#V; Fire Coated Wings

[thundertide]

Tag Drop: Kyros!

[konigbabe]

keep it quiet

Pairing: ID!Leon Kennedy x fem!reader | single dad AU

Word count: 2.2k

Tags/warnings: no y/n; smut; single dad Leon; breath play; p-in-v sex; praise kink; top!leon; blowjobs; slight face-fucking; female gendered anatomy

Summary: Just single dad Leon fucking you in the janitor's closet during class.

a/n: Canon ID!Leon is around 29 but Leon in this '"universe" is aged up to be in his 30s (age won't be specified but I imagine him to be in his mid-to-late 30s).

Written as part of my A to Z kinks game. Q is for a quickie.

series masterlist • masterlist • navigation • faq • AO3 • ko-fi

The pungent smell of bleach hangs heavy in the air, biting your nose with every breath you take; tangling with the bright citrus notes of Leon's cologne, a potent blend of bergamot and lemon. The two scents mingle and dance, a waltz of sharp and sweet.

It’s an unexpected combination. One that should’ve clashed, yet somehow they complement each other.

Your mind tries to process the conflicting sensations, but it’s a futile effort when every sense is consumed by the man behind you and the way his hips keep pistoning into you.

Sharp, short thrusts.

Each one driving his cock deeper into your body.

Angled so that the head of his cock kisses your cervix every time. With a fervor that steals your breath. Baths you in liquid fire.

Each thrust like a battering ram, slamming into you with a force that threatens to tear you apart.

Somehow, you find yourself holding on, clinging to the nearby shelf, like it’s the only thing keeping you anchored to this world. Knuckles straining, fingers curling over the smooth surface, a rush of heat courses through your veins as Leon's grip tightens ever so slightly.

"Fuck, Leon–"

Your whine tapers off, replaced by a deep, purring hum of satisfaction as Leon’s hand encircles your throat; exerting a gentle but firm grip that pulls you closer to him. Chin nestled on the base of your shoulder, his teeth glide across the tender underside of your ear.

A tingle starts at the nape of your neck and courses through your body, like a sparkling river of sensation.

The fluorescent light above flickers intermittently, casting a ghostly and eerie glow over the confined space. The hum of the light like a faint melody.

The grip on your hips dissipates; Leon’s other arm moves upwards. His palm hovers before your lips, the tip of his middle finger tracing the underside of your lip; heartbeat picking up.

"Open up fo’ me."

And you oblige. Without a second wasted, two of his fingers find their way into your mouth. Pressing against the wet muscle, teasing your tongue and coaxing it into action; hooking behind your teeth, you manage to swirl your tongue around the fingertips.

"That’s it–jus’ like that," his words come in a low, gravelly murmur. Dripping in satisfaction. Followed by a brush of his lips against the delicate shell of your ear. "Good girl."

His words flood your body with heat; every nerve alights. His voice a velvet caress. A balm to your soul. A sweet validation.

Nudging your legs further apart with his boot, you suck at his fingers one by one; giving each a secluded attention. Leon’s breath hitches when your tongue laps at the tip of his index finger; the weight of his forehead rests on the crown of your shoulder, lips parting in a gasp of pleasure.

It makes you moan, makes you quiver around him, akin to the flutter of a butterfly's wings.

Pushing your hips backwards, you meet the sharp plane of his pelvis as his fingers withdraw; a wet string smudged over your lower lip. Slickness coats your tongue, leaving a tangy taste in your mouth.

Leon's fingers sneak under the hunched material of your skirt, tracing a wet path over the exposed flesh of your thighs. His thumb lingers at the apex, applying just enough pressure to make you shiver, attempting to bite back a moan.

Lost in the sea of sensations that threaten to consume you.

The rough pads of his fingers find your clit; the pulsating nub throbs beneath his touch. It's as if a live wire is coursing through your body, electrifying every nerve ending. Leon’s fingers move in rhythm with his thrusts–

"Leon–fuck, don’t stop–Leon–"

Words mingle together. Mind too foggy. Too fucked up to comprehend a single sentence.

-the pressure enough to send you spiralling; making your breath come in ragged gasps, quiet mewls as his fingers dance over your sensitive flesh, drawing out every last drop of pleasure.

A sweet ache coils in your belly, radiating outwards.

Both hands gripping a shelf on each side of the narrow closet, you feel like a marionette. Completely at his mercy. The wood creaks under your grasp, protesting the force of your grip. But you can't help it; the pleasure’s too intense, too all-consuming.

Leon's fingers work their magic; teasing and coaxing your body to the brink of orgasm. Each stroke and brush causing your walls to flutter, squeeze him delightfully; making his hips quake with every movement.

The heat between your legs intensifies, the wetness pooling and spilling over onto his cock. His thumb circles your clit, drawing it out and flicking it back in a rhythmic motion that has you on the edge.

Body like a coiled spring, wound tight and ready to snap, your hips push back.

Until the squeeze of his fingers on the side of your throat fades while leaving behind a warmth that lingers on your skin–

Every touch, every stroke, every kiss a building block, adding to the fire that’s burning inside you.

–and is replaced by a hand covering your mouth, stifling a sound that begins to surge from the depths of your being.

In a natural reaction, one of your hands shoots towards the intrusion, fingers wrapping around Leon’s wrist, feeling the cool material of his watch.

You moan when Leon’s hips still. Pelvis flush against the curve of your ass, buried to the brim, as if he's trying to meld his body with yours. His breath ghosts over your nape.

Footsteps echo through the door. Two sets of heels clicking against the polished concrete floor. You both freeze, bodies still tangled together in the cramped space.

You should be panicking, being seen like that. But the fire in your belly refuses to be quenched; your body a bundle of nerves, the thrill of excitement at the thought of being caught mingling with the heady rush of pleasure that Leon is coaxing from you. It's a dangerous game, one that sets your heart racing and your skin ablaze with need.

You’re sure they’ll hear the frantic thumping of your heart, the ragged gasps of breath that escape your lips.

Leon's grip on your jaw tightens, grounding you in the moment, urging you to focus only on the pleasure that he's giving you.

Instead, a whimper slips from your mouth, muffled by Leon’s hand when you feel the slow, deliberate slide of his cock out of your dripping wetness. Moving in slow motion as he withdraws, teasing you with just the tip of his throbbing cock still nestled inside you.

Every nerve in your body alive with anticipation, yearning for the moment when he will plunge back inside you, filling you up completely. You can feel the wetness coating his cock, and the slickness of your own desire as it clings to him, urging him to come back to you.

Your body’s a symphony of sensations, each note building on the last until it crescendos into a symphony of pleasure.

"Shhh," the short stubble grazes your cheek as he murmurs, leisurely drawing his cock back inside your slick heat; the footsteps grow louder, "wouldn’t want your fellow teachers seein’ you gettin’ stuffed by my cock in the janitor’s closet, would you?"

As Leon's hand exerts a gentle force on your parted lips, your head falls back, coming to rest on the sharp, angular edge of his clavicle. Capable of feeling every inch of him as he moves languidly within you, each thrust slow and deliberate, savoring the squeeze of your cunt on him.

Leon’s words, accompanied by a steady slide of his cock, capable of feeling every inch of him; it makes your core throb; your walls to tighten, emitting a gentle moan from the man behind you.

"You’re making noises too," you mumble, the words barely coherent in the midst of your ecstasy. Consumed by the heat of his body against yours, the scent of his mixed with the musky aroma of sex. The sound of his ragged breaths, guttural grunts and gentle moans of your name.

The rhythmic motion of his thrusts lulling you into a state of pure bliss.

"Can’t help it," his teeth graze your shoulder blade, "you just feel too good.." Emphasizing his words; Leon’s fingers pull from your aching nub before giving it a gentle slap. With a sudden shift, his hips deliver a sharp, forceful thrust, shattering the lazy rhythm he’d established earlier.

You inhale sharply at the unexpected sensation, but the burn of desire only intensifies.

Senses on overdrive, the footsteps pass. Leaving you and Leon alone again. It seems to drive him back deeper into you, his thrusts becoming more frenzied and urgent.

Leon’s fingers curl and stroke your clit, slow and steady, then faster, rougher, until—

Heat; A tidal wave of pleasure crashes over you, consuming every inch of your being. Your mind dissolves into a haze of pleasure, every nerve ending alight with ecstasy.

–a cry rips from your throat, echoing through the room. The tension snaps, leaving you panting, trembling, and utterly spent.

Cunt fluttering around Leon’s cock, his hands snap to grip your waist. His breathing’s heavy and ragged, matching the pace of his thrusts. He holds you close, his body flush against yours, as he continues to fuck you through your orgasm.

"Fuck–’m gonna cum," his lips latch onto your pulsating jugular, feeling your violent heartbeat, "be good to me, get on your knees," he rasps, having a hard time formulating full sentences as the coil in his body tightens, threatening to unravel at any moment.

Hips snapping forward one last time, burying himself deep inside your leaking cunt, his breath hot against your skin before you obey.

A pathetic whine leaves your lips at the sudden emptiness when he pulls away, hands guiding you to turn around, putting pressure on your shoulders to make you sink down to your knees in front of him.

Jeans pushed down just enough to free himself, heat flushes your face at the sight of his cock, glistening with your cum. Not wasting time, your lips wrap around the spongy tip, tasting the salty tang of your own release mixed with the slightly sweet taste of his skin. Swirling around the sensitive head.

The taste floods your mouth. A heady mixture of musk and lust.

And you savor it. Like a rare delicacy.

"Fuck–look at you," Leon growls.

His eyes smolder with desire as he looks down at you, watching the way your lips stretch to accommodate him. A low, throaty moan of appreciation slips past his lips, his hand tightening in your hair as he urges you to take him deeper.

Eyes moving upwards, his chin is all you can see as he throws his head back, hand gripping the same shelf you were moments ago, knuckles white. The leather of his jacket creaks with the movement.

Coaxing out every drop of pleasure from his throbbing cock. The taste of him lingers in your mouth, a potent reminder of the pleasure you're bringing him.

Breathing becoming ragged, his body tenses under your hands.

Suddenly, his hips thrust forward with a sudden urgency that takes you by surprise. The head of his cock kisses the back of your throat for a second, causing you to lose your breath and withdraw as your gag reflex kicks in, eyes watering.

You can feel the wetness of your own saliva and his precum dribbling down your chin.

"Shit, sorry," he rumbles, eyes back on your kneeling form.

His gaze is glazed over with desire, and his hand moves from your hair to cup your cheek. He brushes his thumb over your bottom lip, smearing the slickness across your skin.

"S’okay," you reassure him with a soft smile, "you can do that; just tell me next time."

He nods as your fingers wrap around his base, taking him back in eagerly, taking him as deep as you can, feeling his thick length stretching your mouth to its limits.

This time, you’re ready; relaxing your throat, you let him set the pace. Feeling the pressure at the back of your head as he guides your face towards his cock.

With each drive, he plunges deeper into your mouth. His body taut like a bowstring, every muscle coiled tight. You can feel the tension emanating from him in waves, his arousal thick in the air between you.

His cock swells inside of your mouth, pulsing with each beat of his heart. You can taste his desire, a heady mix of salt and musk that fills your senses.

Tapping his thigh, he stops his movements as you glide your lips along his cock, hand moving in the same rhythm.

You pick up the pace, tongue and lips working in perfect unison to coax out every last drop of his pleasure.

With a deep grunt of your name, he convulses, his body wracked with spasms of ecstasy. Fingernails scratch your scalp as he spills into your mouth, and you savor the taste of him, swallowing each salty, hot drop eagerly.

As he comes down from his high, he looks down at you with a mixture of awe and gratitude in his eyes.

"That’s A plus, miss teacher," he whispers, voice husky, pulling you up to stand in front of him.

[spacesurfing]

Where Jealousy Thrives, Morals Die

Dewdrop x Reader Smut

Summary: Mates are an important thing. Special to one, if not openly shared with another. Especially a ghoul's mate. Keeping them to yourself may cause some.. problems.

Warnings: established relationship, fighting (not with the reader), fingering, p in v, Dewdrop's a bit rough at times, praise kink, possession kink, slight overstimulation, mentions of mutual pinning

GIF NOT MINE!!

•--•

It was mid-day, the sun at the highest point in the sky, though you only could tell by the numbers on your clock. You had finished your duties, quickly finalizing your sentence that you wrote for Sister Mary-Anne, the woman that ran errands for the ministry and supplied you all with food, drinks and various things that allowed you comfortable living.

You set the half-finished letter aside and stood up, your habit falling to your ankles fast before you started moving towards the door, opening it with an eager stomach and an eager mind before stepping through the doorway.

From all directions of the hallway, you heard voices, few moving to the dining area and others simply walking around and greeting friends that have the same lack of appetite around this time.

Usually Dewdrop greeted you near your office, but from the loud, dramatic sighs that you started hearing from the music wing, you figured they had been in a long practice session, one that was tough on them - more tough than they deserved.

You stopped near the turn and looked down to see the ghouls in a clump, the ghoulettes waving to you with the friendliest of smiles. Aether, rain and Mountain all sent you toothy grins as they neared the end of their hall and Swiss only looked at you.

Focusing in on Dewdrop, his face was glowing, balaclava pulled down so you could see his sharp teeth glinting in the light of the hallway. His jacket was on neatly, showing that either he didn't take it off or Mountain helped him put it on after the morning practice.

"Hey beautiful," Sodo greeted, holding your waist as he set a kiss on your forehead. You smiled, closing your eyes as his lips, warm and rough, pressed your skin. You felt your blood warm from that point, spreading all throughout your face with a flush.

Swiss made a gagging noise, "You two are disgusting."

Dewdrop's head whipped around, his lip lifted in a snarl. You felt the air thicken, like you were breathing in a heavy fog. The fingers on your waist sunk into the plush skin harder, pinching you a little bit. It made you want to squirm in his arms but you stayed as still as you could.

"She's my mate, get over it already," the fire ghoul growled out. What did "get over it" mean?

Swiss stepped forward, looking into your eyes in a way that you could feel in your bones without even having to see the way they sharpened under his lenses.

"I thought you didn't wanna talk about your insecurities in front of her - it sure seems like you're bringing up a heavy topic," the multi-ghoul sneered, lips curling into a cruel smirk.

Dew left you, the heat around you increased in temperature, making you pull at your collar, backing away. The group of bandmates behind them had stopped. They know something that you don't. The guilt in the way Cirrus bit her lip and the way Mountain's own lips seemed to purse like he knew what was next. They all knew.

"You have a big mouth, buddy, compensating for something?" Dewdrop spit back with venom coating his words.

Swiss laughed, "I'd have her screaming about the similarities. I don't think I've ever heard her make much of a noise though - what's up with that Dewy boy? Doesn't seem like your mate truly gets what she deserves."

Swiss' cocked head and smug smile all lead up to this point.

Dewdrop reached up, grabbing the taller ghoul by his throat and slamming him into the stone wall. You gasped, stepping even further back as Sodo layed a hit to Swiss' face.

"Dewdrop!" you yelled, snatching the back of his coat in a burst of courage that was soon replaced by panic.

The fire ghoul turned faster than you'd ever seen, claws out to their fullest, grasping around your arm. His human glamour had faded, revealing your ghoul with his face a charcoal dark and his eyes a blaring yellow, his real horns pushing the mask off of his head.

You never had been scared of him before. But with the look on his face, ghoulish features revealed to whoever was in the hallway with you, you felt your heart push it's way to your throat in fear.

Sodo gave no warning of his next motion, only pulling you with him along the ride. You took a sharp breath before following him without hesitation in your steps. You loved Sodo, he wouldn't hurt you or lay a finger on you if you objected to his touches. And through your adrenaline stricken mind, you managed to see that this was still him, still your caring lover.

But he pulled you along with him like he was your enemy, harsh tugs when you couldn't keep up fast enough. He even stopped to a still, arm curling it's way around your waist and keeping you close to him while he walked.

You felt a warmth spread through your body at the way he kept you against him like someone threatened to pull you away, take you from him at any moment.

His horns had grown taller since you'd last seen, knocking against the lining of a doorway that twisted into the ghoul's hallway. It was one you could identify easily, one that you saw pretty often. Most of your nights were spent in the soft glow of Dewdrop's room with it's lights and heavy scents.

But that's not where you were going. When you were being guided further than the first door on the right, you were almost sure his angry haze had fogged his mind.

You sucked in a breath though as he slipped keys out of his pocket, stopping in front of a door. You'd never been in this one, but the name carved into the door professionally made your eyes widen with realization.

Swiss Army Ghoul.

"Dew-"

The fire ghoul pushed his lips to your ear, shushing any questions you had brewing in your mind.

The room wasn't entirely what you expected Swiss' to look like, decorated in various instrument charts along with bursts of satanic red in metal posters. His bed was a vibrant purple with small cross-hatches of black and above his bed was a shelf that held very few books on it. Hanging from that shelf on a hook, a little sign that had a knife carved into the wood. He had music sheets scattered across a small desk and pens, open and closed, pushed back out of the way of the sheets.

His personal guitar stood in the corner next to a shelf filled with objects like cleaner, polisher, picks and more picks. A tambourine sat on one of the shelves, a knick in it from wear.

"What are we doing here," you whispered, turning around to your boyfriend like you would alert Swiss if you spoke too loud. If anything, he would have already known, but there was something scratching at the back of your throat to tell you to be quiet.

Dewdrop closed in, taking your face in his hands and watching you with close inspection. His eyes softened when looking you all over. He looked at you with so much love, so much care.

"Do you trust me?"

You squinted your eyes at that question. Do you trust him? You trust him with your whole soul, with your whole heart and whole mind. Where was he getting at?

"Dewdrop, I trust you, of course I do. Why?" you spoke, trying to soften up on him, give him soothing words that could rub his temples for him. But that wasn't why he asked.

He exhaled, leaning forward till his nose was almost touching yours, "Because in a moment, I'm going to bend you over that asshole's bed and fuck the ever-living shit out of you. And I need you to be okay with that."

You felt a lightbulb flick on in the pit of your stomach, your core kindling a lustful fire between your legs. You felt his words grab you by the hair and by god you wanted those words to consume you.

"Yes- Yes please," you spoke back, the whisper still hitched in your voice, playing at your vocal cords.

Dewdrop's hand slipped into your hair, holding the back of your head up as he kissed you with lips coated in sappy passion. You felt like you could suffocate in the power of his mouth, drowned out by the forceful push of it.

They were warm against your own, his lips laying open-mouth kisses on your own two, other hand slipping surely down to your hip, resting a heaviness onto it as he pushed you back against the edge of Swiss' bed. And the air suddenly got heavier again and your heart started to race in something between excitement and guilt. This was Swiss' room. It was already enough that you were making out on his bed at this point.

Dewdrop pulled away from you, taking a whiff of the air before snarling, "It smells too much like him in here," he turned back to you, smirking with mischief, "We'll change that though, right sweet girl?"

You nodded, hands grabbing at his jacket to bring him into a desperate kiss and he complied, pressing his lips against yours with a deep-sated desire. Your fingers tightened against his clothes, keeping him against you as you were laid down on the covers of another man's bed, still being touched by the one you were undeniably loyal to.

The multi-ghoul wasn't stupid, he would know, but he wouldn't dare come near the same hallway Dew was is for the time being, especially when the fire ghoul was this set off and angry. Everyone knew that was a bad idea.

Dew's hands slipped around to the back of your habit, hand grasping at a zipper and pulling it down your back till he felt the clothing noticeably loosen on your figure underneath him. His hands moved to your shoulders, slipping under the fabric on your shoulders and pushing it away.

It pooled to your wrists, but his hands were adroit in removing the habit, pushing it down and pulling back from where his lips locked onto yours. He stripped your body of the holy outfit, leaving it in an easy pile at the side of the bed - quicker for when he was done defiling Swiss' room.

He removed your underclothing in mere seconds, done with seeing you clothed in the slightest only to be left with the sight of your body sprawled out over Swiss' king-sized bed, panties leaving nothing to the imagination and your bra already discarded into the mess of clothes.

And he was still dressed, something you wished to change, but seeing the way he gazed at you with so much hunger, you had a feeling not much would go your way in that field of desire.

Sodo shed his jacket, nearing you with an aura of dominance. His hands reached out to touch over you, hands running down your sides, planting at your hips and pulling your lower-half into him. His bulge pressed against your clothed wetness, forcing your breath to shallow.

"He's gonna be so jealous," Dewdrop said in a sultry voice, grinding his hips against yours, "when he smells you all over his bed. But you're not his. You're mine."

You closed your eyes momentarily at the feeling of the friction he was causing between you two, opening them back up to see his face. He already looked so satisfied with the way you were pressed up against him.

"You like that baby? You like the feeling of my cock rubbing up against your pussy? Yeah, that's a good girl," Dewdrop praised, kissing you on the cheek, a low growl escaping the ghoul.

You held his throat with a featherlight grip, getting his attention nevertheless, "More, please."

His eyes studied your face, pulling back to watch you with a glazed over look.

"Tell me what you want? I'll give you anything you desire."

You felt your cheeks heat with a shyness of hearing your own self beg. So, you instead grabbed his hand with the one once holding his throat and guided it to your mound, applying pressure to your covered clit with his middle finger.

When your hand let his to hold his wrist, the pressure never dulled, making you squirm with a desperate whimper.

"Sodo-" you begged, trying to squirm away from the pressure that had now felt intense against you. He only smiled at your words.

"I told you to tell me."

You sighed, clamping your thighs around his hand like it would stop anything. And it didn't. He only pressed harder.

"Finger me- please! Please Dew-"

He shoved your thighs apart, releasing his finger and pulling your panties off, his claws leaving tiny scratches along your legs through the action.

You saw him take a deep breath, and with it his claws retracted on his dominant hand. You blushed, feeling shy at what was to come.

Your fire ghoul resumed with his middle finger, this time sliding it through your folds, "Lucifer, you're so wet. Fuck-"

Dewdrop teased your hole, coating the tip of his finger in your juices before bringing it to his lips, wrapping them around the tip of his finger. He watched you, spreading the substance over his tongue and smiling as he pulled it out of his mouth only to push it into you.

You felt your stomach clench, between his oral show and the feeling of him settling his finger knuckle deep inside of you, you felt heat spread throughout your body once again. Pulling back his finger, he thrusted it inside of you.

You moaned, tilting your head back against the sheets. As much as you wanted to watch his fingers work their way inside of you, he felt too good to stay still.

Dewdrop changed his stance, his one hand pushing you further back onto the bed, ghoul growling at the way Swiss' scent seemed to rub off on you. But it could never be strong enough to combat Sodo's.

Without warning, another digit was slipped inside of your soaked hole, pulling a whine from your mouth.

Dewdrop looked at his hand, glancing back up to you, "You're dripping onto Swiss' bed, naughty girl. How do you think he's gonna feel when he finds out?"

You whimpered, grinding down against Dewdrop's two fingers, them curling up into you.

"He's wanted you for ages. But you have always been mine. And I told him that the moment I saw you. You were bound to be mine."

With that, he thrusted his fingers into you again, pressing his palm forward to catch your clit. You moaned, clawing at the sheets.

He looked absolutely stunning, over you with his hair flowing down around his face, a wild look in his eyes. His face imprinted itself into your head everytime he touched you. And you don't think you could forget him now. Not when his hair barely tickled your shoulders when he hunched over to get close to you, tongue swiping at his lips when he liked something you said or did.

"It's always been you," you said in a breathy tone, "I have always wanted you."

You saw the cogs inside his head start to turn, through his eyes, watching him process everything you had told him. He then smiled, laughing deeply with his teeth glinting with victory.

He let no sign of his next course of action except for the way his arm tightened for a second. Dewdrop created a steady rhythm with his hand, finger-fucking at a fast pace you.

His fingers curled with every thrust and he pushed and pulled, tugging breaths and sounds from you.

Pink dusted your skin, the noises coming from where his fingers pushed inside of you making you flustered. They sounded so lewd, expressing your body's reaction to your partner. You weren't the only one that heard it though.

Dewdrop smirked, kissing you on your chin, "Fuck, you're so wet for me sweet girl, you love when my fingers fuck you, huh?"

You clenched around his digits with and cried out. You felt a twisting in your stomach, a heat going up your spine, "Close."

His fingers stopped their motions, grinding his palm against your clit slowly, "What was that?"

"I'm close, please, please I need to cum!"

"Then go on girl," he growled, "Cum on my hand, soak it."

You felt his fingers thrust into you a few time, deep grinds accompanied by the rubbing of his hand. You yelped his name, walls locking his fingers in place.

"There you go, good little thing," he cooed.

You sighed, coming down from your high only to feel the sudden panic rush through you. Dew was still moving his hand against your clit, your body not prepared as you shook with overstimulation.

"Dew- Dew! S- Stop!" you begged, pulling his arm away. He complied, faking a pout when you looked up at him, "Don't- Don't give me that."

He lifted his lips into a cute smile, "Oh, I'm sorry sweetheart."

You hummed, watching as he adjusted his pants, pulling down the zipper and snaking his boxers down. He wasn't looking to get undressed, but the thought of leaving wet patches on his clothes turned your annoyance into arousal.

Dewdrop took his length into his hand, gripping it at the base, giving a solid pump before averting his eyes back up to you.

"You ready baby?" Sodo asked, tilting his head.

You nodded.

The fire ghoul scoffed at your reaction to his question. Letting go of his length, he snagged your body, holding you by the hips before pushing you over. He pulled you back harshly, positioning you head down, ass up.

Leaning over you, he got near your ear with gritted teeth, "I said, are you ready?"

"Yes- please Dewy- yes.."

"That's what I like to hear," he snarled, lifting one leg up onto Swiss' bed and slipping the tip of his member between your wet folds.

You twitched at the sensitivity of your clit, but when he pushed himself inside of you, it didn't matter.

The ridges of his cock slid against your walls deliciously, a shaky breath creeping it's way out of your lungs. He was lengthy, reaching deep inside of you, like he was making his way up to your throat the deeper he pushed.

"Holy fuck, you feel so good Dew!" you whined, letting your face shove it's way into the soft sheets.

Dewdrop bottom out in you, coming to a halt. You figured he was letting you adjust, allowing your walls to take his size. But after the pause got unbearable, you wiggled your lower-half. Dewdrop laid a smack down onto your ass cheek, pulling your hips flush to his.

You whined in annoyance, "Ca- Can you move please?"

Your ghoul growled, "Did you forget who's fucking you? You might be in another man's bed, but that doesn't mean you get to be lazy. Head to the side, I wanna hear you taking my cock."

You shifted, your cheek pressed into the blanket in a way that toed the line of being uncomfortable. You tried to catch a glimpse of your lover, but it was too far of a stretch to turn, so you opted for lifting your head up with the help of your planted elbows.

And in reward to your generous action, Dewdrop hummed, pulling his hips back and thrusting into you.

Pleasure spread through your body, shooting tingles through your core and breasts, hands holding onto the sheets on Swiss' bed desperately.

"There you go sweet girl, I could take you on any surface in the ministry and you'd always look like a princess," Sodo purred, speeding up his hips, removing your breath from your lungs.

"And you could take me- anywhere and you'd still fuck me like a war-hardened knight," you teased back, stuttering on some words.

He huffed out a quick laugh, "Is that a challenge?"

"I never said it was- nnhh- Dewdrop!"

The fire ghoul shoved your body into the bed, most of it laying flat except for your ass which was raised in his grip, and you felt the impact of him slamming his heavy cock into you.

Your eyes rolled into the back of your head briefly, barely able to close your mouth as your body dripped with honeyed pleasure. You wondered who was making the exasperated moans, till you faded back in to them being your own.

"This war-hardened enough for you?"

You sucked in a breath, not being able to take his railing in a coherent mindset. Everything you thought, everything you wanted to say, it was always forgotten by the next delicious thrust Dewdrop gave.

"Fuck- yes yes yes! Holy fuck-"

You felt it, the impending stroke of heat. You were gonna cum, the way he was fucking you enough of a stimulus. You'd never-

The next moment was like hitting a brick wall full force.

His hips shifted for a second, and the next time you felt him, slipping through your walls hungering for sexual release, he hit a spongey spot you swore you forgot existed.

But he never did.

You only were able to take three thrusts before you clenched tightly around him. You could've sworn it hurt, the way you were clamped around him so hard, stilling every movement he tried to make. Though you heard a grunt from behind you that made you think differently.

Sodo grinded his hips against yours till you felt his seed spill into you, warmth in the pit of your stomach releasing butterflies loose through your bloodstream.

He hunched over you, resting his head carefully against your back, pressing delicate kisses to the skin. His sharp incisors nipped briefly every other delicate touch to your skin. His cock still seemed to throb inside of you, plugging you with his release.

"I think I could go for a round two," he said in a raspy voice, "But we need to go back to my room - it still stinks of him in here."

You hummed, scooting up on the bad as Sodo pulled out of you slowly, trying so desperately not to hurt you. You realized then why he had you on the bed rather than hanging off it when he was railing you.

His spend mixed with yours dripped out of you slowly, leaving tickles across your skin, feeling some of it drip onto Swiss' bed. That was bound to be an awkward conversation one day, and you were already nervous to have it.

•--•

[red-riot-unbreakable-heart]

Like A Moth To Flame | Dabi x Hawks

Hawks has been with people before – but never quite like this. He always does what’s expected of him, what’s desired of him – when people want to sleep with the Wing Hero, they want to experience the persona he puts on for the cameras at work. So, he puts on a show. He’s Number 2 Hero Hawks – cocky, witty, always a little too cool. He says all the right things; he even winks in the act.

But here he is now with Dabi...he's stowed away in some trashy L.O.V safe house trying to sleep with a goddamn villain. And for the first time, he feels he doesn’t need to perform. He can just take what he wants. No need to make conversation or act the part of the cheeky, aloof hero. Whatever happens next will be dictated by pure need.

“Get up. And loose the damn coat.” Hawks hisses, pushing lightly at Dabi’s chest. Dabi grins, and for once in his goddamn life, he does as he’s told. He peels himself slowly off of Keigo, but takes a moment to roughly grind his hips down into the hero, eliciting a gruff gasp. “Sorry.” Dabi quips, and he sounds anything but.

The blue flame villain gets to his feet and shrugs off his jacket, casting it aside on the coffee table. He looms over Hawks. He’s wearing a clean, white V-neck shirt that shows where his burnt, purpling skin is stapled to tanned soft flesh. He sinks his hands into dark jean pockets and cocks his head to the side, clearly saying “what next?”

Hawks slowly gets to his feet, sizing Dabi up. Without warning, he attacks, sweeping his leg swiftly beneath Dabi’s own – throwing the patchwork man to the ground hard. Dabi lets himself fall to the floor with little resistance, his head hitting the carpeted floor with a small bump. His eyes narrow darkly and his smile grows wider. “So you like it rough?”

Hawks throws himself down on top of Dabi, catching himself on the floor in a plank position. He’s hovering above Dabi’s body, one knee between the man’s long legs.

“Well I’m certainly not here for romance, sweetheart.” Keigo growls, before dropping himself on the blue flame villain. He buries his face in Dabi’s neck, licking a rough stipe down crisped skin before sinking his teeth into the delicate flesh of his shoulder. Dabi lets himself groan appreciatively at the contact. He moves to hold Hawks to him, his left hand climbing up the back of the hero’s head and threading itself back in his spiky hair. He lets his right arm to caress the sensitive crimson feathers that protrude from the shorter man’s back. He slowly activates his quirk in that hand, letting Hawks feel the heat building up against his left wing.

“These feel…flammable.” Dabi laughs darkly, digging his hot hand further into Hawks’ feathers. They’re papery to the touch – like fallen leaves in autumn. His finger slips alongside the edge of a larger feather and feels it cut deep. A bead of blood drops onto the wing, hitting with a sizzle. Hawks flinches slightly beneath Dabi’s searing grasp, but continues to bite and kiss his way across Dabi’s collarbone.

“So I’m your weakness then? Fire.”  

The hero doesn’t respond, sliding a hand up to roughly push Dabi’s face to the side to shut him up. He pulls the collar of the villain’s shirt down low, revealing sinewy muscle and a line of staples beneath his collarbone. Keigo moves his mouth lower and slowly, deliberately draws his tongue along the seam between burnt and healthy skin. Dabi’s eyes widen and his body convulses with an involuntary shiver. No one’s ever touched him like that.

Hawks notices the response, doubling down on his efforts. He crisscrosses his tongue across Dabi’s chest.

The villain’s silence is resounding. He lets the heat on his fingertips die down, ensuring the safety of the feathers beneath his fingers. He lets his mind go blank for a moment and stares dazedly at the ceiling. His fingers twist in the wing hero’s hair, encouraging him to keep going. Hawks obliges, licking and sucking lightly on the blue flame villain’s damaged and abused skin.

After a few minutes more, Hawks pulls his lips away from Dabi’s scarred body. “You’ll need to lose the shirt if you want me to keep going.” He whispers, breaking the silence. "I'm only just getting started."

[sassyduckqueen]

Miraculous: Rise of Anatis Special 5

Hey peeps! I'm alive!! Sorry this took so long. I've been having quite the interesting time. Both good and bad things. Cosplay making took up a lot of the time but it paid off. I'll tell you all about it on tumblr when I post my latest pics and then there was family issues. Long story short, I had to cut my sister off permanently. I don't want to go into detail but please don't be worried. It was a long time coming and I feel like I've made the right choice. I'm doing better since I made the choice as well. Anyway, here's my version of the Miraculous special for Paris. Enjoy :D

Edit: OK so I edited and post this at 6am with very little sleep so there's probably a load of crappy grammar going on(I'll edit it later) but also I forgot to put a spoiler warning on this so here it is!!

Spoiler Warning!! This chapter is set just before Gang Of Secrets and contains some little spoilers for it.

If you guys want, I'll go through my specials and release a timeline for them so you know how they fit into the timeline

==========================================================================

Chapter Five: Miraculous: Tales of Brumus and Lady Ombre

"Hello and welcome," The voice of the news reporter Nadja Chamuck echoed through the basement as in the distance explosions echoed. Standing in front of the tv was an older gentleman with a worried look on his face. Despite his worried expression, he wore a very bright outfit. The shirt he wore was very light purple and he had a bright purple tailcoat that resembled a butterfly's wings. In the middle of his coat was a white triangle and from it the form of a butterfly spreaded out, acting as its collar. His pants and shoes matched his coat and he had loose silver hair. Upon his face was a butterfly shaped mask with the same white triangle over the eye parts. In his hand was a cane and a purple brooch was adorned on the ruffled collar he had on. Next to him was a younger looking girl. She had curly brown hair that was shaved on the side. She wore a faded denim jacket and ripped jeans. Like the older woman, she had glasses but her frames were purple. "Once again, Anatis and Lady Noir were able to defeat him and Paris was saved yet again. Clara, you're live on the scene-"

"Is it ready?" The man asked as the tv signal messed up. He looked down towards a robot that was fixed to the TV and had a face on it. "Can we make the jump?"

"There's a 92.8 % statistical chance of landing in the world where these source images originate," The face on the computer declared with a worried expression as the lighting turned red and an alarm sounded. The two of them looked behind them with panic as the lift came down and opened. A man dressed in rock star garb and a teenage boy dressed in skater clothing ran in. The older man was holding onto a rifle as the teenage boy held a baseball bat. He gestured for the boy to get behind him as he held his gun up, ready to fire.

"I'm sorry! We couldn't hold them back!" The boy gasped, rushing over to the rest of them. "They're coming,"

"We don't have a choice," The woman gasped, looking at the man in purple.

"I understand," He replied with a sombre look on his face. He closed his eyes before opening them and releasing the butterfly concealed in his hand. "Fly, my kamiko and magnify the glimmer of hope that shines in Alya Ceraise's heart,"

The butterfly merged with the younger girl's glasses, causing her eyes to wide as he spoke to her.

"Ubiquity, I am Atlas," He declared as the floor above the lift got destroyed and two figures jumped down. "I am giving you the power to connect to the parallel world we have found so we can find help. With this, I am exposing you to many perils and placing a great burden on your shoulders. Do you accept it for the greater good?"

"I do," Alya declared with determination, giving Atlas a sense of hope. He needed to find a way to find the heroes of the other Paris and from what he had observed from the images and videos they were able to find, one Marinette Dupain-Cheng had a personal relationship with the hero of that world. It just happened that one of her friends was that world's Alya which is how his plan was formed. Using his powers, he would transform Alya into a superheroine that would allow them to cross into that world by connecting with her counterpart. He allowed her to take the power, causing her form to change. From her glasses, a light purple smog spreaded over her body and transformed her into a new being. Her new costume was a purple suit with stars and her body had become something akin to a floating veil. Her hair had turned bright purple and she had a glass mask over her eyes. Her body rose up as she held out her arms, waiting for the command. The sound of a crack was here as the glass in the lift was broken. The two figures jumped over and landed in front of the man with a gun. He began to fire at them, causing Atlas to look at them before he turned to Ubiquity.

"Open the gate and close it as soon as I'm through," He ordered. She nodded and used her power, causing her body to expand. Atlas jumped through as the two figures dodged the bullets. He hoped he could find help.

~Main Universe, Current Time~

Luka gasped as he jolted away, sweat dripping down his skin. His eyes were wide in terror and he was breathing heavily as he shook. Tikki, Snapp and Stingg were looking over at him with concern as he sucked in a deep breath before Stingg flew over with hesitation. Luka didn't seem to notice him as he flopped down onto his bed. His breathing was starting to calm down and he moved his hand to his hair.

"M-Master?" Stingg whispered. "Ar-Are you ok?"

Luka opened his eyes, looking over at the kwami before sitting up and gently cupping him in his hands.

"I'm..." He cut himself off, causing the kwamis to look more concerned. Luka knew why. He wanted to tell them that he was ok but he couldn't. That would be a lie and he wasn't going to lie but he didn't want to worry them either. "It's fine. I just had a nightmare again... by the way, you don't have to call me Master. Luka is just fine,"

"B-But... y-you're my n-new master..." Stingg replied as Tikki and Snapp flew over.

"No, I'm not your master," Luka replied, making Stingg look at him. "I'm your friend and you're my friend so I'm happy for you to refer to me as Luka,"

"O-ok... Luka..." 

"Are you sure you're ok?" Tikki asked, flying over and gently placing her paw on his cheek. She looked at him and her concern grew. His eyes were almost blank like there was nothing in them and then there were the dark circles. "Was it the usual dream?"

"Or Lady Blanche?" Snapp asked, making Tikki glare at him but she knew it was a possibility.

"No, it's fine," Luka replied, giving them a little smile but it didn't reach his eyes. "It was neither of them... I've never had this dream before but it was... strange... it felt like Feng's power and the dreams I had about Lady Blanche,"

All of the kwamis looked at each other before Tikki cleared her voice.

"What did you see in it?" She asked, making him frown as he thought about it. "Luka?"

"There was a butterfly holder in it and they made an akuma," He muttered, trying to recall it. "They seemed afraid of something but I don't know what,"

"How did the dream end?"

"The butterfly holder went through a portal to-" Luka's eyes widened as he recalled one of the most important details. The akumatized was Alya and Alya was currently sleeping over at Marinette's tonight. He quickly jumped up and grabbed his phone, dialling her number but it only went to her voicemail. He hung up and swiped his earrings. "Tikki! Spots on!"

He transformed and turned to the other two kwamis.

"Please stay here and keep hidden," He requested, getting a nod from the two of them before they hid in his guitar case. Stingg seemed to like hiding in there and Snapp was happy to stay with him. Reassured that the kwamis were happy and hidden, Anatis turned to the porthole and opened it. He climbed out of it and swung off into the night.

~At the Same Time in Marinette's House~

"Ah ha! Take that!" Alya declared, jumping up as she finally beat Marinette at the game they were playing. Marinette laughed and clapped her hands as Alya did a victory dance before she sat down and took a slip of her drink. "I can't believe I finally beat you!"

"It only took you a few years," Marinette grinned, making Alya gasp with shock and pretend to be wounded. She couldn't help but smile, happy that her and Alya had reached a good point. Sure, there was a time where she thought Alya would never be her friend again but she had grown so much since having the wake up call as they called it. She had taken her blog more seriously and made sure to get real sources for the things she reported. She had grown as a friend and as a person to the extent where Anatis had even decided to allow her to continue being a member of team miraculous. She had wielded the monkey miraculous on a couple of occasions now and it helped a lot. Not just that but Alya was trying to be a better person overall. She was mindful of how she acted. She had devoted a lot of her time searching for Shadow Moth's identity and was a great help when it came to dealing with the American heroes. She had proven herself enough to allow Marinette to have her round for a sleep over again and it reminded her how much she missed it but also how much she needed it. Especially with the hard time she was going through with her hero life and her civilian life. Luka hadn't been himself recently, especially after the attack and she was trying her hardest to help him. However, he didn't open up to her. She knew why. Luka didn't want to make her worried or stressed out. Sometimes she hated how selfless he was but she also knew she would never change him for the world. As for her hero life, Anatis was still struggling to deal with that future he faced but they were both trying to find a way to prevent it, even though she had no idea what she was preventing.

"Earth to Marinette?"

"Hm?" She replied, glancing at Alya who gave her a look.

"You zoned out there," She replied, making her blink. "You ok?"

"Yeah... I'm just worried about Luka," She admitted, making Alya frown. "He's been so down recently and I don't know how to help him. Everytime I ask him if he's ok, he just changes the subject or brushes off his emotions. Do you think he feels like he can't approach me?"

"No way She replied, gently holding her shoulders. "I don't think Luka feels like he can't approach you. I bet he just doesn't want to worry you. Luka is so selfless that he probably doesn't want you to be burdened,"

"I know but I feel like a bad girlfriend,"

"Trust me when I say you're not," She replied, making Marinette frown. "Marinette, you don't ne-"

Alya suddenly cut off, gasping and screwing her eyes closed as if something just disturbed her.

"Alya?" Marinette asked as she let out a small scream and jumped up, gripping her glasses as she stumbled away from her. Marinette jumped up as she fell to her knees and gripped her head. "Alya?!"

A bright light engulfed her, causing Marinette to raise her arms to protect her before it disappeared, revealing Alya floating in the air, dressed in a new form. Her new costume was a purple suit with stars and her body had become something akin to a floating veil. Her hair had turned bright purple and she had a glass mask over her eyes. She was holding her arms out and the veil was looking closer to a portal. Marinette stared at it before a man in a purple butterfly suit jumped out, surprising her. Without a shadow of a doubt, he was clearly the butterfly holder but it was impossible. Shadow Moth didn't know she was Lady Noire and there hadn't even been an akuma in her room. She also noticed the man's outfit was different to Shadow Moth's outfit. For one thing, he didn't have the peacock miraculous but he also lacked Shadow Moth's butterfly mask. In fact, his design was completely different. However, it could be a trick. She had to be careful. She went to transform but Plagg shook his head at her, making her stop as the man looked around the room before his eyes landed on her. To her surprise, they didn't contain hatred or bitterness like she expected Shadow Moth's to but instead were filled with desperation, sorrow and a small glimmer of hope.

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng?" He asked, surprising her. "Forgive my intrusion and please don't be scared. My name is Atlas and I need you to lead me to the holders of the miraculous of the ladybug and the black cat in this world,"

"Anatis and Lady Noire?" She asked, frowning before holding up her hands. "I d-don't know how to find them. I don't know them. I'm just Marinette. I'm just a normal girl-"

"I beg you," He gasped, taking her by surprise. Shadow Moth would never beg. "Please take me to them. I know you have a friendship with them and they are my last hope,"

"Last Hope?" She asked, frowning. "I'm sorry but I can't just call Anatis. I'm not as close to him as you might think,"

He let out a sigh as the floating Alya turned into light before shrinking down. She remained in her akuma form but seemed to be completely Alya. She looked around confused as she leaned on some of the wooden beams that held up the room.

"Marinette?!" She gasped, seeing her before seeing the newcomer. "What just happened?"

"You transformed into..." She gestured to her but didn't know what to call her new form.

"Ubiquity," Atlas explained, making both of them look at him. "In the universe where I come from, Alya Cerasie is one of my allies,"

He turned to look at Alya.

"She connected her power to you in order to open a gateway between our two worlds," He continued, making Alya look at him with an expression of sheer confusion. "I chose her to be my champion as we learnt that you two have a friendship. By connecting with you, it would bring me to Miss Marinette here and I hoped in turn she could lead me to the heroes of this world,"

"Huh?!" Alya gasped before shaking her head. "Is this another one of Hawk Moth's Schemes?!"

"Hawk Moth?" Atlas asked but before anyone could explain, Alya cried out in pain again as she gripped her head before turning back into the gateway, causing Atlas to gasp and step back.

"I'm sorry! They made me open again!" She gasped, struggling as if she was holding something back. "I can't hold them back for long,"

She opened her eyes in pure terror.

"Run!" She shouted, making Atlas gasp and pick up Marinette.

"You can't stay here!" He gasped, looking around the room for an exit. "They are merciless,"

He jumped towards the skylight as Marinette cried out before jumping off the roof as Plagg floated. Ubiquity struggled as a figure stepped through the gateway, holding the robot in his hand. In a way, he resembled Anatis but looked much darker. His costume was almost completely black. He had a red collar, red fingers, red details on his boots, gloves and belt while the rest of the outfit was completely black. Unlike Anatis who had several spots on his costume with yellow halos around them, he had a pattern that resembled two commas on his chest area in a blood red. The pattern was repeated on his mask, arms, zipper and his yoyo. His hair styled the same way as Anatis but had short red tips while the rest of it was black. His eyes were a dark blue but looked completely lifeless and had no light in them. His skin was so pale that he made a corpse look alive which amplified his already terrifying appearance. He glanced around as another figure stepped out of the gateway, dragging their version of Nino with them. She had her fingers to his head, holding a cataclysm to him. Like the other, she resembled Lady Noire of this world. Only like a broken version of her. Her outfit was almost exactly the same, apart from a toxic green panel down the middle of her costume that had black cracks over it. Her mask was black with green cracks over it as well. Her eyes resembled a cat's but they also had black cracks through them. Her braid was thicker than Lady Noire's and resembled a scorpion's tail a little. Her belt buckle still had a paw print but the background had the black cracks in it. Her lips were stained black and her skin was extremely pale. The most concerning part was the black vein appearing below her lip, looking like she's consumed some sort of poison. The guy glanced over with a look of annoyance as Nino trembled.

"Why is he still here? Get rid of him," He asked as he threw the robot head aside, causing the Lady Noire look alike to shrug and push him back into the gateway. She called off her Cataclysm as he glanced around the room. He grabbed a belt that was hung and used it to tie Ubiquity up, causing her to fall onto the ground before he roughly grabbed her hair and pulled her head up so she was looking at him. "The only reason why you're alive right now is because you're still useful to me so be a good girl and don't go anywhere,"

He dropped her head, causing it to hit the ground hard before going straight to the computer and narrowing his eyes. The wallpaper showed a happy couple. He recognized the boy in it as a variation of his civilian self. The evil cat wandered over and looked at the image.

""Oooh, he's cute," She sighed happily, making him roll his eyes before she glared at him. "Unlike you,"

"Of course, he's your type," He stated, moving away and jumping up to her bed. "A weak, sensitive musician. Just as pathetic as you,"

"So what if I like musicians?! At least, they actually have an emotion level unlike you!" She growled as he glanced over at the images by her bed. "Why did bitterfly chose this location anyway? I mean other then Alya been here obviously,"

The villain narrowed his eyes before ripping a picture of the wall and jumped back down.

"Because Little Miss Pink knows the local heroes if this is anything to go by," He replied, shoving the image in her hands. It was a selfie of this world's Marinette with the holder of the ladybug miraculous. He glanced around, noticing the skylight. "They must have gone of that way,"

"I'd rather go out with a bang!" The evil cat grinned, throwing the image to the ground and summoning her cataclysm. She slammed her hand against the wall, causing it to explode out. She jumped out into the night as the evil bug looked towards Ubiquity. 

"You're our ride back," He informed, glaring at her. "Don't move,"

He dived out of the hole and swung off into the city. As soon as he was gone, Ubiquity connected with Atlas.

"Atlas, they tied me and are coming for you," She warned, making the man on the other side of the connection frown. He was running across Paris' rooftops, holding onto Marinette as he did. Marinette was watching him as he did, trying to work out what to do and more importantly, who he was running from.

"You carried out your mission perfectly. Thank you for everything," He replied as Marinette listened. From what she and Anatis had seen with Shadow Moth, he was rude, demanding and evil. This man was the complete opposite so far. "I release you from the power I gave you,"

Back in Marinette's room, Ubiquity turned back into Alya. She looked around confused and scared. Marinette and the butterfly man were missing, there was a massive hole in the roof that had clearly been made by a cataclysm and she had been tied up. She jumped as she heard a knock on the door.

"Marinette, Alya? Is everything ok?" Sabine asked, making Alya panic.

"Uh... yeah, we just started to play a game and there was a jump scare in it," She gasped, scrambling to look for her phone. "Sorry for worrying you, Mrs Cheng,"

"Very well," She answered, making Alya let out a sigh. "Don't stay up too late,"

"We won't!" She gasped, picking up her phone. However, it had been cracked. "Oh shoot,"

She got up and looked around, just as Anatis landed in the room. He looked around, confused and concerned.

"Alya, what happened?" He asked as she rushed over to him.

"I don't know but I got akumatized but it was weird because I wasn't angry or anything," She gasped, making him frown. "I don't remember exactly how but somehow a butterfly man used me to get into the room and then he kidnapped Marinette! And the wall was cataclysmed but I don't remember Lady Noire been around and I woke up tied up!"

"Tied up?" He asked as she pointed to the belt. He picked it up and frowned before noticing the robot head. "Marvok?"

"Huh?" She asked, looking over as he picked it up. "Wait but Max wasn't here?!"

He remained silent before noticing the picture on the floor. He picked it up and frowned deeply.

"Something feels off," He replied, turning to her. "Does Marinette have her phone on her?"

"I think so but mine is broken," She replied before noticing the computer. She rushed over and used it to phone Marinette's phone. She didn't answer, making Anatis frown before he moved her over and typed, bringing up her phone tracker. It was moving very fast.

"She's heading towards the Eiffel tower," He muttered, making Alya frown before he turned to her. "Keep trying to get through to her and I'm going to head there,"

"Ok," She nodded, phoning again as he jumped out of the window and headed into the night. "Wonder how he realised something had happened,"

~Meanwhile~

The evil bug swung through the city as the evil cat followed him, running up the TV station building before he swung up and landed on the roof of it, frowning as he did. His partner landed next to him and let out a dramatic sigh.

"Oh, which way did he go?!" She pouted as he scanned the city. "This place is so big and different to our place that he could be anywhere,"

"Stop being dramatic," He replied, looking at her. "The only difference between here and our world is the lack of burning buildings. This is still Paris and Atlas is still predictable. Lucky charm!"

He threw up his yoyo, summoning the magical bugs that transformed into an item. It fell and he caught it, causing a smirk to appear on his lips.

"Ooo, what useless trash did you get?" The cat girl asked as she stretched and yawned, showing off her fangs.

"A butterfly tracker... kind of..." He replied, holding it up to his eyes. "It tracks the pheromones that butterflies release,"

"Urg, why do you always pretend to have a smart plan?" She groaned, rolling her eyes. "All you have is !"Luck","

She made air quotations with her fingers as he rolled his eyes.

"I don't see you coming up with a plan, Fleabag," He replied as he found the trail. He moved til he saw the butterfly. "Got ya,"

He called off the lucky charm, causing it to disappear in a puff of red smoke.

"It's heading to the Eiffel tower," He declared, taking out his yoyo. "Let's go greet our old friend,"

"Right behind ya, cockroach," The cat declared, jumping off the building as her partner swung into the city.

~Meanwhile at the Eiffel Tower~

Atlas jumped and landed on the Eiffel tower before jumping inside and gently placing Marinette down on the stairs, making her look at him with surprise as he stood up.

"Whatever happens, stay here where it's safe," He instructed before shaking his head. "No one should suffer because of a battle that isn't there,"

"Huh?" Marinette asked as he looked out towards the night sky. A white butterfly fluttered towards him, making him smile and open his cane.

"Thank you for your help, little kamiko," He declared, holding the cane up to it. It flew inside, landing on a tiny perch inside the cane before the top closed.

"That's not an akuma?" Marinette asked, pointing to it. She was starting to conclude that this man wasn't Hawk Moth, an akuma or even a villain at all. He looked at her confused.

"An akuma?" He asked, confirming that he didn't know what one was. She was about to explain but the tower suddenly started to rust, making her gasp and stand up. Before Atlas could react, the rust hit their area, causing the floor to give away. Marinette screamed as she fell but luckily Atlas caught her. "Are you ok?"

She nodded, causing him to look relieved before he rushed over to the stairs, taking cover and glancing over the walls. She did the same and gasp as she saw a twisted version of her hero self, landing on the ground and hiss.

"He got away!" Her reflection hissed, making Marinette narrow her eyes. What was going on? "I thought your lucky charm was supposed to guarantee us victory?"

"Well, it would have done but you didn't think. As usual," A calm but cold voice replied. It was oddly familiar but instead of filling her with hope and warmth, it made her blood run cold and a sense of despair washed over her. Her eyes widened as the owner of the voice landed next to her dark reflection. Like hers, he was a twisted, dark reflection of Anatis. His outfit reflected a Pine Ladybug just as Anatis reflected his name sake but just looking at him filled her with a sense of dread that made her want to puke. Her reflection rolled her eyes.

"You know I prefer intentional harm over your lucky charm," She declared, skipping over to him. "More direct,"

"But not very discreet and even less clever," The evil bug declared, crossing his arms. The evil cat kipped over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, making him roll his eyes.

"Don't be mad, Cockroach. He can't be that far," She declared before letting go of him and cupping her mouth with her hands. "Butterfly! We know you're hiding here!"

"Show yourself!" He shouted too, causing the cat to smirk. However, Atlas didn't come out of his hiding place, making the evil bug frown deeply. "Fleabag,"

"Yes, Cockroach?" She asked, skipping back over.

"You know what to do," She smirked, removing her hand from his and holding it up in the air. A dark bubble began to form, causing both Atlas and Marinette's eyes to widen with fear. The very atmosphere changed and the earth itself trembled. Marinette couldn't believe what she was seeing. How was she amplifying her cataclysm like that? Could it be Plagg's Master Power? Or was it like that because her intentions weren't good.

"Atlas, better show yourself or I'll let her turn this place to ash," He declared, making Atlas frown before turning to Marinette. 

"I'm sorry that you got involved in this fight. Please take care of yourself and as soon as you can, get out of here," He declared before jumping over the wall and running over to them. "Stop! The people of this world haven't harmed you!"

"You know what to do then," The evil cat girl hissed, calling off her power.

"Return the miraculous you stole!" The beetle declared, summoning a large blade before charging at Atlas. He dodged and began to engage in a fight with them. Marinette gasped and ducked down as Plagg flew out.

"Are you ok, Pigtails?" He asked, making her nod before her phone rang. She quickly answered it and saw it was Alya.

"Marinette, thank goodness!" She gasped, the panic leaving her body. "Did you get away from the supervillain?"

"I don't think he's a villain, Alya," She whispered in a hush voice, causing Alya to give her a look. "I think he's a holder of the butterfly miraculous but he's not Shadow Moth and I'm pretty certain he's a hero,"

"What makes you say that?" She asked as the video flickered, confusing Marinette. However, she turned her phone to the current battle, showing Alya the two newcomers. Atlas was struggling to hold back the beetle, who roughly grabbed him and threw him across the pavement and into a car.

"Look around you," Atlas gasped, getting up. "A better world than ours is possible,"

"You think I care about that?!" The evil cat declared, diving at him. Atlas jumped and rolled over of the way before she slammed her hand on a car that was behind him, turning it to dust before she turned to Atlas and grinned, charging at him. He managed to knock her back with his cane but before he could follow up his attack, the beetle brutally slammed his blade into the back of his head. 

"They have the same powers as Anatis and Lady Noire?!" Alya gasped, shocked. "I need to warn Anatis,"

"Anatis is on his way?" Marinette asked.

"The supreme is using you!" Atlas declared, getting Marinette's attention again as the Beetle summoned a new luck charm and threw it at him, trapping his cape with it. He yanked it out and turned to him. "The supreme abuses their powers,"

The beetle threw another weapon at him, sending him flying. Atlas landed on the ground and tried to get up as the bug stalked over.

"You shouldn't have taken what didn't belong to you," He declared, roughly grabbing Atlas around the throat. The cat slinged over and smirked as he tightened his grip. "I'll give you one chance, Atlas. Give back what you took or die and I'll take them from your corpse,"

"I gotta go, Alya," Marinette declared, hanging up. "Plagg, we can't let them kill him!"

"Be careful, Pigtails. They're holders of the ladybug and black cat miraculous from one of the many parallel universes that exist only these two aren't nice,"

"I figured that," She replied before watching them, narrowing her eyes as she did. She wanted to rush in but she didn't know all of the facts. "How come they can use their powers without changing back? Do they have high levels?"

"I don't sense attunement from them but as for the lack of detransformation," Plagg stopped before frowning. "As you know, the transformation draws a lot of energy from both the kwami and the holder but Feng put in a fail safe for those too young to handle it,"

"Yeah, we turn back to us,"

"It seems their miraculous don't have that fail safe," Plagg declared, looking over. Atlas was sent flying across the ground again before jumping and diving out of the way of the cat, who broke the area he had been in. He said something about power being shared before the beetle summoned another charm for himself and charged at him. "No auto-detransformation for them which means unlimited power but the cost for that is..."

"Terrible," Marinette declared, shocked before holding up her hand. "We have to stop them. Plagg, Claws Out!"

She transformed and jumped over, just as the bug sent Atlas flying again. Clearly running out of energy, Atlas tried to get up but the evil cat used her baton to push him back down. The bug stalked over and went to reach for his miraculous but Atlas grabbed his wrist.

"Join the resistance," He gasped, making the beetle look at him. "Everything can change. This world is proof of it,"

The beetle narrowed his eyes as Atlas pleaded.

"It's not too late for you two," He gasped, causing the cat's eyes to widen. However, the beetle didn't seem bothered by his words.

"Give it up, pest," He replied, holding up his hand and summoning his new weapon. "The resistance ends here... with you,"

He went to stab him but Lady Noire threw her baton, knocking his lucky charm out of his hand. He glanced up and narrowed his eyes at her.

"I never thought I would say this," She mumbled before holding out her baton and pointing at them. "But stay away from the butterfly man!"

"Another mangy fleabag?" He asked in a bored tone as his partner went 'hey'. "As if one cat isn't annoying enough,"

"The name is Lady Noire," She declared, narrowing her eyes. "Hand over your miraculous. They shouldn't be used for evil. Only for the greater good!"

"How disguising," He hissed before taking out his yoyo. Three blades appeared out of the end of it before he charged at her, making her gasp. "Here, kitty kitty!"

He smirked evilly, trying to slam his yoyo into her. She jumped back and blocked it, only for the other cat to try and slam her baton into her. He threw his yoyo at her and it wrapped around her waist, causing her to gasp before he pulled her in and spun her around before throwing her towards the beams of the Eiffel tower. Atlas took the chance to jump and catch her before she could hit the beams. However, the beetle saw his chance and summoned a lucky charm that was a car. The cat jumped up and kicked it towards them, causing it to knock into them and trap them against the wall.

"Prosperity," The beetle declared, changing his yoyo into a morning star mace. It dragged across the ground as he stalked over. Lady Noire and Atlas tried to push it off them before Lady Noire held up her hand. 

"Cataclysm!" She declared but before she could use it on the car, it disappeared and the morning star wrapped around her waist, pulling her to the beetle. She went to slam her hand on the mace but he yanked it, causing her to spin and land on the ground. She managed to stop herself from wasting her cataclysm. He smirked and lifted the mace, ready to swing it at her but before he could, Anatis dived at him and slammed his feet into his body, sending him flying. "Annie!"

"Are you ok, kitten?" He asked, helping her up and looking to Atlas. "... So it was real..."

"I'm sorry?" Atlas asked but Anatis shook his head and took out his yoyo.

"I'll explain later," He replied, making him frown. "Prosperity!"

His yoyo turned into a shield, causing him to raise an eyebrow before he saw the other beetle charging at him, along with his cat. He blocked their attack with the shield before the two of them began to fight. Anatis managed to send the beetle flying again, causing the cat to attack him as Lady Noire ran at him. He jumped up, allowing her to slide between his legs before she grabbed his arm and held up her cataclysmal hand to him.

"Easy there, Beetle," She declared, making him look at her. "Other cat, back off from Annie now or your bug gets it,"

The other cat looked at her before holding her hands up.

"Lucky charm," Anatis declared, getting handcuffs. He placed them around her wrists but something felt off.

"You haven't got it in you to hurt me," The beetle declared, making Lady Noire glare at him.

"Don't test me, bug boy," She declared but before either of them could react, he moved his arm and spun her around. He grabbed her cataclysmal hand and pulled it closer to him, making her eyes widen. "Wait!"

"Aww, is the pretty kitty scared to use her claws?" He mocked, smirking before he pressed her hand to his chest, causing her to jolt back. Anatis yelled out but the cat took the chance to slam her body into his. He used the shield to block her as Lady Noire stared in shock at the beetle. He was breathing heavily but smirked as he looked up. "Think that can stop me? Well, now you're out of your power,"

"W-what?" She gasped but he suddenly ran at her and punched her, sending her flying into a building before turning his attention on Anatis. He summoned a lucky charm which was a rocket launcher and fired it at Anatis, causing Anatis to block it with his shield. The other beetle smirked as his shield turned back into a yoyo before he fired again at Anatis. Anatis spun his yoyo and blocked the rockets before throwing his yoyo and knocking it out of his hands. 

"Enough," He declared, wrapping the yoyo around the other beetle. "You're injured and this battle is pointless. Surrender your miraculous and we'll get your medical attention,"

"You think a little cataclysm can stop me?!" He smirked, getting out of the string of the yoyo before grabbing it and pulling it. Anatis was pulled over to him, making him smirk. He punched him, sending him flying into the wall before he jumped up and held out his yoyo ready to fight. The other beetle smirked. "Fleabag,"

"Cataclysm!" The other cat declared, destroying his lucky charm. "Oops!"

"Now you have no lucky charm," He declared, making Anatis narrow his eyes. "Well, I'm assuming that's the case since you haven't tried to summon another one. Am I right? I am, aren't I?"

"Even if you are, we'll defeat you," Lady Noire declared as she landed next to Anatis. "Ready, Annie?"

"... How are they using their powers without transforming back?" He asked, making her look at him. He looked extremely worried, causing her to look at her. "That can't be good,"

"It isn't," Atlas replied, trying to climb up. "But Brumus and Lady Ombre don't care,"

"Brumus?" Anatis echoed before looking over at his counterpart. Brumus smirked and waved at him before calling for his lucky charm. He got another rocket launcher before firing it at Atlas. Anatis jumped down and blocked the rocket before Lady Noire ran at Brumus as Lady Ombre dived at Anatis, causing him to use his yoyo to block her move. Brumus fired a rocket at Lady Noire who jumped at it and knocked it back at him, causing him to call off his charm. Lady Noire jumped into the rafters as Anatis threw Lady Ombre into a wall. She took a deep breath and let out a scream, pushing Brumus back. He used his yoyo to block her attack before jumping out of the way as Anatis charged at him. He dived out the way and spun the mace around, trying to hit Anatis with it. However, Anatis threw his yoyo and wrapped it around the mace before slamming it into the ground, forcing it to turn back into a yoyo. Brumus summoned a helmet and quickly attached it to his yoyo before trying to continue to hit Anatis with it. Seeing her chance, Lady Noire dived at him. However, he saw her and got rid of the helmet before summoning a new lucky charm that was a grenade launcher. He smirked evilly as he pointed it towards her with his fingers on the trigger.

"Lady Noir!" Anatis cried out, running towards her. Atlas quickly released his butterfly and transformed it into a kamiko before releasing it towards Lady Noire. It flew over to her and landed in her baton, opening a connection between them. Time slowed down for her as her eyes widened in shock.

Hey... what are you doing? She gasped in her mind. It was nothing like what it felt when she became Princess Justice. Sure, she didn't remember being Princess Justice but she remembered what the akuma felt like. It had been cold and intrusive. She had been scared and he played on her fear and hurt but this didn't feel like that. It felt strange. Warm and almost like a hug.

Lady Celestia, I am Atlas. His voice echoed in her mind but it wasn't intrusive like how Hawkmoth's had been. He wasn't trying to force her into transforming. He was trying to help her. I want to entrust you with the power to save us from Brumus and Lady Ombre. For the greater good, do you accept the gift I'm offering you, Lady Celestia?

I do. She replied, causing her body to be covered in a light purple smog. When it disappeared, her form had changed. Her costume had turned white. Her hair was mostly white too but there were green highlights in it. She also had two massive wings and was also emitted a brilliant light. There was even a halo over her head. However, Anatis wasn't looking up at her with awe but with terror. All he could see was Lady Blanche. On the other hand, Lady Ombre had shielded her eyes as Brumus had fallen back like the light was hurting him.

"Brace for take off!" Lady Celestia declared, grabbing his arm and then Atlas' before flying off. Lady Ombre lowered her hand, frowning.

"They got away," She gasped before turning to Brumus, who was leaning against the wall. He had his eyes closed and was breathing in heavily. "Cockroach? Are you ok?"

"Do I look ok, you dumb cat?!" He snarled, glaring at her and making her coward away. His eyes were bloodshot and his irises had changed from cold blue and burning gold. He slammed his fist into the wall, cracking it before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. When he reopened them, the cold blue was back. "We need to find them,"

"T-They can't have got far," She gasped. "Maybe we look around?"

"Fine," He declared, rolling his eyes. "Let's go,"

She nodded and followed him as he threw his yoyo and swung off.

~Meanwhile~

Lady Celestia flew down into the catacombs of Paris and into the sewers, fluttering down. She let Atlas and Anatis down before landing on the ground. Atlas was about to call his kamiko back but she shook her head when she noticed Anatis leaning against the wall, refusing to look at her. Instead, he was talking to himself.

"It's not the same," He muttered, making her and Atlas frown. "It's not her,"

"Anatis?" Lady Celestia stated, carefully walking over to her. She gently leaned down and carefully held out her hand, making him look at it. "It's ok. I'm still me. Just with an upgrade,"

He still refused to look at her, causing her to move her wings so they were in his line of sight.

"Look. I have wings and a halo," She grinned, making him slowly look over. He took in her look and noticed the highlights in her hair and that her eyes were still green. Relief flooded his eyes, causing him to hug her. She wrapped her arms around him. "It's ok,"

"I'm sorry," He whispered, making her frown. She gave Atlas a nod, causing him to call off his kamiko and turning her back into her normal form. "You're still you,"

"I'm still me," She responded, just as both her ring and his earrings beeped. Atlas gave them a nod before heading behind a wall. Anatis let go of Lady Noir and moved behind another wall as she did the same. "Claws in,"

"Spots off," He declared, turning back into Luka. He handed Tikki a cookie before leaning on the side and taking a breath. He closed his eyes but opened them when he heard Atlas crying. His heart song sung of pain and loss but dreamt of hope. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry... it just... your world is so beautiful," Atlas replied, surprising both of them. "You help each other. You're partners and equals,"

"Is it not the same in your world?" Marinette asked, frowning. Brumus and Lady Ombre seemed to work together.

"No, Brumus is the leader and Lady Ombre is his sidekick," Atlas responded, frowning as he sat down. "In my world, any form of mutual aid is a crime,"

"But you use your miraculous for good," Luka replied, frowning. "Does that make you a criminal?"

"Yes," He replied, sighing. "In my universe, ordinary people don't know about the miraculous exist. It's a secret. Instead, they all belong to the Supreme. He only uses them to preducate his own power,"

"The Supreme?" Both of them question.

"The title of evil being who rules the world where I come," He replied, making them frown. "There's many legends about him. Some say he's immortal and others say the title is passed down through family members,"

"How did you find out about the miraculous?" Marinette asked, curious.

"Sometimes, he entrusts them to the powerful of my world," Atlas explained, glancing down at the ground. "All of whom have sworn loyalty to him. I too was a part of this corrupt system but I got greedy. In order to get something me and my wife desperately wanted, I stole two. The butterfly and the peacock but I misused them and hurt the people I loved,"

"I'm sorry, Atlas," Luka responded, pressing his hand to his heart.

"No, it was my fault," He replied, frowning. "I thought it was ok but then... she was taken from me,"

"She?" Marinette asked, frowning.

"My wife," He replied, looking up as tears pricked his eyes. "The Supreme killed her to punish me,"

Marinette and Luka went quiet, waiting for Atlas to continue.

"That's when I realised that they would stop at nothing and so I decided to redeem myself and use the miraculous I stole for good," He continued. "So I changed my name and took on the new identity of Atlas. I thought it was suitable as I felt like I was holding the weight of the world on my shoulders and because like a moth, I had no choice but to fly in the shadows in order to give people hope. The perfect identity of a reformed villain and I started to fight back. It was just me on my own at first and it was hard, especially when the cult announced the resurrection of the Supreme and when Brumus turned up but someone had to show them that we must revolt. That a better world is possible provided that power is shared between all. It wasn't long after that I gained allies. Alya Cerise was one of them but the turning point was when an anonymous person joined us. With their money and influence, we were able to get a better hold in the world but it's still far from perfect,"

He went silent for a moment.

"We got close to winning," He declared. "My champion Queen Justice defeated Ikuchi and Orochi.... but then Brumus turned up. He beat my champion with pure brutality and cunning before declaring war on me. Like me, he was alone at first but he was able to sway people on his side, seducing them with his promises and words. That's how he got his team. He promised them what they wanted,"

"And they fell for it,"

"Exactly,"

"This anonymous person... Do you know who it is?"

"No, we don't," Atlas replied, frowning. "The only thing we have to go is that they use the code name Vixen but other than that we have nothing on them. We did have support from the Bourgeois family at one point but Brumus got to their daughter Chloe.... but now that I've seen your world, I know that my dream is not just an impossible utopia and you can help me reach it,"

"You know our world is not all that perfect," Luka replied, looking down at Tikki who gently placed her paw on his chest. "We almost lost recently. The one who has your miraculous... he uses it for evil and then there's the false guardian Su Han. They tried to steal the miraculous. As a result, one of our mentors died and the other lost his memory,"

Luka sunk down onto the ground and hugged his knees as his mind drifted and insecurities crept up on him.

"How can I help save your world when I can't even seem to save mine?" He whispered, more to himself than anyone else but both Atlas and Marinette heard regardless. He didn't say it but both could tell what he was thinking. He was blaming himself. Marinette pressed her hand against the wall as Atlas frowned, feeling his emotions before he stood up.

"Your world is still standing and not burning," Atlas declared, wanting to reassure him. "And your values are pure and true. Your mentors may be gone but they would be proud of who you are,"

"He's right, Annie," Marinette declared as Plagg nodded. "You did your best to save them and you freed Zoe from Su Han's clutches so please don't blame yourself,"

".... Thanks, Kitten," He replied but their words offered no comfort. He appreciated the effort though.

~Meanwhile~

"Urg!! They got away!!" Lady Ombre declared as Brumus and her walked down the street, glancing around. "Why didn't you grab onto that flying fleabag and why did your eyes go weird?"

He didn't reply and continued walking, speeding up a little.

"Hey! Answer me!" Lady Ombre declared, catching up to him and moving so she was in front of him. He pushed her out of the way, making her hiss. "Oh, come on! You must be kicking yourself for not doing that and now you're sulking because they got away! You must fe-!"

"Oh my god! Do you ever shut up?!" He snapped, turning to glare at her.

"Excuse me but I'm not the one who let them get away!"

"Oh yes because every little plan is down to me!" He retorted before shoving her. "Well, maybe if you weren't a lazy idiot, I wouldn't have to pick up your pace!"

"I'm not lazy, you dumb cockroach!" She screamed back, shoving him back and pointing at his chest. "Well, maybe I should just get rid of you since I don't need you!"

"Need me?! You'd be nothing without me!" He screamed, slapping her hand away. "I'm the brains here! You're just the brawn! You're nothing without me!"

"Nothing?! If I was nothing, why bother with me huh?!" She yelled back, getting in his face. "I'd be better on my own!"

"Oh yeah!" He snarled back, getting in her face. "Well, good luck with that!"

"Oh really?!"

"Yeah, really!" He snarled. "You're nobody!"

"I'm not a nobody!" She screamed. "I'll be the one who will take back the butterfly miraculous and the one the Supreme spares!"

"In your dreams, fleabag!" He screamed, making her growl but an akuma fluttered over to them, causing her to notice.

"A kamiko!" She declared, pointing towards it. Brumus jumped back before it could enter his yoyo and quickly swiped it up with it. She suddenly shoved him, making him glare at her. "If you didn't make me so angry, Atlas wouldn't have tracked our emotions!"

"I made you angry?!" He snarled. "You infuriate me!"

"Urg! Why do you always use such big words?!" She screamed, glaring at him again. He laughed wickedly, making her hiss. "Well?!"

"Well, if you weren't so dumb then you'd be able to understand them!" He declared, making her glare at him. "Now shut up! I need to think and check over this butterfly,"

"Why do you need to check over it?!" She asked as he opened his yoyo and took it out, checking it over. "It's a Kamiko, idiot!"

"No, it isn't," He replied, putting it back in and causing her to stare at him. "It feels more negative and dark... but that is something we can worry about later on. Right now, we need to catch up with Atlas,"

"So what do we do now?"

"Luckily for you, I still have my brain intact and a lead," He replied, taking out his yoyo and throwing it up. He swung away, causing Lady Ombre to follow him. The two of them swung through the buildings until they came back to Marinette's place, causing Alya to hide as she was still in the room. Brumus landed in the room first and glanced around as Lady Ombre landed next to him.

"Urg, she escaped," Lady Ombre declared as Brumus picked up his belt and put it back on.

"That isn't our concern," He declared, moving over to the computer. "Atlas opened the portal here for a reason so search around. If we can't find anything here, we'll try my next lead,"

"Fine," She replied, beginning to search. "Hey, Brummy,"

"I told you not to call me that,"

"Whatever," She responded, making him roll his eyes. "Do you think they have a supreme here?"

"I doubt it," He replied, searching through Marinette's things as Lady Ombre did the same, coming across her counterpart's diary. She glanced over and saw Brumus was too busy, searching through other things so she opened it, seeing a picture of her and Alya smiling. Her heart ached as she saw it. "What did you find?"

"Nothing important, Cockroach," She replied, holding it up. "It's her diary. What about you?"

"Nothing," He replied, making her frown. "Time to try my other lead,"

"Well, I'm going to stay and read this," She replied, making him tilt his head. "In case it contains something,"

"Fine," He replied, rolling his eyes. "I'll meet you back here then,"

"Ok," She replied, climbing up to the bed to sit and read it. He rolled his eyes again before swinging out into the night. He moved quickly towards the Seine before dropping down on the Liberty. He glanced around before closing his eyes.

"Blots off," He declared, transforming into his civilian form. In almost every way, he looked like Luka. Same hairstyle, same clothing but instead of having blue and black hair, his hair was toxic green and black and where he wore a blue hoodie in this world, he wore a black hoodie instead. His skin was much more pale and he had thick eyeliner on as well. He caught Tikki and took out a cookie for her from his pocket, placing her on his shoulder as he walked over to the door. He stopped in front of it and placed his hand on it. "Kcolnu,"

The lock clicked, causing him to smirk and open the door. He descended down the stairs and turned on the lights, looking around. 

"How very quaint," He replied, glancing around before closing his eyes for a few seconds. "Hmm, no one is home. We won't be disturbed. What do you think, Tikki?"

"It's nice," She replied, floating up. "Homely even,"

"Enough to make me sick," He replied, walking over to the pictures of the family. He picked up on showing his counterpart, his sister and their mother a few years ago. "He grew up here. No one stole him away in the night,"

With a surprising amount of gentleness, he put the picture back and walked away, heading into the back of the boat. Even in this world, his mother was a tornado of chaos but she seemed nice here. His mother on the other hand... He narrowed his eyes at the thought of her. That witch didn't even try to help him. Not when that cult took him away and not when he returned to Paris after escaping from them. She didn't care for him at all.

"I can only rely on myself," He muttered darkly to himself. As he did, shadows seemed to follow him. "Well, myself and you,"

We are one and so we rely on each other. A dark voice echoed. If anyone had been in the room, they would have either lost their minds or broken down in fear from the voice but luckily, no one was. Luka pushed open the door, leading to his counterpart's room and glanced around before walking over to the bed. He placed his hand on the pillow, causing his eyes to roll into the back of his head for a few minutes as Tikki flew over.

"What do you see?"

"He's plagued by nightmares," He replied. "Pathetic,"

"Anything else?"

"Well, there's other kwamis here and he is almost a perfect reflection of me," He continued, picking up the guitar and strumming it. "He is Anatis and he has magic, just like me but his heart bleeds where mine freezes,"

"Why didn't Atlas just open the portal here?"

"He obviously doesn't know Anatis' identity and was hoping that a girl called Marinette would lead him to them," He replied, playing a haunting melody on the guitar. "A logical conclusion. She seems to have some sort of relationship with him. I saw the pictures in her room,"

"... Will you hurt him?"

"Are you worried about him, Tikki?" He asked, glancing up at her. She plays with her paws.

"I have memories with him too," She replied but the information isn't anything he doesn't already know. Kwamis, Renlings and Spirits simultaneously live in all universes. Technically speaking, so did he. It just worked differently as he wasn't completely a spirit. He was human too. The way they perceive things are different and if they perceive things and memories the same way as Kwamis, Renlings and Spirits do, it would drive them insane. He had the same restrictions as a human in that sense but he was also able to view his counterpart's memories due to his spirit nature.

"I can't promise anything, Tikki," He responded, making Tikki frown. He didn't like to disappoint her but he wasn't going to let anyone win. Not the cult who raised him. Not the family who abandoned him. Not that stupid butterfly and certainly not a version of himself who had everything given to him on a silver platter. "Sorry but if he stands in my way, I will tear him down,"

"I see," She replied, frowning before flying over to him. "Are you done searching here?"

"I am," He replied, placing down the guitar. "Blots on,"

He transformed into Brumus and turned to the porthole. He went to leave but stopped for a moment and took one last look at the room he was in. It was a nice room with a warm bed. His counterpart here had a good life and that made him mad. It was nothing like the life he had back in his world. The cult that stole him kept him locked away didn't exist. His counterpart had it easy. He gritted his teeth and climbed out of the porthole, swinging off into the night. It didn't take him long to get back to Marinette's house. He landed through the hole in the roof and glanced around, frowning. The room appeared to be empty.

"Where did that stupid cat go now?" He sighed, glancing around. The room was dark and he couldn't see her anywhere. He frowned before she suddenly came at him, knocking him down and going to grab his earrings. "Luc-"

She ripped them out of his ears before he could summon his power and restrained him with a spare belt she had grabbed. She stood up and made a shush noise as she held up her finger to her lips, causing him to glare at her but he decided to let it pay out and see what she would do. She raised an eyebrow at him as he glared at her.

"I know you," She whispered before leaning in and wiping his cheek, revealing that he had been wearing makeup. "Make up... of course..."

She straightened up and put the earrings in, causing Tikki to manifest. She glanced worriedly at Luka, who gave her a nod as Lady Ombre walked away and picked up the diary. She ripped out a diary page and held it in her hand as she read it.

"Daggers in," She declared, turning into her civilian form as his eyes widened in surprise. Marinette. She looked very similar to this world's version but more goth. She wore combat boots instead of ballet pumps and a leather jacket instead of a cardigan. His eyes widened though as he stared at her. She was someone who he would never forget. He had first met her before he was Brumus. Before he had power. It had been when he had returned from Paris and had nowhere to go. Despite turning to his mother, she wanted nothing to do with him and let him rot on the street. He was hungry and cold. It had been raining and he was hiding in a doorway near the bakery from the rain. She had come out to put some trash out and saw him. She had put the trash away and headed back in but to his surprise, she came back over and gave him a small loaf of bread with a gentle smile. She had been the only person to ever show him any real kindness. That kindness had stopped him from killing her when she was Queen Justice. She turned to him with a cold look in her eyes as well. "You know me?"

He didn't reply, just glanced to the side as a light blush appeared on his face. Mentally scolding him, he moved his eyes over to her again. Luckily, she didn't seem that bothered.

"Hm, never mind," She replied, holding the page in her hand. "Tikki! Plagg! Reveal yourself!"

The two kwamis transformed into massive creatures with multiple arms and wings. The room around them melted into a different space as Luka glanced around, waiting for the right moment.

"Why fight for a better life when I can just switch with someone else," She explained before looking at him with a soft look. "I'll include you in my wish too,"

He looked at her with surprise, generally not expecting that before she turned back to the god like kwamis.

"Null! Reveal yourself!" She declared, throwing her hand out. However, the symbol of the Supreme appeared below her and both Tikki and Plagg cried out in pain, making Marinette look at them in horror and fear before the symbol surrounded her.

"Only the Supreme defines reality," A voice echoed, making this version of Marinette step back in horror. "And you are not the Supreme!"

The space exploded back into Marinette's room, knocking Marinette back and causing her to hit the mirror, breaking it before she fell to the floor, panting in pain.

"Marinette, is everything alright?!" Her counterpart's mother called through the trap door, having heard her fall from downstairs.

"Yeah! Whatever! Just get off my back!" She shouted back in an angry way.

"Are you sure you're ok?" Her 'mother' asked, causing her to roll her eyes.

"Yes! I'm ok!" She snarled, going to shout more but she looked over at Luka, who was looking at the trap door with a look she had never seen on Brumus' face. He looked so sad and at the same time like he would give up everything just to have a mother ask him if he was ok. It caused her heart to ache to see him with that expression. Her partner who was usually so brutal and cold looked like he was about to cry. She felt bad for shouting. "Sorry, mummy dear. I just..."

She quickly looked around for an excuse, seeing the sewing machine on the ground.

"Broke my sewing machine but it's fine," She continued before she paused as she saw her reflection. The black veins on her face had gotten much worse and she was so much more pale than before. "... It's just slightly damaged,"

"Don't worry, sweetie, we'll take care of it," Sabine replied. "Broken things can always be fixed,"

Sabine paused, making Marinette frown.

"Good night, sweetie," She stated, surprising her. "I love you,"

"I... I love you too, mum..." She replied, hearing her walk away as her eyes filled with tears. If only her real mother felt the same. Luka frowned as her tears fell. His eyes turned a copper colour and he took a deep breath.

"Em eerf," He declared, causing the belt she had tied him up with to let him go before he got up and stood in front of her before leaning down and taking the earrings off her, He put them back in his ears, causing Tikki to reappear. "Tikki... if I was to make the wish... would it work?"

"I... I don't know..." She answered honestly, making him frown and look at her. "The seal on Plagg is powerful,"

"But I am the current Supreme," He answered, causing Marinette to look at him with shock. "Are you telling me that even with my power, the wish won't work?"

"I think you'd have to remove his seal like you removed mine," She answered, making him frown. "And even then I don't know if the fake Supreme has put other spells,"

"F-Fake supreme?" Marinette asked with a confused expression as she wiped away her tears. "I don't understand,"

"The cult that once worshipped the Supreme are using the idea of the Supreme to further their own goals," He replied, looking over at the Paris they were currently in. "Their leader stole the title and used it to keep the rich and powerful of the world in power... but I'm the real Supreme. The rightful heir,"

"Do they know?"

"No," He replied, turning to her. "Lord Fu knew and so did Misha but even they wanted to use me for their own goals,"

He narrowed his eyes.

"That's why they had to go," He replied, making her look at him in more shock. He walked over to her and gently kneel down, cupping her face with his hand. Normally, he would kill her for daring to double cross him but even though she tried to make a wish, she still included him. He knew she could be his greatest ally. Of course, if she failed him, he'd get rid of her too but right now, she might be the only one on his side. "But you... you wanted to include me in your wish and you showed me kindness when no one else would. I know you technically double-crossed me... but you're different from the others,"

"Did you know about the wish?"

"No," He answered, frowning. If he knew about it, he would have used it already.

"... Why didn't they tell us about it...?"

"For the same reason why they didn't tell us that using our miraculous would slowly destroy us,"

"Even though you're the Supreme?"

"Even I'm not immune to the ill effects. It's just slower for me," He admitted, making her frown before he turned to Tikki. "Blots on,"

He turned back into Brumus and looked out at the sky.

"What now?" Marinette asked, wiping her eyes again.

"We find some allies," He replied, surprising her. "We take back the butterfly and we take the miraculous of Anatis and Lady Noire. Once we have them, we use their wish to destroy the cult and rebuild our lives,"

He turned to her but his eyes narrowed as he saw a shadow moving. He threw his yoyo and caught Alya, pulling her out and roughly grabbing her arm.

"You," He growled, making her gasp and struggle to get out of his grip as Marinette turned to her, narrowing her eyes as well. "Where is Atlas?!"

"I d-don't know!" Alya gasped, terrified. He narrowed his eyes and leaned in closer to her. "I swear!"

"Then I have no use for you," He replied, shocking her. "Tóutāi... lead me your power,"

Several deep green veins spreaded from his hand, causing Alya to gasp and drop down to the floor as poison flowed through her before he turned from her and back to Marinette.

"Will you follow the true Supreme?" He asked as Plagg floated over to her. She was looking at him with terror. Well, he could work with fear as well. He didn't need her to sympathise with him or love him. "Or will I have to get rid of you too?"

"I will follow you," She answered. He looked at her and nodded.

"Then get to work," He replied, going back to the cruel person she knew. "We have things to do,"

She transformed into Lady Ombre before the two of them jumped out of the hole in the roof, leaving Alya to die as the poison slowly and painful spreaded across her body.

~Meanwhile in the Sewer~

Luka sighed as he sat against the wall, waiting for Tikki to finish her cookie. He felt terrible and he knew Atlas could feel his emotions too. Wearing the Butterfly Miraculous grants the user the ability of empathy as did the peacock since both were born from concepts related to emotions. As much as he felt down though, Luka couldn't help but wonder about the Supreme. It sounded like that the Supreme ruled the world but Atlas also mentioned rebirth and that there was a legend that said the Supreme was reborn. Just like the Mage in this world. He wondered if the Supreme that Atlas was facing was actually the true one or was it the same as his situation? Was there a fake Supreme in that world just like there is a fake celestial guardian in this world? Is it their version of Su Han or someone else?

"You mentioned the Supreme ruled your world and that there are rumours of him being reborn?" Luka asked. "What exactly did you mean by that?"

"I don't know the full details but while I was in the cult, I learnt that the Supreme is a mage capable of rebirth and resurrection as well as a number of other spells," He replied, making Luka frown. "Though I never have seen his magic... or him actually,"

"Could the Supreme of your world be a fake?" Luka asked, surprising Atlas. The thought had never occurred to him. "We have a similar person here called the Mage and is known as the Celestial Guardian but the current guardian is a fake who murdered the Mage in his past life and used the wish to steal his title. However, he's running out of time. The Mage was reborn and if the fake doesn't destroy him before the ghost festival, the title will be returned back to the true mage. Since your world reflects ours, do you think that's a possibility?"

"It could be," Atlas admitted. "But who could possibly be the real Supreme? What would the fake want to achieve?"

"Probably world domination," Luka replied, frowning. He felt very bad for Atlas. "Regardless, I'm sorry. It must be hard for you,"

"It's ok... realistically speaking, I should be as distraught as you. In my world, I'm hunted relentlessly " He declared, reminding Luka that he can feel what he feels. "No one believes in heroes and everyone is afraid of the supreme and his cult.... I am so lonely,"

"How do you not give up?" Luka asked, looking down. If he was in Atlas' shoes, he'd give up. He's come close to it already but luckily, Lady Noire, Juleka, the rest of his family and his friends refused to give up on him. After all, they care for him and are his support. Something that Atlas doesn't have.

"I hold onto the one thing I have," Atlas replied, making Luka listen even more. "Hope! The hope for a better world! The hope that people can evolve! For a single decision that can change a single lifetime!"

"Is it really that powerful?"

"Of course!" Atlas declared, jumping up. "Hope is the most powerful thing in the world! It can overcome any situation as long as you believe in it!"

"But it seems hopeless right now," Luka sighed, looking down. Tikki gently placed her paw on his arm to reassure him. Atlas frowned a little as he got the impression that he wasn't talking about the current situation but he was an empath, not a psychic. All he could sense is the boy is in some sort of turmoil. On the other side of the wall, Marinette frowned to herself. She knew Anatis was suffering at the moment as much as Luka was. She believed it to be linked to each other. After all, the two boys were both empaths and best friends. If one suffers, the other does too. She placed her hand on the wall and mentally swore she would do what Feng had asked her. She would find a way to destroy their despair.

"Nothing is hopeless," He declared, surprising Luka and Marinette. "Take our situation right now. Brumus and Lady Ombre may seem like they have more power then you but they don't have your strength... because they know nothing of trust, friendship or love,"

"But does it seem impossible to you?"

"Sometimes yes but that's why I hold on to my hope," Atlas declared. "I truly believe that nothing is hopeless,"

"Hope...." Luka whispered, feeling a calming feeling washing over him as he thought over it. Looking at his personal situation, he wondered if hope was something that could help him. He had lost his mentors, he had been attacked by an evil spirit, he couldn't tell anyone his identity and he was desperately trying to stop his coming akumatization, all which was adding to his stress. Even though he knew he had friends and family willing to help, he was scared of being a burden to them. He didn't want to break them so he had been dealing with it alone. He didn't even burden Tikki or the other kwamis with it... but maybe hope could help him. He gently placed his hand on his heart and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and allowing himself to feel the feelings of everyone around him. He hadn't done that in a while and like someone who hadn't played their favourite song in a while, the music of their hearts flooded his senses. Lady Noire sang of worry and love and Atlas sang of despair and loneliness but mixed in with them was a single yet powerful instrument. It was like when hearing a piece of music that seemed to be dominated by several instruments making noise all at once but yet a single flute continues to play an actual tune. Tears filled Luka's eyes as he pushed past the rest of the emotions and listened to the solo piece. It was a beautiful song of freedom, love and belief. He wiped his tears away and nodded. "Atlas?"

"Yes?"

"You came here for my help so allow me to help you," He declared, causing that song to amplify. "Lady Noire, are you ready to fight our evil counterparts?"

"Damn right!" She declared, making him smile before he turned to Tikki.

"You good, Tikki?"

"Let's go!" She grinned, making him smile back before he swiped his earrings.

"Tikki! Spots on!" He declared, causing a red light to fill the area before he stepped out. Atlas and him heard Lady Noire call on her transformation as a green light filled her area before she stepped out. "Alright, our best bet is to investigate where they entered this world. There might be some clues there,"

~Meanwhile~

"So where are we going?" Lady Ombre asked as they ran across the rooftops. Brumus held up his hand, making her stop before she looked around. They were near the Grand Paris hotel, making her smirk. Chloe should be there and she doubted Chloe was a good person in this world but either way, they could easily sway her to their side. The two of them swung over to the balcony and landed in the shadows and moved closer to the balcony door which was slightly ajar. 

"Oh, what a day!" Chloe declared, flopping on her bed as two other girls followed her into the room. Brumus frowned to himself as Lady Ombre raised an eyebrow. One of them he recognized as Sabrina, Chloe's weak slave but the other girl he hadn't seen her before. The way she held herself was unsure as if she didn't belong. "Zoe? Are you good?"

"I... I'm just not used to this," She mumbled, pushing her blonde hair back. She resembled Chloe but seemed a little... older? They wondered if they were sisters. "I mean I'm used to Mum ignoring me but..."

"You're not used to having friends and not being used by an evil cult?" Chloe asked, making the other girl nod before she got up and hugged her?! Since when did Chloe show any emotion?! Wait... could she be good in this world? The thought disgusted both of them. Lady Ombre looked at Brumus and mouthed 'what now?'.  He rolled his eyes and put his finger onto his lips as they listened."Don't worry. You're free now and part of the good guys,"

"But I was evil?"

"And brainwashed!" Sabrina gasped.

"Exactly!" Chloe replied. "But Anatis saved you just like he saved me! Oh, I should get you a life size cut out of him too!"

"I think I'd prefer Lady Noire?" Zoe blushed, making Chloe grin. "If that's ok?"

"Of course it's ok!" She declared, getting up and walking to the door. "Daddy!"

Brumus gritted his teeth in annoyance while Lady Ombre rolled her eyes but he also paid attention. Zoe was part of a cult? Hmm, that could be useful plus he could work out exactly who is an ally from her. He would just need to borrow her for a few minutes and well, he would feel a lot better if he terrorised some people right now. After all, he had been through a stressful situation... and he supposed Lady Ombre wouldn't mind either. He turned to her and gave her a smirk, making her smirk back before they both looked in the room again. Chloe was just about to reach for the door handle, causing him to smirk and his eyes to change colour.

"Flesruoy kcol," He declared, causing the door to lock itself but also the girls to gasp and spin around as he stepped into the light. "Hello, Ladies,"

"Who the hell are you?!" Chloe declared as Sabrina stepped away in fear. He smirked evilly as Lady Ombre saundered in and leaned against him, placing her arms around his neck. Unlike the other times she had done this, he let her.

"Oh, we're just here to borrow... Zoe was it?" He asked, looking at her. Sabrina stepped in front of her as Chloe grabbed her phone. He narrowed his eyes. "Hand her over and I promise we won't hurt you,"

"I doubt that!" Chloe declared, making him narrow his eyes.

"Lady Ombre," He declared, making her smirk.

"Cataclysm!" She declared, slamming her hand on the wall. Cracks spread up the wall, causing the ceiling to give in and fall on them. Sabrina was the most injured with a cut on her head and was dazed while Chloe was trying to push the debris off her. Zoe's leg was trapped beneath some as well and she was desperately trying to get it off her. Both of them managed to do so. Zoe bolted for the door as Chloe tried to help Sabrina, managing to get her out as Brumus smirked evilly.

"Kakos," He declared, holding out his hand. "Lend me your power,"

Chloe's eyes widened as a flame appeared in his hand. He smirked at her before dropping it.

"Oops," He declared as it hit the ground and burst, causing it to spread through the entire room, filling it with smoke. Chloe quickly dialled the emergency services as Zoe tried to open it. Lady Ombre leaned against the wall as Sabrina grabbed a chair. She charged at Brumus and tried to hit him with it. It broke over him but didn't affect him. He instead grabbed her by her neck and picked her up, choking her. Chloe charged at her but Lady Ombre grabbed her in a choke hold as well and summoned a cataclysm ready to hit her with it. 

"Wait!" Zoe gasped, making both of them stop and look at her. "Please let them go!"

"Agree to come with us and we will," He declared, making her nod. "Say it,"

"I agree!" She gasped, causing him to drop the semi unconscious Sabrina to the ground and for Lady Ombre to shove Chloe to the ground. Both of them gasped for air as he grabbed Zoe's arm and pulled her out of the room, followed by Lady Ombre. Chloe tried to grab her leg but she landed a harsh kick to her stomach, winding her.

"Z-Zoe!" Chloe gasped, dragging herself towards them despite Lady Ombre's kick. She managed to grab Brumus' leg as well. He rolled his eyes and yanked his leg free, kicking her back into the burning room. Chloe landed next to Sabrina, who wasn't moving but didn't give up. Despite her now bleeding nose, she pushed herself up and stumbled towards him. "G-give b-back my s-sister!"

"Hmm... no!" He smirked, using his magic to cause the balcony doors to swing close and lock, trapping her inside. Lady Ombre destroyed the lock with her cataclysm, ensuring that they were trapped in there. Zoe looked terrified as he took out his yoyo, ignoring Chloe banging on the door and trying to open it. The two villains ignored her as they jumped off the building and swung off into the city. The smoke started to get Chloe. She coughed and collapsed onto the ground, still trying weakly to open the door....

~At Marinette's House~

"Anatis!" Sabine gasped, jumping up as he swung through the damaged wall. She had found Alya after she decided to check on Marinette as she had been worried about her. It wasn't like her daughter to snap over nothing but to her horror, she found Alya on the ground, a hole in her daughter's roof and her daughter was nowhere to be seen. She had called an ambulance and tried her best to help Alya while they waited but luckily Anatis had appeared. Her expression was extremely worried, causing him to frown before he glanced around and saw Alya laying on the ground. Her skin was extremely pale and she had green veins across her skin, spreading from a wound on her wrist. He rushed over to her and gently picked up her hand as Sabine moved over. "I found her like that and called an ambulance,"

"What do you know about what happened?" He asked, rushing over as Lady Noire and Atlas landed in the room. Lady Noire gasped as she saw Alya on the ground. Sabine explained what she had heard and how she found Alya. Anatis frowned as he examined the wound. Atlas came over and looked over as Lady Noire reassured Sabine that she had done the right thing and that Marinette was safe despite not being in her room.

"It looks like she's been poisoned," Atlas mumbled, making Anatis frown. Could Brumus poison his enemies?

"Brumus must have done something," He muttered, making Atlas frown as he placed his hand on the wound. His eyes turned silver as he did. He closed his eyes and placed his hand onto where Brumus had placed his hand. Instead of a painful sensation, a cooling sensation spreaded from his hand as a golden liquid spreaded through the poisoned veins, turning them from green to gold. Slowly, the colour came back into Alya's cheeks and the golden veins began to dim. She was still extremely weak but she would live. He turned to Atlas, who was frowning. "Did you know he could do something like that?"

"No," He replied as Alya opened her eyes, weakly grabbing Anatis' arm.

"A-Anatis," She gasped, making him look at her with a gentle look.

"Rest, Alya,"

"T-That beetle..." She gasped. "H-He s-said he's the Su-Supreme,"

"What?" Atlas gasped, making Anatis frown as he carefully picked her up and carried her to the futon. Lady Noire frowned but didn't seem surprised. "Lady Noire?"

"It makes sense," She replied, making him look at her. "Annie, you agree?"

"Yeah," He replied, standing up and walking over to them so they were out of earshot of anyone listening in. "In this world, I am the most recent reincarnation of Hao Feng, known as the Mage and the creator of the miraculous. As the mage, we are a source of good and light but the evil Spirit Simme wants to kill us. I believe in your world it is reversed and the Mage is actually called the Supreme. Brumus is the most recent incarnation as well but unlike me, he is a source of true evil. I suspect that is because his version of Hao Feng made a deal with your world's Simme instead of being saved by Finni. As a result, the rest of his lives were corrupt and their powers followed suit. That's why he can poison people. It must the power of his Tóutāi,"

"How long have you known?" Atlas asked.

"I suspected it as soon as I met him," He admitted, making Atlas look at him with surprise. "But when you told me about how your world works, it kind of confirmed it for me. That's why I asked you if you suspected if the 'Supreme' you know of is fake,"

"I see," Atlas replied, thinking. It made sense plus he didn't blame them for keeping the information from him. After all, they didn't really know him. "But does the fake Supreme know that Brumus is the true one?"

"I doubt that," Anatis replied. "Our fake guardian doesn't know that I'm the true Guardian so I imagine it's the same for Brumus. Lady Ombre might not have known straight away but I think she probably knows now,"

"I see," Atlas replied, frowning. "And the young lady? Will she be ok?"

"She will. I was able to heal her thanks to this world's Tóutāi but I suspect that's how she was poisoned to begin with. SinceI can channel my past lives abilities so it makes sense that Brumus can do the same. He probably channelled the power of his Tóutāi," He replied before his yoyo vibrated again. He took it out and saw it was a news reporter on a fire at the Grand Paris hotel that was spreading to the other buildings. "We need to go. Mrs Cheng, can you keep an eye on Alya until the ambulance comes?"

"Of course," She nodded, making him thank her.

"Let's go," He declared, jumping out and swinging off into the night as the other two followed. As they did, they could see the flames that were ravaging everything in their path. Anatis landed on the ground as the fire fighters continued to try and fight the flames but to their surprise and horror, the flames seemed to take the form of a monster with several heads. Anatis frowned as the fire crew couldn't get into the building. Everytime they tried, the fire got wilder. Andre ran up to him. "Mayor?"

"Anatis, Chloe, Zoe and Sabrina are still trapped inside!" He gasps, making the hero frown before throwing his yoyo up and swinging up the roof, followed closely by Lady Noire. The entire roof was on fire, causing it to be extremely hard to see and the smoke did not help.

"L-Lady Noire, I'm going to take to the sky and try to get this fire put out," He declared, making her nod as he took out his magicaron and turned into Astroid. "Ok, Al... I'm gonna need your help,"

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, channelling Alpheus' magic. Clouds gathered in the sky and heavy rain fell, destroying the fire hydra and putting out the flames. He flew down as Lady Noire used her cataclysm to break the door, causing fire to explode out. Luckily, Atlas pulled her back before she could get hurt by it. Seeing the room still on fire, Astroid moved his hand, redirecting some of the water inside and putting it out, allowing Atlas and Lady Noire to rush in and carry a very injured Chloe and Sabrina out. Astroid fell over and turned back into Anatis as the two other heroes gently placed them on the ground. Both girls had several burns and bruises around their neck. Chloe's nose looked broken as well.

"Can you heal them?" Atlas asked as Anatis knelt down and checked that they were alive.

"I'm not sure," He answered honestly, gently placing his hand on Sabrina first as her wounds were the worst. He took a deep breath and focused but he couldn't. Instead he felt dizzy and his vision blurred, causing him to grip his head. However, the feeling around him changed as someone gently placed their hand on his shoulder, making him look up as Lady Noire grinned and Atlas gasped.

"Tóutāi?" He asked, surprised before he looked behind him. Sir Rene in his rabbit form waved at him as Tóutāi gently knelt down and took over the healing. Sabrina gasped awake once he had healed her and moved onto Chloe as Sir Rene walked over and knelt down, gently placing his hand on Anatis' shoulder. "Sir Rene, how did...?"

"Feng sent us a message," He replied, making Anatis nod before he looked over at the other two. Lady Noire wasn't surprised but Atlas was shocked. Sir Rene gave them a nod before he turned back to Anatis. "He has a message for you too but he couldn't reach you so he asked me to grab Tóutāi and come find you,"

"It's probably my lack of spiritual energy," Anatis mumbled, making Rene nod. "What's the message?"

"He said to take it easy on the magic," He replied as Tóutāi healed Chloe. "He also said that the miraculous presences before you are the keys to success and while Brumus reflects you in most ways, there is one way he doesn't,"

"Riddles as usual," He sighed, making Rene shrug. "Thanks, Rene,"

"Anatis!" Chloe gasped as soon as Tóutāi had finished healing her. She jumped and rushed over. "They took Zoe!"

"Zoe?" He asked, frowning. "Do you know where?"

"I don't know," She gasped, tears in her eyes. "I tried to stop them but..."

"It's ok," Anatis replied, gently placing his hands on her shoulder. "You did good, Chloe and don't worry. We will save her. Rene, Tóutāi. Can you bring these two down to Andre and the firefighters? Lady Noire, Atlas. We need to catch up to Brumus and Lady Ombre before they leave more chaos in their wake,"

"Of course," All four answered but before Anatis left, Rene and Tóutāi stopped him.

"We will temporarily lend you some spiritual energy," Tóutāi replied as Rene nodded.

"But still try to go easy on the magic," Rene advised, causing Anatis to nod. They held up their hands and he carefully pressed his against them, causing all three to glow gold before it faded. "It will only last for a few hours,"

"But it should help against them," Tóutāi concluded. "I'll check in on Alya too,"

"Thanks, Tóutāi," Anatis smiled before running back over to the other two. "Let's go,"

~At the Eiffel Tower~

"Tell me everything," Brumus ordered, holding Zoe over the edge of the top of the Eiffel tower, ready to drop her. Lady Ombre was sat on the rail, happily watching his interrogation. "You were part of a cult, yes? Tell me about it,"

"I d-don't remember anything about it! Only that I was part of it!" She gasped, terrified. He rolled his eyes as the wind whipped around them. "I swear! They brainwashed me!"

"You don't want to lie to me, Zoe,"

"I'm not!" She cried, tears rolling down her face. "I swear!"

"Fine," He growled. "Who is Anatis' enemy?!"

"H-Hawkmoth!" She gasped, making him smirk. Now they were getting somewhere.

"That explains the butterfly," He muttered, turning back to her. "His identity! What is it?!"

"I don't know!" She cried again. He growled and loosened his grip a little. She screamed and tried to grab onto his arm. "No! Please! I'm telling the truth! No one knows who he is! Not even Anatis!"

"Oooh, a secret identity," Lady Ombre smirked.

"Does he have any allies?" Brumus asked, keeping his grip loose.

"M-Mayura but she hasn't been seen for ages!" She gasped, making him roll his eyes and loosen his grip again. "Wait!! I k-know someone who would help you!"

"I'm listening,"

"L-Lila Rossi," She gasped, making him roll his eyes as Lady Ombre groaned. Of all the people to deal with it, it just had to be that goody two shoes. Brumus took a deep breath and reminded himself that she isn't good in this world. He just hoped that she wasn't as annoying. "I d-don't know if she works with H-Hawk Moth but she h-hates Anatis,"

"And how do you know this?" He asked. "Wouldn't she be on his side?"

"C-Chloe and Marinette told me," She gasped, making him growl at the name of his ex. "I s-swear I'm telling the truth!"

"Where can we find her?" Lady Ombre asked, jumping down and smirking at her. "Speak quickly. I'm sure Cockroach is getting tired,"

"So tired,"

"S-she lives opposite the park! That's all I know!"

"You've done well, Zoe," He smiled, sending shivers down her spine. His eyes moved behind her and his mouth stretched into a smirk. "I just have one last thing for you to do,"

"Brumus!" Anatis' voice echoed, making her feel relieved. Lady Ombre smirked and got ready to fight the heroes but Brumus shook his head, making her look at him. "Put her down!"

"Keep the heroes distracted for me," He whispered to Zoe before he looked back at them. "You really should think about your words, Anatis,"

He smirked before letting off her neck, causing her to scream as she plummet down towards the ground. Anatis dived down after her as his Partner and Atlas charged at him.

"Want me to deal with them?" Lady Ombre asked, making him smirk and hold out his hand, telling her to leave it to him. "Ok,"

"Kakos, lend me your power," He declared, causing a storm to burst into the sky and lightning strikes to aim repeatedly at Lady Noire and Atlas. He laughed evilly before saluting to them. "Don't worry, Atlas. We'll catch up soon! Fleabag, let's go!"

He swung off and headed towards the park with Lady Ombre on his tail. They both landed on the rooftop and looked around, seeing Lila leaving the park as a black car drove off. Seeing his chance, he jumped down and landed in front of her, causing her to jump back in surprise and fall down. She stared at him with shock as he straightened up. Lady Ombre landed next to him and circled her, making her gasp and jump up.

"You are Lila Rossi, yes?" He asked, making her nod as Lady Ombre moved over to him. "I'm Brumus. This is Lady Ombre,

"Hello, pleased to meet you," She smiled, putting on her false persona. The two villains rolled her eyes, surprising her. "So... is there something I can help you with?"

"Oh, I believe you can," He replied, gently letting go of her hand. "I believe we share a common enemy-"

"Brumus!" Anatis called out, swinging over and making him roll his eyes. Lila couldn't help but giggle a little. "Step away from Miss Rossi,"

"Anatis, you have the worst time!" He declared, turning to him and throwing up his yoyo. "Lucky charm!"

A car was summoned and Lady Ombre jumped up, kicking it towards Anatis. He managed to dodge it but Brumus slammed his fist into his face, sending him flying before he threw his yoyo, causing it to wrap around Anatis' ankle. He dragged him back over to Lady Ombre, causing her to kick him towards him. He slammed him into the ground before stalking over. He roughly grabbed Anatis around the neck and lifted him up, causing him to struggle as he choked him before he literally slammed him into the ground again. He kept Anatis pinned with one hand, still choking him and causing Anatis to try and pull his hand off him.

"Lucky charm!" He summoned a knife and caught it, smirking evilly as he did. "Time to get rid of you, Pest!"

Both Lila and Lady Ombre couldn't help but grin excitedly as he lifted it above his head, causing Anatis' eyes to widen in fear but before he could, Lady Noire jumped down.

"Screech!" She declared, activating her power before she took a deep breath and screamed out, sending shock waves from her voice and throwing Brumus off Anatis. He managed to recollect himself and land on the ground as Lady Ombre charged at her before he jolted her, trying to swipe his blade at Lady Ombre. Atlas ran over and helped Anatis up as Lila watched all of it with sheer excitement. Lady Noir blocked his attack with her baton and managed to land a kick, knocking him back before dodging Lady Ombre's attack. 

"Stupid cat!" He growled before smirking and jumping back. "Fine, you think you can handle me! Let's see how you handle this! Kakos, lend me your power!"

He held out his hand, causing massive vines to burst through the ground and charge towards Lady Noire. She managed to destroy them but they kept coming at her. Seeing his chance, Brumus took his knife and moved behind her, going to stab her as Lady Ombre summoned her cataclysm, ready to hit her.

"Lady Noire! Watch out!" Anatis called out, causing her to turn around as Brumus brought his knife down. Atlas, however, let go of Anatis and pushed her out the way, narrowly missing the blade himself and Lady Ombre's attack. He and Lady Noire landed on the ground as Brumus began to stalk over to them, causing Atlas to crawl from him. Lady Ombre stopped Lady Noire as she tried to help him.

"You stupid butterfly!" He snarled, holding out his hand and summoning another lucky charm. This time it was a large hammer and he slammed it down, causing Atlas to jump out of the way.

"Brumus, please. I know you're the Supreme but you don't have to be evil!" He gasped, making him laugh. "I know about the fake supreme and how they are using you for their own goals. You can guide humanity towards the light-"

"Light?!" Brumus snarled before laughing. "I don't care about the light, humanity or any of that crap!"

He slammed the hammer towards Atlas but Anatis threw his yoyo, wrapping it around it and pulling it from his hand.

"Lucky charm!" Brumus declared, causing the Hammer to disappear and a new weapon to appear in his hand. He smirked as he walked towards him, causing Anatis to step back. "Don't you get it, Annie? I can do this all day! There's no beating me! I am the Supreme and you will bow down to me!"

Anatis' back hit the rails as Brumus smirked but Anatis returned to the smirk to his counterpart's shock.

"I'm not giving up hope," He declared, opening up his yoyo and holding it up to the sky as a bright light burst from it. Brumus screeched and covered his eyes, jumping back into the shadows as Anatis held his yoyo high up. He stepped forward, causing Brumus to back away. Anatis stepped closer but Lady Ombre dived at him, causing him to jump back before Lady Noire tackled her. However, it gave Brumus enough time to recover. He quickly attacked and slammed his fist in Anatis' cheek, knocking the yoyo out of his hand and causing the light to disappear.

"Lucky charm!" He declared, summoning a flash bang. He released it, dazing the heroes. With them distracted, he ran over to Lila and threw her over his shoulder, causing her to cry out in surprise as Lady Ombre kicked Lady Noire back and ran over to him. He threw his yoyo and jumped up to the rooftops before jumping down and heading to the catacombs with Lady Ombre following. Once there, he dropped Lila on the floor with little care. Lady Ombre landed next to him and glared at Lila. "Our apologies,"

"Um... Forgiven," She grinned, clearly not impressed with being dropped but not wanting to get on their bad side. She got up and dusted herself down before she walked up to him, circling him before she moved over to Lady Ombre, who hissed a little. "Are you two akumas?"

"No," He replied, surprising her even more.

"So how do you have the same powers as that pest and the fleabag?" She asked, glancing at him as she showed her disdain towards their hero counterparts. "You even have a beetle theme too but you both seem far more fun than they are,"

"I'm glad you think so," He smirks, turning to some of the skulls. He held up his hand, causing a strange shadow-like thing to appear from it and connect to the skull. The skull crumbled to dust as he seemed to absorb it before he turned back to her. She raised an eyebrow as Lady Ombre looked at her nails. "As I was saying before we were so rudely interrupted, I am Brumus, this Lady Ombre and we have an offer for you,"

"For me?" She asked, surprised before she smirked. "I'm listening,"

"I thought you might," He smirked. "We need to get in contact with the one called Hawkmoth and I heard you're the person to go to for that,"

"And why would I do that?" She asked, crossing her arms. "Assuming that I can,"

"You hate him, don't you?" Lady Ombre stated, making her look at him. "Well, me and Cockroach can help you destroy him but in return you have got us in contact with the butterfly man. Capre?"

"Really?" She asked in a doubtful manner. "You can do that?"

"We can," He replied, smirking. "You don't have to but what have you got to lose? It's not like your life will change if you don't but if you do... we will destroy those useless heroes. Surely, that would be worth the tiny favour of getting us in contact with Hawkmoth,"

"And why would I do that?" She asked, clearly not sure. He gripped her chin suddenly, making her look at him as his eyes glowed a little. A light blush came across her cheeks. She didn't realise he was seeing her life.

"I think that's a sweet deal," He stated. "You get to see his fall and reclaim your kingdom of lies while he falls,"

"I'm not-"

"A liar?" He asked, smirking as he let go of her chin. "Of course, you are and why shouldn't you?"

His words surprised her. She was expecting him to hate lies like Anatis.

"The way I see it is that it's not your fault if people are dumb sheep and why shouldn't you take advantage of that?" He asked, making her hear exactly what she wanted. "They're so willing to give so a smart person would take what they have. And why shouldn't you? It's not your fault that they are stupid enough to fall for your lies,"

"And all you want is for me to introduce you to Hawkmoth?" She asked, making him nod. Lady Ombre couldn't help but be impressed at how easily he got Lila to consider. "And in return, you'll destroy the heroes and give me back what is rightfully mine?"

"You can have it all. Hell, we'll even be partners but you have to do me that little favour first," He replied, holding out his hand. "Do we have a deal, Lila?"

"You have a deal," She grinned, shaking his hand before taking out her phone and going through it. "Damn it... I don't have a signal,"

"Let's return to the surface," He replied, making her nod before they headed up there. As soon as they reached it, she got a signal. She pressed the green phone button and held it up to her ear as he leaned on the gate to the catacombs.

"It's me," She stated, walking a little away from him and Lady Ombre. He raised an eyebrow as he heard the other person shouting on the other side. "I know but I have an offer for you that you won't want to miss,"

"Do you trust her?" Lady Ombre asked, making him smirk.

"Of course not," He replied, turning to her. "But the moment she becomes useless to us, we'll dispose of her,"

Lady Ombre smirked as Lila nodded.

"Ok, we'll meet you there in five minutes," She stated, hanging up and turning to Brumus and Lady Ombre. "Do you know where Arc de Triomphe is?"

~At Arc de Triomphe~

"Sir, are you sure this isn't a trap?" Natalie asked as Hawkmoth waited for Lila. She promised that he wouldn't regret it and he had a feeling that it was linked into the dark heart he sensed early. Su Han and Simme had joined them as well as they waited. Simme was playing with some pigeons while Su Han was glaring at Natalie. She was hidden in the shadows in case it was a trap. He was looking at the ground, wondering how long it would take her to get there. "Sir?"

"That is why I have an akuma ready," He replied. "But Lila hasn't let me down yet,"

"But Anatis might have-" Natalie gasped before coughing. Despite not using the peacock miraculous for a while now, she was still extremely sick. "Anatis-"

"If it is a trick, I'll defeat him," Hawkmoth replied, narrowing his eyes as he saw something approaching from the rooftops. He got his cane ready as it got closer before the people suddenly landed in front of them. One of them was holding Lila in his arms. He put her down, allowing her to dust herself down. "Miss Rossi?"

"Hawk Moth," She smirked before turning to the young man and the young lady next to her. Hawkmoth turned his attention to him. He could only be described as a dark reflection of Anatis. "Allow me to introduce you two. Hawkmoth, this is Brumus and Lady Ombre. Brumus, Lady Ombre... this is Hawk Moth. You'll keep your deal right?"

"Of course, Partner," The dark Anatis... Brumus... said, making her smirk in pure delight as he moved past her and circled around Hawkmoth, who could sense a dark vibe off him. His Partner Lady Ombre hissed at Su Han, making him glare at her. "Fleabag, behave... so you're the butterfly man?"

"I am indeed," He replied, a little confused as Brumus moved past him and over to Su Han.

"You're stink of death," He hissed, catching Su Han off guard as he moved on, stopping in front of Natalie. "And Death is following you... ah... now that's familiar,"

He walked over to Simme with no fear, surprising almost everyone there. Apart from Lady Ombre.

"Pigeons? How disgusting," He stated, getting the spirit's attention. "Try Swans. Their souls are so much more delicious,"

"I'll keep that in mind, Dark One," Simme hissed back, completely relaxed much to everyone's surprise. Brumus smirked back before walking back over to Hawkmoth.

"You two. Leave," He declared to Su Han and Natatlie. "I have no interest in those with no futures,"

"How dare-" Su Han stated but Brumus' eyes turned the same colour as Simme's and the sky got darker. "Yo-You're the Mage,"

"No, I'm the Supreme," He declared. "Learn your place, monk,"

His eyes turned back to the lifeless blue before he smirked and shooed them with his hand.

"Leave," Hawkmoth ordered, causing Su Han and Natalie to leave. Lila and Lady Ombre went to but Brumus shook his head, making both girls stop. "What do you want, Brumus?"

"I propose an alliance between us," He stated. "You want to take down Anatis and his mangy cat and I want to take Atlas,"

"Enemy of my enemy is my friend," Hawkmoth replied, smirking as he held out his hand. Brumus took it and shook it. "How delightful. It seems we're going to get along just fine. Do you have a plan in mind or do I have to do that?"

"Humor me. I'm curious as to what you will come up with,"

"Very well," He replied, smirking as he already had an idea. "My plan is simple,"

~Back at the Park~

"Annie, are you ok?" Lady Noire gasped as she waved her hand, getting rid of the smoke. Atlas helped Anatis to his feet and frowned as she walked over. "Where's Lila?"

"They must have grabbed her in the confusion," Anatis sighed before turning to Lady Noire. "I'm alright though. Are you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," She nodded, causing relief to flood into Anatis' eyes before she took a breath. "But we need to find Lila. She will willingly help them,"

"She will?" Atlas asked, a little surprised. "Why?"

"To put it frankly, she hates us," Anatis sighed, looking down. "She has willingly been akumatized, helped create akumas and I'm sure she's in league with Hawkmoth..."

His eyes widened as he realised.

"That must be why they went after her," He gasped, making Lady Noir's eyes widen as she realised. "They're going to team up with Hawkmoth! We have to stop them!"

"Oh no," Lady Noire gasped as Atlas frowned. The two of them went to jump away but stopped when he cleared his throat.

"I know you want to chase after her but they might have set up a trap for us," He pointed out. Lady Noir made an expression that told him she was considering it and her emotions matched but Anatis' emotions were wild and panicked. He stepped forward.

"Atlas, we have to catch up with them!" He gasped, panic clear in his eyes. "I can't let them team up! I have to stop them!"

Before either of them could argue, Anatis turned and threw his yoyo, pulling himself up onto the rooftops and disappearing into the city. Lady Noir frowned and looked at Atlas before the two of them nodded and chased after him...

~Meanwhile~

Anatis ran as fast as he could, trying to keep an eye out for Lila and his evil counterpart but no matter where he looked, he just couldn't find them. Feeling his panic rise even more as he searched the Eiffel tower for the third time, he slipped down onto his knees.

"No, no, no. I can't fail again!" He gasped as a buzzing sound surrounded him and his panic came down, crushing him. His breathing got heavy as he felt himself being dragged back into that deep ocean that haunted his dreams. He felt like he was drowning as his heart raced and pounded. He gripped his hair as tears rolled down his cheeks. He couldn't fail again. He had failed to save Mila. He had failed to protect Master Fu. He was a failure. He didn't deserve to be the mage. He was-

"Cataclysm!" Lady Noir's voice shouted, causing him to look up as the akuma that had being so close to him turned to dust. Atlas landed next to her as Anatis stared in shock. She dusted her hand and knelt down. He went to open his mouth but she pulled him against her into a hug as he shook. He had nearly be akumatized. Not as Luka but as Anatis. Tears rolled down his cheeks again as she held him. "It's ok, Anatis. I'm here,"

"I-I'm sorry," He gasped as she rubbed his back. Atlas frowned and stepped forward, gently placing his hand on him. He looked up as he wiped his eyes. "I'm so sorry, Atlas. You came here looking for help..."

He paused and then whispered in a small voice.

"Y-you must be so disappointed..."

"On the contrary," He replied, making Anatis look at him in surprise. "It is good to see this world has such a kind soul guiding it. You believe they will team up with Hawk Moth but they still need to find him,"

"What are you suggesting?" Anatis asked, wiping his eyes. 

"Let me try and talk to him," Atlas suggested, making them both look at him like he's crazy. "I know I might not be able to get through to him but there's a small chance and this can also give you a chance to take a step back and sort yourself out, Anatis plus I might be able to learn a bit about him,"

"No, Hawk Moth-" Anatis started but Lady Noir gently placed her finger on his lips, making him look at her before she looked at Atlas.

"Go," She stated, making Atlas nod and jump off. Anatis looked at her. "He'll come back but right now, you're my concern,"

"B-But what if he teams up with Hawkmoth?" He asked, looking down. "Or if Brumus attacks him,"

"Somehow I think he has escaped," She replied, rubbing his back to calm him down.

~At Arc de Triomphe~

Atlas came to a stop on a rooftop and hid behind a wall on it as he approached where Hawkmoth was. The villain was pacing in front of Lady Ombre, Brumus and the girl who the heroes had called Lila. A strangely dressed man was nearby and the shadows near him seemed to move. Atlas frowned as Brumus stood up and seemed to talk with the villain. He could see why Anatis was worried. Brumus was clever and dangerous even without being the Supreme. The Supreme Cult thought they had a leash on him but he suspected he had been playing them for a while. He frowned and moved back, reaching into his cane and taking out a second brooch shaped as a peacock's tail. He had to repair it and it took a lot to find out how but he managed to steal the spell from one of the guardians. At the time, he thought he was stealing it directly from the Supreme and saw it as a f you to him but now he knew the truth. The Cult had killed his wife, not the Supreme and the real Supreme was a young teenage boy who was probably scared and alone in the world. He wanted to reach out and help Brumus realise that he didn't have to be evil. Their world didn't have to be dark but right now, Brumus was one of the villains he was fighting. He would appeal to him once he had captured him and Lady Ombre. He put the brooch on, causing a peacock kwami to appear. Unlike Nooroo, she had a symbol trapped on her mouth.

"Hello there," He smiled as she shied away. "I'm Atlas and I need your help to save the world. Nooroo has told me your transformation words for this moment but I would like your permission to use them. Is that ok?"

The kwami looked at him before nodding.

"Excellent," He replied, smiling as he cupped her into his hands. "In return, I will find a way to get that seal of you,"

She nodded happily, making him smile.

"Ok then," He replied as she floated up. "Nooroo, Dusuu, unite!"

A light purple and blue light surrounded him, turning him into a merged version. He was still wearing his suit but the tail coat had increased to resemble a peacock feathers and he had a cape that resembled a butterfly's wings. His mask was half blue and half purple and in his left hand was a fan. His eyes had turned purple but the whites of his eyes remained that colour. The last thing that had appeared was a peacock feather in his hair. He put his cane on his back and plucked out a feather from the fan. He closed his fist around it and charged it up with his power.

"Now, My Sweet Luci, bring my hope to life," He whispered, placing it into his glove. A blue blob appeared and he began to shape it, turning it into a humanoid form before it dissolved, revealing an exact copy of Atlas in front of him. He gave it the information it needed before glancing from behind the wall. The supervillain that Anatis had called Hawk Moth was still talking to Brumus but he had noticed that Lady Ombre and the other girl had gone. "Ok, Atlas. Approach closer and listen in to the conversation. As soon as Brumus has left, try to make contact,"

"Of course, Inachis," It replied before jumping over and finding a hiding spot that was close enough for them to hear. Atlas frowned as he listened to Hawkmoth's plan before making a mental note to explain it to Anatis. 

"So that's it?" Brumus asked, holding his chin as he thought out the plan. Hawkmoth nodded, making him smile. "I think it would work. That Anatis has such a hero complex that he'll have to try and stop us,"

"Exactly my thoughts," He replied, frowning. "I am disappointed that my akuma couldn't reach him though,"

"You win some, you lose some," Brumus replied, shrugging. "I'll go get the girls and bring them up to speed,"

"Very good," Hawkmoth replied as Brumus jumped away. Seeing his chance, Senti-Atlas jumped over and cleared his throat, causing Hawkmoth to spin around. Atlas, himself, shuddered at the look of the man. He looked awful in his design and judging by Hawkmoth's expression, he was thinking the same thing. "You must be my counterpart? Atlas was it?"

"That is correct," He replied, speaking through the senti creature. "I am here to ask you to reconsider working with Brumus. He is extremely dangerous and working with him will only bring him ruin. I suspect that I know why you're doing this but this is not the way,"

"And what would you know about 'the way'?" Hawkmoth questioned, stepping closer. "You could easily seize control of the world with your miraculous but you are clearly too weak to. I suspect that our motivations are the same but unlike you, I will do anything to bring my Emile back to life. You clearly won't. Otherwise, we would not be having this conversation,"

"So you did lose her too?" Inachis responded, saddened. "We both share that pain but bringing her back and being a villain is not the way to go,"

"So you admit you've given up on her?" Hawkmoth growled, making Inachis shake his head. "You know full well that if we get the miraculous, we can bring her back. Can you truly say that thought hasn't crossed your mind?"

"Of course, it has," Inachis growled, causing the Senticreature to step forward. "I have thought about it but everything comes at a price. If I were to wish for my Emile back then someone else would have to lose theirs. I can't wish that on anyone. It wouldn't cure my pain. It would just pass it onto someone else and the cycle would never end,"

Hawkmoth remained quiet for a second and for that moment, Inachis thought he might have gotten through to him but then a horrible smirk appeared on his face.

"You are pathetic," He stated, making Inachis stare at him. "So what if the pain 'passes' on?! As long as I get her back, I don't care how! I will bend and break everything whatever must be broken until she opens her eyes again! I will stop at nothing to get those miraculous and bring her back! And if that doesn't work then I'll find and force the Mage to resurrect her! I know he has the power to as he can resurrect himself! And you would do the same if you weren't too weak!"

"Having compassion and acceptance is not weak!" Inachis argued back but he knew he was talking to a lost cause. Hawk Moth smirked as a yoyo wrapped around the senti creature's torso as Brumus returned.

"I told you he would turn up," Hawkmoth stated as Brumus stepped forward and went to grab the miraculous of the Senticreature but stopped. "Brumus?"

"This isn't the real Atlas," He stated, glancing around. Meanwhile, Inachis had already jumped across to a different rooftop and snapped his fingers, causing the SentiAtlas to disappear before he jumped off. "A senticreature?!"

"So he has the peacock miraculous?" Hawkmoth answered, frowning. He really was his other world counterpart. He shook his head. "Nevermind that. The plan can still work,"

He opened his cane, allowing an akuma to fly out. He held out his hand, allowing it to land in his hand. He charged it up as Lila stepped forward before placing it into her necklace. The psychic connection opened as he smirked.

"Miracle Queen, not only do I return to you your powers of illusion and mind control but I also give you some extra powers to help capture Anatis and Lady Noir," He explained as she smirked. "Do you accept my gifts?"

"Of course, Hawk Moth," She declared before holding out her arms and allowing the purple smog to engulf her before it disappeared, revealing Miracle Queen. She took out her flute and played a tune on it, causing a ball of light to appear at the end before she threw it into the sky. It burst and in a glow of orange, two giant illusions of Brumus and Lady Ombre appeared. She smirked and turned to them. "That will lure them out then once they're here, we will complete the plan,"

"As you wish, my good queen," Lady Ombre grinned, ready to take them on.

~Meanwhile~

Inachis landed back in front of Anatis and Lady Noir, who had waited patiently for him. Anatis was leaning into Lady Noir as she stroked his hair, humming gently and keeping him calm. To his surprise, Anatis glanced up as he landed in front of him, as if he expected him to land there. It didn't surprise him. He called off the duo transformation and caught Duusu before giving her a cookie.

"I wasn't able to get through to Hawkmoth," He sighed, looking at the sky. "He is too far gone but I was able to learn their plan. He's turned that Lila girl into a villain called Miracle Queen,"

"No, no... how can we defeat her?!" Anatis gasped, jumping up. "Last time, she almost won. I almost killed Lady Noire because of her!"

"Annie, deep breathes," Lady Noir stated, jumping and taking her hands in his. He looked at her and nodded, taking deep breaths as she looked to Atlas. "What else did you learn?"

"Hawkmoth gave her extra powers," He explains, making Lady Noir frown deeply. "From what I heard he's given her four extra abilities. The ability to duplicate herself, to paralyses her enemies, to teleport and to make herself invisible,"

"That makes her even harder than before," Lady Noir admitted as the colour drained from Anatis' face. "But you heard their plan right?"

"I did," Atlas confirmed, nodding. "They intend to lure you two out using an illusion of Brumus and Lady Ombre as akumatized giants. Once you two have split up to chase the giants, Miracle Queen will use her new abilities to capture you,"

"H-How do we even counter that?!" Anatis gasped, looking panicked as he gripped his head. "No matter what I do, I just can't think of a solution,"

Lady Noir gently takes his hands in hers, causing him to look at her as her touch instantly calmed him down. Atlas couldn't help but admire their relationship. He also couldn't help the strike of inspiration for a couple's outfit based on them.

"Maybe we just need a little bit of luck," She hinted, making him nod before he took out his yoyo. He hoped Tikki's guidance would help him.

"Lucky charm!" He called, causing his outfit to change as he summoned the item. The swarm of magical bugs burst into an item that fell towards Anatis. He caught it, causing all of them to look at it. "A scrying mirror...."

"Tikki only ever gives you that when Feng can give you a hint," Lady Noir points out, making him nod as Atlas gave him a confused look. "Spirit stuff,"

"Oh," He replied as Anatis lifted in the mirror so he could look in it. For a moment, he just saw himself but soon Feng appeared behind him with a soft smile.

"I don't know what to do," He whispered. His voice sounded so vulnerable and raw that it tugged at Atlas and Lady Noir's hearts. "Brumus is so much more powerful than I am. He's ruthless and now he's teamed up with Miracle Queen and Hawkmoth given her so many new powers. No matter what, I just can't see a solution. How can I defeat him when I can't even defeat my own enemy?"

Brumus is your reflection in many ways but there is one way where you differ from each other.... Feng's voice echoed in his mind, making him frown. This difference and the miraculous before you are how you overcome this trial...

"But what do I do?" Luka asked, finding himself standing in front of Feng. "It seems impossible and I don't know how to solve your riddles,"

"Nothing is impossible," Feng stated, gently placing his hand on his shoulder. "But I know you're having a hard time right now so I'll give you a hint...."

You're not alone.

Anatis blinked as he found himself back with Atlas and Lady Noir. Both of them looked at him with a little bit of worry. He glanced at the mirror in his hand. Feng had faded away but Anatis could still feel his hand on his shoulder, reminding him that he was not alone. His eyes widened as it suddenly became clear. Yes, Brumus was very powerful and the two of them reflected each other but there was one difference between them. Anatis wasn't alone where Brumus was. Sure, he might have Lady Ombre but that's it for him. Brumus only had one person on his side where Anatis had Lady Noir, his melody, his team and his past lives. He wasn't alone.

"Annie?" Lady Noir asked as he looked around. The yoyo in his hand lit up in his luck vision before he looked up, causing the butterfly miraculous light up then Lady Noir and Atlas. "You good?"

"I'm not alone," He smiled, making them both look at him with confusion. "And I have a plan but first, I need to let Tikki take a break,"

He made the mirror disappear and moved behind a wall where the two of them couldn't see each other. Atlas looked at Lady Noir as a pink glow appeared but she grinned and turned to the wall that Anatis was behind.

"Want to explain?" She asked, making Atlas nod.

"It's simple really," Luka stated from behind the wall as he waited for Tikki to eat her cookie. "Brumus has no one. He is alone,"

"But what about Lady Ombre?" Atlas asked. "She seems devoted to him and aren't they equals?"

"Not quite," Luka replied. "Despite having her as a partner, he is still alone. The reason? He doesn't see her as his partner or an equal. He's exploiting the fact that she is devoted to him but for him, that's as far as it goes. I would even bet that if she failed or wasn't as powerful as she is, he would drop her. It's the same with Hawkmoth and Miracle Queen. He is using them to further his own goal. Anyway, I have a plan that will protect us from Miracle Queen since she is the biggest issue right now. Wanna hear it?"

"We're all ears, Anatis," Atlas replied as the pink glow reappeared and Anatis stepped out again.

"Ok," He replies before clearing his throat. "So first of all, the miraculous of the butterfly has a limited range so we need to get far enough from Paris to be out of Hawkmoth's radius. As we do, we'll pick up Alya. She should be completely healed thanks to Toutai. Once we have her, Atlas will turn her back into Ubiquiti so she can open a portal to the other world."

The two of them nodded as they listened.

"Next, Atlas will lend me the butterfly miraculous. With it, I'll use it to create a second hero with a specially crafted super power that will protect us from Miracle Queen's abilities," He declared. "Next, we'll hide the object in which my Tenshi would have landed in the parallel world,"

"Making it inaccessible to Hawkmoth," Lady Noir gasped, making Anatis nod as Atlas listened in.

"Tenshi?" He asked, making Anatis look at him.

"Kamiko doesn't feel right for me," Anatis explained, making him nod. "With the object hidden, Hawkmoth won't be able to remove your powers in battle,"

"And my power will protect from Miracle Queen's treacherous blow!" Atlas declared, nodding. "Brilliant. Simply brilliant,"

"That's our Annie," Lady Noir grinned, giving him a high five.

"It gets better," He answered, making them look at him. "With our safety confirmed, we'll be able to deal with Miracle Queen and use her to separate Lady Ombre and Brumus. Obviously, she will use her extra powers to try and capture us when we go after the giants. More than likely, she'll send Brumus and Lady Ombre to us so they will lure us to certain areas and isolate us from each other. At that point, Miracle Queen will try to paralyse us. It will fail thanks to our guardian and then I will undo her akuma, dealing with her and Hawkmoth at the same time,"

"What do you mean her and Hawkmoth?"

"As soon as she's defeated, he'll realise we had a plan to defeat them and will run off," Anatis predicted. "Anyway, once we've got rid of her, we can take on Brumus and Lady Ombre separately. Of course, we have to make sure that no one gets hurt so I'll contact the police and let them know that a battle is about to go down. Brumus is brutal and ruthless so we're gonna need to make sure there are heroes on standby in case he tries to destroy buildings or harm anyone. If we can, we should try and naturalise him and Lady Ombre as soon as possible though. For that, I think we should have some heroes with us as well but we'll have Toutai on standby too. They won't hesitate to harm anyone so having a healer nearby would be wise,"

"You have truly thought of everything," Atlas stated. 

"And as a last touch, we'll stay in touch," Anatis smiled, taking out his ear piece as Lady Noir did the same. "The Strength of teamwork,"

~At the Arc de Triomphe~

"You said this would lure them out," Brumus growled, clearly getting impatient as Miracle Queen glanced around. Lady Ombre was clearly bored as well but Hawkmoth shook his head.

"Don't worry, they will turn up," He declared. "Anatis and Lady Noir always turn up,"

As he spoke, the four of them see Lady Noir and Anatis running with a number of their hero allies and Ubiquiti across the rooftops towards. Though Anatis wasn't in his usual form. Instead of his usual hero look, he appeared like a mysterious faerie prince. His hair is purple and black and he was dressed in a black tail coat with purple detail. Its tail resembled the wings of a butterfly and his pants were completely red. He appeared to be wearing a light purple shirt with black dots. He wore black gloves and purple boots. His yoyo was by his side and he had a cane on his back. Brumus narrowed his eyes a little as Hawkmoth smirked.

"See?" He states, gesturing towards them. "They can't help themselves. They always have to save the world,"

"Maybe so but there's more than just Anatis and Lady Noir now," Brumus stated, looking at them. "And Anatis is wearing the miraculous of the butterfly,"

"Your simple two person plan no longer works," Lady Ombre pointed out. 

"On the contrary" Hawkmoth answered, smirking. "Now it will be even simpler to seize their miraculous and the one of the butterfly. As for the holder of the butterfly, what he has done regardless of his universe, I can undo it,"

He smirked as he clicked his fingers, causing Ubiquiti to turn back into Alya. Brumus once again narrowed his eyes.

"Did you poison her?" Lady Ombre asked, confused.

"I did," He confirmed. "Anatis must have found a way to heal her... how intriguing,"

He smirked as he watched Alya apologise to Anatis and his team before they continued. Anatis, The Bee Holder and The Dragon Holder went after the giant Brumus while Lady Noir, the Turtle Holder and the Tiger Holder went after the giant Lady Ombre, causing Hawkmoth to smirk.

"Miracle Queen, you're up," He declared, making her smirk as she took over. She opened a portal for Brumus as the heroes discovered that it was an illusion before doing the same for Lady Ombre.

"See you soon, my dear good Queen," She smirked before diving into the portal as Miracle Queen smirked. Hawkmoth watched carefully as she went ahead with the next stage, using the extra powers he granted her to divide herself into two before the two Queens headed to the locations that Anatis and Lady Noir will be lured to. 

~Meanwhile~

"It was an illusion?!" Ryuko declared as she landed on the ground with Abeille. The two of them turned to look as a portal opened, revealing Brumus. He narrowed his eyes as he stalked over to them.

"Where is he?!" He snarled before throwing his yoyo at them. Ryuko jumped out of the way and charged at him as Abeille spun her spintop.

"Venom!" She declared, summoning her power as Ryuko turned into her Lightning Dragon form, diving at him. He blocked her sword with his arm and threw her into a building as Abeille dived at him. He kicked her, sending her flying before throwing his yoyo. It wrapped around her foot and he pulled her towards him as Ryuko dived back at him. He grabbed Abeille's hand and slammed her power into Ryuko, paralysing her as Abeille gasped before he slammed her into the ground.

"Where is Anatis?!" He growled, lifting her head. She didn't answer so he slammed her head into the ground again, yanking her head back up. "Where is he?!"

"I'm here, Brumus," He declared, causing Brumus to smirk and drop Abeille's head. "And it's Cinnabug actually,"

"I don't care what you call yourself," He growled, throwing his yoyo at him. Cinnabug blocked the attack with his own yoyo before the two of them engaged in a battle. While they were busy, Culpeo jumped down and picked up Abeille, taking her to Toutai who was on standby to heal anyone who might need it. While Brumus and Cinnabug fought it out, Lady Noir, Leatherback and Sabertooth were waiting to ambush Lady Ombre. As soon as her portal opened, Leatherback used his power to trap her. However, she called on her power and used it to destroy it before stalking towards him.

"Leatherback, be careful!" Lady Noir called out from the rooftop. "She can use her power with no limit,"

"What?" He called back as she charged at him with another cataclysm. He managed to use his shield with it but she was relentless, trying to hit him with it. Sabertooth sneaked behind her with his power but she managed to realise he was there. She grabbed him and threw him into Leatherback, knocking them back into a building. She went to slam her hand on it to destroy it but Lady Noir jumped down.

"Screech!" She declared, causing her outfit to change to her upgrade before she released a sonic scream, knocking her back. Lady Ombre used her arms to protect her before she smirked.

"My turn," She replied before using Screech to send Lady Noir flying into another building before she turned it to the building where Leatherback and Sabertooth were, destroying it and trapping them within it. She smirked and turned back to Lady Noir, who was pushing bricks off herself. "Finally, we can have a pawsitively clawsome cat fight!"

She dived at her, causing Lady Noir to slam her baton into her and send her flying before she jumped after her. With Lady Ombre out the way, Atrarus and Phenix Rouge jumped down to help get Leatherback and Sabertooth out of the collapsed building.

"Will they be ok facing them?" Phenix asked.

"The outcome is satisfactory," Atrarus replied, nodding. "But I will keep an eye on things,"

~Back to Anatis and Brumus~

"You think you can defeat me?!" Brumus declared, throwing his yoyo. It wrapped around Cinnabug's leg, causing Brumus to pull him close and punch him. He pulled him back again and jumped up, kicking him into a building before throwing his yoyo up in the air. "Lucky charm!"

He caught the sword that had been created and dived at Cinnabug as he pulled himself out of the broken building. He jumped out of the way, just as Brumus slammed his sword where he had been before he took out his cane sword and jumped at him. Brumus blocked the attack, causing Cinnabug to jump back onto a rooftop. Brumus dove at him again but he sent him flying, causing Cinnabug to rush to the edge of the building. He looked around and didn't see him around but he felt something behind him. He ducked as Brumus went to slice at him, causing his earpiece to fall out before he grabbed Brumus by the arm and slammed him into the ground, unintentionally breaking the earpiece. Brumus smirked and wrapped his leg around Cinnanbug's arm, pulling him down and twisting his arm.

"You are pathetic," He smirked, twisting his arm farther up as Cinnabug called out in pain. "You think you can defeat me?! You can't even defeat your own enemy!"

"At least, I have allies!" Cinnabug gasped, making Brumus growl. "You're alone-!"

"Shut up!" He growled, letting go of Cinnabug's arm and grabbing his hair, yanking up his head. Seeing his chance, Cinnabug activated his spirit eyes and grabbed Brumus' hand, causing his touch to burn him. Brumus dropped him in shock, causing Cinnabug to get up and look at him with silver eyes. "You want to use our magic to fight?! Fine by me!"

His eyes turned a copper colour and he held out his hand.

"Kakos!" He called out, using the power of his past self. "Lend me your power!"

He summoned a fire beast, directing it towards Cinnabug, causing him to jump out the way and into Miracle Queen's path. She dived at him and slammed her hand onto his back to paralyse him but Guardian's ability activated, manifesting itself as two small wings on his back before trapping her in a bunch of feathers. Cinnabug straightened up and smirked, clicking his fingers to reverse her akuma. The akuma escaped from her necklace, turning her back into Lila and destroying the other one. It flew off as it lost its colour. Brumus narrowed his eyes and jumped up, grabbing Cinnabug before he could even think before throwing him into the nearest building, which happened to be the school...

~With Lady Noir and Lady Ombre~

At exactly the same time, the other Miracle Queen was trying to paralyse Lady Noir. Lady Ombre had lured her into a rooftop, causing her to try and use her ability but Guardian's powers protected Lady Noir before Miracle Queen's akuma was undone. Lady Ombre backed up a little, clearly not expecting that. 

"What's the matter?" Lady Noir asked, playfully. "Cat got your tongue?"

"Cheater," She growled, making Lady Noir smirked before jumping off, causing Lady Ombre to chase after her. "Get back here! I'm not done with you, Kitty cat!"

"Catch me if you can!" Lady Noir asked as Lady Ombre dived at her before she jumped over to a building. "Fun fact! Cats actually don't mind water!"

"Why do I care about that?!" She responded, trying to claw her with her claws. Lady Noir jumped out of the way, leading her into the swimming pool area. 

"Well, we are in a swimming pool!" Lady Noir responded as Lady Ombre dived in and looked around before she kicked her and sent her flying into the swimming pool. She managed to recover and dived at her. "Also did you know that viewing one's doppelganger is bad luck? But the question is which one of us is going to be affected?"

"I don't care for your stupid trivia!" She growled. "'It's not like my luck can't get any worse than it already is! Now give me your miraculous!"

Lady Noir jumped up to the diving board, causing Lady Ombre to follow her. She grabbed her leg and threw her down into the pool before diving at her. Lady Noir dived out of the way as she tried to get her.

"Why do you have to have a miraculous you already hold?" She asked, causing Lady Ombre to growl.

"Don't you know?!" She demanded, as Lady Noir hid behind one of the pillars. She dived over and glanced around. "We can make a wish if we merge ours with the Ladybug's,"

"So you need Brumus' miraculous," Lady Noir declared, diving at her again. Lady Ombre blocked her attack and threw her back before kicking her baton out of her hands. "Not mine!"

"Ours don't work," Lady Ombre declared, catching her baton. "But with yours!"

"No!" Lady Noir declared, diving at her and pinning her down. "You have no idea! Merging these two miraculous is too powerful! There would be a great price to pay!"

"Nothing is too powerful!" She declared, throwing Lady Noir off her before she stalked over. "And no price is too great to pay if it would free me from my pain!"

"Your pain?" Lady Noir asked, confused.

"Don't you get it?!" Lady Ombre growled as she stalked over. "There are no awesome girlfriends to inspire me every day! No amazing BBF, let alone a calm and gentle mum or a boyfriend who doesn't think I'm a total loser!"

Lady Noir looked at her with an expression crossed between surprise and sorrow.

"You ready my secret diary?" She asked as Lady Ombre pointed her own baton at her.

"Of course, I read it!" She screamed. "How could I not?! Your life is so much better than mine!"

"It's no-"

"It is!" She screamed as she summoned a cataclysm and went to slam it into her chest but before she could, Lady Noir called off her transformation, turning into Marinette. Lady Ombre stopped and stared at her with shock.

"See?" She stated. Lady Ombre stared at her with complete shock as Marinette stared back at her. "I get it,"

"No, you don't!" She gasped. "Don't pretend to be me! You know nothing of pain!"

"If you read my diary then you know it's not true," Marinette answered. "I suffered too. I was angry as well and scared. I still struggle with this every day but you don't need any magic jewels. Powers didn't change who I was. I changed who I was. I decided to do better and be better. That I could help and fix what was wrong. I'm sure you could as well,"

"... I can't..." She admits, looking down. "It's not just about me. It's about Brumus as well. I want to help him!"

"I admire that but-" Marinette started but she stopped speaking as someone jumped down, stopping their fight. Lady Ombre hissed and held her baton but Marinette sat up. "Sir Rene?"

"You both need to get to Brumus and Cinnabug right now," He declared, making her look at him with concern. "Me and Toutai both sensed something is about to happen,"

"Is Brumus in danger?!" She asked.

"I think so," Marinette declared, holding out her hand. "Truce?"

"Truce!" She declared, giving her back her miraculous. Marinette retransformed after making sure Plagg was ok before the two of them headed out to find where Cinnabug and Brumus were.

~With Brumus and Cinnabug~

Brumus narrowed his eyes and jumped up, grabbing Cinnabug before he could even think before throwing him into the nearest building, which happened to be the school. Cinnabug pulled himself out of the debris and jumped out the way as Brumus dived at him with a sword again. He jumped down and landed on the group before throwing up his yoyo.

"Lucky charm!" He shouted, summoning the magical swarm. Another mirror fell down and he caught it, looking at it with a confused look. Brumus growled and summoned a hammer, driving at him with it. Cinnabug jumped out as he tried to hit him with it before jumping over him. "I wouldn't break it if I were. It would be seven years of bad luck you know!"

"You think it can be any different then it is now?!" Brumus snarled, changing the hammer into a massive sword before charging at Cinnabug, causing him to stumble back as he tried to avoid being hit. "Guess what?! I don't have your nice little life!"

He made the sword disappear and threw his yoyo, wrapping it around Cinnabug's leg. He yanked it, pulling Cinnabug into the air and slamming him into the canteen before he stalked through.

"In my world, I have no family who cares for me!" He declared, using his yoyo to break tables as he stalked over. "No loving mother who would do anything to protect me! No sweet little sister who looks up to me! No rockstar dad who didn't abandon me!"

"You saw my life?" Cinnabug asked. Brumus growled and threw his yoyo at him again. He used it to backhand Cinnabug, sending him flying through the window and back into the courtyard. He climbed onto the window shelf and jumped back into the courtyard. He summoned his sword again and charged at him. Cinnabug looked at him as he stood up before he looked down at his mirror as it lit up as Brumus stalked over. "Then you know we're the same, you and I?"

"Are you kidding?! I'm the opposite to you!" He screamed as Anatis showed him his reflection. "All I've gotten is pain and suffering! That stupid cult stole me from my family and tortured me! When I finally escaped, my own mother refused to help me! No one helped me or loved me! Until I was given a miraculous and finally got my true power as the Supreme! Now no one will hurt me anymore! I'll get rid of them before they can!"

He turned his sword into a smaller weapon and used it to break the mirror in Cinnabug's hand.

"So we have nothing in common!"

"We might be opposites but we do have things in common," Cinnabug stated. "I have had my fair share of pain. My stepfather tried to kill me on more than one occasion and recently I have lost my mentors..."

"I don't care!" Brumus shouted, using his yoyo to hit him again. He grabbed Cinnabug and threw him into the middle before diving at him while summoning a sword again but before he could hit him, a whip wrapped around his wrist and he was suddenly pulled back, causing him to land and glare at whoever did it. Cinnabug looked over as well as a miraculous holder that resembled Khnurn jumped down, glaring at Brumus and Cinnabug. "Who are you?!"

"You do not recognize your own past life, young Supreme?" A calm but cold voice stated, making the hairs on Cinnabug's neck stand up as a man who resembled Feng walked over but unlike Feng who wore peasant clothing and had an easy going aura, this man wore the finest silks and the aura radiating off him could only be described as terrifying. Brumus let out a growl and charged at him, causing Cinnabug to shout out but a knight in all black dived in front of him and slammed his sword into Brumus, sending him flying before he pointed his sword at his throat. Realising that this man would kill him, Brumus held his hands up. The man turned his attention to Cinnabug. "My apologies for the destruction this one has brought to your world. We'll take him back now,"

"I can't let you do that," Cinnabug stated, making the man smirk.

"Oh? You rather risk your world falling into destruction?" He asked. "That's what will happen if he stays. Trust me, I have seen it already,"

"Who are you?" Cinnabug asked, narrowing his eyes. He had an idea.

"I am Huài Shé," He responded, bowing slightly. "The first of the Supremes but somehow you knew that, didn't you, young mage?"

"I suspected," He confirmed as Lady Noir and Lady Ombre jumped in. Seeing Brumus with a sword to his throat, Lady Ombre growled and charged towards them, causing a fourth to appear. He was dressed similar to an assassin and used fans as weapons. He slammed them into her and kicked her into the wall. Lady Noir rushed over to her. The Knight in Black pulled Brumus to his feet as Lady Ombre got up and pushed Lady Noir out of the way.

"Let him go!" She snarled but the assassin-like holder grabbed her. "Unhand me!"

"I highly recommend you don't move, young lady," Huài Shé declared, making her glare at him. "Toutai has quite the talent when it comes to poisons and I doubt you'll be able to do much if you are poisoned,"

"Leave her be," Brumus declared as the Knight pulled him over. "I'll go with you,"

"Of course, you will," Huài shé replied as he turned on his heel. "Toutai, Khalid. Let's go,"

The two lowered their weapons before moving over to where Huài Shé, Brumus and the Knight who Cinnabug suspected to be their version of Sir Rene were before a portal opened up. Huài Shé entered first before the Knight pulled Brumus through, causing Lady Ombre to run over but before she could, a line of fire appeared, making her jump back.

"Brumus!" She called out, causing him to look back at her. "I'll find you!"

He said something but none was able to hear what he said before the two others entered the portal and it closed, making Cinnabug frown.

"Lady Ombre... are you ok?" He asked, causing her to look at him.

"I'm fine," She sighed, making him nod. "I just don't know how I'm gonna find him. What if they hurt him?"

"Were they...?" Lady Noir asked, making Cinnabug nod.

"That world's version of Feng, Toutai, Khnurn and Sir Rene... yep," He confirmed. "I suspect their Alpheus is who started the fire too... speaking of which,"

He held out the mirror and threw it up into the air.

"Miraculous Ladybugs!" He declared, causing the mirror to burst into the magical swarm, spreading throughout Paris fixing everything that had been destroyed. Finally, it came back to the school. It fixed it up and put out the fire before going around Lady Ombre, making her gasp as the black veins disappeared and the colour returned to her cheeks before disappearing. "Tikki believes you can do better and deserves better,"

"I..." She mumbled, looking down before the feathers on Cinnabug's back growled and Guardian appeared. "So that's how you did it,"

"I should give this back," Cinnabug replied, gently gesturing to the miraculous. "Ladies, we'll meet you near the Eiffel tower. Bring Alya. We're gonna need her,"

"Of course," Lady Noir replied, causing Lady Ombre to nod and follow her as she jumped off. Cinnabug turned to the Guardian.

"Do you want to hide behind somewhere?" He asked.

"I don't mind you knowing who I am," He replied, making Cinnabug smile and click his fingers, turning him back into his civilian form. 

"Gabriel Agreste huh?" Cinnabug replied, thinking. He couldn't help but wonder if it was the same in this world. It more than likely was but he would have to find a way to fully confirm. After all, he's suspected Gabriel has been Hawkmoth for ages but he's just never been able to find the evidence against him. He would have to work harder. "Thank you for your help, Mr Agreste,"

"The honour has been mine," He smiled gently. He was completely different from this world's version. 

"Nooroo, Tikki. Divide," Cinnabug declared, turning back into Luka. He caught both of them with one hand as they both looked exhausted before taking a cookie out for both of them. Tikki grinned and began to dig into hers as Nooroo bowed before taking it. The two kwamis began to eat the cookies as Luka sighed softly. 

"Are you ok?" Gabriel asked, gently placing his hand on his shoulder.

"I'm worried about Brumus," He admitted before bringing Gabriel up to speed. "His past lives aren't like mine so I'm worried for him and what they might do to him,"

"I understand," Gabriel stated, nodding. "Brumus may be a dangerous person but he is still a child. I will try my best to find him,"

"Thank you," He replied as the kwamis finished their cookies. Seeing them finish, Luka took off the butterfly miraculous and gave it back to Gabriel, who pinned it back to his shirt. The two of them transformed. Anatis went and collected all the miraculous he and Lady Noir had lent out before saying goodbye to Toutai and Rene before they left. With that done, he and Atlas headed to where the two cats were waiting. When they got there, they saw Lady Ombre had changed her costume a little. However, the real difference was that she no longer had cracks in her outfit and the green was more of an emerald green than a sickly green.

"I'm still going by Lady Ombre," She declared, crossing her arms as Lady Noir shook her head. "I am still Brumus' partner... but I will help take down the fake supreme,"

"I would appreciate the help," Atlas replied, making her look over. "And in return, I will help you find Brumus and rescue him,"

"You will?!" She gasped before clearing her throat. "Of course, you will,"

"It's time," Atlas smiled before turning to Alya. "Alya Cerise, if you allow me,"

She nodded, causing him to charge up his Kamiko before he let it fly over to her and land into her glasses. She transformed into Ubiquity and opened a portal to their world. Atlas turned to Anatis and Lady Noir.

"I thank you for your help," He smiled. "And I'm sure you'll be able to defeat your Hawkmoth soon,"

"Thank you, Atlas," Anatis smiled. "You helped me find something I thought I had lost,"

"Oh?" He asked, a little confused. "What would that be?"

"Hope," Anatis replied. "I know the future is uncertain but as long as I've got hope, my friends and my families, I'll be ok,"

"I'm glad I could help," Atlas replied, gently placing his hand on Anatis' shoulder. "Whatever burdens you have faced... they have not destroyed you. They have made you stronger and I believe you will only grow in power and strength. I hope we might meet again in a more positive situation,"

"I hope so too," Anatis replied, getting a nod of Atlas before he turned and waved to Lady Noir, who waved back. Lady Ombre gave them a salute before walking through the portal with Atlas. As soon as they went through, the portal closed and Ubiquity turned back into Alya as the butterfly escaped and flew off. 

"Well, I'm glad tha- ah!" Lady Noir gasped, suddenly gripping her head.

"Kitten?!" Anatis gasp as a white light overtook her before it disappeared, showing her outfit had changed slightly. Her main outfit had turned space-like, appearing like a night sky of stars. Her hair had turned bright purple. She had several glowing circles on her legs and two on her shoulders with several glowing lines. She now wore a cape and the green details of her outfit were glowing. "Lady Noir?"

"Sorry for the sudden visit," She stated, making the two of them stare. "I'll explain in a moment,"

Anatis went to open his mouth but before he could say anything, an orange portal appeared and a man dressed in a very strange costume stepped out. He had gelled back white hair and purple skin. His main outfit was a dark purple suit with a butterfly in the middle that appeared to be made out of stained glass with a different colour in every part. Anatis narrowed his eyes as he noticed he wore every single miraculous. However, Lady Noir narrowed her eyes, clearly expecting this.

"And you're not getting them here either, Monarch!" She declared, pulling back her fist and punching him back into the portal that closed seconds later. She let out a sigh and turned back to the others. "Sorry about that,"

She turned to Anatis.

"He was planning to try and steal your miraculousness so I had to stop him," She explained. "You see he's-"

"He's the butterfly holder from your world," He stated, surprising her. "And you're the Ladybug of that world,"

"Well, I'm Ladybiquity right now but yes," She replied, smiling. "You're very insightful. I can see you're a great Ladybug. What's your name?"

"I go by Anatis," He replied, making her smile. 

"Well, Anatis, your world is very lucky to have you," She replied, grinning. "Well, he's stopped now so now it's time for me to leave. Bye,"

"Good luck, Ladybiquity," He stated, making her grin before the light engulfed her again. It disappeared, returning Lady Noir to her normal form. She fell forward, causing Anatis to catch her. "You ok?"

"That was very odd," She mumbled before straightening up. Anatis couldn't help but yawn as he finally felt tired. "You should go home and sleep, Mister. I'll take Alya back to Marinette's and then pick up Marinette ok?"

He was going to argue but he yawned again and just nodded, too tired to make a counter-arguablement.

"Ok," He nodded, smiling. "Get back safely and see you both soon,"

"Bye, Anatis!" Alya yelled out as he swung off before she turned to Lady Noir. "What a night right?"

"Yep,"

~At the Liberty~

Anatis climbed through the porthole of his room and dropped his transformation, stretching and yawning as he did. Part of him was still terrified of what was to come but after meeting Atlas and Brumus, he couldn't help but be glad that he was born in this world. Throughout their whole battle, he could sense Brumus' anger and pain. He didn't doubt for one second that he had suffered and he suspected it was more than what he said. However, he also knew that he was lost and there was a high chance that he was too far gone. Part of him was reassured that even if he was akumatized, he would never be like that. He moved to his bed and flopped on it as the kwamis flew over.

"I'm tired," He mumbled to them, causing them to curl up around him. "Good night, everyone,"

They said good night to him but he didn't hear them, having drifted straight into sleep. Bennu, Nepp and Vernn lifted his blankets over him before joining the other kwamis.

~Somewhere in the Spirit Realm on the Parallel side~

"You are quite the supreme already," Huài Shé declared as Luka knelt down before him. Tikki was eating a cookie and he had a cup of tea in his hand. "Already channelling our magic without even making a connection with us,"

"I'm sorry," He mumbled, looking down.

"You mistake my tone for displeasure," Huài Shé stated, making Luka look up at him. "On the contrary, I am impressed,"

"Then why did you stop me?"

"Your present in that world would have ended up in its destruction and ours," He explained, making Luka frown. "And that is something that can not happen. I worked too hard to have my world destroyed. Speaking of which, that cult is using our title to their own gain,"

"I know but they're too powerful," Luka growled, gritting his teeth. "They have most of the miraculous and while I've gotten rid of two of their people, they still have more,"

"In that case, I will teach you how to be a true Supreme," Huài Shé declared as the other four walked over. "All of us will teach you and then you will reclaim your birthright as the true Supreme,"

"You have my thanks, Master Huài Shé," Luka smirked with a dark expression that the other Supremes reflected.

[hugsandchaos]

Final chapter of Caregiver N

N pounded hard against the window of the escape pod, but it barely did a thing. The glass was made to withstand intense blows, and he was injured and exhausted from the previous events, so the fact that his blows aren’t doing much wasn’t surprising. Although it did make N’s situation worse for him. Digital tears rolled down his screen.”NO, NO, NO, NO!!! MOM, PLEASE!!!” He screamed desperately.

His mom, who was actually a lifelong friend the same age as him and their other friends and often acted like a mom, fired another bullet with her only remaining arm at another human’s head. She glanced back at him with tears of her own threatening to break free from her yellow eyes and smiled at him. It was both a sad and hopeful smile.”Listen, N. I know it’s scary, being the first real time, but I think you’ll have to be on your own for a while. But don’t worry, it’ll all get better.” She said, trying to comfort him.

A human grabbed the disassembly drone from behind, but she was able to break free by shooting her broken wings out of her hatches. The torn metal pierced through the soldier’s body and they fell down when she brought them back into her back. She spotted a human trying to stop the launch and shot them multiple times so they wouldn’t prevent N from escaping. Hearing more soldiers coming, N’s friend knew she couldn’t beat them all. Not with her injuries. But she could enough time for her friend to escape, and that was all she wanted now. Meanwhile, N tried using his tail to stab through the pod, but the acid was working so slow that he knew that by the time he could tear a hole through, it’d be too late. He was helpless. His last friend, his only remaining family, was going to die and he couldn’t do anything. N could barely control his emotions and watched as his mother figure glanced at the hallway, and then back at him again.”Please, don’t go!!!” He cried out.

EMERGENCY POD LAUNCHING IN 10...

9...

“Don’t let them ever catch you,”

7...

6...

She turned back to the hall and her tail swished angrily,”And thank you for being in my life.”

3...

2...

1...

N shot awake and frantically glanced around the small room. He sat up in the odd structure of surprisingly soft and cool fabric things. He could see through the darkness of the basement with his advanced senses and noticed the papers with sloppy drawings and weird colored pens on the floor nearby. The walls, floor, and ceiling appeared made of stone and felt cool. Everything that happened after the incident came flooding back to him.

Somehow surviving a black hole, crashing on Earth, finding a mansion that had tons of barrels of oil in a shed, and meeting Cyn, V, J, and Tessa. The fact that his first family was still gone.

As he recounted the nightmare, N slowly began to feel like... He began to feel small. That was the best way to describe it. He felt like he was a droneling again, but this time, there weren’t any of his family members to hug and comfort him. There was no one to hide behind, there was no one to protect him. He reached a hand up and tried rubbing the faux fur on the collar of his coat in an attempt to calm himself down like he did so long ago, but it wasn’t working as well as he would’ve liked. He could practically hear the soldiers screaming and shouting. N moved into a fetal position and opened the hatches on his back, wrapping his large wings around himself to hide.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

J held the cup of oil carefully as she opened the trapdoor to the basement, trying not to spill it even though it had a lid on it to prevent it. As she turned and descended into the dark room, she was surprised to hear something. She paused to listen, and soon realized it was crying. She turned around and only barely saw N’s wings in the far left corner of the room with the limited light. J hurried her descent and placed the tall cup on the floor before she began walking towards N. Unexpectedly, his tail rose up from between his wings with the stinger pointed at her. J stopped and looked a little scared.”...N? Are you alright?” She asked. His tail slowly lowered and disappeared. His wings moved, but just enough for N to peek out at her with one of his eyes.”J?” He mumbled.

His tone reminded her of when V or Cyn regressed. At that point, it would take an idiot not to tell that he was upset. She walked closer and knelt down in front of him to be closer to eye level.“Yes, it’s me. Are you okay?” She asked. N stared at her for a moment before glancing down at the floor. At that moment, J noticed the small pink blush on his screen. Her eyes briefly widened in surprise, but then she blinked and brought herself back.“I don know...” N replied quietly.

J hummed and turned around. She didn’t notice N looking at her a little hurt as she stood and walked towards where she left the oil, or him moving his wings more to reach out as if to stop her. He didn’t say anything as he brought his arm back and frowned. Then he noticed J coming back with the cup and perked up. She sat down next to him and offered him the oil.”Here. Drink this, take a deep breath, and you can tell me what’s wrong, little buddy.” She said, speaking in a softer and sweeter tone than she usually does. N wiped the digital tears from his screen and lowered his wings down to the floor.”’M not lil.” He said as he accepted the oil.

He took a sip from the cup after opening it and J put a hand on his shoulder.”Sure, N. Don’t drink too fast.” She said. N continued drinking until it was halfway empty and set it down. After that, he tried to take a deep breath, but it was shaky and a little shallow. He took another to try again and J waited patiently.”Take your time.” She said. N tried a third time and wrapped his arms around himself again.“...I jus wanna stop tinking about it.” He said. J gave him a warm smile and leaned forward a little bit. She was really worried about what happened before she came down to the basement, but she also didn’t want to push him when he’s already upset.“That’s okay. Would you like me to go grab a book so we can read instead?” She asked. N waited a moment before nodding. J stood up.

She walked over to the ladder.”Alright, I’ll grab one of the Clifford books. Those are your favorite, right?” She asked. She turned around to see N looking a little embarrassed.”N-No!” He said. J tilted her head slightly and raised an eyebrow at him.

“...Yes, it is my favowite...” He admitted.

[actualaster]

Hey, A YouTuber Put Together Trade Codes For SV

Uhhhh...  Austin John Play I guess?  IDK, it was being shared on Twitter is where I saw it lol.  Seems like the same was done for BDSP?

Basically, you enter the 8-digit code and hope to get matched with somebody who’s got the opposite offering, the 8-digit code is the same for both X for Y and Y for X so you might end up with X for X happening or Y for Y--if so just quit out and try again.  The codes are for starters, version exclusives, and Ditto to try and swap for the Masuda Method (again, just quit out if the summary of the other Ditto says it’s the same language as yours).  (Video describing this is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqeuYcwF1xU)

Images and text version of what’s in the images are both below the cut for length, also be advised the second image (and thus text summary) contains name spoilers for certain endgame Pokemon but does not show their images.

updated to include both DLC code lists.

Updated again to include different codes I've found in use--I would assume the community in general decided to change how they were formatted to account for all the Pokémon added in the DLC and for ease of numbering. This does, however, mean that some codes are a crapshoot between "are you getting a partner using the original lists or the newer lists which assigns different pokemon to the same codes previously passed around".

To make use of these codes, enter the 8 digits as your Link Code. Keep in mind that, aside from trade evolutions, these generally are "any pokemon of this evolutionary line" so you might see somebody offering an evolved version rather than the basic pokemon.

Base Game

Version Exclusives:

Armarouge and Ceruledge is 0166 0167

0166 0167 is ALSO for ANY 'mon holding the evo items so CHECK held items before quitting out!

Stonjourner and Eiscue is 0319 0320

Oranguru and Passimian is 0313 0314

Tauros (Fire) and Tauros (Water) is 0223 0223

Stunky and Gulpin is 0227 0140

Drifloon and Misdreavus is 0143 0114

Skrelp and Clauncher os 0337 0339

Larvitar and Bagon is 0316-0276

Deino and Dreepy is 0370 0305

Great Tusk and Iron Treads is 0376 0382

Scream Tail and Iron Bundle is 0377 0383

Brute Bonnet and Iron Hands is 0378 0384

Flutter Mane and Iron Jugulis is 0379 0385

Slither Wing and Iron moth is 0380 0386

Sandy Shocks and Iron Thorns is 0381 0387

Roaring Moon and Iron Valiant is 0397 0398

Koraidon and Miraidon is 0399 0400

Starters

Sprigatito and Fuecoco is 0906 0909 [Some people are still using 0001 0004 which has apparently been reassigned to Kanto swaps]

Sprigatito and Quaxly is 0906 0912 [Some people are still using 0001 0009 which has apparently been reassigned to Kanto swaps]

Fuecoco and Quaxly is 0909 0912 [Some people are still using 004 009 which has apparently been reassigned to Kanto swaps]

Trade Evolutions

0069 0069 -- Haunter, to evolve into Gengar*

0260 0260 -- Scyther, to evolve into Scizor (NEEDS TO BE HOLDING METAL COAT)* UPDATE: [Apparently some folks are also using 2019 2019]

0324 0324 -- Slowpoke, to evolve into Slowking (NEEDS TO BE HOLDING KING'S ROCK)* UPDATE: [Apparently some folks are also using 2075 2075]

Misc.

Ditto language swap is 4448 4448 (you might also have luck with just 4448)

DLC Version Exclusives/Trade Evolutions (Teal Mask):

Gligar and Aipon is 0207 0190

Cramorant and Morpeko is 0845 0877

0533 0533 -- Gurdurr, to evolve into Conkeldurr*

0708 0708 -- Phantump, to evolve into Trevenant*

0061 0061 -- Poliwhirl, to evolve into Politoed (NEEDS TO HOLD KING'S ROCK)*

0349 0349 -- Feebas, to evolve into Milotic (NEEDS TO HOLD PRISM SCALE)*

0356 0356 -- Dusclops, to evolve into Dusknoir (NEEDS TO HOLD REAPER CLOTH)*

0075 0075 -- Graveler, to evolve into Golem* [UPDATE Some folks are also using this for the Alolan variants]

DLC Version Exclusives/Trade Evolutions (Indigo Disc)

Alolan Vulipix and Alolan Sandshrew is 2155 2157 [UPDATE some folks are also using 0027 0037, may be Alolan or not]

Craniados and Shieldon is 2107 2109 [UPDATE some folks are using 0408 0410]

Gouging Fire and Iron Boulder is 2236 2239 [UPDATE some folks are using 0120 1022]

Raging Bolt and Iron Crown is 2237 2238 [UPDATE some folks are using 1021 1023]

2054 2054 -- Seadra, to evolve into Kingdra (NEEDS TO HOLD DRAGON SCALE)* [UPDATE some folks are using 0117 0117]

2129 2129 -- Porygon, to evolve into Porygon2 (NEEDS TO BE HOLDING UPGRADE)* [UPDATE some folks are using 0137 0137]

2130 2130 -- Porygon2, to evolve into Porygon-Z (NEEDS TO BE HOLDING DUBIOUS DISC)* [UPDATE some folks are using 0233 0233]

2011 2011 -- Electabuzz, to evolve into Electivire (NEEDS TO BE HOLDING ELECTIRIZER)* [UPDATE some folks are using 0125 0125]

2014 2014 -- Magmar, to evolve into Magmortar (NEEDS TO BE HOLDING MAGMARIZER)* [UPDATE some folks are using 0126 0126]

2006 2006 -- Rhydon, to evolve into Rhyperior (NEEDS TO BE HOLDING PROTECTOR)* [UPDATE some folks are using 0112 0112]

2097 2097 -- Alolan Graveler, to evolve into Alolan Golem* [UPDATE some folks are using 0075 0075, may or may not be Alolan version]

Other Starters:

Bulbasaur and Charmader are 0001 0004 [People still use this for the SV starters]

Bulbasaur and Squirtle are 0001 0009 [People also still use this for the SV starters]

Charmander and Squirtle are 0004 0009 [People also still use this for the SV starters]

Chikorita and Cyndaquil are 0152 0155

Chikorita and Totofile are 1052 1058

Cyndaquil and Totodile are 0155 0158

Treecko and Torchic are 0252 0255

Treecko and Mudkip are 0252 0258

Torchic and Mudkip are 0255 0258

Turtwig and Chimchar are 0387 0390

Turtwig and Piplup are 0837 0393

Chimchar and Piplup are 0390 0393

Snivy and Tepig are 0495 0498

Snivy and Oshawott are 0495 0501

Tepid and Oshawott are 0498 0501

Chespin and Fennekin are 0650 0653

Chespin and Froakie are 0650 0656

Fennekin and Froakie are 0653 0656

Rowlett and Litten are 0722 0725

Rowlett and Popplio are 0722 0728

Litten and Popplio are 0725 0728

Grookey and Scorbunny are 0810 0813

Grookey and Sobble are 0810 0816

Scorbunny and Sobble are 0813 0816

I've found additional codes people are using to trade some of the above pokemon, you may have more luck with these:

Vulpix and Sandshrew is 0027 0037 (may or may not be Alolan versions)

Craniados and Sheildon is 0408 0410

Gouging Fire and Iron Boulder is 1020 1022

Raging Bolt and Iron Crown is 1021 1023

0075 0075 -- Graveler, to evolve into Golem* (people are now using this for BOTH Golem variants)

0112 0112 -- Rhydon, to evolve into Rhyperior (NEEDS TO HOLD PROTECTOR)

0117 0117 -- Seadra, to evolve into Kingdra (NEEDS TO HOLD DRAGON SCALE)*

0125 0125 -- Electabuzz, to evolve into Electivire (NEEDS TO BE HOLDING ELECTIRIZER)*

0126 0126 -- Magmar, to evolve into Magmortar (NEEDS TO BE HOLDING MAGMARIZER)*

0137 0137 -- Porygon, to evolve into Porygon2 (NEEDS TO BE HOLDING UPGRADE)*

0233 0233 -- Porgygon2, to evolve into Porygon-Z (NEEDS TO BE HOLDING DUBIOUS DISC)*

*Make sure that your trading partner's pokemon is NOT holding an everstone and is holding the correct item (if applicable)

[exoticalmonde]

LUNDInium Outskirts /but it's her insane doodles/ PART V

Important Notice: Everybody who loves Mlynar should like this post now, so Dr. Lundi would finally doodle him as this meme. She already did the one where he's washing dishes in the back room of some type of fast food and we need to commission her for more love.

We have McLateranolds, we need Subwaymierz now.

Important notice over, back to the doodles!!!

---

We were talking about how I was going to include some cooking and just soft stuff between Dr Lundi and Eve and Mlynar and Hoederer as they advance in their adventure through Sami.

"Thankfully, there are just enough thin pieces of wood to gather, and Lundi helpfully offers some spare rope from her backpack to bind them together for easier carrying. The moss appears a little later when Eve strays from their already carved path towards an ageless oak tree. 

She takes a picture, waiting for the film to develop so she could slip it into her pocket, while Lundi carefully approaches a burrow of fangbeasts with a rusty coat similar to her friend’s tail. 

The light from her wings disturbs the tiny creatures, while the bigger, older one, cracks open one viridian eye, fur standing on end. It’s a simple warning she heeds, stepping back from the careless family to join the Doctor of RI-8. 

When they’re back in their camp they find Mlynar gathering snow into a small cooking pot. It seemed that while Eve had filled her backpack mostly with sample-collecting materials and clothes, Hoederer was the one who had packed their supplies. He was now sitting on a small chair inside, parting their rations. Potatoes, carrots, a bizarre-looking type of dry pasta and some herb mix.

“Just in time.” He greets them as all three enter the small shack, closing the door firmly behind them to stave off the cold. 

Breath was visible in the brick-walled space, but that was quickly mitigated when the warmth of the cooking pot begins filling the air with the aroma of spices. Hoederer throws together a portion of the ingredients to create a creamy soup which causes Eve’s stomach to grumble where she sits.

The windows fog up, but the hatch at the top of the barrack easily cracks open just enough to let the smell of food and steam disappear into the wintry scenery.

Near the fire Dr. Lundi is squinting at the paperwork in her hand while Mlynar’s fixing up something else. Evealia can’t see it from this angle, but she definitely notices the longing way the Sankta Doctor checks on him from time to time. 

Whether the colour of her cheeks was due to the bubbling warmth she’s sitting next to or something else - her friend decides not to look too close to figuring out."

Which is how this AMAZING doodle came to be. She melted through. Dr. Eve is still there being supportive of her silly ways to show affection.

---

Data provided by RI-00, the ship where Dr. Pinkie is stationed:

"While Rhodes Island 00 enjoys a lifestyle that would be considered lavish to the other Rhodes Island, no one would ever doubt their combat prowess. That is to say, being consistently 0.7 meters or more above their statistical average height across all Rhodes Island deviations usually means their size alone is intimidating on the battlefield.

Outside of general issues with size accommodations for the tallest operators, most members are not perturbed by this anomaly and continue to enjoy a more luxurious lifestyle. After all, in comparison to Pinkie's true size, this discrepancy in height is really nothing at all."

A later Third-Party investigation has determined that the biological changes may be a result of their standard diet, which has been discovered to be composed of 61% Wildlife Seaborn, 22% Columbian Agriculture not yet approved by the FDA, 15% normal foodstuffs, and 2% Lateran imports.

After multiple evaluations, it has been deemed by Rhine Labs LLC that this does not violate any standard Health and Safety protocols are therefore no actions will be taken to force compliance to a more generally established standard of living.

Report from 30 May 1103

UPDATE:

After further investigation, it has been brought to attention that the deviations of Rhodes Island 00 are not as substantial in the male operatives as opposed to the females. More specifically, the anomalous properties seem to be dichotomized between the males instead; taller males have the tendency to deviate less strongly from the average height but develop effeminate characteristics, whereas shorter males develop growth cycles as seen with female operators, but with little height deviation.

While such deviations should have been more obvious to other Rhodes Island ships, Interdimensional Cooperative Engagements were only enacted in a recent period of time. Operators of R.I. 00, simply put, have never lived any other life but their own, and are in fact content with their lives despite obvious visual differences, and thus once again Rhine Labs LLC sees no reason to attenuate to the standard deviation.

Approved and Accepted by the O4 council.

Report from 06 June 1103

---

From what I understood, Dr. Lundi and Dr. Pinkie had a conversation about Ulpian and that somehow spawned and then there was a WAHOO intervention that inspired Dr. Lundi to make more doodles. I will be honest, some of the best reaction images were created that day.

The only thing I remember was that I entered the chat and I saw Lundi screaming and crying about Ulpian.

Just look at them

---

Intermission so you can look at the ADORABLE Hollow Knight Drsonas Dr. Kryo did for us. We also have abilities!!

For the reason why Dr. Pinkie is missing, well...

---

Having entirely normal reactions.

---

Pinkie: "I've turned your life upside-down. You hate fish, you hate religion, you hate horses..." Lundi: "OH NO, WAI!"

Also Lundi, 2 days later:

We all love to see it.

[minusgangtime]

Scientist notes 56: the flare sides gang

Chili: found another group of people,though these guys looked very summer coated. For the wolf,my assistant reused a past idea,using magic,she had given ice powers along with his fire powers,though a side effect bring his paler skin/furr and frostbite around his lips. He tries his best to understand and control his new ice power. He seems ok.

Bitter : for the bird,my assistant reused a past idea,using magic,she turned his tongue into a photo reel and his eyes into camera lens. For every time he opens his eyes after clutching his eyes tightly he takes a photo of what he sees,when he does,his photo tongue gets longer,if it gets too annoying/too long,he has it cut to the length of a normal tongue. It may be painful for him,but it’s nessacary. He seems ok.

Munsell : for the pup,my assistant reused a past idea,using magic,made blue a second mouth on his stomach by opening it and using magic,made it into a mouth,the stitch marks on his actual mouth is just for accessory. His mouth shares his personality along with being incredibly gluttonous,he has to feed his two mouths to make sure he doesn’t starve. He seems ok.

Pico: for the Dino,or dragon in this case,my assistant reused a past idea,using chemicals,she replaced his wings with birds wings,using chemicals to connect the nerves. Though this caused side effects,his arms became fluffy clawed bird arms,his hair darkened aside from the fiery top,and he got heterochromia. He seems ok.

Sadie: for the demon,or fish in this case. My assistant reused a past idea,using chemicals,enhanced her beastly features,sharpening her claws,her fangs became even sharper and she got a longer tongue. Despite being a horrifying monstrosity. She seems ok.

-mod shelby

(Fun fact: Sadie (Flare-Sides Girlfriend) isn't just a fish, she's a water nymph :v)

[jeweledstone]

The Legendary Beasts: Raikou (Steel), Raging Bolt (Steel/Flying), Entei (Grass), Gouging Fire (Grass/Flying), Suicune (Fire), and Walking Wake (Fire/Flying)

Inuhakou

Seichotei

Haicune

Raging Warlord (aka Inuhakiller)

Gouging Gaia (aka Seichotenshi)

Walking Wisp (aka Haicherub)

(Based off various dog breeds (shiba inu, newfoundland, greyhound), paradoxes partially based off demons and fallen angels)

Battle Info:

Inuhakou

^ Attack

v Sp. Defense

Weak to(x4): N/A

Weak to(x2): Fighting, Ground, Fire

Resistant to(x1/2): Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Steel, Grass, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, Fairy

Resistant to(x1/4): N/A

Immune to(x0): Poison

Seichotei

^ HP

v Attack

Weak to(x4): N/A

Weak to(x2): Flying, Fire, Poison, Bug, Ice

Resistant to(x1/2): Ground, Water, Grass, Electric

Resistant to(x1/4): N/A

Immune to(x0): N/A

Haicune

^ Speed

v Defense

Weak to(x4): N/A

Weak to(x2): Ground, Rock, Water

Resistant to(x1/2): Bug, Steel, Grass, Fire, Ice, Fairy

Resistant to(x1/4): N/A

Immune to(x0): N/A

Raging Warlord

^ Attack

v Sp. Defense

Weak to(x4): N/A

Weak to(x2): Fire, Electric

Resistant to(x1/2): Normal, Flying, Steel, Psychic, Dragon, Fairy

Resistant to(x1/4): Bug, Grass

Immune to(x0): Poison, Ground

Gouging Gaia

^ Sp. Defense

v Speed

Weak to(x4): Ice

Weak to(x2): Flying, Poison, Rock, Fire

Resistant to(x1/2): Fighting, Water

Resistant to(x1/4): Grass

Immune to(x0): Ground

Walking Wisp

^ Sp. Attack

v HP

Weak to(x4): Rock

Weak to(x2): Water, Electric

Resistant to(x1/2): Fighting, Steel, Fire, Fairy

Resistant to(x1/4): Bug, Grass

Immune to(x0): Ground

Info: Three incredibly rare species of pokemon known as the Legendary Hounds are rumored to roam the Johto region.

A violent and reckless pokemon, almost every inch of Inuhakou’s body is covered in razor sharp metal. Even the individual strands of its fur can easily shred through a person’s skin.

Rather than laying eggs like most pokemon, Seichotei reproduces much like an average plant would. The berries growing on its back and tail contain tiny seeds that grow into juveniles of its species when planted in loose soil.

Haicune’s twin tails are coated in a highly flammable oil, allowing it to ignite them at will. It supposedly uses the light from these flames to lure curious pokemon so that it may kill and eat them.

Raging Warlord is considered the most hostile pokemon found in Area Zero. It will often attack anything it comes across on sight, never ceasing until either it or its victim are dead.

Gouging Gaia scatters the berries growing on its wings as it flies. Any that are not eaten by other pokemon grow into younger versions of itself.

When night falls, Walking Wisp’s body begins to glow brightly. The flames emitted by its twin tails burn hotter than the surface of the Sun.

[movedtoferinehuntress]

☾ *  ── CHARACTER AESTHETICS .

BOLD any which apply to your muse! Remember to REPOST! Feel free to add to the list.

i. 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐑 .    red. brown. orange.  yellow. green.  blue. purple.  pink. black.  white. teal. silver. gold.  grey.  lilac. metallic. matte. royal blue. strawberry red. charcoal. grey. forest green. apple red. navy blue. crimson. cream.  mint green.

ii. 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 .    fire. ice. water. air. earth.  rain.  snow.  wind. moon. stars.  sun.  heat. cold. steam.  frost. lightening.  sunlight. moonlight. dawn. dusk.  twilight. midnight. sunrise. sunset.  dewdrops.

iii. 𝐁𝐎𝐃𝐘 .    claws. long fingers.  fangs.  teeth.  wings.  tails.  lips.  bare feet. freckles.  bruises. canine.  scars. scratches. ears. wounds.  burns. spikes.  feathers.  webs.  eyes.  hands.  sweat.  tears.  feline.  chubby.  curvy.  short. tall.  normal height.  muscular.  slender. trained. piercings.  tattoos. strong. weak.  shapeshifting.

iv. 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐑𝐘 .    fists. sword.  dagger.  spear.  scythe.  bow and arrow.  hammer.  shield.  poison.  guns.  axes.  throwing axes.  whips. knives. throwing knives.  pepper sprays.  tasers.  machine guns.  slingshots.  katanas.  maces.  staffs.  wands.  powers.  magical items.  magic. rocks.

v. 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 .    gold. silver. platinum. titanium.  diamonds.  pearls.  rubies.  sapphires. emeralds.  amethyst. metal.  iron. rust.  steel.  glass. wood.  porcelain.  paper.  wool.  fur.  lace. leather. copper. silk.  velvet. denim.  linen.  cotton.  charcoal.  clay.  stone. asphalt.  brick. marble. dust.  glitter.  blood. dirt.  mud. smoke.  ash. shadow. carbonate. rubber. synthetics.  yarn.  slime.

vi. 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 .    grass.  leaves .  trees.  bark.  roses.  daisies.  tulips.  holly.  lavender. lilies. petals. thorns. seeds.  hay. sand.  rocks.  snow. ice.  roots.  flowers. ocean. river.  lake.  meadow.  forest.  desert.  tundra. savanna.  rain forest.  swamp.  caves.  underwater.  coral reef.beach. waves. space.  clouds.  mountains.  fungi.  cliffs.

vii. 𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐒 .    lions. wolves. tiger. black panther. eagles. owls.  falcons. hawks.  swans.  snakes. turtles.  ducks.  bugs.  roaches.  spiders.  birds.  whales.  dolphins.  fish.  sharks.  horses.  cats. dogs.  bunnies.  praying mantis.  crows.  ravens.  mice.  lizards.  frogs.  bears.  werewolves. unicorns.  pegasus.  dinosaurs.  dragons.

viii. 𝐅𝐎𝐎𝐃/𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐊 .    sugar.  salt.  water.  candy.  bubblegum.  wine.  champagne. hard liquor.  beer.  coffee. tea.  spices.  herbs.  apple.  orange.  lemon.  cherry.  strawberry. watermelon. vegetables. fruits. meat. fish.  pies.  desserts. chocolate.  cream. caramel.  berries.   nuts. cinnamon. burgers. burritos.  pizza.

ix. 𝐇𝐎𝐁𝐁𝐈𝐄𝐒 .    music.  art.  watercolors.  gardening.  smithing.  sculpting.  painting. sketching. fighting.  fencing.  riding. writing. composing.  cooking. sewing.  training. dancing.  acting. singing. martial arts.  self-defense.  electronics.  technology. cameras.  video cameras.  video games. computer.  phone.  movies. theater. libraries.  books. magazines. poetry.  philosophy. cds. records.  vinyls.  cassettes.  piano.  violin.  cello. guitar.  electronic guitar. bass guitar.  harmonica.  synthesizers.  harp.  woodwinds.  brass. trumpet.  flute. drums.  bells. playing cards.  poker chips. chess. dice. motorcycle riding. eating.  climbing. running.

x. 𝐒𝐓𝐘𝐋𝐄 .    lingerie.  armor. cape.  dress.  suit.  tunic. vest.  shirt. boots.  heels.  leggings. trousers.  jeans.  skirt.  jewelry.  earrings.  necklace.  bracelet. ring. pendant.  hat.  crown.  circlet. helmet. scarf. neck tie.  brocade.  cloaks.  corsets.  doublet.  chest plate.  gorget.  bracers.  belt. sash.  coat. jacket. hood.  gloves. socks. masks.  cowls.  braces.  watches. glasses. sun glasses.  visor.  eye contacts.  makeup.

xi. 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐂 .    balloons.  bubbles.  cityscape. landscape. light.  dark.  candles.  war.  peace. money. power.  percussion.  clocks. photos.  mirrors.  pets.  diary.  fairy lights.  madness.  sanity.  sadness.  happiness.  optimism. pessimism.  loneliness. anger.  family. friends. assistants.  co-workers.  enemies.  lovers.  loyalty. smoking.  alcohol.  drugs.  kindness.  love. embracing.

[saintsofwarding]

SAINTS OF WARDING; HUNGRY DEMONS

Chapter 10: In Which When Inspiration Strikes, It Strikes, Baby

The first cut was white-hot, searing through him like fire.

The next was easier, and the next. Not so different than cutting into a fresh corpse, or a corpse soon-to-be. This time, though, the knife was in his own flesh, and soon slippery with blood and mutagen.

His Cadou shrieked against his efforts, a high, squealing keen in his teeth, in his skull. A wailing infant, a pleading child. Heisenberg ground his teeth and cut deeper, until the pulpy meat was not his own, until the Cadou's tentacles wrapped around his wrists and the blade of the knife, as if it could stop him.

You're a part of me, bitch.

He tore through the mass of whipping tentacles.

You're mine now.

He sliced into the Cadou itself, and, with a wrench of Teodora's old knife and all of his considerable willpower, ripped a chunk free.

***

Teodora was cold, prone. She'd stopped moving, stopped breathing, but Heisenberg still detected a pulse from her. Faint but there.

Good enough for him. Time would tell if it was good enough for the Cadou.

Had Miranda knelt over him like this when she bestowed upon him his gift? Heisenberg grinned through the blood and pain. She probably hadn't performed his induction into her twisted little fantasy of a family with nothing more than her hands and a busted-up old combat knife. Pulsating chunk of Cadou in one hand, its tentacles thrashing and gripping at his fingers like a cluster of wet tendons, he unbuckled his belt and whipped it free of the loops, fitting the worn leather between Teodora's blood-flecked teeth. That way, she wouldn't snap off her own tongue.

In a slash of the knife he tore open Teodora's coat and shirt, exposing her chest and stomach wound to the freezing air.

"Told you," he muttered to her. "This part's gonna sting."

He left smears of rust on her skin as he pressed his palm to the V of soft flesh beneath her ribcage, feeling the pathways of her bones beneath the skin, the muscles that contracted under the pressure of his hand.

Perfect, he thought, grimly.

The villagers had fallen to their knees when Miranda brought him before them for the first time. A child, an idol, one of Miranda's gilded talons resting on his shoulder as she spread her wings beneath the Maiden of War's statue, obscuring the village's holy symbol behind a canopy of glistening black feathers.

Behold! Her voice had echoed to the sunrise, commanding and resonant. One good thing about Miranda- she'd known how to put on a hell of a show. He'd learned that skill from her early. The last scion of House Heisenberg, given his birthright at last!

The last scion. What a joke. The last dregs of the last dregs, more like. Any excuse to take him from his family and exploit the potential for power she and the Black God had detected inside him. It was a privilege, he'd understood, shivering in the cold dawn, feeling the wet warmth of blood seeping from his fresh suture. And he, now, standing terrified before the village's worship, would never be one of them again.

A privilege, and yet he wanted anything else. He yearned for machines, for caves and forests, animal bones and silence, wild places where he was nothing and no one. Now he would never be no one again, never free to choose. Never free of both the memories that gnawed him with shame and grief, and the ones that taunted him with their absence.

The strong will destroy the weak, he'd told himself bitterly, again and again. That's the way of the world.

Miranda had done that to him. In the end, that was Miranda's true gift.

Now he knelt, knife poised, over another body, preparing to tear it open and force that burden upon it.

But Teodora didn't want to give up. He'd seen that. He'd felt that in the strength of her grip as she clasped his hand in understanding, in the way she embraced her sister, as if to protect her from all the evils of the world. She would want this. Not bestowed as a messiah's gift. Not because of some bullshit birthright or name that no longer had any meaning at all.

Teodora wanted to keep fighting. For Emilia. For the town. For herself.

And now? Now, she would.

He pressed the knife to the skin of Teodora's stomach, the chunk of his Cadou in his other hand, and sliced in.

***

Sunrise had just touched the mountain peaks with gold by the time Heisenberg was done. He'd unearthed his coat, covered in mold, ice, and blood, from the rubble and rooted through it. With a sinking feeling of resignation he'd pulled his last remaining cigar from a pocket, parked himself on a chunk of wall, and waited.

Smoke twined around his head and shoulders as he exhaled. Heat pulsed from the hole in his chest, his lower body so drenched in blood his trousers glistened black. Blood soaked him to the elbows and radiated from the wound under his heart, a ragged, carved-out J still weeping black mutagen.

Inside his exposed chest cavity wriggled the remnants of his Cadou, a curled, fetal form trailing long tentacles, the surrounding flesh attached to the parasite by a blackish web of mold.

The Cadou fluttered, raw hack-marks mending themselves as Heisenberg reached up to probe at the open wound.

"C'mon, hurry it up," he told it around his cigar.

The edges of the open wound began to writhe and knit together, the Cadou's tentacles interlacing to form a membrane.

"That's it." He pushed the wound together and gave a groan of relief as the skin smoothed over with a slick crackle. Sparks flickered once around his hands, then faded.

Before him, her clothes once again settled, her hands resting over the crudely-stitched wound in her stomach, lay Teodora. She looked like she was sleeping, save for her stillness and grayish pallor. Her hair was loose from its braid, matted and tangled, streaks of brittle gray glittering amidst her dark curls thanks to the strain of the forced Cadou implantation.

Heisenberg watched her, unblinking, ferocious. Waiting.

At last, she moved.

A hand twitched. A flutter of her fingers. Then, all at once, her eyes sprang open and flicked to him. They glimmered green in the dawn-light. Another blink, and the green was gone. Something was different, though, something in her scent, in the crackle of electricity that surrounded her like it did all living things.

A shift.

A death, and a resurrection. And in that resurrection, transformation.

No big surprise. He knew as well as anyone that nothing dead ever came back the same way you wanted it to.

"...Heisenberg?" Teodora said.

"About time." Heisenberg leaned over her. "Welcome back to the land of the living."

Her hands curled, and with effort, she sat up. Heisenberg still watched her, still waiting. She could still turn lycan. She could still round on him with teeth snapping and claws a-bristle. She didn't. She lifted her shirt and traced the raw puncture wound there, the knife-slash above it. Her forehead creased. Did she feel the squirm of the parasite inside her, still settling itself?

She looked up at Heisenberg again, taking him in. His bloody clothes, his open shirt, the wound in his chest beneath.

"You did this?" she asked.

"Only way to save you. Figured you'd want to get one back at Lady Super-Sized Bitch, not let me hog all the fun." He offered her her knife, hilt-first. "Had to borrow this to do it."

"You gave me part of it," Teodora said. Her voice was faint, distant. "Your holy gift."

"I knew a girl once." He thought of Donna's smile in the sunlight, subtle as the scent of some rare flower. "She divided her Cadou between herself and her...her friends. So she'd never be alone. Thought I could do the same."

He grinned at her, baring teeth. "Now you're my slave forever."

"You saved me," Teodora said.

She took the knife, but didn't pull it from his hand. She held on, climbing gingerly to her knees. Crystalline dust rained off her as she knelt before him, the crushed remnants of the monks' bones. It was mutagen, just like the blood of the Black God, just like the stuff Rose gave off when she used her powers. In it was creation, mutation. Life. A long shot, Heisenberg had figured, but now it seemed to have saved Teodora's.

"Had to perform a little backroom butchery to do it," Heisenberg told her, with a shrug. "You still like me, Teo?"

"Now there's the saint," she whispered, "Performing miracles." and plucked the half-burnt cigar from his teeth, and leaned in.

Her lips brushed the scarred corner of his mouth.

A moment of warmth, of stillness, one hand clasping his, the other coming up to rest, gently, on his chest, just over the place where he'd carved free his Cadou. She touched the wound so lightly it didn't hurt. The moment might have been forever, suspended, cold and ache and the taste of smoke on his tongue, the smell of her sweat and blood.

The feeling of her mouth on his, the first time in so many years someone had been so close, the first time in so many years he hadn't wanted to push them away.

Then it was gone, and she was climbing to her feet, limping to the shattered courtyard wall. After a beat, Heisenberg rose, hooking his trench coat over one shoulder, and went to join her. The sunlight filled the mountain valley, snowfall clearing enough to see all the way down to the town far, far below.

A gust of frigid wind swept past, ruffling Heisenberg's hair; he squinted, his brow furrowed, staring at the distant glitter of firelight from the town.

At the columns of black smoke rising through the mist.

"No," Teodora said. She coughed, pressing her palm over her mouth. "No- she's...she's..."

"Dimitrescu's attacked the town," Heisenberg said, his voice a low rasp in the back of his throat. "Typical."

"Was Emilia not enough for her? Rose? The other girls?" Teodora coughed again. Blood splattered the stones.

"Careful, sweetheart. Your new friend's gonna fuck with your insides," Heisenberg warned. He paused. "Might do more than that, truth be told-"

"Screw that!" Teodora cried, making him blink. She rounded on him, blood dripping down her chin. "It's more than personal now. She turned my sister into a monster. She got me stabbed. Now she thinks she can attack my town?"

"Never ends," Heisenberg muttered, still watching the town, the churning orange of firelight through snow. He took a long drag on his cigar and let the smoke trickle from his mouth. "Never fucking ends."

"Yes, it does," Teodora said. "It ends. Today. But..."

She stopped and stared down at the town, brows drawn together. A roar echoed from the valley depths, a flash of pale wings stirring the smoke. Lady Dimitrescu, doing what she did best. Gotta love her.

"By the time we get down there she'll have demolished the whole town," Teodora muttered. "It's another day and a half hike down, at the least. Whatever we do, we won't be fast enough."

"Sweetheart," Heisenberg said.

She looked up at him.

"Who the hell do you think I am?" he went on. He took a final draw off his burnt-down cigar, then, with regret, flicked it to the ground. It extinguished with a hiss. "I'm Lord Heisenberg, baby. Where there's metal, there's a way. And there's a big heap of metal sitting pretty at the foot of this crag, flushed and waiting for my tender ministrations."

He pulled his coat on, letting the tails flare out behind him, and flashed Teodora as ferine a grin as he could muster. "Time to roll out the Lycan-Grinder Mark Two."

***

With a roar of rebuilt engines, the shriek of metal, the crackling groan of shredded mountainside, the Lycan-Grinder Mark Two exploded from a snowdrift. It was its prior form mangled, pieces missing, others welded to different places on the machine's body, parts of the engine exposed and blasting gouts of blue-white fire. The gunner's post was gone, the cab open to the elements, its protective grille torn away in the crash. A monstrous hulk, ugly and diseased, chewing up the mountainside as with a coughing snarl it tipped downward and plunged toward the distant valley below.

Monstrous it might be, hideous and twisted, but it worked.

Heisenberg let out a howl of laughter as the machine roared down the mountainside. Trees whipped past, great slews of snow and pulverized rock flung aside by its sawblade plow. Wind screamed in his ears. Teodora hung onto the side of the cab, her face over-pale and sallow, her eye sockets bruised dark. Every so often she coughed, a fresh wave of blood slicking her chin. Would she survive the implantation? She'd gotten past the initial hurdle of waking up at all. If she had affinity, she'd get stronger and stronger, maybe even develop some kind of power of her own.

If not-

She'd noticed him watching her out of the corner of his eye. She arched her brows. Maybe he looked more concerned than he intended.

"Just drive," Teodora called, over the wind.

The bottom of the mountain thundered closer and closer; through the river and downslope, the air warmed, the wind dying down. The 'Grinder's headlamps sliced through the thickening snowfall. Heisenberg searched the gloom for the first sight of town.

It rose before him without warning, and he braked the 'Grinder to a creaking, wheezing halt atop a rock crag overlooking the town. Great craters of pulsing orange light blossomed across town: bonfires, Heisenberg thought, spewing smoke.

Little good they'd done to ward off the monsters. The scene was apocalyptic. Devastation. Vast swathes of buildings and streets were smashed into wreckage, ceiling beams gaping skeletal, vast claw-marks carving away entire sides of houses. Mold covered the town, crusted patches of writhing black eclipsing entire streets, the market square gone beneath a seething sea of the stuff.

Above, circling like carrion crows, Dimitrescu's replacement daughters flapped and cackled, their wild laughter carried long on the firelit air.

"Oh, saints," Teodora breathed, her eyes bright.

"Where is she?" Heisenberg searched the skies, but there was no sign of Dimitrescu, no vast, pale wings, no roar echoing through the demolished spires. Wherever she was, she was no longer interested in watching for them.

They descended into town. The shrieking laughter from above grew louder; as the Lycan-Grinder crashed through one of the barricades around the town's entrances, one of them broke away from her sisters, spiraling into a dive. Talons sprouted from her splayed hands, her mouth set in a toothy grin.

"Meals on wheels," she giggled.

Teodora sprang; with a "Hah!" of expelled breath, she lashed out with one of the harpoons. The daughter backbeat her great wings just before the harpoon slashed her belly open. She pirouetted on one wing, swooping back into the skies as the 'Grinder roared past.

"Mama's gonna hear about this!" she screamed after them.

"Where would they go?" Heisenberg called.

"What?"

"The townsfolk. Where would they go during World War Bitch?"

"The- the church-"

They broke free into the town's market square, now buried under an avalanche of mold and rubble. Ahead, shining in a beacon of firelight, stood the church. Black smoke poured from its smashed roof; the graveyard was destroyed, graves smashed and ground to rubble, great claw-marks tearing holes in the snow.

"Shit," Teodora gasped. Blood bubbled from her mouth; she spat it away.

Shadows dropped from the skies: two monstrous daughters, cackling, claws and weaponry at the ready. The landed around the 'Grinder, blocking its path, wings spread.

Heisenberg gunned the engine, aiming the plow straight for them.

"What the hell are you doing?" Teodora cried, grabbing the controls.

Heisenberg let out a bark of laughter. "Gonna make me some monster mash."

"I am not running over my friends, you maniac!" Teodora screamed.

She wrenched the controls out of his hands. Heisenberg's eyebrows met his hairline; fuck, she was strong. Her eyes flashed lycan green as she slammed the 'Grinder around. The daughters blurred into dark streaks against the snowy courtyard; there was a screech from inside the 'Grinder's engine, the sound of tearing metal. Heisenberg floored the brakes, but they were gone, out. They were careening out of control.

They hit a building at top speed and crashed through. Detritus rained around them, the Lycan-Grinder shredding a couch to scraps of fabric, an altar crashing into a rain of shattered glass and gilt. They burst from the opposite side, still spinning; at least the winged girls were off their asses. Heisenberg lifted his hands and grabbed control of the 'Grinder, its entire frame humming to life under his power. He clenched his hands and it whirled to a halt, creaking, groaning, inches from the base of a fountain.

Something hit the brake well with a clunk. Heisenberg looked down. A pinless grenade sat between his boots.

"Huh," he said.

He slammed both his hands down over it and sent his power into its metal casing an instant before the explosion ripped them both to shreds. The force of the contained explosion sent red bolts of pain through his body, made the Cadou pitch and roll in his chest cavity. The aftershocks flickered in his eyes. When he lifted his hands, the grenade was a charred mess of incinerated metal. Teodora pressed back against the side of the cab, her face paler than it had been moments before.

"Don't move!" yelled a shaky voice.

Guns cocked. Townsfolk surrounded the Lycan-Grinder, stepping from the smoky mist with guns raised, pitchforks leveled; one granny held a blunderbuss that looked older than half the buildings in town, its flared muzzle aimed straight for Heisenberg's face.

"Don't shoot!" Teodora. She scrambled to her feet, hands lifted. "It's me!"

"Teodora?" The voice's owner lowered his gun. Andrei. "We- we thought you were dead. You and...and him." He nodded at Heisenberg.

"Good to see you again," Heisenberg called, with a jaunty wave. His hands still smoldered. "How's the shoulder, tough guy?"

"Why aren't you all in the church?" Teodora demanded.

"She attacked it. A blitz attack. None of us heard her coming. She smashed the place up," Andrei said. His head was bandaged, one eye obscured by a wad of bloodied gauze. "Got...a lot of us." Amidst the crowd of armed townsfolk were children, the elderly, the wounded, those who couldn't fight. "Some are still trapped in the catacombs- whenever we try and go back to get them, she-"

He cut off as a bellow echoed through the hellish smoke-clouds. A vast shadow spread behind them, underlit orange and searing gold in the firelight.

"She's always there," Andrei whispered as the crowd pressed to the ruined buildings, trying to shield themselves from the sky. Someone started to weep; another began to pray, silver medal clenched between their shaking palms. "Waiting for us to show ourselves so she can pick us off..."

"That's not going to happen," Teodora said.

She turned in a slow circle as another bellow filled the air. Dimitrescu, coming closer. "I'm not going to let that happen."

"Like you let your family die?" called the big man from before. He shouldered through the crowd. "Like you let those girls be kidnapped? Your own sister? You're not half as good as your father was. You don't deserve to be his daughter at-"

Teodora drew back her fist and punched him. Bone shattered; blood sprayed in a red burst as he stumbled back. He was twice her size and swaying, cross-eyed, his nose a mess of strawberry jam. He touched his broken nose, then stared up at Teodora, standing with her fist still clenched, a wave of blood trickling down her shirt from her mouth.

"...You okay, Dora?" Andrei ventured.

Teodora flinched, then wiped her face off with her palm. "I'm fine." She looked from frightened face to frightened face, one at a time, unblinking. "I'm better than fine."

Heisenberg kicked up one boot and folded his hands behind his head, watching the show with a grin on his face.

"Enough of this," Teodora began. Her voice was a snarl, raw in the back of her throat. "Enough cowering in the dark. Enough praying to saints and gods, monsters and messiahs who don't answer. We're here. We're still alive. A thousand years on this ground, carved out for us by survivors of apocalyptic calamity. Is this the day we're going to lay down and let the beasts at our door take it from us?"

She lifted her voice, and her hands, red with blood and glowing in the bonfire light. "The Lady of Blood stole our friends. She stole our peace. She stole our home from us. And now we're not going to hide anymore. We're going to get it back. Today. Under the sunrise."

Teodora pointed at Andrei and a few of her other cronies Heisenberg recognized from the abandoned warehouse days before. "All of you. You think you can help cover a distraction?"

"What choice do we have?" Andrei said with a shrug.

Teodora nodded. She faced the granny with the blunderbuss. "Katya. You still have those crates of grenades, right? The ones you threatened us with when Emilia and I stole a whole pan of sweet cheese pies off your windowsill?"

Katya gave her a toothless leer, waving at the blackened grenade at Heisenberg's feet. "Who do you think lobbed that one, stupid?"

"Fair enough. Heisenberg."

"Yeah?" He tipped his head to the side, regarding her down the bridge of his nose.

"Can you get this thing going again?"

He gave it a slap like a trusty steed. "Consider it done, sweetheart. What's your plan?"

"I'm gonna pull those winged girls' focus away from you. And you..."

"And me?"

She held his gaze hard in her own. When she smiled, it hit like a right hook to the jaw. "How do you feel about blowing yourself up?"

***

Heisenberg stood in the empty square, squinting up at the sky.

"C'mon, Alcina," he muttered. "C'mon. I'm right here. You know you want to. Come and get me."

The great shadow circled again. The next roar came closer, closer. Did she smell him? Or was it the townsfolk drawing her attention, their fresh blood flush with adrenaline and fear? As if in answer to his thoughts, the sound of an engine revved through the influx of hush.

High above, the scattered shapes of the winged girls dived for the sound. Gunshots crackled; the sound of shrieks and laughter echoed to him from a few streets over.

Pressure boomed.

Lady Dimitrescu dropped from the clouds. Wind slammed against Heisenberg; he held his ground, then stepped forward. "Alcina!"

She banked in midair. "Heisenberg," she hissed, drawing his name out until it became a snarl of pure, dripping malice. "You survived."

"Like a cockroach," he agreed, amiably.

"And your little pet? Where is she? Buried in a shallow grave?" She hung in midair, wingbeats holding her aloft. The Lycan-Grinder revved again; her brand-new daughters darted after it, but Dimitrescu didn't make a move to follow. "Or maybe you saved her for later..."

"What's the matter? You wanted a piece or something?" He shifted back onto his heels, feeling the bump and jostle of dozens of hard objects under his trench coat. "I don't share my snacks, Alcina. Or my property. Where's the kid?"

"Ah. Rosemary." She laughed. "Sweet, naive little Rosemary. She cried out for you, you know. Before the end. She wept for her poor new papa, begged me to spare you..."

Cold filled Heisenberg, veining through him like ice.

"What did you do to her?" he snarled. "What the fuck did you do?"

Another laugh came, layered and shrieking. She descended closer, a blast of carrion wind sweeping the square clean of snow.

"She's in my head," Dimitrescu whispered. "Screaming to get out. She'll stay with me, trapped there forever. Tasting your foul, rancid flesh. Watching through my eyes as I tear you apart."

Ah. So she'd eaten Rose. Absorbed her. Whatever.

That was all Heisenberg needed to know.

"Gotta catch me first, Alci," Heisenberg said, sing-song, and whirled on one heel, and ran.

He'd never been much of a sprinter. More of an ambler. A stroller. If Miranda sent him after a particularly speedy village troublemaker, he'd usually give them a good smack with his hammer, then saunter after them until they bled out or died from brain hemorrhage. Now, though, things were different. Now, he was the troublemaker, and if Dimitrescu caught up with him, he'd end up with worse than a hemorrhage.

He pelted through the narrow streets, through alleyways, taking steps three at a time, vaulting railings. The wound in his chest burned; he clamped his fist to it, pressing back the pain. Behind him, Lady Dimitrescu unleashed her fury. Claws lashed; stone crumbled as she tore her way after them, not slowing even when she brought down half a block with one side-sweep of her tail. A bisected statue, sword aloft, sliced down; Heisenberg ducked under the stone blade before it pinned him to the cobblestones.

Ahead rose the church, the destroyed graveyard, ancient walls still clinging stubbornly to life. Heisenberg glanced down, thinking of the refugees in the catacombs, hearing the wingbeats grow closer.

Nowhere to run.

Stay where you are, he urged them. Anyone pokes their head out, I'll rip it off myself.

He slammed through the church doors at a dead sprint. The silence within enclosed him; the place was dark, deserted, echoes filling the empty hall as he whirled to face the doors.

Boom.

He lifted his arms, teeth clenched.

Boom.

"That's it," he muttered to himself. Shit, he wanted a cigar. "Come on, Sis..."

A moment of silence.

Then-

The entire front of the church imploded. Masonry rained; ancient stone blocks crumbled into gravel as Lady Dimitrescu tore into the building. Her vast jaws snapped, her tongue lashing back and forth. Golden eyes glowed through dust clouds, falling on Heisenberg.

"There you are," Dimitrescu hissed. "Stupid little cockroach. Foolish, fragile man-thing. Protecting this inconsequential town, these inconsequential mortals. You gave up Miranda's love for this?"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Heisenberg said. "Gonna stop with the whole man-thing-thing? Getting kind of sick of that shit."

Dimitrescu lowered her head, shadows cutting the skeletal lines of her face harsher. "I'll never stop, Heisenberg. Do you know what it's like? To perish thrice? To find your children's bodies, cold and broken, crying out for you even as they died alone and unprotected?"

She paced forward, rolling her shoulders to fit through the hole she'd blasted into the front of the church. Massive talons raked gouges in the flagstones with each step. "No. You don't. And you never will."

Another step. Claws shrieked in stone, drawing fans of sparks along each slick, bone-white curve. "You have no heart inside you, Heisenberg. Just emptiness and hunger..."

Her voice became soft, a mother coaxing her child to sleep at night. Her eyes burned. She was an avenging goddess, mad with unending, undying grief. "You don't love Rose. You love her power. Her potential. And when she realizes what you really are, who you really are, you'll destroy her, just like the rest..."

"Maybe," Heisenberg said.

Dimitrescu stopped. Maybe it was something in his voice. Maybe she was savoring the moment he was at her mercy at last.

Either way: cool.

"But wouldn't you rather find out what I have under this coat?" he said.

"What?" Dimitrescu snapped.

Heisenberg flung his coat open. Inside, hooked onto the lining, dangled dozens of grenades. Heisenberg grinned, showing all his teeth, as with a swick he pulled all their pins at once.

"No!" Dimitrescu screamed.

The world dissolved into white light and fire.

And in it-

At its heart-

Rose.

Darkness, glistening, unfurling. Heisenberg lunged for it, and it closed over his head, pulling him down into the nothingness beyond.

[nikethestatue]

Happy Solstice, everyone!

Here is the final installment of the ‘Cabin’ trilogy, the prequel to Of Fawns and Shadows

Day V of 25 Days of Elriel Solstice

Words: 7756

Mistletoe

“Here,”

Azriel was holding Elain’s wide, thick, warm scarf in his hand.

She said nothing when the moment had passed and he stepped away from her, without touching her skin with his lips. In true Elain fashion, she knew exactly what he was planning to do, even if she might not have understood the gravity of the gesture, and the ramifications for herself and for him. But she knew. She always could read him—an unsettling feeling for someone like him, especially when he worked so very hard all his life to hide his emotions behind his darkness. This girl though…this girl stepped in, and dispelled his shadows and peered straight into his soul. His heart was an open book to her. His mind did not surprise or frighten her.

He tittered on the edge of desire. The need to mark her pulsed through him with such ferocity that he growled. Growled. A hungry, desperate roar of primal Fae male need to claim and to dominate rattled them both. Her beautiful neck, the light flush of her skin, the inviting tilt of her head, the mass of her soft, thick hair against his lips, the beckoning scent of her, the flow of her arousal which he scented immediately and which she didn’t even try to hide—everything was offered to him, and still, he did not take it.

He had a good reason for it. But he hated himself for being reasonable. Always so fucking reasonable, so annoyingly cautious, so irreversibly honourable. Sometimes, he wished that he wasn’t. He wanted to be like Cassian, with his fiery passion and wild determination and relentlessness that swayed even Nesta. Damn Nesta, who was a pillar of fire and ice and who was sucking Cass off at the dinner table in the dining room within two weeks of moving in with them.

He, on the other hand, couldn’t bring himself to even kiss the girl he desired for almost two years.

“Thank you,” Elain took the scarf. “Are we leaving?” she asked quietly, her eyes dimming with sadness. 

There was relief in him, one that he didn’t anticipate to wash over him when she was so open and trusting in her desire not to leave here just yet. For the two of them to remain together for just a little longer. 

He chuckled softly and said, “Well, I don’t think that my wing is quite repaired yet.”

With that, he flexed his wing, which worked perfectly.

Elain smirked under her breath.

She reached for him and took the scarf, while running her hand over his arm.

“No, I don’t think that it’s healed. I wouldn’t trust you to carry me yet.”

“No,” he agreed innocently, “it’s really quite far to the border.”

Two leagues or so. Something he could do in about fifteen minutes, maybe a tad longer, considering the weather. 

“I wouldn’t advise it,” she agreed with a soft laugh. “So, where are we going?”

“I was thinking we should go outside,” he proposed. “The snow’s stopped falling and I think it might be nice to get some air in our lungs. And I might teach you something,”

“What?” she interrupted, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “You’ll teach me to fight?”

Azriel, pulled on his trousers and sat down to put on his boots. His gaze was amused, watching Elain’s feral delight at the prospect of learning to fight.

“I wasn’t planning to,” he began, but she interrupted him, frowning,

“Why not? Don’t you teach those ladies? From the Library?”

He nodded, watching her pull on her breeches and boots, and then held her coat for her. She threaded her arms into the sleeves and then turned around, frowning.

“So why can’t I learn?”

“I am not arguing,” he assured her softly, and began buttoning her up. “You can absolutely learn. But I didn’t know that you wanted to learn how to fight? Why?”

“Why?” she was scandalized, “why wouldn't i want to know how to fight? Defend myself?”

“All excellent ideas,” he agreed and pulled his hat on, before putting on hers. She laughed and muttered, “You look funny in a hat!”

“I don’t want my ears to fall off,” 

“Are you sure you are alright?” she began to worry, looking at him and his thigh.

“I am fine,” he teased, “I think you just enjoy staring at my behind.”

She flushed, but didn’t exactly deny it.

“You are very…” she sighed, and then added, “sculpted.”

“Sculpted is a nice way to put it.”

She grabbed his hand, always eager to hold it, to his neverending amazement. Never cared about the looks of them. Sometimes, Azriel wondered if she’d even noticed the scars. Never did her gaze linger on them, and never did she refuse or hesitate to touch him. Never did she ask about them either, and he wondered if someone told her, or she simply didn’t care and accepted him as he was. 

They left the warmth and coziness of the tiny cabin and the cold washed over them as soon as they stepped outside. It was a bright day, with perfectly blue skies and the eerie winter stillness that wrapped everything with crystalline clarity and icy beauty. 

“Alright, let’s go inside,” Elain squeaked and Azriel laughed.

“Come on, show me that winning spirit!”

“The winning spirit is frozen. Nothing is left,” she moaned. He walked in front of her, creating indentations in the snow with his boots, and she stepped into them, following him scrupulously, clutching his hand. 

“Never!” he chuckled. “Treat this as the final climb to Ramiel. The Breaking!”

She frowned in confusion and said, “I have no idea what you just said. What’s breaking? What’s Ramiel?”

“Ramiel is a sacred Illyrian mountain,”

“Oh,” she stumbled in the snow and almost fell, but Azriel turned around with his unnatural Fae speed and swiftly caught her in his arms. Her face bounced off his chest and she wrinkled her nose, as he looked down at her, holding her in his arms. 

“Careful,” he murmured, but did not release her.

Elain looked up at him, her breathing heavier and faster than before, and not because of the fall. Her hands went around his neck and she held herself up, back still arched against his massive palms.

His scent washed over her and she almost drowned in it, fighting for her eyes not to roll back and biting her lip, so as to keep a moan from escaping. He watched her closely, silent, but those remarkable hazel eyes, so bright and forest-green in this light, gleamed with silent admiration and longing.

Elain pulled her mitten off and the next thing he knew, she was cupping his face in her palm. She’d never touched him like this before, so closely and intimately, even considering how close they got yesterday, this was still unexplored. His skin was smooth and she suddenly, after all this time, realised that the Fae did not grow facial hair. No beards. No scruff. Only smooth, blemishless skin over high cheekbones and sharp panes of his face. 

“You are beautiful,” she murmured stupidly, suddenly awed.

He wasn't pretty, or simply attractive, or even handsome, he was beautiful. Almost unbelievably so. The most beautiful Illyrian, by far the most beautiful man or male that she’d ever seen. Even among the Fae, even compared to the uniquely handsome Rhysand, Azriel devastated with his beauty. No matter how much he tried to mute that beauty, it thrummed from him, turning heads, dropping panties–Elain was sure of that–and paralleled his incredible power. 

He huffed shyly, embarrassed at the praise and murmured, “So are you.”

He finally straightened her, but she kept her hand on his face, and he leaned into the touch, wordlessly urging her to stroke his hollow cheek. 

“I like the name Ramiel,” she said suddenly.

“I don't know if it’s a name…” he corrected, “it’s a mountain.”

“Well, it’s a mountain named Ramiel,” she explained impatiently. Azriel opted not to argue. He loved her little hand on his face, then on his neck and if she looked at him the way she was looking at him right now, he didn’t need anything else in his life. Those brown eyes with dark eyelashes blinked slowly, round and amazed, like tiny saucers.

“Will you take me to Illyria?” she asked suddenly.

He huffed in indignation and immediately replied, “No!”

She glared at him and snorted, “No? Just no?”

“There is absolutely no need for us to go to Illyria,” he insisted, taking her by the hand again and pulling her behind, resuming their track.

“But I would love to go,” she insisted. “I want to learn about Illyrian food…customs…”

“The customs are barbaric and the food is bland,” he offered.

She shrugged a little unhappy shrug and said, “Fine. I will ask Cass.”

“You are not asking Cass,” he cut her off abruptly.

“He’ll take me,” she insisted.

“I know he will. But you are not asking him. If anyone is taking you anywhere, it will be me.”

She teased, “Even Illyria?”

“Even Illyria,” he grunted.

“So territorial,” she whistled softly. “You wouldn't let Cass to take me somewhere?”

“Taking you places is my job,” he growled, “Cass has Nesta. He can take her.”

“You can’t possibly be jealous!” she mocked him gently, amusement lacing her voice.

Azriel trudged forward steadily, his grip on her hand firm, but carefully un-abrasive. He did not respond, and she grinned into his back. His shoulders were just a touch more tense than a moment before she brought up Cassian. 

“I can’t believe,”

“I am not jealous of Cass!” he grunted, “I am not.”

“Alright.”

After a beat, he added, “I…nevermind…”

“I am not jealous,” she informed him. “Even if I know that you are training all those women…Females.”

Azriel turned his head and looked at her over his shoulder, incomprehension written on his face. 

“But they are priestesses!”

“So what?” she shrugged, “gods above, where are we going?!” she muttered under her breath, wiping her nose with her hand.

“Almost there–I noticed that clearing over there,” he pointed a gloved hand ahead and added, “for the record, the priestesses,” he shook his head vehemently, “I don’t even look at them as women. They aren’t, to me. They are my charges.”

“What about Nesta’s friends?”

“I don’t train them,” he explained. “And if you would like to know, Emerie prefers females and Gwyn is babe.”

“A babe?”

“Yes, she is 28. A babe.”

“And they get along?” Elain asked curiously.

“Seems like they do indeed. We’ll be starting them on an Illyrian obstacle course soon. They just don’t know it yet,” he laughed a little evil laugh and Elain smiled. 

“You are enjoying this?”

“I am. It’s nice to watch the progress. It means a lot to Cass,”

“Because Nesta is doing better?”

Azriel knew that the rift between the sisters was difficult for Elain to work though. She loved Nesta, who was her sister and her best friend for the duration of their lives, and Nesta’s rejection of Elain’s very presence from her life was hard for Elain to accept. He didn’t want to get between the two, but he certainly wished that they’d patch things up between each other. 

“She is. And she has friends, which is important, because they don’t judge her. But Cass and Rhys had tried for centuries to get the Illyrian females to train, to be more independent, and it hasn't happened. So even though this isn’t how they planned on having things happen, they are happening, at last. Maybe not the females that they expected, but still females.”

They reached the clearing that Azriel was aiming for, and finally stopped. 

“This looks good…” he glanced at Elain and then inquired, brow furrowed, “what?”

She was watching her, bright-eyed and with a small smile on her soft, plump lips.

“What?” she shrugged at him.

“Why are you smiling like that?” he crossed his arms on his chest.

“Like what?”

“Like the little mix that you are.”

She blushed softly and then said, “You talk,”

“I’ve been known to do that once in a while,” he nodded once, someone perplexed by her comment.

“No, no. Once in a while is correct. But with me…we talk.”

He looked at her, chewing the inside of his cheek and then reached out and tentatively brushed his fingertips over a lock of her golden brown hair that escaped from under her hat.

“You are right,” he agreed at last. “I don’t think that I’ve noticed before. Hm,” he bubbled his lips and smirked, “I guess I do talk to you.”

“Thank you!” she declared dramatically, making a grand show of it. 

He smiled and said, “I enjoy it. You are nice to talk to and I like your sense of humour.”

Now it was Elain’s turn to stare at him, as she wrought her fingers, glancing at him shyly.

“You like talking to me?” she asked softly.

“Yes. Why?”

“Men just say that I am pretty. But no one ever wanted to talk to me. Not even,”

“Graysen,” he interrupted her, “isn’t exactly the sharpest tool in the barn. I’ve met him and I can assure you. So I wouldn’t take him as an epitome of male intelligence.”

She smiled impishly and Azriel was pleased that she didn’t become upset or saddened at the mention of her former fiance. Dick as he was. 

“So, we are here,” she looked around. They stood in a clearing, surrounded by majestic pines and other coniferous trees, which jutted out proudly against the azure sky.

“We are.”

“Are you going to teach me how to fight? Swords?” she proposed immediately.

Azriel chuckled and spread his legs, placing his hands on his hips.

“Swords, huh,” he whistled loudly. “You think you can swing a sword at me?” he pressed.

Elain scrunched her nose, thinking that maybe swordplay was a little premature. She’d give him that. 

“What is it with the Archeron sisters and swords,” he pondered out loud, while bending to scoop some snow in his hands.

“What?”

“Nesta wanted to start with swords as well, with Cassian,” he couldn’t help but smile at the preposterous image of then-Nesta, holding a sword against his mountain of a brother. 

“Daggers then?” 

“Something even more useful,” he announced and threw a snowball at her. “We are,”

“We are not doing this!” she screeched, wiping the snow off her jacket.

“Oh yes we are!” and he hurled another snowball at her, but this time, she dodged, and it flew past her body.

“Let me make some!” she demanded, grabbing heaps of snow, which was heavy and wet, and perfect for making snowballs, and began slapping them together. He approached and watched her work, shaking his head,

“Do something productive and help out!” she growled, watching his silent critique.

“That’s not how it works. You have to create your own arsenal!” 

Muttering under her breath, she stacked another ball in her pile, and then whispered, “You must be fun at parties,”

Azriel laughed out loud, throwing his head back. 

“And you are more mouthy than Nesta,” he laughed and laughed, and then filled both of his palms with snow and said, “watch! because with your speed, we’ll be here till the next Solstice!”

She stuck her tongue out at him and rolled her eyes. 

“Watch that tongue,” he said slowly, eyeing her, “or I’ll find things for it to do…”

Elain stopped mid-ball and her brown eyes shot wide open at the comment. He paused as well, but didn’t say anything else, observing her reaction.

“Do enlighten me,” she offered, her tone playful and not offended.

“Perhaps one day,” he promised and winked at her.

“Why not sooner?” she pressed, cocking her head and looking directly at him.

“You surprise me every day, Elain Archeron,” he admitted. “It’s unexpected and wonderful.”

“I am glad that something still surprises you, Azriel,” she said.

“You do. Always. From the first moment when I saw you, you were not what I expected. It’s a shame that so many underestimate you, including your sisters.”

“You underestimate me too,” she slapped a few more snowballs together. “You are better at hiding it. But I know you didn’t want me to scry,”

“No, absolutely not,” he nodded. “Look,” he slapped both of his palms together, “push together, then twist once. It’s done.”

Elain tried and repeated his motions, and just like that, a nice, tight snowball was formed. 

“Oh, that was quick,” she was almost surprised. He smiled. 

“We go one point for one hit–up to 20 points. To start with.”

“That’s it? I just have to hit you 20 times and we can go back to the cabin?”

He laughed softly and told her, “I am not so easy to hit.”

She immediately threw a snowball at him and said, “One!”

“Cheater!” he cried and tossed one at her, but she rolled in the snow and avoided being hit.

“One for Elain!” she yelled and ran across the clearing, panting and zigzagging, so he wouldn’t be able to mark her.  He waited for a good while, patient as always, but at last she felt the snowball land on her back. 

He called out “One-one!”

The place wasn’t ideal for hiding, which made avoiding being hit difficult, but Elain immediately began building a fort behind which she could hide. She’d heard Cassian and Rhys discuss the annual snowball fights, their strategies and tactics, and she learned that building a barrier of some kind was the first line of defense. So here she was, pushing snow frantically, assaulted by a barrage of snowballs, but escaping most of them somehow. Azriel wasn’t one to go easy on her, so she didn’t think that he missed on purpose.

Hiding behind her little fort, she raised her head and then aimed and shot the snowball, hitting him squarely in the chest. Her aim was pretty good and she surprised herself by the strength of her throw.

“Still nine to five!” he yelled out smugly. She, in turn shouted, “well, it was just nine to four a moment earlier! Fortune favours the brave!” and she shot up to her full height and a snowball at him. It hit its target, but at the same time, one smashed into her face, blinding her for a second. It was sharp and wet and stung her skin, which hurt from the impact and the tiny ice particles that embedded in her cheeks and forehead.

“Elain!” he called out, worry in his voice, “are you al-,”

“Why?” she cried out, pretending to weep, “why would you do that?”

He was running to her, a mask of horror on his face.

“Why would you hit a girl?” she sobbed.

“By the Mother, Elain, I am so sorry, I,”

“Sucker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” she screamed triumphantly and smashed him with two balls at once.

“Fucking hell!” he exploded. “You gave me a fright!”

She already ducked behind her fort, laughing hysterically. “Nine to seven! Take that Fae boy!”

“Fae boy?!?” 

“Don’t you dare cross the demarcation line!” she warned him, seeing how he was about to step over into her territory. “You do that, the game is forfeit! I win!”

“How do you even know that?” he grunted through clenched teeth. “May I check your face?”

“My face is fine, and you have three seconds to get away, before it’s going to be nine-eight,” she warned.

“I swear I will beat your bottom once this is over,” he threatened.

She peeked from behind her fort, and said, “Stop promising and not delivering!”

“Where has this Elain Archeron been all my life?!” he exclaimed, tossing a snowball between his hands.

“Always been here. No one’s been looking,” she shrugged and then added, “two…one…”

He ran away and threw the ball at her, missing her and listening to her laugh.

They were at fourteen to eleven when Elain felt something…an unease that entered her peripheral vision, and then, she observed five or six men–humans–step out from behind the trees, and onto the clearing.

They were clearly coming back from a hunt, as two were carrying a deer that hung on a stick which they carried between the two of them. Another hauled a few rabbits which were strung together and thrown over his shoulder. Two more had some other kills behind their backs, and weapons–bows and arrows, knives, and daggers. 

The group stopped, observing Azriel and Elain, who were separated by the width of the field.

“What do we have here?” said one–the tallest, and probably the leader. “Two Fae, frolicking in our forest.”

Elain didn’t answer, as she stood up and brushed her hair from her face.

“What are you doing here?” asked the human. “On the other side of the Wall?”

“Scouting?” asked another, suspiciously.

“There is no Wall,” Elain reminded them.

All attention turned to her and she wished that she’d kept her mind shut. Though she was sure that they would have looked at her anyways.

“You are quite the pretty girl, aren’t you?” two of the men moved towards her. “What’s a pretty female Fae like you doing here?”

Azriel's low midnight voice cut through the icy air and he said, “Gentleman. We are minding our own business. I suggest you do too.”

“A Fae is telling us what to do on our own land,” snickered the leader. “We haven’t had your kind do that to us for a while! and we don't intent on starting now,”

“No one is telling you what to do. You were on your way, so proceed…”

“Oh, we think we’ll stay a while,” decided one of them, “play with the pretty Fae girl.”

“Never had myself a Fae,”

“Do they feel the same as humans?”

“Same three holes, I think!” laughed one of them.

Elain winced. Azriel’s expression did not change, and he remained still as a statue, though those hazel eyes of his tracked each man, as they herded Elain further away from him.

Azriel considered.

He only had one siphon on him, having left the rest at the cabin. At least he didn't forget Truth Teller, which was strapped to his thigh as always, though he had no other weapons. He didn’t need any weapons at all, even if the presence of his dagger was always comforting . Five human men wasn’t something he even considered a threat. Even ten humans were not much of a threat. However, they did have a bow, and he spotted ash arrows in the quiver, which was somewhat concerning, but by the time they slung it, he’d be far away. He considered just shooting in the air and grabbing Elain, before they even understood what was happening, but that meant exposing his wings. Would they be stupid enough to test a Fae?

“Gentlemen,” Elain suddenly said, her voice steady, “as my companion suggested, let’s part on good terms.”

“Do you have any special powers, sweet pea?” asked one. “Or are you just a pretty…oh, so pretty, face?”

“Are you mated?” spat another, using the word as an insult. 

“Not to that Fae freak with the wings?”

Azriel stepped forward, half-forgotten, as four of the men surrounded Elain, taunting her.

The new treaty with the humans stipulated that the Fae weren't allowed to attack humans, under any circumstances, unless in direct and immediate danger. The Fae had to be threatened, outnumbered and at risk of being overpowered, to defend themselves. And other such bullshit. And it’s not like he wanted to attack them. He wanted to abide by the treaty, because it was only fair and neither did he feel like fighting right now. Most of all, he wanted to be with his girl. He had so little time alone with her, that every minute was precious and he didn't want to waste it. He also didn’t want to explain 5 dead bodies. And neither did he want to start some bloody mess in front of Elain. It would spoil her day and she was enjoying it so far.

He was thinking about all of this, as he moved a little closer, and that was until one of the men reached for Elain and touched her arm, wanting to pull her to him.

That turned out to be a mistake.

The next thing that Azriel and the rest of them observed was the man…sailing in the air. He didn't drop, or fall, or stumble. He flew. 

Elain had pushed him off of her, hitting him with an open palm square in the chest. The man flew in the air before dropping like a bag of potatoes in a pile of snow.

Azriel smiled to himself.

His sweet girl forgot that she was Fae, who possessed Fae strength.

He’d just experienced it, when she hit him with the snowballs full force. 

And so did this poor stupid sap, who sat, dazed in the snow pile, moving his head back and forth, clearly stunned.

The men, wisely, took a few steps back. 

“Hey, you stupid Fae bitch, you can’t,” screamed one of the men, and then,

Elain roared.

Azriel stopped in his tracks, rooted in the spot.

The roar was beastly–loud and threatening, coming from the depths of her chest. She rattled, much like a wyvern would, when challenged, and a deep rumble followed, that of an awakened beast. 

She did nothing else, but roared.

The only time Azriel had witnessed anything similar–and only certain High Fae, those from very ancient bloodlines still roared, like their beastly ancestors–was when Rhysand allowed his beast out. It was so rare, it only happened twice, maybe three times. The last time, it was during the war, when Rhys and Helion both took their natural forms, turning into what lurked beneath the humanoid veneer–claws and teeth and scales, in the midst of the final, bloody battle against Hybern. 

Azriel knew that he too had the beast, but it was entirely dormant. He supposed that his wings were the best manifestation of that, but there were times where he sensed the creature lurking somewhere inside of him, though he couldn’t imagine why. Only the High Fae, some said those who interbred with the Daglan back in the primordial times and gained some of the Daglan’s power, had the beasts inside themselves. And only the High Lords could actually release them, turning into them fully. Tamlin, for one, preferred the beastly form, while Rhysand and Helion did not like theirs.

“Fuck this, let’s go,” called one of the men to his companions, while Elain still garbled that warning goar, which reverberated around them.

“Fuck them,” agreed another, stepping away from Elain, not taking his eyes off her. “The Fae are wild beasts.”

“Deceivers,” shrieked another, clearly absolutely freaking out. He was making wild gestures with his hands, which, Azriel assumed was for warding off evil? 

“They look all pretty, but look what’s inside!”

And then, they took off.

Running through the snow, stumbling, falling, shouting, they ran, barely remembering to grab their deer, which four of them pulled behind unceremoniously. The one who was carrying the rabbits dropped them and didn’t return to pick them up.

In a matter of minutes, they were gone.

Azriel crossed the field. 

Elain stood still, shaking lightly, and he wondered if it was from fear, or something else.

Her eyes beheld him, and he watched horror and embarrassment written on her face. Wordlessly, he came over and dropping his gloves, he cupped her face in his cool hands. He looked down at her, and smiled gently.

“What sort of a beastie do you have inside of you, sweetheart?” he wondered.

“I am…” she swallowed, “I don't…Azriel,” she grabbed his wrists and begged desperately, “please, don't tell anyone. Please.”

“How long have you known?” he asked gently, and then permitted himself a soft kiss on her brow. 

“For a while,” she confessed, stepping into his embrace. His arms closed around her and he rocked her slowly against himself. “After I was Made.”

“Don't be frightened,” he advised carefully.

“How can I not be? I don’t know what it is? I feel it–slumbering inside of me. It talks to me,”

“It’s you beast,”

She twitched in his arms and threw her head back, “You say like it’s a normal thing! To have some entity, some beast inside of you…a thing that talks into my mind and roars when upset,”

“You are a Cauldron-Made High Fae–a woman of valour and mysteries. If your sister could have silver flames in her eyes when she is angry, why shouldn’t you have a beast inside?” his wings wrapped around them and he held her close, stroking her head. 

“I don't know who to ask about this,” she lamented. “Who to share with…”

“I will find more information,” he promised. “I reckon Amren would be a good source to discuss this with, but I would caution you not to divulge this secret just yet. Not to her. And not to Rhys, who in fact, possesses his own beast inside.”

Azriel’s gaze drifted somewhere, and she watched him think.

“It makes you even more powerful, Elain. More powerful than anyone’s ever imagined,” he said quietly. “A gift..or a prize, for any Court. For any High Lord.”

“I will not say anything,” she promised.

“Good, good,” he patted her head, still lost in thought.

She took his hand and brought it to her lips, kissing tenderly.

“Thank you.”

“What for?”

“Protecting me.”

“I think you’ve protected yourself quite well, my girl,”

She smiled.

“Not a trembling fawn, after all,”

“But a fanged beast,” he concluded.

“Dinner!” Azriel easily slung the pile of rabbits over his shoulder.

She clapped excitedly, “we have salt and pepper, and more mushrooms! We can make rabbit stew!”

He winked and nodded, taking her hand, “I like the way you think, Archeron.”

“Let’s go see if we can find anything else,” she proposed, “maybe juniper berries? Some herbs we can use?”

They walked inside the forest, where the snow was not as deep, and the air not as brisk. 

She scoured the green patches among the trees, spots of moss and bushes covered in winter berries of bright red. 

“Oh, these are boysenberries,” she explained, “but we have no sugar and they are too tart.”

“Do you know what this is?” Azriel reached up and with his enormous height didn’t fail to pick at a green bundle that was nestled in the branches of a tree and Elain nodded, saying, “I think it’s mistletoe.”

“It is!” he nodded, and dangled the bundle above their heads. “I should’ve thought before asking a gardener about plants!”

She laughed and warned him, “some varieties are poisonous, so don’t eat the berries.”

“Hmmm,” he lowered his hand and shook off the white berries onto his palm. With Elain, he didn’t care if she looked at his hands. She cupped them in her soft, but slightly calloused ones and he added, “do you know what mistletoe represents in Prythian?”

“Do tell,” she bit her lower lip, anticipating the answer, and he couldn’t help himself and put his thumb on that plump lip and gently pulled it down from behind her teeth. 

“Are you ready?” he smirked. 

She rolled her eyes a little and then, to his surprise and delight, kissed the pad of his thumb. “Something nasty, I am sure,” she muttered, while drawing the thumb over her lip, exploring the tender, soft skin against his scars. He was happy that he could feel it, that the thumb wasn’t so covered in scar tissue as to prevent him from exploring.

He laughed and said, “A little nasty. It’s a symbol of fertility, and the white berries represent seme…Well you know,”

“I am not too put off by the word ‘semen’,” she shrugged and he grinned.

“Good to know. In Illyria,” he continued, “they are disgustingly superstitious and hang these over their doors, to protect them from evil spirits and other such nonsense. I mean, they train to be warriors all their lives, and they are afraid of evil spirits…”

Elain did not comment on his ferocity and disdain, but gently reached up and placed her hand on his neck. He shivered, probably because her hand was cold, but she stroked his neck lightly and then pulled his collar to the side and he bowed toward her, knowing innately that she was going to reach and …ohhh, 

His eyes closed.

Her cold, soft lips pressed to his neck and she kissed him. His neck, his hammering pulse, before whispering, her breath hot, 

“I can hear your heartbeat,”

“Yes?” he almost moaned.

“I can always hear your heartbeat,” she confessed. “Since I was…Made.”

Surprised, he even pulled away, immediately missing her touch and her lips and then absurdly, pushed back, almost butting his neck into her face. She laughed softly, pressing her lips and nose into his skin, and inhaling his heady, mouthwatering scent of cedar.

“Only yours,” she admitted, head buried in his neck, “when I was Made…it was the tether that brought me back. Your heartbeat was so weak…so shallow,” she wrapped her arms tightly around him, as if afraid to let go. Azriel stilled, holding her to him. “All I heard, even when I was inside, in that dark still water, feeling my blood boil in my veins and every bit of my humanity being stripped and annihilated, was this boom-boom, boom-boom—it was the only thing that I was aware of throughout the entire…ordeal,”

“I am sorry,” he lamented into her hair, holding her even tighter to him. She didn’t let go.

“No. I think you were the only thing that made me consider coming back. All thoughts eddied from my mind, but one…” she exhaled deeply and offered, “I wanted to see your face again.”

She looked up at him, blushing a bit. 

He stood, almost breathless at her confession.

She continued, “And that heartbeat encouraged me to come up for air. It was there, like a string pulling me back—a rope that was thrown to me and I clutched at it and it allowed me to pull up, and out.”

“Elain,” his voice was strangled, hoarse. He cupped her face between his hands and peered down. Snowflakes softly landed on her face, melting instantly, some hanging on to her long lashes, and she smiled at him.

“Do you know what it might mean?” he gasped. His eyes flew wide open and she could sense the shock reverberating off him. “Why didn’t you tell me before? Why,”

She pressed her finger to his lips and shook her head, “It’s different,” she explained. “You think it’s a mate bond?”

“I don’t know,” he admitted, “I don’t know what to think. I always felt…but then you and Lucien, and I…” he stumbled, brow furrowed, lines bracketing his mouth. 

“It’s something else,” she reflected calmly. 

She threaded her fingers with his and then kissed his neck again.

“What though?”

“I don’t know…I think it’s something deeper. More meaningful,”

“What’s more meaningful than a bond?”

She gave him a cool look, cocking her brow at him and he scrambled, “That’s not how I meant it, you know. I mean a good bond.”

“You are the spymaster, so you investigate,” she ordered. He smiled and nodded.

She looked at him and he requested, shyly and quietly,

“Kiss me again?”

She reached down, way under his collar, and then kissed him again and teased, “someone got these tattoos for luck and glory on the battlefield, as I recall? You never removed the markings of the superstitious and backward Illyrians,” she noted. “So, maybe someone is also just a bit gullible?”

He chuckled, “Suppose you are right.”

“Will you take me to Illyria?” she insisted, pulling away at once.

Azriel slung his arm around her shoulders and they slowly began making their way back to the cabin. It’s been a couple of hours now since they were outside and he worried that she might get a chill.

“I will take you to Illyria,” he promised somberly.

She laughed, “Try to rein in your excitement.”

“We’ll go if you promise that we can stay in a cabin there?” he said. “I have no desire to stay in Windhaven.”

“Whatever you’d like. I will be in your capable hands.”

“Alright then. I think it might be more tolerable when it’s just the two of us…”

Hunched over the reports, without his shadows to warn him, Azriel didn’t notice Elain close by. Her presence was so comforting and welcoming that it felt completely natural to him. Her smell settled him. Her skin, her hair, her voice—they stopped the demons in his head from running amok. She puttered about, doing something of her own and as long as she was near, next to him, all was good in his world. So, when she suddenly pressed her thumb between his brows, he looked up at her with surprise. 

“You look so serious,” she teased him, playfully sticking her tongue at him.

Then, looking him up and down, he stroked his bare feet, which he had planted on a storage trunk. The cabin was small and he struggled to get comfortable, or stretch his body, so when he spotted the trunk, it was the only way for him to spread out.

She drew her fingers over his toes and then said, “Unfair that even your feet would be beautiful…”

“What?” he swallowed, watching those little fingers palm and squeeze his sole. 

“Is there any part of you that isn’t beautiful?” 

“They are feet!”

“Yes. That’s what I am saying.” She laughed, “What man has sexy, handsome feet? You. You apparently do!”

His arm wrapped around her hips and he pulled her to him, and then pressed her into his lap.

The rabbit stew has been bubbling quietly on the stove for a bit now, and behind the windows, shadows were falling.

The bundle of mistletoe hung from the lamp above the table. 

The shadows had delivered a whole pile of reports, dumping the papers unceremoniously on the table for him to go through. Elain told him to take his time and do his work, while she set out to prepare dinner.

“What’s making you look so serious?” she asked, smiling at him. “Reports?”

She felt warm and soft against him, bundled in a sweater and long socks that reached above her knees. But the silky smooth thighs were left uncovered for his enjoyment. Her skin was so velvety-smooth, and he drew his knuckles over the tender skin, stopping at the hem of the sweater. Elain licked her lips, and he marked the movement of her tongue with his acute gaze.

“Honestly?” he whispered.

She nodded.

He pushed his face into her shoulder and rested his head there, next to her neck, obsessing silently over the desire to mark her. It was so close, the light thrumming of the pulse, the open, lovely curve of her throat, the deliciously plush, indescribably desirable body.

“I am thinking of ways for us never to leave this cabin,” he let out a strangled laugh.

Elain’s fingers threaded in his hair and she looked down at him, cradling his head to her shoulder and neck. 

Finally, she asked, “Is that what you want?”

He gave a single nod.

“Cabin…apartment…palace…hut…any place. But you and me, together.”

“Yet you did not kiss me,” she reminded him, no anger lacing her voice, but incomprehension. “Not then, not even here–when we are together,”

Azriel looked into the pools of her brown eyes and stroked the apple of her cheek with his thumb.

His voice was more gravelly than usual when he offered,

“I don’t move quickly, my girl…”

The voice alone made Elain squirm on his lap, but he held her firmly, planted across his thighs, as he continued, “I am a slow, deep and hard type of a male.”

The tip of her tongue darted out again, teasing him innocently, as she listened and watched him with rapt attention, barely breathing.

Tightening his grip on her waist, he explained further, 

“I like knowing that my female is satisfied thoroughly…that she feels me inside of her, deep in her, hours, and even days after I’ve been in her. Some males are all fire and speed, others are gentle and thoughtful and romantic. I go slow, but hard..and I don’t stop. Once I’ve had you, and once you’ve had me, it won’t ever stop.”

“But,” she began, yet he cut her off,

“No, Elain…Listen to me,” he cupped her cheek and made her look at him, “you will have to make that decision. Not I. My decision’s been made for years now. But I am not going to back down. But when I claim you as my own, once you become mine, it will be forever.”

He whooshed a breath and his thumbs skimmed against her thighs, stroking gently.

“I cannot kiss you, Elain,”

She started, but he continued quickly,

“You don’t understand. Listen,” he urged her firmly, even if she looked put off by his comment. “We’ve shared food–just the two of us. You’ve cooked for me, Elain. You’ve accepted me as your own, a male for you. The hearth–it’s ours now. A home. We’ve shared a bed and you’ve touched my body and more importantly, my wing,”

She blushed and made to say something, but he stopped her with a look.

“No one’s touched my wing before, and certainly not in bed. But after a kiss, I don’t think that I would’ve been able to stop,”

Her lips twitched with a smile, but he added, “No, you assume that I am stoic and capable of self-denial. I am not. Not at all. Don’t think that I would’ve stopped myself from being buried so deeply inside of you, that my name would be written with my seed inside your womb. You’d bleed and you’d cry and you’d beg for me, for more.”

She leaned into him and murmured breathlessly, “But I want to. I want all of that.”

“I know, my beauty, I know. And it will come. I did not mark you today–true,” he sighed. “The mark…my mark,” he pulled her even closer, “it would be a shadowsinger’s mark. Irreversible. Binding you and I forever, a mark that would imprint on your very essence, because my shadows will enter that mark, and it will be visible to everyone.”

He paused. Then, fell completely silent. His body stilled. 

“What?” she whispered finally, watching him struggle with some decision. “What?” she repeated.

Azriel sighed a deep, tremorous sigh and said

“You must understand—there is a beast in me as well. I have one, inside.”

Elain gasped softly, staring at him in awe,

“You do?”

“And my beast has been slumbering all my life inside of me. I’ve always known it was there–that’s where the power and the darkness comes from. The power that is far beyond any Illyrian Killing Power that I possess, which is already significant in itself. This is a different kind of power–it answers to yours. You asked me earlier today what I think it might be, that pull that you had felt–and it is a bond, but I think it’s my beast responding to yours. I think it woke up inside of me once I’d met you, because it sensed an equal. It came alive, because there was another one out there that called to it. 

“You are unique and unlike anything else that exists in this world of ours, and I think that perhaps, so am I. And I want you with a ravenous desire that is inexplicable and so overwhelming that sometimes, I can barely think. Can hardly function.”

“Me too, me too,” she chanted, understanding at last, comprehending, her mind and vision clearing as it did when Azriel had told her that she was a Seer. “You saw me,”

“My beast saw your beast and it…knew. The voice, the Seer voice, it was your beast speaking to you, and the reason I realised what you were and what you were hearing was because mine told me,” he explained at last. “It lurched inside of me…when Lucien,” he swallowed, “when he tugged on whatever is attached to you–that thread between you and him. And my beast roared. It hated that tug with such vicious violence that I barely managed to stop it from tearing Lucien apart.”

“Azriel,”

“I had to stay away, Elain,” he groaned desperately. “My beast–it wants you with a hunger that is threatening to rip my very being apart. It scents the bond with Lucien and it–the smell of it, Elain, it destroys me. Everything rages inside of me at the thought of someone else having a claim on you. I had to stay away…when I was told to stay away, I had to,”

“Who told,”

Her hand squeezed the back of his neck, pressing so tightly it was almost painful. It dawned on her. There was only one being out there who had the power to stop Azriel.

Her hand covered her mouth, and she was shaking her head side to side, slowly. 

“Do you understand now?” he pleaded, glaring at her.

She nodded. She understood. At last.

“What I feel for you,” he murmured, “is beyond even love. My bond to you is power and desire and lust and devotion and need…constant need. I ache for you, Elain. I crave you most ardently and passionately. And there is no escape for me. The pull is always there.”

“The pull is always there,” she agreed, pressing her hand to her chest.

Her beast growled with satisfaction, as if finally placated by the revelations and the knowledge that Elain knew it all at last. Azriel pressed her other hand to his chest and she felt it in him as well, a thing of immense power clawing towards her, feeling her proximity, sensing that she now knew him too. 

“Now you know,” Azriel sighed, his voice soft, his shoulders sagging from relief of being unburdened of his secret. “You are my trembling fawn and my fanged beast. And you get to decide the rest of our immortal lives.”

[hey-there-love]

When I Get Home

Summary: Your number 2 pro hero boyfriend surprises you after work.

Content Warning: MATURE, 18+, Slight Adult Language, fem reader, penetrating sex, fingering

WC: 1.8K

The orange and pink hues of the sunset began to sink of the horizon. There was a slight chill in the air, signaling that autumn was around the corner. You sat quietly in a patio chair, curled up in a plush blanket and sipping on a warm mug of tea. You waited patiently for your lover to float onto the balcony and laid in front of you.

You began dating the number 2 pro hero two months ago. Hawks wandered into the flower shop you worked in part time. A relaxed conversation about tulips and roses blossomed into a coffee date. You discussed minor topics, mostly dealing with work. It felt like the date mostly reared towards listening to him go on about himself, until he asked about what your goal in life was. That was all she wrote. You spent hours bonding over your shared interests, music, movies, and books. One date turned into another and pretty soon it was clear that you two were together.

Chaste kisses and snuggles turned into the best sleep over of your life last week. A sleep over you were looking forward to again soon. The first time you were intimate with him it was passionate, slow, and sweet. Tonight, you were in for something else. Hawks had been texting you all day detailing the all the things he wanted to do with you and to you when he got off work. The particular message that sent a fire to your belly instructed you not to wear anything special because it’d be ruined.

You opted to wear a pair of grey, soft cotton shorts, a long-sleeved tee, and fuzzy socks. Underwear wasn’t in the equation for tonight. The familiar chime that Hawks had set for himself sounded. You grinned and checked your phone.

Hawks: Hey kid, i’ve got some extra paperwork at the agency. Don’t hate me.

You sighed and unraveled yourself from your cocoon and made your way inside, sliding the door behind you. It wasn’t the first time Hawks canceled on you and it definitely wouldn’t be the last. It was one of the things you had to adjust to dating a hero. His job was important, and you couldn’t let that bother you.

You washed the mug and decided for something stronger. Pulling down a glass you filled it up with a sweet wine you had been saving. You took a long sip, letting the liquid settle into your body.

You pondered on what to do with your new found time. Trailing off to the bathroom you began to fill up the bathtub. You poured the thick lavender scented soap into the water and swirled it around with your hand. Setting down two towels you stripped down and descended into the water.

You took a sip of your wine and closed your eyes, feeling your muscles relax. You loved the fresh scent of florals. You especially loved the way lavender bubble bath clung to your skin and remained as you slept through the night.

Lathering a wash cloth with your favorite soap, you washed your neck tenderly before moving down your shoulders, arms and breasts. You sank your head into the water, letting it wash you completely. You laid there for a few, feeling inner peace.

When you emerged you were met with piercing, golden eyes. You jumped before realizing who it was. “Hey kid.” Hawks purred and leaned against the doorway. He still adorned his hero costume, minus his shoes and coat. You grinned and slid futher into the bubbles, feeling bashful.

“I thought you were hung up at work?” You questioned with a raised eyebrow. Hawks flashed that beautiful smile you had come to love before unbuckling his belt. Letting his pants drop to the floor with a thud.

“What can I say? I work quick under certain circumstances.” Hawks replied, slipping his socks off his feet and pulling his shirt over his head, leaving a pile on his clothes on the floor infront of him.

“You know, you should really lock your doors, someone might break in.” He teased. He located your towel cabinet and set out a few fluffy towels for himself. One for his body and one for his wings.

You laughed and responded, “The doors are locked and I live on the third floor!” You drank in his frame. Hawks wasn’t a tall man, you both stood at even stance. What he lacked in his height his wings made up for.

The scarlet plumage was his signature. Hawks took excellent care of his wings, making sure every feather settled in place. He was downright beautiful in every single way. His golden eyes shone in every shade of light. The blonde style he sported was always windswept, but surprisingly neat.

Hawks was more god like than any other man you’ve come into contact with. “Can I join you or are you going to keep eyeballing me?” He remarked, sliding the final piece of clothing down his thighs. You swallowed at the sight. Well endowed was an understatement. The last time you engaged in extra curricular activities you were sore the next day.

You shifted forward in the tub and allowed him to sit down behind you. Hawks wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled your back towards his chest, holding you tight in place. He peppered light kisses across your neck. You smiled and relaxed into him. Brushing your hand through his hair gingerly, you enjoyed the moment.

He placed another kiss to your shoulder blade and inhaled the scent. “I got you some flowers. Coincidentally they smell like you.” He whispered to your skin.

“You didn’t have to do that.” You sighed, feeling touched by the simple gesture.

Hawks ran his hands against your stomach, stopping short of your mound. He repeated the action as he began to speak, “I just wanted to make sure you felt appreciated, babe.” His left hand kneeled across your breast tenderly, twisting and pinching the bud of your nipple. “Can’t have you feeling like I forgot about the things we talked about today.”

You moaned at his touch, endulging yourself in the words he spoke. His right hand began to roam across your stomach again, this time he didn’t stop, he explored more. “So open yourself up,” Hawks crooned and spread your legs with his hand, “and let me do all the things I’ve been thinking about.”

So you did, you gave yourself to him fully. You rested against him, laying your head down in the crook of his neck. You spread your legs futher allowing easier access to your core. Hawks began to rub your clit lazily. Small jolts of electricity shot through your lower half.

You hissed as the pace began to increase. You could feel the smirk plastered on his face. He was enjoying it as much as you were. He paid your breasts equal attention. The swirls he produced on your clit were mesmerizing. He applied just the right amount of pressure that it made your toes curl.

You were in pure ecstasy by the time he dipped a finger into your core. It was just the finger tip at first, teasing and stretching your opening. Then he sank into you, making your back arch. The water sloshed around you two carelessly as you bucked your hips. “God you look so cute when your face is curled up in pleasure kid.” Hawks praised.

He tenderly added a second finger to the mix. Finding your pleasure spot, he curled his fingers up and hit the spot several times. You felt his erection grow on your back. He groaned everytime you shifted against him. Pretty soon you felt that sweet knot tightening in your stomach. “I’m close!v” You cried out and grasped onto the side of the tub for support.

“That’s it baby, cum for me.” Hawks egged on. That was all it took. You fell over the edge into pleasure. Your breathing was ragged as you tried to calm yourself down. He chuckledt and rubbed your head. “Let’s get out. I’m not finished with you yet.”

You peaked over your shoulder to glance at him. The look on his face was dead serious. You shuddered at the threat before stepping out. He wasn’t far behind you, grabbing your towel and drapped it around your shoulders. You thanked him and wrapped the other around your hair.

The two of you dried off quickly, water droplets clung to your skin. You were quite the pair giggling and running to your bedroom like a couple of teenagers. Hawks shoved you back gently onto the comforter and disrobed you.

His mouth attached to yours, this kiss was different than the sweet ones before. It was deeper and filled with more fire. This was the first time he kissed you today and you could feel the desire behind it. He pushed the towel that was wrapped around your head so he could run his hand through your damp hair.

Your hand found it’s way to his cheek to hold him close, stroking his jaw in the process. You couldn’t get enough of each other. “I need you.” You breathed against him lips. Your arousal became evident as his erection pressed against your core.

“You’ve got me.” Hawks whispered into your ear. You were completely ready by the time he slipped into you. His moans melted into yours. His thrusts were deep, hitting every sweet spot inside of you. You relished in the closeness.

His wings shuddered with delight, some tickled your arms. He was quite a sight ontop of you. The golden pools of honey bore into your soul. You felt beautiful as he praised you each time he sank into you.

The sweet love making during into something primal when he threw your legs over his shoulders, crossing his arms against them to hold them to his chest. The sounds that streamed out of your mouth weren’t cute whines anymore. He was deeper than ever before. Your breasts bounced as he pounded harder.

Hawks increased his pace, making your orgasm rush towards you. You came quickly and chanted his name like it was your favorite song. Your back arched off the mattress, leaving a strain on your thighs. It didn’t matter. You could tell he was enjoying himself by the groans escaping him.

“Such. A. Good. Girl.” Hawks said in between thrusts. “Shit. I’m almost there.” He called, squeezing your legs for dear life. The strokes became sloppy and he pulled out to paint you with his load. His cum shot everywhere, landing on your stomach and breasts. His pride was set aside as he whined and panted, relishing in his release.

He collapsed ontop of you and peppered your face in sweet kisses. “Worth the wait?” He questioned into your shoulder.”

“Definitely.”

[dabiboy]

Hawks taking a shower and reader enters to "help" him... 😏 you get the idea ~

Just finish this one! Hope you like it 😳😳

[Warnings: NSFW, minors please keep scrolling.] 

Author’s note: I recommend listen to Bones by PSM

Shower Time

The day had been long, stressful and getting home was the best relief Hawks could ask for. The only sad thing, was that the apartment was empty and you were not around to be seen. After charging his phone, he saw the six messages you had sent earlier. A mission got in your way, and as a hero you couldn't let that one pass. He could breathe just when you texted back, saying that everything went well and that you were heading home after finishing some paperwork with the police. Keigo smiled at the phone, and left it on the nightstand before stripping off his clothes.

Warm water was now running down his naked body, releasing the tension that his muscles gathered during the day, getting rid of the mud and the sweat, of the dry blood and the stress. He threw his head back, letting the water wash away the entire day, even the way he cracked his neck felt extremely good at that point. He ran his hands through his hair, slowly down to his neck, continuing to his chest and abdomen. Keigo's eyes were closed, and the sound of water filling his ears kept him away from the outside world. He was always paying attention to his surroundings, always feeling what his wings had to say, and it was good to forget about all of that at least for a while. He was so immersed in himself he didn't even hear the door opening.

You walked in, not even calling his name because the sound of the shower replied for him. You made your way to your shared room, and despite being tired as hell when you saw his hero suit laying on the bed a million thoughts ran inside your head. You've been with Keigo long enough, but it was always exciting thinking about him, the image of his naked body covered in water made your body shiver, and you could even feel the heat taking over. Your hero suit joined him on the bed, and you walked towards the bathroom completely naked, not an ounce of shame.

The door was opened slowly, not wanting him to notice you were already there. The big glass was covered in steam, and even in that way it was possible to admire his naked frame, beautiful as always. You watched him for brief seconds, loving the way he ran his hands through his hair, or how he applied some pressure on the sides of his neck to relieve tension.

Your lower lip was trapped between your teeth, and without wasting any more seconds you slowly slipped into the shower. His wings looked majestic, shining thanks to the water, relaxed and it seemed they were not paying attention to what was happening.

You got in between his wings, arms getting under his armpits so your hands could rest on Hawks' chest, it was warm, firm, always welcoming. Keigo smiled, his head turning slightly so he could take a look at you.

''If I were a villain you'd be dead by now'' You teased, kissing the center of his back.

''I had a feeling it was you'' He stated, his hand getting over you so he could held it and press a kiss on it ''Missed you today''

''You never lose huh'' A laugh left your lips ''Same, I couldn't wait to get back to you''

Your voice came out in a whisper as you started kissing his back, electricity was taking over him, since the subtle way your body was touching his wings felt amazing. Slowly and even teasingly, your hands traveled down his body, feeling his abs under your palms, the light hairs that adorned his happy trail, his v-line and his thighs. Honestly it felt way too surreal to be the only one who could have him that way, all for you.

Keigo's chest rose when he got a deep breath, feeling his blood running fast through his body at every single one of your touches. Usually, he was the one in control, he enjoyed being the one in charge, but he also loved to be pampered and covered in affection, just like you were doing now.

He bit his lips when your hands barely touched his semi hard cock, and a drowned moan left his lips. You decided to repeat those actions, just wanting to tease him a bit.

''Looks you're lacking some soap here'' You used the foam that was already on his torso to keep spreading it, even playing with his nipples for brief seconds before keeping your tour on his body.

After a while you moved your hands away, and daringly your fingers were now playing with his wings, preening them, kissing them, anything. And Hawks was moaning lowly at such actions, his wings were one of the most sensitive parts of his body, and right now he was allowing you the permission of playing with them, feel them. You kiss the spot where his skin met his wings, a delicate place that you knew was dainty. The blonde threw his head back for short seconds, loving every single touch.

Keigo turned around, and a huge and sided smile was coated on his face.

''Baby bird's getting cocky?'' He asked, hands on your waist as he looked down your body. Keigo licked his lips and dug his fingers on your skin.

''Fuck, you're so damn gorgeous'' His lips went to your neck, sucking and kissing the area affectionately.

With ease and expertise, he pulled you closer to him his wet body making you feel a cocktail of emotions in less than one second. His large hands wandered all the way of your back to  your ass, grabbing it with the exact amount of strength as he pulled you closer again, making you feel his now hard cock against your thighs.

''See what you do?'' Keigo whispered in your ear, nibbling the earlobe teasingly at the same time he squeezed your asscheek firmly ''Making me so fucking hard, is that what you wanted huh?'' The way he purred in your ear made you weak to your knees.

''Keigo...'' You almost pleaded. But pleaded for what? To be kissed? Fucked? For him to stop his teasing game? You had no clue.

''Shh, I've got you'' He whispered again ''Hands on the wall, my angel'' His hand held your face so he could rustle over your lips before kissing you shortly.

Obediently, you did as he said. You turned around over your axis, slowly, letting him have a complete view of your naked body. Keigo's eyes were now darker golden, tantalizing your body and everything you caused on him. How the hell on earth could you be so perfect? A hissing sound left his parted lips when your hands were on the wall, and he could feel his heart pounding against his chest at the time you looked at him over your shoulder, sensually, inviting.

''Stick your ass out for me'' You heard him say as he stood right behind you, looking at your actions ''That's it, angel, just like that'' The way he praised you was always embracing.

Truth was, he was not in a teasing mood. At least, not in that very same second. He used his hands to spare your asscheeks a bit, hissing at the perfect view, the view that made him go feral and loving every time. With one free hand he grabbed his cock, and after pumping it a few times he aligned himself with your slick folds, pushing it in slowly.

The way you moaned echoed in the bathroom, and he joined you shortly after. Keigo cursed under his breath as he pulled out and push in again, the slow motions being almost painful. He rested a hand on your hip, while used the other to lift your thigh, wanting to get even deeper.

His movements were not rough and fast as usual, they were slow, tempting, agonizingly delicious. The way he was stretching you out felt heavenly, and you could never get enough of it.

Seconds seemed to be slower, longer. The time moved completely different whenever you and Keigo were together, it was the perfect synchrony, the perfect addiction, the perfect moment.

Large hands were now holding you by the waist as he kept thrusting in and out, his mouth biting your shoulder and moaning right in your ear. Sweet nothings, praises, dirty words. A carnival of sentences that were sending you to the edge faster by the second. Your hands were holding his, as if it was a way of support, but at the same time it was a way of screaming 'don't let me go, never' and he knew it, he was aware of it and he was showing it to you with the most steaming affection.

Just when you were about to feel heaven with your own senses, Keigo stop his motions and pulled out slowly. 'Turn around' you heard him say, and of course you did.

He didn't even give you time to think when his mouth was attached to your right breast, kissing the sensitive bud with no shame. He repeated his actions with the neglected one, and once he had enough his mouth was all over your belly, making its way down to the place where you needing him the most. Keigo grabbed your leg and put it over his shoulder, and his eyes were locked on you. He was dying to see your reactions, every one of them.

He licked your clit one time, then two, and then three. His mouth fell on your wetness in a mouth opened kiss, eating you out as if you were his last and most delightful meal. Your head hit the wall softly, not being caple of keeping your eyes open and look at him, but that's what he wanted. He wanted you to squirm under his touch, under his actions.

But then he did it again. Keigo was sucking on your clit with ease, lapping and sucking it with all the time in the world, and when you were close to reach your high one more time he stopped. And you cursed.

''Keigo, what the-'' He cut you off with a kiss, making you taste yourself on his mouth.

''I want you to look in my eyes when I cum deep,'' He moved to your ear leaving sloppy kisses in your jaw, voice raspy and sensual ''Deep inside you, baby bird'' You could tell he was smiling. ''I want to see the pretty face you make when you cum all over my cock, yeah?'' He sentenced.

He held you by the underside of your thigh once more, sliding inside you so easily you cried out his name as you held tight on his shoulders, fingers slowly playing with the areas of his wings you could reach.

Keigo moaned when you did so, and you felt a fire building up inside you when his starving eyes were locked on yours, so many emotions that you couldn't even describe them.

His thrusts started again, at first slow and painful in a teasing way, but thanks to the way you were looking at him he started to move faster, the lewd sounds of skin against skin, water splashing on your bodies and the bathroom filling the place. Again, time seemed to slow down whenever the intimacy between the two of you was bigger than usual, but you among all of that pleasure you could tell time was moving forwards because his cock twitched inside of you, telling you he was getting close. Same for him, though. Your walls were clamping down on him so deliciously he couldn't feel to get closer and closer every time. Keigo's thrusts became messier, a little bit rough.

The whole time his honey like eyes were on you, and when he frowned his expression you knew he was there. Your nails dug in his skin for brief seconds before moving to his wings, fingers tangled on his feathers. That action made him moan right over your mouth, and thanks to the way you clenched on him, Keigo let go. His expression was so pretty, eyebrows frowned, mouth open and the sweetest souds leaving his mouth as his hot cum was filling you up. He was mesmerized too, all of your facial features sending him to the edge, making his cock twitch inside of you and his heart beating so fast against his chest he thought it could escape at any time.

Keigo's face landed on the crook of your neck as he delicately put your leg on the floor again, you held him close to you, warm water running down the two bodies as he left sloppy kisses on your neck. Both breathings were erratic, but the smiles weren't going to be erased easily.

After some minutes, he gained some distance so he could look at you with a wide and lazy smile.

''Hi'' He laughed

''Hi'' You imitated his actions as your hands were now taking the golden locks away from his forehead ''You look so pretty with wet hair'' You smile, an enamored smile.

''You look pretty all the time'' His smile was enchanted too, and he pressed a kiss on your forehead ''How was your day? I couldn't ask you earlier, since you lady put your hands all over me with no hesitation'' He laughed again.  

''Is not like you didn't like it'' You replied with a lifted eyebrow, leaving a kiss on his chin ''Fine, took down some bad guys and did some paperwork, the usual'' You shrugged your shoulders.

''That's my girl'' Keigo said with a smile, pressing his forehead on yours. ''What if,'' This time he pulled away, hands rubbing your shoulders tenderly ''I wash your hair, and then we make some dinner so then we can cuddle the night away?'' His eyes lighted up, just like his smile

''Best plan ever'' You kissed him one more time before hugging him tightly.  

Could that man be any more perfect? And when his hands started to wash your hair so skillfully, you knew the answer.

[rodeoxqueen]

The Sparda Boys Taking Care Of Stray Animals Headcanons-(AO3 Request by @Zehnmou)

Zehnmou requested: Why is this so cute...urgh, my heart just exploded. 😭. I have always love Dante being a goofy dad

Anyway, pardon me, but might I ask for a request here? I don't have any Tumblr account though,

What about Sparda boys taking care of stray pets in their own ways? (oh any kinda is fine to me though, cats, dogs, birds,....they're all good to go)? Like fluffy stuff. Thank you so much.

I love this idea. Pull my fluff trigger, if you will. I did not write Nero, though I will add his segment later.  I’m too burnt out from school to do more but I still wanted you to have something to read as soon as possible. This was all my exhausted cowboy brain could scrounge up to write. 

Thank you for requesting darling,

Rodeo

Vergil

Our favorite ice king tries not to make it obvious but he is a cat person.

He is a staunch believer that owning a pet is extra work and pointless. Besides, you own another creature and that’s freaky. 

But as soon as he sees them toe beans and twitching whiskers, he’s not that loud about his aforementioned opinion. 

He won’t exactly house them, but Dante sometimes catches him leaving cans of tuna around the alleys. He refuses to admit it’s him. 

It’s even harder to hide he’s the local cat dad when he walks down the street and there’s a gaggle of cats following him, tails swishing the air with affection. 

His pants at the ankle area are covered in cat hair. He can’t walk out the street without a pack of all sorts of cats rubbing themselves on his legs. 

Sometimes there will be some sickly kitten that’s left on the street. Vergil can be found in his plastic white chair, bottle-feeding the poor thing. It grows healthy and cute and he lets the kitty, who he named William, sit on his shoulders while he reads. 

After he lets in that cat, about twenty more show up. Dante had to beg Vergil to be sensible, a rare sight to behold, when there are cats everywhere in his shop. 

Vergil= Crazy Cat DILF. 

V

Unlike his complete form, he’s quite into the idea of animal companionship even if Griffon is annoying as hell sometimes. 

He loves feeding birds. When he’s reading with Shadow’s head on his lap and Griffon is preening, he’s throwing bits of cracker and biscuit onto the ground for pigeons. Sometimes Shadow tries to eat one or Griffon strikes lightning at them with a chortle. He is inconsolably pissed. 

One day at a local park,  he keeps hearing this wretched and pitiable noise. After some tracking around, he finds a raven with a broken wing. They’re hopping around pathetically and incapable of flight. 

When they see him approaching, they freak and screech at him and try to flee. 

“Have no fear, little bird. I mean you no harm.” He stoops down, hands gentle and slow to approach them. 

For some reason, the corvid trusts him, beak stroked by his careful fingers. He cups the bird and takes them home. 

He manages to fix their wing with a splint. The bird hops following him. Shadow tries so hard to not eat the poor thing and Griffon is offended. 

“What?! Am I not cute enough for ya, V? You cheating on me with another birdie?!”

When they begin to heal and can fly again, V sadly lets them leave. He gives them a little push towards the window. 

“Go on now, little wanderer. You’re well and free once more.” They don’t move, intelligent eyes focused on him only. They hop back and caw at him, flying up to sit upon his shoulder. 

“If you wish.” V muses. He strokes the bird’s head. 

“If you are to stay, I must find you a name. How about Poe?” 

“Caw.” 

“Excellent choice.” 

V is not very original. But he has a pet raven and that makes him so much cooler than you.  

Dante

On account that he does live in the shadier parts of Redgrave, there’s a lot of strays. However, there’s also a lot of demons that like to eat the aforementioned strays. It’s a brutal little ecosystem. 

So imagine Dante’s surprise one night, when a hellhound runs into the alley near his shop. 

The hound is snarling with some sort of black goo in its mouth and its claws like scythes scraping the ground. Dante thinks it’s a dog that’s dumpster diving. 

“Same.” He walks away. It barks at him, looking for a fight.

“Look puppy. I fight Cerberus for fun, you are not going to win this.” The hound jumps him anyway, taking a good chunk off his leather coat. He throws the dog off and semi triggers, exposing his demonic skin. 

He assumed the hound would just run away. Instead, it rolls onto its back with its tail shaking. He can’t get it to leave and he eventually lets it inside. 

He has a dog now, he guesses. 

The hellhound is a lot different than a normal dog. Firstly, it’s from hell. 

It also is super strong and fast, and incredibly violent. It should not be treated as a pet.

Dante disregards that and plays fetch with it using an old can. It runs into traffic and comes back with half a stop sign. 

“Come here, boy!” The hound leaps onto him and sends him through a wall. Dante has to borrow Nico’s saw to clip its nails. Don’t even get him started on bathing the hound. It tore the faucet right out of the wall and sent a spray of water right at Dante. 

He never really finds a name for the hellhound. He just whistles and it’s there. 

He and the dog can enjoy a pizza together and he feeds it the olives when they show up on his slices. However, the hound is perfectly happy with some demon leftovers or roadkill. 

Its breath? Terrible. 

He tried to leash the dog and it bit a hole through his hand. No leashes. 

He cannot take the hound to the dog park. The last time he did the dumb hound tried to eat someone’s Pomeranian. 

The hound’s really useful during hunts when Dante brings it.  

Dante gets a side compartment for Cavalier so the hound can sit and let the open air hit its face. The hound can run just as fast as a car but it loves it. 

At the end of a hard day, the hellhound will jump up and down and chase its tail with joy when Dante comes back from work. 

He and the hound sleep on the same bed, the hound laying its stupid little head right on his chest. Both their snores make Vergil want to set the shop on fire. 

(For my Tumblr Lone Rangers Only)-Vergil walked in on Dante doing this to his hellhound and he simply walked out of the building: 

Rodeo’s Two Pieces: 

This Cowboy Is Tired But Never Of Your Requests and Comments.