#Orion Stormturner

[steam-powered-chaos]

Chapter 1 (Frozen Storm)

Helio woke up, marking 4 months since the day he had lost his husband, because of his own stupid, stupid actions. No matter, he'd just have to continue on with his day, as he always did. He stretched with a yawn, almost tripping over an empty flask on the floor. Had he fallen asleep drinking again? Most likely, all he'd have to do is pick it up and refill it, even if he'd have to refill it around 3 more times just for the whole day. Maybe I should just start drinking them by the bottle... He thought to himself, stumbling out onto the deck. The crew glanced at him silently, before going back to their duties, used to the drunkenness of their captain by now. He shoved past them, going to the wheel of the ship, and promptly almost steered it into a nearby whirlpool.

"Captain!" His first mate, Sunny grabbed the wheel quickly, as Helio was gently guided away from the wheel of the ship, staring down blankly. She walked away, leaving someone else to steer, before marching the captain to his room. Helio swayed slightly, struggling to stand as Sunny stared at him in silent shame and disgust, as she sat him down on his chair gently, taking any bottles she found scattered. "Captain, this can't keep happening. This is the third time this week you almost put us in danger, and it's only Tuesday! You need to pull yourself together, Orion isn't coming back." The words stung, as if she had slapped him, but deep down, she was right. He knew she was right. So he went to stand up, but was quickly sat down again. "No. You're going to rest Captain, I don't like seeing you like this. Sleep until you sober up, ok?" He nodded silently. Helio didn't like to admit it, but he did appreciate how much she cared for him, even when she never had to. He truly didn't deserve Sunny, after all he put her through... but she was like a daughter to him.

She walked out the room, dimming the lamps, and Helio rolled over, pulling his coat, and his belt off, throwing them to land on a chair, as his gun clattered to the floor from its holster and skidded across the floor. It came to a sharp stop, as if someone had stopped it, so Helio sat up, looking around. His eyes adjusted to the dark, and he could see a shadowy figure standing in the darkened corner. The figure chuckled, a thin, high noise that sent a shiver down Helio's spine, as he quickly hauled himself to his feet, trying to grab his cutlass, but the figure quickly reached out, grabbing him by the arm. It's hand was wet, and cold, and Helio instinctively tried to pull away from it. "Calm yourself, my friend..." It spoke with a soft, dangerous tone. "I mean you no harm! I've come here to ask for a... favour, and I do believe that it will be very beneficial to you.." He stumbled back, eyes wide with fear, but quickly composed himself, staring at the figure with his eyes narrowing in suspicion. Helio was never one to trust someone so easily after all, and he cleared his throat quickly, hand on his pocket knife in case this stranger tries anything.

"...Who are you?" A reasonable enough first question to ask the mystery figure that broke into his sleeping quarters. It chuckled again "You don't need to know my name, Helio Frostheart, but I know you're grieving... grieving for your ex husband, yes?" Helio froze, his muscles stiffening in rage. How dare this stranger talk about Orion? He doesn't have the right to! He thought to himself, immediately beginning to close himself off. It laughed again at his reaction. "Hush... I came to you to offer my services! Surely you'd want him back, yes?" He couldn't conceal his astonishment, how would this figure even get his husband in the same town as him, let alone speak to him! But there was not a hint of sarcasm in it's thin, quiet voice, so Helio stayed quiet, listening to what it had to say, hope blooming. "And I would only require one thing from you, Helio."

A catch, of course there would be a catch, so he sighed, nodding, his eyes weary and his heart beginning to race with adrenaline.

"A mer, just one. I want it alive"

And the figure disappeared, leaving Helio alone.

[steam-powered-chaos]

Chapter 8 (Frozen Storm)

Orion couldn't shake Caelus' face from his mind. His soft lips, pain so clear in his eyes. It wasn't that Caelus wasn't an attractive young man, of course he was! Anyone would be lucky to be with him... yet the man seemed determined to love him, and it made his heart feel so... empty. Caelus hadn't done anything wrong either, he was perfect, in every sense of the word. But Orion didn't love him, as much as he tried to force himself to feel the same way, he just couldn't. Even if he convinced himself that his heart belonged to no one, he still couldn't bring himself to return the tailor's love. But no matter, both of them knew their relationship was transactional on all levels, and Orion had more pressing matters to take back to M'eudail, information, of course. So the captain kept moving, leaping onto the deck and nodding to his first mate Sirius, directing him to take the wheel as he made his way down and into his cabin. He paused, noticing the sleeping merman and smiling, just a little, before gently shaking his shoulder to wake him. He woke with a start, tentacles raised slightly to defend himself, but calmed down once he saw Orion, relaxing slightly with a slight smile pricking at the corners of his mouth. Nana looked up sleepily from the bed, purring a little.

"...I have good news, and I have bad news." Orion sat down, stroking the cat absentmindedly as the mer tilted his head, his hair-like tentacles swaying slightly from the movement, smile fading slightly. "I think I know where you husband is," M'eudail perked up hopefully, "He's been captured by my ex husband.." His face fell, immediately losing hope, and turning away from Orion silently, as the man's eyes softened slightly, realising what he would have to do. After all, he did make a promise to the mer, and he wasn't prepared to break it. "Alright, I'll try to convince him to let him go... But I won't promise I'll be civil about it!" M'eudail couldn't help but chuckle, before pushing himself out of the water and wrapping his arms around Orion gratefully, as the captain stiffened slightly, before he patted his back, smiling. Orion got the idea that he had a new friend, and leant into the hug slightly, ears lowering as he let his guard down. The two pulled away from each other, both smiling at the other gently. "Y'know, from the way you described your hu-ex-husband," M'eudail corrected himself, "He doesn't seem like he'd harm Skygg, not yet anyway... This place, it's your home isn't it?" Orion stiffened slightly.

The captain whirled around, heels clicking as he neared the tank. "How did you know that?" He demanded, although his eyes softened immediately as he saw M’eudail’s fear, shaking his head softly and sitting back down, holding Nana close. The mer relaxed a little. “Sorry, you… you talked about this place in your sleep, and the festival.” Orion nodded slightly, as if that made perfect sense, but looked up at M’eudail, sorrow in his eyes. “That festival is not the reason I’m here… but I think you know that.” He stood, turning away to get dressed, pulling his jacket off and swapping it for a black waistcoat and jacket. “My father he.. he passed away, I’m here for his funeral.” The mer immediately dipped his head in respect, eyes to the floor, as Orion continued to get ready, holding back tears. “I’m so sorry- were you two close?”

“We were. Until I left… until I was forced to leave.” And that was that, as Orion stood up, patting M’eudail on the shoulder slightly as he left the room, ears pricked at the sound of the bells from the church. He silently began to walk, passing by houses he had grown up beside, folks who turned their backs on him when he was accused of that horrible crime, before he finally came to the doors of the church, touching the wood and looking up at the stained glass mural of the water deity, her smile doing nothing to calm him, before he pushed open the double doors. The church fell silent, heads turning to stare at him, some gazes glaring and accusing, but others… gentle, and kind, as Orion walked down towards the open casket.

His father lay, cheeks lacking the warmth they once held, eyes closed as if he were sleeping, but of course, he wasn’t. Orion held back tears which were threatening to choke him, before he fell to his knees. How many years had he missed? Did his father still hate him, even as he died? What were his last words? “Murderer!” A voice shouted from the crowd, as an older man spat at him, attempting to push his way through to attack Orion, though he didn’t move from his positions of grief, head lowered and expected to be slapped. “Leave the boy alone! Can’t you see he’s grieving?” Orion arched his shoulders slightly, lifting his head a little. The majority of the crowd was… defending him? Even if he was faced with a few glares, steadily those faces began to leave, door slamming time and time again.

“You’re a good boy Orion… we know you would never do what you were accused of.” He froze at the familiar voice, before smiling at the familiar woman, though much older now, as she patted his shoulder, as others followed, murmuring their condolences. Orion was… free, free from the guilt, and the pain of the accusations. Even if some didn’t believe his innocence, he at least had some on his side, and that was enough. Once the door had shut one last time, he allowed the tears to burst out, weeping over his father, both out of grief and relief.

Then, Orion Stormturner wiped his eyes, stood up, resting a bouquet on his father’s corpse, before he turned and left the church.

Dark eyes followed him as he left, though the cloaked figure never moved from his spot on top of the church until Orion had returned to his ship, before the figure started on the journey to visit Helio, and see if he held up his side of the deal.

[steam-powered-chaos]

Chapter 12 (Frozen Storm)

Orion sighed, turning his back to M’eudail, slipping his sword into its holster, attaching it to his belt, pulling out a flintlock pistol and a dagger, pausing to stroke his thumb gently against the red gem in the handle, before pushing them both into his belt and turning back to M’eudail, his eyes shadowed from the rising of the blue moon. He pulled his coat onto his shoulders, tensing when M'eudail touched his arm with a soft expression in his eyes, filled with pity and pain. "Orion... I'm sorry." Orion looked at him, kneeling down and cupping his face in his hands gently, fingers drifting over the smooth, cold scales of the mer's cheeks, before hugging him, shaking his head. "You have nothing to be sorry about M'eudail... Come on, we're going to save your husband." The captain scooped M'eudail up, shivering as the mer's cold tentacles flailed and gripped around his waist for support, carrying him out onto the deck where the cool night air hit them both. The crew milled around, teeming with anticipation at the thought of a good bit of violence, and Orion looked up when his shoulder was tapped, eyes softening at the sight of his first mate. "Captain, I'll take care of the crew whilst you're gone... take care, please." He nodded, calling out his goodbyes to the crew, fully aware he may not make it out alive, before his eyes met familiar black ones. "Sunny Bashra." He shook her hand firmly, and the two shared unspoken words, before the captain lowered M'eudail into the water as the three set off, the mer drifting silently through the water, the human walking in the side-streets and alleys, and Orion, high above, walking across the roof, as they moved to the procession.

Helio was at the head, beside a stranger Orion didn't recognise, from the hood covering his face, and some of the crew, the ones that still supported the corrupted captain, carrying Skygg in a water tank, who lay curled up at the bottom, silent except for the occasional, mournful and tragic wail to the sky, and Orion noticed the way in which M'eudail tensed at the sound, looking ready to spring at the man harming his lover. The three continued to follow silently, as the oil lamps were turned on, as the festival began, and the captain hesitated. Could he really go back here? To the place which had only held suffering for him, to the place where his life had ended? But then again, he thought to himself, this was also the place where he became who he really was... A pirate, through and through. He shook his thoughts away, realising he had almost lost the trail in his pondering, skipping across a few roofs to catch up again. Confused crowds parted in the streets to let the group through, gawking curiously at Skygg as he hid his face behind his tail, and the stranger and Helio made their way to the main stage, right in the town square. The stranger said something to Helio that none of the group could quite catch, although it quickly became clear when Helio shoed the mayor off the stage, staring blankly into the shocked crowds, swaying on his feet slightly. Orion's eyes flicked towards M'eudail, where he had dove into a barrel to watch, shaking with anger, and then to Sunny, who had concealed herself in an alleyway, slowly drawing her sword. The stranger tapped the microphone, chuckling. "Is this thing on? Very good.. Now, everyone, you see this man before you! Once a proud, loyal pirate, turned corrupted by this merman's song! This alone, shows the danger magic has upon our society." The crowd muttered to each other, though Orion noticed with dismay some nods in agreement. He went to step forward, but paused himself, not wanting to ruin the plan now that they had come so far.

"However, my people, I know the cure to this man's ailment! The blood of this mer will cure him, and blood I shall give him, with this knife!" The stranger drew the blade, the ruby in the hull glinting in the moonlight, as a shadow passed over the rising moon. As he laughed, there were... cheers from the crowd, but not only that, but booing too, some having noticed the clouds slowly covering the moon, taking it as a warning from the goddess they were supposed to be celebrating. The stranger drew his pistol, shooting those who voiced their displeasure the loudest, pocketing it once again, as the cheers rose from the increasing fear. He grinned, and Helio silently reached into the tank, lifting Skygg by the tail and holding him up as he struggled to breath without the water's comfort around him. Then Orion gave the signal, lunging down from the roof and yelling a battle cry. M'eudail grabbed the nearest men, throwing them into the surrounding ocean, while Sunny kicked and slashed at anyone who tried to hold her down, and the captain made his way to the stage. He drew his gun silently, pointing it at the stranger, then at Helio, before he stopped. Helio's eyes, despite being tinted with a greenish sheen, still had that sad, desperate look to them, looking so familiar to the man who Orion used to- no- continued to love, and he began to lower his gun, sharing a silent look with the terrified merman at the front. "Kill him." He froze at the sound of the order from the stranger, and didn't have time to move before Helio jumped on him, holding him down and pressing his thumb deep into the still healing wound on his throat, as Orion struggled to push him off. He hit him with the back of the gun, and the two men stayed locked in the other's embrace, lips barely inches apart, before Orion let out a sob, his resistance faltering from the pain in his neck. Helio grinned, lifting the knife, and the captain realised that it was his anniversary gift, kept despite the pain the two had caused each other. As the corrupted captain stared down at his former husband, ready to drive the killing blow, he stopped, a tear slipping down his cheek and onto Orion's, mingling their tears together.

He shook his head, dropping the knife, before he was shoved aside by the stranger, kicking him in the chest and going to stab Orion in the heart, and Orion realised his hood had fallen. Thomas Stormturner stared at Orion with disgust, malice, and pure joy, and the two brothers could only stare at each other for a moment, one fearful, the other prepared to kill. Orion finally got an answer to his question, the answer he never got from his mother. His brother hated him, and now he was going to kill him. He squeezed his eyes shut, gasping in pain as his brother forced them open again, hissing lowly. "Eyes open, dearest brother," He spat, "I want to see the full fear on your face when I kill you, and I want to see the light drain from those pretty eyes of yours.." He was torn away from Orion, as Helio grabbed Thomas, holding him down by the shoulders as he struggled and kicked. Skygg was laying on the stage, trying to crawl back into the tank. His throat has been cut slightly, in the confusion, and Orion noticed the blade driving into Helio's heart. He barely noticed the ragged scream of grief escaping his throat, as he could only watch in horror as Helio slumped, being pushed onto his back as his heart was cut out, ruby red and still pumping, lifted high by Thomas while he fled with Helio's heart in his hand, and Orion continued, to scream, not having noticed the blood slowly gushing from his leg where he had been slashed.

Orion Stormturner fell unconscious, leaving the battered, confused, but relieved to see that Skygg was now safe, three to carry him back to his ship in a hurry, leaving Helio's empty body behind to be collected after.

Thomas retreated onto his own ship, holding the burning hot heart in his hands, feeling how it continued to pump without its body, before he pushed it into a jar, chuckling, as he sailed away. He was victorious, and had gained a power far stronger than anything a mer's death could have given him.

After all, the heart of a god was not something to be trifled with.

[steam-powered-chaos]

Prologue (Frozen Storm)

Tw for yelling, blood and physical abuse

“How DARE you, Helio! How dare you ask me to rip away a part of myself?” Orion stormed out of their shared room, even if they had began sleeping in separate beds. His husband followed him out, glaring at his back as Orion turned back to face him, hurt swimming in his pink eyes.

“All I asked was for you to stop performing magic! You know that magic users can be-“ He was swiftly cut off by the shorter man’s shaky laugh. “What? Dangerous? You really think I’d hurt you, after everything? You’re a fool Helio.” He stepped forward, and Helio moved back slightly, looking unsure of his husband.

Orion Stormturner’s eyes narrowed in fury, advancing towards him at speed that elicited imagery of a lion stalking its prey. He was quickly sent flying back, his head hitting the mast with a painful sounding crack. Helio, looking dazed from his actions, quickly ran to his fallen husband, attempting to lift him up. His hand was slapped away, as the raven-haired man stood up, touching the slice on his cheek, looking at the blood staining his fingers.

“Y-you… you cut me..”

Helio stood back up, worry in his eyes as he stared at the long gash just under Orion's eye, as the two captains stared at each other in adversarial silence, urging the other to do something, anything, really, the only noise coming from the roaring sea underneath the floorboards of the ship. A brief flicker of surprise flashed in Orion's eyes, quickly being drowned out in disbelief as a single droplet of blood splattered onto the floor. All hell seemed to break loose in that moment, as Orion lunged at his husband, grabbing a fistful of hair, before being thrown off with a rough thump.

Helio's expression quickly hardened, wiping away any sense of compassion or worry for his husband and returning to his usual calm and cold demeanour. At this, Orion ceased, his eyes going cold as he gazed at his husband's expression, his voice trembling slightly as it was carried through the cold night air.

"You never change, do you Helio?" Helio stiffened slightly, but his expression didn't change. Orion shook his head in disbelief, walking to the edge of the ship slowly, each footstep a bell ring for their relationship.

"Goodbye, Helio Frostheart." And Orion jumped, swimming away from the shore, leaving Helio alone for the first time in 30 years.

And they both began to weep.

[steam-powered-chaos]

Chapter 10 (Frozen Storm)

[Tw: blood, abuse mention]

Orion and M'eudail sat together, a fish in M'eudail's clawed, webbed hands, and a bowl of soup in Orion's. The two men sat in comfortable silence, a magical flame burning between them and lighting up the quarters, whilst not catching fire to any of the wood and Orion's gaze drifted to his bedside cabinet, the key still in the lock. The mer's gaze shifted to follow where he was looking, reaching out with a tentacle to open it whilst the captain was distracted. Orion gently pulled the tentacle away with a soft sigh, unlocking it himself and pulling out a simple, gold band. “My wedding band.” He passed it to the mer, who held it gently, turning it over in his fingers and examining the sun marking that was etched into it, drifting one webbed finger over it carefully, before passing it back to the Captain. The two men sat together in a comfortable silence, hands almost interlocking but not quite. The door to his quarters was rapped upon gently, and Orion lifted his head, smiling at the sight of his first mate Sirius, even if he couldn't see it, but then fell at the worried look on his face, standing. "Captain, the uh.. first mate of the Sunfall is here to speak with you, she says it's urgent..." The captain buried his head in his hands with an exasperated sigh, patting Nana and putting his coat on, putting the wedding band back into the cabinet and closing it. M'eudail nodded to him, waving as he left and drying his hand so he could stroke the cat gently while he was gone. Rain was pattering across the deck, Orion nestling his head into his coat a little more on instinct, Sunny standing by the front mast, waiting for him. Worry was etched onto her face, and there was a prickle along the back of his spine. Something was deeply, terribly wrong. She nodded to him. "And what can I do for you, Bashra. " Though his eyes were narrowed with suspicion, his voice held warmth, kindness, care for the girl even if her loyalty was to Helio. Sirius shuffled to stand beside him, holding onto Orion's shoulder both to steady himself, and know where he was, his sightless eyes unfocused and staring at the sea.

"It's the Captain, our Captain. Something's... wrong with him, real wrong. He's been covered in this green stuff since last night, he threatened to attack one of the crew and-" Orion cut her off gently. "Slow down. So you say he's been covered in this green... stuff? Do you know what it is?" He questioned, and Sunnty shook her head softly, still looking worried, as Orion sighed, taking her hand gently. "And you think it's making him act erratically, yes?" She nodded quickly. Orion sighed heavily, nodding as well and exiting the ship, Sunny Bashra in tow as the two walked to the Sunfall in silence, Sunny's silence sourced from worry, and Orion's silence sourced from both fear and concern. The walk seemed to take hours, each footstep feeling like a minute as the ship came into view, the golden flag flapping madly in the early storm winds atop the highest mast. "Thank you for coming with me..." Sunny began, adjusting her sleeves slightly. The captain glanced at her from the corner of his eye, the tiniest smile pricking at his lips quickly, before he returned his gaze to the path ahead, watching as they passed rows of shopfronts already decorated for the festival, a painful reminder for Orion. "Wasn't an issue. You were good to come to me." Finally, they came to the ship, Orion hesitating for a moment, trying not to show his fear. He was afraid, of course he was, for himself and for Helio. Despite whatever he tried to do, how he tried to scorch those lingering feelings, through sex, through whatever projects he tried to keep himself busy was, those feelings were impossible to shake away from his mind, he still cared for him, loved him even.

But he would never admit that.

He took the step onto the deck of the ship, feeling the wind wobble it under his feet, and he steadied himself on the edge, grabbing onto it. "Orion! You came back, he was right!" Helio jumped down from the ship's wheel, and landing heavily in front of him. He went to grab him into a tight hug, leaning to kiss him, which Orion very quickly backed out of, folding his arms. As Sunny had said, Helio's mouth and the front of his waist coat was stained with something dark green, his eyes wide and manic, filled with both fear and... something else, something darker. He paused, before laughing, slapping his shoulder roughly. Orion did not return the smile, but the worry in his eyes stayed. Sunny was right. Helio was a hotheaded man yes, with a nasty temper to rival Orion's, but he would never act like this, never. "Mind informing me what's going on, Frostheart?" He tried to keep the concern out of his voice, keeping a stern, almost disgusted tone. Helio's smile fell immediately, his eyes narrowing. Fury replaced the joy in his eyes, and he took a single step towards Orion, before his eyes flicked to Sunny silently. There was a silent threat there, briefly. "I just wanted you to see how much stronger I am, and I'll be even stronger with you by my side again..." He went to circle an arm around Orion's waist, but was quickly shoved away as Orion scoffed. "And how? By smearing paint on yourself?" He mocked, regaining his composure quickly. Helio gave him a fiery glare, before snatching his arm, yanking him down into his quarters, muttering to himself wildly, "You'll see... oh you will.." He trailed off with a dark little chuckle, unlocking the door and flinging it up.

Dark green stained the wall and floor, leading to a large tank where Skygg lay, weak. His neck was exposed, the wound hastily wrapped in cloth, and his eyes travelled up to stare at Orion. And the captain knew exactly who this was, and his suspicions were confirmed, horrifyingly. He fell to his knees, trying to go to the merman, but Helio stepped in front quickly, blocking him as Orion gave him a furious glare, snarling at him and baring his teeth at his former love. "You monster." He spat, "How could you do this? He's innocent! He's going to die, what if he had a family?" The taller man gave him a pleading look, begging Helio to understand, to stop this madness and free Skygg, but Helio only gave him a measured, satisfied look in return, though it faded as he saw the fear, the pain in his eyes. But he couldn't go back, not now, not now he was too far gone. He shook his head silently, and Orion stood, looking ready to draw his sword. "Please, don't..." Skygg pleaded, and Orion put his sword away, glancing back at him with a knowing look. The mer nodded in understanding, and Orion stepped away, shaking his head at Helio in disgust. He shoved past his former husband, glancing at Sunny with a sad, apologetic look, leaving the ship. He only paused upon hearing her pained yelp, before breaking into a run. He stayed solemnly silent as he came back to M'eudail, and his face told him everything.

The mer and the captain cried together, holding each other close, as Orion prepared to fulfil his promise to him, no matter what it took.

Blood trickled into Sunny's eye as she watched Helio slam back into his quarters, fingering the new slice that went through her eyebrow and cheek, whispering a silent prayer that he had missed her eye by inches. The crew surrounded her, and she stood, before silently walking to the hull of the ship, watching the waters below, thinking of a plan to stop the man she loved as a father.

[steam-powered-chaos]

Chapter 1 (Godhearted)

The quiet slosh of waves against the side of the ship stirred Orion slightly, having been confined to his bed to recover from his injuries, casting a glance at the map nearby. The course had been charted towards the Kingdom of Aecoca, home to the beautiful race of centaurs which protected the forests surrounding the kingdom. Why Sunny was so determined to go there, he had only a slight suspicion, but it would mean that some… arrangements would have to be made to allow M’eudail and Skygg to join them. His gaze drifted across his quarters to watch the two of them, sleeping, cuddled up in each other’s embrace, and he felt a slight twinge of jealousy, and a pang of grief too. He sighed heavily, standing up and walking across the deck, out of his quarters and into the night air. His leg began to make an uncomfortable creaking sensation, and his eyes closed slightly, still tired from the sleeplessness he was suffering with, before his legs buckled, crashing into the waves below as his eyes snapped shut.

He was hauled onto the deck, water forced out of him by M’eudail, concerned eyes gazing down at him. He sat up, and Sirius stayed silent, scooping him up into his arms and tapping away back to his quarters, grumbling. “I’ve had enough Captain. As soon as we dock, you’re getting a cane.” Orion immediately began to protest, but Sirius gave him a look that silenced him with his sightless gaze, eyes not focused upon him, but he got the message quickly. It was no use now, he had to accept his weakness here, even if it had almost been the death of him, and how the captain despised appearing weak. He sighed heavily, limping into bed and rolling over, bringing his pillow down on his head with a quiet grumble. He could feel Sirius touching around, before finally touching his hair, moving it slightly in a gesture of comfort for the much older man, before letting go of him gently. "We're almost there Captain... the mers want to come with you, said that they have a way to... become human briefly? I was more worried about you being scooped out the water to really listen, but... we're almost there, anyways." Orion murmured a noise of acknowledgement, squeezing his eyes shut and praying for any kind of undisturbed sleep. As his eyes fluttered open a while later, from the gentle tapping on his arm Skygg was giving him, the hurried footsteps and voices outside his quarters told him that they had arrived, and he rolled out of his bed, leaning on M'eudail for support as he made his way out of his quarters, glancing at Sirius talking to Sunny, both ships having docked.

The island was huge, green, and covered in little houses, leading up to the top of the mountain where the palace rose high into the clouds. That was where they were heading, once they managed to make their way into the forest. The two mers glanced at each other. "So, whats this about becoming human?" Orion questioned, wheeling around to face them, and the Skygg rolled his eyes, squeezing M'eudail's arm gently. The two pressed their foreheads together, whispering a quiet chant before there is a gentle surge of light, and the two pulled back from each other, in human form. The two of them were.. devastatingly handsome, and Orion's cheeks heated up a little, much to his dismay and Skygg's mischievous delight, his now pale blue eyes lighting up. He wrapped an arm around Orion's thin waist playfully, M'eudail watching in amusement as his cheeks got pinker and pinker by the second, shaking his head and eventually pulling Skygg away from Orion gently, as the white haired mer-turned-human laughed. The two disguised creatures had subtle differences, such as keeping their gills in the form of scars, and some markings being kept too, but otherwise looked completely human. Sunny helped Orion down from the ship, and the four of them continued on, waving at Sirius who had opted to stay behind to take care of the combined crew of both ships, and the forest was silent.

[steam-powered-chaos]

Chapter 13 (Frozen Storm)

Dark shapes swum in Orion’s vision, Helio falling to the ground and going still in front of him, his eyes closing. Then a cold hand stroking his cheek. His eyes snapped open, the hand yanking itself away as he sat up awake in his bed, looking around as his breath soothed. He was surrounded by Sunny and Sirius, with M’eudail perched looking through the window outside, and his eyes fell on an unfamiliar face, the owner of the hand who was calming him. The silver hue of his skin and sharp dorsal fin on his back told Orion all he needed to know. This was Skygg. His eyes held the same softness his husband had told him so much of, and the captain’s eyes fell upon the bandage around his throat, where it had been cut, and Orion reached towards it on instinct. Skygg flinched slightly, baring his teeth at him, and he let his hand fall, his eyes going soft.

“My apologies. You’re Skygg, aren’t you? I’ve heard a lot about you.” He dipped his head at M’eudail, who smiled briefly, waving a tentacle at the two before returning to staring out the window. The shark mer soothed slightly, at Orion’s calm expression, before smiling back at his lover, gently rubbing his thumb against the other mer’s hand, pressing his cold lips against it. Orion reached out again, and this time, the silver mer allowed himself to be touched, leaning into the warmth of Orion’s palm, his eyes closing slightly in content. M’eudail chuckled a little. “I’ve been told plenty about you too, Captain Stormturner” He reached over, twirling a lock of Orion’s greying hair in his clawed fingers, grinning as the captain’s cheeks flushed slightly, as he glanced at M’eudail quickly, checking if it was alright.

The other mer rolled his eyes, taking Skygg’s hands in his gently, kissing him adoringly. “Dearest, you’re flustering him, he’s just woken up from an injury that almost killed him” He chided gently, and Skygg looked away apologetically. Sirius’ sightless eyes fixed on Orion’s bed, tapping his shoulder. “How are you feeling Captain?” Orion sighed softly, his eyes lowering as grief crashed over him like a wave, and M’eudail silently wrapped a tentacle around his hand in comfort, Sunny placing a hand on his shoulder as silent tears began to slip down his cheeks. Skygg didn’t have the fury that Orion would have expected for being so mournful towards the man who kidnapped and tortured the mer, his tail flicking through the water of the tank slightly. “I’m sorry… I know how much you cared for Helio, and how much he cared for you… but I think we can help each other.”

Orion’s ears flicked slightly, interested, wiping his face from tears, and blinked slowly at him. “A regular human heart does not glow like Helio’s did when it is removed. And I remember something about Helio having changed his name before he became a pirate, yes?” The captain nodded quickly in response. “Yes, from Sunheart.” The two mer shared a quick glance, sharing silent words with just a look between each other, before they nodded. “Helio is still alive. Well- his soul is.” Orion turned away, standing up and shaking his head, his fingers gently trailing across the snake skeleton he kept under his pillow for comfort. With a sigh, he turned back around. “No. No, he isn’t. He can’t be!”

“Orion, your husband has god blood, he is alive! As long as his heart is not destroyed.” M’eudail retorted, steadying Orion with a few of his tentacles, as the captain stumbled a few steps, before sitting back onto his bed, burying his face in his hands with a trembling sob. Sunny wrapped an arm around his shoulders softly, sitting beside him calmly. “How can we stop this then? How can we save Helio? Do you know why that man took his heart then?” Skygg lifted a hand to pause her questions, and Sunny fell silent. He rested his hand on her shoulder gently, lifting Orion’s chin gently to look him in the eyes kindly. “The stranger, or whatever his name is really, wants to destroy magic in this world, and he thinks he can become the most powerful using the heart of a god. We must find him, together.”

Orion sighed softly, nodding and bringing Skygg’s hand away from his chin carefully, “Are you sure you want to though? Helio did kidnap and torture you.. I’d understand if you two wanted to leave us behind.” The two mer lovers glanced at each other, before they chuckled, and shook their heads, hugging Orion tightly. The captain allowed himself to relax, finally, and hugged them back. He rose to his feet, walking out onto the deck of his ship, up to the wheel, shouting out directions, before glancing at Sunny.

“Captain, I’d say we head towards Aecoca, we may be able to ask for reinforcements.” Orion nodded, patting Sunny’s shoulder gently, before wrapping a coat around her shoulders. “Of course, I trust your judgement, Captain Bashra of the Sundance.” Sunny’s eyes widened, before softening and puffing out her chest with pride, before she ran off the ship of the Shooting Star, running to her own ship.

Orion took one final look back at the place where so much of his pain had stemmed from, and smiled. One day he’d return, after bringing his brother to justice, and return his husband’s heart to where it should be.

And somewhere between the land of gods and the living, a lone soul wanders, calling for anyone he used to know.

-END OF BOOK ONE-

[steam-powered-chaos]

The Sunheart Execution (A Frozen Storm short story)

[Tw for death, religious imagery and references to torture/hanging] Helio Sunheart ran through the old house, where his family had resided for many generations previously, as a brick smashed through the window just behind him. His small sweaty hand gripping tightly to his brother’s as the two boys bundled into the bedroom where little Eliana hid under her bed, crying from the shouting outside. Sol soothes her, trying to hush his two younger siblings cries as footsteps thundered closer to the door, and their father, Damien, ran in, eyes wild in panic. “Everyone, follow me!” He commanded, although his eyes were fixed on Helio, as the three children ran after their father, as men burst through the front doors of the mansion, searching for the family that had lived there for generations.

Damien lead the children down the hallway, their attackers close behind, before finally, coming to a dead end. He ushered Sol and Eliana into the cellar, before grabbing Helio’s shoulder gently, forcing his knife into the 14 year old’s clammy hands to hold. Brown eyes gazed into fire, as Helio and Damien had their eyes locked with each other, in a silent moment of father to son communication. “Helio… you must run. Run far far away from this place, never look back. I’ll… I’ll keep your siblings safe. Just please.. run away” He whispered, hugging the trembling boy before pushing him towards the kitchen window, as Helio wordlessly clambered out, running to the woods.

He climbed up the tallest tree, hiding in amongst the leaves and watching as his father’s lifeless corpse was dragged out of the house by his hair, his siblings’ corpses following suit soon after, and the old house was set aflame. Helio Sunheart could only watch in silent terror, as fat tears began rolling down his face, silently turning the knife around in his hands, watching the flames flicker high into the air as decades of lineage burned and smouldered into ashes. He sat there, as all feeling seemed to fade away, before a roaring rain eventually broke through the darkened sky, dimming the majority of the flames, and the broken, smoking remains of the house layed charred and black.

As Helio made his way into the market for the first time since the execution, he could only stop in silence, watching the rotting corpses of his family swaying faintly in the breeze, gripping his knife a little rougher, and walked away, head bowed in his grief. The only thing he knew, was that his family had been deemed ‘too powerful’ by thugs, that only desired the power that they had held, as he slipped inside a barrel which was lifted up into the belly of the Sunrise, a ship overtaken by pirates. Eventually, of course, like any stowaway, the boy was soon discovered, fighting and squirming for his life. The Captain seemed to take a liking to the feisty young man, giving him a pat on the head, questioning him for the boy’s name, as his head stayed lowered with fury and grief. Although, then again, his family was gone. He didn’t deserve their name, not after he abandoned them.

“…Helio. Helio Frostheart.”

The captain nodded, welcoming him, and as he grew, eventually coming into the position of captain, although soon found himself in several prisons. Thankfully, his crew always seemed to come back to him. Except for the night he met young Orion Stormturner in the opposite cell.

[steam-powered-chaos]

Chapter 3 (Frozen Storm)

Helio stood up sharply from where he was crouched, staring at his terrified catch. The mer was big, tall, a strong looking fellow, with scars covering his body and the hook wound in his tail haphazardly bandaged up, as the ship landed at the swarming, busy dock. He gave the mer a gentle pat, ignoring his growl of protest, giving a backwards glance at the uneaten fish leaning on the side, as he left the cabin boy to watch him, although Helio severely doubted that the mer would be going anywhere anytime soon. He paused as he walked past a bottle of whisky, but stopped himself, reasoning that the figure would hold up its end of the deal soon, surely, walking out onto the main deck and examining the dock. Cornelius let out a soft hoot, circling down to land on his shoulder, the little owl pecking gently at his ear lobe.

”That capture seems to have cheered you right up Captain! Ready to head down to the market?” Sunny called up to him, waving. She was smiling, properly for once, the first time he had seen her smile like that in the past few months, and Helio couldn’t help but smile back at her warmly, jumping down from his place near the wheel and nodding. Cornelius perched on the railing, tilting his head as he gave the bird a gentle stroke, landing roughly on the dock as his boots clacked menacingly towards the dockmaster, the ferrety young woman seeming to shrink under the pirate’s gaze as his eyes flicked to the wanted poster with his face plastered on it, and back at her again, silently placing a gold coin on the deskbook before turning away, his beloved pet and Sunny in tow. He paused outside a coat shop, admiring a dark red coat, before hearing a familiar meaw at his feet, looking down at the little black and white cat.

He leaned down slightly, to give Nana a few gentle pets, before freezing, immediately realising that if Nana was here, then so was… “…Helio?” Orion spoke up from behind him, and he slowly stood, turning around to face his former husband. Helio winced slightly, upon seeing the scar that marked Orion’s cheek from where he had cut into him, and Orion only gave him a cold look, Nana wrapping around the smaller man’s legs and purring. Helio wanted to burst into tears, run and hug him, kiss him as if everything that had happened between them was all just one terrible dream, but couldn’t move, as Helio gave him a silent, observing look with those pink eyes that no longer held any of their former warmth for him, not anymore. “….You’re looking well..” Helio began, unsure what else to say other than a simple comment on his appearance, despite the scar, and the silver in his hair. Was that because of me? He wondered briefly, a glimmer of hope sparking in Helio, that perhaps Orion missed him just as much as he did.

“…That’s all?” Orion scoffed, “I ‘look well’, do I? I can see the way you’re looking at me, my hair. My scar. Don’t try to kid me Frostheart, I know you want the old, perfect little Orion back!” He mocked, his words piercing like eye into Helio, rendering him lost for words, before he was taken by a deep surge of rage. “Don’t tell me how I think-“ he started to move forward, before Sunny grabbed his arm to stop him, as Orion seemed to shift his weight, hand dangling just above his cutlass. “…Fuck off Helio, I don’t want to see you again. And if I do, I want it to be your head on a plate.” And with that, Orion stalked away, but not before throwing a box of hair dye at Helio’s chest, disappearing into the market with Nana following close behind.

Tears pinpricked at Orion’s eyes, shaking them away as he struggled to harden his heart, to match his former husbands, for they were now enemies.

[steam-powered-chaos]

Chapter 2 (Frozen Storm)

Orion blinked awake, looking down at his chest with a small smile on his face, his cat Nana pressing a weight on him as she snoozed. He gently nudged her, to wake her up, and received a tiny offended meow in response. He chuckled at her, gently scritching just behind her ears, as she began to purr, nuzzling her soft little head against his moustache, before he gently moved her onto his pillow so he could get up. He itched his breast, standing up and crossing over to the mirror, staring into it and grumbling, as he noticed that the dye had worn out, leaving his greying hairs on full display. He’s have to make a trip to the nearest market it seemed, and he pulled his dress shirt on, throwing his coat on over it, as he walked out onto the main deck, Nana following him. He picked up some chopped fish, gently scraping it into her bowl and petting her on the head, before going straight to the wheel.

"Captain!" He glanced up quickly at his first mate, as Lucien ran towards him, looking almost frantic. Orion stood a little taller. "Lucien, come now, you know to call me Orion by now! What's wrong?" He crossed over to where a group of the crew was struggling to pull up a net, obviously having caught either something big, or something determined to not be dinner. He gently pushed them aside, grabbing the net in one hand and clicking his fingers in another, as a spear was sent into the water, giving him the chance to haul up the struggling beast. The crew scrambled to move out the way as the mer was hauled up onto the deck, flopping and screeching, holding a bleeding wound on it's side, and Orion backed up slowly, calling for a basin and water. And the mer passed out, the last thing it had seen was Orion scooping it up, carrying it away.

Then M'eudail woke up, looking around the cabin frantically and hissing at Nana as she pawed at one of his tentacles, sending her running and jumping onto Orion's bed to hide from him. The raven-haired man walked into the room, his eyes widening slightly when he saw he had woken, before kneeling down to get closer to his level. "Hello... Can you underst-OW!" Orion reeled backwards with a yelp, clutching his cheek as M'eudail pulled back, hand raised as if to scratch him again. Orion stepped back, swearing under his breath, almost knocking the picture of Helio from his nightstand, before he dived to catch it, giving the cheek a fond stroke before shaking his head and putting it back, walking out the room in silence

[steam-powered-chaos]

Siren Song (THE CAST pt1)

[steam-powered-chaos]

The Blue Moon Festival (A Frozen Storm short story)

[Tw murder, mentions of abuse and slight transphobia]

“Orion my boy, once you’ve finished up over there you can help me with these boxes!” The 17 year old’s father called, the boy looking up and giving him a nod as he tightened the lady’s corset, his light fingers carefully twisting and finishing the outfit off with a bow, bowing to the old woman with a cheeky smile and a wink. Her cheeks flushed as she smiled back at him, tipping her hat to him. “You’ve raised a fine young man here Alastair!” She called out to his father and the man chuckled fondly, as Orion rushed over to take a heavy box from his arms, beaming at her. After all, the Blue Moon festival was that night, and preparations couldn’t cease. His brother Thomas scoffed, sneering at him and Orion’s smile fell, his eyes dropping to the floor at his younger twin’s reaction. “Don’t you mean girl?” He let out a cackle, and Orion shrunk into himself, silently sliding the box into place and turning away, trying to ignore the prickling shame on the back of his neck. He glanced up in time to see Thomas get cuffed around the ear and given a stern look by his father, to which he glared at him. “Don’t talk about your brother that way Thomas. In fact, he’s acting more like a man than you are! So get off your arse and help with these boxes, Orion, you go check on your mama.”

Thomas grumbled, begrudgingly sliding off the wall he was sitting and grabbing a box, Orion walking past him with his head lowered, flinching when he felt a foot stamp onto his, biting his tongue to stop himself from yelling out with pain as he walked inside. Upon scanning the house, he deducted his mother must be upstairs, painting again, so went to the stove, heating up the kettle. Upon hearing its whistle, he carefully poured the boiling water into the teacup and carrying the tea upstairs into the observatory. Sure enough, there she was, her hair untied and flowing down her back as she painted quietly. “Mama? I brought you tea..” Orion whispered, and she paused with a soft gasp, turning her face slightly to look at him, her soft pink eyes shining slightly and she nodded kindly. “Thank you Orion, you’re very kind… how are the festival preparations going?” His smile returned, sitting down on a paint stained old stool, before his smile began to fade again, thinking of what his brother had said to him. “…Mama? Why does… why does Thomas hate me?” The siren let out a quiet sigh, putting down the paintbrush and turning to face him properly, her long pointed ears so similar to his own, as she reached out and stroked his cheek gently.

“Oh my star, your brother doesn’t hate you… that’s just sometimes how siblings are, you know?” He sighed heavily, looking away slightly from her gentle, concerned eyes. “Really? You think so?” He murmured quietly. “I know so, now come on, let’s continue those festival preparations!” She stood up, swiftly making her way downstairs, leaving Orion to follow after her, although he paused a moment to mull over her words. He walked downstairs, heading out into the sunshine that bathed his face in a golden light, as Thomas stood in the shade as he hauled box after box, growling at Orion when he walked over to help.

He was sent sprawling to the floor, as the pirate crashed into him, grabbing onto his arms to stop him fleeing on instinct, as there was a shout from the police, quickly hauling the man off of Orion. He looked around 19, his gorgeous orange eyes staring into Orion’s own shocked expression, the boy’s cheeks slowly flushing upon looking closer at the other’s handsome face. The pirate grinned at him, winking at him as he was carted away, Orion still dumbstruck on the floor, as his father lifted him back onto his feet and brushing him off, the boy only able to give him a faint nod in response to being asked if he was alright, the blush on his face slowly fading. He shook his head to clear it, slowly going back to the boxes and steadily lifting out the streamers, shaking away thoughts of handsome pirates. “Poor boy.. I swear they get younger every year” Alastair shook his head, starting to take the decorations out from the boxes. Orion grabbed a string of bunting, before walking off into the market, stringing it across the oil lampposts and market stalls, smiling as he watched boats dock into the harbour as the sun slowly began to set. After all, the blue moon was a brilliant sight, and the Festival usually brought crowds from all over, although they never usually began arriving this early. Once Orion had finished his decorating spree, he climbed onto the roof of the old house his family had lived in, leaning against the stained glass window at the very top of the house and watching as the moon began to rise from the ocean.

“Orion! Boy, get down from there, the festival is starting!” His father called, and he laughed, the wind flowing in his hair as he clambered back down, landing on the soft green grass with a little humph. He smiled, walking beside his father into the market, although briefly wondered where his mother and Thomas had gone too, but assumed that Thomas was most likely sulking somewhere. He was never one for festivities after all. So Orion slowly split off from his Alastair’s side, going to the nearest market stall that caught his eye, one selling colourful pendants in the shapes of the water god’s symbol, a symbol of luck especially to seafaring folk, Orion thought to himself, sliding a few coins across the counter and took the pendant handed to him. He paused, his eyes drifting to an alleyway as his ears seemed to prick up slightly, and he narrowed his eyes at the sight of a scrap of familiar fabric.

He walked into the alleyway silently, the sounds of the busy festival quietening as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, smelling something… pungent and metallic. That’s when he saw it, his mother’s corpse, laying still warm on the ground, a shocked scream catching in his throat as he ran to her side, shaking her rapidly cooling body, her blue blood getting all over his hands and sleeve, flinging his face down onto her to listen for any kind of heartbeat. It was no use, she was dead, and recently too. Orion barely lifted his head as he heard quiet footsteps from behind him, and a shocked gasp from Thomas. “Orion, what have you done? You-… you monster! You murdered her, your own mother!” He cried, and Orion stammered slightly in shock, trying to wipe her blood from his face as his brother ran out, yelling murder.

Orion was dragged away from his mother’s corpse, tears streaming down his face, police gripping his arms tightly as he thrashed and squirmed, pleading his innocence, as his family watched in shock and grief, Alastair kneeling down by Diana’s side with a quiet sob. Slowly, the crowds dispersed, leaving the man and his son to grieve, before Thomas walked away in silence. Orion yelled out as he was dragged into the dungeons, into the deepest pit and thrown into a cell, curling up into a corner as sobs wracked his body.

And Helio listened from the other cell, as the young man grieved for a crime he did not commit, and a mother he was not allowed to say goodbye to.

[steam-powered-chaos]

Chapter 6 (Frozen Storm)

[Tw: alcohol, sex mention] Orion was sitting in his armchair, a faraway look in his eyes as he thinly grasped the cup of rum in his hand, looking close to falling asleep, as M’eudail watched him in silent pity. “So, your… ex husband. What was he like?” He began tentatively, before looking away as Orion turned his fierce glare onto the merman. His ears drooped, emptying the cup's contents down his throat and throwing it at a wall, the glass shattering as he let out a quiet sob. M’eudail sighed, leaning over and patting his shoulder with one tentacle to comfort him, as Orion buried his head in his hands. Nana jumped up onto his lap, the man absentmindedly stroking her with one hand, wiping his tears with another.

“…Well, how was the sex?” The mer ventured, and Orion spluttered in shock, his face flushing pink. He stared at M’eudail incredulously, searching his expression for any hint of a joke or trick, but found none at all. “Well, I mean- it was-… I-.. it was wonderful..” he finished, his eyes starting to soften as if thinking on brighter times, a small smile pricking faintly at his lips, his cheeks flushing. “He was wonderful, at everything. Until he let his own… prejudices get in the way, and his temper..” he shook his head quickly, giving M’eudail a look, his shoulders tensed up. “What about you then, what was your sex life with your husband?” He teased, although there was a note of curiosity in his voice. The merman shrugged, reaching out to give Nana a stroke as she purred softly on Orion’s lap. “Well, I wouldn’t know…” he trailed off, and the captain’s eyes softened.

He reached out, lightly touching his newfound friend’s shoulder to comfort him, the two allied by their grief, and their desperate love. “…I promised you, we will find your husband, and I will make sure you reunite. I swear.” Orion seized M’eudail’s soft hands in his scarred, rough ones, staring deep into each others eyes. The merman seemed to freeze, immediately letting go and his eyes wide with shock. He blinked a few times, as Orion stared at him, puzzled by his reaction, and a little hurt as well. M’eudail stared at him for a moment, then another, before narrowing his eyes. Orion stepped back, looking around. “What? Is there something on my face?” He mumbled, not seeming to realise he had stood “…What are you? Because you certainly aren’t half-siren like you say.”

Orion blinked a few times in disbelief, before shaking his head, chuckling slightly in shock. “I’m… not sure what you’re trying to say? My father was human, and my mother was a siren, what’s so difficult to understand?” He challenged, and M’eudail put his hands up in defence, trying to de escalate the situation. “It’s just that… you’re far too powerful, are you… descended?” He asked with a hushed voice and Orion’s eyes seemed to widen, as he quickly shook his head, as M’eudail sighed in relief. The captain sat down, fiddling with his coat buttons as he struggled to say anything. “What… do you mean, by too powerful?” He murmured and M’eudail glanced at him, eyes seeming to soften a little at Orion’s true innocence. He shook his head, and Orion’s ears drooped slightly in response, looking at his boots and his ears flushing in shame. “Well, I suppose one thing may be the cause of it. My brother, he used to force feed me all sorts of stuff when we were young… I wouldn’t put it past him to have slipped a few fae in their as well…” M‘eudail’s eyes widened in horror.

“…He what?”

[steam-powered-chaos]

Frozen Storm Series (MASTERLIST)

Frozen Storm (BOOK ONE): Prologue: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/741951401680355328/siren-song-prologue?source=share

Chapter 1: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/742472389100716032?source=share

Chapter 2: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/743646131245006848/siren-song-chapter-2?source=share

Chapter 3: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/744696975603138560/siren-song-chapter-3?source=share

Chapter 4: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/744776539207532544/siren-song-chapter-4?source=share

Chapter 5: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/744839258157809665/siren-song-chapter-5?source=share

Chapter 6: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/746504196997677056/chapter-6-frozen-storm?source=share

Chapter 7: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/749551795316162560/chapter-7-frozen-storm?source=share

Chapter 8: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/749936888608063489/chapter-8-frozen-storm?source=share

Chapter 9: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/750354719247155200/chapter-9-frozen-storm?source=share

Chapter 10: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/751008334030782464/chapter-10-frozen-storm?source=share

Chapter 11: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/751638837743255552/chapter-11-frozen-storm?source=share

Chapter 12: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/753007986252906496/chapter-12-frozen-storm?source=share

Chapter 13: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/753451200129712128/chapter-13-frozen-storm?source=share

Godhearted (BOOK TWO):

Prologue: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/754546354758483968/prologue-godhearted?source=share

Chapter 1: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/756158699379343360/chapter-1-godhearted?source=share

BACKSTORIES AND TIDBITS:

The Sunheart Execution: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/745773052082700288/the-sunheart-execution-a-frozen-storm-short?source=share

The Blue Moon Festival: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/747052881535975424/the-blue-moon-festival-a-frozen-storm-short?source=share

The Escape: https://www.tumblr.com/steam-powered-chaos/748664933919686656/the-escape-a-frozen-storm-short-story?source=share

[steam-powered-chaos]

Chapter 5 (Frozen Storm)

[Tw: blood, sexual references, alcohol]

Helio curled up on his bed in subdued silence, hiding his head under his pillow and ignoring the mer's soft cries from beside his bed. His cheeks burned with shame and anguish, although rage had sparked deep within him, a roaring flame that always lay dormant unless struck. Cornelius nestled into his hair, hooting softly to him. He tensed, upon feeling a rough, cold, clammy hand on his arm, jerking up from the shock as he stared at the anxious looking merman beside him, who immediately retracted his hand and half-hid his face under the water. He slid off his bed, tilting his head and reaching towards Skygg, as he began to cower. Helio let his hand fall, examining his dark grey, scaley flesh, dappled with black spots all over his body, admiring his sleek, tattered fins. He seemed to understand where he was looking, his cheeks steadily becoming more and more blue before he hid his face fully under the water, turning away from Helio, making him chuckle slightly at his timidity. "It's alright, I mean you no harm. I promise." The captain soothed, beginning to calm himself from his grief, as Skygg rose from the water once again, staring down at his webbed hands as his white hair dripped with water, leaving it as dry as it was before. Helio gave the mer a soft, encouraging smile, the expression foreign to his lips in those desolate, lonely months, and his smile was returned shakily.

Skygg was certainly beautiful, in the way his cool grey scales reflected the lamp light, and his soft rounded face. His body was covered in deep, thick scars, a lighter silver than the rest of his body, tinged with pink from his inner flesh, and startlingly white hair. His golden eyes held grief, a wistful grief that only the eyes of a lover could truly hold within, and Helio's heart ached for Orion. His soft hands in his own rough ones, his lips pressed into his. Before he had even realised it, tears were beginning to roll down his cheeks, and the mer reached out slowly to wipe his tears away, worry flashing in his eyes, despite knowing nothing of Orion. His hand was rough, cold and felt almost like sandpaper as his thumb rubbed under Helio's eyes, in a tenderness that only two lost men grieving for their lovers could share between each other, and Helio pulled back slightly, sniffing and using his handkerchief to wipe the tiny scratches Skygg's rough skin had left, and any remaining tears. He sighed, passing a plate of fish to him silently, but stiffened in surprise when Skygg seemed to willingly devour it, especially with him standing in front of him, although eating so little must have taken a toll on the shark. "What's your name?" Helio began, figuring it the best way to start the conversation now he had relatively calmed down from his frantic, frenzied terror from earlier, and no longer on the verge of tears. Skygg paused, hesitating clearly, thinking it over before wiping his blood stained mouth in the water, his tail splashing some water over. "...Skygg, my name is Skygg..." He had a quiet voice, although it didn't mask his sharp accent, causing another wave of yearning for Orion and his sweet, familiar voice whispering softly in his ear as they embraced in their bedroom before-.

"Are you alright?" Skygg spoke up quietly, his hands touching his wrists gently, and Helio pulled away, denying himself the yearning for any kind of touch, as he pleaded to open his eyes and see Orion instead. Helio sighed, turning away from the mer without an answer, grabbing a bottle of whisky and downing it, before walking out of the cabin, leaving Cornelius to follow him and Skygg to be alone with his thoughts. Skygg worried for M'eudail, of course he did, hoping that he was alright, and hoping that he would live long enough to escape, and return home to his lover, although his train of thought was firmly cut short as Helio returned, carrying about three separate bottles of whisky and a flask on his hip, which sloshed with more of the foul stuff, before sitting on the bed, drinking until he could no longer think straight.

[steam-powered-chaos]

Chapter 4 (Frozen Storm)

[tw for yelling, blood and violence]

Orion stormed onto the ship, his eyes full of furious fire as he shoved past Lucien on his way to ask him what had gotten him so worked up, going into his room and grabbing his bookshelf, yanking it down from the wall with a thunderous crash. He turned to the dresser, kicking it with a furious scream, before turning his anger onto the wall, punching it until blood rolled down his wrist, and then some, growling with each rough smack the wall made as splinters burrowed their way into his knuckles. He didn’t stop, not even as fat tears began rolling down his face, ignoring the mer trembling in the tub, watching the furious captain in terror as he took his rage and pain out onto his bedroom. His laboured breathing and hoarse screaming eventually ceased as the picture fell from his dresser with a cracking of glass as it hit the floor. He turned around, the adrenaline slowly fading as he knelt down, desperately scraping shards of glass together from the picture. “No.. no, no! I’m sorry!” He sobbed, taking the picture out of its ruined frame with trembling hands, hugging it close to his chest.

“Are you-“ M’eudail made his first attempt to speak, but was quickly drowned out by Orion’s sobs, as he flung himself onto his bed and buried his face in his pillow. Nana nosed her way into the room, jumping up beside him and laying on his back, purring to slow his breathing down enough for him to calm, at least a little. M’eudail could only watch, waiting patiently as Orion weeped into his pillow, still clutching the photograph in his bloodied hands, before rolling out of bed, eyes still streaming with tears, lifting the bookcase up again and slotting the books neatly back into place, trying to calm himself with the task of cleaning up. The mer narrowed his eyes slightly, before beginning to speak once more. “…Have you lost your love too?” Orion stiffened, turning slowly to stare incredulously at M’eudail upon hearing his voice. He examined the net’s tired eyes, filled with grief, and his words began to click into place, as he withdrew slightly, looking down at the crumpled picture grasped tightly in his hands. “No- I mean, not in the way that- that you mean, I… we aren’t together anymore.” He sputtered out finally, and M’eudail nodded in understanding, looking at one of his tentacles in silence, as Orion finished cleaning up and disappeared into the other room, cleaning up his hands and using tweezers to pull out the splinters and glass.

He returned, his heels clicking in rhythm to the roaring ocean outside of the boat, which swayed the docked ship back and forth softly. “Is your lover…?” He trailed off at the mer’s nod, lowering his eyes to avoid his searching, tragic gaze, as Orion sat down in front of him. “Yes. He… he got taken by a ship, a little while before you captured me. I don’t know where he is now, but… there’s not point in hoping. He’s dead.” M’eudail masked the extent of his grief in his voice, although it trembled in places, and Orion’s eyes softened with understanding, reaching out to touch one of his tentacles. He pulled away from him sharply, tucking his extra appendages close with narrowed eyes and a hiss of warning. “Could you tell me about him?” Orion asked quietly, his head still bowed in respect. M’eudail paused, before nodding slightly. “Skygg was… well, he was beautiful. Gorgeous white hair, and his markings and fins… but the best part about him was his personality. His smile. He was kind, and trusting, and his smile would light up the ocean like the hottest summer’s day!” He chuckled fondly, sadly, and fell silent, his ears lowering and looking down, as Orion thought to himself for a moment.

“Maybe… he isn’t dead! I mean, you got captured by me; and you aren’t dead! And I’ve been told I’m a pretty scary pirate.” He laughed, but it faded upon seeing M’eudail’s expression. It was defeated, hopeless, and tragically beautiful, something that brought Orion almost to tears as he reached out slowly, his hand eventually resting to sit on M’eudail’s shoulder, to comfort the mer. “Don’t give up.. I swear to you, I will find your husband, and I will make sure you reunite with each other!” The mer tensed in shock, searching Orion’s gaze for any hint of him lying or leading him on, and found none, as his heart began to swell with hope.

He reached out, shaking the captain’s hand firmly as they sealed the promise, giving each other a small smile.

And just across the dock, in the belly of Helio’s ship, Skygg cried for his husband, alone and frightened for his fate.