#Pearl Iridescent Series Glitters

[sweetestofchaos]

Blackthorn Ch 10 | M.YG

Pairing: Crown Prince Dragon!Yoongi x Crown Princess Impundulu!Keena  Genre: Soulmate AU | Arranged Marriage AU | Fantasy AU | Fluff | Angst  Word Count: 9.9K  Warnings: Poachers | Animal Cruelty | Use of Weapons | Blood | Major Character Death | Murder | Magic | Talks of Afterlife | Red String of Fate | Emotional Departures | Angst Rating: PG16

Home - Prince Yoongi finally shares his final gift with the Princess and Namjoon leaves the palace to see an old friend.

a/n: As always thanks to @sailoryooons for being my beta and making the banner. Huge thank you @colormepurplex2​ for the Namjoon and Jungkook edit! Character asks and the taglist for Blackthorn are always open! Minors do NOT interact with my work, please and thank you.

a/n 2: I understand that some might be triggered or uncomfortable with reading about animal abuse/murder, so I have marked off the paragraphs where is starts and ends with **** if you would like to skip that part.

Taglist: @thickemadame​​

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News in the castle traveled fast and by sunrise the next morning, every person on the Palace grounds knew that the Prince and Princess had made up for whatever fight they had. The Princess was still staying within the butterfly house but it didn’t matter much anymore once the Prince was invited to the Princess’ dwelling for breakfast. Prince Yoongi rejected the Princess’ offer and laughed when he understood where she was located. Prince Yoongi sent a letter to the Princess and requested that they have breakfast in the seventh garden. The Princess had not yet seen the garden and was excited to see what all the fuss had been for. If she remembered correctly there were only six gardens but the Prince had created the seventh garden himself and no one had been allowed to see it.

The Princess wondered why that was and why had the Prince granted her access to such a place. The Princess accepted the Prince’s request and she watched from her seat in front of the vanity as her handmaids rushed around to ready a proper outfit fit for an outing with the First Crown Prince. Wheein took her time as she made three large braids with the Princess’ hair and pulled the braids upward into an intricate updo with three hair loops in the style of a flower. Each hair loop had ropes of pearls and golden beaded chains that were different lengths attached; small glass apricot blossoms with diamonds and pink garnets were scattered on the crown of the Princess’ head and matching earrings hung from her ears. Four necklaces of different lengths, mixed with gold and diamonds wrapped around the Princess’ neck, and the longest gold one had a large pink garnet in the center of a moon shaped pendant. 

The Princess was instructed to hold out her arms and she smiled as thin gold bracelets were pushed onto her wrist. Two rings with thin gold bands and three white scolecite gems on each glittered in the light from the Princess’ right index finger and she placed her hand back into her lap.

“Have you finished with the Princess’ hair? We have kept His Highness waiting long enough, Wheein!” Byulyi whined as she shifted her weight from foot to foot. 

“I am sure His Highness won’t mind one bit if the Princess arrives late, once he sees how radiant she looks today,” Wheein giggles and the Princess rolls her eyes.

“Come, Your Highness, I shall assist Hyejin with your outfit today.”

The Princess stood from the vanity and followed Byulyi behind a golden partition where Hyejin waited with a beautifully decorated hanfu hung from a wooden rack. Hyejin stood with a wide smile and hopeful eyes as she looked at the hanfu beside her. It was elegant; iridescent rainbow silk and chiffon fabrics, flower embroidery and bead work with shades of light pink, baby blue and white mixed together. The more the Princess examined the hanfu the more she fell in love with it.

“Where is my iro ata buba?” The Princess asked as her fingers traced over the intercite stitch work of a jellyfish and water waves on the hanfu’s bixi. Byulyi and Hyejin both bowed low at the waist as they spoke together.

“Forgive us, your Highness!”

“We assumed that you would wear this outfit since you are having a meal with His Highness.”

Princess Keena frowned at their words. “Is there something wrong with my own outfits?”

“N-No, Princess!”

The Princess hummed and clicked her tongue. “I do not wish to keep His Highness waiting any longer, so I will wear this for the time being.” Princess Keena narrowed her eyes slightly and stepped away from the hanfu. “Do not assume in the future. I will wear what I please, not what best suits your ideals.”

“Yes, Princess!”

Princess Keena untied the loose knot around her waist and rolled her shoulders back to allow the dressing robe to drop to the floor. As she stood nude before her handmaids she kept her eyes forward and they quickly rubbed warm oils into her skin. Once the Princess’ skin was completely moisturized, Byulyi helped her into simple undergarments before she slipped on a silk camisole that had pink stitching along the collar with embroidered flowers in the center. 

Over top a soft pink ru - blouse - was tied with a knot, the straight collar left open to reveal the flowers on the camisole. Multicolored flowers were embroidered onto a thick band of baby blue silk that followed the width of the sleeves, four inches above the hem. The hem itself was lined in a thinner baby blue silk band with more embroidered water waves in between the two bands.

A one-piece half-pleated skirt made from the iridescent chiffon fabric with a baby blue waist band was wrapped around the Princess’ waist, over top of the blouse and the soft pink belt was tied in front. The baby blue bixi - knee covering - had colorful jellyfish, flowers and water waves embroiled on the fabric and Hyejin carefully tucked it under the belt of the skirt before she stepped away to admire the outfit as a whole.

Byulyi held small pink apricot blossoms in her hands that were strung together with tiny cream colored beads and medium sized pink beads that made a fashionable belt. She wrapped it around the Princess’ hips and pinned the flowers four inches apart from each other which made the beads in between droop down slightly and swing freely. Two more apricot flowers were pinned to the collar of the Princess’ blouse and the beaded attachments dangled down to the Princess’ hips in different lengths. 

“You look stunning as always, Princess!” The handmaids beamed and the Princess nodded her head in agreement as she looked at herself in the threeway mirror.

Hyejin crouched down onto the floor with a pair of slip-on shoes that matched the Princess’ outfit. As the Princess stepped into the pink and blue slippers, Yongsun came into the room and looked around. “Is the Princess ready? His Highness is waiting and the food has arrived already.”

“Her Highness is all dressed!” Byulyi led the Princess to stand in front of Yongsun and Yongsun nodded her head.

“Wheein and Hyejin will join me in escorting the Princess to the main gate, from there Wheein will stay by your side along with your guards,” Yongsun explained as she turned on her heel and opened the bedroom door. “Do you have any questions, Princess?” 

“How far is the seventh garden?” The Princess wondered and the maids all smiled with knowing glints in their eyes.

“Not far at all, Princess. Now, shall we be on our way?” Yongsun motioned for the Princess to leave the room first and the others followed behind once Princess Keena stepped out of the room.

Outside of the butterfly house, Aga stood with Minho and Kai by his side. The three guards were dressed in matching outfits: a simple robe with gladiolus flowers stitched along the cuffs and collar with a changui on top, and the same gladiolus stitched on the collar, down the center and the hem. A wide belt with matching gladiolus were tied around their waist and a jumeoni sat at their right hip, opposite of their swords. The only difference in their hanboks was that Aga’s robe was black and his changui was a burnt orange with golden gladiolus whereas Minho and Kai had white robes and navy blue jumeonis with light blue gladiolus.

Aga explained to Minho and Kai that they were to keep any comments to themselves and focus on the surrounding area around themselves. The Prince and Princess were to meet for breakfast and afterwards, Aga did not know if the Princess would carry on with the rest of her like normal or choose to spend her hours by the Prince’s side. Either way, Minho and Kai were on duty today and that put Aga a little on edge. He trusted Kai. for he had picked the young man himself. and Minho was chosen by Hoseok; however they were not Mingi who had spent the most time outside of Aga with the Princess.

“Open the gates!”

San pushed open the main gate and bowed low at the sight of the Princess. Everyone followed his lead and bowed before her, as she stepped outside of the butterfly house’s walls. Aga crossed his arms over his chest and bowed his head before he stood straight and offered the Princess a nod of his head.

“Let us depart.” 

Aga stood beside the Princess while Minho and Kai stood to the right, the path behind them blocked by their bodies. Princess Keena smiled at the guards and her eyebrows pulled together in confusion when she noticed a large white tarp that stretched across the whole length of the right side of the outside. She could not see behind the tarp for it stood taller than the walls that surrounded the butterfly house.

“Aga, what is that?” Princess Keena motioned to the white tarp and Aga ignored the question.

“His Highness is waiting, Princess.”

Aga started to walk in the direction of the white banner and Princess Keena folded her hands in front of her as she followed his lead. Namjoon appeared from behind the white tarp, his blue hair pulled neatly into a ponytail behind his head, not a single flyaway in sight. His robes weren’t a style the Princess was used to seeing and she wondered why Namjoon was dressed up. An ivory cross collared shirt had grey and sand dollar tan ink stains along the thick neckline and dropped into a dusty rose skirt with the same grey and tan ink stains at the hem. A thin ivory belt was wrapped around his waist. He wore a dusty rose open cross collared jacket over top that had grey and tan plum blossoms stitched along the wide sleeves. 

As the Princess approached, Namjoon bowed low at the waist and gave a dimpled grin as he stood upright. The sky above was densely blue with faceless ashen clouds that swirled about and gave those on the ground little respite from the sun’s rising warmth.

“Princess Keena, you look beautiful today.” Namjoon clasped his hand behind his back and bounced slightly on the balls of his toes as he spoke. “His Highness is waiting for you inside, but first-” Namjoon smoothly untied the black silk cloth from his wrist and held it outwards for the Princess to see. “His Highness requested that you wear this before entering.”

Princess Keena glanced down at the blindfold and bit the inside of her cheek. “What does His Highness wish to hide from me?”

Namjoon offered a smile that was hardly apologetic. “That is for His Highness to speak of.”

The Princess sighed but nodded her head to acknowledge Namjoon’s words. “Very well…” She looked over her shoulder and nodded her head for Yongsun to grab the blindfold.

Yongsun stepped forward and Namjoon placed the black fabric in her hands before he again locked his hand behind his back with a dimpled smile. As Yongsun placed the blindfold over the Princess’ eyes, Princess Keena spoke up, “Those dimples will not protect you forever, Namjoon.”

Namjoon laughed and bowed his head. “They have not let me down yet, Princess.”

Aga was careful and he took the Princess’ hand in his and Kai took the other. Minho kept watch from behind as everyone entered behind the white tarp and once he stepped inside he was amazed by the sight in front of him. 

"Ale dousman, Princess." Aga muttered as he helped the Princess follow the lush path of green grass and large smooth stones. Aga was thankful that the stepping stones were flat with the earth so that the Princess wouldn’t trip.

The world around the Princess was dark and cool, the rising temperature of the sun cut in half the farther she walked. Sun spots of warmth touched her in scattered patterns that she couldn’t understand and when she finally came to a stop, she strained her ears for any hint of where she might be. Running water was faint in the background as leaves rustled in a soft breeze, but everything else was silent. The Princess’ heartbeat was the loudest thing she heard and when Aga and Kai pulled away, she tensed.

"Ou ka retire banday la, Princess." Aga’s voice was close but distant enough for the Princess to know that he was no longer right by her side.

Princess Keena reached behind her head and tugged at the knot of the blindfold. “It won’t come undone,” Princess Keena announced and before she could struggle any more a set of hands covered hers. Princess Keena lowered her hands to her side and waited until the blindfold loosened and dropped away from her eyes. Her vision was blurred and she blinked a few times as the sunlight created a warm halo around whoever stood in front of her. Once her vision started to clear, the Princess took in the sight of familiar blond hair and when she blinked once more the Prince’s face was before her.

The black scales on his jaw reflected a rainbow on her chest as the sunlight from above peaked through openings within the canopied area. Prince Yoongi smiled as the Princess stared at him and he cupped her cheek with one hand as the blindfold fell to the ground beside them. “Hello, Princess.”

Princess Keena tried to swallow past the lump in her throat. The Prince was handsome, so very handsome this close up and it made the air around them hard to breathe. He was breathtaking. The Prince’s robes were soft and light. The white cross collared shirt had a baby blue and white watercolor pattern with a baby blue strip along the neckline, tucked into an white skirt that had a grey and black watercolor speckled pattern. The waistband was grey with a thin baby blue belt wrapped around his waist. The jacket over top had a blue and cream gradient dye pattern with white, black and blue cranes embroidered on the shoulders while small black and white goldfish were stitched along the wide sleeves.

Prince Yoongi licked his lips and grinned. “Would you care to join me for breakfast?”

The Princess nodded her head silently and Prince Yoongi’s grin widened, his gums on full display as he grabbed the Princess’ hand in his hand and turned his back to lead her to where their breakfast would be. The Princess looked away and saw that they were in a garden or maybe a forest of some sort. The ground beneath their feet was covered in plush grass that looked soft to the touch and large flat stones of different shapes created a path. Palm trees, peach trees and snowbell trees were spread throughout with guelder-roses, daylilies, vinca and hostas on the ground intermixed to create a colorful blanket.

A canopy of shade was made from the leaves above and the sunlight came through playfully as the shadows danced around below. The Princess looked away from the blocked heavens and found that the Prince had led her to a small clearing. The ground gave way to black and grey pebbles, in the center of the clearing a marble table sat alone with four matching marble stools placed around it. A single golden candelabra with sunstones shaped as flames was placed in the center of the table surrounded by food and drink. Princess Keena’s steps faltered at the sight and the Prince stopped by her side.

“What is this place?”

“Hummm? This place?” Prince Yoongi stroked the back of the Princess’ fingers with his thumb as he repeated her question out loud. “This is part of the seventh garden, Princess…do you like it?” 

The Princess was unimpressed by the Prince’s answer. “Would you like me to rephrase my question?”

Prince Yoongi shook his head and tugged the Princess farther into the clearing. “I made it clear that no one was allowed in this garden. Namjoon, Seokjin and myself took great lengths to ensure that this garden was perfect in every sense of the word.”

Princess Keena sat down on a stool and the Prince sat across from her. Wheein and Hyejin started to set food onto the young royal’s plates and the Princess stared at all the food. Different fruit dishes were the main focus with some noodle and meat sides. Everything looked delicious and smelled amazing, it was mouth watering. Wheein held a white porcelain cup with black and red koi fish painted on it in her hand and poured fresh ginseng tea for the Prince and Princess. She stepped away and stood beside Yongsun who had her hand folded in front of her.

Prince Yoongi held back the sleeve of his robe and grabbed his cup before he cleared his throat, “I hope you enjoy this meal, Princess. Thank you for giving me a moment of your time.” Prince Yoongi raised his cup and the Princess followed his action before they both drank with smiles on their faces.

The meal was more than the Princess had expected- it surpassed every meal that she had in her time within the Min empire. Prince Yoongi was delighted to see that the Princess had enjoyed the meal. His mother had informed him that the Princess seemed to like lighter foods to start her day, so he thought it best to have fruit be the star of the meal. The meat was for himself but he was happy to watch as the Princess tried a few pieces.

After their meal, Prince Yoongi rose to his feet and walked around to where the Princess sat. He offered his hand to the Princess and as she put her hand in his, he noticed the familiar rings on her index finger.

“Come, I have more to share with you.”

Princess Keena stood and allowed for the Prince to lead her farther into the forest garden. More and more plants, some known and most unknown lined the stone path that took them deeper. Again the trees started to thin out and the Princess noticed a break in the trees. As they got closer, the Prince slowed his steps and the Princess copied his movements. Prince Yoongi turned to face the Princess and he bit his bottom lip. One of his fangs peaked from under his upper lip and the Princess squeezed his hand.

“What troubles you, my Prince?”

Prince Yoongi shook his head and looked over his shoulder at the clearing, “Nothing…I-I just  wanted you to know that I have always thought of you as so much more than just my dear friend.” The Prince looked down at the Princess’ hands in his and nibbled on his lower lip before he spoke, his voice soft as he allowed for the truth to leave his lips. “You are e-everything to me. I wish that we had meant sooner in person, so that we could have made more memories together.”

Prince Yoongi picked his head up and brought the Princess’ fingers to his mouth. “I could offer power or all the riches in the world and yet I know that you would not accept.” The smile on the Prince’s face was amused as he spoke and looked into the Princess’ eyes. “What could I offer one such as yourself, hum? What would keep a smile on your face when you are miles away from home?” Prince Yoongi pressed his lips to the Princess’ fingers and lowered their hands.

“My gift to you Princess, above all else, is your happiness.” Prince Yoongi turned and gazed out at the land just beyond the break in the trees. “May you find that once more here within the seventh garden…a home away from home.” 

The Prince slowly stepped between the trees and the Princess followed behind. Sunlight spilled down from above and Princess Keena closed her eyes from the sudden brightness. She counted to five in her head and peaked open her eyes as the Prince’s hand fell away from her own. White. Everything was white, white, white. A subtle scent was in the air, light and sweet with a faint trace of almond…a copse of trees. Princess Keena’s hands flew to her mouth as she stared wide eyed at the blackthorn trees before her. 

“How?” The Princess’ voice shook as her watery eyes found the Prince’s. “I…thank you.” 

Prince Yoongi grinned and he turned his head to look at the trees, impressed. Namjoon really out did himself with the layout. Blackthorn trees were grouped together in clusters spread throughout the clearing while thick bushes outlined the perimeter with peonies at the bottom. White wild flowers were planted on the ground throughout the clearing and the stone path that was laid down, led to a tiny gap in the grove of trees that would be perfect to sit under and enjoy a meal or read. Prince Yoongi turned his head back to the Princess and noticed the others as they stood at the entrance to the blackthorn garden.

“Do you like it, Princess?” The Prince’s words were unstable. The pitch was all wrong and he quickly cleared his throat to which the Princess giggled. Prince Yoongi rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks heated and flushed as the Princess grabbed a hand in hers.

“In my nation we have a saying that shows our thanks…ou fè byen.” Princess Keena squeezed the Prince’s hand as he brows pulled together in confusion and she spoke again, “You do well, my Prince.”

"You do well," Prince Yoongi repeated the phrase and the Princess’ face lit up even more. “I like the sound of that.” The Prince pulled the Princess into his arms and hugged her lightly as he ducked his head down so that his mouth was next to her ear. "Ou fè byen."

The Princess melted, her body pressed against the Prince’s as he held her in his arms. She closed her eyes and inhaled the earthy scent that was simply the Prince. As petals from the blackthorns swung in the breeze, the almond scent swirled around them and a single thought crossed the Princess’ mind as she hugged the Prince. 

Home. 

She had found home in his arms. The Prince and Princess released their embrace of each other and Prince Yoongi refused to let go of her hand. 

“I have one last gift for you, Princess.” 

“My Prince, you have given me more than enough.”

Prince Yoongi laughed and started to lead the Princess into the trees. He waved off the guards as well as the Princess’ handmaids once he noticed that they had stepped farther into the grove. The rippling water that the Princess had faintly heard became louder as the greenery around them became denser. Prince Yoongi pointed out a small section of bushes that didn’t look any different but once they got closer, the Princess noticed that the bushes were slotted together oddly. She looked to the Prince with a question on her tongue but he shook his head and placed his index finger over his lips.

The Prince pulled the Princess through the miniature maze that was hidden in plain sight and once out at the other end, Prince Yoongi let go of the Princess’ hand.

“Just a little farther, we’re almost there.”

The excitement was ever present in the Prince’s eyes that glittered and danced as his body seemed to vibrate in place. Princess Keena followed quietly behind the Prince and took in the different scenery. The grass was softer underfoot, the trees were thicker and the flowers were sparse. The bubbling water sounded closer as the once soft sloshing had now become an endless roiling. Hostas, lady ferns, liverwort, tapestry and bluets appeared more frequently and the ground gave way to large flat slabs of rocks. The Princess looked over the Prince’s shoulder as he came to a stop and the sudden squawk that came from her mouth made both royals jump.

Prince Yoongi pretended as if nothing happened and kicked off his shoes. He bent at the waist and brought his knees upward to remove his socks as well before he gathered his skirt in his hands.

“Care for a soak?” Prince Yoongi’s smile was teasing as he walked closer to the large rock wall that was covered with moss. A spring sat at the base of the rocks, its water so clear that the Princess could see right down to the bottom when she looked in. The spring was well hidden from prying eyes and upon further inspection, the Princess noticed that the soft grass she had walked on was fern moss. 

The Princess watched from a safe distance away from the water as the Prince followed a small set of stacked rocks into the water. Princess Keena had thought that whoever had made the stone steps had incredible foresight. Goosebumps rose on the Prince’s arms and he shivered slightly from the cooler temperature of the water as he sat at the edge of the spring and soaked his feet.

“It feels wonderful, Princess! Join me!” Prince Yoongi’s voice carried over the splashing of the spring and the Princess sighed. The Prince’s smile was wide and gummy, too sweet to decline.

The Princess bent low and removed her sandals before she walked over to the spring and stood across from the Prince. She looked around at the layout and noticed there was a smaller waterfall to the left of the rock wall and to the right the water went up the wall where three runes seemed to glow from the rocks.

“What are those inscriptions?” Princess Keena questioned as she raised her skirts and eased her foot into the water on the first step.

Prince Yoongi glanced over his shoulder to see what the Princess had meant and once he saw the glowing runes he turned back around with that large gummy smile.

“I asked Namjoon if he knew of any water magic that would help keep the water fresh and clean. Unfortunately, this would have been a stagnant spring for there was no water source outside of the rain.”

Princess Keena stood at the first step, the bottom of her feet wet, but the tops still dry. Prince Yoongi chuckled and when the Princess shot him a glare he quickly coughed into his hand and cleared his throat.

“The runes are an old magic that were used to help farmers during times of drought and stopped flooding in other areas like forests and oceanside villages. I do not recall what Namjoon had called them.” Prince Yoongi pointed to the top of the rock wall and shrugged his shoulders. “There are more at the top to direct the water downward as well.”

Princess Keena nodded her head at the information and carefully eased herself down onto the second step. She yelped as the cool water wrapped around her ankles and jumped back, her foot missed the top step and Prince Yoongi was quick to catch the Princess in his arms. Unfortunately, when the Prince jumped to his feet, his skirt dropped into the water and tangled around his legs. The sudden weight of the Princess sent him backwards and they both fell into the spring with a loud splash.

The young royals swam to the surface and laughter filled the air as Princess Keena saw the wide eyed look of confusion on the Prince’s face. Strands of hair were plastered to the Prince’s face and as he treaded water, the Prince huffed out smoke from his nose and he pushed his hair back from his face. The Princess’ giggles were clear and before the Prince had the chance to ask if she was okay, a cool wave of water hit the Prince right in his face. He sputtered and hissed as he spit out water and the Princess swam away.

“Hey!” Prince Yoongi swam after her and stood straight and once his feet touched the bottom of the spring, he threw his arms out and splashed the Princess.

“Ahhhhaha!!” Princess Keena laughed and scrambled to her feet, she was shorter than the Prince, but was still able to stand with her head above the water. The two royals splashed and chased each other around while their laughter carried on the wind.

In the grove of blackthorns, Hoseok watched as Aga and Namjoon stood before one of the trees. Aga was impressed by the amount of trees. He had no idea that the young Prince had prepared such a meaningful gift for the Princess. The blackthorn was the tree of Escistan and it meant a lot to the people. To have a piece of their homeland so close within touch made Aga a little soft. He knew that the Princess would spend most if not all of her time tucked away within the sweet almond shade.

Yelling and laughter was warped as it rode the wind but Hoseok and Aga knew that the royals were safe. They may not have known the location but it was not something either of them worried about. Kai and the Princess’ handmaids sat by the edge of the clearing and chatted away with each other. Minho kept his distance from everyone and looked in the direction of where the Prince took the Princess. He did not understand why Hoseok or Aga did not go with the young royals. Dangers lurked all around the palace.

A hand clamped down on his shoulder and Minho jumped at the sudden presence of Hoseok by his side. Hoseok grinned, all of his perfect white teeth displayed as he looked in the direction that Minho had watched.

“Are you anxious with them out of sight?”

“Shouldn’t we be anxious? His Highness is alone with the Princess and no one is by their side.” Minho frowned at Hoseok’s question and Hoseok laughed.

“I will let you in on a little secret, Minho…” Hoseok leaned in and whispered into Minho’s ear. “There is no dragon stronger than Agust. If someone were to attack His Highness or try to harm the Princess they would be killed on the spot. Understand?” Hoseok patted Minho’s shoulder and stepped away. 

Minho flinched at Hoseok’s words and looked away from the direction that the royals disappeared to. “Enjoy the break while you can, Minho. Stop and smell the flowers!” Hoseok giggled as if he told the funniest joke.

He walked away from Minho and joined Namjoon at his side while Aga explained the history behind the blackthorn and the Escastan kingdom. Minho shook his head and walked over to where Kai was seated. As he sat beside him the laughter on the wind grew louder and clearer. Minho looked in the direction of the laughter and the royals appeared seemingly out of thin air. They were both wet from head to toe, large smiles on their faces as they stood with their hands linked together. 

“We are not going to make this an everyday thing!” Hoseok scolded as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“Princess!” Yungsun jumped to her feet and hurried over to where the Princess stood, her robes soaked once again much like the day before but worse. “We must get you changed right away, least you catch a cold.” 

Aga shook his head and grunted as he noticed a shadow above the trees. Hoseok noticed the shadow as well and whistled before he held out his arm and Ussik flew down onto his arm. The Princess’ eyes lit up at the sight of the black eagle and before she could take a step forward, Aga shook his head once more.

“Leave her alone, she has a message.”

Hoseok pulled the small note from the eagle’s leg and sent the bird away. He unrolled the note and pinched the bridge of his nose as he handed it to Aga.

“I am going to go grey early at this rate.” Hoseok muttered to himself before he turned his attention to the young royals. “His and Her Majesty have called for an audience. They are on their way to the throne room now.”

“Let us go now, Princess!” Yungsun moved to usher the Princess away but Aga stopped her.

“Do what you can while we walk. There is no time to change.”

Everyone stared at the young royals at Aga’s words and the Princess felt heat pool in her cheeks while the Prince just frowned. He gave the Princess’ hand a squeeze and removed his outer robe and tossed it to Minho.

“An audience for what reason?” The Prince questioned and Aga handed over the note. Prince Yoongi read over the written words and sighed. Just how much longer did his parents plan on interfering with his love life? It’s bad enough they had almost caused the Princess to hate him.

“They will wait until the Princess has had the chance to change.”

“Your Highn-”

Prince Yoongi held his hand out and silenced Hoseok before he turned his attention to Yungsun. “Take the Princess back to her chambers. I will have an outfit sent right away.”

“My Prince-”

Prince Yoongi turned to the Princess and cupped her cheek gently in his hand. His thumb grazed the outer corner of her lips and he smiled. “Go and warm up. I will see you again, shortly. Do not give your maids any grief. They are acting on my orders.” The Prince placed a soft kiss on the Princess’ forehead and everyone quickly looked away.

The Princess wrapped her fingers around the Prince’s wrist and turned her face in his hand. Her lips pressed into the meat of his palm and gold started to ripple through the dark of his eyes. 

“Thank you, my Prince.” The Princess’ words were petal soft as she pulled the Prince’s hand from her face and tugged on his wrist. Prince Yoongi licked his lips and lent his face down towards the Princess. 

"Ou fè byen." Prince Yoongi’s words ghosted over the Princess’ lips and he sighed as the softest kiss was placed upon his lips. The Princess was gone in the blink of an eye along with her handmaids and guards. Hoseok and Namjoon stood together with smirks on their faces as they watched the Prince touch his lips.

“Come on, lover boy. You need to change as well!” Hoseok walked off unable to fight the large smile that had started to pull at his lips. Looks like the plan had worked well, very well.

True to his word, the Prince sent a new outfit to the Princess’ home and it was bold to say the least. A blush colored blouse with a high squared collar was the base with two golden buttons to fasten the collar shut. The buttons were butterflies, four in total. The butterflies on the left had a hollowed out section above its head and the butterflies on the right had a jewel inlaid above the head. When fastened together, the butterflies seemed to hold the moon above them. The sleeves were long and wide with a silk band around the end that had gold gingko leaves embroidered. A white pleated skirt with a subtle pattern of black and red peonies was next. The same red silk band and golden gingko leaves were at the bottom of the skirt and the blouse was tucked in.

A red silk bixi with a blush border was to be tucked into the waist of the skirt; black and gold peonies embroidered down the center. The hanfu was completed by a red robe with a straight white collar that was covered in embroidered gold gingko leaves. The ends of the sleeves were shorter than the blouse, so the bottom of the sleeves stacked against each other. The sleeves on the robe had a white band around them with black and red peonies and on top of the white band was a thinner blush band that wrapped around the sleeves.

The Princess didn’t put up a fight as her handmaids dressed her quickly after her bath. Her hair was touched up and kept in the same style but reversed. The loops pointed downward and hung low on the back of the Princess’ head. The accessories were replaced with rubies, fire opals and a gold tikka headpiece that dangled loosely on the forehead with a large ruby in the center. The headpiece had long elegant side tassels that draped over the top of the ears and reached the Princess’ breast, covered in rubies and diamonds. To offset the dazzling tassels, the Princess wore small golden studs in her ears.

Jooheon, Wonho and Mingi were to escort the Princess into the palace, where then the Princess would touch base with the Prince. They would enter the throne room together and from there, Hoseok and Aga would take over guard duty.

The Prince wore his traditional red, black and gold gonryongpo with his hair pulled neatly into a topknot with a black band wrapped around his forehead to keep the flyaways from his face. He stood off to the side of the throne room with his hand clasped behind his back while he waited for the Princess and Hoseok lent against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest.

“Do you know what this is about, Hoseok?”

“Not a clue, Your Highness.” The Prince shot Hoseok an unamused look and Hoseok shrugged his shoulders. “It’s the truth.”

The Prince hummed and tried to wrack his mind for any idea as to why his parents wanted to speak with him and the Princess at the same time. When they spoke to them together before, the news was not taken well. The Prince was pulled from his thoughts when Hoseok subtlety kicked his calf and when the Prince turned to scowl, Hoseok nodded his head in the other direction. Prince Yoongi turned around and his breath caught in his throat at the sight of the Princess. He had seen the Princess in red before but the hanfu he picked out was one of the most glamorous and extravagant that he had seen the Princess wear to date. She looked like the true future Empress of the Min empire.

Princess Keena was beyond pleased at the look on the Prince’s face once they locked eyes. Those dark orbs that pierced the Princess’ very soul were bright as a thin gold rings tried to expand. The Princess bowed her head before the Prince and he did the same before he extended his arm and offered his hand. The Princess placed her hand in his and Prince Yoongi wrapped his fingers around her lightly.

“You look more stunning than just those few moments ago,” Prince Yoongi teased with a wink and Princess Keena rolled her eyes.

“Thank you, my Prince. Red seems to be one of my stronger colors.” The Princess held her head high as she stood by the Prince’s side and Hoseok motioned for the guards to open the doors to the throne room.

“His and Her Majesty will see you now.”

Together, hand in hand, the Prince and Princess walked into the throne room and neither was surprised when the doors slammed shut behind them. The younger royals bowed their heads to the Emperor and Empress before they stood before them with fire in their eyes. Emperor Min eyed the joined hands of the young royals and he cleared his throat loudly before he spoke up.

“Let us try this again, shall we?”

Outside of the throne room, Hoseok and Aga stood guard with emotionless faces. Few people walked by and when they did, they whispered to themselves and bowed their heads. Hoseok inwardly rolled his eyes, he knew that every person in the palace was a glutton for gossip. Aga stared ahead blankly and he clenched his hands at his sides.

“Be honest with me, Hoseok.”

“What is on your mind, Aga?”

“Will the Princess be happy here? Truly happy?”

Hoseok glanced at Aga from the corner of his eye briefly before he looked ahead once more. “I believe that His Highness’ feelings for the Princess are candid in the purest of forms. I have known the Prince since childhood. I watched him grow into the young man he is today and I know a large percentage of his mindset is because of the Princess.”

“Love does not mean happiness.”

Hoseok chewed on the inside of his lower lip as he thought over Aga’s words. The statement was true enough. 

“Well, I guess we will have to wait and see. Only time will tell.”

Aga grunted and Hoseok sighed. He hoped that the meeting with His and Her Majesty would be over soon.

There was a forest that was home to many animals and it was said to be protected by a God. The Min Emperors of the past refused to destroy the forest in fear of the Gods wrath so, they built around it. The crossroad that led to the capital of the Min Empire was where Jungkook was to wait for Namjoon and it was beside the great forest. Jungkook had arrived at his and Namjoon’s agreed upon meeting place early, too early in all his excitement. It had been a long time since Jungkook had last seen Namjoon and so much had happened. 

Jungkook was no longer the wistful kid that fell in love with his best friend…well he still loved Namjoon, that would never change. Now, after traveling around the world, Jungkook felt more mature. He felt like he could finally get Namjoon to notice him in a different light. Jungkook had changed, not only was he more worldly, but his appearance was different as well. His long dark hair was cut short and cropped close to the scalp on the sides of his head. Jungkook also got his eyebrow pierced by a tribe he met during his travels.

Jungkook was all grown up and he couldn’t wait to show Namjoon just how much he had matured. However, Namjoon wouldn’t be there for a while, so Jungkook decided to leave his belongings by the road and explore the forest to pass the time. The moment Jungkook entered the dense greenery, the temperature dropped slightly since the leaves of the trees hid the sun. The shade was welcomed and Jungkook hiked the cloth pack on his back up a little higher. Maybe he would find something interesting to sketch while he waited for Namjoon. As the thought crossed his mind a large swallowtail butterfly flew into Jungkook’s view and he grinned. 

“Hello, there.” Jungkook bowed kindly to the butterfly and rolled his shoulders. “Could I have a moment of your time?”

The butterfly landed on Jungkook’s shoulder, close to his neck and he huffed a laugh as the wings tickled his skin. The butterfly took off and Jungkook giggled to himself as he followed the butterfly, all alone farther into the forest. It was midday and the sun was high in the sky. The air was warm and fresh, filled with the scent of grass, dirt and flowers. Jungkook felt alive as he chased after the little butterfly. His art supplies jostled around on his back as he skipped about. The butterfly seemingly rode the breeze as it glided through the air and landed on a fallen tree. Red Spider Lilies rested around the rotted tree and Jungkook’s dark eyes lit up at the sight. What a pretty picture he stumbled upon. 

“Stay right there, please?” Jungkook softly begged the butterfly as he quickly lowered himself to the ground. He plopped down on the plush grass below and shrugged off the pack on his back before he swung it into his lap. Jungkook kept his eyes on the butterfly, determined to burn the image into his memory just in case the small creature decided it didn’t want to stay.

All of Jungkook’s art supplies were laid out in front of him and he smiled to himself. Luck had been on his side lately. First he was commissioned to repaint the butterfly house, one of the many smaller developments within the Min court and now, Jungkook sits with a pretty butterfly in front of him just waiting for its beauty to be captured. It was a great start to Jungkook’s month and he was looking forward to seeing his dear friend, Kim Namjoon once again. Silently, Jungkook sat and started to outline the view in front of him. Lost in his own world, Jungkook failed to hear the pounding of feet that grew louder and louder.

The butterfly felt the vibrations and flew away which made Jungkook sigh. He stared at the empty log in front of him and frowned; its beauty wasn’t the same as before.

“It’s getting away!”

“Get it!”

Voices echoed through the air and Jungkook’s head whipped around just in time to see a large tiger. Its eyes were wide in fear, as it growled at the sight of Jungkook and tried to backtrack. The voices were louder now and the tiger looked hurt. Jungkook slowly rose to his feet and looked around for anywhere he could hide the tiger. The tree! 

“I-I won’t hurt you!” Jungkook whispered as he pointed towards the fallen tree. “Please, hide! I will protect you!” Jungkook’s voice was desperate as he finally realized what was taking place around him. 

“Please!” Jungkook begged. 

He might have been human but he loved animals and he didn’t want this majestic creature to be harmed or worse killed. The tiger seemed to understand Jungkook’s intentions and scurried over to the falling tree. The tiger paused by Jungkook’s side and nudged the side of his knee with its large head in silent thanks. It whined low in its throat as it squeezed its body into the hallowed entrance and Jungkook sat back down in front of his art supplies. He picked up one of his charcoal sticks with shaky hands and took a deep breath. He forced himself to ignore the voices that were now practically right behind him and started to draw again.

“Hey!”

A voice shouted out and Jungkook jumped, the charcoal stick in his hand snapped in two. Jungkook turned his head and his eyes widened at the sight of five men all dressed in black hanboks with quivers and bow on their backs. Machetes were in some hands while others held bows with arrows notched.

“Boy! Have you seen a tiger?”

“A-A tiger?” Jungkook stammered and quickly shook his head as he licked his lips. “I would be dead if I saw one…right?” Jungkook forced himself to lower his art supplies and slowly stood up while he dusted himself off.

“We got ‘em good. Stupid beast couldn’t have gotten very far.”

“It’s weakened. Are you sure you haven’t seen it?” 

The men all stared at Jungkook and he shook his head once again before he snapped his fingers. “Oh! I heard something in that direction-” Jungkook pointed a little off from the way that the men came. “I wasn’t sure what it was, so I didn’t pay it much attention.”

The men looked at each other and the one that seemed to be the leader stepped forward with narrowed eyes. “What are you doing out here, boy?”

Jungkook bent down and grabbed his unfinished artwork. He held it out towards the men and cleared his throat. “I’ve been commissioned by the royal court. I’m collecting references for my pieces.”

The leader looked back at his group and spit at the ground before he snatched the artwork from Jungkook’s hands. He looked it over and Jungkook chewed on his lower lip in silence as he waited. His lie was flawless, there wasn’t any reason for them men not to believe him.

“What’s that on your leg?” The leader nodded towards Jungkook and when he looked down sure enough, there was a patch of bright red on the side of his grey and white robes.

“It’s from the sketch. I thought a red butterfly would look-”

“Hold him down.” The leader smirked and his crew quickly surrounded Jungkook before they grabbed him. They kicked the back of his knees and sent him crashing to the ground roughly.

The leader threw Jungkook’s sketch to the ground, the only color on the paper was black. “I don’t like liars, kid.” He looked around the forest and licked his lips. “Where’s the tiger?”

“I didn’t see a tiger.”

The leader pulled his machete from his hip and placed it under Jungkook’s chin. Jungkook stared up at the man with large eyes.

****

“I will slit your throat and leave you here, since you like nature so much. I’m sure the other beasts in this place will be happy for a fresh meal.”

Jungkook gulped and felt tears burn his eyes. This was it? He would never see Namjoon or his parents again. He never even got to meet the Princess. Jungkook closed his eyes and readied himself for the deadly blow. The man above him sucked his teeth and kicked Jungkook in the stomach. Jungkook gasped as the air was knocked out of him and he groaned, while the two men that held him tightened their grip on his arms.

“Where is the tiger!?”

Again the man kicked Jungkook and it felt like his spine would snap in two just like the charcoal he was so fond of. A broken roar came from behind Jungkook and everyone froze.

Jungkook weakly looked over his shoulder and the tiger was no longer hidden in the fallen tree. Its eyes were round and wild, all fear replaced with rage. It growled and Jungkook could see that it was in so much pain. “No! R-Run!” Jungkook begged as tears started to fall from his eyes. “Run!”

“Shut up!” The leader punched Jungkook in the face and pain spread from the center of his face to his temples as blood gushed from his broken nose. The tiger roared loudly and pounced on the man closest to it.

“Kill it!” Someone shouted and Jungkook was thrown to the ground. His vision was spotty, his equilibrium off from the sudden punch to his face and loss of blood. Jungkook could hear the tiger fighting for its life and Jungkook tried to clear his vision with a shake of his head. That only made things worse, it felt like he was going to throw up.

“S-Stop it!” Jungkook grumbled. He blinked hard and noticed that there was an abandoned machete in front of him. Jungkook had never held a weapon in his life, yet alone attacked anyone. He grimaced as he reached out and wrapped his fingers around the hilt. There’s a first time for everything. Jungkook struggled to pick himself up off the ground but when he heard the tiger yelp in pain, he jumped to his feet and swung the machete with full force. He spun in a clumsy circle and nearly tripped over his own two feet. Someone shouted and Jungkook blinked his eyes quickly. His hazed vision cleared for just a moment.

The tiger had its mouth around the leader’s neck and the sickening crunch that filled the air made Jungkook’s stomach turn. Jungkook felt nausea and when the tiger dropped the man from its mouth, it started to limp towards Jungkook. Jungkook blinked and he noticed movement from behind the tiger.

“NO!” Jungkook’s body reacted faster than his mind. He jumped in front of the tiger and blocked the poor beast with his body. An arrow pierced his skin and sunk deep into his heart. Jungkook staggered back with a pained gasp and another arrow hit him just below his heart. Jungkook fell backwards with a thud. The tiger yelped as two more arrows were released, both hit the tiger in the neck.

“Now, none of us will live.” The man that had shot the arrows, dropped his bow and fell to his side, dead.

Blood dyed the whites of Jungkook’s robes a deep red with traces of black. Jungkook looked down at the arrow in his chest and started to cry. Large fat tears rolled down his face, the pain was horrible. It felt like he had been burned from the inside out. It was excruciating as his heart kept beating. Slowly, Jungkook rolled over onto his hands and knees, the tiger was in no better shape. The poor thing was covered in gashes and arrows. The blood that seeped from its body was almost black and Jungkook crawled over to the tiger. It whimpered sadly, its eyes watery and wet which made Jungkook cry harder.

“I-I’ll get help. My friend…he-he’ll know what to do.” Jungkook’s words were slow and felt like lead on his tongue. Jungkook patted the tiger on the head gently and tried to stand but his legs wouldn’t work. He had little to no strength left. “I’ll get help…” Jungkook looked around and felt his blood run cold, he didn’t remember the way he came. “Help…s-someone!”

Jungkook whimpered as he settled himself on his knees and wiped at his nose. Blood and snot mixed together on the sleeve of his robes. “N-Namjoon…” Jungkook called for his friend, he didn’t want to die. Not here, not like this…he wanted to save the tiger as much as he wanted to save himself.

The tiger made a gurgling sound and Jungkook shook his head. “I’ll stay…I’m here. I won’t leave you.”

Jungkook moved around slowly so that he could sit with the tiger and rested his back against the falling tree. Bright red spider lilies were scattered around them, unharmed while Jungkook pulled the tiger's head into his lap. Carefully, Jungkook pulled the arrows from everywhere that he could reach and the tiger whimpered.

“I’m sorry! I’m so, so sorry!” Jungkook cried as he held onto the tiger. Blood soaked into his robes more and Jungkook slowly petted the tiger’s head. Through his tears Jungkook couldn’t tell what was blood and what was a flower, it all blended together. “I couldn’t save you.” Jungkook’s eyes grew heavy. It was hard to keep them open as his tears continued to fall and his energy faded little by little.

****

On the ground the half finished sketch laid forgotten, splotches of red bloomed and spread like the flowers that surrounded Jungkook and the tiger. A single swish of reddish black smeared the paper in a messy swirl of wings. The tiger in Jungkook’s lap started to breathe slower and slower until Jungkook knew it was no longer breathing. He smiled sadly and wailed; his cries carried on the wind as he gave up all hope of being saved. A cooling breeze sent falling leaves up in the air and created a gentle twister a short distance from Jungkook. He blinked slowly and his eyelids refused to open again. 

“Jeon Jungkook…what have you done?”

A warm hand cupped Jungkook’s cheek and he felt a light pressure on his forehead.

“Open your eyes, Jungkook.”

Jungkook whimpered, he was scared. What would he see when he opened his eyes? The pain in Jungkook’s chest lessened and Jungkook could breathe a little easier. He inhaled softly and his eyes popped open.

“You are such a foolish mortal. Foolish with the most tender of hearts.” 

There crouched before Jungkook, was Namjoon. He was different yet somehow still the same. The robes he wore were a cloud white with hints of leafy greens and sky blues. His skin was flawless and seemed to glow from within, a pale green light; those familiar brown eyes had a green ring around the pupils that quivered with life. Jungkook wondered if it was a dream, a trick of his mind as he crossed over into the afterlife. Namjoon smiled sadly and pulled his face away from Jungkook’s.

“I was going to tell you everything. Once your work at the palace was complete, I wanted to tell you everything. This is who I really am.”

“God?” Jungkook whispered and Namjoon laughed with a shake of his head.

“No, not God. A dryad.” Namjoon stated and Jungkook looked confused. “I was human like you but right after I called on your help, my soul fused with a hamadryad that was dying and I became a dryad.” Namjoon explained softly as Jungkook stared down at the tiger in his lap. 

“I look after those who cannot speak for themselves. I was too late for this one,” Namjoon stroked the head of the tiger in Jungkook’s lap. He looked up into Jungkook’s eyes and frowned as he saw the fear on Jungkook’s face. 

“Are you here to take me to the afterlife?” Jungkook questioned and Namjoon seemed to hesitate.

“I can give you that option…you cannot return to your old life because you have died.”

Jungkook’s eyes widened and Namjoon nodded his head.

“You may cross over if you would like. You will be reborn like any other who lived a good life and kept a good soul-”

“Or?” Jungkook licked his lips as reached out for Namjoon’s hand.

“Or-” Namjoon laced his fingers with Jungkook’s and squeezed lightly, “you could join this beast in their new life. They are willing to share it with you after your sacrifice.” 

Jungkook looked down at the tiger in his lap and hugged the beast close to his chest. He was grateful for such an offer, he felt honored.

“Do you know how ginkgo beasts are created?” Namjoon asked though he knew the answer was no. “A ginkgo beast is born from an unjust death. Myself or another dryad hears their call and we answer. It’s another chance at life and this time they have the power to protect themselves as well as those around them.” Namjoon spoke softly as he squeezed Jungkook’s hand once more.

It hurt to see that Jungkook had died such a tragic death but he was proud of Jungkook. This was one offer that Namjoon hoped the foolish mortal would take. Jungkook thought back to a few moments earlier when he tried to comfort the tiger, he told the beast that he would stay and wouldn’t leave it behind…he would keep his promise.

“I-I would like to stay with the tiger…”

Namjoon grinned and pressed his lips firmly to Jungkook’s forehead. When he pulled away a small yellow ginkgo leaf rested between Jungkook’s eyebrows.

“When you wake, you will be in a new body. You won’t remember anyone from this life an-”

“I-I won’t know you?!” Jungkook looked at Namjoon and his eyes filled with even more tears. “Will you know me?” Jungkook forced himself to ask the question and Namjoon smiled, his dimples deep as he rested his forehead against Jungkook’s once again.

Namjoon reached out for Jungkook’s hand and linked their pinkies together tightly as he whispered, “I could never forget you, Kookie.”

Jungkook smiled through his tears and looked down at their joined hands. There wrapped tightly around their pinkies was a thin red thread and Jungkook felt his heart clench. Jungkook closed his eyes and inhaled softly. “Okay…I-I’m ready.” 

Jungkook flinched when he felt something warm and wet hit his skin. He refused to open his eyes, he understood that Namjoon was crying. Jungkook leaned forward and pressed his lips to Namjoon in a cotton soft kiss.

“I love you, Namjoon. Always.”

When Jungkook opened his eyes, he was surrounded by the brightest white he had ever seen. The tiger sat a few feet from him, clean and unharmed. Jungkook smiled and walked over to the tiger.

“Sorry, I kept you waiting.” Jungkook placed his hand on the tiger’s head and scratched behind its ear. “Let’s go start a new life.”

[glitter-factory-rexwei]

[kth1]

Crosscurrents [Hoseok x Reader] Part 1

Crosscurrents - Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Genre: The Little Mermaid AU | Fantasy AU | Series Pairing: Mermaid!Hoseok x Princess!Reader Featuring: BTS Princes Warnings: Angst, fluff, rated G, sorry no smut, mentions of pain, eventual character death, it’s just a fantasy story. W/C: 6k Summary: Hoseok is a carefree middle child among seven princes, each running one of the seven seas. With a curious nature to study the world above, he makes several routine visits to the surface, once even saving an alluring princess who he grows very smitten by. With a strong determination to meet his lovely princess, Hoseok makes a risky deal with the ocean’s enchantress to become human. Author’s Note: This fic is something I was utterly happy and exited to write. Mermaids and fantasy stories, yippee. Thank you all who support me. Portions of the fic is unedited. 🐚🧜‍♂️

Credits: Story includes strong elements from Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Little Mermaid’; Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’; and Michiko Yokote’s manga ‘Mermaid Melody’. Beta Reader: @shadowsremedy​ has helped me with a handful of passages throughout the course of this story, thank you so much.

☀ CROSSCURRENT MASTERLIST ☀

Miles away under the sun-kissed surface of the ocean, where the water is clear as crystal and blue as the contrasting sky above – resided populations of beautiful mythical creatures. Down in the lowest depths, the most scarce of areas that no human would ever dare to scavenge, lived the Mer-people.

Underwater forestry, plants, organisms of wondrous visions illuminating the deepest pits of the oceans. Fishes of all sizes and shapes occupied the area, weaving through the stems and leaves of charted trees along the motion of the currents. Just as birds fly among the surface. Gorgeous sands decorated the floor along with seven separate kingdoms enriched with enchanting palaces, each declaring a claim to their own sea.

Each palace, unique in their own way. Accommodating their surrounding habitats. Each of the seven districts ruled under the marvelous Mer-King, and each sea acquainted a heavenly, handsome prince. Kingdoms decorated with coral walls, sculpted sandstone slates and amber pointed windows. Roofs made from the finest and largest of mussel-shells, clams and hidden glittering pearls and jewels. Stones of riches, easily the most expensive gems that belonged in the pits of the hidden worlds.

The Mer-King seeded the realms with seven little princes who were all very beautiful children in their own distinctive ways. For each Prince, were given a household to look after, to grow up with, and study in practice to control their provinces.

Within the Arctic Ocean, where merfolk varied in shades of murky indigo and dotted with black spots was inhabited by the eldest of sons, Prince Seokjin. The Indian Ocean decorating the waves with scales of vibrant oranges complimented with a singular stripe of white down the backside, consisted Prince Yoongi. The cold of the Antarctic rested Prince Namjoon, along with his kingdom of deep purple-to-silver tailed scaly family. Tails irradiated a glow just like the moon reflecting on water.

Creatures in the North and South Pacific diverse in tropical colors, salmon pink beings belonging to Prince Jimin in the north, and bright crisp yellow folks ruled under the south’s youngest, Prince Jungkook. The last two kingdoms lay in the Atlantic Ocean. Beautiful deep green tails of the north, quipped with touches of holographic shine belonged to Prince Taehyung. Lastly, the region in the South Atlantic was full of rays of aqua blue and speckled with gold – is where Prince Hoseok lives.

Throughout their childhoods, given brief age gaps and the stretch of locations between another, the brothers all grew up together. Frequent visits, family gatherings being a constant presence with the young boys. All merfolk belonged to another, they took after another and populated the sea floor. Fishes would swim up, gently being held, feeding out of the hands of mermaids and mermen. Eventually within a mer-person’s life, they will be acquainted with a creature of any species. A forever buddy that becomes their pet, their friend, and family.

The beauty of the South Atlantic Ocean kingdom with a magnificent palace that had astounding flowers growing between the cracks of the walls in each apartment and room, was decorated with a large garden in the front. Full of dark and iridescent baby-blue trees with fruits that glittered like gold. Matching the specs of gold that embellished the tails of the locals. Flowers blazed with hues of butterscotch yellows, resembling the bright and burning sun from the surface above. Bushes and smaller shrubs matched the color of sulfur.

Hoseok was certainly a singular child, one who was quiet and thoughtful in group settings, but was the loudest and most careless when it came to freedom. His skin was soft and delicate, like the touch of a sunflower leaf. His eyes sparked a deep blue, twisted with an almond mix of brown. His tail was no doubt the most stunning in his sector, outshining others around him, a tell-tailed sign that he was of royalty. But the most notable of signs that screams royalty was the unique earring that never left Hoseok’s lobe.

Each handsome prince was given a dedicated pearl at their coming of age ceremonies, each identifying with their tail color. To which they must protect and kept safe for the sake of their empires. For the fact that these pearls harness great mystical powers, such power compacted within one tiny jewel. But this power could completely destroy a nation if given to the wrong hands, and if their owners neglect their duties.

Nothing pleased Prince Hoseok more than hearing about the unreachable world from above. Human beings who lived on land, not within the sea. Stories fascinated the curious mind of Hoseok, constantly being riddled with tales of these notorious humans. Over time, with the help of Nannies and families, Hoseok’s knowledge grew when it came to the world that was simply out of reach. Ships, towns, land animals, you name it.

Over the course of his younger days, he ventured out into the sea, accompanied by his trusty companion, Kiko – a leafy sea dragon. Together they collected a handful of unknown knick knacks, thingamajigs, and doohickeys that they forged for from shipwrecks. To this day – Hoseok still makes these trips, ventured out further into the sea without supervision, even breaking the surface of the water to catch a glimpse of the amazing world.

Nights where he could sneak away, rise to the surface and lay under the moonlight in the clefts of the rocks. Watching lights from the shoreline flicker dimly, the casted stars sparkling the sky in beautiful constellations.

“It’s so beautiful up here, isn’t it Kiko?” Hoseok spoke towards the leafy sea dragon that circled around his fins which remained dipped in the water. He sighed, breathing in the foreign air, the dryness cutting into his lungs. The wind played with his shaggy hair, his earring dangling along. His eyes set firmly on the coast, waves easing in and out at the ridge of the bay. Everything up here was so unfamiliar to Hoseok, so tempting and entertaining.

“There’s beautiful places all over. And under.” Kiko mused back. Skeptical and cautious as she grew accustomed to Hoseok’s nightly adventures. There was no way she could talk the Prince out of his plans, ever.

“But up here is so – is so,” he pauses. Noticing a small child holding an elder woman’s hand, probably enjoying a nightly walk on the beach. “… Amazing.”

The high church-towers were in view within the town that lined the coast. Carriages and music playing in the distance, even the chime of bells ringing. The simple fact that he could not go there himself caused him to yearn for it more, wish for it to happen in his dreams. This Prince was indeed passionate about the land before him, stretching his hands towards the air.

“Careful yourself, Hoseok.” Kiko warned. “It’s late, shouldn’t we be heading back before someone notices your disappearance?”

He nodded, with his eyes still trained on the silhouettes of the strolling humans. Watching them turn up a set of stairs and disappearing behind the curve of the walkway. He was fascinated, the kinship between humans wasn’t much different from his to his folks. Humans were so distant, but they seemed so similar to him.

A small tug on his fin caught his attention, seeing his little buddy pulling him. “Let’s go, you have a busy day tomorrow.”

On the swim back, descending down into the dept of the sea, Hoseok reminisced his favorite times above water. The early mornings, the midday views of seagulls flying high above in flocks, the sunsets were clouds scattered the sky and painted in violets, reds, and oranges. Watching the Sun extinguish into the horizons plane as the cool of the night sky took over.

Hoseok loved the upper world and all its inhabitants so very much.

Daybreak tickled the waters, reflections of lights bouncing and refracting off another in the clear-cut liquids. It shined through Hoseok’s large amber window, casting a ray on his slumbering face causing him to wince. His body curled tighter in his clam-based bed; a thicket of woven blankets made of the finest kelp keeping him comfortable. Bio-luminescent decorations that drifted within his quarters losing their dim glows.

Shortly, his door would be knocked upon. Guards prepared to assist him along his daily routines, breakfast, taking a swim through the gardens, fitting for dresswear. Today, his brothers were due for a visit – since his kingdom was hosting the annual Festival of the Arts this year, as the event rotated between each realm every year.

It was always a delight to seek comfort from his siblings, to talk among another with similar thoughts and feelings as each and every single one of them were in the same shoes – in this case, fins. They were close to another regardless of the actual distance of their homes. And he was more than happy to celebrate the festivities and provide his best hosting service.

Prince Jungkook was the first to have arrived along with his party, very atypical of the youngest who outshines the mer-world quite frankly with his beaming yellow tail and natural abilities. His excitement to see his older brother urgently was overwhelming as he searched throughout the Aqua realm’s palace for Hoseok. Wittingly enough, he knew Hoseok’s patterns, the layout of the entire home.

“Hyung!” Rang through the water – not sounding quick enough for Hoseok to process before the bulldozing clash of his body into another’s. Tough arms circled Hoseok, tightening in a rush just in time for him to tilt his head to catch the sight of jet-black hair and a flash of canary yellow.

“Ah, Jungkook. You nearly gave me a heart attack!” Hoseok hollers. “Don’t sneak up on me like that!”

Jungkook laughs, holding his brother tight and against his will, “I’m sorry Hobi – it won’t happen again.” The scrunch of Jungkook’s nose and the teasing smile made his quick apology sound completely fake.

“You’ve filled out more I see.” He notes the stature of Jungkook from the last time he’s seen him. Chest expanding further, his hair longer and pulled in a half bun with loose ends spilling out around his fringe. The twinkle of Jungkook’s yellow pearl lays just between his clavicles on a threaded necklace. But his youngest brother still adorned his childlike smile, large eyes popping out with animation.

“Indeed, I have.” Said the yellow tailed man.

“Have you prepared well for the ceremony tonight?” Hoseok questioned while shifting out of the other man’s clutch, fluttering his fingers through his case of human books. Careful not to tear the thinned papers that were not made for the water.

They were in the secondary study – dedicated to Hoseok’s cherished collectibles of human items that drifted down to the sea floor. It was a private area, filled with wonder and intertwining plants. So many new and beautiful objects decorated the interior of the room along with the drifting innocent fishes that floated around like fruit flies.

Jungkook grabbed hold of his brothers’ hand, tearing him past the seaweed curtains and out of the room. “I need help with a part of the choreography – I’m not sure what to do.”

Each of the seven princes were a part of the annual festival, performing their own pieces of art. Music surrounded their lives, and each prince specialized in one of the three professions: Singer. Dancer. Composer.

In tune with another – they create a perfect melody, a rhythm they cast into the waters. And all together they grow stronger with the help of their pearls.

“Let’s not head to the ballroom – I’m sure they are still setting up.”

“Jungkook! Sir!! Prince!” A peep of a scream came from the corner, a frantic Moorish Idol fish bee-lining towards the two still Princes. “Don’t you bolt off like that again! I can’t catch up with your speed!” it pants as it swarms around Jungkook’s face.

“Gotta be quicker, Pip!” Jungkook giggled, using his fingers to brush against his tuckered-out buddy.

Pip eyed Hoseok, recognizing the older Prince and jumped in embarrassment. “Prince, I apologize! I didn’t greet you properly, please I am so dearly sorry!”

“No need for formalities.” A wave of Hoseok’s hand hushed Pip’s words. “It’s nice to see you again. Now – about that choreography…”

The rooms were lit to the high-nine. Capacity of several variations of flourished colored tails decorated Hoseok’s palace – events like these are his favorite. Not only is he surrounded by his school, he’s encircled by his glorious brothers. The only thing that stressed out the aqua tailed prince, wasn’t the planning of events, fitting for costumes, dresswear, or deciding the best dishes to cater. The performance he practiced for day in and day out alike his brothers – what stressed Hoseok out was the company of his father, the Mer-King himself who only showed his presence for special occasions.

Each Prince were presented in front of the crowd of hundreds, their titles in all. Dolled up to accommodate the affair with engaging chains that wrapped around their waists and wrists, extra clam and shell accessories added to decorate around their loose arms and tail. Designed capes, hip skirts, and sheer fabrics that moved with the waves as they would do with the wind from above. Crowns made from wreaths of white lilies with bejeweled opal white pearls dangling down the band.

One by one they presented their acts along the stage, an entertaining uproar surpassed through the crowds from the Royal’s concert. The dancers who weaved like fluid coil to the cords of music were nonother than the feisty topaz yellow Jungkook, the carefree aquamarine dazzled Hoseok, and the flirtatious yet ditzy salmon pink royal, Prince Jimin.

Contrasting the dancers were the stunning vocalists of the group, Seokjin and Taehyung. Together they crafted a harmonious aura with their lyrics and tones. Entreating voices far sweeter than any human or mer-folk around.

Princes Namjoon and Yoongi of the Antarctic and Indian Oceans were strong composers, masters in a range of musical instruments. Their wits, knowledge, and pure love for the magical symphonies poured out of their bodies through devices and tools. Drafting tunes for songs every breathing moment.

It was late once again as Hoseok frustratedly swam up to his usual cove. Hoisting his body up on a smooth rocky islet that broke through the surface. Up here, Hoseok felt light and at ease. Repressing the tensions that bellowed below in the pit of his realm. The breeze was steady and refreshing, toying with the stands of his dampened hair and drying off the droplets of water that trickled down his skin.

He shed the tokens that deemed his high rank prior to wondering off from the palace, only keeping his stationary earpiece securely in. The clouds floating are coated in golden and rosy shades, evening stars piercing the sky in the dimming east. The nearing night looked extraordinary in Hoseok’s eyes.

A large ship with three white masts settled still on the water with only one sail unraveled. People littered the deck, music and song resounded from the vessels, and soon after when the night casted over the sky, the light of hundreds of lamps burst into view.

It was odd for a ship to be sailed far out during this time, even more peculiar to have a scatter of lights beaming from floating lamps that hovered into the air.

He swam close to the captain’s cabin being cautious to stay low in the water, and with every rock of the waves Hoseok was able to look through the clear windowpanes. Kiko stayed close to Hoseok, wiggling herself into his hand for security as they drawn near the scary object that rested on the water.

There were many richly dressed humans within, gowns and suits decorating each member in a fashion. The most bewitching of them, a person who stood out of the crowd and stared into the far distance of the water was a young princess with flowing thick hair. No doubt in Hoseok’s mind that this beauty was no younger than him, and he felt completely captivated by her looks.

A festival was being celebrated on the same day Hoseok’s home celebrated his. In honor of this princess’s birthday the crew were dancing and singing on the upper deck, similar to how Hoseok’s family just partook on a stage deep below. It was fascinating his wondering eyes, activities so alike to his own. And the moment the princess appeared among the lively bunch, rockets shot up into the air, turning the night into day.

The loud boom of cracks sizzling into the air scared Hoseok and Kiko, forcing him to dip his head back under the surface.

“Let’s go back! This isn’t safe!” Kiko chimed in, shaking her frail leafy body.

Hoseok looked up through the plane of water, eyes wide with shock. Not once has he ever seen this lightshow before. These weren’t cracks of blue zigzags that dressed the sky like lightning, theses were bright loud bangs of noise that sparked fire.

Through his perception, he watched the glows vanish. Until another boom ripped through the air along with another flash of light. “Hold on.” He says.

The curious merman raised his head above water again to witness a scene of falling stars upon him. A fiery shower he surely has never seen before tonight. It was like large suns revolved around his head, the brightest of fishes swam in the air that reflected on the clear glass-slate of water of the sea. Who knew humans could have such power.

The princess could be seen distinctly throughout the sailors that laughed and jested with glee. Her face adorned with a wide smile, one that shined so bright. “Oh – she’s so beautiful, isn’t she?”

It was later now, but Hoseok couldn’t take himself away from the ship and the beautiful young princess. She remained looking through that cabin window, rocking to and fro by the motion of the sea. He was enchanted by her, charmed by this unique being. There was something about her.

“Would you look at her?” Hoseok examined, smiling to himself. “She’s breathtaking.”

Kiko fluttered around Hoseok, a nervous wreck of a fish as she sensed an unnerving suspicion. “Please, we must go back. We’ve overstayed too long.”

“Oh poppycock. The palace is in perfect condition. Nobody will notice me missing.”

“Sir – “

There was foaming and fermentation in the depths beneath causing the ship to tilt faster. Waves rose high and violent in a span of minutes. Sails were spread, a commotion coming from the desk resounded. A distant thunder was heard, rumbling through the space above.

“Ah – father…” Hoseok snapped his head, “He’s angry.”

“I told you we must go!”

Hoseok and Kiko both swam a few meters down after once last glance at the ship that furled their sails once more. Until a sudden pound echoed through the waves. The great vessel tossed and turned on the volatile waters like a rowboat as the waves rose to an extreme height. It towered over the ship, clashing forcefully into the deck and submerging the manmade object. Water filled the cavities of the deck, the stout masts bent under the swirling billows.

“Hoseok!” Kiko shouted at the stunned merman who watched with wide eyes. An internal struggle inside him to tell him to go back to the Mer-King or to help the sinking ship. “We need to go!”

“I can’t! It’s going to turn over into the sea!”

Just as he guessed, the crew among the vessel was in terrible danger; since he himself had to beware the shattered beams that tore away from the vessel and splashed down above him. Wreckage both floating and sinking, causing hazards to think twice about.

“Get him to stop Kiko, tell him I’m fine! Just stop the storm!” Hoseok shooed his seahorse away, heading himself to the surface and ignoring the pleading screams.

It was pitch dark above, so dark that he could not distinguish anything until a flash of lightning disclosed to him the whole of wreck. Burning flames above the water. Hoseok only felt urgent for his wondrous princess as he sought her out the instant the ship kissed the bottom of the seafloor.

Hoseok knows no human can breathe underwater, he knows the only times he’s seen a human up close were the bodies of corpses that drifted down into the depths. He did not want that fate for the princess.

He dove himself through the shards and fragments that sprinkled within the water regardless of the danger he was inducing but with his steady swim he found the princess having difficulty holding her head high. Her eyes already closed while clutching her frame around a piece of driftwood, inevitably would have drowned completely if it wasn’t for the aqua blue merman who came to the rescue. Bearing the force of the heavy current, holding the princess above the water’s surface.

The sun rose in the horizon towards morning, by then the ongoing storm had seized and there weren’t any traces of remains from the shipwreck. Rays of lights restored color to the princess’s cheeks, though her eyes remained closed. Her dampened dress riddled with sand and stray leaves of seaweed.

They lay off in a secluded cove far from the casually populated beach. Surrounding cliffs hiding them away. Hoseok laid gazing up at the arresting princess, stroking the strand of wet hair away from her face. Her skin was soft like a rose petal, and a slight pink undertone hid beneath its expanse. “Please wake.” He whispered as he studied her features.

This was the first time Hoseok laid about the land, just shy of the waters reach. He could see the dry green wood that extended along the coast, cliffs and mountains drawn clearer. Firm quartz sand which he now occupied along with his new companion. He turned her face towards the rising sun that was illuminating the world.

A quiet sound escaped the mouth of the princess, surprising the merman suddenly. He leaned back, head blocking the sun from direct view of her face while she sleepily opened them. The haze of her eyes coated her sight, looking at the figure that was in view. She grumbled, blinking rapidly to readjust the image before her. A stranger hovered over her, a concerned look across their handsome face as they looked down at her in curiosity. Golden brown hair flowed around; a glint of blue entrapped into his brown almond eyes.

“Hello,” Hoseok whispered, lifting the corner of his lips up.

“Who-“

Hoseok shifted the moment he heard of loud barking noise coming from the side of a cliff. His movement caused the piercing rays of light to shine into the princess’s eyes, blinding her some more.

The merman jolted away from the shore in a panic, hiding behind some stones further into the sea. Hoseok watched from afar with unyielding attention, a black four-legged being running towards the reviving princess. A small group of men followed suit to the black figure who alerted the humans of its findings.

“Oh Princess!” one shouted as they ran over. They smiled kindly down at her, assisting her off the sands and into a blanket. “Princess Y/n, are you hurt?”

She was dazed and confused, checking her surroundings for the other person she just saw. Did she see someone or was it her imagination? Who had saved her from the previous night? “Where’s the man? The one who saved me?”

The surrounding men gave another a questioning look, looking quite confused when they eyed the area around them. “Miss, nobody is here besides us? You must have swallowed too much seawater – it’s a miracle you survived.”

The black hairy creature spotted Hoseok out, yapping towards him and trying to get the humans attention. The animal saw him, no doubt, and Hoseok ducked for cover under the waves as they passed, waiting for his moment to come back up.

The princess was taken back onto the land with the assistance of the furry creature and humans, leaving Hoseok distraught behind the stones of the bay. But he was relieved that she survived, her beauty could live on longer, and he couldn’t wait to share his story about how he saved a human. Immediately, when the princess was finally out of view, he plunged beneath the water to return back to his palace.

“Y/n…” He hummed, repeating the sweet name that rang his ears. “Her name is Y/n.”

“Where did you go last night?” The Mer-King shouted in the dining hall. Hoseok floated in front of his father, eyes trained to the seabed below their fins. The six other brothers hovered off to the side in a stationary line, motionless as they watched the scolding unfold. Each accompanied by their personal pets who too drifted in the silence of the water.

“Answer me, Hoseok!” the King’s voice resembled the same boom of the magical fire show from last night.

“I – I was… I went...”

“Don’t you dare tell me you escaped up to the surface.”

Hoseok fell silent. His words lost in his throat when he made eye contact with his father. The King stood still with the length of his graying hair exceeding past his shoulder blades, a crown sat atop his head made out of coral and angulate wentletrap shells. Spikes of eelgrass flowing from the tips of the multicolored crown. His slimy tail was ombre from a berry red into a sandy brown – dorsal fins displayed wide and drifted just how a beta fish would, flared up just how a beta fish would. His steel gray eyes stared down at Hoseok with intensity, waiting for a response.

Voiceless silence. Hoseok could not speak another word without distressing his father any further. In defeat he hung his head down to the floor, sinking his shoulders.

“You are not to leave the palace.” The King’s voice broke through. “You are not to enter the surface of the water. Do I make myself clear?”

“But Fath –“

“Am I clear!?” He shouted. Voice echoing through the quiet halls of the palace – hand clutching his beloved trident tight.

“Yes, Sir.” Hoseok grimaced. Kiko fleeing into the middle of Hoseok’s back.

The Mer-King departed the dining hall, leaving the seven brothers to themselves. It was when Hoseok looked up seeing the concerning looks crossing each of his brothers, did he feel guilty for his actions.

“What are you doing? You know you shouldn’t meddle around up above. What if someone saw you?!” Namjoon spoke, the cool tone of his voice chilled through the water. The purple scaled man swam closer to Hoseok, the slate of silver shining through his hair and the tip of his fins. His purple pearl shimmered in the arm cuff on his right of his crossed arms, his crab responding in the same gesture. “Hoseok, think of the dangers.”

“I know. But hear me out – I did something so amazing last night!”

“Namjoon’s right, you know this.” Seokjin stepped in with a pointing finger embellished with his pearl, “And to pull that stunt, especially when father is visiting, you’re asking to be yelled at.” His small, very animated manta ray wiggled around Seokjin’s mannerisms, copying the same movements as he did.

Hoseok’s mouth formed a triangle frown. Resentment settling in the pit of his stomach along with a mix of emotions. “Can you just listen to me?”

“Then speak.” Heads turned over to the aloof green merman who seated himself on top of the turquoise sea-glass table. The side of his hair clipped back with a white barbed clam, allowing the rest of his deep brown wavy hair to flow naturally. Under his ear shined the dark pine colored pearl, just how Hoseok’s did. Taehyung’s fingers twirled around his pale jellyfishes’ ruffled tentacles, staring off into the distance in deep thought. “What was amazing?”

Hoseok scanned the eyes around him, taking in a strong breath before telling his otherworldly experience. The merfolk knew of legends, myths and facts about the land above. Artifacts that fallen down into their domains created curiosity but there were fears of the stories about merfolk traveling far too close to the coastline. Humans may be mystical to mer-people, but it was never wise to breach the surface to study them.

“And the lights started falling down after the loud bang! Fire burning and sizzling out in beautiful streams! It was so bright!” He exclaimed with his audience listening in. “But then the storm demolished the ship! It happened so fast!” Hoseok continued his dramatic story with such immense passion, comparing how humans and merfolk celebrated in similar ways.

It infatuated the listening ears, well, some more than others. “And then I saved her from the wreck! I saved her guys! I brought her to the shore and – “

“You what?”

Yoongi, with a tail of vibrant marmalade orange cut his younger brothers train of thought. His narrow coal cut eyes shot angry towards Hoseok. A menacing stare emitting from the shaggy dirty blonde-haired male, questioning his brother’s reckless behavior. “You went on land?!” His pet lionfish flared its fins at the tone of his owner’s voice, grumbling something about idiocy.

“She lived because of me!” Hoseok retorted, leveling up to the stinging tension that was rising quickly.

“You’re troublesome, really.” Yoongi chided. “She would have been fine if you were here in your palace! That storm wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for you!”

“You’re setting a bad example for the younger ones.” Seokjin nodded towards the wafting men who innocently drifted in the background of the conversation.

Hoseok fumbled over his words, mouth gaping open looking for words to fill into it. He knows his brothers aren’t wrong, they were just being cautious. But Hoseok felt like they looked down upon his widened spectrum, his drive to expand the knowledge about the world above. It wasn’t fair with all the limitations merfolk had, and even more restrictions for a Prince.

Hoseok grew quiet and reflective as days passed by. Obeying the tolls and jobs of his prince duties, being kind to other fish folk and leaning a helping hand for many in need. He stabilized his environment, praised the coral reefs that skirted his territory, even assisted with gathering the ripened fruits that sprouted from the gardens’ trees.

Though each and every day Hoseok pondered about the princess who lived above. Questioning to himself about her whereabouts, how she was doing and what she was doing. He dared to stare at the new statue that became his favorite décor in his luxurious field of flowers. A beautiful stone chiseled and sculpted to look like the princess, partially broken from the wreck of the ship, now stood in the middle of his oyster paddock.

When Hoseok wanted to be a daredevil, he succeeded in slipping away from the eyes of his staff and even his personal buddy. Rushing himself back to the surface where he loved so dearly to catch the linger of the air that dried his face and scales. Many times, he rose to the place where he had last seen Princess Y/n, where he left her on the sands before scurrying away. He always returned to his subterranean abode with a bit of sadness when he never saw her.

It was dawn when the first light creeped through the panels of Hoseok’s second study where he was toying around with one of his thingamajigs, trying to understand the use of it. He had an unexpected visitor in the middle of the night, a slither of a reflective shine catching his eye. An oily slick tinted film in the moonlight when he angled his tail in the right way.

“Taehyung.” Hoseok breathed, “You should have told me you were heading here; I would have arranged a genuine greeting for you when you entered the gates.”  

He seemed cheerier during the night hours, maybe it was the relaxation of the disphotic zone or the cool temperament of fishes relaxing. Whichever excuse it may be, Taehyung always glowed better during the evening. “I’m sorry hyung – I wanted to check in on you. I was worried.”

They spent the entire night in deep thoughts, conversing to another about their worries and provinces. A few discussions about trades between regions, assembling plans and arrangements for brotherly gatherings. Taehyung found a fascination with a particular utensil from Hoseok’s study, a metal tool that had spikes at one end and a smooth handle on the other.

Throughout the night Hoseok confessed his sorrows to his younger brother, revealing his secret about the princess he had saved. How her beauty enchanted him, imprinting on his mind, how her statue now lays in the greens of his garden. The embarrassment crept up to him, distracting himself from his feelings as he showed Taehyung around his collection of human things.

“If my memory is correct, I believe I might know who your princess may be, because I have seen a castle above the waters.” Taehyung twirls the man-made gizmo around his fingers as he speaks. “When you mentioned her before in your story, I grew curious.”

Hoseok was caught off-guard from Taehyung’s words, stunned even. “Y – You know where she lives? You need to show me!” The aqua tailed man fluttered around with a sense of emergency, he held Taehyung’s hand pleading to him. “Please brother, show me what you know. It’s a wonderful morning already, the current is leveled, and the waters are clear!”

Embracing their arms together, Taehyung and Hoseok swam out past the palace walls into the blue of the ocean. Together they rose out of the water after miles of swimming, just in front of a tall bend in a cliff. They remained far off from the cost, deep enough to be unnoticed from the naked eye. But from their point of view they were able to see a castle with bright yellow stones, a flight of marble steps that led straight into the sea. Statues topped the pillars that outlined the walls, the building crowned with a Caspian blue. A great bay window faced toward the sea, the windows expanding long and wide.

The area was farther out from Hoseok’s natural comfort spot, he would pass this sector many times when he would visit up north to Taehyung’s realm.

From a closer look the two mermen can see silken curtains that hugged the frames of large bay windows, the walls inside decorated from top to bottom with magnificent paintings. Blurred bodies of servants walking across the tiled floors and expensive rugs. Deep within one of the larger rooms there was a fountain glittering with dancing water which sprouted from several areas surrounded by long stems and tendrils of plants.

“It’s so beautiful.” Hoseok whispered, creeping himself closer towards the castle that was built on the edge of the cliff. It was a real delight for the royal mermen to witness an abode so lovely, so riveting.

“This is the only castle I know of. I’m hoping this could be her palace.” Taehyung swam down, toying around with his small jellyfish in a fit of giggles. Dangling strands of seaweed around as if he’s forging the same motion as his buddy’s tentacles.

Hoseok dipped his head under, meeting up with the green tailed strides. “Thank you, Taehyung!” Hoseok’s arms entangled around Taehyung’s waist, spinning the two mermen in circles.

“It’s not far from the area where I saved her. Oh, I do hope this is her home!”

Taehyung beamed back a boxy smile, noticing the wild spirit of Hoseok shine. He was aware of the consequences of going to the surface, aware how enraged father could get when the sons acted up. But he was very happy to help out his brother – he saw something in Hoseok that he didn’t see in the others.

“Please, whatever you may do. Just be safe.” He petted the side of his brother’s hair, flicking his finger over Hoseok’s pearl earring.

© All rights reserved under @kimtaehyunq​ - do not copy, repost, modify, edit, or translate any of my work without my direct consent. This tumblr is the ONLY place my fics are posted.

[unlockthelore]

To Fool One’s Eyes

As Rin prepares to depart on a journey, she seeks counsel and comfort in the sky.

From the series Affections Touching Across Time on Ao3, and part of the It Takes A Village fic. For more updates, follow the affections touching across time tag on this blog. For more of this fic, follow the it takes a village tag.

When Rin opened her eyes, the world was tinted in shades of blue and black. Shadows etched in the high wooden beams and dashing across the floors where the light filtered by the shoji couldn’t reach. A long corridor stretched before her, flecked with blue dawn light and shadow. Several soldiers stood at the walls, armed with spears tipped sharply and piercing eyes trained upon her. Sighing softly, Rin laid her hands against her lower stomach and turned on her heel.

The tatami’s texture was lost on her but not the awe instilled by landscapes painted on the shoji paper, drapery adorning the walls in reds and whites, high above the stoic faces of the soldiers. A familiar crest upon the double-wide doors behind her — three white hexagons drenched in red with a four-petaled white flower in their centers.

Rin sighed softly, recalling that crest fondly. Rippled on the long flowing sleeves and collar of a kimono, tucked beneath silver hair and spiked armor looped at the shoulder. There was none other like it and she knew it as if it were her own.

Relief rushed through her at the success of her journey and she clapped her hands together, drawing a few smiles from the soldiers surrounding her. One stepped forward and she turned to greet him with a slight bow. It was difficult to discern his expression from beneath the drape of his helmet but Rin could have sworn she saw the corners of his lips twitch as he raised his hand quietly, shaking his head.

“Our Lady has been expecting you, Lady Rin,” he said, lowering his hand shortly after the words had been delivered. His voice, oddly boyish for someone so tall, was quiet and gentle though edged with amusement.

Jamming her fist in the crook of her hip, Rin tried to peer closer and catch a glimpse of his eyes beneath his helmet. He made no move to step away from her or look aside but his lips pressed together in a firm line, trembling and twitching upward at the corners as her stare lingered.

“You are one of the brothers,” Rin muttered softly, tucking a knuckle beneath her chin thoughtfully. “And yet which one, I cannot tell.”

This earned a few scattered chuckles amidst the other sentries including a sputtered one from the soldier she assessed.

“Let’s see… the last time I visited like this, it was Ushio who greeted me first,” Rin tipped one finger toward the western wall where four soldiers exchanged small smiles. “And Umihiko was guarding the Eastern Wall, including a vulnerable array of snacks in the kitchens that Lady Inukimi wasn’t keen on parting with until after we spoke.”

The soldier Rin spoke to nodded. “He was given the utmost important job of keeping a thief from stealing the pastries meant for Our Lady’s guest.”

“Even if said guest was horribly deprived of their dessert?” Rin tossed an amused exasperated look at the snickering soldier standing by the wall leading down the corridor.

“I am afraid so, Lady Rin,” the soldier said, not sounding apologetic in the slightest, and the twitch of his lips proved unbearable as he smiled heartily. “When thief and guest are one and the same.”

Rin laughed heartily, the sound resonating off the wooden beams and the walls, returning to her as the soldiers one by one broke their stoic masks to chuckle and nudge one another. The one standing at Rin’s side reaching up to pull off his helmet though before it could slide free of his head, she closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. Listening for the slide of metal and the soft tap of his spear’s hilt against the tatami to open them.

“It’s good to see you,” she said, opening her eyes to the sight of a dark-haired young man smiling back at her.

Long tresses of inky black tied up in a bun cinched tightly with a closely wound band of pearls, tiny and glittering in the blue dawn, twin green-scaled fin-like ears tipped with white pressing close to his head. His eyes, iridescent and alight with mischief, a sea foam blue reminding her of the sea at daybreak and matching the tint to his skin. Cracks between the rainbow-colored scales shifting, becoming darker then lighter with every breath.

“Might I also remind, Lady Rin, you were in the company of Lord Sesshomaru during your last visit,” the soldier said, tucking his helmet beneath his arm and bowing his head to her, the second translucent lens closing over his eyes before his eyelids did. His smile showing a sliver of teeth, pointed and gnashing, eliciting a giggle from Rin. “It isn’t often that you visit us alone or in the form of a spirit.”

Rin bounced on her toes and pressed her fingertips together behind her back, listening to the chuckles and mirthful exchanges amidst the soldiers. “Perhaps I should visit more often in this form,” she said, the watching soldiers hushing as she spoke, seeming to hang eagerly of her every word. “I may have better luck with raiding the kitchens.”

Grinning toothily, the soldier standing before her chortled. “I should tell the cooks their larders are safe for now.”

Cocking her hip and folding her arms, Rin’s brow raised. “Now who decided that?” she asked in a teasingly lilting tone, attempting to keep a smile from betraying her.

Before their merrymaking could continue, a deafening howl of wind cut through the corridor and rushed til it brushed shy of Rin’s nose. A gentle breeze caressing her chin and curving around the back of her neck, fluffing her hair in the process before it receded. Drapery fluttering and flowers trembling in its wake, the soldiers exchanging glances before returning to their posts. The one standing before Rin straightening his posture, his toothy grin and luminous eyes tamed into an impassive gaze.

“Our Lady waits in her sanctum,” he said solemnly, sweeping a hand toward the corridor where the shoji paper still rippled and the wooden doors trembled. “Let us not keep you any further.”

Rin shifted slightly, mindful of the change in their demeanors, and the apologetic gazes boring into her back as she padded across the tatami. Stepping out of the dimly lit foyer and into a swath of light, Rin held her hands close to her stomach then turned on her heel. Eyeing each of them and the dark imposing figures they cut with a warm smile.

“Thank you, it was nice to see all of you,” Rin said, the mood in the room shifting and a few smiles appearing beneath the helms. Regarding the soldier that she’d spoken to who returned to his post at the eastern wall, she allowed herself to smile. “Including you, Ukito.”

Despite the summoning and the call to arms, Ukito stammered forward and endured the jeering of his peers. “How were you able to tell? We were thrice as careful.”

Rin’s eyes drifted to the shoji and the twisting paintings beckoning her to walk on. A curl of warmth beneath her chin, turning her head toward the looming darkness further down the corridor. She felt something within her tighten, warm until it seared hot in her gut then release. Leaving only strangeness and cold in its wake.

“Your voice, when I tried to steal those pastries from before, it was you that called out to Lord Sesshomaru when he came looking for me.” Rin said, beginning the arduous yet short journey past the hall of sliding doors and to the castle’s inner sanctum. “I’m sorry that our first meeting is a little short, but I’ll come back to talk to you another day and thank you for helping.”

As the breeze guided her further down the hall, the soldiers’ stares and murmuring grew distant, and Rin realized after looking over her shoulder — they were no longer there at all.

Some unreadable emotion flickered through Rin’s eyes, and for a moment, she felt the darkness pooling around her beckoning her into its embrace. Just a little further, she told herself as the number of shoji doors lessened bringing her to a hall entirely submerged in darkness. Her footsteps non-existent against the tatami and hands swinging her sides when they fell, the breeze beckoning her forward receding in a whispering hiss between two large doors. A rushing of wind heard from behind them bringing Rin a step closer.

Gathering her wits and her breath, she was unable to see her hands as she lifted them. Her skin warming and tingling as silvery wisps began to trace along the outline of her fingertips, traveling further until it covered her wrists. Palms, a ghostly pale white, outstretched toward the door where they laid against the aged wood smelling of jasmine and sandalwood. Inhaling the scent deeply, Rin exhaled heavily, the silver wisps traveling on her breath and pooling in a cloud of mist.

Warmth seeped into her hands causing them to shake almost violently, forcing the mist cloud into the wood. Her arms trembling as an outline of the hexagonal sigil began to fill in with silvery light, etched into the doorway and gradually becoming full, until they shone bright enough that Rin shielded her eyes. A heavy thud followed a loud boom, the doors shuddering as they slid open.

“Enjoying your games with my soldiers, little bird?” A melodious, yet bored voice asked, stoking familiarity in Rin’s heart with cooling relief.

Lowering her hand from her eyes, she peered into the inner sanctum and sighed softly. From the blue glow of the walls to the dawn light from the circular windows depicting a wondrous view of the lightning sky, she was mesmerized. Lanterns suspended in the air, drifted over her head as she walked inside, ignoring the heavy trembling of the doors as they slid shut behind her. Moons carved into the lanterns’ paper brightening and dimming in time with the luminous stone floating in the center of the room. The light seeming to circle around it as if drawn into its orbit, and the stone itself swirled with energy that both called out to Rin’s own and repelled it.

She breathed in heavily, hearing the whistling wind rushing through the room and wrapping around her, spinning her to one side. Amidst the shelves stacked high with all manners of tomes, scrolls, and trinkets, a demoness lounged across a long sofa with her legs crossed at the ankle and a sprawling scroll draped over her lap. The wind that’d spun Rin in circles receded and rustled the demoness’ silvery hair only slightly, slender fingers tipped with claws brushing the stray locks behind pointed ears. Her golden eyes, striking and reminiscent of another’s, drifted across the scroll as if none other mattered.

Recognizing the demand, Rin stifled a laugh with a swift bite to her lower lip. A fine silver brow arched as the demoness’s gaze flicked up to her. Cold struck Rin in the center of her chest and if not for her resilience to the demoness’s weighty gaze, she might have fallen to her knees beneath her glare.

Mindful of the charged silence, Rin eased her lower lip from between her teeth and took a step closer to the demoness who lifted her chin in response to the closeness. “As enjoyable as they can be when I’ve lost the element of surprise.”

The demoness’s eyes drifted to her, lazily regarding her with a curious hum echoing throughout the room and reverberating into Rin’s own ears. “I know your presence as if it were my own, did you believe you could slip within my halls as easily as you would someone’s purse?”

“It would be a dull day if I did not try.” Rin said, stretching out her hands, brushing her fingers over one of the passing lanterns.

Where others would have paused as the silver-haired demoness, equally intimidating as she was enchanting, rose — Rin smiled unabashedly and spun on her heel to admire the sheer number of weapons and tools adorning the walls and leant against the table where a great map was spread about with several points upon it. At the corner of her eye, a quick flash drew her attention to the violet gem of the necklace around the demoness’s neck.

As if pleased by Rin’s recognition of the stone, the demoness smiled primly and rolled one end of the scroll. The other half carefully returning to join with it. Her hand winding the string to keep it closed with a quick pulse of youki to seal it, the familiar howling catching Rin off guard for a moment. Then, from the corner of her eye, the demoness regarded Rin coolly.

“That it would,” the demoness replied, with neither derision nor affection, a heavy hardened edge to an otherwise blunt tone. Carefully, she rose from the lounge. The drape of her kimono, adorned with green and yellow butterflies, brushing against the tatami with every step. Fur pelt along a dark coat rippling as she tossed her hair over her shoulder with a backward flick of the wrist, approaching with slow sure steps.

“It isn’t often you are without my son.”

Rin, unperturbed at the lessening distance between her and the approaching demoness, clasped her hands behind her back and swayed from one foot to the other.

“As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder…” She said, her gaze drifting to the paper lanterns painted with moons and stars, recalling the solitary figure drifting among them in the dusk sky over Kaede’s village. “Besides, it isn’t so much as me following him nowadays as it is so much the other way around.”

If the demoness was perturbed by her lack of decorum, she didn’t say. Her silence retained until she stood before Rin, effortlessly towering over her in both presence and height, but lacking in arrogance in either. The demoness waited patiently as Rin took to observing the room’s effects. Golden eyes keenly observing and boring into every crevice of Rin’s being until she turned, meeting the demoness’ piercing gaze unflinchingly. As if amused, the silver-haired demoness nodded and tucked her hands within the sleeves of her robe.

“Yes, so often is he attached to your side.” The demoness said with unparalleled clarity, clipping Rin’s thoughts with a ghost of a smile on her lips. Her voice evened, the amusement gone in place of something far softer and worn. “Tell me, what is it you have come here for, little bird?”

Concern was easily dismissed by most but the demoness had ways of getting under Rin’s skin. From the closeness of her presence to the way that she stood by Rin’s side rather than before her, looming and quietly boasting strength. Lanterns drifting overhead cast shades of amber-blue light over them, outlining her sharp features and familiar golden eyes equally parts curious and worried. She offered no touch or word other than the question and the nickname’s sentiment, and Rin couldn’t help but smile.

While Kaede would deign to touch her familiarly, although with respect to her own privacy, the demoness offered no such aid. Having grown used to one another during her days of trailing after Sesshomaru, those were long past. A budding warmth building in Rin’s chest was cast aside as she turned her gaze from features, both familiar and nod, sighing softly.

“Aside from conversation with you, Lady Inukimi?” Rin scuffed her heel against the tatami, her form tangible enough that her foot didn’t slip through the floor, but her movements made no sound. Instead, she focused on the humming of the radiant stone overhead and the fires roaring in the lanterns to gather her thoughts. “Advice, counsel, and peace of mind, if possible.”

The corners of her lips tugged downward as each word drifted into the air, both allowing her to breath easier and sinking her heart. From the window at the study’s northern wall, she could see the clouds drifting by in a sky still dark. Glittering stars fading one by one without their moon and taking with them her fear of dreams. Rin tried not to keep her eyes open for long but she also did not want to close them, instead allowing her body to rest while her spirit wandered.

“Respite from… life,” she finished, voice barely above a whisper, heavy with remorse.

For a moment, nothing was said but Rin felt Inukimi’s gaze linger atop her head, once again observing her but this time her eyes were trained somewhere below her nose.

“What has been troubling you?” Inukimi asked. “You’re hardly ever this serious, and it doesn’t suit you to frown.”

Surprised, Rin covered her mouth with a hand and Inukimi chuckled with a mirthful gleam to an otherwise uneasy gaze. “Perhaps you’ve picked up one of my son’s odd traits.”

Huffing, Rin waved a hand dismissively as if batting the comment from the air between them. “Lord Sesshomaru doesn’t frown all the time,” she said, recalling strongly a ghost of a smile on his lips quickly gone before it could be called upon. Fleeting ones throughout her memories, obscured by the length of his hair or his palm.

Inukimi shook her head, the pearls on the necklace knocking together lightly and drawing Rin’s eyes to the gleaming stone embedded in its medallion. Swaying hypnotically until a hand clasped around it. “Not for you, perhaps,” Inukimi said, the words holding no trace of arrogance or malice, simply fact.

Rin glanced aside, turning her head from the nearing lantern and the demoness’s knowing gaze. “Be that as it may, what troubles me are my dreams. Some a little less sweeter than others,” Rin’s eyes shuttered and for a moment, she was there in the dirt where the wolves laid her low. Unable to think further than the last moment, salivating wolves, darkness at her heels and the blurred faces of her family, her mother’s outstretched hand beckoning her to the other side. “Then there are others that are far too bitter. As of late, it’s been easier or at the least the easiest it can be.”

Gaunt faces, hollowed eyes and gaping mouths, shouting and whispering their regrets in her ears. Unable to move on. Unable to find peace. All because she survived.

“Tell me of them,” Inukimi said, her voice cleaving through the chanting and drawing Rin back to the present graciously. Her eyes were cool and calm, voice impassive but despite the lack of a warm touch or a kind word, Rin felt relieved to have this space.

Drawing herself half into memory, the aged image of an injured daiyoukai hissing at her when she neared overlapped with his strengthening form. A stoic expression giving away very little, golden eyes lingering as he asked.

Where did you get those bruises?

Happiness blossomed in her chest then, warm and overwhelmingly bright to where she couldn’t help but smile. A glow of it resting in her breast and Rin laid her hand over it, feeling the gentle beat of her heart.

“You know how Lord Sesshomaru and I met…” Rin stepped forward and gathered one of the lanterns in her hands as it floated closer to her, the amber-blue light reflecting in her eyes, nearly blinding. “The village I lived in, its people weren’t kind to me.”

“Why is that?”

Rin clenched her jaw, remembering the laughter and jeering of bandits ransacking the village. A few of the women hiding with their children while others were armed with sickles and rakes. They were naught but farmers, earning a simple living through toiling the land. Their hands were not made to handle swords but the ones who came for them cared little for a fair fight.

Her brother, young as he was, knobby-kneed and rosy-cheeked, braced her shoulders with hands firm enough that they felt like claws pricking her skin. He held her gaze, his face swimming in a blurred vision. Words muffled and drowned by the screaming of women, children crying, men shouting, and laughter.

Her mother’s arms wound tightly around her as she yelled for her brother to come back inside. An axe that’d once been in the stump outside their home for cutting firewood held tightly in his hand, his jaw set and stern, seeming more like their mother than their father who stood with most of the men yelling for the intruders to leave. For a brief second as he stood in the doorway of their home, Rin wanted to ask him to obey their mother. So often had their mischief brought her grief and no small amount of lectures. But her brother was ever at her side.

“We’ll share the blame, alright, Rin?”

He glanced at her, holding her gaze, and the world was quiet for a moment. The faintest twitch of a smile before he was gone from their mother’s outstretched hand. Disappearing into the chaos beyond the yard of their home and its safety.

Her mother’s heartbeat, wildly racing, short puffs of breaths as she mourned her son with eyes shut tightly. Then with a ferocity, she yanked Rin away from the doorway and slammed it shut so hard that it rattled on its hinges. Her father’s back and her brother’s dark hair dancing on the breeze, fading images as her mother rushed through their home, pushing open the door sunken in on its hinges leading to the back of their home. Rin clung to her desperately, trying to drown out the screams with her face buried against her shoulder.

It was so loud. The air was thick with blood, ash, and musk, threatening to suffocate her with every breath. Her mother’s hands clutching her hair so tight that her scalp throbbed, tears springing to her eyes. Swallowing a sob as her mother hushed her and ducked beneath the shadows of other huts, hiding from the rushing silhouettes, unable to discern whether they were friend or foe.

“Father…”

It isn’t often that Rin saw her mother with tears in her eyes, calloused hands from working the fields running over her cheeks and brushing away her bangs from her eyes. Touch tender despite the roughness of her mother’s palms, embracing her cheeks, her cracked lips dusted with salty tears and dirt pressed to the middle of Rin’s forehead.

“You will see him again, father and Hitoshi…”

“Mother…”

“Ssh, ssh.. It will be alright, Rin.”

It never occurred to her before. How oft her mother’s smile warmed her heart until it was no longer there. But in that moment, ragged with grief and calming a weeping child amidst the destruction and plunder, her mother’s smile had never been more beautiful.

“Hold to me tightly, Rin, don’t let go…”

She clung to her mother desperately, mimicking the claw-like grasp her brother had upon her shoulders before he left them. Her mother, winding through the village’s roads, avoiding men with blades and catching the eyes of women shielding their own children or lying dead in the streets. The sounds Rin heard chilled her and her mother clamped a hand over her ear, whispering for her not to listen. To just hum softly in the same way they did when she combed her hair at night, and hold fast to her.

Darkness, ash, and blood were all that Rin knew aside from her mother’s gentle humming. She could pick out voices of the other villagers, howling and anguished screams. Among them, a smaller voice that she recalled calling out to her from the base of a tree, yelled in agony. Her head jerking upright and hands pushing at her mother’s shoulders. From between the gap of two houses, she saw the back of her brother’s kosode. His legs swinging uselessly in the air as he tried to force himself away from the man grasping him by the throat. The axe in hand was held by another, the men laughing and jeering as he struggled.

It wasn’t until Rin looked to her mother that she saw her staring. Having stopped where she was, eyes wide and misted over, either unseeing or disbelieving.

“Please no…” She gasped with a watery cry, hugging Rin painfully tight.

Hitoshi reared his head back and with the determination brought on by desperation and hopelessness, he threw it forward, colliding his head with the bandit’s own. The axe-wielding one jumped away as his companion stumbled backward, Hitoshi falling into the mud and turning over to hand and knee. He looked up then, and Rin could see him —

Through the fields, showing her how to weave together the stems of daisies.

Beneath the comforter they shared as a family, telling stories of his dream of being a samurai.

Carrying her on his back, her knee skinned from falling out of a tree and his words comforting in her ear.

It’s okay, Rin. Brother is here, you can cry if it hurts.

And it hurt. It hurt as one of the bandits kicked him onto his back then stamped his foot against his stomach. The pain resonating in her own as if she’d been kicked herself, and her mother’s horrified cry muffled in her hair. In the firelight, the axe gleamed.

Rin closing her eyes as it came down.

“Father!”

Her eyes shot open. Hitoshi scrambling to his feet in the slick mud, reaching for their father struggling for the axe. The two men wrestling in the dirt while the onlookers, entertained by the man’s desperation, jeered and hooted. Hitoshi grabbed by the back of his kosode and held with an arm around his throat. Their father, a man Rin had never seen without a kind word and a smile, roaring louder than thunder as he forced the bandit to his back. Driving his fist into his face until the axe was dropped and his movements stopped. A few of the bandits coming to grab him by his arms and hold him back.

“Hitoshi! Let him go, let him go!”

“You killed one of ours,” the grinning-mouthed man holding Hitoshi shouted and it was as if the world deafened. “I believe we deserve compensation.”

A chorus of cheers sounded from around them and her father struggled harder as the axe was pried from the dead man’s hand, its blade held to her brother’s stomach.

“He’s just a boy,” her father sobbed brokenly.

Hitoshi’s squirming having stopped and though Rin couldn’t see it, she felt the dread pooling in her stomach for him.

“And if he grew to be a man, he’d be a killer, just like his father.”

Their father screamed as Hitoshi was forced to the ground and the axe cleaved through the air. Her mother’s scream drawing the eyes of the others. Her breathing, short and gasping, did little to make up for the deafening sound. Rin’s ears still ringing and she could see a few of the men beginning to make their way between the huts toward them. Her mother hugging her tightly and her father’s shout echoing over them until the axe was forced into his own stomach, his eyes never leaving Rin’s own even when he was pushed to the mud.

Her mother hissed a cry and darted off toward the forest, hugging Rin as tightly to her as possible despite the limpness in her hands and legs. Her father’s emptied gaze, her brother’s head lying crookedly from body.

“Rin, Rin.”

Returning to focus, Rin stared up at the tree boughs overhead as her mother turned down a familiar road toward the river where they gathered water often and came to play or catch fish. A small cave, big enough to fit her, is where her mother set her. Pressing her hands to her cheeks, wiping away the tears that gathered at the corners of her eyes unbidden.

“Don’t make a sound until I call for you, understand?” When she didn’t speak, her mother clutched her shoulders tighter. “Rin, do you understand?”

There was no cruelty in her words, only desperation. A mother trying to save her daughter from a cruel fate.

Don’t go.

Her mother pressed another kiss, this one bruisingly harsh, to her forehead. Pushing her further into the opening before wandering backward, making quick work of her headscarf and tossing it to the river. Her dark hair flowing freely and wildly over her shoulders, hands braced at her sides and trembling as the bandits crept from the forest as quiet as wolves.

“You there,” one said, the same grinning-mouthed man. His hands stained and Hitoshi’s obi in hand, balled up after he used it to wipe his hands then threw it aside. “Why leave so soon?”

Two of the men flanking him laughed and her mother gritted her teeth, widening her stance.

“Ooh, do you mean to fight us?”

Her mother seethed. “You will pay for this. For every drop of blood my husband and son shed, I hope your pain is tenfold.”

The men shared a look of surprise, their laughter amused as her mother shuddered and brazenly held her ground.

It’s why I fell in love with her. You see, your mother is the strongest woman I’ve ever known. I hope you grow to be like her one day, Rin.

One of the bandits stepped forward to seize her mother by the arm, and her fist swung, connecting to his cheek with a sickening crack. He stumbled backward, grasping at his face and the other two advanced toward her. One grasping at her arm while the other seized her leg as she thrashed wildly, kicking her opposite leg. Her foot connecting with the grizzled jaw of the grinning-mouthed man, sending him reeling. The bandit holding her arm seizing the other.

“Settle, you she-devil!”

“Go to hell!”

She jerked her head back, catching him in the chin. The bandit she punched standing and rubbing at his jaw, unsheathing his blade as her mother broke free of the hold with a hard push to the one that’d been holding her sending him toppling to the river. Rin’s eyes widened and the sound rushed from her chest, a warning on her tongue as her mother turned around only to nearly be slashed by the blade. Her feet shifted unsurely at the river’s bank, sliding and catching on the rocks.

“You’re going to regret that, woman.”

Her mother spat on the ground at his feet, the epitome of rage upon her face.

“And when we find that girl you had —“

Her mother loosed a cry, sounding so much like her brother that for a second Rin thought she might have seen Hitoshi by their mother’s side. Her mother grasped the bandit’s wrist as he swung at her, the blade inches from her hip. The pair scuffling in the dirt as she pushed back against him, crying out as he pulled her hair, jerking her head to the side. Her elbow thrown back, connecting with his throat.

“Don’t talk about my daughter,” she hissed, gripping his ponytail and yanking his head down to meet her fist. The sword clattering to the ground between them and the back of her hand meeting his cheek. She was standing over him, holding him by the blood-stained chest plate he wore. “This is for my husband.”

Her fist connected once with a sickening crack, a gurgling yell from him as he clawed at her arms. Bloodied knuckles and tear-filled eyes as she raised it once more, struggling against him to hold him in place. Her knees on either side of him, hand around his throat as he clawed at her sleeves.

“And this is for my son.”

Her fist came down again and this time, a choked sputtering sound arose. His clawing slowing and her mother’s fist raised again, the world seeming to slow as a blade cleaved through the air and struck her mother in the back. Her mother’s eyes widened, in that one sliver of breath between life and death, their eyes met but the words her mother might have wanted to convey were lost in the crimson coating her lips as she toppled over beside the wounded bandit she’d struck. The grinning-mouthed man was no longer grinning, rubbing his jaw and staggering toward her with sword in hand.

“You fight like a demon,” he said, glaring down at her with a swift kick to her side. “But in the end, you’re only human.”

Her mother refusing to groan despite the pain contorting her face, squeezing her eyes shut as she settled on her back, glaring up at him. Blood ran down her lips, dripping off her chin in rivulets, staining the star-printed kosode Rin’s father had given her. It was her favorite, she tended to it every time it’d grown too threadbare. With the same hands, knuckles blistering an angry red, and fingers stained red.

Tipping his head to one side, the bandit asked almost innocently. “What is your name?”

Her mother’s chest rose and fell deeply and she coughed, seething a breath and humming angrily as he stamped his foot against her stomach. Leaning down with the sword inches from her mother’s breast.

“I want to remember it when I tell your daughter the one who made her life hell.”

“You will never find h—“

The words died as the blade plunged into her chest, a terrible earth-shattering cry cut off as she laid there, eyes wide and hands left open. For a moment, the bandit lingered over her until he turned his gaze away to his injured companion struggling to his feet after regaining consciousness.

“Search the woods,” he ordered, dragging his blade against the belly of her mother’s kosode then sheathing it.

The bleeding man holding his nose with a disdained glare at her mother, kicking her side. “Ito..” He said, looking toward the river.

“Good as dead.” Their leader glanced back toward her mother’s corpse, hocking and spitting on her with a grimace. “Bested by one woman…”

Staggering up the river bank, he shoved his companion as the man tried to lean against him. The two disappearing into the trees.

Time was non-existent. Rin’s eyes never leaving her mother’s own, wide and unseeing, frozen with a look of impending doom. Her hand outstretched, fingers splayed as if reaching for her but Rin couldn’t bring herself to come any closer. The sun must have fallen by the time the voices came, a man trudging down the river bank with a lantern in hand.

“Rin?” He called, cupping his hand around the side of his mouth. “Kasumi!”

Painstakingly trying to tear her gaze away from her mother, Rin neglected to answer. She couldn’t. Her mother hadn’t called for her. And she would. She had to.

“R—“ The man came closer, as did the light, and Rin recognized who he was but that mattered little. His gaze softened and he lowered the lantern, reaching for her mother’s corpse though his hands did little but hover over her. As if unsure where or if he should touch.

“Oh… Kasumi.”

Trembling, he pressed his fingers together and brought them to his forehead, bowing his head for a quick prayer. Opening his eyes and gathering the lantern, he slowly stood until he looked ahead right to where Rin was staring back at him. Making herself as small as possible as she shied from the coming light.

“Rin? It’s alright, girl. Did you hear me calling for you?”

He offered his hand but she made no move to take it even as he reached to pull her out. Her hands and legs limp, eyes never leaving her mother. Carefully, he slipped his arm around her and hiked her up on his hip, taking her further from her mother in body but her soul felt left in that small cave.

She wasn’t sure how much time passed. A week. A month. The home that she’d known for so long was now empty, a place where she could reside with the other villagers looking after her. But they soon grew weary of her silences, the vacant way in which she sat before her families’ graves. Unweeping and without a word. Stealing from the larders, taking from the nets, enduring beating after beating only to haul herself to the hut upon the embankment to stare into the waters silently.

“You have to speak if there is something you want, Rin.”

Those words were so common and when she refused to speak, they gradually gave up on her one by one. All of them had lost someone during the bandit’s appearance.

But life went on.

Don’t make a sound until I call for you.

Just hum the songs we sing together.

It’s okay to cry if it hurts, Rin.

It went on for all others but her.

“… They couldn’t understand,” Rin managed to say, dots floating in the corners of her vision from staring too deeply into the lantern’s glow, allowing it to drift away. “Some nights, I dream of them and their questions of why it is that I survived when they died.”

Unworthy. Unappreciative. Undeserving.

Her parents fought hard to ensure the others survived, and her brother lost his life with his last words being a blur in her memory. Wrong as it felt to consider the remnant’s words, Rin couldn’t help but lend to their curiosity. Why had she survived when all others died?

“If you ask yourself that question, little bird, you will never find peace.” Inukimi’s voice split the melancholy drifting through her, and beckoned Rin’s attention with no hope for disobedience. Once their eyes met, Inukimi’s calm and cool gaze matched that of her words. Crisp and clipped. “You lived because you survived.”

A disbelieving bark of laughter, no more than a puff of air, was punched through Rin’s chest at those words. “Survived?” Rin echoed, self-loathing bettering her words as she raised her hands. Her translucent body reflecting the amber-blue light as if she were a ghost herself.

Perhaps she’d already been. In some ways, she was much like that young girl whose life bled from her drop by drop as her family met their end. In others, she was something much different.

“I died twice. Lord Sesshomaru brought me back with Tenseiga, then you with the Meidō Stone. Surely knowing that someday neither of you will be able to aid me in cheating death,” Rin shuddered, clenching her jaw as she recalled her mother’s vacant eyes. Her brother’s resilience. Her father’s desperation. Jaken’s tears. Kohaku calling her name. Sesshomaru’s hand cupping her cheek. “And will bury me or scatter my ashes on the wind.”

Drawing a breath when Inukimi said nothing, Rin cursed and bit her lower lip harshly. Pacing to one wall where a shelf stacked to the ceiling with scrolls greeted her. Her hand opened and closed at her side as she glanced to the side, marveling at the wide curvature of the blade mounted to to the wall. It’s balance would have thrown her off and the curvature of it reminded her almost of Tessaiga. Her hand itching at her side, coming to rest over her lower stomach.

“Tenseiga is the Heavenly Rebirth Fang, a sword that can resurrect one hundred souls in a single stroke,” Rin recited, curling her fingers tightly in her sleep yukata. “Yet twice, twice, Lord Sesshomaru attempted to use it just for one little girl. Even I want to know why.”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Inukimi’s voice was so close that Rin could have almost mistaken she’d spoken in her head. Though once she turned, she saw the demoness standing where she had before. But where there had been a coolness to her gaze now softened with an unreadable emotion. “He cares for you, little bird.”

The lanterns drifting overhead dimmed their lights, floating out of her path as she walked toward Rin with slow certain steps. “His father was similar in his ways of showing affection, and though Sesshomaru inherited less of his charm and more of mine, his actions speak louder than any word he could say.”

As she stood before Rin once more, she lifted her hand and a powdery violet aura outlined her fingertips.

“If your life wasn’t valuable to him in some form, I assure you,” She reached out, slipping her fingers into Rin’s hair and palming her cheek.The silvery wisps of Rin’s own energy beginning to tint violet and the touch warm to her skin. “Sesshomaru would not have gained the power to use Tenseiga as a weapon. Or spared your life. But I think you know this…”

Sesshomaru would not have returned ye to life, nor would Tenseiga have responded if not for your effect on his heart.

You will never find her.

Rin shuddered, her heart beating harsh enough that it might have escaped her chest if possible.

“It takes a compassionate heart, one that knows both fear and sorrow of loss, to value life,” Inukimi explained, her thumb brushing beneath Rin’s eye and tipping her head up. Golden eyes burning brighter than the sun, the unreadable emotion only growing stronger but Rin still could not place its name. “And you taught him the meaning of life… regrettably, through your death.”

Rin scowled. To die more than once was a feat in itself. But the reminders were ones she carried every day. Miracle though it was that her life was restored, fear and terror weren’t so easily dissuaded.

“First, at the hands of the Northern Lord’s wolves,” Inukimi said. “Secondly, through Sesshomaru’s own desire to seek power. He abandoned Tenseiga in the Underworld, choosing instead to cling to your corpse. But in the time between, the days you lived separately and with him, you were meant to fend for yourself.”

Rin’s eyes widened. Her gaze inquisitive and reproachful but Inukimi merely raised a brow in response, continuing on as if she hadn’t implicated anything.

“Scavenging, stealing, evading, you are far more clever than you believe.” Inukimi drew her hand back to her side, taking with it the warmth that budded in Rin’s chest, leaving only a faint reminder. “And it’s through your clever and earnest ways, the change and growth you experienced, that you endeared yourself to those around you.”

Rin’s eyes softened and she weighed the words carefully on her tongue before speaking them. “And to you?”

In the briefest glimmer of vulnerability, Rin could have sworn that she’d seen affection in Inukimi’s eyes. The trace of it gone before she could probe any further and the demoness turning her head away, beckoning one of the lanterns closer with an upraised palm. “Now that your doubts have been eased, tell me. What of the other dream?”

“How did you know…”

With as casual as the words were spoken, Rin had little time to put up her guard before her secret fled from her lips. Inukimi’s lips quirked at the corners, a mischievous look in her eye as she glanced her way. The lantern resting on her palm held between them.

“I didn’t, you just told me.”

Realizing she’d been had, Rin sucked her teeth and looked away from the lantern, inching from between the bookshelf and Inukimi to keep herself from being cornered. The violet tinge to her energy lessened the greater the distance between them became until Rin found herself standing beneath the luminous stone, gazing up the tiny particles of light drifting around it.

“… It may be nothing. Symbolic, perhaps.”

“Symbols mean something, little bird. You’re stalling.”

Rin’s eyes drifted down and for a moment, she said nothing. Inukimi wouldn’t drag answers out of her by force but her stubbornness was outmatched. Loathe as Rin was to admit it, she had come to her for advice and counsel. Keeping appearances would only take away from that. If only that made it easier for her to speak.

“… In my dreams, I see a crow.”

Gazing up at the stone’s glow, her mind wandered to a dark looming figure perched on the barren bough of an aged tree. The crow’s beak glistening despite the lightless sky and its wings tucked closely to its hulking frame, baring down upon her with voids for eyes. A chill pricked the hairs at the back of her neck and she swallowed thickly, fear and uncertainty bitter on her tongue.

“Not a normal crow, and not the Shibugarasu, I asked Kagome and she killed it years ago…”

From Kagome’s account, the Shibugarasu was a crimson beady three-eyed beast with a barbed tail that swallowed the Shikon no Tama, inadvertently starting her adventures with Inuyasha when she struck it thus shattering the jewel. Worry lingered in her eyes as she recounted the story. One hand clasping over Rin’s own when the silence stretched for longer than her comfort.

You aren’t having dreams about it, are you? Inuyasha —

No. It’s not that, and don’t tell aniki, he’ll just worry needlessly.

It’s not needlessly, Rin. We care —

Rin breathed in deeply, cutting off the ghost of Kagome’s words and the warmth of her hand. Instead, gazing into her memory of those voided eyes.

“This was… something else. It appears in my dreams often, and when I look toward it, I feel like I’m sinking away from my body and being pulled…”

With rapt attention, the bleakness of the crow’s eyes drew her further even in memory. Beckoning her to take a step forward. To cross some imaginary line. The dread that filled Rin’s stomach stirred anew as she took a step forward in the sodden earth, hearing the wind rustle, and the bleak feathers trembled. A void opened as the crow’s beak parted. Cold stealing her breath and freezing her heart mid-beat.

“Into an endless abyss.”

Snapping back to focus, Rin staggered forward, throwing out her hands to keep herself from colliding into the table before her. It’s a painfully long moment that passes before she turns. Inukimi staring at her, neither moving from where she stood or seemingly unruffled.The lantern in her hand casting an unearthly glow over the marks on her cheek, her eyes seeming to shine brighter than the stone above Rin’s head.

Inukimi’s posture eased, her wandering eyes raking over Rin shamelessly as if she were a mystery to be solved. Never one to falter beneath scrutiny, Rin straightened her spine and braced her hand against the table’s edge, the frayed edges of the map beneath her fingertips.

“Curious,” Inukimi said, utterly expressionless. “Tell me, when the crow leaves you, to where does it fly?”

Rin furrowed her brows, unsure of the meaning behind the question. She was quiet for a second, glancing down at the map then to the demoness. “The sky.”

“And from where does it descend?” Inukimi continued, allowing the lantern to float aside. She didn’t wait for an answer, walking toward the sliding door and laying her hand on the wood. The insignia pulsing and filling out with a violet light, sliding open quickly for its mistress.

“… The same,” Rin answered, her voice quieter as the demoness stepped strode into the dimly lit hall with only one of the lanterns to follow her. “Lady Inukimi?”

When she was given no response, Rin followed in earnest, slipping past the door before it slid shut and rattled on the hinges. The glowing violet insignia dimming. Gazing down the hall, only Inukimi and the lantern could be seen. Even the hall itself seemed different and Rin crept warily until she was close to the demoness’ back enough to follow behind her longer strides.

“You know what it means?” Rin asked,

“An idea,” Inukimi clarified, an absentmindedness to her words as if she were speaking to Rin and not. Not once did she deign a look toward her, instead gazing ahead with a murmur in her voice. “A child who has died twice over, lingering in the world of the living with tethers to the dead, dreams of a crow.”

Coming to terms with the demonness speaking of her but not to her, Rin decided her attention was better off elsewhere. Holding her hands out with a silvery wisp of energy to call the lantern to her palms, she peered around at the walls. Wooden, not a bit of shoji in sight, or drapery. This hall was different. She couldn’t even feel the presence of the soldiers guarding the inner sanctum.

“The hall changed,” Rin mused aloud, scrutinizing the walls and the flooring, brushing her fingers against the wood and stopping to examine the grain. “Where are we, Lady Inukimi?”

As if realizing she was joined by someone for the first time, Inukimi looked back at her. Her golden eyes glowing in the darkness and Rin quickly held up the lantern to shed light on the rest of her. Far too unsettled by eyes following her in the dark, for comfort. A flicker of concern showed in Inukimi’s eyes and she reached out, curling a finger to beckon Rin closer.

Hesitantly, she approached and stood by the demoness’ side, allowing her to ease the lantern from her grasp. The brush of their fingers electric against Rin’s palm. Her hand snatched back and gaze averted when Inukimi eyed her quizzically.

“There is nothing to fear here, little bird.”

Rin rolled her eyes and gestured to the semi-somnolent darkness around them. “Aside from not knowing where I am?”

Inukimi chuckled dryly. “You may be lost but you are safe, calm yourself and the path will light its way.”

After a few seconds of pushing away choice words for the demoness, Rin took a few steadying breaths and waited by her side with the lantern floating between them. Particles of amber-blue drifting from its opening and floating in separate directions, seeming to catch on torch along the walls, lighting up a corridor leading in four different directions. Rin glanced behind her then forward, taking a few hesitant steps forward to peer down the western and eastern corridor. Leveling her hand with her eyes and attempting to peer into the darkness of the path before them. Nothing could be discerned, the only lights being the torches at the cornerstone of each path.

From behind, Inukimi stood and Rin could feel the amusement rolling off her in waves. “You know, I always found it funny how you call me ‘little bird’.”

“Why is that?” Inukimi asked with an innocent airs that set Rin’s hair on edge, her footsteps soft while she strolled forward and stood by Rin’s side.

Rin breathed in deeply , wishing that instead of the high wooden beams and identical corridors, lush green plains and bountiful forests were in her view. Alas when she blinked, all she could see were the corridors and Inukimi awaiting a response.

Eyeing her dubiously, Rin sighed when the demoness did nothing in reply.“I used to be afraid of the sky, it was so big and I was so little… It was funny, just a little. A bird afraid to fly, just wandering about on the ground…”

Just as the water in the river by her hut was so deep and she could only go so far without being swept off. Bitterly, more than once, she told herself none would care if she had been. Swallowing the thought, she kept her gaze focused on the demoness instead.

Inukimi’s eyes weren’t unkind but they were hardened with a care that Rin had seen twice before, in Kaede’s eyes and her own mother’s. “Do you know why I called you that?” Inukimi asked, and the question was so softly spoken that Rin almost forgot that an answer was prompted til the demoness lifted a brow.

Canting her head to one side, Rin muttered. “.. Well, no.”

Inukimi’s lips twitched at the corners and in the glow of the lantern, a small smile showed itself. Genuine, faint, and so warm that Rin felt the chill pricking hairs on the back of her neck dissipate.

“You reminded me of a baby bird when we first met. In need of someone to care for you, provide you shelter…” A glimmer of amusement showed, the marks on her cheeks shifting as a tenderness touched her voice. “As you grew, I watched your wings grow and you take flight. But to me, you’ll always be that chirping little bird. The same way that my son will always be my baby…”

Slowly, tentatively, Rin nodded. A wave of calm swept through her and the fear that’d been built alongside doubt and shame was washed into the reaches of her mind.

“I like you too.”

Whether it was her vision swimming or the impossible brightness of the lantern’s glow, Inukimi’s image grew hazier around the edges as the feeling in Rin’s chest grew stronger. More fragments of light dissipated into the air and Rin found it easier to breathe as the shadows caved.

Covering her eyes when the light became too bright, it was until Rin heard a soft call of, “Here we are,” that she uncovered them.

The four cornerstones around her came into view blearily but they were no longer connected to corridors but instead shelves. Shelves stacked high with scrolls piled atop one another, leaning against tomes of different sizes, and neatly arranged. The path ahead of her, the one to the west and the east, were all bookshelves. A strange look must have shown on her face because Inukimi covered her mouth with her sleeve to hide her mirth and stifle a laugh.

“Really, child, have you never been inside of a library before?” She asked, then seeming to remind herself, shook her head. “No, I suppose you haven’t.”

“It’s…”

Indescribable. The shelves themselves were far taller than Rin and when she peered down the path that they’d come, she could still see the outline of the door leading to the inner sanctum. Perhaps the path had changed but the destination was connected. From overhead, the wooden beams joined toward what Rin thought was a hole in the roof. A view of the now pale blue sky, thick with clouds drifting past, providing light accompanied by the lantern lighting torches along the sides of the shelves.

“The stories may have depicted my husband as a warmonger,” Inukimi said, her lips thinning into a grimace despite the warmth in her voice. “But he was a man who loved to tell and read stories. He believed legends were real, and that in all stories, there is some grain of truth.”

Rin was careful not to wander off in the seemingly endless maze. There wasn’t only four shelves but numerous and she wasn’t sure for how long the room stretched or how deep it went, from the winding staircase she saw in between two of the shelves they passed.

“Has Lord Sesshomaru been here before?”

“When he was a boy. He often followed at his father’s footsteps, and to bring him rest, Touga would read to him throughout the night.”

It was a little hard for Rin to think of Sesshomaru as ever being a child but his mother was proof that he’d once been small. And she had no small amount of stories to embarrass the daiyōkai.

“So, what does being here have to do with my dreams?” Rin asked, soft and skeptical.

With one slender finger raised, Inukimi silenced her from any further questions then gestured between two bookcases. Coming around the bend then holding up a hand to stop Rin in her tracks. After peering at the scrolls, scanning them with a claw tapping along their knobs, Inukimi seemed to find the one she was looking for and pulled it free. A small cloud of dust arising and calmly swept aside to where it nearly puffed in Rin’s face, a light breeze causing it to drift away.

Rin glanced up at Inukimi and the demoness held her gaze for a moment, the corner of her lips quirking with amusement and Rin rolling her eyes in response.

“You sneeze like a kitten,” Inukimi said, holding out the scroll to her.

“What’s this?” Rin asked, pointedly ignoring those words and turning the scroll over in her hands, her thumb fiddling with the tie.

“It should help with your dreams.” Inukimi said, though her voice held a certain ambivalence that roused Rin’s curiosity. “Or perhaps provide insight into what may be plaguing you.”

“… What is it about?”

Inukimi smiled thinly, though she covered it with her sleeve and a thoughtful tap to her cheek, her eyes crinkling at the corners in her amusement. “You will just have to find out, now won’t you?”

Rin made a face and sighed wearily. “I didn’t exactly bring a robe with me, or an actual body.”

“Surely the priestess who’s been teaching you has shown you a few of her tricks,” Inukimi said, plain amusement showing in her eyes.

Rin sighed, exasperatedly fond. It was an uphill battle with Inukimi remembering anyone’s names it seemed and she was certain the demoness was doing it on purpose. Though at least she didn’t call Kaede anything offensive as she often took to doing with Jaken.

“Follow me, you’ll need to concentrate for this and we’ve spent too much time inside as it is.”

Little complaint was given as Rin followed. Wanting to see the sky more than anything after too many brushes with the abyss. Tucking the scroll closer to her, she brushed her fingers against her sleeve and pushed it upward, distantly wondering how her skin could feel so cold when she wasn’t there. Inukimi provided no insight, walking ahead until the library and its light distanced, the torches snuffing out one by one until Rin could no longer discern the shadows of the shelves or the light above them.

As they walked, Rin noticed the walls seeming to change around Inukimi as her energy drifted from her with every step. The shoji and its paintings returning as well as the room of soldiers, jarring Rin immediately as she whipped her head around.

“How did you…”

Inukimi gave her a knowing smile and shook her head, walking along. “You’ll understand one day what it means to step into a yōkai’s domain. I believe that’s one of your slayer mentor’s lessons, isn’t it?”

Rin winced. She wasn’t sure that mentioning learning about the clan of demon slayers around other demons was wise but none of the soldiers they passed seemed bothered. In fact, some even seemed amused or interested with little smiles quickly dissipating as Inukimi stepped in their vicinity. The doors opened, this time without the sigil’s glow and a rush of wind swept Rin’s hair back. Her mouth opening wide and lips pulled back into a cheery smile, the scroll clutched tight in hand as she bounded down the steps and across the tiled floors toward the large staircase. The expanse of the sky opened up before her and she marveled at it.

“You’ve seen this sight every time you come here,” Inukimi said, seemingly affected by Rin’s cheer with a quiet thoughtfulness to her tone.

“And it never gets old,” Rin replied, never looking away from the sea of clouds.

They stand there in silence for some time. Both lost to their own thoughts and allowing the world to drift past. Rin’s attention, drifting to the scroll, helps her draw her energy to one point. The silver aura inching across the scroll’s knob, outlining the length of it until it shone, becoming translucent.

“So you have been learning.”

Sheepishly, Rin ducked her head with a little grin. “A bit. Everyone has their own way of helping me. Lady Kaede teaches me how to control my energy, Aniki — er — Inuyasha, has been teaching me how to fight with a sword. And Aniue — gah — Miroku, does meditations with me in the morning.”

Inukimi didn’t mention the endearments although from the look in her eye, she surely hadn’t missed Rin’s stumbling over them. After so long spent in the village, the others had become a family to her although she was a little hesitant to admit it out loud.

“And the slayer has taught you her ways, while the girl found in time taught you hers.” Inukimi stated, thoughtfully. The joy in Rin’s chest cooling with pinpricks of anticipation long wrought from a sense of danger. A threat looming, not physical but emotional, reaching her ears before she could steel herself. “But the rest, the faces of those you loved and lost, that is your own guilt.”

Rin met Inukimi’s gaze calmly, and the demoness’ eyes were gentle though her words were piercing in every way.

“You fear love.”

Swallowing the sticky ichor building in her throat, Rin grimaced.

“Affection.”

Kaede’s touch ghosted on her shoulder, the hesitance in her hands, which could have just as easily pulled Rin close as they could push her away. They both knew why she wouldn’t take the next step. They hadn’t talked about it and likely wouldn’t for some time. Half-spoken sentiments and soft words filled her mind and lingered, washed away as she breathed in deeply.

“And you fear life but you love it. You want to live but you feel guilty for it,” Inukimi stated, her voice knowing and Rin almost wondered if the demoness could see into the core of her being. Or if she had been that obvious in the years between. For a moment, neither of them said a word. Rin clutching the scroll tightly until she felt the paper begin to crinkle beneath her knuckles. And Inukimi glancing down at her hand, watching it tremble impassively, then looking away toward the lightening sky.

“You will have to come to peace with it. If you wanted to die, then you would have. It’s as simple as that.”

Pressure settled deep in Rin’s chest.

You lived because you survived.

You are lost but you are safe.

“A bird cannot remain in one place for long,” Inukimi said, a softness to her voice almost akin to that of a mother cooing to her child. Rin heard that sound many times after delivering a child, and each time it soothed her just a bit more. Whether unaware of the effects of her words or not, Inukimi continued on. “While the flow of time cannot be stopped, the time that you have can be controlled.”

Rin’s brows furrowed and her hand cupped at her chest. Though she couldn’t feel the beating of her heart, she knew that she still drew breath in the world below.

“There is no guarantee Sesshomaru will outlive you.”

Rin’s gaze snapped up to meet Inukimi’s own. The demoness staring at her resolutely, a heaviness to the slight downward twitch of her lips as they thinned tightly.

“He may die tomorrow just as easily as he could watch you die once more. Even your friends, human and yōkai, may meet the same end. Unless you make a decision, time will come for you to fly and you will fall to the forest floor when you were meant to soar.”

Rin swallowed the bile. A number of protests on her tongue though all of them were moot. She knew Inukimi was right. Deep down, she knew her time had been limited from the moment she was revived for the second time. Life was a precious thing but it was so fleeting. And she lived her life in accordance to her own laws and desires, including basking in the presence of those she loved.

Inukimi’s hand settled on her shoulder and a wave of calm swept through her, cracking and draining the ichor from her being. Releasing the breath built up in the swell of her chest, Rin blinked away the budding tears and looked up at the demoness with a stern jaw.

Nonplussed, and even somewhat pleased, Inukimi returned her gaze. Shifting her hand to cup the underside of her jaw, her claws grazing along Rin’s cheek tenderly.

“Nevertheless, Rin. No matter the fate you choose, I only ask you to protect yourself,” she said. “And if you should find yourself in need of advice once more, you know how to find me.”

With that, she drew her hand away and took with it her warmth and the faint outline of violet. “And if I want to talk?” Rin asked quietly, steeling herself for the rejection that might come.

Inukimi’s face took on a thoughtful look and the smile she wore was the faint and gentle one, rare as it was, Rin committed it to memory with the others. “I suppose I don’t mind your company…”

Perhaps a bit too gleeful, Rin smiled, ignoring the heaviness in her heart to step toward the demoness. “May I push my luck just a bit further?”

Raising a brow with a wary look, Inukimi tucked her hands into her sleeves, the gleam of the Meidō Stone drawing Rin’s eye. “I suppose it depends on what you wish to push your luck with.”

Rin squared her shoulders as if she were preparing to fight, the scroll held out in the palm of her hand as she opened her arms. “A hug?” She asked with the same hopefulness that often won her many sighs and less lectures.

Inukimi regarded her silently, raking her gaze up and down before glancing aside a way that almost reminded Rin of Sesshomaru.

“… One.”

Rin would have squealed if she hadn’t thought it would have robbed her of this moment. Despite the demoness’ terse words, there was a relief. A breath of fresh air and perhaps a chance. Inukimi was many things, but she was never without purpose, much like her son. As Rin slid to the demoness’ side and tucked her arms around her in a tight embrace, the scroll was clutched tightly in her palm. A giddy laugh bubbling from her throat betraying the weight of her heart.

From above, she heard a small fond sigh and felt the arm wind around her shoulders to return the embrace.

After some time, Rin shuffled a bit to look up at her, smiling almost impishly. “So, out of curiosity, when will you tell me your true name, Lady Inukimi?”

“Do you not prefer that charming little alias you’ve given me?”

“Master Jaken was horrified when I spoke it for the first time.”

“Ah that he was, perhaps that’s why I’m fond of it.”

They shared a laugh and stayed together, watching as the sun began its ascent. With one last squeeze, Rin pulled away slowly and nodded to Inukimi with a tired yet appreciative smile.

“I should be returning now, if Lady Kaede finds I haven’t woken and my spirit energy missing, she’ll worry.”

Inukimi nodded in turn, gently patting down her hair, tracing the curve of her cheek to her chin with a little smile playing at her lips. “Safe travels, little bird.”

Rin nodded, taking a deep breath. “Until next time,” she promised, her body beginning to glow and unravel in threads of light. Inukimi and the view of her castle, the wide expanse of the sky, and all else fading away.

When Rin opened her eyes, the wooden beams of Kaede’s hut caught her eye along with a hole in the thatched roof. She made a dull note in mind to fix that, taking a few testing breaths to ensure her soul had returned to her body. Glancing aside at the silhouette of Kaede still tucked beneath her comforter, Rin smiled and shuffled her arm from beneath the blanket.

The scroll resting in the palm of her hand just as it’d been when she was in Inukimi’s domain. Sighing softly, Rin pushed herself upright.

She could keep this to herself for now. Although, she knew that it wouldn’t stay that way for long.

[tilthedayidice]

hi! i’d love to see a palette for my tiefling cleric, Rose Foundling. she’s a sweet teen bb raised in isolation by a handful of elderly nuns in a convent to a goddess of light. (she’s baby pink with red-red hair and horns) The nuns have died, so she strikes out with the relics of the goddess to found a new convent in a better-traveled location—while having no clue that anybody might have a problem with tiefs. also, she recently picked up a cloak that generates a badass shield of flame

D4: Wiz Dice- Forbidden Treasure

D6: Kraken Dice- Signature Series Light Aqua with Silver Ink

D8: Q-Workshop- Classic Pearl with Red

D10: Dark Elf Dice- Glitter Dice Yellow

%: Chessex- Frosted Red

D12: HDDice- Iridescent Purple

D20: Kraken Dice- Signature Series Pastel Pink with Pink Ink

[vintagereveries]

The Entertainment Features of the St. Louis Fashion Pageant (1924)

This entry is part 4 of 26 in the series 1924 St. Louis Fashion Pageant

These 2 pages go into further descriptive detail of the 1924 St. Louis Fashion Pageant than the programme did. I was able to use online text recognition software to extract the text from the scan I made… it all sounds so poetic! Forgive any typos, in advance:

Extracted from page 96:

The Entertainment Features of the St. Part 1 Woman Unadorned UPON two stone pylons that rise at either end of a shimmering lagoon stand groups of living figures, draped in cloth of pearl that falls in graceful folds upon the pedestal. These living figures burst into song as two great mossy screens move silently apart, revealing a revolving sphere upon which is poised a feminine figure un-adorned, alone in all her loveliness, hold-ing aloft an oval mirror into which she peers. The starry planets, symbolized by maidens, move in their orbits around the sphere, their diaphanous robes floating like a mist as they quicken their move-ment to the rhythmic pulse of the song. Out of the void march the nations of the world, fetching their riches to this unadorned goddess. They deck her with their rarest jewels and drape her in the richest raiment, and on her brow they place a crown of lustrous pearls. To this enchanting spectacle, deep throated voices peal forth the following song: The starry spheres around her roll While Beauty flows from pole to pole. But, in her magic loveliness She stands supreme in blessedness. A scene at last Of Woman sing, and Woman praise—Her charm and radiant elegance, Her worshipped beauty and romance. From every land, and every race, Are sent rich embassies to place Rare gifts before the fairest flow’r That dwells beneath this starry bow’r. Of Woman sing, and Woman praise—Her charm and radiant elegance, Her worshipped beauty and romance. Louis Fashion Pageant Songs Copyrighted 1924, by Joseph Solari Adorn her with your jewels rare ; Bestow the fairest on the fair. From dawn of time, in every clime, She has been ever most sublime. Adorn her with your cloth of gold, A lovely form it will enfold. Enrich her grace with tropic plumes, And Arctic furs and Eastern blooms. Come crown her with your priceless pearls ; Around her form Creation whirls! In reverence have all aspired To kiss her hem, and rise inspired. Of Woman sing, and Woman praise—Her charm and radiant elegance. Her worshipped beauty and romance. As the last echo of this song dies away, two huge decorative peacocks, rising to a height of twenty feet, move slowly toward the center from either side, en-closing the magic picture. The downward circular sweep of the peacock feathers forms an oval aperture where they meet above, framing for a lingering moment the feminine goddess in all her glory. She is gradually en-veloped by an iridescent screen that rep-resents the huge eye of a peacock feather in green and blue. This forms the back-ground of the aperture, through which eight pages emerge. Their brilliant trains they attach to the further end of each peacock’s tail as they pass on to the promenades, creating a semi-circular year’s Pageant. decoration to the ends of the lagoon. The models enter and walk in review before the multitude. As the last model passes over the promenade that divides the lagoon, the four pages stationed there replace their trains and retire through the opening from which they entered. Festival of Cherry Blossoms The peacock screen moves apart, dis-closing a mass of cherry trees in blos-som, resplendent in their delicate tints. Before an arbor of these blossoms stand two highly decorated incense burners that send their perfumed smoke curling into the air. A Japanese mandarin with two attend-ants is seated at the center near the edge of the lagoon facing the arbor. A group of Japanese maidens are on their knees bowing very low to the dignitary. They rise in unison, and in a quiet dance that is characteristic of their race, entertain his sublime personage. After their dance they retire to either side, seat themselves in graceful groups, and sip tea under the cool shade of colorful parasols. Through the arbor of cherry blossoms comes a troop of acrobats, who amuse the gathering with clever feats of strength. When they conclude, they bow grace-fully to the dignitary, while the fwo great screens, decorated in festoons of illuminated lanterns, slowly come to-gether. Near the base of the screen is a line of lanterns of unusual design, that become animated. The upper and lower ends draw together, disclosing eight charming pages, who step from the screen, each bearing a staff mounted with a lantern, which they carry to their stations and place at their sides. The models follow and promenade through the auditorium. Part 11 Woman Adorned A large disc that vibrates with a golden sheen appears in the center, a little above the edge of the lagoon. On each side of the disc are four large spools of thread upon which are seated the Maker of Lingerie, a Tailor, the Shoe-maker and the Milliner. Each one is garbed in a caricatured costume of his craft. They play upon musical instruments fashioned after some implement of their trade. The Lingerie Maker plays upon a spool; the Tailor upon a large shear, that takes the place of a bass viol; the Shoemaker upon a last, and the Milliner a large brimmed hat, after the manneri of a banjo. They strum their instru-ments to the following song and action: Chorus I adore to adorn The fair ladies. With my craft, I am daft To please the dear ladies!

  Extracted from page 97: to ul de is se of wo of to-een .gn, and ing rom nted their nade a ?r. a On pools [ the -Shoe-ne is if his Dents their upon shear I; the illiner Lanner nstru-iction : LINGERIE MAKER : ‘Tis I that adorn her with my art. – THE TAILOR: But she’d be complete without your part! THE SHOEMAKER: Nay, ’tis I that make her fascinating. THE MILLINER: Why, she’d be complete with my creating! Chorus I adore to adorn The fair ladies. With my craft, I am daft To please the dear ladies! Lingerie Maker Now, observe what I have done To prove my own contention : The ladies fair—every one—Are complete with my invention ! Immediately after this verse, four ex-quisite figures, habited in lingerie, ap-pear before the disc and pose to the next stanza: For in my lingerie She is in fine array ; So, without your part, She’s a thrill thru my art. And, ah ! So fascinating ! To all, most captivating ! he next verse is sung in chorus to a quick movement to which the maidens dance away to the right and left. Oh! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ! Oh! Ha ha ha ha ha ha! How absurd ! Who ever heard That you aspired, or e’er desired Without our art, to make her smart And fascinating—so captivating ! The Tailor Now, observe what I have done To prove my own contention : The ladies fair—every one—Are complete with my invention ! At this moment two pages come through the disc, each crowned with a bolt of fabric, from which flows the ma-terial that drapes their bodies, and pose to the following stanza: For in my frock attired. She’s always most admired : So, without your part, She’s divine thru my art. And, ah ! So fascinating ! To all, most captivating ! As the next verse is sung they trip lightly into positions on the extreme right and left of the disc. Chorus Oh! Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oh! Ha ha ha ha ha ha! How absurd ! Who ever heard That you aspired, or e’er desired Without our art, to make her smart And fascinating—so captivating ! The Shoemaker Now, observe what I have done To prove my own contention : The ladies fair—every one—Are complete with my invention! He ushers in two pages, laced in boots from their toes to their curving shoul-ders, and as they pose he sings this verse: For, in my boots secure, Her step is an allure: So, without your part, She’s a charm thru my art. And, ah ! So fascinating! To all, most captivating ! The pages dance to their while the chorus sing: Chorus Oh! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ! Oh! Ha ha ha ha ha ha! How absurd! Who ever heard That you aspired, or e’er desired positions, Without our art, to make her smart And fascinating—so captivating ! The Milliner Now, observe what I have done To prove my own contention: The ladies fair—every one—Are complete with my invention ! The last four pages emerge from the disc in large brimmed hats, from which stream a colored maze of ribbons that encircle their fair bodies. They fall into Pages in a Spanish pleasing postures to the verse: For in hats divine She’s chic and superfine: So, without your part. She’s a dream thru my art. And, ah ! So fascinating! To all, most captivating! scene On the following verses, all the pages dance to their stations: Chorus Oh! Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oh! Ha ha ha ha ha ha! How absurd! Who ever heard That you aspired, or e’er desired Without our art, to make her smart And fascinating—so captivating ! But, brothers, let us quite agree. Without our part to make them smart—Before our time, in every clime, They were complete without our art ! But nevertheless We must confess: We adore to adorn The fair ladies. With our craft, we are daft To please the dear ladies! While they sing the last stanza they dance off to the right and left. They are immediately followed by the models, who come through the glittering disc and promenade into the auditorium. A Spanish Mantilla The screens open upon a Spanish plaza, bathed in the bright sunlight of that country. In the background, toward the center, is a stone arch with an iron gate. Above it is a large casement window 97 with a typical Spanish balcony. In the center of the plaza you observe a foun-tain, around which is gathered a group of Spanish maidens filling their jugs with water. Some are approaching the fountain while others are leaving it with their jugs. They all sing a familiar lyric of their sunny clime. Four of the maidens that are standing before the fountain enter into an ani- in this year’s Pageant. mated gossip song as two Spanish gal-, lants appear at the further end of the plaza. One of the gallants starts a flirtation with a maiden, whom he approaches. A band of strolling Spanish Gypsies come into the plaza, bedecked in the rich barbaric colors that are charac-teristic of their tribe. A few of the maidens gather at the fountain to have their fortunes told, While several of the Gypsy men strum upon their guitars. The others begin a series of Spanish dances, starting with the tango and the bolero and ending with the sevillana, which has a strange fascination and arouses them to a state of wild ecstasy. The scene is slowly enveloped in the splendor of moonlight. A lover sings beneath the balcony. Through a lighted window above appears a maiden, who, in the warmth of her tender tones, an-swers her lover. She unfurls and lowers her mantilla, upon which he pins a rose wrapped in a message. She draws it to her lips and bids him farewell. She withdraws from the balcony. The light is extinguished. A cloud obscures the moon and the scene vanishes. Eight bewitching pages appear from behind the fringe in bizarre costumes of Spanish design. They prance to their stations followed by the models, who again promenade into the auditorium.

The Entertainment Features of the St. Louis Fashion Pageant (1924) was originally published on VintageReveries - Vintage Fashion and Ephemera Blog

[likestoimagine16]

"I'm not totally useless. I can be used as a bad example." for character/fandom of your choice :3

HI THIS HAS BEEN SITTING HERE FOREVER. But here you go, super roommates AU

Yuuri - or Borealis as he is at the moment, in his dark blue jumpsuit and iridescent mask -  stands on a completely flat roof with no clear points of entry, raises a single, unimpressed eyebrow and asks, “Phichit, why.”

Phichit isn’t sure why he’s asking - he never seems satisfied with the answers. Even now, Borealis’s expression doesn’t change as Shadow Dancer swoons into his arms and asks, “Why is it always ‘why’ with you? A series of questions, stifling an artist’s creativity. It’s unbecoming for one such as yourself, when you should know that artists do not ask if the endeavor is possible - they simply make it so!”

It’s a masterpiece, truly, and Borealis shows no appreciation as he complains, “Okay, Phichit, but that doesn’t explain why we’re here.”

There’s a pause as Yuuri waits for an answer, then he adds, almost as a second thought, “Also I feel like ‘why’ is perfectly legitimate when the question is something like ‘why do the hamsters need a homemade, deluxe encampment when we’re sleep deprived college students stuck in a glorified broom closet’. Or, you know, ‘why are we, at this very moment, on the roof?’”

Phichit tilts his head back, the better to look Yuuri in the eye while still maintaining maximum swoon. It’s not quite as effective as he’d like, since he’s currently wearing his bright red Shadow Dancer mask, but it’ll have to do. “I do not know who this ‘Phichit’ is,” he announces solemnly, “but he sounds like an absolutely delightful roommate with excellent taste in best friends and hamsters.”

Yuuri, instead of appreciating him properly, narrows his eyes. “Okay, then, Shadow Dancer, would you care to tell me why you’re stuck on a roof, completely bereft of shadows to dance in, at high noon?”

“Well, there was a shadow here earlier. The building next to us casts a very nice one at ten in the morning.”

Phichit is the most logical of college students - he has no idea why Yuuri has decided to smack his forehead with his palm. Really.

“What were you doing on an empty rooftop long enough that you lost track of the shadow you came in?”

“It’s a tale of mystique and intrigue, steeped in tension and heartwarming - ”

“How did you get lost?”

“I DON’T KNOW.”

“Why didn’t you just jump back in once you ended up here, anyway?”

“…”

“Phichit no.”

“I might have underestimated how much shadow manipulation I could manage in a 12-hour time frame and played with too many shadow puppets.”

“Phichit!”

“Shadow Dancer,” Phichit says absently, before he continues, “George, Marshmallow, and Harvey needed the play time! I’ve been neglecting them.”

“We literally spent four hours last week building them a deluxe two story cage so that they wouldn’t get bored.”

“But Yu - Borealis, they looked at me with their cute little hamster eyes. How was I supposed to say no?”

“They’re hamsters. Their expressions never change.”

“Are you saying you could resist them?”

Yuuri, very noticeably, doesn’t answer him. He looks away with shifty eyes and the kind of pout that has people stopping in the streets to give him cookies, and his voice takes on a notably petulant cast as he finally mutters, “Well, I’m not the one who got stuck on a rooftop at noon.”

With a grin, Phichit announces, “You might have a point there, but you didn’t deny it, so I still win!”

“Don’t forget that I’m the only one who can get you off this roof at the moment.”

“Please don’t abandon me!” Phichit makes his best hamster face for Yuuri after that. It’s great, since Yuuri’s a sucker for Phichit and also cute things, and thus falls for it every time even when he knows it’s coming.

Sure enough, Yuuri sighs with a wry smile that says he knows exactly what just happened but can’t be bothered to be upset by it. Instead, he just rolls his eyes and says, “Fine, I guess I should probably get you back home or something.”

“Yay! Thank you, oh best friend, light of my life, blessing of my heart!”

“You realize I’m already going to help you, right?”

“It doesn’t make it any less true though, so I get to say it!” Phichit replies cheerfully.

Yuuri, with a slight chuckle, shoves Phichit away from the center of the roof with a huffed, “Okay, okay, I got it - I’m helping.”

After that, he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes, stretching out his hands so that he can start refracting light.

In the space of a moment, the bright sunlight starts to bend. It’s almost normal at first, nothing stranger than a light shone through distance glasses, but the shadow slowly gains definition as glowing motes start to drift towards Borealis’s hands.

While this is happening, Borealis opens his eyes and turns to Phichit. There’s a moment when his stare is the slightest bit strange, eyes faintly glowing in a way that can’t be accounted for by just the noontime sun, then Yuuri blinks says, “You realize that you’re going to have to cook for like a week now, right?”

Phichit scoffs, “Please, I’ll cook for a month if it means we don’t have to deal with the cafeteria.”

Yuuri laughs. “I’ll accept that deal. But really, if you could make shadows like you make curry…”

Phichit feels like being a bit of a brat at the moment, now that he’s got a shadow in the making, so he gasps with all the offense he can muster and states, “Are you implying my powers are not amazing? I am offended, how dare you insult your arch enemy this way!”

“Okay, one - you’re my partner, not my arch nemesis. Two, though… I mean, I didn’t say anything, but if I weren’t here, you’d be stuck for at least three more hours. You are kind of useless right now.”

Yuuri’s wearing his troll grin at the moment, so Phichit is kind of obligated to argue. Unfortunately, it’s not exactly like he’s wrong about the whole roof thing, so all he can immediately say is, “Okay, fine, but like. I’m not totally useless.”

At that, Yuuri raises an eyebrow. It’s really unfair, because Yuuri is an actual teddy bear and has no right to look so accidentally, distractingly intimidating, but it’s also doesn’t really matter for the purposes of this discussion, so he just powers through that and says, “I can be a bad example!”

This is, apparently, the wrong thing to say, because Yuuri bops Phichit’s head with a glowing hand, trailing faint glitter, and says, “No, no you can’t.”

When Phichit whines, Yuuri just continues, “You’re a superhero, that is the opposite of a bad example.”

Phichit clutches imaginary pearls to his chest. “We don’t use that kind of language in this household!”

Really, calling him a superhero. It’s an affront to super-villainy everywhere. He is the best super villain, as is only fitting for the grand rival to the best superhero around.

Apparently, Yuuri doesn’t appreciate this, because he just rolls his eyes and turns back to his disc of shadow. It’s a good-sized circle now, large enough for two people and almost inky in the bright light. Certainly, it’s dark enough for Shadow Dancer to pull them through with little effort, so Borealis nods to himself and closes his eyes with a deep breath.

On his exhale, his eyes snap open and his hands close into fists. It doesn’t look like much has happened, but Shadow Dancer sees the tell-tale waver that says Yuuri’s locked his refraction into place. It won’t stay up for more than thirty minutes, since he’s pulled his focus away from it, but that’s all he really needs.

That’s all normal. What’s strange is that Borealis, after all of that, pulls out his phone and starts typing furiously.

It’s deeply suspicious, if only because Yuuri-as-Borealis only uses his phone for superhero business and is also kind of awful at updating his superhero twitter. Because of this, it’s with great trepidation that Phichit asks, “Yu - Borealis. What… what are you doing?”

“Getting answers.”

In short order, Yuuri has a twitter poll set up, asking if Shadow Dancer is a hero or a villain.

Naturally, the first thing Phichit does is open up his Shadow Dancer twitter account to answer that he’s a villain, since it’s literally in his profile.

The rest of the public apparently can’t read, because there’s an overwhelming majority pointing Shadow Dancer towards heroism.

Phichit has been betrayed by his own followers.

“Your followers haven’t believed you were a super-villain since like, your second week on the job. Now hurry up and get us out of here so that I can get back to sleep.”

[clarisaysblog]

THE Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) through its Cultural Exchange Department (CED) presents a collaborative dance drama featuring four leading regional performing groups in “PERLAS NG SILANGAN” (Pearl of the Orient Sun) on October 10 at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm at the CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater).

From 2014-2018, the CCP CED under its program entitled “Ugnayan sa Sining” successfully mounted and toured four collaborative productions which highlighted the cultural expressions and traditions of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. For 2019, the productions were presented at the CCP little theater starting February to October. The Mindanao collaborative production opened the series last February followed by the Visayas last July 25 and Luzon last September 25. Perlas ng Silangan is the last regional collaborative production that is presented for 2019.

Perlas performing groups include the Sinukwan Kapampangan Performing Arts of Angeles City, Pampanga; Maskara Theater Ensemble of the University of St. La Salle Bacolod City; the Philippine Barangay Folk Dance Troupe Rondalla from NCR; and the Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) of MSU-IIT Iligan City.

With concept, music and direction by Dr. Steven Patrick C. Fernandez and choreography by Melvin Pascubillo, this performance captures the centuries of history of the Filipino people encapsulating the spirits of the significant eras that shaped the Filipino and his nation. The production images the glitter of a storied history of the “Pearl of the Orient.” The pearl — revered and desired, and through time aged in an oyster’s shell — glows in iridescent splendour when struck by the sun. The audience will experience the Philippine story in music, dance and images in the collaborative production.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The 2019 Ugnayan sa Sining performances @the CCP are offerings of the center to commemorate its 50th Anniversary and the 40th Year of its Outreach Program and are intended for students and local communities who have limited or no access/means to experience live cultural engagements at the CCP. After the little theater run, the production will have an outreach move-over performance on October 12, 2:00 pm at the Nueva Vizcaya Convention Center in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. This is presented in partnership with the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya and St. Mary’s University in Bayombong.

For more information, contact the CCP Cultural Exchange Department at telefax no. 832-3674 and 832-1125 locals 1708-1709 and email address ccp.ced2014@gmail.com.

###

Press Release from the Cultural Center of the Philippines PR

Perlas ng Silangan, a Regional Collaborative Dance Drama at The CCP October 10 THE Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) through its Cultural Exchange Department (CED) presents a collaborative dance drama featuring four leading regional performing groups in “PERLAS NG SILANGAN” (Pearl of the Orient Sun) on October 10 at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm at the CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater).

[chadpetersondatingblog]

8 Cute Couples’ Costume Ideas For The Couple Who’s Freaking Adorable

For those couples who don’t mind getting their hands dirty, spending Halloween drenched in a pint of fake blood and gory costume makeup is a walk in the park. My super glam couples feel at home in tons of glitter and eyeliner. But what about those cute little couples who aren’t into all the blood and gore or loud razzle-dazzle? Don’t they deserve some craze-worthy cute couples costume ideas to steal the show? An adorable couples costume that doesn’t involve nursery rhyme characters?  (Although if Little Bo Peep and her sheep sound like the perfect couples costume to you, then by all means — treat yourself.)

But whatever you do, do not wait until the last minute. Whether you are in the market for something involving minimal effort or something elaborate full of impressive detail, give yourself plenty of time to pull it together.

If you and your partner are after something cute and playful but not too silly or dated, then don’t miss out on one of these unique ideas that are sure to make you both stand out in the crowd. When executed well, any one of these ideas could very well earn you the award for cutest couples costume of the night. The hardest part will be choosing just one of them.

1. Eliza And Darwin From The Wild Thornberrys

If you can show me someone who didn’t absolutely love this ’90s kid show, then I can show you someone who has some pretty questionable taste in cartoons, because The Wild Thornberrys was juicy with a capital-J. The best part about this couples costume is, it’s pretty to easy to put together. Whoever’s playing Eliza just needs some brown oxfords or hiking boots, binoculars, a red turtleneck, and a yellow dress or dress-length shirt. Pop your hair into two braided pigtails or a wig, and you’re good to go. All Darwin needs are some blue shorts, a blue and white striped tank, and a monkey mask.

2. Winnie The Pooh And Christopher Robin

Awwww, remember Pooh bear? And that poor kid Christopher Robin who had no human friends to speak of? Well, here’s your chance to pay homage to these lovable relics from the past. Assuming you’re not going bottomless like the original honey lovin’ Pooh, an orange bodycon dress or jumpsuit paired with a red crop top should do the trick. Don’t forget to gussy it up a bit with some bear accents using face paint or a bear hat. Christopher can throw on some blue shorts, a white polo shirt, and yellow t-shirt. High white socks and black sneakers are easy details to add to the overall look.

3. An Old Couple

Boris Jovanovic/Stocksy

Warning: This costume may actually end up being too cute… if that’s even possible. Head on down to your local thrift store and grab a couple argyle sweaters, a polo for grandpa and a long skirt for grandma, and half the war is won. You’ll also need some white hair spray or wigs and some makeup, and then it’s party time. If one of you can get your hands on a cane, then this is sure to be a Halloween costume for the books.

4. Merpeople

Shane Gross/Stocksy

Becuase humans with iridescent scaley tales the can breathe underwater are sorta cute… in a way. Like I said, Halloween is the perfect time to indulge your wildest fantasies. Plus, if you can hobble around on a flipper all night, then you are truly a hero to us all. For those of you who would like to go the more symbolic route, there are tons of mermaid style dresses that give you the look without the mobility issue. For guys, you may have to get a bit more creative, but you can check out this how-to for some inspiration. Oh, and don’t forget your trident.

5. Cruella De Vil And A Dalmation

OK, OK, I know this costume tutorial is intended for children, but we’re all kids at heart, right? This is such a cute costume idea, I can’t help but squeal. Dressing in all white for the Dalmatian means the key to pulling this off is some solid puppy makeup (see tutorial). For Cruella, the two-toned hair is a must, as well as either a faux fur coat — if you want to bouge things up — or a simple black and white feather boa for something a bit more basic.

6. Don And Betty Draper

Although anyone who watched the show knows that things definitely took a dark turn, these two started things off pretty cute. Any vintage or ‘60s inspired dress for Betty will do — a blond wig and string of pearls are the perfect accent pieces. Not feeling a wig? No worries — you can browse some ’60s hairstyles and find one that strikes your fancy. Sexy Don just needs a suit (preferably grey), paired with a classic tie and slicked down hair.

7. The Tooth Fairy And A Tooth

Bratislav Nadezdic/Stocksy

Looking for the perfect costume that’s equal parts sugar and spice? How about dressing up as a fairy and having your boo thang be the tooth? The one thing that really gets me worked up is the idea of spending a ton of money on costume elements I’m probably never going to wear again. Going as a fairy presents the perfect opportunity for you to indulge in a whimsical new dress that you can actually wear again. And the tooth has the option of abstracting things and just wearing all white or going for the gold and indulging in a tooth suit.

8. Ash And Pikachu

LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP/Getty Images

Spending All Hallows’ Eve as two of the most adorable characters from your childhood most definitely sounds like a good idea. This throwback is guaranteed to be a real crowd pleaser. Whichever one of you gets the honor of being the yellow ball of light known as Pikachu can go the artsy abstract route — think a yellow dress with ears and makeup — or donning a suit. Luckily, there are a bunch of Halloween ready Ash costumes floating around the web, so getting the details down (i.e., his hat and gloves) shouldn’t be a problem.

Check out the entire Gen Why series and other videos on Facebook and the Bustle app across Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV.

Subscribe to Elite Daily’s official newsletter, The Edge, for more stories you don’t want to miss.

8 Cute Couples’ Costume Ideas For The Couple Who’s Freaking Adorable

from Meet Positives http://ift.tt/2xA6JZT via IFTTT

[ashleyjacksonblog]

8 Cute Couples’ Costume Ideas For The Couple Who’s Freaking Adorable

For those couples who don’t mind getting their hands dirty, spending Halloween drenched in a pint of fake blood and gory costume makeup is a walk in the park. My super glam couples feel at home in tons of glitter and eyeliner. But what about those cute little couples who aren’t into all the blood and gore or loud razzle-dazzle? Don’t they deserve some craze-worthy cute couples costume ideas to steal the show? An adorable couples costume that doesn’t involve nursery rhyme characters?  (Although if Little Bo Peep and her sheep sound like the perfect couples costume to you, then by all means — treat yourself.)

But whatever you do, do not wait until the last minute. Whether you are in the market for something involving minimal effort or something elaborate full of impressive detail, give yourself plenty of time to pull it together.

If you and your partner are after something cute and playful but not too silly or dated, then don’t miss out on one of these unique ideas that are sure to make you both stand out in the crowd. When executed well, any one of these ideas could very well earn you the award for cutest couples costume of the night. The hardest part will be choosing just one of them.

1. Eliza And Darwin From The Wild Thornberrys

If you can show me someone who didn’t absolutely love this ’90s kid show, then I can show you someone who has some pretty questionable taste in cartoons, because The Wild Thornberrys was juicy with a capital-J. The best part about this couples costume is, it’s pretty to easy to put together. Whoever’s playing Eliza just needs some brown oxfords or hiking boots, binoculars, a red turtleneck, and a yellow dress or dress-length shirt. Pop your hair into two braided pigtails or a wig, and you’re good to go. All Darwin needs are some blue shorts, a blue and white striped tank, and a monkey mask.

2. Winnie The Pooh And Christopher Robin

Awwww, remember Pooh bear? And that poor kid Christopher Robin who had no human friends to speak of? Well, here’s your chance to pay homage to these lovable relics from the past. Assuming you’re not going bottomless like the original honey lovin’ Pooh, an orange bodycon dress or jumpsuit paired with a red crop top should do the trick. Don’t forget to gussy it up a bit with some bear accents using face paint or a bear hat. Christopher can throw on some blue shorts, a white polo shirt, and yellow t-shirt. High white socks and black sneakers are easy details to add to the overall look.

3. An Old Couple

Boris Jovanovic/Stocksy

Warning: This costume may actually end up being too cute… if that’s even possible. Head on down to your local thrift store and grab a couple argyle sweaters, a polo for grandpa and a long skirt for grandma, and half the war is won. You’ll also need some white hair spray or wigs and some makeup, and then it’s party time. If one of you can get your hands on a cane, then this is sure to be a Halloween costume for the books.

4. Merpeople

Shane Gross/Stocksy

Becuase humans with iridescent scaley tales the can breathe underwater are sorta cute… in a way. Like I said, Halloween is the perfect time to indulge your wildest fantasies. Plus, if you can hobble around on a flipper all night, then you are truly a hero to us all. For those of you who would like to go the more symbolic route, there are tons of mermaid style dresses that give you the look without the mobility issue. For guys, you may have to get a bit more creative, but you can check out this how-to for some inspiration. Oh, and don’t forget your trident.

5. Cruella De Vil And A Dalmation

OK, OK, I know this costume tutorial is intended for children, but we’re all kids at heart, right? This is such a cute costume idea, I can’t help but squeal. Dressing in all white for the Dalmatian means the key to pulling this off is some solid puppy makeup (see tutorial). For Cruella, the two-toned hair is a must, as well as either a faux fur coat — if you want to bouge things up — or a simple black and white feather boa for something a bit more basic.

6. Don And Betty Draper

Although anyone who watched the show knows that things definitely took a dark turn, these two started things off pretty cute. Any vintage or ‘60s inspired dress for Betty will do — a blond wig and string of pearls are the perfect accent pieces. Not feeling a wig? No worries — you can browse some ’60s hairstyles and find one that strikes your fancy. Sexy Don just needs a suit (preferably grey), paired with a classic tie and slicked down hair.

7. The Tooth Fairy And A Tooth

Bratislav Nadezdic/Stocksy

Looking for the perfect costume that’s equal parts sugar and spice? How about dressing up as a fairy and having your boo thang be the tooth? The one thing that really gets me worked up is the idea of spending a ton of money on costume elements I’m probably never going to wear again. Going as a fairy presents the perfect opportunity for you to indulge in a whimsical new dress that you can actually wear again. And the tooth has the option of abstracting things and just wearing all white or going for the gold and indulging in a tooth suit.

8. Ash And Pikachu

LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP/Getty Images

Spending All Hallows’ Eve as two of the most adorable characters from your childhood most definitely sounds like a good idea. This throwback is guaranteed to be a real crowd pleaser. Whichever one of you gets the honor of being the yellow ball of light known as Pikachu can go the artsy abstract route — think a yellow dress with ears and makeup — or donning a suit. Luckily, there are a bunch of Halloween ready Ash costumes floating around the web, so getting the details down (i.e., his hat and gloves) shouldn’t be a problem.

Check out the entire Gen Why series and other videos on Facebook and the Bustle app across Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV.

Subscribe to Elite Daily’s official newsletter, The Edge, for more stories you don’t want to miss.

8 Cute Couples’ Costume Ideas For The Couple Who’s Freaking Adorable

from Meet Positives http://ift.tt/2xA6JZT via IFTTT

[thefatgirloffashion]

“Never frown because you never know who might be falling in love with your smile.”_ Justine Skye

  M·A·C has teamed up with a visionary group of women shaping music’s future in a series of limited-edition collaborations. Brooklyn native and violet-haired R&B singer Justine Skye woos online audiences with her velvety voice and unstoppable presence. Her easy glamour and confident eclecticism come together in a bright purple-pink Iridescent Powder for those ready for as much colour and charisma as Skye herself.

Lately I’ve been obsessed with everything iridescent.  So when I saw the new Justine Skye by M.A.C. iridescent pressed powder I know I had to try it.  Pressed powers can be used in many ways.  I’m choosing to use this press power as a highlight.  The color is called Justine Skye offers a hint of soft purple along with shimmering pink pearl sheen.  This fun shade is long-wearing with buildable coverage and shimmery finish.  It comes in special packaging that features a purple glitter design with holographic silver accents and Justine Skye’s logo.

      I love it.  It ready pops without having to use a ton of the product.  I used a slight hand and it showing up well on my brown skin.  I can see myself putting this press power on wet to get an extra glow.  This is a limited edition item from M.A.C. so I’m going to run out and get another one so I can have a backup.  I like it that much!

      As for the Starbucks’ unicorn drink. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm don’t waste your money.  It taste like food coloring and whip cream.  This is the first special Starbucks drink I purchase and didn’t like.  Unicorn are everything good and sweet and this drink simply wasn’t.  Sorry to report such bad news.  However I hope this save you money and taste buds, lol.

    Beauties will you be getting Justine Skye iridescent pressed powder?  Will you trying the unicorn drink from Starbucks?

  Product purchased and all opinions are my own.

   FYI:

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Justine Skye Iridescent Pressed Powder | Reviewed "Never frown because you never know who might be falling in love with your smile."_ Justine Skye…