#Young(er) hunter has short hair! It grows over a year or two and he can't be bothered to cut it :) which leads to his present day design

[doveshovel]

can we get more Hunter lore? 👉👈 niche little blorbo

!! Can't believe my little guy has gained niche blorbo status. I am honored, thank you anon <3

Feels it's important to mention that I'm not a very good writer, and Hunter's entire deal is essentially just me trying to make a character whose backstory is wildly out of place in the girl power sparkly horsie game but still sort of works with the cannon actions of the player character. This is just a hastily thrown together summary of how he winds up in Jorvik. That said, of course you can get more Hunter lore! :^D Sorry this took so long but I had to do some art to go with it :'))

Everything's tucked below since there ended up being a lot more than expected :') I think it's all fairly mild but

Content Warnings: Image 1: Some mild blood

Image 2: (dressed) head injury

Hunter's pre-jorvik summary contains: patricide, improper body disposal, vehicle theft (x5), unlawful operation of motor vehicles, crossing state lines with stolen property, trespassing, breaking and entering, evading arrest, speeding, and other minor crimes. Also some mention of drowning, concussion, and brain damage.

When an attempt to slip away from his childhood home in the dead of night goes awry, Hunter accidentally hits and subsequently kills his father with a stolen car, then does some sloppy short-notice body disposal. It's nowhere near enough to make sure he's not a suspect, but it does ensure that the body isn't found for another week (until the neighbors come by to ask why his father wasn't at church, only to find that the front door's been left wide open and a small family of raccoons have made their home in the kitchen). He makes his way from his old house in rural North Carolina (U.S.) northwards through eight states under cover of night, switching cars three times along the way (once in Virginia, once in Pennsylvania, and again in New Jersey) until he arrives at the coast of Massachusetts.

^Hunter, age 19, 5 hours after hiding the body of his father

It's here that (not knowing shit about sailing, boats, or oceanic navigation) he chooses an old pontoon in a private dock to hotwire and sail across the Atlantic with the hope of evading prosecution. Three days into the so-far shockingly successful voyage, rough seas capsize his little vessel, leaving Hunter stranded half-conscious and about two-thirds drowned on some debris until the North Atlantic Current carries him into Jorvegian fishing territory. Five days after accidentally murdering his father, he's spotted drifting on some debris by the crew of a Jorvik fishing vessel and brought back to Cape West where he gets some bearings and starts life anew. :^)

The little pontoon isn't so lucky, and its remains wash up along the coast of Maine nearly three weeks later. By then, it's been connected to Hunter's murder + string of vehicle thefts, and he's presumed to have died at sea in an unsuccessful getaway. In some ways, he did.

Most memories of life before the storm have been wiped clear from his brain, and what little that returns in brief flashes is usually just as quickly forgotten again. Some foggy details of events in early childhood remain, but his entire personality is altered by damage and Hunter becomes someone else entirely, often feeling that he's living in a borrowed body.

^old doodle of Hunter, age 19, a week after landing in Cape West

Hunter spends about two weeks recovering from a concussion and anoxic brain damage at the fishing club's Cape West bunkhouse before he's well enough to start learning the ropes and work doing some slightly less intensive odd-jobs around the village (fixing nets, processing fish, delivering mail, a little stablehand work at Goldenleaf, etc.). He attends a riding camp in Moorland towards the end of his first year in Jorvik at the suggestion of Mr.Trout, who believes it'll be a good way to get some better ideas of what the horse-loving isle of Jorvik has to offer and find some sense of self beyond Goldenhills Valley.

From here, its essentially the main storyline with some minor changes and seasonings thrown in :^)

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Two Hundred Seventy-Six: Drained ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina, death ] [ Verse: Of Monsters and Men ] [ AO3 Link ]

Just because she isn’t technically human doesn’t mean she shouldn’t be careful.

Since she was young, Hinata has been...unlike most people she knows. While most humans are rather...well, mundane, she quickly proved to be anything but.

And that is because Hinata is a witch.

The term, of course, varies from land to land, sometimes even province to province. But all that truly matters is what it means. Neither human nor monster, she and those like her walk the delicate line between worlds.

Her mother had been one, having exhibited powers beyond the mortal. Before the birth of her second daughter, she’d begun versing Hinata in their ways.

But...she’d been young. And her lessons cut tragically short as Hanako passed not long after Hanabi’s unleashing to the world. Suddenly they were both without a mother...and Hinata without a hand (or knowing mind) to guide her.

Most of her knowledge, therefore, has been hard-won: picked up from rare books, and fleeting conversations with strangers like her. Over the course of her growing up, Hinata has learned the truth behind her bloodline in bits and pieces...just enough to crudely navigate her way through life.

Her father had indulged her...oddities for a time before removing her from the household, fearing she would taint Hanabi in a similar way. Left to her own devices, with barely any coin or possessions...Hinata was made to fend for herself from the humble age of twelve.

A fairly decent age, all things considered...for hers was a time for rampant diseases, danger, and misfortune. War and roving bandits were common...and so were things humans barely dared to believe were real.

Monsters.

By some grace, Hinata found herself in the care and tutelage of another witch named Kurenai, one whose unique magic manifested in illusions. For each family - and at times, individual - carried their own special trait or skill. In Kurenai’s case, it was the ability to bend the mind to suit her devices, often passing unseen or manipulating others to her bidding. But she was a rather kind witch, doing so only to get by, and never maliciously.

But Hinata faced a dilemma. She had no idea what her line’s power was meant to be, or her own possible unique twist. Memories of her mother, by that time, were vague and foggy...and nothing was remembered to help her realize her potential. Try as she might, Kurenai couldn’t puzzle it out either, trying trick after trick, but with little to show for it. While Hinata could demonstrate basic magical ability...her true strength remained undiscovered.

After four years in the woman’s care, Hinata decided that there was little else to glean. And given that Kurenai had become rather...involved with a city guard, she felt a bit invasive remaining. So, she’d gone on her way, promising to write, but...no longer feeling right remaining in the woman’s care. She was nearly an adult by then, and had mastered enough basic arts to get by...or so she’d hoped.

Passing through a city, Hinata had stopped to rest, all while happening to overhear a fortune teller nearby speaking in riddles and prophecies to a group of young people. A quick glance told her, of course, that this particular woman was a fraud, exhibiting no true magic.

But it was that moment that changed everything.

In a flash, as Hinata looked to a young man among them, she was struck with a vision of his future. To her horror, it was anything but the romance the hag was spouting...but a rather grisly death. Startled and afraid, she’d fled...and reached a conclusion.

That was her ability. To see into the future. And once she realized it, an echo from the past had reached her: words from her mother, about how their eyes - so pale, and so...unusual - could see what others could not. The snippet had slipped through the cracks in her mind...but then, it all made sense.

Hyūga were seers.

With that knowledge in hand, Hinata knew what she had to do. Unlike the pretender in the city, she could offer true readings for those who wanted them...and, so she hoped, earn herself the coin to survive. Town to town she traveled, offering glimpses into futures. Of course...given their era, a great many ended in tragedy, but she managed to remind her clients that the future could always be changed...and it was that alone that kept her from being run out of town.

At least...not so quickly. As time passed, the era of her kind was waning - superstition and a shift in guiding morality had begun to paint her people in a cruel and predatory light.

So, with the coin she’d accrued, Hinata fled and found herself a small cabin just within the boughs of a forest. Close enough to town to take care of her errands...but far enough out to remain hidden, her arts offered only to those deemed trustworthy...and able to pay the now far-higher sum to amend for the lack of clients.

Otherwise, she kept to herself, growing a garden and befriending the locals enough to skate by with enough supplies to last the harsh Winters. Several have now passed, and she stands a young woman of her early twenties, well-versed in life’s struggles, and her arts.

...and it’s now that trouble is afoot.

Stepping from her front door, basket along her arm, she comes up short as a local man, farmer by trade, staggers up her walkway with a look of panic in his eyes. “Milady! M...milady, I -!”

“Slow down,” Hinata softly cautions, seeing his exhaustion. If he ran the whole road from his farm, no wonder he’d be winded! “Take a moment to catch your breath.”

“It...I…” Leaning forward to brace palms on his knees, he struggles for breath. “There’s been a body found, just north of the lake!”

“A body…?”

“Yes! But it, it was…” A deep grimace overcomes his expression. “...drained…!”

Dark brows furrow. “...what do you mean, drained?”

“There’s not a drop of blood left in him! As though some monster sucked him dry! There’s talk of a vampire roaming these parts…!”

At that, Hinata’s eyes widen. A vampire…? As times have changed and humans expanded, she’s heard less and less of the monsters lurking in the moonlight of mankind.

“You can see why folks’d be panicked - everyone’s afraid to leave their homes! And, well...we was wondering if you could...do something.”

“I’m not a hunter of monsters,” Hinata quickly cautions, raising a hand.

“But...was it not in the old tales? Of, er...your kind taming monsters?”

“...that was a long time ago.”

“But milady -!”

“I’ll go investigate...and you’re right, it’s b-best you all stay in your homes. You’ll be safest there.” In truth, she knows that weak wooden cabin doors are nothing to a vampire’s might, but...if they just fed, she can hope they won’t be keen to feed again so soon. “If you can, hang a string of garlic near your door. The strong smell should help ward them off. And if you’ve any silver, arm yourself.”

“Oh, thank you…”

“Go on. Wait for me to find you...I’ll see what’s going on.” Watching him go, Hinata can’t help a feeling of dread in her stomach. Her powers aren’t showing her the future now...and in part, she’s glad not to know. Leaving her basket, she instead takes a dagger of silver and hangs the sheath from her belt.

Time to see just what’s going on.

Following the vague directions, she takes a road that leads to the small local lake, and it doesn’t take long to stumble across the smell of rotting flesh. Nose wrinkling, she parts some forest thicket to reveal the body in question. True to the farmer’s word, it’s pale as death and almost looks...shriveled despite the lack of rot. Cautiously approaching, a hand to turn them finds a bitten imprint at the crook of their neck.

No mistaking it...this is a vampire.

But what to do…? Hinata’s never fought such a creature - never had to. While some Hunters do still track such monsters, there’s no telling if one is near enough to aid before someone else falls victim. Silver may give her an edge...but she’s mortal. Too slow, too weak compared to a monster of moonlight. And though she’s heard tales from her kind of their once-famed ability to manipulate the inhuman...she’s never tried it. Never encountered any such beast to know if she even has the skill.

But when the hairs on the rear of her neck stand on end...she knows she’s being watched.

Breath forced to be even and body tense, she grips the handle of her dagger tightly. She’ll likely only have one shot at this...best to make it count.

“Well well...seems I’m not the only rare breed around…”

Spinning, she relies on her hearing to gauge the distance, attempting to bury the blade somewhere useful. But like a bored parent subduing their child, the vampire catches her wrist, and with his simple grip, makes her relinquish the weapon.

“Bit rude to stab someone when you don’t even know their name, isn’t it…?”

“You’ve killed someone,” Hinata replies tersely.

“Eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind. I needed blood, and he was there to provide. Besides...he stunk of sin. Not only will he not be missed...but I can almost guarantee that someone, somewhere, will be happy he’s gone. I try to only kill humans that deserve it, miss witch.”

As he speaks, Hinata looks the man over. He’s pale of skin, with flyaway dark hair and even darker eyes. Taller than her own build, he’s wiry and sinewy - a far throw from her short and stout anatomy. And there’s an aloof tinge to his expression, clearly bored of her.

“...a death is still a death. If he’d done wrong, he needed to be t-tried.”

“Well...sometimes we ought to give the courts a rest, hm? Besides, you humans rarely get this whole ‘justice’ thing right,” he drawls, releasing her wrist and flicking her dagger up with a boot, snatching it in midair and looking it over. “...fine blade. But you’re far too slow to use it.”

“...you need to leave.”

“Oh…?”

“I’ll not let you hurt anyone else.”

At that, the vampire scoffs. “Not let me, eh? And, ah...what, praytell, will you do to stop me…?” As if to prove his point, he moves in a blur. With a thud, her knife drives into a tree trunk, wrists pinned over her head as he effortlessly subdues her. “...I don’t want to hurt anyone who doesn’t deserve it. I’m on my way through...I’ll not trouble your little gaggle of humans, witchy woman. Just remember...humans always need a monster in the shadows. They just might make one out of you, someday…”

Tensed and panting, Hinata feels a flicker of panic in her veins. And like a spark to tinder, it seems to alight something within her. Jaw setting, a kind of instinct drives her to bark, “Release me!”

As though thrown backwards, the vampire does just that, shock widening his eyes and flaring them red. Immediately, his body language changes from relaxed to battle ready.

Rubbing at a wrist, Hinata watches him warily.

“...what did you just do…?”

“What I had to.” Drawing herself up to her full height, Hinata stares at him. “...I want you to leave. Now. I w-won’t let you harm these people, or make them afraid. They trust me...and I them. It’s my duty to protect them. I don’t want to hurt you...but I’ll do what I must. Now...leave, vampire. And n-never come back.”

Slowly, he lets himself lose his edge, eyes fading back to black. “...I told you, that’s not why I’m here. Didn’t have to go and shove me with...whatever that was. Consider me gone, witch.”

“My name is Hinata.”

“...Sasuke. Not that you apparently care. Be careful with those powers of yours. I meant what I said. There always has to be a monster...and you’ll be first on their list.”

Her jaw tightens. “...I said, go.”

Scowling, he lingers only a moment longer before simply disappearing, rustling underbrush all that betrays his movement.

Only once she’s sure he’s gone does she relax with a sigh, sagging back against the tree behind her. She had no idea what to expect, but...it seems the old tales are true. The ones who walk the night really do obey a witch’s words.

...she’ll have to remember that. But for now, she has a body to bury...and people to reassure.

Beyond the lake, coming to a stop, Sasuke only looks back once he’s sure he’s clear of her. A hand smoothes irritatedly through his hair. He’s only ever encountered a handful of witches...and none ever treated him like that.

...nor did they exhibit a power over him.

Seems the old folktales are true. Well...he’s not keen to see her again, that’s for certain.

...and yet...he can’t help a flicker of morbid curiosity. It’s rare to see a human so plucky...even if she’s not completely human. A strange walker of the line between night and day...one who wanders the twilight between humans and monsters.

For now, at any rate, he’s not about to push his luck...and he’s got somewhere to be. But he nonetheless makes a mental note for a later date.

It just might be a little...fun.

                                                            .oOo.

     A slightly different twist on the typical Nightwalker story! Rather than modern, this one's more medieval based, a bit like SHM day two this year, only...well, not directly connected. This one's standalone...at least for now!      Anyway, it is SUPER duper late, so I'm gonna go sleep - thanks for reading!

[immergladsss]

A Kiss! Finally

Excerpt from “The Troubles from Monsters and Men” The kiss finally happened!! It was my first time writing a kissing scene so I may have gone overboard... Its for my fanfiction based on the 2008 movie “The Secret of Moonacre”. Its a two part fanfiction, this being Chapter 6 of Part 2. Its a bit of an old fandom, not many still lingering around, but I wanted to contribute something...so here we go!

Recap: Robin De Noir has lost his memories after a run in with a monster. Now its up to Maria to help get them back. Their friends have suggested “True Loves First Kiss” to break the spell, but they can’t be together without fighting over one thing or the other. Plus, Robin’s been a huge ass, he doesn’t believe or trust anyone

"I don't like Robin," Maria stated.

Her friends looked up from their tasks with confused faces. Lizzy was reading a novel while Cat was embroidering birds from Spain. They were a few hours into their trip back home. Most of it had been in silence.

"What do you mean?" Lizzy asked.

"Does she really need to clarify? He's been an arse, a—a Man—"

"Cat, don't you dare finish that word!" Lizzy chastised.

Cat stuck out her tongue and crossed her arms.

"But she's right," Maria said defending Cat. "He's been horrible to everyone. He needs to be stopped. I need to help him."

"I still say you should hit him upside the head. Maybe your Moon Magic will finally knock some decency into him. Make sure it's a hard thump though."

"Cat, you're letting your feelings for David talk."

"Can you blame me? The poor thing already feels insecure about his status, the last thing he needs is his own friend calling him out on it."

Lizzy sighed and closed her book. Cat was right.

"If that doesn't work though?" Maria asked.

Lizzy looked at Cat and Maria, before responding, "I think David and Richard have a point. You may have to kiss him."

Maria rolled her eyes and fell back against her seat. "He doesn't love me, and I can't say that I do. It'll never work."

Lizzy sighed once more. She had nothing else to suggest.

Maria stared out the window for the rest of their trip back to London. There, Digweed would be waiting with a carriage to take her back home. Maria was too busy in her head, working out her next trap for the bird boy.

"Digweed!" Maria called him over. She was peeking out from the large manor doors, as though hiding from someone.

"What be the matter, miss?"

Maria handed him a sealed envelope with the name "Robin De Noir" at the front. "I need you to give this to Robin when you see him. And if he asks who it's from, say Loveday."

Digweed creased his brow. "Now miss, last time I helped with this, your uncle nearly chewed my ear off."

"Please, Digweed. You must help me!" Maria begged. "Robin refuses to talk to me, and I have a plan to get his memories back."

Digweed's eyes widened and he nodded his head. "You can count on me, miss." Then he left to join Sir Benjamin. The men were going out on a hunt with the De Noir clan. They were hoping to catch a boar and deer for the holiday feasts. Maria was staying to help Loveday and Mrs. Heliotrope with the Christmas decorations. Christmas would be held in the Merryweather estate while New Year's would be celebrated at the De Noir Castle.

As she headed back to her room, she ran into Marmaduke. He had a hand on his hip and with the other, pointed a wooden ladle at her. "Do I believe my eyes? Is the young Moon Princess plotting an attack?"

Maria stepped back and waved her hands in defense. "No, no, Marmaduke. Not an attack. I just want to get Robin to listen to me."

Marmaduke tapped his foot. "Alright then, but know that If you need my help, all you have to do is say the word and I'll pop at your service!"

"Thank you!"

Maria rushed into her tower and closed the door. Now she just had to wait until tomorrow.

"Maria dear, are you sure you don't want to come to Silverydew with us?" Loveday asked as she put on Albert's coat.

"Yes, Loveday, I'm sure. I'm been on the road too much, I want to spend some time home."

"Alright, be safe dear."

"Yes, my child, remember Digweed and Marmaduke are here if you need anything. We won't be long!" Mrs. Heliotrope said and kissed Maria's forehead.

"Maria," her uncle said coming out of his office. "Stay indoors. It's too cold for you to go outside."

"Yes uncle—"

"And if you do need to go outside, take Marmaduke or Digweed with you."

"Yes uncle, I will be safe and use my head."

Sir Benjamin grunted and gave Maria a short side hug. Before her family could leave, she lifted Albert into the air and spun him around. Then she blew a raspberry into his cheek. Albert was growing well. His hair was curly and fell to his shoulders. His eyes remained a beautiful blue filled with joy. There were no scares, mental or physical, from his kidnapping.

She waved goodbye to her family, closed the doors and left them unlocked. Then she hid in the parlor. All she had to do now was wait and hope her trap had worked.

It wasn't long before she heard the doors open. Maria hid behind the parlor door and waited. She heard the soft tap of his boots make his way to the piano room.

She peered out the door and silently followed to the piano room. Maria gawked. He was there, standing by the piano. He actually came. He stood with his back to the door, Maria's letter was in his hand. He was lost in his thoughts as he ran his hand over the dusty piano. Though she could not see his face, she felt his tension. He had yet to notice her and stood unaware of the moon princess that watching him by the door.

Robin shifted his weight. He felt foolish being there. If Richard found out Robin was here, he would never let it go. When Robin first saw the letter, he decided to ignore it. If Loveday and her family were only gone for the day, he didn't see why he had to spend his day watching over her. She had magic, she could defend herself. But then he remembered their fight, and how much of an arse he had been to David because of it. Now with all the mess of the escape, he felt a foreign feeling of care tug at his heart. After all, it was his guards who failed to properly secure Charles and Althea. Even if indirect, Robin was at fault too. He decided that he had nothing to lose and accepted the task.

Maria pursed her lips and squared her shoulders. This was it. She had nothing left to lose. Just as Cat suggested, Maria ran with a battle cry and landed her hand on his back. Her plan was to bring Robin over, and trap him where he couldn't run. Then, focusing her thoughts and energy into the pearls, she was going to touch his back as she did with the guards to break the curse.

But she overestimated her force. Maria landed with all her weight on his back and pushed him forwards. Taken by surprise, the bird boy stumbled and fell to his knees.

"Ey! What was that for?" He yelled over his shoulder, spotting the wide-eyed Merryweather. He thought they'd made peace. Was it all a ruse, was she planning to take him on now?

Guess that didn't work, Maria squeaked and followed Cat's second suggestion. She bopped him upside the head, hoping her moon magic would do the trick. The force knocked his bowler hat over his eyes and onto the floor.

"Oy, you little witch! I'm going to get you for that!"

Maria paled, Oh no, that didn't work either. Quick as a mouse, Maria turned on her heels and ran out the piano room.

"Merryweather, come back 'ere!" He spat behind her.

She ran for her life.

Maria turned down the hall and darted into the library, slamming the large doors behind her. She made a beeline past the couch and hid amongst one of the bookshelves towards the very back.

"You can't hide from me!" He shouted pushing the doors wide open. They hit against the walls with a force that vibrated through the room.

Over the cracks between the books, Maria spotted the De Noir. His charcoal-lined eyes were alive with a determined flame as they scanned the aisles.

"…Come out, come out, where ever you are, Moon Princess… I know you're in here."

Maria held her breath and back-peddled closer to the wall.

Robin quietly walked past the center of the library. She was watching him, he could feel her eyes on him. His hunter's instinct pushed him forwards, guiding him towards her like an invisible eye.

He was getting closer. Maria continued retreating until her back hit against a shelf. It groaned and rocked just ever so slightly.

Thud. A book fell from the shivering shelf with a boom that echoed throughout. Maria cringed.

"Aha!" The De Noir ran towards her.

Desperate times called for desperate measures. Maria grabbed a handful of books and tossed them at him, hoping to scare him off and block his path. He knocked each of the books to the side, growled, and lunged for Maria.

Maria screamed and ducked into another book aisle. She maneuvered towards the exit and made it out the doors. She skidded to the left and sprinted down the hall, huffing as her corset seemed to squeeze tighter on her lungs.

"Just wait till I get my hands on you!" She heard him shout behind her. He was catching up to her.

Maria screeched and pushed herself forwards.

"Digweed! Marmaduke! Wrolf! Help me, please!" Maria yelled, hoping one of them could hear her and come to her recuse.

Down in the kitchen, Digweed and Marmaduke were eating their roasted pot pie. Wrolf was sitting by Marmaduke's feet eating a lamb chop. Maria's cries of help echoed in, distracting them from their food. Digweed and Wrolf jumped to their feet and ran towards the door, but Maramduke popped in front of them. He wore a mischievous smile and ushered them both back with his hands. "This is business they must be solving."

"But the misses," Digweed tried to protest.

"Rest assured the lad won't hurt her. If he does, I'll pop right at her side."

Back on the other side of the manor, Robin laughed. "They aren't here! No one can help you! I'll give you a reason to think twice before striking me behind my back!"

"I'm incredibly sorry!" Maria yelled behind her as she continued running. "I really truly am! I thought it would break the curse! It worked once before."

"Lies!"

"It's true! You'll see if you read my book!"

"It's too late Merryweather! Don't play with fire if you can't handle the flame!"

She slid around a corner towards another hallway and ran into the first room, shutting and locking the door behind her.

Maria lunged for the bed, setting up a fortress of pillows around her. She was panting. Beads of sweat dripped down her forehead. She reached behind her and pulled at her bodice, loosening the restraints against her lungs. She heaved a large breath, feeling as though she had been submerged underwater and only just come up for air.

She was about to sit back against the bedframe but jumped in the air when the doorknob started rattling.

"Merryweather! This door isn't enough to stop me! I'm a De Noir remember?" Robin began to pick the lock. 

Maria shrieked and tried to hide under the bed, but her hooped skirt couldn't fit underneath. She groaned and lifted herself up. She made a mental note to ask Loveday for more dresses for Christmas.

Maria picked up a pillow and readied herself. If it was a fight he wanted, it was a fight he was going to get.

With a battle cry, Robin kicked the open. His fists were up in the air, ready to take on whatever was thrown at him.

Maria screamed and threw a pillow that struck Robin's face. She quickly picked up another for a shield and a candelabra for a sword and took a fighting stance.

Robin laughed as he strolled in, "who taught you to stand like that?"

"You!"

Robin's face fell, and he picked up the pillow Maria had tossed at him.

"Then it's a good thing I don't remember!"

Maria gasped. "Oh, you oaf! The Robin I knew was a thousand times better than you!" She tossed a candle with every word at his head. He dodged every one of them.

"No! He was a sap! A hopeless, lovestruck, weakling, balmy fool!"

"You take that back, you—you devil!"

"Is that the best you've got? I must've lost my mind for me to have fallen for you!"

"Oh, I'll show you!"

Maria grabbed the last pillow and hurled herself at Robin. She pounded him with the sack of feathers for all he was worth.

"Ahh!" Robin raised his hands in defense. He used his other one to smack her with a pillow he had picked off the ground. Maria reached for another candelabra, but Robin jumped in front of her and blocked her path.

Soon they were battling, using their pillows as both shields and swords.

Maria grew frustrated. Using all of her weight, she rammed him with her pillow and pushed him back against the wall.

"You will never be half the man you used to be!" She spat, her eyes pierced into his soul.

Robin narrowed his eyes and scoffed. He lowered his face to her eye-level, until their noses were a mere inch from one another. "What makes you think I want to be? If I didn't know any better, I would almost say this only confirms you truly loved that oaf!" He huffed and pushed her back.

"Oof," she cried out, smacking his chest with the palms of her hand. She stepped back, her legs hit against the bed and she fell backward. She grabbed on to Robin's jacket and pulled him down with her. They landed on the bed.

Robin was on top of her.

His heavy breathing fell on to her neck. She hated the butterflies in her stomach, they weren't meant for him. At least not who he was right now.

She felt his beating heart through his chest. She was trapped underneath him, his arms pressed against the bed on either side of her head. They were the only support keeping him from completely falling on to her. A heat of emotion soared from her stomach to her face. She turned a bright red, though the spark of anger remained lit in her eye.

Robin was at a loss. He felt his own ears grow warm. He wasn't quite sure what to do now that he had her pinned down. It seemed like time stood still as they stayed there, catching their breath. Staring at one another.

Maria finally broke the silence as she said between breaths, "Whatever feelings I had once before, are dimming with every day I spend with you."

Robin blinked as a hurt look passed through his eyes. Then his eyes darkened and narrowed, masking any possible feelings he could have. "Then why did you call me here?" He growled as he brought his face closer to hers.

Maria's chest rose and fell as she continued to catch her breath. It was a rhythmic roll against his body. His eyes glanced down at her lips, then scanned over Maria's soft, pale and freckled skin, before once more meeting her eyes. The passion in her eyes glowed like embers, a light that seemed to draw him in. There was so much hidden inside of her. Did she really have the answer to his lost memories?

A few curls fell in front of Robin's face, shielding his eyes. Maria raised her hand and gently brushed the strands away from his face. The warmth of her hand sent a shiver down his spine.

Searching Robin's eyes, she still saw the beautiful brown orbs that once held mischief and life, though they no longer held the tenderness they once used too. They were lost and vacant. She wondered if Richard was right. What if she had kissed him then, could that have saved him?

She traced the edges of his face, down his jaw, and over his chin. Her thumb brushed against his lips.

Robin blinked, confused.

Before she knew what, she was thinking, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down. Her lips found his and she kissed him. A soft, lingering kiss on his parted lips.

Robin panicked. His body froze yet his mind reared, demanding he push away, but he couldn't. He wouldn't. The void in the pit of his heart returned with a vengeance and ached to be filled. It ached for her. To bury himself in her love. At that second, he not only wished her feelings for Robin, the old Robin, were real. He wished they were for him.

Robin yielded. He let himself fall and melted against her hold. He returned her kisses and deepened it. Robin slid an arm to caress her side as he pressed himself into her. Maria squeaked with surprise and she inched herself back, giving him more room. She had no idea what she was doing, but she didn't want to stop. She let him take the lead.

Robin coiled an arm around her waist and tried to press her closer to him, but her hooped skirt acted like a barrier. Maria's hands traced up his neck and raked through his curls, knocking off his hat. He softly moaned into her lips. His lips then traveled down her cheek into her neck, and Maria whimpered at his soft pecks. Robin smiled and traced more kisses down her neck into her collarbone, each with more pressure before finally returning to her lips.

Suddenly, Robin's mind spun and flashed a scene.

—He was back at the beach. Maria was in his arms. They were falling into the sand. Her eyes were filled with fear. The faint echo of her scream, she was screaming his name, rang in his ears. Suddenly he was shrouded in darkness as he heard Charles' and Althea's laughter overpower Maria's screams. —

Robin cracked. He pulled himself off her. His eyes were wide with fear. He stepped back and grabbed at his hair, pulling it. "N—No," he gasped. "Stop!"

He walked back towards the door. He almost tripped over the pillows, but he regained his balance and continued stumbling away from her.

Maria tried to stop him, she wanted him to talk to her. Something had snapped. She felt it.

Robin shook his head. "P—Please, leave me alone!"

He grabbed his hat from the floor and ran out the manor. Maria followed but lost sight of him in the forest.

She crumpled down to the snowy floor, and let out a heaving sob. It didn't work.

If you would like to read more: 

Part 1: When a Young Heart Loves  https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12248770/1/When-a-Young-Heart-Loves Part 2: The Troubles of Monsters and Men  https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12703006/1/The-Troubles-from-Monsters-and-Men

[unluckyadept]

{Thursday, November 16th, TUMBLR 2017}

My time with the children was also very rewarding, last summer.

-=-=-=-=-=-

[There was a great deal of excitement as they came within view of the crowds. A lot of cheers and comments, though—

Before any of the adults could stride over to talk, there was a stampede of smols that gathered around him.]

“{He’s back! He came back!}”

“{Yeah! Toldja he was real!}”

“{Are you our hero? Like from the story?}”

“{You’re so tan!}”

Felix: …

[After a moment, he smiled at this, a slight part of a silent laugh.

He had never seen some of these little ones before. Most of them, actually. Which was to be expected—even those who were only five at the time would now be ten, and would have grown accordingly.]

Felix: ({I guess they’re right…. There are people now who grew up with the stories… the start of a new generation. …Why do I feel so old?})

“{Tell us a story!}”

“{Yeaah!}”

Felix: … {Ah, very well.}

[This earned some excited glees, followed by squeaks of wonder when he molded the earth to a seat of stone before he sat down.]

Felix: {This is a tale from when the world was young.}

[A few of the others nearby slowly stopped talking, casually interested in hearing what he was saying.]

Felix: {In the days of mountains old

There was a tree of green and gold— And in her branches, Wisdom ran And so did reign the rule of Man

He wandered far, from sea to sea Traversing Weyard’s majesty Every year did he roam, With no one place to call his home.

His was Power, not in Might— Nor in the Truth known in Sight— Heart to earth, to rock and stone And all the Life the world had known

Journeys long and never ceasing, Bounty from the earth increasing— Such love for beauty in the heart Traveled with them in their art

They knew themselves as rich as kings! Craftsmen of the finest things! Tapestries upon the walls Of their deep and earthen halls

Patriarch, his wife at side— Ever tempered in his stride Caravans from east to west Ever passing nature’s test

Such was Man in days of old Before the hearth was ashen cold— There live none now of that kind Sanctuary they could not find

The world grew cold and very dark Ashen grew the golden bark But Life still dwells in the Tree— Hope renewed eternally.}”

[A pause.]

“…More, more!”

Felix: -Slight chuckle at this, feeling a warm kind of flattered- {Well, I only just put the words to it. It’s not always easy to make them soar on the spot.}

“{You came up with that only now?} o: “

Felix: {The story is as old as the days of the world. It is not new. The Venus Clan were nomads—they did not live in one place, but traveled across the land.}

“{Why didn’t they stay?}”

Felix: {They wanted to see everything. To go everywhere. To eat many different foods, and see exotic fabrics and art. But when you go visit somewhere and stay a while, you miss it after you’re gone. And they missed everywhere, too, and wanted to go back. So they were always on the journey.}

[This was clearly a foreign idea to them, and seemed rather exotic (and a little bit odd.) Felix smiled, holding a hand to his face.]

Felix: {Maybe someday, there will be people like that in the world again. Perhaps! Osenia is a beautiful place, and it is largely safe from the strife of Angara.}

“{I thought you were gonna stay here!} D: “

[A chorus of begging and pleas at this.]

“{Yeah! You gotta stay, you’re the hero!}”

“{Dad said you were gonna choose someone and help them grow strong!}”

“{I wanna be a Warrior someday.}”

Felix: -Internal sigh-

Felix: {It’s…}

Felix: {…It’s A Long Story.}

[He looked over at the bonfire.]

Felix: ({What can I say here? Anything I saw will be treated as a solemn vow. I do not want to corner myself into a promise…})

Felix: {I became a Warrior after traveling the world. Anyone I raise in the candidacy after me will have to do the same.}

[Well THAT was true enough. He felt that he’d need to subject them to other situations, and see there the strength of their caliber. To move beyond theory and into the field: only then could he be satisfied they could lead and endure a trial by fire.]

“{And do you have someone in mind?}”

Felix: ({…Kadi.})

[There were adults hemming into the conversation now. Felix frowned, the warmth of his aura turning a colder sort of cordial.

He recognized that voice, and it was not welcome.]

Felix: …

[There was a very strong Soldier, with embroidered mark of great power—accompanied by several others of lesser rank, and even a few of the other candidates.

His aura became like stone, in contrast with the looming fire of those around him.

He stared the man down, not bothering to rise from his seat. He would not grant this man worthy of confrontation or satisfaction.

Indeed—he even turned to ignore him completely, choosing to speak again to the smols.]

Felix: {If you would like another story, I can tell you how I first earned the title of Dragon Slayer.}

[Some of the older ones were a bit confused, picking up very much on the tension. The younger ones were easily distracted, though, and gave a chorus of agreement.]

Felix: {Very well.}

[Felix used MOVE!]

[He swept aside the soldiers without even raising his hand, making his position on their leader clear in this. He immediately started talking, making the grass coil and curl with vines to keep them from coming right back.]

Felix: {Mountains in the Eastern Sea Held the might of Venus Tree There live now beneath her shade People of the Serpent’s glade

Once he ruled with wisdom pure Of his justice one was sure But long ago he fell to sleep Along with monsters in the deep

The world was young, but no longer The seal in spirit even stronger The quiet peace did belie What lay beneath on mountains high

One day at last, in the East There was held the greatest feast Alas! That day, in the West Fell two great Warriors to their rest

And so raged tempest, tidal wave! Men sent to a Watery Grave! And stirred then, also flying— The Serpent from the Mount Undying!

Roars of rage shook the skies Screams were scattered in demise All the food he did devour And thus began their darkest hour

Years of this they did endure ’Til they learned that maiden pure He demanded, as a price To save them all, in sacrifice

All seemed lost, the people starved The path to death already carved But hope remained, for someday soon— Warriors come beneath the moon

And so I came to that land I learned this fate, and took a stand! We journeyed to the dragon’s den To free Izumo once again

It was not atop the earthen spire That we faced the dragon’s fire— Instead within the mountain’s core That is where fate was in store

There before us, Susa fell Death was looming, one could tell And so we faced the Scythe of Death Blasted by the Serpent’s breath

And so the Serpent we did rend Izumo’s fate did we mend Kushinada at his side Susa returned with great pride

Hero he was, like a king Of his glory did they sing But truth was seen within my heart By Uzume ere I depart

I left that island much confused In deep silence I have mused: Will there come a brighter day Or in sorrow shall I stay?}

[They were little dragon smols. Much softer skin compared to their adult counterparts, and thus dressed more fully, at least with leather belts snug around the belly.

They all sported short hair—as did most of the adults, actually. Their colors were more pronounced and intense—looking very new, in a sense of the word.

Felix smiled a little, fine with them crowding close. He didn’t need to worry about them posing any sort of threat, and he rather liked them. This was not the most usual for Warriors—they were not aggressive, but most had simply patiently ignored.]

Felix: {Are you all excited for the recognitions today?}

[There were clammors of responses, shouted names of siblings and cousins—some of which he recognized. Most were merely having completed their Hunter training—though there were a fair few who had been working as Scribes.]

Felix: ({The first step to being a Scholar…? Interesting…})

Felix: ({So they were serious about wanting to learn more about Alchemy. That’s important to know.})

Felix: {Who here knows someone who can use Psynergy?}

[They all raised their hands.]

Felix: {What have you learned about Mars Psynergy?}

“{You have to pay attention because you can’t put the fires out!}”

“{You can breathe fire if you’re really strong!}”

“{It can make you feel better if you got bit!}”

“{It’s the opposite of Mercury. We’re better!}”

[Felix laughed softly at that last one.]

Felix: {Really now? Weeeeelllll, I’d dare say you’re better than Alex the Betrayer, at any rate.}

Felix: {But Lady Mia is arguably the most powerful Healer in the world, and the waters of her Clan’s Lighthouse heal all ills. They have even been used to bring life back to a dying forest—yes, the whole forest, from the water within one glass bottle.}

Felix: {And then there’s Admiral Piers. I don’t suppose any of you have met him—but he was my strongest ally, after Saturos and Mendari fell. He is as much a Warrior as I, and I will have him formally recognized some day.}

[He gave a content grin.]

Felix: {There are a few that I shall bring someday who have shown themselves worthy of such status.}

[The vines coiled, weaving within themselves to create a symbol.]

Felix: {Not all heroes are leaders, my friends. Be willing to open your mind, and look beyond—}

[He glanced over at Kadi as he said this—]

Felix: {—mere strength.}

[He looked back at the smols, letting Beck’s symbol burst into flower—fire lilies.]

Felix: {And you do not have to be a hero to make a difference. You are little dragonlings yet, but aged dragons like the Grand Master of Dance are vital to us as a people. They know all the stories and art from the days of old.}

Felix: {Yes, there is at least one who has earned my respect by his strength. He and I battled, and he fought well.} -Smug smile- {He endured. Very sturdy fellow.}

Felix: {I have met many people on my travels. I may bring them to visit, over time. For such is the rich power of the North! There lives here a deep song that draws in the heart.}

Felix: {But not today.}

“{But the Summer Solstice is the best festival of the year!} DDD: “

“{Yeah, why didn’t you bring them to see it?}”

Felix: {Little dragonlings… sometimes, things are planned, and sometimes they are not.}

Felix: {When you don’t have a plan, you still have to choose. And I made my choice in the way that I wanted to.}

Felix: {The others will come some other time. And unless there is…}

[He trails off.]

Felix: …

Felix: ({Well, last year there was the “hour of death” as one might say it, within that prayer of theirs, and this year, there was a plague that placed Cardinal in peril of death.})

Felix: ({I don’t think I should say anything.}) >>;

Felix: …

Felix: {There will be other summers. Besides, their people celebrate the winter.}

“{But it’s so cold and it’s dark and it’s bleh.} 8’|”

Felix: {They can tell you more about it…}

[He suddenly grins as he imagines Will being cornered by the dragon smols and forced into an extensive story session.]

“{Can you tell us a story about them?}”

Felix: -Thinks on this-

[Many of the stories were dark, that much he knew. And the only other one he could think of…]

Felix: {I know they’d rather tell you themselves. You will have to wait.}

“{Awww…}”

[It seemed pretty clear that Felix was done talking, at that point. He had closed his eyes and looked to be deep in thought.]

-=-=-=-=-=-

Perhaps it would not be so hard to return again for longer?

—Felix