a small bit. Do you know who’s memory it is?"

"Y-yes..." You stutter.

"I'm guessing you don't want to share it ?"

You silently turn your head.

"No... Not yet at least. And then there is a matter of the last dream."

"Hmpf... I wouldn't worry too much now. I would think your dreams were merely the effect of the earthquake. Like when you hear a sound while you dream and your brain incorporates it into the dream itself. "

"How do you know things like that?"

"I pay attention in class compared to you and Kengo! That reminds me. Melusine is looking for you." Shiro replies and readies to leave only to turn around. "Remember if there is anything, you can tell us right?"

You nod with a smile.

"Thanks" and Shiro disappears behind the door. Taking a deep breath you put the guitar into a case and pack the projector into a separate box. With both of them, you direct yourself to the school entrance where Melusine is waiting patiently.

"Hi, Melusine!" You greet her from afar, as you get closer you notice her usual outfit has been decorated in many places with garlands of familiar flowers.

"Hello young Milord, I hope you are well? I must take this chance and ask for forgiveness after yesterday. I was only following Monsieur Licht's request who specifically requested not to mention at any point Sir Ophion will be joining you."

"It's ok Melusine." You interrupt her. "It turned out better than I hoped. I... I thought it was Licht's gift to you. "

"Ah-!" Melusine blushes "That would be impossible. But Sir Ophion made a great deal of effort to get everything prepared. Nobody except humble myself and Monsieur Licht knew about his plan. He must care about you very much young Milord. In fact... I don't ever remember him carrying about anything and anyone in the past as his older self. You seem to cause impossible change whenever you go." She added with a hint of a smile.

"What's with these?" You ask about the flowers.

"Oh, forgive me, Milord. Monsieur Licht said I can keep any flowers I want before they get removed so I kept a few of them."

" And you keep saying some things are impossible. They look beautiful on you. Send my kindest regards to Licht when you see him, and thank you so much for your help. Hopefully, I can repay it somehow one day. Oh, by the way, one more thing. Is there any way through the building I can take to avoid meeting literary everyone?"

Melusine takes the boxes from you and slowly explains a route that should help you pass unnoticed, then leaves with a mysterious half-smile as she was deep in thought about what you said earlier.

The weather outdoors is still sunny and pleasant giving you some hope you won’t need the projector and nature will provide the best possible scenery. Does Ophion have a balcony you think only to chase those weird questions away and return to your room to get dressed and leave.

As you leave the dormitory and leave the school building a heavy hand lands on your shoulder unexpectedly.

“Hey-ho partner! Where are you going? Don’t you want to join us for some combat training?” Kengo stops you mid-track, his hand is firmly stuck on your shoulder and you can’t wriggle out from under his tight grip. The grin you see means he is up to no good again.

“Heyy! Actually, let’s get some snacks. We feel like we didn’t have the time to talk recently and I’m curious how the concerto was. Kengo said you got back really late yesterday?” Ryota is just next to him smiling innocently holding a bag of what looks like different colourful candies and crisps.

“Did he now?! And why are you here not at your room doing your penalty studies?!” Suddenly Shiro’s voice pierces the air loudly.

Kengo’s face goes pale.

“Oh crap! Sorry partner gotta run! Catch you later yes? I want the juicy details!”

“Me too!” Ryota tries to catch up with Kengo who left a trail of dust behind him.

You raise your thumb up to Shiro and wave. You can see him smile at you and then you get a message on the App.

“Stay out of trouble, OK?”

“I will.” You reply and press send. As you arrive at the Ophion tower with plenty of time to spare and make your way to the security reception.

“Hi, I’m here to see Ophion. He… is expecting me.” You say nervously.

A completely uninterested transient measures you for a second and then lets you in. “Yes, we have been told.” With relief, you direct your steps following the route Melusine told you which is the executive walkway that is almost always empty and takes an elevator. In your mind surprise visit would be out of place, especially since Ophion is not any man and may be occupied. The corridors around are lavishly decorated and you feel slightly out of place. But finally, the elevator arrives and you step into it.

Pondering why there is always a piece of weird music whenever you go to the office buildings a slight shake resonates around you. Unsure if it was just your imagination or something else you squeeze yourself into the corner. Another floor beeped before your eyes, and as you were counting down, only three more to go, everything starts shaking around you. Whatever is happening knocks you off your feet and you land painfully on the floor. At the same time, the elevator slows down and stops. The lights around you suddenly go out and you hear and electricity creek followed by a metal one. Suddenly there is an empty feeling in your stomach and you painfully drop on the floor again. Panicking you somehow roll to the corner. The elevator must have dropped down but the safety break kicked in just in time. For what feels like an eternity you are in total darkness, unable to understand what’s going on, absolutely scared. And then blue safety lights turn on. Still scared you slowly climb up and try to use the help alarm button on the console and call for help. But there is no reply from anyone. So you try and press every floor button hoping you will be able to get out this way. And then the shaking starts again and instantly you cover in the corner hearing the elevator creek dangerously. It’s a situation your powers won’t do you any good and it feels like you stopped between floors too. You try the help button again. Nothing. You try again. The elevator creeks dangerously again and you start praying to anyone and anything for it to hold and the shaking to stop. Not sure but you think you hear an alarm and screams in the background. With what feels like the worst shake so far everything feels like liquid around you. Suddenly you hear a metal creek just a meter above you and the light blind you. For a moment you flicker your eyes looking at a huge silhouette before you. In the elevator door using all of his might is no other than Ophion covered in dust and grime.

“My beloved give me your hand!” He extends it to you and you gladly take it. Ophion who is extremely strong being an eternal dragon god lifts you out the elevator without any problem. Once you are out and on your own legs you embrace him as hard as you can. That was a horrible and scary experience. “I’m here, I’m here my beloved flower, and nothing is going to hurt you anymore.” He is completely surprised by your reaction and accepts the embrace without hesitation.

“I’m… I’m ok, thanks to you. What happened?” You ask.

“My beloved, we experienced consecutive shock waves. Much, much stronger than these before. Alarms are going through the whole city of Tokyo as we speak. You should thank Aizen here as he was the one who heard plead for help through the elevator device.”

Surprised you thank Aizen, who for once doesn’t look angry. He remains quiet and nods in response. Then you look back at Ophion.

“Are you ok?” You suddenly notice a scrape on his arm. There is no blood but still.

“Oh, my beloved you worry about me? My heart is touched beyond imagination.” He says still embracing you. “I am fine, it was just a few ceiling panels that fell on me. Nothing that can hurt this godly dragon. “

“Ophion, sir! Are you sure you are unhurt? Maybe we should finish this little scene and get into safety!” And the old Aizen is back, however his expression remained unchanged. Once he said that a group of security mobs appeared running toward them.

“Sir! We found you! It’s good you are unharmed sir! We have news!”

Ophion reluctantly lets you go, but won’t let you move away from the reach of his hands or wings.

“Report! What’s the situation? Are you evacuating the civilians? Are there any injuries? Where are the other tycoons?”

“Sir we have been informed by the security forces this was no ordinary shock, but it was caused by the world collision.” One of the mobsters has pointed at the windows. To your surprise, the Tokyo border wall from the harbour was gone stretching to an open sea covered with angry clouds. It wasn’t destroyed in the quake no, it just vanished due to the collision event.

“Where was the source of the earthquake located?” You open your mouth asking loudly. Your mind went straight into the geography lessons and then something else entirely.

“What?” The mobster asked stupidly.

“What the earthquake on land or at sea?” You repeat.

“My beloved, what are you thinking?” Ophion asked.

“If this world collision has temporarily exposed us to an open sea and there was an earthquake which happened at sea everyone in Tokyo is in grave danger. “

Aizen was the first one to get what you were saying.

“Tsunami! The god wave! If the harbour wall is gone the wave will flood the whole city, bottling up because of the border wall!” He turned pale as paper.

“We need to send a message to everyone who has the app! Tell them to go to higher ground!”

Suddenly Tsathoggua appeared from nowhere holding Melusine, breathing heavily.

“Oh, you are ok! Melusine said you were in the building. I was right to think…” He had to stop to breathe. ”I’m not getting any better at this.. huff.. huff.. I was right to think you will be where Ophion is.”

“I'm extremely sorry if my guidance has caused you any trouble young milord.”

“It’s Ok Melusine, you couldn’t have known something like this would happen.”

“Shut up everyone!” Aizen roared. “We need to warn everyone”

“What about the non-app users?” You ask immediately. “We can’t just hope they will be alright. We need to do something.”

“How much time do we have?” Tsathoggua asks still breathing heavily. You look at the long line of windows and with a shiver see a dark shadow on the horizon.

“We don’t have much. Look.” You say pointing at what you saw unconsciously squeezing your sword. Your sword. Then something hits you. A shiver travelled from the top of your head down to your toes. Something you saw earlier, something somebody told you earlier, something you have heard before. The music you have been hearing, It had words and until now you couldn’t understand them. These words were “In the day’s to come my darling, I shall love you, my child, I shall protect you with the power of my ethereal shield of light.” Feeling a warmth come from your sword you now understand those weren’t just idle lyrics. It was the words of a rule of a secret artefact. One of the 24 pieces of what was embedded in your sword. And the scene from your dreams was almost identical, but there is no falling star and an exploding mountain. But the wave remains. And it’s coming fast.

“Are you ok young friend?” Tsotsung pulls your sleeve, it seems everyone is looking at you. “You switched off suddenly.”

“My beloved, we need to get into the shelter.” Ophion insists.

“No.”

“No?” He is troubled and confused. “But my jewel-“ You interrupt him.

“I need to get to the harbour. I think I can stop the wave... I’m not sure how yet but if this is a collision event and it’s somehow connected with an error within the app once this is over everything should go back to normal, yes? I had dreams and in one for them, this was exactly what I saw.”

“Those are just wild speculations! Where are those idiotic ideas coming from?! There are innocent lives at stake and you are trying to play a stupid hero! How incredibly childish of you, I couldn’t expect anything else.” Aizen snarled at your words.

“Aizen leave now!” Ophion almost hit the man in anger.

“Tell us what do you want to do.” Melusine insisted, together her and Tsathoggua expressed will to help.

“Since I know you, your plans and crazy ideas never failed. I trust you friend. I will take you to the harbour.” Tsotsunga said putting on a brave face.

“No! My beloved, my jewel, my darling spouse. I want to help you. I will take you to the harbour, but you must tell me about your plan. We don’t have much time. The wave is almost upon the city!” Ophion stepped in front of you showing all of his protective nature, almost as if hearing others offer help before he instigated a change of mind. Maybe he felt less worthy.

“My sword contains the shard of another sacred relic which was the Etheral Shield of Light its rule was Protection against all. Or so I think… ” Ophion’s eyes grew wider as he listened to your words astounded. “I have a memory that’s been following me for weeks now. That’s why I wanted to talk to you. It’s like something within me knew such an event may happen!”

“My flower! My love!” Ophion was trembling. “You must tell me everything once this is over. Let us haste to the harbour. I will be with you and be behind you at every step.”

You nod silently.

“Let everyone know to find shelter above ground. Tsathoggua please try and reach Mr Triton and others who have any degree of command over water if they can help.”

“On it” Tsathoggua vanished within a split second. At the same moment, you felt a strong arm wrap around you tightly and suddenly you were in the air. Ophion flew out of the terrace next to where you were, taking you with him.

“My beloved, why have you not told me sooner? Why keep this as a secret! My heart is trembling knowing there is even a minute piece of you that feels what I feel toward you!”

“Ophion, We are flying-!” you gasp shocked by the sensation.

“Don’t you like it, my love? There was no other way to get us to the harbour fast enough.”

“If it wasn’t for the circumstances I probably would enjoy it, but I wasn’t ready! Next time ask!”

“I'm sorry my darling, my fiery flower, my spouse. But you haven’t answered my question. Whatever happens, I want to know.”

You fall silent for a moment trying to gather words for an answer.

“I... I wanted to know if it was really me or just the memory. And then when the accident in the TSA happened and Seth’s shadow transported us to a real desert where we spent days wandering, each night I would look at the sky looking for the Dragon constellation… and think about the melody. And each night I would think that although I barely know you, I would miss you even if I never met you.”

“Ooh... Ooh...!” Ophion the Golden Dragon was trembling so much you could feel the hands holding you shaking. “This trembling feeling within my soul is equal to Heaven and Earth's creation itself. Those words! It filled the loneliness in this weary heart that has grown for millennia within seconds! My beloved! You cannot imagine how happy I am right now. But first, let’s save this diamond of a city from disaster. “ Your journey through the skies didn’t last long and you set foot in the harbour, that was already full of people and transients. Each one of them in a line trying to control the incoming wall of water.

“Thank gods you are safe!” You hear Shiro’s voice, behind him is Kengo and Ryota. All running towards you.

“What are you all doing here?! It's dangerous!” You shout at them as you set your feet at the ground.

“Well partner that’s not how you should be welcoming your friends!” Kengo measures Ophion with a cold look. “Looks like you had an interesting way of getting here!”

“Ophion sir! Thank you for helping our friend and bringing him here!” Shiro slurs out to Ophion.

“How did you get here? Where is Tsatsunga? Is he OK?”

Ryota gesticulates at a tall building nearby. “He collapsed exhausted after transporting dozens here. Moritaka is with him right now. Shiro used his powers to get us and Mr. Triton here the minute we got the message.”

“Shiro! Are you ok after that?” You ask your friend who seems paler than usual.

“Yes, yes I am fine. I had a minor nose bleed but it stopped now.” He answers avoiding your stare. “I’m not sure what can we accomplish. A Tsunami is a force of nature, us app users and other Transient don’t seem to have any chance to stop it. This is going to be a massacre!” He keeps trying to rationalize.

“My sword contains a shard of another sacred relic, the Etheral Shield of Light its rule was Protection against all. I know it is going to work.”

“How do you know what? Is it something to do with that memory you said you kept having?” Shiro asked looking at you and then at the approaching wall of water. It was getting nearer and nearer and it didn’t look like the united forces of water relics were doing anything beyond slowing It down.

“Come on kids! Put your back into it! We have a whole city counting on us!” Mr Triton was shouting louder and louder.

You turn around to Ophion. “Can you protect the civilians and anyone who may get into the harm's way?”

“My darling love, Of course! Whatever your plan you need to be ready. I will help as much as I can. I shall call upon my children to be ready to lift anyone into the skies to protect them from the flood wave.” And he has done as he said lifting his sacred relic into the skies, and with a blast of light, dozens of wyverns filled the skies ready.

The tsunami wave was incoming faster now, filling the whole horizon, the sky darkened angrily. This must-have happened somewhere you think, at some time in the history. You think about that picture you saw.

“Shiro, I saw a painting of a tsunami wave, and there were a man and a ghost of a woman that was trying to stop it. What is the story of that painting.” You ask bracing yourself.

Shiro is quite stunned after you tell him this.

“You are talking about The Great Wave off Kanagawa, but there is no man or woman in that painting.”

“Great, so either I’m hallucinating or something else is happening.”

“What if the collision of the worlds started happening much earlier than we thought, and what you saw had something to do with it.”

“I’m thinking my resurfacing memory has something to do with the tsunami.”

Shiro nodded eagerly.

“Don’t you remember? It happened before that you remembered a forgotten part of your powers before during different events.”

“But this is different, this started happening weeks ago.” You say to him.

“Whatever happens Partner, we are here to help you. We will always have your back.” Kengo adds. “Let’s see what my fists can do against a wall of water.”

“I will be with you my friends, even if you take me to the scariest places in all of the 23 worlds.” Ryota yelps quietly. He is scared and shaking yet still with you.

“Oh, gods it’s coming!” Somebody shouted! Screams started getting louder, some transients panicked and run and Mr Triton started having issues controlling the speed of the incoming wave. You could feel an unearthly rumble as the wall of water was before you.

You felt ready. You were ready, you had to be.

”Role of Wanderer, Rule of Rending! Engrave mine name onto thee Come out, Boundless Tail!!”

But nothing happened. Nothing at all. Your swords shone its normal light, but there was nothing your power could affect.

“No, no! This is not right! I know I can do something!”

Ophion lay his hand on your shoulder. “We must go now, my love!”

“No! I know I can help! I just… The song! The words were: In the day’s to come my darling, I shall love you, my child, I shall protect you with the power of my ethereal shield of light.” You panic seeing the wave almost upon on you, glancing over everyone.

Ophion gives away an odd laugh that seems so out of place right now.

“My dearest, you are calling upon the wrong artefact! You must call upon the rule of protection! With the memory this strong it means it has a power of its own over your sacred artefact.”

You turn back to the wave in fear.

“Role of the guardian, Rule of protection! Engrave my name unto thee! Come forth Ethereal shield of light!” But still, nothing happens.

But you don’t give up concentrating even more with your eyes closed. “ Rule of protection! Engrave my name unto thee! Come forth Ethereal shield of light!” There is still nothing.

Feeling the water droplets on your hair and screams around you shout again one last time. “ Role of the guardian, Rule of protection! Engrave my name unto thee! Come forth Ethereal shield of light!” Suddenly a force so powerful hits your body as something has torn the flesh out of your bones. The wall of light emanating out of your swords is so bright you can’t even physically keep your eyes open as and the vibration of the blade is almost breaking the bones in your hand. But you hold it tight as a wall extends in every direction. You know it’s the shield of light, the same one the goddess Euronome used to protect her children during the war of gods, the same she used on Olympos to protect those innocent around her dragged into the war of Titans. You feel your body strength failing and drop on one knee feeling tremendous pain. But there is a dozen of hands suddenly holding your back keeping you from falling. You hear so many voices, calling upon so many rules. You hear Mr Triton calling his rule, you hear Ophion shouting out commands to the Wyverns at the ready to help in an evacuation, You hear Ryota providing healing to others and yourself.

“You can do it, my child. Hold on just a little longer!” Somebody, a woman whispers to your ear. You will try as much as you can, but there is blood going down your nose. The force you are against may just kill you. But you don’t care hearing the words of Mr Mononobe in your head over and over intertwined with the song. “Prove yourself that you are not just a hero in the App. Prove you can defend those innocent from forces far greater than any battle.” With your hands in so much pain, you don’t know if you will be ever able to move your fingers again, with no sounds coming to you because you think your eardrums exploded and the blood is dripping down your neck the strength of your body finally fails you and collapse into darkness.

 *

 In your dreams, you hear and see many things, and the beautiful watercolour world around you dances gently and suddenly a slender figure emerges from the kaleidoscope of colours.

“Well done my child, you have done it. I’m so proud of you.” The woman speaks to you, her voice feels like it is coming from far away.

“Are you-?” You ask without words spoken.

“I am. Or I may be, or I may be just the figment of your imagination. After all, you exhausted your frail body greatly.” She responds with a crystal laugh.

“I thought you would be…” You start but she stops you.

“A dragon? Like my husband? Ahahaha… We were born beyond such boundaries, unconcerned by shape.”

“You are strong for one who has such a great burden on them. I only hope you are strong enough for all the challenges awaiting you. “ She continues. “ As for what is perplexing you, it’s not the memory of me that’s keeping your mind confused, it never was.”

“Am I falling for a god then?” You ask, although unsure if you did but the words resonate anyway. Realizing you won’t have any secrets here.

“Haha-!” The woman laughs warm. “And what if yes? What burdens does it bring to you?”

“Ophion is a bit much. He is a god, a godly dragon… and…”

“And what of it my child? Give yourself and him a chance. Remember he is the father of all in our world, and his golden heart is pure, and his love eternal. Yes, he has spent millennia without a force to restrain his fatherly ego, and in loneliness. Such things would poison any mind. What you witnessed, in your last dream was the moment of my fall… and the moment his heart broke… “ She added sadly. “I am sorry this somehow has influenced your world.”

“It’s time for you to wake up my child. Beware thou, the Rule of the Guardian is not one to be taken lightly as it is a burden that will exhaust your body beyond the boundaries of this peculiar prison everyone is tied to.”

“Can I ask you-!” You suddenly try to find where the voice is coming as the woman seems to have disappeared. Only to approach you from behind and whisper to your ear “Wake up”.

 *

You were in a hospital room, your head still dizzy and the sounds coming to you weren’t completely normal. “So everything truly happened.” You lift a hurting hand trying to reach to your ear but it is still painful. So that’s how physical pain feels like compared to a memory of it from the app. Then you notice Ophion on a large chair next to you. How odd it looks having him here, his large frame bigger than any human, sleeping so peacefully. He must have taken a nap while being here. And then he gave out a gentle snore making you laugh quietly to yourself. It didn’t take him long to wake up and yawn revealing a mouth full of sharp teeth.  

“Hey, sleepyhead.” You greet him with a smile.

“My beloved! Forgive me, with so much going on I didn’t have the time to sleep at all.” He looked at you with his dark ember red eyes.

“How long has it been?”

“You slept for almost three days my jewel. How are you feeling? The healers here said your body needs rest. It was hard to explain to them what exactly ailed you since the App injuries seem to be beyond the comprehension of your medicine.”

“My head is still tired, and my body aches but I’m better. So… we have done it. The city is safe?” You ask with a weary voice.

Ophion shifts on his chair leaning towards you.

“Yes my darling spouse, everything is back to normal. It seems your conclusion was correct, my beloved, and after the wave of water was stopped the glitch in the app caused by the world collision cleared itself out. With one exception. World collisions don’t function as app battles, and some physical damage caused by the quake remained, but nobody was hurt.”

“I'm so happy everyone is ok.” You let out the words with relief.

“Yes, yes, my wonderful flower. My children scouted the city to help while you were resting. Your friends will be here shortly I assume. But before that, I need to tell you, my love, no, I need to ask you to promise me not to do anything like that ever again! It was brave but foolish! I, your husband will sacrifice my body for you If I have to! You should never endanger yourself! Not in this frail form! I could not bear losing you again! My beloved, you must promise me! If you won’t I will have to come up with a plan to perhaps enslave you temporarily whenever danger is near to stop you from running toward it.” Ophion is back being himself, with his voice booming across the room.

“You want to enslave me to stop me from getting hurt?”

“In the most comfortable of ways my love!” He adds quickly.

“You know you snore? I’m going to tell everyone if you even think about locking me up somewhere!” You tease him.

“My darling spouse you wouldn’t-!”

And you just thought you have a secret weapon flashing a cheeky smile at him.

 *

 You found yourself staring at the elevator door at the Ophion Tower waiting for it to arrive. It’s been a few days now since the event and you are back on your feet. Of course, this goes without saying you got into trouble at school which Mr Mononobe was willing to turn a blind eye as long as you attend a few extracurricular lessons with him to make sure you caught up with all of the lessons you missed. But this Friday evening you were only thinking to yourself “I just hope I'm not going to embarrass myself”. The weather outside has taken a dramatic turn with a heavy downpour forcing you to rethink your plans. The elevator doors finally open, still with a bit of a fright after the last time you enter and purposely press the floor just below your destination. Closing your eyes for a few seconds you await the familiar sound and yes, you are here. As the door opens you exit with relief with. It was Melusine who told you to skip a floor, claiming you may walk into Aizen. She was right, as you approached the staircase you hear a loud marching noise and a very annoyed monologue.

“I can’t believe my beloved sir Ophion send me away! Me! His loyal servant! To meet this stupid brat! I will find a way! I will! The embarrassment! How dare he!”

“Oh dear,” You think to yourself waiting for the man to disappear and then you walk up the staircase. With each step, it feels harder to walk as if somebody would be adding sand to your burden. But you made a promise, and as nerve-wracking this is you knocked on the door. And there he was. Ophion opened, with his huge silhouette filling the door frame. You just realized they probably had to enlarge all entryways just for him. Unlike his usual clothes, he was wearing a black shirt that was fully pinned up which somehow felt odd.

“My beloved! Please enter. Welcome to my private chambers, that not many have the right to enter! You look unearthly today.” He says trying to sway you as always.

“Hi… You… look different?” You hesitate. “It’s a good different, but I never saw you buttoned up.”

Ophion laughs loudly.

“My darling, I, your husband still need to run a business. But if it pleases you I can change in something more attractive to your eyes? Yes, my love?” You can feel your ears burning.

“You are impossible.” You reply.

“Ah my beloved, of course, I am impossible, I am the godly dragon beloved by all,” Ophion responds with his typical smile and a wink. You are sure he didn’t understand what you meant.

“My flower, my love, I wasn’t sure if you were hungry or thirsty so I asked some refreshments to be brought up. And yes, my spouse, the items you asked to be delivered here were left untouched. You think I wouldn’t notice?” He teases you.

With a pounding heart you think to yourself “Well, this is a moment of truth”. And you approach the boxes that have the projector and your guitar case.

“I’m not hungry right now. And…” Ophion stares at you intensively. “Can we spread some pillows on the floor to sit down?” You ask hesitating.

“Anything you want my love.” As odd it feels you and him take some pillows of the elegant sofas that are within the living area of the apartment and move the furniture away to make more sitting space. You ask Ophion to sit and make himself comfortable, and with amusement you watch the dragon take his time to awkwardly sit on the floor, he smiles like a giddy child to you all the time.  You take out the projector and place it on the floor and then uncase your guitar. Finally, you kneel in front of Ophion who is with great anticipation is observing your every move. There is something in his dark amber eyes you can’t quite place or name.

“Right… I feel nervous and embarrassed.” You say out loud.

“My beloved, why would you be? There is nobody here beyond us.”

“I’m nervous because you are here.” You repeat.

“My darling spouse, I’m confused.” He reaches out and grabs your hand with his. It’s very warm on your skin.

“So… I wanted to see you because I have something for you. A gift let’s call it. It’s the memory I’ve been having, and I wanted to reconstruct it for you somehow.”

“Oh, oh-! My beloved, my heart is shaking. Did you go to so much trouble… for me? Your Ophion?” He smiles openly.

“Can we dim down the lights?” You ask.

“But my dearest jewel, are you sure the floor will be comfortable enough, what about the bedroom-!”

“Ophion!” You protest loudly before he can finish.

“I apologize, my beloved! But you made it so easy…” He sticks out his tongue and does as you request diming down the lights in the living area, not completely dark but enough to what you wanted to do.

“Because mother-nature has been fickle today and I can’t do what I wanted I thought I will present you with something.” You say like a magician preparing the audience for a magic trick.

“Oh my starling jewel, I cannot contain my excitement, I-!” He starts but you interrupt him.

“I give you the stars on a night’s sky.” You say and turn on the start projector. The device lights up the entire room with hundreds of constellations, and stars from all over our galaxy, gently moving to simulate the motion of a night sky above us. With that you pick up your guitar, and gently settle yourself in front of Ophion, with your back towards him, almost touching his chest feeling the heat of his body, but far enough not to touch him while playing.

“In this memory, I would sit like this and play an instrument very much like this and you were listening.” You say lowering your voice as you start gently pulling the nylon strings. Although in his memory the melody was played on an ancient lyre, you were able to easily reproduce it on a classical guitar with almost identical quality. The first few notes came out a bit harsh but once the nerves went away the melody flew gently and pleasantly in the night air with the stars above you. It felt magical and you didn’t want it to stop. Surprisingly you felt Ophion reach-out to you and slowly wrap his large, solid arms around you and place his head on your shoulder. It didn’t stop you from playing at all, it just made your heart beat faster and harder. The melody wasn’t long at all and it was easy to repeat in an infinite loop, perhaps even it was created that way.

“I know it’s not much but I wanted this to be a gift to you.” You say softly still playing.

“Oh my world, you need not say anything, this is the mo1st beautiful of gifts you have ever given me and I wish it wouldn’t stop. Among these riches that surround us, this is the only thing worth cherishing” Ophion says smiling with his head still on your shoulder.

“I’m happy you think so.” You add and after a moment of thinking you turn your head and kiss his cheek, feeling the gentle giant tremble as you do it.

END 

[woozi]

i agree how you described twt, sometimes everyone's just ready to fight it seems, i've genuinely had fun on both platforms at different times but now it's just too much on stan twt (no space for difference of opinion djsjdjj) it's good to know you're having fun as well :3 & omg i've seen few of my moots starting to give svt their attention after fallin flower dropped, everything abt it is <3333 the song, mv, choreo i love it.

hdjdjddkdjdj " virgos 😐 " also me in next breath "happy birthday mark :D i love you so much 🥺💕💗" any virgos reading this i really hope you enjoy your month to the fullest djjdjd <3. righttt?? you're correct abt mark's temper being very virgo djdjdkd.

your line screams hard-working people <3 jihoon, jaebeom, jeonghan the 3Js <3. isn't jaebeom also an infj? (i don't take mbtis seriously but at the same time it also makes me happy if it ends up matching someone i like djdjjd) chan & yugs 🥺 these two imo have the sweetest personality, like the one which makes you feel welcomed & they also have the cutest laugh 🥺.

i love jus2 <3 focus on me is one of my favorite kpop mvs of all time & also drunk on you??? i love this song so much, very sexy of them. the vibes, style and everything w/ their album, i want more songs like that. and for when i am feeling melancholy i need more songs like jjp's verse 2 😭💔 but i am also okay if they don't want to go back to these units bcoz everything so far they've been giving is just as great <33 ( maybe in future we'll get blessed w/ features 🥺)

honestly g7 as grp and individually have won me over with their music style, even if i don't like full album ik there will be 3-4 songs which will be exactly what i like to listen to, all of the music they've released individually i've liked it so much. there is this song of youngjae's, titled "i'm all ears" i had no idea of its existence until it popped up in my spotify i'm so glad it did, it's been in my playlist ever since. there was also a time when i was obsessed with jackson's 'on the rocks' djdjdk.

aww <3 the live performance video of 1° has mark as thumbnail so for long time i used to associate this song with him jdjddk. i think the only j*pe thing i'd miss is got7 studio live sessions 🥺. RIGHTJDKSKS aju nice's mv is very cute djjddk I love it, in reality its reverse tho, i see them and boom! 💖💛💗🤍💕💙

it was the year they won first bb*as award so that gave them the exposure, and no i don't follow them anymore. mixed feelings abt them, very negative feelings abt f*ndom fjdjdjd. i do miss what it used to feel like liking them sometimes. at that time i never thought i'll willingly drop them from my interest (i've stanned zayn since 2012 first him as grp member then solo. sometimes thinking abt it gives me a whiplash hddjks it's been 9 years, really thought it would be same with them too but it didn't happen)

i've had falling in love by yugs and in to you by jaebs on loop for days djdkdk i really love these two songs and also air by bammie <3 (i'm slow jams kinda person djdjdk :3)

(bam released the most fun album & title this year idc abt others, ribbon is one of the soty) also special mention of look so fine & running through the rain. yes! you do make sense they feel organic & very them.

exactly 😭 it's more believable when they drop stuff out of nowhere like encore 😭😭. the way youngjae posted his letter on twt too ddjjdkssk the announcement & release of encore is such a 'you just had to be there' situation the excitement, nervousness, confusion and everything 😭 sometimes i can't with them. also is the bibi with mark on ost, the same one you mentioned in last ask? the ost is really good <3, it must've been fun to see it happen (if its same bibi).

making a whole ass playlist just for me???? 😭😭😭🥺💗 yza you're so sweet nooooo 💖

and don't worry abt replying late jdjdkdjd i mean it, sometimes my friends text me after weeks and i'm am the same. it's really okay <3. i hope this week is treating you kindly, take care yza - 🪂

p.s ( just saw last post djjej) - it was me who manifested more bunny dino <3 manifesting even more <33

i was on stan twt during my younger years too and it was v fun and memorable to me ngl <3 idk what happened though.. it's evolved to be.. Something Else.. i still see a lot of good people there though 😭 and now that i'm in my Hag Era... idk it's just too fast for me now 😭 it's still my go-to place for updates though nothing can top twitter on that dept

and ms fallin flower.... i feel like everyone was blown away by it (based off of what i see carats when talk about it) and rightly so!! she SERVED. the looks too oh my god. it's another factor i look forward to and enjoy so much when i watch their performances!!

u know what? virgos 😐 indeed KJJKDFJKFDJKFDKJ i want to slander virgos today because it's their season and no one slanders them that often so <3 ABOUT MARK'S VIRGO TEMPER THOUGH... i know i've said i enjoy seeing it sm but whenever i think abt it i cant help but say that.. I Love His Temper <3 he doesn't get pissed off in a scary and douchebag-y way it seems so... contained?? IDK HOW TO DESCRIBE IT he punched an a/c though so that might not be the perfect word to describe him lmaoo <3

THE J TRINITY HFDJFJDJHDF BESTIE UR MIND IS SO!!!!!!!!!!! honestly... maybe it's the acts of service for me <3 JKDFKJFDKJFJKD i think this is just my eldest sister and savior syndrome speaking though kfjkdkjf ALSO OH MY GOD THE WAY U NOTICE THESE THINGS <3 THAT'S SO SEXIE OF U!!! and yes he used to be an infj!! there was an interview that's more recent wherein he mentioned that he's now an enfj though but i cant rmb which interview it's from :/ ALSO MOOD FKJJKGJGKF i dont believe in mbtis too but im just... a little obsessed w it for the fun of it all <3 and the way u described them </3 what if i tear up a little </3 I LOVE CHAN'S LAUGH SO MUCH BUT IM SO SOS O GLAD U BROUGHT UP YUGYEOM'S LAUGH??????????? IT'S NOT TALKED ABT ENOUGH LIKE...... HELLO!!!!!!!!!!! one of my bird moots said he sounded like a schoolboy in choir 😭😭😭😭😭😭

GOD UR TASTE!!!!!!! what if i start falling in l*ve a little :/ what then :/ focus on me was ahead of it's time and people fucking slept on THEM i cannot fucking believe this. this has to be some kind of sick joke 😭 ALSO HAVE U SEEN THE CHOREO FOR SENSES!!!!!!1 INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!! holy fuck!!!!!! sorry for the expletives but like.... holy SHIT they did THAT!!!!!!!! ALSO UR SO RIGHT </3 jjp verse 3 when... ALSO did u know i let go of the jjprojects url... thats the worst mistake of my life KDKJDSKJDSJK also agree wholeheartedly <3 i think they're all trying to find their footing this time around as soloists and im so proud of them for that!! i'll stand by my jus2 agenda though bc they're almost in the same company so maybe.. i might have hope left 😭

SO TRUE BESTIE!!! the same principle goes w svt for me as well <3 got7's such a flavorful group musically like... all of them have the capacity to go solo and they're still considered flops.. waht the fuck <3 ALSO OMG FJDKJFKFJD YOU'VE HEARD The Song!!!!!!!! maybe he'll be releasing something along those lines <3 esp now that he's supposedly coming w an album KJSJKDJSK on a similar note.. do u also listen to jamie (the other artist on the song) <3 NOO SHUT UP THIS CANNOT BE FOR REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 i was obsessed w on the rocks too 😭😭😭😭😭😭 IT WAS MY FAVORITE ON THE MIRRORS ALBUM HELLO??????????????????????????? im proposing to u rn

ok now i have to watch all the live vids again JKDSJKSJDKDSKJ ik keep saying 'ur so right', 'i agree', and 'so true bestie' but im gonna have to say this again bc i LOVE LOVE LOVE live sessions sm no matter the artist. i also just am a little partial to live bands in performances like that in general so JDJKKDSJDS

the way you're saying these cute things abt the svteenies.. </3 giving me heartache!!! i'd bully them though i can't coddle them anymore <3

not the fandom JKFDKJFDKJFDKJFKJF ok but i think it's mostly their younger fans tbh. it wasn't this bad before.. i also really liked bts during their debut days. their songs were really good!! i kind of lost interest though and couldn't really get into them although their songs slapped lol. my irls are still into them though so i still hear about them. 9 YEARS............................... wait oh my god it HAS BEEN a little over a decade since 1d was The Thing huh 😭 now i feel kinda old lmao. and i totally get that feeling </3 it really do be like that sometimes JKFDJKJKFD

you really ARE keeping up w the sevens oh my god how are you doing it!!!!!!!!!!! it's like getting svt content now at this point but more complicated bc u need to get the updates from different sources JDKJSDKJJSKD love ur song choices too <3

ALSO FULLY RELATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! when i saw bam's teasers... the aes was my cup of tea and THE HIGHLIGHT MEDLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i can't fucking get it out of my mind it's objectively one of the best things i've seen from kpop in 2021. i'm super impressed <3 love how abyss really supported bambam on this. they really went all in for him!!

I KNOW GKJDFJDK I GOT SUPER ???????/// DURING THE TIME EVERYONE THOUGHT THEY WERE DISBANDING LMAOOOO they pulled a move that's so unheard of though no one really expected That. i respect jaebeom so much for handling all the paperwork and shit behind the scenes it must've been HELL!! ALSO IT MEANT I CRIED FOR NOTHING THEN 😭😭😭 AND YES OH MY GOD IT'S THE SAME BIBI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE SHOCK I HAD WHEN I SAW THE LIST????????????????????????? thought i was gonna black out like,,, mark,,, AND BIBI??????????????? she's fucking phenomenal how is she just a YEAR older than me.. INSANE!!! ... and i also thought jackson was gonna have an ost for this movie.. idk why it wasn't released though i didnt look into it :/

i had a rough few days so i'm not yet finished with the playlist (my laptop's Dead i am still trying to revive her and uni's starting soon 😭) but for the mean time, here's another one that some people from caratblr previously asked for JDSJKSDJ these are mostly english songs though its not my k-playlist KJDSKJSDJK

i do hope this week gets better!!! and i hope that you'll have a fun one too <3 thank u for being so patient w me 🥺 i just get so many messages and find the need to recharge FDKJDFJK

ALSO I FELT LIKE IT WAS U!!!!!! OH MY GOD, i even searched my blog for the word manifest but for some reason your ask didn't come up in the search so i didnt mention u in the tags so i wont misattribute if it ends up not being u 😭 thank u for manifesting this chan for me he's my little... hop hop now ig... 😭

[gottaorganizemycanonsomehow]

V – Rob

It’s mid-afternoon when Rob strolls down the hall to check on Will. The day is sunny and fair, a breeze that still carries a tang of sea salt drifts through the open windows and rustles the curtains. It’s a lovely summer day, beautiful enough that Rob thinks he might be able to convince Will to stay sober today. And so, Rob strolls down the hall to his brother’s room, hands in pocket, whistling a happy tune.

Will, as expected, still isn’t awake; the curtains are still drawn and Rob can see him lying face down on the bed. Rob takes great pleasure in giving his younger brother a harsh wake up call. The boy deserves some punishment for making Rob worry so much and afterwards there are full course meals downstairs and an abundance of fresh coffee for Will’s perusal. Rob feels very little guilt or sympathy when he yells at the top of his lungs, “WILLIAM HENRY JAMES.”

There isn’t any reaction like there usually is, not even a grunt; Rob cannot believe this man is still so conked out. Smiling in fond exasperation, Rob ventures into the room and starts shaking Will awake. “Come on Will, the day’s already half over. All your favourite stuff is downstairs too. I think it’s ridiculously unfair, Maria still dotes on you enough to make you breakfast when dinner is just a few hours away.” With still no response, Rob flips Will over, ready to smack him awake, and freezes, gentle smile fading.

Will stares up at the ceiling with sunken, cloudy eyes. He doesn’t blink.

“Will,” Rob breathes, fear flooding him. His hands begin to tremble as he shakes his brother, clutching at rigid muscles.

“Will! Will, this isn’t fucking funny, stop, stop – just fucking stop it. Wake up, there’s food waiting for you downstairs.” Rob tries desperately to ignore the cold, stiff feeling of Will’s skin, tries to ignore the dried, flaking substance around his parted lips, tries to ignore the fact that his chest hasn’t moved once in these long minutes.

A feeling of staunch disbelief settles into Rob and suddenly he can’t be here anymore. He can’t be in this room anymore, can’t stand Will for playing this wretched trick on him. Someone else will have to wake him up because Rob isn’t going to speak to this bastard for at least a month. Johnathan. Rob will get Johnathan because Will knows better than to be this stupid with him. He stumbles out of the room and down the hall as quickly as he can. He falls to his knees while pounding on Johnathan’s door, unable to hold himself up any longer.

Rob watches the shadow of the door move as it opens and hears Johnathan snap, “What.” When he doesn’t say anything, Johnathan sneers, “What, you stupid bastard? Unlike some people, I have actual work to do.”

Rob looks up at his older brother’s face and watches it blur as tears fill his eyes. He only manages to choke out a quiet, “Will.”

“What? What about him?”

Rob looks down again, shakes his head, and says nothing. He kneels there, quaking, fear and dread wiping his mind clean.

Time has lost all meaning to Rob. He only knows it’s sometime later and he is now seated on a couch with a blanket wrapped around his shoulders. Distantly, he’s aware Amelia Platt is holding one of his hands while Uncle Chuck holds the other. The three of them are quiet as far as he knows. He hears hysterical sobbing; he thinks it might be Rachel but it sounds far away and surreal. He feels like he’s trapped under a turbid sea; all of his senses feel stunted, he isn’t sure what is up and what is down and maybe what anything is at all. He just sits there, swaying like the tide is pushing him, staring at the tiled, marble floors, trying to forget Will’s expressionless, pallid face.

Rob registers a new sound: the quiet discussion of professional men. His ears catch onto a snipped of the conversation, “…believe William overdosed, all signs point to that being the cause of death…”

Rob feels like he’s suddenly being rushed through kilometers of water back to the surface. His head snaps up and he stares at the triangle of men, made up of his father, brother, and family doctor, standing a short distance away. His voice falls out of his mouth and into the air flatly, “What? How did you say Will died?”

The doctor gives him a sad, sympathetic smile before answering. “I’m afraid that in the early hours of the morning, William overdosed. I –”

“No. You’re wrong. Will didn’t take anything last night.”

“I-I’m sorry but there are clear signs of his death being induced by drugs.”

“Then he was fucking poisoned. Someone fucking killed my brother.”

The doctor looks at him, startled. “The drug used seems to be a derivative of a fairly popular recreational one. William had a history of substance abu–”

Rob suddenly lunges at the doctor, his face twisting viciously. Johnathan intercepts him, grasping his shoulders. It doesn’t stop Rob from pushing against his brother and screaming at the doctor, “How dare you? How dare you slander him? He didn’t take anything last night! I put him to bed, I put him down, and he was fine, he was fine, he was fine, he was JUST DRUNK – where are the police, why isn’t anyone here to investigate?! Someone hurt him, who hurt him? Who hurt my brother? Who hurt – I – he was fine last night, he was fine, I tucked him in, why…” Rob trails off brokenly at the end, his eyes and nose running.

He begins shaking again and it is only Johnathan’s hold that keeps him upright. The warm, large, familiar hands of his uncle collect him from Johnathan as Rob’s awareness fades out again. There is some gentle murmuring floating through the air; it drifts in and out of his ears without much notice. Uncle Chuck somehow prompts his feet to move on their own accord and guides Rob to his bedroom. His uncle pulls the cover back before ushering him into it; Rob obeys willingly, mind blank and empty. For a moment, Rob thinks he’ll spend the rest of his life staring at his ceiling, wasting away until his eyes cloud over like Will’s. Grief, however, is a strangely exhausting thing. Sleep washes over him before too long, buoying him up and sending him afloat for a few hours.

[ohshcscenerios]

Haruhi falling to her knees bc some bullies from another school accost/shove her on her way home one day, but the other hosts are to the rescue!

Thank you for such an interesting idea! I apologize for the rushed action but I didn’t want this story to run too long. I was dangerously close to 2k words so I needed to stop! 

If you have a request for a one-shot idea please send me a host’s name + a reason why they would fall to their knees to my Ask Inbox! Thank you!

In Haruhi’s second year of Ouran Academy much has changed for the Host Club; Takashi and Mitsukuni graduated at top of their class with respectable honors that would serve them well in Ouran University, Kyoya was officially announced as an official candidate for the Ootori Group’s heir by his father, and Haruhi’s true gender was revealed though that didn’t stop her from participating in host activities. Yes, Haruhi’s second year came with much change and although change is considered good – even necessary – for one’s personal growth and maturity, one cannot also run from change’s inevitable consequences.

At the end of Haruhi’s first year the host club sent a group email to their guests revealing that Haruhi-kun was actually Haruhi-san. As expected, it created an avalanche of reactions. Most were accepting but a rare few felt cheated and lied to. Haruhi allowed them to feel that way, understanding that for a whole year she did lie to her peers and classmates, and so she chose not to explain herself. If they wanted to be angry then she’ll let them be angry. Thankfully, no one as acted out on their anger towards Haruhi, to the Host Club’s relief, but that is until today.

Haruhi shifted her school satchel further up her shoulder as she made her daily tread to the train station a few blocks from Ouran Academy. It was a routine Haruhi could recite from memory and soon even the Host Club could write down her walking directions without looking at a map. When she was first outed to the school a host member walked her home each day to ensure her protection from bullies. After a month of no trouble they didn’t feel the need to walk her home anymore and allowed Haruhi her space again.

Today felt like every other day as she neared a street corner. Just one more block and she’ll be on the train towards home.

“Fujioka!” A voice called from behind her.

Haruhi turned around to see three of her classmates trailing her. She recognized their faces for they were the rare few who didn’t appreciate the Host Club’s dishonesty. Why the three unfathomably rich students would be walking with her instead of riding in their family’s limousines was beyond her.

“Yuri-san, Soma-san, Moria-san,” Haruhi address the students, “can I help you?”

Yuri stepped forward from the group with a deepening scowl contorting her glossed lips, “No, I’m afraid you can’t help us. We don’t want your help, not after you’ve betrayed your loyal customers.”

Haruhi sighed. She was afraid this wasn’t a chance meeting and now her fears were confirmed. They wanted to confront her. She straightened her posture and faced the three students. So be it.

“I apologize for keeping my gender a secret. We have already explained why such actions were made -.”

“We don’t care about a stupid vase,” Moria barked, “any person in your class could have paid for that vase tenfold. It was absolutely pointless to resort to what you did.”

Haruhi casually nodded, accepting her comment but not agreeing at the same time. “I’m sorry you feel that way but what is done is done. We can’t reverse time, we can only move forward. Now if you’ll excuse me.” Haruhi gave a slight bow and turned around to continue her journey home.

She didn’t make a few steps before she felt a fist punch her right shoulder blade. Haruhi stumbled forward but caught herself in time. She turned around to confront to attacker when another fist landed on her jaw. This punch had much more bite and the pain stung, traveling down her neck and making her eyes water. Someone managed to get behind her and they kicked her knees in, forcing her to fall onto her knees.

“Now that you’re kneeling before us, apologize correctly! Beg for our forgiveness!” Soma sneered, bending forward to cast her shadow across Haruhi.

Haruhi rubbed her tender jaw and stared at the three students now standing above her, baffled that the young heiresses could turn so violent. From what she understood about the elite, the women were taught to be graceful, kind, and endearing. Violence was left to designated men who are equipped with skills and social groundings. She has never seen an Ouran lady resort to violence. At most, they would cry and run into a man’s arm begging for his protection. Haruhi didn’t know if she should be concerned for her own safety or impressed that these young women broke through that stereotype.

Soma pushed Haruhi’s head back with a flick of her hand, making her rock back on her knees.

“Start begging you commoner trash.” Soma demanded.

Yuri slapped Haruhi upside the head, “Come one baka, beg!”

“My apologies for interrupting but she will not beg for you today.” A deep masculine voice spoke from behind Haruhi. Her eyes grew wide in recognition as she realized who was standing behind her. His voice alone revealed himself.

“Ootori?” Moria stammered. Having her favorite host witness her less than appealing behavior instantly embarrassed her. “This is not what you think… Haruhi just…”

“Do you think were stupid?” Another voice questioned, sound much more annoyed. Hikaru emerged from the neighboring alleyway along with Kaoru, Tamaki, and Mitsukuni.

“You have a lot of nerve to hit Haruhi like that.” Kaoru growled.

Yuri fixed her posture and flashed the Host Club a mischievous glint in her eyes, “And what exactly are you going to do about it? If you would dare hit a woman you can bet your name will be slandered within hours.”

Kyoya fixed his glasses, “Don’t worry, we wouldn’t stoop so low to your level. We have other ways to take care of you.”

Haruhi felt a strong pair of arms lift her from the ground and realized it was Takashi who saved her from the cold concrete. He carried her as he joined the others and gently brushed his fingers over her swollen jaw. When she winced away at the pain Takashi gave an angry pointed glare at the three students, making them shy away from the normally stoic host.

“This was a bad idea Yuri-san…” Soma whispered to her friend.

“Shut up, this piece of filth needs to pay for what she’s done. She lied to us for an entire year!” Yuri barked back.

“You are only this angry because you developed a crush on Haruhi,” Tamaki explained rather calmly, “We understand your anger but you cannot direct it at Haruhi. We were the ones who forced her to join the Host Club. If you want to beat someone up, let that person be me.”

Tamaki walked forward with his arms stretch out to his sides, palms open and facing up. Haruhi watched him with a strange look of confusion because essentially he was giving himself up in her place.

“We couldn’t hit you Tamaki-kun…” Moria confessed. “We admire you too much. We could never hurt you.”

“But I can,” Yuri said, “If you’re going to take a beating for that rat then so be it!”

Yuri plunged forward with a fist drawn back, winding up for a delicious punch to the cheek. She was about to reach Tamaki when he threw his arms around Yuri and spun her around, lifting her feet off the ground and throwing her off her punch.

“What are you doing? Let me go!” She cried as she wriggled beneath his tight hold.

“I will, once the police arrive.” Tamaki said.

When Moria and Soma heard that the police were called they looked at each other with wide eyes and turned to run off. Before they could make it a few feet Mitsukuni landed in front of them, forcing them to skid to a stop.

“I’m afraid you ladies aren’t going anywhere just yet.” He said with a devious smile.

Kyoya approached Haruhi who was still cradled in Takashi’s arms with a cellphone already pulled to his ear. “I am calling for a doctor to meet us at your apartment to check the injuries. Do not object for I won’t listen. Your jawline is already beginning to bruise.” He studied her face with critical eyes and began speaking to someone on the phone.

“How did you guys get here so quickly?” Haruhi asked her friends.

Hikaru shrugged, “We noticed a note falling out of your locker this morning. We were going to give it to you when we realized it was a threat. So instead we followed you home today, just in case.”

“We’re glad we did.” Takashi admitted.

Haruhi smiled, though it hurt to stretch her bruised cheek, and felt eternally grateful to have the friends she did.

There was much change in her second year and the final change of all was that she gained a second family.

[theaologies]

We’ll Continue (to be disappointed) [fic]

Fandom: Dragon Age Ship: Solavellan (implied) Rating: Gen Summary: Charter delivers some news Wordcount: ~1700 Notes: I haven’t written anything in... so long... god. A drabble, some character introspection mostly Read on Ao3

HEAVY SPOILERS for TEVINTER NIGHTS

“Is that all?” Cassandra asks, dropping the bundle of papers that has occupied her hands for the past hour or so on the small, stained wood table their little group stands around.

The basement they find themselves gathered in this time is small and damp, the scent of fish drifting in from the port outside mixing none too sweetly with old ale that has spilled through the floorboards of the tavern above. The cramped space barely fits the four women with their table, which tilts precariously whenever something heavier than a dagger is placed upon it, and Leliana has joked more than once that if Cullen had joined them he and his pauldrons would have had to play door for them.

But this isn't a matter to disturb Cullen with. Not while he's enjoying his retirement and time with his family.

No, this little party is made up only of those absolutely necessary; Cassandra, Leliana, Lavellan, and Charter.

Charter, who is the one who retrieved this information for them.

The Elven woman nods as she watches Cassandra drop her notes, folding her arms across her chest. “That is all, yes. And since I was the only one spared we won't have to concern ourselves with cleaning up loose ends.”

Cassandra sighs, frustration evident in her voice. “I suppose you're right.” She nods, rubbing at her chin, “though I admit my confusion at your survival- he'd kill all those others in attendance, yet not you? Just because you... asked?”

“I had done nothing to wrong him,” Charter tells her, leaning over to gather the papers up once more. “The others had lied or slandered him or posed some kind of risk. I merely sought out information- and it was information he was willing to share.”

“He doesn't want to kill Elves,” Lavellan supplies, finally speaking up for the first time since their meeting began, “he will if he absolutely must, but Solas is... trying not to kill other Elves. He's still trying to recruit them into his army.” She glances up at the other Elf, violet eyes both hard and exhausted at the same time, “you said it yourself- he asked you to join. And it probably would have looked worse for him had you not returned.”

“He wants us to know he can be anywhere at anytime,” Leliana says, “even though we've officially disbanded he knows we're still working against him- he wants us to know just how big of a threat he, personally, is to us. Any of us. All of us.” The Divine, cloaked in a simple disguise, spreads a hand out over the small map of Tevinter tacked down on the table, looking over it dutifully. “We'll have to be more careful from now on- well, even more so than we have been.” She sighs, a frown etched across her lips, “I'm afraid our infrequent meetings will have to become... even more infrequent. And those of us who are traveling will have to do more to cover our tracks. It will be difficult but we can't afford to get lazy now- or ever.” Nimble fingers pluck at the tacks, carefully rolling the map back up before depositing it in a tiny canister. As she straightens she eyes both Charter and Lavellan, “I'm sorry to say, but that means being more careful around other Elves, as well- if he'd go so far as to attempt to recruit a known spymaster-”

“No, you're right,” Lavellan agrees quickly, though she doesn't meet her eye, “anyone could be one of his agents, at this point. There's no telling. Caution must be taken, especially with those Elves coming out of Tevinter.”

Leliana gives a single nod, seemingly pleased with her understanding. “Yes, exactly. We cannot, at the moment, take any unnecessary risks. Now-” her eyes sweep over the other women as she tugs at the hood of her cloak, ensuring her hair is completely covered, “I'm afraid I must take my leave. Cassandra and I must be present later tonight at the Viscount's banquet- there had to be some excuse for use to travel all the way to Kirkwall, after all.”

Cassandra makes a disgusted noise from the space by the door as she dons her own cloak. “Politics.”

“Now, now, Cassandra,” Leliana chides playfully, a smirk replacing her serious expression, “I'm sure Varric won't make it too unbearable for you. Perhaps our dear friend will even give you the next copy of his book.”

The dark haired woman rolls her eyes, turning toward the door quickly to hide the blush that creeps its way up her neck.

“Charter, if you wouldn't mind passing this information to Harding when you have the chance?” Leliana requests, “she'll need to know the details of this meeting in depth and what to keep an eye out for in the future.”

“Of course, My Lady,” Charter agrees, tucking the papers away into a leather pouch hidden inside her vest, “I will get this to her as soon as possible.”

“Thank you,” Leliana says, then turns to Lavellan, “I'm sorry you can't join us tonight,” she tells her sympathetically, “If there were a way-”

But Lavellan just lifts her hand to stop her. “It's fine,” she says, “I spent some time with Varric yesterday- we caught up then. Had lunch. It's no big deal.” She shrugs. “Besides, I'm to start trek toward the Arlathan Forest early tomorrow. Varric gave me information to catch up with one of his and Hawke's friends who's been working on dismantling the slave trade there. Thought I might be some help.”

Leliana doesn't miss the way she fidgets with the hem of her sleeve, though; fingers tugging at the fabric to try to hide the dragonbone contraption Dagna made to replace her missing arm. “You had said before,” the redhead starts carefully, “that you were considering stopping by Wycome on your way. Do you still-”

“I might,” she cuts her off again, still not looking her in the eye, “I haven't decided yet. I know reports have said that some of my Clan might still be out there- but-” she sighs, rolling her shoulders to try to stave off the shudder that threatens to run through her, “I just don't think it would matter if I went back. I doubt they'd want me back, after everything. If they even recognized me at all.”

Cassandra turns back to look at the Elven woman, a soft pity in her eyes, “Inqui-”

“Don't,” Lavellan says quickly, sharply, then deflates, letting the sudden anger rush out of her. “I'm not the Inquisitor anymore, Cassandra,” she tells her with a wavering smile, “let's not pretend I still am.”

The other woman frowns, though instead of her usual frustration it's one of sympathy. “Yes, of course.” She agrees softly, “I- just know- if there's anything you need-”

Lavellan nods, looking up at the human women, a fake smile plastered across her face. “I know, and thank you. But I'm fine. I'll be fine. Truly.”

There's a pause. Lavellan returns to her subconscious fidgeting. Leliana chooses not to say anything of it. “Very well,” The Divine relents, moving to join Cassandra at the door. “We'll be seeing you, then. Just be sure to keep in touch, wherever it is you end up. I've never met Fenris personally but I know he can be... a bit touchy, as Varric's said. And perhaps... don't mention your mage sympathies.” She then looks over toward Charter, giving her associate a nod. “And you know where your duties take you next?”

“Of course, My Lady. I will continue to inform you of any developments in the Imperium.”

“Thank you. Walk in the Maker's Light, both of you.” She tells them, and then follows Cassandra out the door, the dark haired woman giving a nod in farewell to both of them.

The door shuts with a click, leaving the two Elves alone together.

An awkward silence blankets the room as they wait until they are clear to leave. Lavellan has no idea if Charter is one for small talk- they never were more than acquaintances during their time with the Inquisition- but where Lavellan used to be, she's found she hasn't had the spirit to summon the casual lightheartedness that had been so central to her demeanor all her life.

At least not for the past year and a half.

So she lets the silence be. For about an hour the two Elven women simply sit in silence; Lavellan finding a discarded crate and fiddling with the more mechanical components of her arm while Charter perches on the table itself, pouring over a small, well worn notebook. Once, Lavellan briefly catches her sleeve in a joint and curses under her breath, waving Charter off when she looks up in question. It proves to be the extent of their interaction.

At least, until right before Lavellan rises to leave.

“Wait,” Charter stops her, just as she goes to tug her hood over her head. A scarred brow quirks in the spy's direction, watching as she tears a leaf of paper from the little notebook. She looks at it for a brief moment, as though second guessing herself, before holding it out for Lavellan to take. “I don't know that Leliana would... approve of me giving you this information,” she says as the other woman carefully takes it from her, “but for him to have said it...” she hums softly, tucking away the notebook, “he allowed me my life. Delivering it to you- it's a debt paid.”

Lavellan wills her hand not to shake as she looks down at the parchment, a sudden weakness trembling in the pit of her stomach.

“When you report back to the Inquisitor... Say that I am sorry.”

“For all that it's worth,” Charter continues, moving to stand, “it did sound like he meant it.”

There's the silence once again as Lavellan's eyes stayed glued to the page, that weakness trying to decide whether to manifest itself as sadness or anger. It's such a shock, for him to address anything directly towards her after all this time, that when if finally hits her throat it culminates as neither- a tiny, humorless chuckle escapes her mouth instead. “A teahouse.” Is all she can bring herself to say; just a whisper of the word, with an almost unwilling fondness trapped behind her teeth.

Charter smiles- just a little, with just a hint of pity- and lightly claps Lavellan on the shoulder as she slips past her and out the door, disappearing into the quickly setting sun.

[wcamino-confessions]

In regards to the Soul drama, I feel mostly anyone who sat down and read those screenshots probably feels the same way I do on it and so I honestly wouldn’t say anything if it weren’t for me needing to vent on this topic. I have felt disappointment in the Warriors Amino Leadership team countless times since I became more involved in the community back in 2017, and time and time again it seems as if it is the personal goal of the LT to prove that they can still find a better way to piss us off. I feel the need to point out that my complaints come from a place of concern and hope rather than an intentional bash on the LT. If I didn’t care (and this goes for many others as well), we probably would have stayed silent and just moved on long ago. Issues like this give me unwelcome reminders of the past issues that led to the current LT’s position as of now. It is the job of the present LT to hold themselves higher than the mistakes of their predecessors, and as things stand this does not seem to be the intention at all. If anything, I see a replay of history that many of us recall without stating as such by name. Firstly, let’s revisit the quote in regards to why Soul was banned. The screenshot from Vaga that has been shared states this, “Soul was not demoted for voicing his opinion, it was mainly for leaking information-”. I could go write an entire essay on the topic of the WA lt and the insanity that is ‘leaking information’, but I’ll spare any fool who’s decided to read my rage and summarize it simply. What does a leadership team of a murder cat amino hold so dearly that leaks of a genuine discussion in regards to a popular and serious issue on amino will and did count as a leak of information? One of the most off putting and enraging concepts is that somehow this conversation is worth keeping private? I’d understand if it was a private conversation amongst LT members just hanging out or a discussion in regards to the privacy of another user outside of the lt, however this falls under neither. The discussion on the 13+ rule change has been public conversation for some time and something not worthy keeping a secret. Surely the LT hasn’t forgotten that a huge problem members have is their lack of transparency in regards to these situations in the first place? Rule changes and conversations in regards to it have no place being hidden behind lock and key, but that’s a rant for another day.

There was no real private information leaked, unless the LT is speaking on a VC discussion that they do not know nor have any proof in relation to it happening? More on that later. Anyway I feel like it only takes a hint of common understanding to see that Soul was not leaking information. Furthermore, why would the users pester Andro for screenshots if he had shared this so called private information? Where did he share it? Unless this VC was just him venting about the absurd one sidedness of the conversation and his anger towards an issue that affects all of us? But… that would be him being banned for venting so that can’t be? . In the screenshots provided by the LT themselves, we witness an agitated and heated conversation between Soul, Hawk and Andro. The conversation that supposedly made them uncomfortable wasn’t even worthy of apologizing for and I praise Soul for having the guts and passion to speak on something worth discussing. On an amino where accusations and real scenarios of pedophilia run rampant; those in power very much should be held accountable for the situation. This is also a conversation for another day, but Soul and Dark spoke true on a real issue. Only parents, TA and the individual LT have the power to remove underaged members before they potentially put themselves at risk. It’s easy to say that it isn’t the LT’s responsibility, but that’s merely a decision made to run away from a problem. If a stranger lures a child to their car in your vision, it’s not your responsibility to intervene in that situation either, but if that child is hurt because of this decision who is really at fault. I’m not saying who was right or who was wrong in the argument, but instead I’m choosing to prove a point. Soul wasn’t wrong, and the way he worded it was meant to make those reading it understand the true gravity of the decision they were making. Whoever felt guilty did so because there was a reason to. That was the true weight of another conversation that the LT was trying to brush off with a quick and easy majority vote. Clearly they didn’t learn from the situation with Fenris at all. The escape from that situation was blaming Soul for choosing to bring up this obvious point because it made members uncomfortable. I’m sorry to say but as leaders responsible for managing an amino of 200 thousand, sometimes you’ll have to face uncomfortable situations. As the first line of defense between members and potentially hazardous content, it’s more uncomfortable that rather than confronting and discussing Soul’s point, it was instead Soul’s fault for pointing out the obvious. From what I’ve gathered, that portion of the conversation was irrelevant anyway due to the decision to move past that, though the issues still remained. There were LT members who openly held a grudge and this problem was never properly addressed and left alone to stew. In Soul’s chat, we only get to see one side of this problem. As someone who has witnessed Lionclan’s harassment some time ago, I’m more concerned about the mentions of Andro’s offensive comments over what was said in Soul’s chat as well at the discussion where these not very anon users pressured Andro for screenshots. Soul said nothing in text that could even partially be taken in the context of an attack on Andro. He vented his concerns and the reactions of those in the chat are not and never have been his responsibility. It disgusts me that this was labelled at an assault on Andro when the real “insults” (if you really want to call them that) were made by those who were speaking to him. I’ve never spoken to or really agreed with Soul, but these conversations seem much more like a real guy trying to seek comfort from those close to him. And this VC where he spewed insults sounds a bit far fetched considering not once has Soul actively attacked users in text. I’m sorry but the current LT do NOT have a good track record with honesty and I cannot take that at face value considering this. How do the LT know about this VC? Did they develop telepathy and suddenly know that Soul “attacked” Andro without the knowledge? Even if a member of that vc gave this information to the LT, are you telling me you took this at face value and called it a day? The real problem with the screenshots comes from the invasion of privacy of those involved? Sure you censored the names (you missed Fen at one point btw), but occasionally you also missed the users speaking to each other. It’s almost too easy to figure out the chat participants based on the mentions of their names alone! The LT publicly posted a notice giving the community the names of the users who were accused of  “attacking” Andro. Are you serious! Flashback to Lionclan when Artclan was publicly outed as the clan in the center of the Lionclan drama. At least one of the current leadership (not name dropping) saw the aftermath of that decision and how innocent members of Artclan suffered slander and hatred based on that decision. While no one worth mentioning would go after those users on an argument that clearly favors Soul, this only further highlights the LT’s inadequacy in dealing with this situation. Are you serious? How many times do we need to say that your words carry weight! If you’re going to censor those screens at all, be sure to do so thoroughly. Especially when some of these screens are private conversations between users and Soul! Did you ask for permission before posting them? I doubt it judging by the conversations of those involved in the comments section of this aftermath. So what’s the tally now? Inadequate and one sided information, invasion of privacy, public slander and a lacking of evidence. I’m not even angry anymore, I’m just in disbelief. I’m sure we can expect to see Soul back in his position by the end of the week correct?

[kneesheee]

And So It Begins

                                  Warnings: Avengers: Infinity War Spoilers

“Dad, something’s wrong…”

“Lena? Baby girl, what’s wrong?”

“I-I don’t know.”

“I think I’m dying.”

“No. No. NO. NO! TONY!”

“I don’t want to die…”

“I love you.”

--

“Mr. Stark, I don’t feel so good…”

“You’re alright.”

“I don’t- I don’t know what’s happening”

“I don’t wanna go. I don’t wanna go.”

“Sir, please. Please, I don’t wanna go.”

“I’m sorry…”

--

“Mom, what’s happening?”

“You’re gonna be alright.”

“What’s happening to me?”

“Mom, no. I don’t want to go.”

“I just got you back. Please, I don’t want to go.”

“Mom…”

Earlier That Day…

The day of the press conference was tiring. All of the children were irritable and cranky. Francis burnt through three quivers alone as he tried to calm himself down before he had to sit in front of a bunch of strangers and pretend to be one of America’s Future Sweethearts. He supposes that was the price to pay to being one of the heirs to the Stark name.

But the problem that he and the rest of his siblings had didn’t come from the press conference; it came from one Steven Rogers. He wasn’t going to be on the panel which all of the children thought was fair. Mainly because he had the audacity to want to tell the world that he was the father of the twins.

And considering that he hadn’t been out of the ice for fifteen years, held no public relationships, and just received a presidential pardon from being an international criminal… lots of questions would be asked and the twins would have to move from the tower to a “safe location”.

Once he realized that was the course of action if he were to tell the public that line, he shut up. For like two hours then came up with the plan to tell the world where they come from an alternate dimension and that this was God’s way of giving them all a second chance to be a family.

The snarl that crossed Selene and Francis’ face put the wolves that Francis kept on the top floors wildlife reserve to shame. (It was mainly injured cubs and a few injured adults but the point remains the same)

“Listen, Rogers, you are NOT my father. No matter what the DNA reports. My biological father died in my dimension. If I were to ever want a second chance with a family relationship with Steve Rogers, it'd be the one from my universe. Not some knock off version. But rest assured I don’t even need that second chance. Anthony Edward Stark is my dad and no amount of times you proclaiming that you’re my father can change that. NOW LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!”

After that disastrous scene, Selene and Steve had to be forcibly kept apart especially since Selene’s eyes hadn’t stopped glowing. Francis glanced to the other side of the room and noticed her levitating in the air meditating. Her hair had curled and braided into some elaborate style that Francis didn’t care to know the name of, but she looked beautiful. She reminded of the sea nymphs that always giggled and laughed whenever he went to see her at Poseidon’s palace on Olympus.

He wanted to be angry at Lady Aphrodite for meddling with his relationship with Selene, but he cannot deny that her skills in makeup made it hard to not stare at Selene. She was just so fucking beautiful.

Unlike their other siblings, neither one of them were dressed yet. Both of them had clothes made from Lady Athena herself and blessed by Lady Aphrodite. The clothes were a strategic move. They’re literally made to keep ones attention on the wearer. Selene and Francis wanted them because neither was comfortable with attention being on their siblings for too long especially not Torunn and Pym. They’d never get any peace if they were to put the clothes on now.

“You’re staring,” Selene’s voice broke him from his thoughts. He focused again and noticed her familiar glowing green eyes pinning him in place.

“Was just thinking,” he mused as he bit his lip and glanced away. He didn’t notice how she cocked her head and her forehead puckered.

“Want to share or is it private?” Selene asked as she stood up straight and landed before leisurely making her way over to Francis. And it was as if a shadow moved its self from her eyes, she noticed details about him that she hadn’t noticed before. Had his hair always looked as bright and white as a fresh blanket of snow on Olympus?

He looked up at her and both of them inwardly gasp. The other just looked so incredibly beautiful that it was painful. Selene paused and shook her head. Francis was her brother. She shouldn’t be having these thoughts about him. No matter how true they were.

“Private,” he tried to smirk in aloof casualness. She returned his smirk before reaching her hand out to him. She looked to what he was doing and noticed that he was sharpening his hunting knives. He grasped her hand and snapped his fingers so that the knives flew back to their places alongside the wall.

“Ready to shut down America,” he teased as he ran a hand through his hair. Selene had to physically refrain herself from licking her lips and messing up his hair herself. She mentally cursed herself. There was no way in hell her extremely old crush on him was coming back.

“It’s my life purpose,” she laughed as he dragged them towards the changing rooms. They split up at the fork to enter the rooms with their names printed across the door. Neither jumped at the sight of Aphrodite and Apollo standing before them in their respective changing rooms. Just sat back quietly as the two gods fussed over them and made them look like the products of the Olympian gods they were.

Once the two were finished, they were shooed out to find their siblings and make their way to the room where the press conference was being held. When they got there, they ignored the intakes of breath as everyone fawned over the two of them. It was the sight of Francis’ eyes gleaming silver that held them at bay. Only Pietro made his way approached them seeing as he was the only other person in the room being able to resist the effects of Aphrodite and Athena (and the favor from Primordial Lord Eros) powers.

“Are we going to start or not,” Francis drawled, but the look on Pietro’s face had him pausing.

“We have a problem,” Pietro mumbled. The other two champions stared at him before he nodded his head in the direction of Steve and Sam who were both being fussed over by Natasha and Bucky. They didn’t see a problem at first until they noticed the small white star peeking out from under Steve’s shirt. No one knew which champion gasped exactly, but Selene and Francis hurriedly made their way over pushing the others out their way.

“By the Gods of Olympus, you’ve been branded also,” Selene stated as she couldn’t help but to pity them. She might not like them but that branding wasn’t going nowhere not even in another life. A soul branding. She cautiously reached out to touch the Falcon symbol on Sam’s bicep, but a force threw her back before her hand could even get close. She flipped midair and landed on the balls of her feet with one hand touching the ground. She snapped her head up and locked eyes with her fellow champions as she slowly stood up.

“Whoever branded you all doesn’t want us finding out who they are,” Francis murmured before he took a step away. “We can’t even get a read on why they branded you in the first place.”

James moved over to his sister who was knocking the wrinkles out of her dress. He looked at her and she smiled back at him as he wrapped an arm around her waist. And then their dad walked into the room dressed in one of his three piece suits.

“Alright, kids, let’s get going. Everyone else, you all know to stay up here and out of sight,” Tony stated as he clapped his hands and gestured for his children to follow him out. Selene caught sight of one of her leather jackets this one stating “If found, return to Tony Stark” and slipped it over her arms as they all poured into the elevator. The only one staying behind is Pietro because well he is technically dead. “Everything is going to be okay. Answer the questions as honest as you can, but don’t give them too many details. Selene and Francis do not use any form of your godly powers. Pym, no shrinking away. Azari and Torunn do not summon any lighting. And James can you not argue with any of your siblings or bring out your shield. Just smile and be adorable as you’re usually are. I’m sure that you can win them over without even having to say much.”

All of them rolled their eyes fondly, “Yes, dad.”

--

Steve watched from the common room on the Barton’s family floor. The Stark family had just entered the room and the cameras were flashing crazily. Selene was smiling (read: smirking) as most of the cameras aimed for her and Francis.

Tony walked the platform with all the confidence in the world. He wore a smile that was made directly for dealing with the press. The children sat down at the table behind him as if they were born into the world of wealth.

“It feels like just yesterday we were here, and I was announcing that I got married,” he joked. The crowd laugh along with him before he continued, “So how about we skip all of the small talk and get right to the good stuff? You’re all here because of the rumors regarding me adopting kids and the fact that they were kidnapped, and I had to go save them. While it is true that I had to lead a rescue mission, I didn’t adopt kids. I adopted six teenagers. Their names are Torunn, Francis, Azari, James, Selene, and Hank. They all have my last name. Any slander written after this conference will be taken care of swiftly and without hesitation, ignore that and you won’t have a career anymore.”

Selene and James shared a look and snickered to themselves at the shock looks of the reporters. Tony stepped aside and made his way to the seat at the end of the table.

“You there. With the lime green tie,” Tony stated pointing at a reporter. The reporter in question straighten up slightly.

“Yes, I have a question for Selene is it? How do you feel about being adopted by Mr. Stark?”

Selene smiled adorably, “It’s the best feeling ever. My birth parents weren’t in James and I’s life and Dad fills that void of disappointment with love and care. I couldn’t ask for a better father.”

The same reporter inquired, “What made you want to be adopted by Mr. Stark?”

The Stark Siblings looked between each other before James stated, “Nothing ‘made’ us. We’ve known him basically our whole lives. Our actual parents all died and Dad’s has been watching over us. He basically had already adopted us without going through the legal work. And he did everything to keep us out of the attention of the media.”

“And it would’ve stayed that way if Selene and Hank hadn’t gotten kidnapped,” Torunn spoke solemnly. The two siblings in question squirmed Selene more so as the magic kept the attention on her.

Another reporter asked, “Does this mean that you’ll be inheriting Stark Industries together or only one of you?” The siblings looked between themselves and looked at their dad before looking back at Francis.

“We haven’t actually had that discussion yet though if I were to guess, Selene would probably take over as CEO and the rest of us would follow with being heads of the various departments.”

Selene slightly narrowed her eyes with a sharp smile at Francis as the cameras once again began flashing.

Another reporter went, “How is Mr. Stark doing so far as a father so far?”

Each of the siblings sat up straighter with blinding smiles on each of their faces. Cameras went off at the sight.

“He’s the absolute best! He built me a workshop and use all my inventions around the tower. Like the cleaning ant bots for the vents and whenever one of the breaks, he’d fix them for me and he looks through all my blueprints and he hangs up pictures of my creations all around,” Pym stated basically bouncing out of his seat. Tony slipped on his sunglasses, so no one would see the tears beginning to build in his eyes.

“He’s the best father any one could ask for,” James said sincerely before a teasing smile danced across his face, “Even if his jokes could be better.”

The siblings laugh before Azari went, “I’m proud to call him my father. I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost him.”

“The media tries to crucify him, but I know that he is one of the best men across the nine realms and I doubt there is anyone who would be a better father than he,” Torunn smiled softly.

Francis turned to look at Tony, “He encourages me to be the best that I can be and to never let anyone put me down. He encourages me to chase after my goals even when the world is telling me that I wouldn’t be able to do it,” when he turned back to the cameras, he was still smiling.  “We’re homeschooled. He teaches us everything we would need to know and tries to make us feel like regular kids in school. We have book fairs. We make reading boards and science boards. And considering our low profile, we can’t go and try out for real teams, so he builds bots and we play sports and hold tournaments at the compound. He had been contemplating on how he was going to ensure our eligibility at colleges and remaining our low profiles because he had wanted to wait until we were older to reveal us to the world. But its better late than never. And I said all of this because the Tony Stark that I know could never be a bad father.”

Tony is not crying, thank you very much.

It was Selene’s turn and she was frowning at the table. Her twin nudged her, and she slowly lifted her head. She had tears building in her eyes and it was all fascinating. “Words cannot even comprehend how wonderful he is and has been to us. How he’s always there for us and how apologetic he is when the world tries to tear us down time and time again. I can’t explain to you how grateful I am to him because I can’t explain it to myself. You see, I grew learning how my mother kept her feelings bottled up and locked down, so I tried to imitate that. I don’t know how to properly convey feelings, but when it comes to this man. When it comes to my father. I would never need words because I know that he knows that me and my siblings are a part of his strengths. When the world loses hope in him. When his friends turn their backs and abandon him. When that shadow of doubt and self-hate cross his face. We will be the ones to pick him and give him the strength to carry on because he does the same for us. Whether it be screaming awake in the middle of night or carrying us to bed because we stayed up late night binge watching Supernatural or sitting aside watching him work in his lab….”

Her siblings are nodding their head in agreement to her words when her eyes snap over to Tony which such intensity that one would think she was his biological daughter if it weren’t for her bright red hair and sea green eyes. She stands up slowly and walks over to him and Tony stands up with her. “You are a god amongst men; a king amongst peasants. You are my father. My dad above everything, and I love you.”

She wrapped him in a hug and wasn’t the least bit surprised that her siblings came up behind her and hugged them too. She could feel him trembling and holding back his tears and she could distinctively hear Aunt Pepper ending the conference even with the sound of cameras flashing in the background.

--

The second the siblings returned home it was chaos. Water rushed over Selene and lightning crackled around Torunn. Pym shrunk, and a blinding light covered Francis. Azari and James took off running. In the span of five minutes, all of them were out of their suits and dresses and back in their regular clothing.

Selene headed for the training room with her twin following her, and Bucky felt a shiver run down his spine at the bloodthirsty grins on their faces.

He still followed them though.

The twins stood in front of each other calmly. They didn’t even look like trained fighters until they moved. It was obvious that Selene was holding back, but with the way James was moving, she started to let go bit by bit. It was a good fight. Selene had a small frame and she was faster whereas James was bigger and strength on his side. It was a dance between the two of them and he was so captivated that even with all his training and experience he didn’t register when Francis stood at his side.

“They’re good aren’t they.”

Bucky did not flinch. “They are.”

He tilted his head to look at the young archer who was staring at his siblings with a smile, “But I’m better. Also, Uncle ‘Challa requests that you return to Wakanda with him. Dad and Aunt Shuri poured over the schematics for your new arm, so you’ll be heading there to get it built and fitted.”

“I was supposed to spar with Azari later?”

“He’s going too. And he’s going to kick your butt when you do spar.”

Bucky nodded his head in understanding and left to find the King and his sister.

--

If there was thing speedsters hated, it was standing still. It was hard for them to do so. They always had to be in movement. And yet, at that moment, Pietro stood ramrod straight and turned his gaze to the morning sky.

His light blue eyes darken until they were the color of burnt rubber. The end was here, and he could run no longer.

--

Torunn collapsed to the ground clutching at her throat. James and Pym were at her side immediately. Tears streamed down her face as she went, “Something is wrong.” Her sword vibrated on the ground sensing her agitation. “Something is wrong with my Uncle.”

--

Bruce crashes.

He feels the adrenaline leave him as Hulk reverts into his body. He blinks as he comes face to face with two wizards? What the hell? Is he even on Earth? Oh right, Stephen Strange and Wong.

“Thanos is coming. He’s coming.”

Honestly, if it wasn’t such a serious moment, Stephen would be inclined to say “who?” As if he didn��t know the monster that plagued the mind of some of his now dearest companions. Yet Banner seems to have seen someone on a level as high as Dormammu. A little fact checking wouldn’t do any harm.

“Who?”

--

“At the dawn of the universe, there was nothing. Then boom. The big bang sent six elemental crystals hurtling across the virgin universe. These infinity stones each control an essential aspect of existence,” Wong explained using his expertise in magic to give demonstration.

“Space.”

“Reality.”

“Power.”

“Soul.”

“Mind.”

Stephen made an elaborate gesture across the medallion hanging around his neck, “and time.”

“Tell me his name again,” Tony demands. A part of him cannot believe that Bruce is back safe and sound, but a bigger part of him is filled with fear and grim acceptance. He knows what’s coming. He’s been prepared for it. But for one of his closest friends to have seen the monster with his own eyes. For Hulk one of the strongest people he knew to get thrown around like a rag doll by him? It’s scarier than he could imagine. He had heard the stories from Nebula and Gamora, but it never really sunk in until now. Maybe it’s because the battle is closer than he ever thought possible. Maybe it’s because he knows that as hard as he may try, he would be losing someone dear to him. And he could only hope it wasn’t any of his kids.

“Thanos. He’s a plague, Tony. He invades planets. He takes what he wants. He wipes out half the population. He sent Loki. The attack on New York. That’s him.”

Loki had said that it was someone else that had sent him. Tony inferred that it had to be powerful. Damn, if Loki couldn’t beat him, how could they? Loki is afraid of him. What chance did they have?

Cause if we can’t protect the earth you can be damn sure we’ll avenge it.

“This is it. What’s our timeline?”

“No telling. He has the power and space stones. That already makes him the strongest creature in the whole universe. If he gets his hands on all six stones, Tony…”

He needs to move. He needs to move. Would Ultron have even been enough? The Avengers aren’t. Tony closed his eyes tightly. His kids. Peter. Harley. Kamala. RiRi. His family.

“He can destroy life on a scale hitherto undreamt of.”

Snark. Don’t Panic. This is bigger than my fears.

“Did you seriously just say ‘hitherto undreamt of’?”

“Are you seriously leaning on the Cauldron of the Cosmos,” Stephen questioned as the Cloak smacked Tony away.

“I’m going to allow that,” Tony nodded at Strange before his mind immediately switched back to the task at hand. “If Thanos needs all six, why don’t we just stick this one down the garbage disposal?”

“No can do,” Stephen said gravely.

“We swore an oath to protect the Time Stone with our lives,” Wong stated grimly. Tony only rose a brow. “And I swore off dairy but then Ben and Jerry named a flavor after me, so...”

“Stark Raving Hazelnuts,” Stephen sighed tiredly.

“Not bad.”

“Bit chalky.”

“A Hunk of Hulk of Burning Fudge is our favorite,” Wong admitted while Bruce looked disturbed. "That’s a thing?”

“Whatever,” Tony shrugged. “Point is, things change.”

“Our oath to protect the Time Stone cannot change,” Stephen deadpanned. “And this stone may be the best chance we have against Thanos.”

“Yeah, so conversely, it may also be his best chance against us.” Dammit, Tony wished he knew sooner that Stephen had this stone. Protocols could have been put in placed. Places across the universe could have been found to keep it hidden. Maybe send Stephen and a team away to stand a better chance at protecting it? Too late now. He can only trust in Stephen’s abilities’.

“Well, if we don’t do our jobs.” Is he this much of smart ass cause if so, he doesn’t know how he hasn’t been punched in the face.

“What is your job exactly. Besides making balloon animals.” Definitely have been hanging around the kids a little too much. A low blow and childish. Wow.

“Protecting your reality, doucebag.” He knows that. But he’s snarky when he’s panicking.

Bruce, knowing that Tony is probably one second from a mental breakdown, steps in. “Ok, guys. Could we table this discussion right now? The fact is we have this stone. We know where it is. Vision is out there somewhere with the Mind Stone and we have to find him now.”

Tony inwardly scoffed. He knew exactly where his synthetic son ran off to. Well who he ran off with. “Yeah, that’s the thing.”

Bruce furrowed his brow, “What do you mean?” Vision had always let someone know where he was going and what he was doing. It was completely unnecessary, but Vision continued to do so despite everything.

“Two weeks ago, Vision turned off his transponder. He’s offline and the kids have no idea where he is. He didn’t say.”

“What. Tony, you lost another super-bot.” Low bow, but Bruce was under stress. He’ll let that comment slide.

“I didn’t lose him. And he's more than that. He’s evolving,” Tony defended. Ultron was still his son no matter how murderous and evil he turned out to be.

“Who could find Vision then?”

Tony rolled his eyes to the heavens and cursed quietly under his breath. “Probably Steve Rogers.” If Selene was here, he would argue that he was definitely not pouting.

“Oh, great,” Strange sneered before turning away.

“Call him,” Bruce insisted. Sure, there had still been tension in the house when he left with the Asgardians a few weeks ago, but Tony knew the risks right.

“It’s not that easy,” Tony shrugged.

“Tony, listen to me. Thor’s gone. Thanos is coming. It doesn’t matter who you’re talking to or not.”

Tony clenched his jaw and looked away. For the sake of the universe, he could work with Steve Rogers. He did it to save his kids. He can do it again.

He sighed to himself before turning away. He pulls out that disgusting excuse for a phone when the extremis in his system registered something in the distance. He looks around him before turning to look at the others. “Say, Doc, you wouldn’t happen to be moving your hair, would ya?”

“Not at the moment, no.”

There was muffled screaming and they all turned to look at the door. Tony walked over and opened the door.

It was pure chaos.

[starryseo]

another world. | kim seungmin

pairing ↠ seungmin x gender neutral!reader

genre ↠ this was meant to be fluff but if you read the warnings below, you will see that that failed

wc ↠ 8863

summary ↠ video games are fun, but being trapped in one isn’t as nice, even if you’re stuck in it with your best friends

warnings ↠ swearing, fighting (mentions of blood) and major character death (i’m sad but not sorry)

a/n ↠ one of my faves, hope you all enjoy!!

16:43: Hyunjin -  17 more minutes!!!!!

16:43: Felix – tHIS IS GONNA BE AWESOME

16:44: Jisung – 16 more minuTES!!!!!!!!

16:44: You – i leave for half an hour and yoURE STILL COUNTING DOWN

16:44: Felix – stop killing our vibes bro

16:44: Hyunjin – #HaterzAreMyMotivatorz

16:44: Jisung – it makes it more exciting okay joIN US

16:45: Felix – it’s a new minute……….

16:45: Hyunjin – say it y/n

16:45: Jisung – say it say it say itsayitsayit

16:45: You – it’s time

16:45: Felix – :)

16:45: You – for me to get new friends

16:45: Felix – :(

16:46: Jisung – :((

16:46: Hyunjin – :(((

16:46: You – :D

16:46: Hyunjin – we’re not friends anymore

16:46: Jisung – agreed

16:46: Felix – agreed x2

16:47: You – agreed x3

16:47: Jisung – wHy Do YoU hAtE uS

16:47: You – because none of you are giving me chan’s number :(

16:47: Felix – he’s out of your league

16:47: Hyunjin – he’s out of MY league

16:47: You – hyunjin shut up

16:47: Jisung – hyunjin shut up

16:47: Felix – hyunjin shut up

16:48: Hyunjin – what’s with this slander?? weren’t we all against y/n?

16:48: You – they finally realised i’m better than you

16:48: Jisung – omg shut up and get online PLEASE

You turned your phone off, running down from your bedroom to your living room. Grabbing your controller, you hit a button, waking up your console from its rest mode. The screen still showed the loading image of the game you had downloaded. So far, only a beta version of the game had been released to the public, and the four of you were more than excited to try your hand at it, seeing as it was one of the latest, most talked about, virtual reality games. Since it was still an unfinished game, only a certain number of people could join, so you all had loaded the game beforehand, the developers updating you that the game would officially be ready to play at 5PM exactly.

Clearing the room so you had space to move, you grabbed the SenseSet, the headset built just for this franchise, propping it on your head and fixing the mic. It was a headset that stimulated all of your senses via your brain, so you could fully experience and control your in-game character. You watched eagerly as the minutes ticked away, getting closer to 5PM. When you had mere seconds left, you grabbed your controller, ready to hit the ‘X’ button and start the game as soon as possible. When the clock struck five, you pushed the button, waiting with bated breath. As soon as the loading screen faded into a welcoming screen, you cheered, immediately grabbing your phone.

17:00: You – IM IN BITCHESSSSS

17:00: Jisung – jhsfkjashf SAME HERE

17:00: Felix – ayyyyy #squad

17:00: Hyunjin – i didn’t get in

17:00: You – sucks to be you

17:00: Jisung – better luck next time bro

17:00: Felix – oh well

17:01: Hyunjin – why are you bitches so heARTLESS

Hyunjin – I WAS LYING. I GOT IN, BUT SCREW YOU ALL

17:01: You – we knew you were lying

17:01: Hyunjin – h o w

17:01: You – intuition? :’’’)

17:01: Felix – spidey senses???

17:02: Jisung – your profile says you’re in the game dumbass

17:02: Hyunjin – oh yeah whoops

Grinning as the page finished loading, you went through a quick set-up of adjusting the screen size and resolution before the game actually began. A robotic voice, you couldn’t tell whether it was male or female, started speaking as your screen changed to a dark blue colour, the words they spoke appearing as though someone was typing them on screen.

“Welcome to Another World,” it began, the screen fading to show vibrant images of the virtual reality game. It showed hills and rivers where people were training and fighting, and also the bustling towns where people had gathered for festivities. The typing continued over the images in the background. “A place where you can be who you want, however you want. Make new friends, explore new places and forever have fun, in this brand-new world where you are your own master. Please enter your real name – this will only be visible to people you have chosen to share it with.”

On screen, a keyboard appeared, and you used your controller to spell out your name before hitting enter.

“Please enter your screen name – this will be visible to everyone.”

Typing in your username, WhoAmI, you were glad it was available and you didn’t have to spend time thinking of another one. The screen then zoomed into the world until one street was displayed. A plain figure was also displayed on screen with your username above their head. A banner with ‘Recreate yourself’ written on it was at the top of the screen, different settings emerging on the side with buttons to personalise your character. After much deliberating, you had created your whole character finally adding a black cloak with a silver dragon embellished on it to complete the look. You hit enter and the screen transitioned to a first-person perspective, still in the street.

“On your wrist, there is a Viewer – it is impossible to remove the Viewer and tampering with it will result in a ban. Please click on the Viewer’s screen.” The voice instructed.

You clicked on the watch, a hologram-like screen appearing in front of you now. As a default, it opened your profile, displaying your name, username, level and health bar. There was an empty friends list to the side and multiple other tabs at the top too.

“To add another person, you must open your friends list,” the voice told, just as a square highlighted your friends list. “Please click on your friends list.”

You were taken through a thorough tutorial of how to use the Viewer, familiarising yourself with the other tabs (the main ones being the inventory and map tabs).

“Please head to the Town Hall. Use your map to navigate to it.”

Opening the map, you looked for where Town Hall was written, clicking on it so a path was highlighted. You closed the screen, the map shrinking down to be displayed on the Viewer.

Upon arriving, the voice spoke up, “Enter the Town Hall building for a briefing.” Just as you were making your way to the building, you heard several voices call out your name.

“Y/n, where are you?”

“Oh man, what if they already died?”

“Shut up, Felix; if you haven’t died, I doubt they have.”

You turned to the boys standing just off to the right of the building. You made your way to them, swinging your arm around one of them as you grinned. “Did you guys miss me?”

“Ew, of course not,” Hyunjin grumbled, shrugging your arm off of him.

“C’mon, we were waiting for you to come so we could go in together,” Jisung spoke up.

“Aw, cute, you’re all lost without me,” you laughed, making your way to the building.

“I told you we should’ve left without them,” Hyunjin mumbled and you nudged him.

You all entered the building one after the other, but as soon as you entered, you could no longer see them. The place was filled only with computer generated characters to fill the scene.

“Guys, can you hear me?” you questioned aloud, looking around. “Felix, you there? Jisung? Hyunjin?”

After radio silence, you walked forwards a couple of steps before a voice spoke out. “Welcome to Another World. I am the developer of this world, Park Jinyoung, and now, I am in control. You may have noticed that the tutorial failed to show you a log out button – that is not a defect or glitch. You cannot log out of Another World, and an outsider will not be able to shut down or remove the SenseSet from your head; doing so would force the transmitter in the headset to discharge a microwave signal into your brain, destroying it and killing you. Media outlets are already aware of what removing the SenseSet would do, so the likelihood of removal is, hopefully, minimal. Cutting the power will also be futile as I installed an internal battery in the SenseSet.

“Now that we have all 1,500 people in the game, the world and all its mysteries will be acting in full force. The only way to get out of the game is to clear the three boss levels I have personally created. If, at any point, your health falls to zero or you are killed, not only will your avatar be killed, but the SenseSet will trigger the microwave signal, ending your life, so reviving someone is impossible. Only once you have cleared a level can you move onto the next. Once all three levels have been cleared, the game will end. Players, I wish you all good luck and remember to have fun. Thank you for playing Another World. This concludes your tutorial.”

When the booming voice silenced, the noise from the computer characters took over your senses once again. You quickly turned around, rushing out of the door you had come again. You were met with Hyunjin’s character looking around worriedly, and you jogged over to him, asking, “Where are the others?”

“They haven’t come out yet; did you get the same message?” He looked relatively scared, like a deer caught in headlights, eyes wide and unfocused.

“About this being real? Yeah, what the hell kind of messed up shit is this?”

“What the hell was that?” you heard someone yell, and you and Hyunjin turned to see Felix running out of the building towards you.

He was followed by Jisung who was repeatedly saying, “No, no, no, this can’t be real, right?”

Hyunjin was the first to speak up, “It makes sense,” he started, and you all turned to him, fear evident in your eyes, “he wasn’t lying about the internal battery and there really is no log out button – I went through all the settings. Plus, we have no control of our bodies now, so we wouldn’t be able to pull off the SenseSet even if we wanted to.”

He was definitely correct about that last part, even you were sure about that. The SenseSet had been advertised as the most revolutionary headset since it gave the user the full experience their character would undergo, the only way to regain your senses was to quit whatever game you were playing.

“So, we’re actually stuck here?” Felix murmured, stuffing his hands in his pockets, “And we have to fight to get out?”

“Wait…” Jisung started, hesitantly, “Would we have to kill people, like, actual people and not just the computer-generated ones?” You all looked at each in silence, no one answering him since the answer was obvious and grim.

“We should get a move on,” you suggested, Hyunjin nodding along with you. “We should try to level up or something, learn more about the game so we can get the hell out of here.”

“We need to do that quickly, there are probably other players that wouldn’t hesitate to attack us.” Hyunjin said, opening his Viewer up, “Let’s add each other first, though.”

You all opened up your Viewers, adding each other. You snorted at Hyunjin’s username, “‘JinyoungILY’, dude you’re such a loser.”

“Says you, ‘WhoAmI’; you’re a lameass, that’s who you are.”

“Oh, burn!” Felix laughed, high-fiving Hyunjin.

“Shut up, ‘Here2FixIt’, how stupid,” Jisung rolled his eyes, “I don’t even want that name to be in my friends list.”

“Oh shush, you love me, ‘ProteccTheSquirrels’,” he grinned, slinging his arm around Jisung’s shoulders.

“Let’s just all agree that I have the best username,” Hyunjin said, smirking. And so, one-by-one you all unfriended Hyunjin, walking away together.

The four of you had explored the map as much as you could before evening came. After talking to some other players, you found out that people could go on missions which would help train yourselves, boost your levels and give you experience points and qreele – the currency in this world.

Earlier, the four of you had taken a few small missions, helping some computer-generated characters decorate their houses, assisting in a charity shop and other mundane tasks. This gave you enough money to head to a nearby café where you all snacked on cake and hot drinks. The drink warmed you up perfectly after spending the whole day out, working and learning more about Another World, and the setting sun made you even more tired. You ate the final part of your cake, the cream tasting so real, so delicious, yet you still couldn’t come to terms with being stuck in a game.

“Guys,” Felix started, leaning his head on the table sideways, “where are we even going to sleep? I’m tired as heck.”

“Sleep is for the weak!” Jisung exclaimed, chugging the second coffee he had ordered.

“Idiot…” Hyunjin mumbled, rolling his eyes at Jisung, “We should probably look around for a place to stay, it’s getting even darker outside.”

You all got up after that, throwing away your rubbish and leaving the café. After wandering around for a few minutes, you walked past an alleyway. You all chose not to walk down there but hearing grunts of pain from there enticed you all to check out what was happening. You hid along the sides of the entrance, trying to look at the commotion. You heard the clatter of metal against the ground before someone growled out, “I won’t ask again, give it to me.”

A feeble voice coughed out, “No, get away from me.”

“Shit,” Felix whispered, eyes widened in panic, “We have to help him out.”

“How?” Jisung squeaked out, “We can barely even see what’s happening!”

The streetlights barely glowed in the alleyway, only showing their shadows on the ground and illuminating the dumpsters and rubbish lining the floor. Hyunjin took lead, instructing Jisung to grab a nearby pot, Felix to duck behind the dumpster and for you to grab the nearest bin lid as a shield. He then moved away from the wall, cupping his mouth with his hands. “Hey, dumbass, why don’t you pick on someone your own size!”

The man, realising the guy on the floor wasn’t going anywhere, dashed in Hyunjin’s direction. Just as he was running past, Felix stuck his leg out, tripping the man over so he thudded to the ground. Jisung threw the pot at the man, managing to hit his head. The man seemed stunned and Felix used this time to help the injured man up just as Hyunjin tackled the guy out of the way. He gained strength, however, easily pushing Hyunjin off who slammed against the wall. He turned to Hyunjin swinging his arm back when you threw the lid at him, hitting his back and grabbing his attention away from Hyunjin. In that moment, Hyunjin kicked the man in the back of his knees, him falling to the ground once more, as Jisung picked up another object, throwing it at the man.

Just as you and Felix had managed to grab the injured man and Hyunjin, the attacker grabbed the bin lid throwing it at Jisung. It flew into his shoulder, the edge cutting him and tearing his shirt. He grabbed his shoulder, grunting in pain, as it started to bleed.

As soon as you heard the man get up, cursing, you heard a small rock-like object hit the ground and then smoke emerged, clouding your vision. You heard a voice usher you guys to follow them and, having no other choice, you did. After a while of running, you somehow managed to lose the burly man you had just fought off somewhat successfully.

“Okay, I think we’re in the clear now,” he spoke, leading you guys to a side street which was lit up well. You tried looking at his face but the mask and cloak he was adorned in concealed him well.

“Uh, guys…” Felix called, “What the hell’s happening to this guy?”

“It’s like he’s disappearing,” Hyunjin said, shaking the man’s shoulders to try and wake him up.

“Look!” Jisung pointed, “His Viewer’s flashing!”

“Let me see,” your saviour said, rushing to the man and holding his wrist. “Oh God, he has no health left.”

“He’s at zero?” you asked, moving closer to the group, just as the man opened his bruised eyes.

“Th-Thanks for saving me,” he barely managed to croak out.

“He is now.” The man who had saved you replied, showing you the Viewer which displayed the number zero in a large, black font. Simultaneously, your heads turned back to the injured man just as his eyes shut, body becoming pixelated as bright colours appeared as small dots until they all faded into a grey shadow of the body.

And then he vanished. In his place was a blue screen with the words XxILoveDarkxX has left printed on it.

Hyunjin and Felix’s arms fell limp to their sides, no longer holding up a body.

“Did… Did he seriously just go?” Felix asked, facing the hooded man.

“Shit, please tell me that was a computer not an actual person,” Jisung said, also facing the man.

He shook his head slowly, “Computers don’t get Viewers, he is- he was human.”

In the sombre silence, the four of you followed the man back to his hideout. He led you to the entrance of another alleyway, but he didn’t walk further. Instead, he looked back, checking for any lurking players, before he crouched to the floor, lifting the metal plate leading to the sewers.

“Your secret place is the sewers?” Hyunjin asked, raising a brow and facing you as though asking you ‘should we make a run for it?’

“Just trust me,” he replied, ushering for you all to go down first.

Felix went first, followed by Jisung who struggled as his shoulder was still injured. You and Hyunjin then went, followed by the man, who made sure to close the lid again. There were light green lights illuminating the place and, strangely, there was no dirty water contaminating the whole floor, but there were two streams on either side of the walkway. Once you had climbed down, the man told you to follow him further in.

You eventually arrived at an open area – a place you definitely didn’t think would exist under the ground. The middle part of the room was slightly lower than the rest and there was a large sofa on one side, a table in the middle and a TV on the other side. There were arcade games lining part of a wall and a fridge next to it and a counter beside it. There was even a door with ‘TOILET’ spray painted onto it. The whole place seemed like the most perfect underground headquarters you had ever come across. You looked further on and there was higher ground with a tree planted in the middle; there were training dummies scattered around that room with weapons hanging off of them and other training facilities on the side.

“Dude, this is wicked!” Felix exclaimed, running ahead and jumping on the sofa.

“There’s no way you could’ve built this place,” Hyunjin inquired, turning to the man – he still hadn’t revealed his name, but his username which, you only brought your attention to now, was ‘SquirtleMin’. “The game was only released today, how’d you know about this?”

The man shrugged his shoulders, pulling his hood off and his mask down, “I was running away from some people, and, what better place to hide than underground?”

“I don’t mean to be a nuisance, guys,” Jisung called out, “like, please, carry on, I’ll just carry on bleeding out, it’s fine.”

“Oh shit, Jisung, you idiot,” you said, pulling him to the sofa.

“Yeah, I’m the idiot, it’s not like you were the ones that forgot I got hurt.”

“In our defence, a man did just die,” Hyunjin said, “I think we’ve got more important things on our mind.”

“I was hurt saving your dumb ass!”

‘SquirtleMin’ had just come back from the bathroom, looking through a first aid kit. He pulled out some gauze, bandages and a saline solution. “I don’t actually know what I’m doing,” he started, “don’t you know what to do?” He asked Felix.

“The username’s just a joke, dude,” he laughed, holding up both hands innocently.

“Don’t trust Felix with that,” Hyunjin interfered, grabbing the solution, “he’d probably kill Jisung.”

Somehow, Hyunjin had cleaned the cut and wrapped it in the bandages successfully and Jisung’s health had stopped slowly decreasing – he was only at 93 which wasn’t too drastic.

“Here, drink this.” The man told Jisung, handing him water. “It should help regain your health.”

“So, who are you, ‘SquirtleMin’?” you asked, crossing your arms and relaxing into the sofa.

“Who am I, ‘WhoAmI’, that’s a great question.” The man laughed, sitting on the table opposite you.

“If you guys are going to make bad username puns, just kill me now,” Jisung groaned, leaning his head back onto the sofa.

“C’mon, let’s just add each other,” Hyunjin suggested, opening his Viewer to add the man. You all followed after Hyunjin and he accepted, revealing his name to be Kim Seungmin.

“Wait…” Hyunjin started hesitantly, “You go to school with us, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I didn’t realise it was you guys until now.” He grinned, “I thought I just met another group of losers.”

“You’re hilarious, aren’t you, Squirtle?” Hyunjin rolled his eyes, joining Seungmin on the table.

“Yes, I am, ‘Jinyoung I love you’,” Seungmin smirked, nudging Hyunjin’s arm, “Mind asking your lover to get us out of his game?”

Hyunjin scoffed just as Felix snorted out a laugh, “Disgusting, I don’t love that creep, I have standards. I love GOT7’s Jinyoung.”

“Their names are both Park Jinyoung,” Jisung pointed out, posing as though he was thinking of something.

“The creepy ass game developer is part of GOT7!” Felix exclaimed, jumping up, “Conspiracy theories!”

“He should’ve just stuck to the music industry,” you grumbled.

The five of you had created makeshift beds and hammocks to rest in overnight; they weren’t the most comfortable things to sleep in, but for now it was good enough.

That morning you ate breakfast with the food already in the fridge before deciding on what tasks to do for that day. Jisung had healed up fine overnight, so he, Felix and Hyunjin decided to go on a mission whilst you and Seungmin headed to the library to get books on this place before exploring more.

“Dude, this is tiring,” you groaned, faceplanting into the book in front of you. It had been a good few hours since you arrived at the library, reading book after book on anything and everything about this world – from its vast history and how it came to be, to the creatures and legendary monsters hidden within. “If I read another word about how freaking amazing the scenery in this hellhole is, I’m going to cry.”

Seungmin held back a laugh, rolling his eyes at your antics. “Why are you so dramatic? It’s your own fault for picking the boring books,” he pushed a book, ‘Magnificent Myths’, your way. “Read this one.”

“But you just read that,” you moaned, pushing it back and resting your chin on the table, “and the title sounds cheesy as heck, man.”

“You’re so difficult,” he murmured, and you grinned when he shut the book in his hand, pushing it aside. He mimicked your position, leaning over the table, face mere inches away from yours. “What do you want to do, then, y/n?”

Your eyes lit up enthusiastically as you exclaimed, “Let’s eat!”

“Silence!” The librarian – an old woman with dagger-like eyes – bellowed, glaring at you and Seungmin from behind the counter.

“Do you have to be so loud?” Seungmin whispered, peering over at the librarian in case she was still looking.

“Oh, relax,” you shrugged, giggling at his worried expression, before getting up and stretching your joints out. “Let’s go!”

He huffed, grabbing the books he had yet to read in his hand as you carried the others to put away. He quickly scanned the books before catching up with you as you waited by the exit.

You took him to a fast food place you had spotted on your way to the library. After buying your food, you managed to grab a table in the corner, settling down in the booth. You started sipping on your smoothie, the drink refreshing you perfectly.

“This may just be pixels,” Seungmin started, “but, damn, this tastes wicked.” You laughed at his blissful expression as he breathed in the food, barely taking time to enjoy it properly.

You stole some chips from his plate, grinning when he huffed and complained, “you have your own food, why are you taking mine, you thief?”

“Food tastes better when it’s stolen,” you winked, taking another chip, but before you could bite it, Seungmin had grabbed your wrist, using all his strength to force your hand his way so he could eat the chip from your hand.

You pouted when he successfully managed to eat it, glumly picking up your own chips instead now.

“You’re right, it does taste better when stolen.”

“Holy shit, this looks badass,” Hyunjin gasped, holding yet another sword. His hand smoothed over the blade, index finger tracing over the letters engraved onto it.

“That’s what you said about the last sword,” Seungmin groaned, rolling his eyes at Hyunjin’s fascination, “Can you actually help us out now?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Hyunjin mumbled, messing around with the sword in a few random poses before he hung it on another display rack, finishing off the sword collection. The five of you had been tidying up the hideout this week, alternating between missions to get enough money for resources to revamp the place.

“Another win!” Felix cheered just as Jisung hit his head against the game machine, “Pay up, sucker.” Felix held his hand out just as Jisung opened up his inventory, giving Felix one of his prized weapons.

“I’m pretty sure you cheated,” he grumbled, sniffing as he reluctantly sent the dagger to Felix whose Viewer lit up with a notification.

“I told you not to play against him,” you said to Jisung, having finished repainting the last wall with Seungmin. “He’s obsessed with the game and you thought you could beat him?”

“Stop judging me,” Jisung glared at you as you laughed, joining Felix who was admiring his newly-received prize.

The three of you joined Seungmin and Hyunjin on the sofas, relaxing after having spent the whole morning re-painting the walls and unboxing weapons you had gathered on your adventures. Hyunjin and Felix had found a secret basement filled with different decorations and paints, so you all decided to re-paint the walls and spray paint over it, personalising the hideout to suit you all.

The training area had been the worst to reconstruct, and you even took the weapons already there to a blacksmith. Hyunjin had read up on the weapons and there were a couple of rare, enhanced swords and shields hidden here. You had taken a particular liking to the magical books that were in the basement, practising the different techniques and spells written in there. There was a handwritten book thrown on the floor of the training area, with more powerful spells and enchantments that you had been practising, although they were incredibly hard to control and energy-consuming.

Over the months, you all had been training in different areas, like your lives depended on it – and they did. Where you were training in the magical arts and had gotten to level 103, Felix had become more agile and stealthy, choosing to become an assassin-like character, learning hand-to-hand combat and how to wield a dagger and gun, rising to level 95. You had watched him practice for so long, pouring blood, sweat and tears into perfecting his martial arts; you couldn’t help but admire how much he excelled at this, even helping yourself and the other boys when he could, so you could all spar together.

Hyunjin had chosen to be more long range, polishing his archery and sniping skills to become a level 97. You always made sure he ate properly – he had a tendency to spend hours training his precision and looking through small scopes, so whenever you spoke to him, his eyes would look exhausted from squinting so much.

Their training was always intense and much harder to level up when they were constantly fighting and draining energy. You practised your healing skills on them: when they would fight, you would see how long it took you to heal them both a considerable amount; you also taught them small healing spells in case you weren’t ever around and they needed to fix themselves up. You had also read about lots of different potions, experimentally brewing one for Hyunjin to lessen the strain on his eyes. Despite several failed attempts at the start, you learned a lot more about different ingredients and how to use them to their full potential.

Jisung and Seungmin had become typical fighters, but Jisung was more of a paladin, strengthening his defence, so, when the time came, he could take on heavy attacks without losing health drastically; Jisung was a level 110 and Seungmin a level 113. Jisung and Seungmin would always push you three to fight against them, so they could become quick to defend themselves against attacks from all distances and angles. Despite the severity of your situation, you all enjoyed the fights that ensued, training together had not only made your characters stronger, but brought your group together, like a tight-knit family of teens.

“Race you to the river!” Felix exclaimed, taking off as soon as you all arrived at the park. Jisung and Hyunjin dashed after him, dropping the baskets and footballs they were holding. The sun was starting to set, casting an ethereal orange glow on the water and fields below.

“Why did we get stuck with these idiots?” Seungmin grumbled, laying out a mat where they had dropped everything, before flopping down on the ground. “Seriously, I feel like their dad looking after them.”

You were just about to taunt him further when you heard Hyunjin yell out, “It’s every man for himself!”

You and Seungmin both turned to see the three of them sprinting away from police guards and you simultaneously sighed. You slumped to the ground besides Seungmin, turning to him. “I feel like their parent too.”

You were staring up at the sky, unaware of Seungmin’s eyes widening – the sun wasn’t the only thing painting his cheeks pink.

He sat up, and your gaze followed, before he tugged you up by your wrist. “Let’s go.”

“Go where, exactly?” you questioned, standing up after him regardless.

“Away.”

He stored everything in his inventory before whisking you away to the river. You had no clue where Hyunjin, Jisung and Felix were, but your mind paid them no heed anyways.

The two of you followed the river downtown, talking about everything and nothing. You couldn’t help but notice how Seungmin was still holding your hand. He had let go when he opened his inventory up, taking out some food for you both to snack on, but he held on again as soon as you had taken the food. This single connection had you riled up, your body fluttering at the warmth his hand exuded. You listened to him as he hummed a song to fill the lull in your conversation. You loved hearing him sing – he would do it in the underground home whenever he thought he was alone, and you could never stop yourself from listening in, hanging on to each word he sang.

“Do you ever think about home?”

His sudden question broke you out of your trance, and you let out a small, “huh?”

He repeated his question and you pursed your lips, so many thoughts taking over your mind. You thought back to your family, your real home, and how life would have been much different had you not logged in. You couldn’t imagine what your family must be going through – you often wondered how they were coping with this ordeal. Were they still worrying about you, or had they lost hope? Would they welcome you with open arms if you ever came back?

“Yeah,” you murmured, “it’s a scary thought, though. Everything’s going to feel so weird if we ever manage to get back.”

“When,” he emphasised, and you furrowed your brows, confused. “Not ‘if we get back’, but ‘when’.” He grinned after that, smiling cheekily as he added on, “Have a little faith in me, y/n.”

“You’re my hero, Squirtle,” you quipped, rolling your eyes as his smile grew.

“C’mon, let’s get ice cream!”

As soon as you entered the hideout, you heard Felix exclaim, “They’re finally back!”

When you walked to where they were, Hyunjin grumbled, “So you’ve finally decided to join us?”

“Ignore him,” Jisung said, nudging Hyunjin, “He’s still salty because the policeman managed to tackle him.”

“I tripped first!”

“Anyways,” Jisung exaggerated, clasping his hands, “how was your date?”

“What date?” Seungmin asked.

“Don’t think we haven’t noticed your hands, Minnie,” Felix commented, and Seungmin broke the hand-hold, quickly holding onto his other hand.

“Oh, shut up,” Seungmin grumbled, leaving the room. “I’m going to sleep, good night.”

Once he had left, all 3 boys turned to you, smirks galore and eyebrows dancing in mischief.

“Screw you all,” you mumbled, going to your room, and they burst out laughing at your annoyed face.

Your group had become very well known in Another World, noticeably due to you being able to defeat the first two bosses within 6 months of the game. It had been a gruelling 6 months, training every day and doing harder missions to get enough money to stay alive. You had even named yourselves ‘I am NOT’, people spray painting your title as a semblance of hope and faith that you could break the game and escape. People still had no idea of your hideout and you were glad; although you were a beacon of hope, there were twisted groups that fed off of the control the game gave them, and a group of youngsters that were close to defeating the final boss was the exact opposite of what they wanted. You had gotten into many fights, never intentionally taking another life – it was a rule you had all agreed upon: do enough damage to end a fight not a life.

The whereabouts of the bosses were all given through riddles; the first riddle being revealed to all the players a week into being trapped in the game. After that, Jinyoung had announced that the next riddle would only appear to whoever defeated the boss, at the end of the fight. The riddle that appeared to you was:

I never thought you’d get this far

But the final clue for you is STAR.

Your progress has disrupted my game

Let’s see if you can fulfil my aim.

The five of you had been wracking your brains for the answer to this, nothing worthwhile coming out of it. You had checked out observatories, staking out overnight in case the boss would only appear at night. You had travelled far and wide, but all your leads led to dead ends.

The five of you had just returned from sneaking into a place called STAR labs. Although you had already checked this place out, this was your first time going at night, altogether, although nothing fruitful happened aside from Felix falling asleep and knocking a glass down, tripping the silent alarm. You all made a hasty getaway from security, barely managing to lose them since the streets were so empty. You abandoned the car you had driven in, running back to your house in the shadows, not leaving a trace of you guys behind.

“Another failure,” Jisung mumbled, faceplanting onto the sofa.

“You’re a failure,” Felix grumbled after him, falling right on top of him.

“Another day, another beautiful car gone,” Hyunjin joked, lighting up the mood.

Seungmin made his way over to the fridge just as Hyunjin pulled Jisung and Felix into upright positions. You sat on the second sofa, easily catching the water bottle Seungmin threw to you.

Seungmin sat beside you, leaning his head on your shoulder, huffing out as he shut his eyes. The other boys broke out of their misery to turn to you, eyes winking non-stop and hands fanning their faces to mock you.

“Y/n, are you perhaps…” Felix started, a teasing smirk on his face, “blushing?”

“Of course not,” you whispered harshly, flicking the bottle’s cap at him. He dodged it easily, raising his eyebrows suggestively at you. You rolled your eyes at him, vision landing on Jisung who had cupped his hands into a heart with you and Seungmin in the middle.

“Stop it!” you said, quickly looking at Seungmin, as you kept your voice down to not wake him up.

“Why?” Now it was Hyunjin’s turn to fool around, “We all know you,” and then he made a heart with his hand, “him.”

Even though they weren’t wrong, you couldn’t help but tell them to stop, fearing Seungmin might wake up. During the long time you had spent stuck in this game, you had gotten considerably closer to the boy. You couldn’t help but appreciate everything he had done for you four, always thinking back to the first day you arrived – he could have easily left you there to fend for yourselves, but he helped you out and even let you stay with him in your current home. You had all gotten much closer now, literally trusting one another with your lives, and you couldn’t be any happier with the four boys you call your best friends.

What surprised you the most was how Hyunjin, Jisung and Felix had managed to figure out your (small) crush on Seungmin; you knew they liked teasing you about liking him, but you never thought much of it until one day when Hyunjin and Felix pushed Jisung towards you – he dragged you off to another room and tried getting you to speak about Seungmin, but, of course, you tried brushing everything off, feigning ignorance. He hadn’t believed in your, “oh, it’s nothing, we’re just friends,” comments, but he had decided not to pester any longer. You wondered if Seungmin knew too, then, if you were this obvious – just thinking about him possibly returning your feelings made your mind go crazy.

“Where else do we have to explore?” you asked, changing the subject before taking a large gulp of your water.

Hyunjin looked over the large paper spread over the table, crossing out ‘Star Labs, night’. “Nowhere else, the labs were the last place.”

“Ugh, guys, there are more rats,” Felix groaned, leaning his head on Hyunjin’s shoulder.

“Where?” Seungmin asked, suddenly awake. All of you turned to him, wide-eyed; had he been awake this whole time? Had he heard your conversation?

Felix pointed to the arcade games and Seungmin went there, sword in hand, looking for the creatures.

“Hyunjin and I went around sealing all the holes just yesterday,” Jisung whined, “How the hell do they get through so quickly?”

The rats had only been adding to your stress over the final boss fight. You took a closer look at where Seungmin had scribbled down the riddle.

“We disrupted his game…” you mumbled, biting your lip as you thought of what that meant.

“These stupid rats are disrupting my sleep!” Felix complained, hearing the clatter of Seungmin’s sword against the ground.

“Felix, that’s it!” you exclaimed, finally understanding the riddle. “The rats only came after we got the riddle, right?”

“Yeah, but they only come out… at night; shit, you’re a genius!” Hyunjin gasped.

You continued, “Exactly, they only come out when the stars are out, we were right about something happening at night. But that’s not all: star is an anagram for rats. There’s got to be a connection with the rats and the final boss.”

“Do we need to follow them or something?” Jisung asked, now interested, “Maybe where they come from is where the final fight is.”

“Uh, guys…” Seungmin called, and you all turned to look over at him. The rat he was going after was stationary in front of a game machine, his sword falling straight through it, yet it wasn’t disappearing in a cloud of pixels like it previously had. Instead, it looked like it was staring straight at you.

“I don’t think we have to go to the fight…” Hyunjin started.

“It’s already come to us.”

The five of you quickly escaped, just as more rats started pouring out of hidden crevices in the room. Jisung was the last to climb out, pulling the lid to the sewer over the hole.

“Wait, those rats have been there for so long,” Felix spoke, “how come they’re only coming out now?”

You and Hyunjin shrugged your shoulders, looking to Jisung who was just as clueless.

“Maybe he was waiting for us to figure it out,” Seungmin suggested. Just as he had said that, the small holes in the lid let through a sharp, bright white light with a blue glow. It travelled as far up as your eyes could see, alerting anyone who was still awake.

“What the hell is that?” Felix said, voice dripping in awe, as your heads all looked upwards at the never-ending light.

A massive crash sounding from your headquarters snapped you all out of your reveries. You all equipped yourselves with weapons, preparing for an attack.

You were right.

The fight had come to you but this was unlike the last two boss levels you had finished; it was like Armageddon and an apocalypse horrifically rolled into one. The cacophony had awakened hundreds of other players, so you weren’t fighting alone. Even then, the monsters that had crawled and broke through the ground were annihilating you all. You had deviated from the entrance to your hideout, the largest and strongest creature hot on your tail.

You couldn’t even make out its feature properly, not due to it being dark outside, but because it barely had features. All you could make out was a massive figure with black, ice-like shards covering its entire body and burning red eyes. That was all. Even its hands that you had seen shoot purple fireballs were made of shards.

Your bullets barely made a mark on it, scratching the surface before flying off. Yet Felix continued to waste his ammo, firing shot after shot as he ran forward; Hyunjin was also shooting arrows that you had enchanted to slow it down, but they were all crushed beneath its claws, disappearing in a cloud of pixels.

A dead-end.

You had done all that running, fighting, saving, to come face to face with a dead-end. You were so sure that this wall wasn’t here, you’d been through this place countless times and yet the bricks lain in front of you begged to differ. Your mind was clogged with so many different things, spells, maps, people, and yet it couldn’t focus on anything, thoughts jumbling into a giant mess screaming at you to do something, to do more. But what more could you do?

You didn’t know how long you had been fighting for. The whole game had changed ever since the chaos ensued: the sky was devoid of all stars and the moon, the streetlights only flickered a ghastly pale blue light and the roads had all changed, houses appearing where there should have been empty spaces, walls built where there once was a street.

“Shit, what do we do now?” Felix panted, bruised hands barely clinging onto his gun as he leaned back against the wall.

“Hell, if I know,” Hyunjin gasped, yelling in pain as you helped him sit down. There was a shard sticking out of his calf, and you used your dagger to cut his trousers so you could help him.

“Felix, shine a light, quickly,” you instructed, crouching in front of Hyunjin who threw his head back, jaw tensing as he bit back cries. Felix opened his Viewer, the screen shining a blue light onto Hyunjin’s leg. There were purple lines slithering out of the shard, beneath his skin, slowly spreading in every direction and you just knew that wasn’t good. You looked at his face, smeared with blood and bruises, tears brimming his eyes in defeat.

You steeled yourself, pulling out water from your inventory for him to drink and ease his nerves before you started. You used every spell you could, numbing his leg before you pulled the shard out, swiftly cleaning the wound before you healed it. The purple lines continued crawling upwards but his health started decreasing at a slower rate, possibly buying you time to do more. You and Felix quickly ate something too, before you heard more crashes, and then footsteps running near you.

Jisung and Seungmin had bought you guys time, diverting the monster’s attention from you three when Hyunjin got hit. When they got to you, Seungmin banged his fists on the wall, “This was never here, what the hell?”

“Are you okay?” Jisung asked Hyunjin, keeping an eye out for the beast.

Hyunjin managed a feint nod in reply, blinking away his tears.

You made sure Seungmin and Jisung ate something, their health bars dropping to 30. With the energy the food gave you, you healed their injuries, hands shaking as they glowed a pure white, clearing their skins of the battle scars.

“We’re fine now, y/n, thanks,” Seungmin murmured, holding your hand in his to stop you from healing him, “boost your own energy up, yeah?”

He handed you an energy sweet he had which you took graciously; you looked up at him, face littered with cuts and dried blood, eyes still shining hopefully, and you wondered how he didn’t feel defeated yet. His hand glowing caught your attention and you broke eye contact, staring at his hand that moved to your face and, as he swiped his thumb over your cheek, you felt a strange sensation on your face where a stinging cut once was. You lifted a finger to your cheek, feeling around for the cut, but were met with just your skin, nothing torn or bleeding.

“When did you learn that?” you asked, a small smile on your face when he kept his thumb there, running circles over your cheek.

“I pay more attention to you than you think,” he joked, pinching your cheek ever so slightly before dropping his hand once again.

Before you could continue you heard heavy thuds getting closer. You felt him grab your hand, squeezing your hand tightly to say ‘Be careful’, before he moved in front of you, now standing besides Jisung who had equipped himself with half of a massive shield, larger in height than the two boys combined. Seungmin equipped himself with the other half, and you stood next to Felix and Hyunjin, knowing what the boys were doing. They had timed it perfectly: the creature had sprinted at them, swinging his fist back before landing a solid punch, clashing with the two shields Jisung and Seungmin had fused together. It was a shield made of the strongest metal, by the finest blacksmith in the game, and you had added further enchantments to strengthen it.

You could see both boys skid back slightly, them leaning their whole bodies into the shield to hold it together more strongly to protect you three. Their eyes were scrunched together as they pushed back with all their might, taking on the second punch that was landed without a second to breathe. A third punch had them moving back even further and the fourth had the shield splitting into two once more. They both flew back, crumpling against the wall, shields clanging miserably against the ground.

You stood in front, lifting your hands to form a magical shield just as the creature delivered another blow; you could hear your shield wilt under the power, see more and more cracks dig their way into the surface, but you pushed back with all your might, hopefully buying the boys some time. The shield fell to pieces once the claws retracted and you used this as an opportunity to send some more magical attacks to it. You sent out purple laser beams that were supposed to be able to cut through anything, yet they only managed to break some shards that were headed your way. You saw bullets flying too, Felix standing beside you, guns at the ready. You followed by sending out explosive black orbs to its legs, but only the ground blew up, dust flying everywhere.

You couldn’t see it.

Not until it had soared past you, too late for another shield, too late to even scream out his name.

It was like you could hear the slicing sound it made as it tore him. Your vision only focussing on how he screamed in pain, hands rushing to where he was hit as though he could do something.

The beast disappeared after that. Gone, like the wind, a message appearing in front of you instead.

Better luck next time!

You could barely make out the letters, rushing to him and dropping to the ground. Your mouth couldn’t form any words, hands doing all the talking as they lit up, a futile attempt to save him.

“You’ll be fine,” you repeated like a mantra, but no matter how many times you said it, you all knew it was nothing but empty words.

“C’mon, bro, hang in there,” Hyunjin mumbled, crawling over and cradling his head in his palms.

Jisung crouched besides you, holding his hand tightly, whispering more words of encouragement so he stayed awake.

Felix sat next to Hyunjin, holding his other hand, eyes wide and screaming for help, mouth quivering in silent pleas.

Nothing was working; no spells were making the blood stop dripping down, no charms were stopping his health bar from diminishing.

15.

You watched as his eyes slowly shut, chest rising and falling with each painful breath.

Hyunjin was rushing through his words, saying he would never forget him – couldn’t ever forget him. Tears streaming down his face, Felix cried about how he was forever thankful, ever since that first day you all met him. Jisung was barely holding on, whimpering about how he looked up to him, admired him for being so courageous and helping you all out, never asking for anything in return.

7.

What did you have left to say?

The tears trickling down your face blurred your vision and you swiped at them furiously. “Fuck, Seungmin, that should’ve been me,” you sniffed.

Just saying his name hurt – this all seemed like a dream, a nightmare, a game. Yet nothing had felt more real. His nose scrunching was his way of disagreeing with you, yet that thought was all that plagued your mind. You should have been quicker, more alert, more careful.

5.

He used his last burst of energy to hold your hand, rubbing his thumb over your knuckles before he pressed a soft kiss to it, the feel of his lips against your hand soothing you ever so slightly. He dropped your hand on his chest, barely lifting his other arm to click on his Viewer. You all looked at his screen, wondering what he was doing as he scrolled.

DRAFTED MESSAGES (1)

3.

He hit send.

2.

He was…

1.

Gone.

Hey, y/n, if you’re reading this then I’ve somehow gotten the courage to be the man I’m pretending to be in this game. So, either I’ve sent this just before we get to leave the game, or just before I, alone, leave the game. Hopefully the former. :)

I like you.

It’s a lot easier typing this message out, especially since I know you probably won’t ever see it (let’s face it, we both know I’m not the strong man inside that this character makes me out to be). With any luck, I’ll get the courage to say this to your face, but until then, I hope this will do. I like you a lot. It sounds really nice saying that, especially to you of all people, because you’re amazing.

We may have met in a game, but I hope we can continue to be great friends in school (if not more) because I’d hate to lose someone like you, and we make a great tag-team against those other losers. I had a great time getting to know you and, although we’re stuck in a game, I’m glad I got the chance to meet someone as great as you because you’ve changed me, a lot. I hope I live up to your expectations outside of the game too.

I feel like I rambled a lot, and this is probably very cheesy (please don’t show the other guys this, I would DIE), but I hope this doesn’t change anything between us.

Third time’s the charm, so here I go:

I really like you, y/n.

[mama-m1na]

The Kiss of Death: Chapter 4

~~~IV~~~

Sleep did not come at all to the female that night as she prepared herself for dusk of the following day.

She did not fear death. In fact, many times she would welcome it with open arms; however, dying at the hands of someone like Armadeyus just made her blood boil.

In a now calm state of mind, Rhamina thought things over and came to the conclusion that it was he who had framed the teen for the murder of his wife.

‘What a coward,’ she thought bitterly, too drained and numb to move from where she lay on the cold floor of her cell, ‘He couldn’t even kill me face-to-face, so he gets rid of me like this.’

With a sigh, the ravenette closed her eyes before humming a melody she learned as a child back in her homeland, Lemuria.

The attacks on the barrier above had ceased, so the haunting melody drifted through the dungeons, allowing others on death row to hear.

A small pit of unease began to settle in the stomachs of the knights set to guard the witch as the song continued.

‘Why is she acting so serene?’

‘She’s set to suffer a terrible death, so why is she singing?’

‘Is she not scared?’

‘Does she have a plan?’

Time moved slowly in the dark cell.

Rhamina could only guess that it was noon when a guard walked in to give her some bread and water.

The next time the door opened, two armored knights walked in and she knew it was time for her to go.

She wore no expression as she was led through the dungeons, the chains on her ankles rattling with each step she took as a calm aura surrounded the eighteen-year-old female.

The other prisoners, some of which were Lemurian like her, could only offer small prayers as she drifted past their cells while they awaited their own fates.

The ravenette had always loved walking through the capital streets in the early afternoon and evenings, hearing the happy chatter of the people, but it was different that day.

That day all she heard was noise, people shouting in anger from different sides of the streets.

Lemurians stood on one side shouting curses at the unmoved Ukaidian guards and citizens while Ukaidians stood on the other side, throwing slander at the dirty Lemurians who had invaded their lovely city.

‘How annoying,’ she thought as she was led up to a wooden cross, held up with a small platform that she would stand on, ‘Why can’t I just die in a peaceful sleep instead?’

Looking up at the sky as her arms were tied tightly to the horizontal beams with a scratchy rope, the judge that had condemned her stood in front of the wood and dried straw under the platform, spouting words she didn’t care to listen to from a small black book.

Once her waist and legs were tied, everyone left her platform before the judge, dressed in his black robes, turned to meet her expressionless gaze.

“Now, Witch, do you have any last words before you burn?” the male asked as he held a lit torch, the magical barrier around them keeping out the raging citizens.

Looking out over the crowd, the ravenette saw the faces of her loved ones at the very front of the crowd as they tried their best to destroy the barrier only to fail as not even the smallest of cracks appeared on the transparent magic.

Continuing her sweep, the girl’s eyes stopped on the king, wearing a haughty smirk as his children were nowhere to be found, most likely locked in their rooms to keep them from interfering.

“Honestly, what good are my words when all of you refuse to listen? … But I will say just one thing,” Rhamina spoke in an even tone as her heart pounded rapidly in her chest, “Ukaidia is a beautiful country with a kind and just, albeit gullible, people… It really is a shame her king cannot reflect these traits.”

A gasp of shock came from the close guards and judge that could hear the words that fell from the mouth of the girl who wore a bored expression.

The smirk on Armadeyus’ face slowly morphed into a scowl before he gave one, simple command.

“Light it.”

The judge tossed the torch forward into the wood and kindling before stepping back to watch as the red-orange flame roared to life.

The eighteen-year-old instinctively flinched back only to be held in place with the rope securing her form to the wooden cross.

“Now, witch, your soul will be offered up to the grim reaper as he relays your judgement,” the judge read as the flames grew larger.

She couldn’t stop herself from crying out in pain despite trying her hardest once the flames began to lick at her soft skin.

“You have committed the greatest of sins which will now be cleansed by this holy pyre!”

‘I guess it’s good that my hair was chopped off,’ she thought, trying to avoid inhaling the black smoke, ‘Otherwise this would probably be a lot worse.’

“Now begone from this world. Begone and take with you all your stain of sin!”

The Lemurians and bands’ efforts to bring own the barrier increased as the female thought, ‘Fuck! This hurts!’

Tears freely fell down her face as she looked up to the setting sun while fighting against her binds.

‘God! This hurts so much!!’

‘What am I even doing?!’

‘I don’t want to die like this!’

The temperature began to drop rapidly despite the great fire that rose as the ring on the female’s right hand began to glow a soft gold.

Another cry ripped from the female’s throat as the flames melted her skin and flesh, a familiar purple aura beginning to shroud her form.

‘I want to live!’

A large surge of energy burst from Rhaming, shattering the barrier created by four of the royal mages as she was encased in a large crystal of ice, the fires ceasing completely.

The column of ice grew to about two stories before opening in five petals to reveal the female rising to stand in the center of it; however, something changed.

She wore a short, purple and black kimono top with a pleated, purple skirt that ended at her knees with black, wedge, sandals on her feet.

Her previously waist length hair now fell to end at her knees as a pair of black fox ears twitched on top of her head, matching the nine, large, black fox tails swaying behind her.

The female looked around her, revealing the purple markings on her face and her glowing gold irises.

The girl looked down at herself in complete and utter confusion before her ears flicked to stand straight up.

Leaping onto a nearby roof, she narrowly avoided being struck by five arrows before her ears pulled back as she snarled at her attackers, tails swaying dangerously.

“Kill the witch!” ordered Armadeyus as he stood from his seated position, rage taking over his form, “She cannot live!”

The ravenette said nothing as she took off in the opposite direction, leaping from roof to roof as mages and knights followed after her.

She looked back from time to time to see the hoards of mages that were quickly gaining on her, but hesitating to cast their spells lest they hit their own people or buildings.

When she came across the path that led to what served as her home for the past few years, the female lept to the ground in a puff of smoke, reappearing as a fluffy black fox with the same purple marks on her face.

Taking off down the path, the vixen was able to easily evade any spells thrown at her before disappearing into the woods, none of the mages or knights able to follow her through the dense brush.

Two weeks had passed since the ravenette’s disappearance and although many of the Lemurians had left the capital to return to their own cities within Ukaidia, word quickly spread of the guardian’s reawakening with the relic of no name.

As for the ice flower left behind in the town square, it had yet to even begin melting, even with the spells of the best royal mages.

It kept emitting remaining bits and pieces of the ravenette’s magic, serving as a reminder of what transpired that day.

This is where the second prince of Ukaidia currently stood as he thought things over.

“Things have been so hectic,”he sighed as he rested his forehead on the ice, relishing in the lingering aura that had been absent from his life, “I’m sorry I couldn't be there for you… The Lemurians have been acting strange lately since you disappeared and there has been no music coming from the band room. They don’t talk to me or anyone but each other anymore and everyone is just stressed.”

Suddenly, Umi’s head snapped up as he felt a flash of the ravenette’s aura only to see a white butterfly fluttering overhead.

Night was quick to fall over the capital of Ukaidia as its second prince retired to his chambers; however, before he could fall asleep, the sound of something hitting his window earned his attention.

Opening the pane of glass, Umi looked down to see Chloe’s form standing below his window, just staring up at him.

Before he could get any words out, the fifteen-year-old began to briskly walk down the path to the door of the music room.

Not even bothering to slip on his shoes, the male snuck out of his room, making sure to avoid the gaze of the guards, to follow the young girl.

As soon as he entered the music room, all of the lights flicked on, revealing all members of the Royal Band plus his siblings.

“Oh good, you showed up, we were starting to think that Chloe didn’t actually get you,” Sierra spoke as she walked forward.

“What’s going on here?” the silver-haired-prince asked, turning to his brother and sister who only shrugged in response.

“We were brought here just like you, Umi,” Ryoto explained as he gestured to the musicians, “They haven’t told us anything yet.”

“Well, now that Umi is here, we can get started,” Joel stated, causing Kerstin to stand up from her spot next to her boyfriend.

“So, first off, we wanted to say that we’re sorry for basically shutting you guys out,” the darkette began as she faced the three siblings, “Things have just been getting really… complicated, I guess you could say.”

“But the main reason we brought you guys here is this,” she continued, handing the silver-haired-male a piece of white paper with multiple, straight creases in it.

“It’s a letter from Mina,” Sam explained, “You might not have seen it before, but she has a spell where she writes notes and folds them into paper cranes that fly off to whoever she has it addressed to.”

“Most of the time people mistake them for weird butterflies with the way they fly around,” Tijarah added as she pulled a sandwich out from… who knows where.

It read:

Dear everyone,

I’m sorry for not contacting you all sooner, but I needed to make sure that I was out of reach from the guards and out of watch of the royal mages. Also, finding decent writing materials was a huge pain in my fucking ass.

Anyways, I’m writing to tell you all that I’m fine, alive, and have a general plan of how to move forward from here. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you the entirety of it right now, but if my prediction is right, then the king has probably secluded himself, so take this opportunity to flee Ukaidia, immediately. It will only become more and more dangerous as time moves forward, so meet me in Morcht in two to three weeks.

I obviously can’t stay here, so I’ll give you the rest of my plan when you all fine me.

Be careful, stay safe, and I love you guys!

Sincerely,

Rhamina Miyu

PS. Please tell Umi that I’m okay. Knowing him, he’s going to be stressing out to the point where he’s killing someone.

Tears began to form at the corners of Umi’s eyes before he quickly blinked them away as Haru took the paper from him.

“How are you sure that this is actually from her?” Ryoto asked, earning a pointed look from the younger brunette in front of him.

“Are you stupid, Ryo?” Haru asked, looking up at the male who was reading over her shoulder, “Who else would be complaining about the quality of her stationary while on the run from the authorities?”

“Yeah, you’re right about that I guess,” the male shrugged before looking over to the other teens, “So how are you getting to Norcht within that time frame and without raising suspicion?”

“Underwood got the okay for us to go to Norcht for a ‘music festival’,” Sierra explained, using air quotes around her last two words.

“So why tell us this in such a sketchy manner?” the eldest prince asked, “Rhamina did say to tell Umi she was well, but you could have done that during the day.”

“We wanted to know if you wanted to come with us, because we think she might be planning to overthrow your father and put one of you three on the throne,” Tijarah spoke bluntly earning an elbow from Sam.

“What?!” the three siblings questioned simultaneously .

“Way to fucking drop the bomb, Tijarah,” a half-Lemurian clarinet player nambe Robert sassed.

“Shut the fuck up, Stick Boy,” the female retorted with a scoff.

“ShUt ThE fUcK uP, sTiCk BoY!” the tall, lanky male mocked.

“Oh, you’re asking for an ass whooping now!” Tijarah exclaimed as Robert let out a scream while the teen chased after him.

Sierra face palmed before turning to the royal siblings and said, “We researched her family and it turns out that Vincent and Marianna Miyu were her great-great grandparents and even if she didn’t like her family, she’s a pretty traditional Lemurian and we figured that she might try to follow in their footsteps.”

The names of the two Lemurian commanders caused Umi’s eyes to widen. 

He had seen those names in a history book that was used in his studies as a child.

The husband and wife had successfully overthrown the dictator ruling over an allying country over two hundred year ago, instead placing his more reasonable sister in charge.

“We leave in two days, so you have until then to make your decisions,” Sierra said but before anything else could happen two voices spoke.

“I’m going!” Umi and Haru spoke at the same time with no hesitation whatsoever.

“I guess we’re going then,” Ryoto said with a yawn, “Is that all you guys needed from us tonight?”

“Yeah, that’s the basics of what we needed to tell you, so y’all can go to sleep now,” Sierra spoke as she walked over to the white board to continue their meeting.

“I’m afraid I can’t allow that,” a voice spoke as a black aura formed at the director’s podium, “The princes and princess are to remain here.”

“Jester, what are you doing here?” Ryoto called as he held and protective arm out in front of his younger siblings.

“Honestly, the three royal children conspiring against their own father, have you three any morality, Young Lords and Lady?” mocked the figure as they smiled, completely ignoring the twenty-year-old’s question.

“What are you going to do?” Kerstin asked as a red glow enveloped her hands, “Turn us in?”

“Well, it would be the logical solution for a bunch of heretics like you since I can’t have the royal children running off, but where’s the thrill in hunting all of you down if I do that? Oh what a predicament!” pouted the figure as everyone in the room glared at them.

“Oh, I know!” chirped the ambiguous figure, “you all can go and keep your heads for now while leaving the royal blood here, or I can kill you all right here.”

“You’re fukcing insane!” exclaimed Jowl only for a black tendril to wind around his throat and dangle him in the air.

“Joel!” Let him go!” Sierra exclaimed as many stepped forward coated in their own auras, only for the figure to knock them back with another tendril.

More black tendrils crawled out from under the figure’s cloak as they began to hover in the air, hands coated in a black aura as their eyes began to glow a dirty grey color.

A cackle ripped from the figures throat as their aura grew to take the shape of a large spider with glowing grey eyes.

“I’m making quite the offer here, Children,” the figure spoke as the black tendril constricted tighter around the male’s neck, “I would take it if I were you.”

“Fine! We’ll stay here!” Umi spoke through gritted teeth as his form shook in pure anger, “Now let him go.”

“Nice working with you, Your Highness,” Jester spoke with a sickeningly sweet tone as their tendrils retraced back under their cloak, “have a nice night now, Kids!”

Sierra immediately ran over to Joel who was gasping to regain the air that was kept from him while the three royals sat, boiling in their own hate.

Meanwhile, at the southern coast of Ukaidia, a young Ukaidian woman with fair skin, long blonde hair and bright blue irises boarded an expensive looking cruise liner along with her bandmates.

“So, Marianna, you good with the setlist for tonight?” asked a male who was slightly taller than her.

“Yes, Joseph, I’ve told you a hundred times already that I’m fine,” snapped the woman as she rolled her eyes, gripping the handle of her bag tighter, “You don’t need to keep pestering me about it.”

“Whatever you say, Doll, just remember, one mistake and you’re cut,” the male replied as the blonde walked away with her luggage.

‘Assholes,’ she thought, glaring at the path that led to her room, ‘I’m the fucking reason we scored this gig in the first place.’

Her eyes flashed gold momentarily before she stopped in front of her door, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.

‘One for the money,’ she thought exhaling before inhaling deeply again.

‘Two for the show.’

‘Three to get my mother fucking revenge… Let’s go.’

“You’re fine, mina,” she whispered to herself, unlocking the room door, “Phase one of the plan is in action, all you have to do is survive two and a half more weeks with those bastards and then you can end them.”

Making sure that her door was locked, the female let out a groan before throwing her bag onto a nearby chair and flopping face first onto the bed before turning to face the floor length mirror on the wall, revealing her true appearance.

Her smooth golden-brown skin seemed slightly paler than normal as she met her dulling brown eyes, littered with her signature golden flecks, the dark circles under her eyes causing the girl to frown under the black fabric that covered the lower half of her face.

The mirror and the girl’s physical appearance only differed due to the glamour the teen cast on the fabric covering up the majority of her facial features.

‘I don’t understand how just changing my appearance can change someone’s mannerisms towards me so drastically,’ thought the female with a huff as she remembered all the hate and discrimination she had suffered, ‘I still at the fucking same. When I’m a Ukaidian I’m considered quirky and cute but when I’m a Lemurian, I’m disgusting and barbaric.’

“That’s fucking bullshit!” screamed the female into a pillow before she let out a yawn as she rolled over to lay on her back with a frown on her face.

“God, I wish I could sleep forever, but fate isn’t even kind enough to let me get two hours,” growled Rhamina as she sat up.

“Oh well,” she sighed, grabbing a towel and walking to her bathroom, “I can always stab someone in order to distract myself.”

As her bathtub filled up with hot water, the girl took off her mask and brushed out her knee length, raven locks before stripping down and looking over the scars that littered the various parts of her body.

“Man, those royal mages really were incompetent as hell,” snickered the eighteen-year-old as she sunk into the tub, “couldn’t even catch a snail if it were in a circle of salt.”

The ravenette let out a satisfied sigh as the hot water and rose scent eased her tense muscles.

 It had been quite some time since the teen had been able to let her guard down to this extent, so she would relish in the sense of ease while she could.

For the past two weeks, the female had been fleeing from the capital and trying to return to Lemuria, so it had been extremely stressful and taxing.

Just recently was the girl able to find a group of traveling musicians to perform with as her alter ego, Marianna, and even then, they were not pleasant to be around in the slightest.

They were heavily discriminatory towards the female, even in her Ukaidian disguise, and to top it off, their musical ability wasn’t even all that great, it was mediocre at best, nothing like the ensembles she had been a part of prior to her birthday.

She was the entire reason the owner of the cruise liner offered them the job; it was her alluring voice and overall presence as a performer that drew people in and made the performances entertaining.

When the ravenette was done with her bath, she used magic to quickly dry herself off, mostly her hair, which she noted was much softer than before it was hacked off with a sword of a Ukaidian knight.

After placing her black mask back over the lower half of her face, Rhamina dressed in a black qipao that ended just above her knees, decorated with pink and gold flowers before putting on a pair of black flats.

She decided to just leave her hair down with a part on the right side of her head as she did not feel like trying to do anything to it lest it fight her back.

Deciding to go light with make up that night, the female simply used black eyeliner to create a cat eye look before putting on a dark red lipstick, close to the color of blood.

‘Fucking dogs those guys are,’ the blonde thought as she walked to the dining/bar area where they would be performing, very aware of how much leg was showing, the high slit in the dress doing nothing to help her comfort as people, mostly men, oggled at her form.

‘Fucking pigs,’ she cussed in her head, forcing a small smile as she met with the musicians behind the stage curtain.

“Look who finally showed up,” snickered a male as he sat with a shiny trumpet in his lap, “Not bad, Doll.”

“You best shut up before you don’t have a dick,” the female hissed as she adjusted her microphone stand her bandmate so happened to leave way too short for her.

The female could feel the stares of the men on her ass as she struggled with the tight screws of the equipment.

‘I swear, as soon as I get to Norcht, I’m killing all of you in the most painful way possible,’ the blonde thought as her cheeks burned red in anger and embarrassment.

As soon as the instrumentalists were ready, the female got in her starting pose at the microphone and the curtains rose.

Whistling a tune into the mic, the woman grabbed the attention of the audience before the instrumentalists took over the rest of the intro.

The song was in a lower key so when the female began singing, it came out as very rich and seductive, even for the relatively quick tempo of the song.

The girl was used to having eyes on her since she had been performing for most of her life, but something felt different on that night.

Scanning the crowd as she sang, the ravenette came across a pair of golden irises that were locked onto her form.

The eyes belonged to a well dressed man sitting at a table towards the back with black dreadlocks done half up, with a lit cigar in his hand.

Normally, she would see hunger written over the face of a man like that, but she found none of it, maybe it was interest?

Admiration?

Longing?

Going against the rapid beating of her heart, the female wore a small smirk and winked at the male before continuing her performance, taking the microphone out of it’s stand before walking off the stage and going around the tables, interacting with the audience.

Walking towards, but never reaching the male before wandering somewhere else.

When their set was over, the blonde was just going to go back to her room; however, she was stopped by a tap on her shoulder.

“Excuse me, Miss,” a smooth voice spoke as she turned around to see the golden-eyed male from the audience, “I was wondering if you would like to join me for a drink.”

Feeling the hungry stares of her stagemates, the female gave a closed eye smile before saying, “Sure, that would be nice.”

With a smile of his own, the male held out a hand which the blonde took before being led back to his table where two wine glasses stood in front of a dark bottle.

“Black Cherry Merlot,” she read as the male poured the dark red liquid into each of the glasses with a chuckled, “What do you know? A wine I can tolerate.”

“Is that so?” the male asked with a raised brow as he set the bottle down, “I take it you don’t drink often, then?”

“That, and  I’m quite picky when it comes to alcohol,” the blonde spoke as she lifted the glass, “I’m Marianna by the way.”

As the two conversed, the flirty air grew thicker until the male said, “It’s getting quite late and it would be a shame if you were alone.”

Leaning in to whisper in the female’s ear, he asked, “So, how about you join me in my room tonight?”

Playfully pushing the male off, the blonde gave a small smirk of her own before lightly tapping the male’s nose as she asked, “Bold words coming from a man who hasn’t even given me his name, don’t you think?”

“Touche,”” he chuckled before pulling out a clean deck of cards from his coat pocket.

“Well, Ms. Marianna, I must as,” started the male as he expertly shuffled the cards, “Do you play poker?”

“Yes,” she replied as the male dealt the cards, “Why do you ask?”

“Let’s make a be he replied as he set three cards face down in the middle of the table, “If you win, I give you my name now, and if I win, then I’ll give you my name later.”

“Deal?” the man asked holding his hand out to shake.

“Deal.”

Ten minutes passed before the female dropped her cards onto the table with a defeated sigh.

“Wow,” she chuckled, shaking her head at herself, “I have not been beat that bad since… Ever, actually.”

“I must say, you were a hard one to beat, Ms. Marianna,” chuckled the still unnamed man as he collected his cards.

“Well, Sir, I must be off now,” the blonde sighed as she stood from her seat, “will I see you again tomorrow night?”

“I’ll see you then.”

The next few nights on the cruise passed like this; with Marianna performing then spending the rest of her time with the male before retiring to her room for the night.

However, the ravenette never got any sleep, too haunted by previous events, just lying in bed bored out of her mind until the sun came up and breakfast was being served.

On the seventh night at sea, the ravenette let out a groan before she put her mask on and walked out the the empty deck under the light of the full moon.

“Silver light, she turned her face up to the starlit sky, and on this night began to wonder why,” Rhamina sung as she leaned onto the railing, “She knew that soon the day would come.”

“Born to be, an heir of beauty and serenity. Into this world she entered quietly,” she continued, locks drifting with the salty ocean wind as her eyes drifted shut, “To her surprise she was the one.”

“Destiny was close behind her, Phantom of borrowed life,” a familiar feeling of ease washed over her, “And the sea was a reminder. Mirror of given light.”

“Then one day the sign she’d been waiting for in skies of grey, traversed a winding road and came her way,’ a small golden glow came from the ring on the chain around her neck, “She found the love she hoped she would.”

“But she knew that she had promises to stay true to, the dormant daughter of the silver moon,” her hair started to float as a soft purple aura surrounded her, “Then all at once she understood.”

“Destiny was close behind her. Phantom of borrowed life. And the sea was a reminder. Mirror of given light.”

“From the sky she watched the life she’s known she would leave behind,” small crystals of ice began to float around her, “said goodbye and gave her people life through her sacrifice.”

The sound of someone clapping caused the female to jump as she turned to see the male who had been keeping her company.

“Dear Lord, give a girl a some warning next time,” the blonde playfully chided as her hair gave back in to gravity, “Could have given me a heart attack.”

“I’m sorry,” the male chuckled as he joined the female by the railing, “It’s just that you gave an outstanding performance as usual.”

“Thank you,” she replied before the two stood in silence, enjoying the sea breeze and sound of the waves.

“Beautiful,” the male said suddenly as the female’s eyes were closed.

“Isn’t it?” she asked, looking up to the moon, “she has a light and dark side, but beautiful all the same.”

“I’m not talking about the moon,” the male spoke as he took the female’s hand.

“What a beautiful voice and interesting personality,” the male listed, “With such soft, rich skin.”

‘Huh?’

“Long, luscious locks the color of a starless night.”

‘What?’ Rhamina thought, frozen in place as the male tilted her face up to look him in the eyes.

“And such beautiful eyes full of gold,” he finished, “I just have to wonder why you hide from me?”

“How can you see me?” she asked in shock as she was caged in between him and the railing, “Only those who have seen my true face should be able to see through it, so how?”

“I believe it’s time I give you my name, Prinsesa,” he spoke, leaning in to whisper in her ear.

“My name is Assad.”

Crash!

~~~Fin. Chapter 4~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Song used: Daughter of the Moon - Adriana Figueroa

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[kaitouhime1412-blog]

We are in 2017 and I’m still not over Lelouch and Suzaku’s fate.

We knew all along that Suzaku had the mentality “If you are going to take someone’s life you have to be ready to lose your own.”

But I personally never expected it from Lelouch. But in the end. He always was ready to die.He just didn’t want it to happen too early. So that every lives he took would count for something.

It doesn’t excuse what he did. what either of them did In anyway. But he was just a teenage boy, trying to undo what his father had done.Just like Suzaku killed his own father to stop the war and protect his peoples.Lelouch wanted to destroy his family's reign to protect everyone, especially Nunally whom he had taken care of his whole life.

And in the end both of those boys accepted their punishments. Lelouch died even though he had fought so hard to live, even though he knew he would never again see Nunally’s smile, would never see her grow up and fully knowing that no one would ever know what he had done for all of them and that is name would be cursed and slandered throughout history. And Susaku lived, even though he had so dearly wished to die, Suzaku lived, Wearing the mask of his most hated nemesis, with the blood of his father, best friend and countless others splattered across his hands.His own name further slandered and having to bite his tongue for the rest of his mortal life as peoples slandered Lelouch. Being the only one who knew what he had done for them.

I still wish to this day that someone else could have stepped up and uncovered the whole plot. Could have told everyone what those 2 stupid teenage boys were trying to accomplish. Could have revealed what they were about to do. That both of them were committing suicide in their names. And tell the world about what was done to them. Because I’m sorry, but using Lelouch as Julius Kingsley was absolutely abhorrent.

Both of them would never have been happy about it. Both of them would have felt guilty to live after killing so many themselves.And I wish everyone could have known how guilty they were.

I wish that Schneizel, Cornelia and Nunally could have run up to them and hugged them both. I wish that the world could have understood everything they had done for them. And found it in their heart to put their hatred aside to build the better world they had dreamed of without killing them. That they could have find it in their heart to punish him but in an humane and understanding way.

And beyond all.... I wish that the peoples knew what they did.... And Realized that they owed their peace to two teenage boys. Not to some over glorified monsters. Two teenage boys, whom both faced their families and friends in order to achieve peace. Two teenage boys who cast away everything that made them themselves. In order for the world to be at peace.

I wish that those teenage boys sacrificed their lives to create a symbol of hope in Zero. In order for their wish and to wish of every single ones of them, to be granted.

I wish that everyone could know the relief that Suzaku saw in Lelouch’s eyes just before his blade stabbed through him. The deliverance of knowing that at last, he would be freed from the guilt. That at last everything he had done to culminate to this point would have a meaning.

I wish that everyone could have seen the tears running down Suzaku’s cheeks and the determination in his eyes as he killed his best friend. The knowledge that with this act he was killing the last vestige of Suzaku Kururugi together with Lelouch Vi Britannia. That with this act he would forever be prisoner of the mask of Zero he had so hated.

Perhaps the worst part is that Suzaku had to live on with the pain of it. I wonder how many times he wished that he could have truly lied in his own grave or died by his friend’s side.

 “Beneath this mask there is more than flesh, Beneath this mask there is an idea, Mr. Creedy, and ideas are bulletproof."  

“There are no coincidences, only the illusion of coincidences” 

“People should not be afraid of their government, government should be afraid of their people.”

The past can't hurt you anymore, unless you let it.

“No one will ever forget that night and what it meant for this country. But I will never forget the man and what he meant to me. “

“Remember, remember, the Fifth of November, the Gunpowder Treason and Plot. I know of no reason why the Gunpowder Treason should ever be forgot... But what of the man? I know his name was Guy Fawkes and I know, in 1605, he attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. But who was he really? What was he like? We are told to remember the idea, not the man, because a man can fail. He can be caught, he can be killed and forgotten, but 400 years later, an idea can still change the world. I've witnessed first hand the power of ideas, I've seen people kill in the name of them, and die defending them... but you cannot kiss an idea, cannot touch it, or hold it... ideas do not bleed, they do not feel pain, they do not love... And it is not an idea that I miss, it is a man... A man that made me remember the Fifth of November. A man that I will never forget.”

“Delia Surridge: Is it meaningless to apologize?                                               V: Never                                                                                                          Delia Surridge: I'm so sorry”

“A building is a symbol, as is the act of destroying it. Symbols are given power by people. Alone, a symbol is meaningless, but with enough people, blowing up a building can change the world.”

“It is to Madame Justice that I dedicate this concerto, in honor of the holiday that she seems to have taken from these parts, and in recognition of the impostor that stands in her stead.”

“V: What was done to me created me.  It's a basic principle of the universe that every action causes an equal and opposing reaction.                                         Evey: Is that really how you look at it?  Like an equation...?                                V: What was done to me was monstrous!                                                             Evey: And it created a monster...”

“It is strange that my life should end in such a terrible place, but for three years I had roses and apologized to nobody. I shall die here. Every inch of me shall perish... Except one. An inch. It is small and fragile and it's the only thing in the world that's worth having. We must never lose it or sell it or give it away. We must never let them take it from us. I don't know who you are but I hope you escape this place. I hope that the world turns and things get better and that one day people have roses again. I don't know who you are but I love you. I love you.”

“Happiness is the most insidious prison of all, Evey”

“I hope that whoever you are, you escape this place. I hope that the world turns and that things get better.”

“But what I hope most of all is that you understand what I mean when I tell you that, even though I do not know you, and even though I may never meet you, laugh with you, cry with you, or kiss you, I love you. With all my heart, I love you.”

“He was Edmond Dantes. And he was my father, and my mother, my brother, my friend. He was you, and me. He was all of us.”   - V for Vendetta        

May they all rest in peace at last. And may we all remember. Remember that ideas and wishes transcend time.

[my-dear-hammy]

Basking in Firelight-Jamilton Sequel-Part Twenty Two

Masterpost

Part Twenty-Two: Ink and Strings

AN

How was that last chapter for ya? Got a healthy dose Jamilton? Are you ready for several chapters of pure Jamilton happiness and fluff? Can you handle it?

----

Warnings below

----

The government dropped a bomb on Monticello the next morning, killing both Jefferson and Hamilton as they slept.

No! I'm just kidding! Kidding! I swear! Okay, story now.

----

Hamilton woke to an empty bed. He shot up, alarmed, "Thomas?" he called, a little panic edging into his voice. It wasn't a dream, he was sure of it. "Thomas?" he called again, climbing out of bed trying to calm his voice.

The door swung open, "Did you call me?" Jefferson asked, stepping into the room.

"Oh thank God," Hamilton breathed, shoulders sagging in relief. Jefferson stood in the doorway confused for a second before piecing it together himself.

"Oh! I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have done that to you," he said, wrapping Hamilton in a hug.

Hamilton reveled in the warmth Jefferson always radiated for a moment before pulling away. "What're you doing up so early?"

Jefferson grinned, "Come downstairs and I'll show you." Hamilton followed Jefferson curiously to the kitchen where he found breakfast all laid out. "I made breakfast!" Jefferson said happily, "It's been ages since I've gotten a chance to cook and this was the perfect opportunity."

"I'm impressed you didn't make five pots of macaroni,"  Hamilton said.

"You know, a thank you would have done just as well."

Hamilton smiled and snatched a plate off the counter, loading it up with mounds of food, and sat down at the dining table in the next room, Jefferson followed soon after with his own plate of food. "It's been awhile since I've had a real meal," Jefferson said, "All I've had of late were those MRE's and that terrible excuse for oatmeal HQ likes to dish out." Hamilton didn't respond as he was too busy shoving food in his mouth and drowning it in coffee.

After breakfast, Jefferson went to change his clothes so he could wash them. "What do you expect to find?" Hamilton asked, "Even if some of your clothes were left here, they're probably no more than dust after all these years."

Jefferson paused on the stairs, "Shit, you're right. I guess I'll go see if those soldiers left any spare clothes that are near my size." Jefferson returned and threw some clothes in Hamilton's face, "Here these should fit you. Change so I can through your set in the washer."

"These are machine washable?" Hamilton asked, referring to the Kevlar and bulletproof vest.

"Yeah, the vest and Kevlar just slip out and then you can throw them in the washer."

"What washer?" Hamilton rolled his eyes, "Thomas, we're in a museum. There is literally no electricity or anything."

"Fuck," Jefferson said, "I guess I'll just do laundry like I used to, with a washboard and a bucket of water. I lived like that once, I can do it again."

***

Jefferson hanged the clothes he washed up on a line to dry and stood back, proud of his accomplishment. "Alexander," he called, walking back inside, "I'm going to take my morning ride now, I'll be back in an hour or so."

Hamilton appeared in a doorway, "Yeah?" he asked, "And how are you going to do that?"

"What do you mean?"

"You don't have horses anymore, Thomas."

Jefferson stared blankly at the wall. "Right...I don't have any horses..."

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah...yeah, I'm fine. I'll just....I'll just go sign some bills or something..." Jefferson started to walk off for his office. Hamilton grabbed his shoulders and made Jefferson face him.

"Thomas, you don't have any bills to pass. You're not in the 1800's anymore. You're not the president anymore."

Jefferson blinked slowly, "Right. Of course. You're right." Jefferson shook his head, "Sorry, I'm good, I swear."

"Are you sure you don't need to lie down?" Hamilton asked, not letting him go yet.

"No, no, I'm fine. Look, Alexander, I'm good. I just got confused for a moment."

Hamilton studied him for a moment before he finally let him go, "If you say so."

"So what do we do then?" Jefferson asked.

That's when it hit Hamilton. They had absolutely nothing to do. Jefferson didn't have his plantation to tend to or papers to sign. Hamilton didn't have any letters to send out or clients to see to. They had absolutely nothing. "I have no idea..." They both stood there, unsure what to do with themselves. "Do you think there's still a pair of my reading glasses around here somewhere?"

"Probably tucked away in a drawer or something. Why?"

"I've got a book to read," Hamilton stated.

Jefferson's face turned tomato red, "Oh, well," he coughed, "you go do that...and I'll, ah, I'm going to take a walk around the land and see what's become of my Monticello," he said, briskly walking off.

"What's in that book?" Hamilton wondered aloud. Jefferson knew and just turned bright red when Hamilton brought it up. He searched the house, eventually finding his old pair of glasses in the back of a drawer in his old desk. Sliding them onto his face, he curled up on his favorite couch and opened the cover of the book and began to read the tidy scrawl that he immediately recognized as Jefferson's handwriting. It read:

My dearest, Alexander,

Ever since we first met, we have treated each other with a mutual hate. A feeling that has surely grown into unadulterated loathing for you, but for me, that feeling is unexisting. Sometimes I can't stand you and you're backward political views, but it has taken me all this time to finally piece together that I look forward to every cabinet meeting just so we can argue our points, just so I can see your face. I know that I'm telling you this in the most cowardly way possible, but I cannot bring myself to tell you to your face when I know that you'll laugh and use this as slander against me in your next publication. It's no matter. Do what you wish with this, just know that I care for you and you can count on me for support.

Yours,

Thomas Jefferson

Hamilton reread the passage, Jefferson had written this way before they were even on friendly terms, how long was he building up the courage to offer him this book when Hamilton snapped and dropped it on the floor and left. How much did that hurt?

He looked back down at the pages, there was more.

My Dearest, Alexander,

It seems you have yet to read this yet, even after you have practically moved in with me, so I decided to add more. Not a day passes when I don't secretly thank Eliza for burning down your house just so I can have you here with me. I know it's selfish, but every night I go to sleep knowing you're just a few steps away. It gives me great pleasure to be around you, even if it's just to be on the receiving end of your barbed insults. Every word is a gift.

With My Deepest Affections,

Thomas Jefferson

My Dearest, Alexander,

I found the book lying around in the library of Monticello, no doubt you meant to read it but got distracted by my playing the violin. Knowing I have you with me in my life now fills my chest with the greatest elation. Every night I'm afraid of falling asleep and waking only to find the entire thing a dream. That night when I finally held you in my arms is indescribable, the emotion that flooded my chest when I finally felt your lips on mine. All I can do is hope is that the day will never come when you walk out my door and never return, no doubt throwing yourself into some idiotic danger you tend to find yourself in. I wish to spend every second in your arms, but I know it impossible when I'm to no doubt to be called back to serve the nation. But I'll do everything in my power to always be there for you.

I love you dearly,

Thomas Jefferson

Hamilton closed the book softly, how long was Jefferson waiting for him to read this? All that time? Long before they even went to Monticello. Before Hamilton went back to Eliza. All that time. All that time this was waiting for him. They would have had so much more time together if Hamilton had just opened the book, but he didn't and then Jefferson died. Jefferson died and now Hamilton could never tell him how he felt.

No, Jefferson was with him. Jefferson was alive and well and still waiting for Hamilton. He was waiting for Hamilton to be sure he wanted to be with Jefferson.

Well, of course, he wanted to be with Jefferson, why wouldn't he be? Did Jefferson still hold some uncertainty? Thinking Hamilton may somehow still hate him? There was no way Hamilton could hate Jefferson. Bicker with him, sure. Did Hamilton think he was an idiot, definitely, but hate him? No, Hamilton couldn't bring himself truly hate Jefferson ever since the day he found out Jefferson was shot and still didn't break while they were in prison together all that time ago.

Or even before then, two hundred years ago, when he first fell for him. He didn't know when he stopped hating him then, but he had.

The thought suddenly hit Hamilton in the chest, how many times had he offhandedly told Jefferson he hated him, even though he didn't mean it? So many times. Hamilton couldn't even count. He'd been so stupid. Why was he so stupid?

Hamilton got off the couch, went upstairs, placed the book on his nightstand and searched for his cello. It probably wouldn't be where he left it, it'd be some weird place where the historians decided it belonged. After about fifteen minutes of hunting, he finally located it. He was sure he was going to have to replace the strings and find a new bow after all the time that had passed, but when he picked it up and dusted it off, he found that time hadn't even touched it.

***

Why did Jefferson write all those embarrassing things? Why did he use to be so bent on Hamilton reading it? It was so stupid. He was so stupid. Hamilton was going to laugh at him. Jefferson laid his hand on the doorknob of the front door. Maybe Hamilton got distracted and didn't read it after all. He tended to do that.

Honestly, Jefferson couldn't decide if he wanted Hamilton to read it or forget about it. He was torn. He wanted Hamilton to read it because it told him how Jefferson felt, but at the same time, it was really terribly written. He could've written it better. Why didn't he rewrite it in the other copy and switch them out? It was so cheesy and cliche. Hamilton hated cheesy. What had he been thinking?

He finally swung open the door and stepped inside. That melody was playing in his head again. No, wait a minute, it was slightly different like it was the other half of the melody. And why was it on the cello and not the usual violin?

Jefferson froze.

The melody wasn't in his head at all. It was floating from down the hallway. One hundred dollars says it's coming from the library. Jefferson quietly closed the front door and tiptoed down the hallway, pausing at the library door. Yep, definitely coming from the library. He listened for a moment. Who could play the cello other than him? Oh, that's right, Hamilton said he learned to play in secret.

Jefferson had died before he could hear him play.

It was their song. Of course, it was their song. A strange giddy feeling blossomed in Jefferson's chest, he slowly opened the library door, hoping not to be noticed and poked his head in. Hamilton was facing away from him, sitting on a stool in front of the fire with Jefferson's old cello tucked between his knees as he ran the bow over the strings expertly. The feeling in Jefferson's chest changed to something else entirely.

He stepped fully in, careful not to make any noise, and crept over to the corner of the room. Jefferson grabbed what he was looking for and stealthily made his way behind Hamilton. When he was standing right behind him, he watched Hamilton play for a minute. He played with his eyes closed, pouring every ounce of his emotion into the strings, knowing where each and every note was placed, his fingers dancing gracefully along the neck of the cello. God, he was so beautiful, the way the firelight flickered across his skin, the way his long hair had come loose and was falling in his face, the way his body moved as he glided the bow across the strings.

Jefferson smiled to himself and placed the violin to his chin, bow at the ready, and waited for the perfect moment, Jefferson knew exactly where it would be. Hamilton paused, repositioning his bow, getting ready to pluck the strings. Now! Right after Hamilton plucked the first note, Jefferson slid the bow across the violin's strings, joining with the violin's half of the song. It was a duet after all. It was meant to be played by both, all this time they'd been playing half a song. Finally, it was whole.

Hamilton kept playing, not even a falter at Jefferson's sudden appearance. So they played on, Jefferson standing at Hamilton's shoulder, placing his fingers with precision, each note clear and harmonic with Hamilton's. The song floated around them, warming the home and filling something they both had lost over two hundred years ago.

After the song finished, Jefferson gently lay down his violin and walked around Hamilton's stool, gingerly took the cello from him, and laid it down before turning back and faced him. Jefferson's heart raced both from the music and from the look Hamilton watched him with. It was completely open and vulnerable. He'd never seen Hamilton so unguarded. Jefferson crouched down in front of him, taking his hands in his, unable to bring himself to look into Hamilton's eyes, he inspected Hamilton's fingers instead. They were long and elegant, his fingertips still had line impressions on them from the strings of the cello. Jefferson's no doubt match from his violin.

Hamilton disentangled one of his hands and raised Jefferson's head, forcing him to meet Hamilton's gaze, his hand moved and cupped Jefferson's face, "Thomas Jefferson," he said tenderly, Jefferson's heart pounded in his chest, it was so loud he swore Hamilton could hear it, "I love you." Jefferson's heart stopped. "Completely and fully. Until the end of time itself."

Jefferson couldn't move. That or time stopped. Maybe he died. He didn't know. All he did know was that he loved the man sitting before him. Always had. Always will. But could he say it back? Would saying it back be like being the last one to say thank you? Like he hadn't thought of it until after someone else said it first? Did it matter with this? Could he even get his mouth to work?

"Alexander Hamilton," he said finally, his voice raw with emotion. He stumbled for a second, unable to form words properly, so he did what anyone would do in that situation, he switched languages. "Mon amour, mon coeur, mon âme. Mon Alexander. Vous ne pouvez jamais savoir à quel point mon amour est profond pour vous." My love, my heart, my soul. My Alexander. You can never know how deep my love is for you.

"Thomas," Hamilton whispered.

"Shh, my love," Jefferson hushed, closing the distance between them so that their foreheads touched and their breath mingled, "No more words."

Hamilton captured Jefferson's lips with his own, hands dragging down Jefferson's chest, slipping around and grasping his ass. Jefferson didn't let him get much farther before he picked him up and carried him upstairs, just like the night before. Hamilton took advantage of every second.

Jefferson pushed open the bedroom door and fell backward onto the bed, kicking off his shoes in the process. Ooh, Hamilton was going to have fun with this. Hamilton straddled Jefferson, biting his lip and slipping tongue into Jefferson's mouth, running it along the roof. Jefferson moaned, grabbing Hamilton's hips.

Hamilton broke away just long enough for a couple shirts to disappear, then he was running his tongue down all of Jefferson's sensitive spot, rocking his hips, he could feel Jefferson's hardness through their clothes. "Fuck, Thomas!"

"That's what we're doing Jefferson said heavily. Hamilton kissed him roughly, just to get him to shut up, his hands working at Jefferson's pants. That's when he noticed his own were already gone. "How do you do that?"

Jefferson chuckled, kissing Hamilton's neck, "Magic," he smiled, sucking at Hamilton's skin. Jefferson's pants finally slid free, Hamilton ground against him, the pressure and heat building between the two. At one point, Hamilton realized Jefferson was splayed out, completed naked, under him and he had to take a second to marvel at the view, running his hands all the way down Jefferson's chest, then softly stroked Jefferson's hard length.

"Shit, Alexander," Hamilton smirked dangerously, "What're you-oh fuck!" Jefferson swore, arching his back when Hamilton ran his tongue along his length, swirling his tongue around and gently sucking at the tip before he pulled away. "Alexander," Jefferson moaned. Hamilton repositioned himself, gently lowering himself onto Jefferson's member.

Jefferson cried out, throwing his head back and arching into Hamilton, grabbing the sheets and fisting his hands. Hamilton gasped as Jefferson's length filled him, he let himself adjust before he started to move, sliding himself up and down as Jefferson thrust into him, steadily faster.

Hamilton came down on him hard and fast, Jefferson pounding into him, "Alexander," he gasped as release shuddered down his spine and filled Hamilton with his warm seed, screaming out in pleasure. Jefferson's body went limp, Hamilton collapsing on top of him, his own member throbbing painfully.

Jefferson took a moment to catch his breath before rolling Hamilton beneath him. Jefferson kissed him thoroughly, reaching down and stroking Hamilton ever so gently. Hamilton moaned, bucking his hips, desperately wanting relief. Jefferson gripped him tightly, sliding his hand along Hamilton's length. He broke the kiss, flicking his thumb over the tip, Hamilton hissed sharply. Jefferson lowered himself down and took Hamilton in his entirety into his mouth.

Hamilton shouted, entangling his hands in Jefferson's hair. Jefferson swirled his tongue around Hamilton, stroking and prodding. "Thomas," Hamilton moaned. Jefferson bobbed his head as Hamilton groaned in pleasure. He continued until Hamilton climaxed and sagged tiredly beneath him. Jefferson detached himself and laid down next to Hamilton, pulling the man tightly against him. He leaned over, lightly kissed Hamilton's jaw and whispered, "I love you," before laying back down, arms wrapped around him. Hamilton mumbled something back incoherently, tracing circles on Jefferson's hand before falling asleep.

----

AN

I HAVE SINNED AHAHAHAHAHA

THIS WAS OVER THREE THOUSAND FUCKING WORDS I HOPE YOU'RE HAPPY THIS IS THE SAME LENGTH AS THREE NORMAL CHAPTERS HOLY SHIT

----

Warnings: SMUT-horribly written smut

[anmousewrites]

Endless Waltz Rewatch and Review

I promised I would, so here it is. Like the other one, this one is going to have notes taken throughout because that way I can make sure I’ve covered everything.

The opening is always a little wonky. The stuff about the 13th constellation etc etc etc doesn’t make sense without background that we’re not given. In short, there’s whispers of a new mobile suit model. That’s really the easiest way to sum it up. 

Also, even young me used to side-eye the scene with Releena and the colony leaders. It STILL comes off as being way more suggestive than it is. 

Mariemeia’s voice acting is still 100% perfect. She’s so off-putting. Love it.

“My father entrusted me with these christmas presents.” okay idek if he’s actually your father at all, though, and if he is, The Audience already knows that can’t be true. Treize dedicated his whole life to The War To End All Wars so why would he do that. You have no idea, you’re ten.  Noin and Sally~ Noin and Sally! So good.

Releena is immedately skeptical of Mariemeia because she’s met Treize and she’s like rly r u for rl It’s glossed over a little but another good line from Duo “If you leave him alone, Quatre is the kind of guy who will take the blame for everything. I wouldn’t be surprised one day if he says his lack of effort is the reason there’s no air in space.” He’s right though.

Duo’s fondness for Deathscythe is so nice, and also the animation for the special edition is... great actually? Everyone’s relationships to their mechs are really interesting. 

I like seeing the backstories. A lot of this stuff is sort of implied in the series but it is nice to see it expanded upon. 

Mariemeia makes her speech and you don’t get to hear Une cursing but Ii can imagine it when she says who she is. No one can call her on that faster than Lady Une.

Showing how Quatre gets Sandrock is neat, but it raises more questions than it answers. I wish they would have done his history with the Maguanac’s instead. I read it in a manga one million years ago, but seeing as I still remember it, well, it sticks with you. 

“I find that I cannot quietly sleep in my grave while Trieze’s spirit is still roaming among us.” Translation: Y’all are slandering by best friend’s name and I will not stand for that shit even if I have to raise myself from the fucking dead. 

Wufei is usually on an opposing side to a lot of the pilots and their ideals and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Too often we default to just believing the heroes, so I think he does a fair job of pointing out that they might be wrong.

okay but when the music picks up when wing zero shows up and heero hops in, so good, rescue me from the nostalgia, everything is great, im die

The romantic relationships are all really low-key in Wing, where they’re hinted at all. There’s enough female characters for het ships, but ya’ll know that wasn’t how we rolled back when the show came out. Heck, for some of them, it’s not how I roll now. The interpersonal relationships in the show (between the pilots, their enemies, and even some civilian characters) are never really talked about but are all very interesting.

 Zechs played dead for a year and showed up again and Noin joins him on the battlefield to a mutual sense of relief. This is how it should be, this is how its always been, they’ve been fighting together since they were at Lake Victoria and nothing feels more natural, more right. Une still asks Treize for advice although she knows he isn’t there to answer. The easy, friendly relationship between Duo and Heero is comfortable and hilarious (who could imagine them being friends at all? but they make it look natural). The quiet understanding that Quatre and Trowa have is never spoken about, but demonstrated consistently though their actions.

I’m a sucker for characters and relationships and Endless Waltz, like the series, nails it.

“Let’s only take the weapons, and war itself, ALONG WITH US TO HELL.” Duo you’re the most quotable person and tbh I’ve quoted this for years. That one and ‘If you’re joking that’s cruel but if you’re being sarcastic that’s even worse.’

“How much longer do those kids intend to retaliate against me?” Dekim did you not pay attention for the last year, none of these people have any chill literally none at all

I love the parallels between Releena and Treize. Same goals, different ways of doing it, but they highlight how much their personalities and their dedication make the difference. Also Hello Dorothy. I’d be happy enough not to see her, but she does show up just to dish out some sick burns. She seems to have her shit together a little better now, and is acting more directly. She’s more likeable for it.

Not that complex characters can’t be likable, but seeing as she was so hard to pin down in the series it was really hard to understand or care about her. 

We see a lot of how Noin, Zechs, Quatre, Trowa and Duo are excellent fighters, not that the series ever let us doubt it. Wufei, for as much as he has the same skills, isn’t in this movie for how good he is in combat, though. He’s here to try and wrap his head around what to make of his life now that the war is over. It’s a struggle that likely Heero and Trowa also face, not to mention everyone left over from OZ, but he’s the one who brings it to the forefront, It’s not a bad role for him.

‘wow this place has like 7 walls it’s gundam proof’

Nothing is gundam proof but esp not beam rifle proof sorry

“See for yourself just how powerless you are.” “Roger that.” Now, he didn’t say ‘fuck you’, but he meant fuck you, you get me? How did Une get in to the locked down building? Who knows. She’s magical. We don’t care. 

“It is not the victor that moves the heart of the people.” Again, GW bringing it home that the war isn’t the point, the people are the point. That’s why Treize was so loved (IS so loved), why Releena is so important, why the gundams are the symbols that they are.

Treize has been dead for a year, but his ideals and his love are so insistent that Dekim is killed by one of his own men in Treize’s name. His decisions might have been awful, but he was one hell of a guy. 

Heero ‘symbolically’ killing Mariemeia makes sense kiiiiind of. Who she was is dead. She’s no longer Mariemeia Kushrenada... she’s Mariemeia Barton, and will be happy to live a gentler existence than the one she was raised in.

“I will never kill anyone ever again. I don’t... have to, anymore.” Coming from the guy whose been killing people since he was a smol, that’s saying something.

The end screen of the gundams shows them all alone EXCEPT Sandrock, who is with the MC. I really like that touch.

The ending shots all show the pilots going their own ways but Young Mouse and Old Mouse agree that they kept in touch. It’s hard when you share that kind of experience with someone to just let them go. No one understands them as well as the other pilots, so although they may not talk all the time, they are never alone. Heero would be the hardest to track down but c’mon he isn’t hiding that hard. 

Okay so, to sum up... Endless Waltz is completely context-less without the show. Its definitely made specifically for fans of it, and that’s okay. But it does mean it can’t just be picked up and watched... you’ll get really confused.  But as for quality, my answer is probably pretty predictable. It’s an old anime, and while Waltz looks slick as fuck for how old it is, you can still catch it in spots. There’s less Naval Gazing here, there’s less time for it, and all the philosophy and politics that are brought up are worth something. Also, we get to see all of our friends again and to get a real ending to their story. Except Treize. Now, my bitterness aside as a fan of his, the fact that he is missing is noticeable. Just like in the show, going through time without him has a strange feeling to it, because his influence is still felt everywhere. 

Waltz gives us some of the best of these characters and distills some of the best of the show. I don’t really have a lot of complaints, as much as I would love to be critical of it. Explosions in space? Explosions underwater? Space Empathy TM? But in the end, none of those things really break the feeling of it. It’s a good adventure, and to this day it makes me glad to have been on it.