#a rising twilight moon au

[darktreeroots]

just gonna talk about Sisterly Relationships for a bit

As kits, Darkkit and Hollowkit are very close. They were (forceably and unfortunately) nursed by Leafsky and even with such a hateful nursing mother they found security in each other. Early on Darkkit would share her (then his) visions with her sister (then brother) and Hollowkit always listened because they were always correct.

Hawktooth, who would later become a central figure in Hollowforest’s life, didn’t pay too much to them because they were just kits and also she had to watch her second litter closely after losing the first.

Maplestar (then, Maplewhisker) was interested in them and watched over them as a sort of replacement parent because he was one of the patrol to find them in the snow—however as a deputy and not a nursery queen, he just wasn’t around that much.

So Hollowkit and Darkkit only really had themselves but they were fine with that! They loved the single cat they had with all their heart and didn’t regret a single thing!

As apprentices, that’s were things began to change. Because this is early Clans-era, they were apprenticed at two moons old but missed their first Gathering due to bad behavior (read: Darkpaw deciding to explore and crossing borders while doing so. It’s only due to her visions that they even survived.)

That would have been the only Gathering where they were treated as part of the Clan, because it was revealed to weaken ShadowClan as part as the ongoing war. The result was that Lightmoon and Fishnose were revealed as HalfClans and that Darkpaw and Hollowpaw were their QuarterClan kits.

They stuck to each other more closely after that, it was always known that they weren’t SkyClan-born but after that a lot of the Clan turned against them. They were as close as possible for two moons until Darkpaw was made (read: manipulated and forced) a medicine cat apprentice.

It was rocky for ages after that, long after Hollowforest got her warrior name because Hollowforest felt her sister had abandoned her and Darkpaw was under the paw of a cruel mentor that kept the sisters apart so much that it became second nature to keep away.

Only after Petalfoot was exiled and Darkseed given her medicine cat name did things begin to ease back into a warmer relationship—but they would never return to normal before their deaths.

[inkedmyths]

Inktuneber Day 17 - Bad Moon Rising

Hey it's that one MLP AU again

[bluelockmaniac]

👑 .𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐍

ft. crown prince!itoshi sae x commoner!femreader x second prince!itoshi rin (only bc you are rin's fiancée)

🗡 synopsis. you were chosen to be the second prince’s fiancée for rin’s convenience, but fate had different plans when you fell for his older brother, the crown prince, instead. as you start hearing strange voices during your engagement ball, sae falls victim to alexis’ curse, which only your love can break. what happens when news spread of the crown prince's revival and rin finds out?

⛓ content warning. 13.3k (yikes)ノ royal au ノ classism ノ cheating themes & pdaノ⚠ rin is rude, offensive, & insulting ノ your parents & sis for plot are assholes ノ semi-arranged marriage (?) ノ reader is illiterate ノ narration heavy ノ reader gets called whore once ノ implied death & gorish description ノ implied stranglingノ animal murder ノ minimal implication of shorter readerノthe relationship with sae is highkey rushed now that i reread it.

notes. this took me two weeks+ to finish ahhh. i thank my past self for being obsessed with manhwas so muchh, and ty to rhymezone for saving my ass w/ the ancient poem. first time using capital letters when writing fanfics, only bc it's really long though, eeee.

In the Twilight of the Eclipsing Red Moon,

When Stars Align and Shadows Loom,

The Great’s Fate is Sealed in the Veil of Night,

By the Hand of One from Mystic Light.

But From the Dust of Forgotten Lands,

Shall Rise a Heart with Common Hands,

With Lips of Rose and Spirit Warm,

To Bring the Order, End the Storm.

A Crown of Old Shall Find its Grace,

In the Embrace of a Simple Face.

But Do not be Fooled, One Shall Not Bloom,

For This, Will Lead to One’s Gentle Doom.

“I beg your pardon, Your Majesty,” your father stammered, “M-My eldest daughter has fallen gravely ill, and I fear she physically cannot journey to the Grand Empire of Aquaria tomorrow!”

The king’s eyes flared open in shock as the words reached his ears. His grip on the plush armrest of his throne tightened, the baroque carvings digging into his palm.

“What?!” He yelled, dismissing the fan bearer with a sharp glare before rising from his throne and taking two steps forward. His shadow covered large over your father’s trembling figure. 

“She chooses now, of all times, to be stricken with sickness? At a crucial time for our kingdom? Such insolence!” He descended three more steps and glared down at him. “Did you forget that His Imperial Highness has specifically requested a lady from your clan?”

“I—”

The king struck his scepter harshly against the floor, silencing the man. “All the other houses of your garbage clan bore only sons,” he spat, “She will go, and that is final!”

“Actually…” the commoner’s lips pointed upwards in a well-rehearsed smile as he placed a hand over his heart in false politeness. “I have another daughter. She’s eager— eager to fulfill her duty. She is twenty, two years younger than the prince, but still of age.”

King Orion arched an eyebrow and his mouth twisted into a sneer. “Very well,” he replied, waving his hand in disinterest as he returned to his throne. “Summon her.”

In truth, the king’s concern wasn’t with Aria, your older sister. He cared little for which daughter was offered up to Aquaria’s second prince. It was a political necessity, nothing more— a favour to His Imperial Highness, Prince Rin. Or more like a fulfillment of Rin’s rather odd request that came with a threat. As long as someone from your clan was presented, it mattered not to him whether it was your sister or some other sacrificial lamb for the slaughter.

At the call of your name, the guards creaked open the heavy doors, and you entered the throne chamber slowly. When you reached the foot of the throne, you lowered your body in a curtsey bow, your gaze fixed on the scarlet carpet that stretched beneath you.

“It is my greatest honour to stand before you, Your Majesty,” you said, though your indifferent tone made it clear to anyone listening that you longed for nothing more than to be anywhere but here.

But you knew the truth behind this charade. Aria wasn’t ill. She was the jewel of your parents��� eye, their pride and joy, shielded from the Empire’s gaze like a pirate’s precious treasure. You, on the other hand, were the forgotten one– the daughter they kept hidden, a mere shadow in their halls, easily discarded when it was convenient. To your father, you were a little more than a weight around his neck, an extra mouth to feed, a burden he was eager to rid himself of.

The king’s eyes scanned you up and down, his expression visibly souring as he took in the sight of your tattered ankle-high, brown dress and scuffed boots. Disgusting.

“Ugh,” he muttered under his breath, leaning on one elbow as he sneered at you. “She’ll do, I suppose. Pretty enough for their tastes.” He turned to his chancellor with a condescending wave. “Have the maids find something more… suitable for this one.”

The chancellor bowed deeply, “At once, Your Majesty.”

“Alright, you’ve packed everything, haven’t you?” your mother asked as she rubbed Aria’s shoulder comfortingly.

Your gaze drifted to the battered briefcase lying at your feet. You had stumbled upon it by accident, shoved into a forgotten corner of the dirty attic, coated in layers of dust and practically falling apart at the seams. With a sigh, you bent down to pick it up, nodding as it threatened to collapse.

“Yes,” you murmured, a bitter smile tugging at your lips, “There was hardly anything to pack, anyway.”

Your father scoffed, rolling his eyes as he wrapped an arm around Aria, who had begun to shed what you knew to be crocodile tears. The act was almost laughable. She suddenly broke free from their grasp and rushed over to you, flinging her arms around your waist with a dramatic sob.

“Y/N!” she cried, “Please take care of yourself– hic– I’m going to miss you so much!”

You hesitated for a moment before stiffly returning her hug. She was a liar, through and through, and you both knew it. 

Before the act could continue, the distant sound of hooves clattering against cobblestone paths captured your attention. Gently, you pried yourself away from her clutches, turning toward the approaching sound.

Your breath hitched. The Empire’s Royal Carriage was quickly nearing, and it was no exaggeration to say that its massive size dwarfed everything coming its way. It was magnificent, its gleaming white exterior and elegant navy blue designs that were above the huge clattering wheels. Silken curtains furnished the windows, embroidered with golden threads that caught the eyes of your greedy family. But what truly stole your attention was the shining silver crown perched atop the carriage, with Aquaria’s Royal Crest.

“Listen–” your father’s obnoxious voice cut through your admiration. He leaned close, his voice coming out in a hiss, “You better behave yourself, got it? If you mess this up, it’s not just you– it’s all of us. Understand?”

You shrugged off his threat with a nonchalant nod, “I’ll do my best.”

The sounds of the porcelain horses neighing were suddenly right behind you. They looked so soft, so immaculate, that you had to resist the urge to reach out and glide your fingers through their carefully groomed manes. But you knew better. This was no place for such frivolities.

The royal coachman descended from his designated seat and approached you. His right hand gracefully flew to his heart and he bowed slightly, his eyes closing for a brief moment.

“Greetings, my lady,” he said, straightening himself elegantly as his brown eyes met yours. He took your worn briefcase from your hand and placed it gently in the carriage’s wide storage compartment in the back. Then, he slid aside the long curtains and extended his hand toward you.

This was it. The moment you stepped into that carriage, you would leave this wretched life behind forever. No more grime, no more being hidden away like some shameful secret. You would be free– or at least you clung to the hope of freedom. 

Taking the coachman’s hand, you felt the fine material of your simple sage gown– one begrudgingly gifted by King Orion– brush against the spotless steps of the carriage. You could hardly believe you, of all people, had the privilege of entering something so grand, so expensive.

For one last time, you glanced back at your so-called family. They stood there, masks with feigned expressions of sorrow worn over their faces. But you weren’t fooled, and you certainly weren’t going to indulge them. Instead, a slow grin crept across your face and you mouthed a few words that served as a final act of defiance.

“Shitty lives for shitty people, I guess.”

“.... lady,”

“My….”

“My lady!”

“Hm…” You muttered drowsily, your eyelids slowly fluttering open to the sight of the coachman and several other servants peering in at you with concerned expressions. Startled, you shot upright, your hands grasping the seat beneath you. “Y-Yes!”

So far, you were off to a great start.

But now, as you finally stepped out of the carriage and beheld the regal palace before you, every bit of exhaustion from the long ride seemed to dissolve. The sight of it stole your breath and you tried to conjure up a word to describe it, but words escaped you. Beautiful, perhaps, though even that felt insufficient. Magnificent, maybe. 

There were towering stone sculptures and a large marble fountain in the center, its water elegantly cascading down like it was raining crystals. The front lawn was meticulously trimmed and maintained till perfection. The walls of the palace shined, built from pale limestone that you recognized from years of working with fire and sedimentary rocks. And at the peak of the palace dome, a lone flag fluttered in the breeze, proudly displaying the Royal Crest of Aquaria.

Your home now.

Yet, no lines of maids awaited your arrival at the main entrance, as you’d always imagined from reading those fairytale books you’d find tucked away in your attic. And there was certainly no sign of your supposed fiancé— His Imperial Highness, Itoshi Rin, the Second Prince of the Empire.

But then again, it made sense. You were just a humble village girl, after all— hardly worth the attention of someone as important as him.

The sudden neighing of a horse behind you jolted you from your thoughts, and you spun around. There, your gaze locked with the prettiest set of eyes you had ever seen— legendary teal irises framed by lashes so thick they casted a shadow on his cheekbones.

If the palace was magnificent, then he was simply breathtaking. 

Your heart stuttered in your chest as you instinctively took a step forward toward him, prepared to pinch fistfuls of your dress and bow down to him. 

He must be your fiancé, you thought. How could he not be? Those eyes were a symbol of royalty. His dark, reddish hair swayed with every blow of the wind, and the way an exquisite sapphire brooch shone against his royal attire screamed authority.

What did they call this phenomenon? Love at first sight? But then—

“Welcome back, Your Imperial Highness the Crown Prince!” a unified set of voices suddenly echoed from behind you in greeting, and you whipped your head back to see every servant and the carriage driver on their knees, their heads bowed low, and their hands clutched to their chests.

Crown Prince? Your breath caught in your throat. The Crown Prince? In other words, the future Emperor of Aquaria?

His gaze left yours to briefly sweep over the kneeling palace workers, before he waved his hand dismissively. “Rise.” he ordered. His deep voice made you feel a sudden tightening in your throat, and you had the urge to obey though you weren’t even on your knees.

When his eyes returned to you, you flinched, every nerve of your body feeling on edge. You drew in a sufficient amount of fresh air and held onto bunches of your gown, bowing respectfully.

“G-Greetings, Your Imperial Highness,” you stuttered.

Sae guided his horse to a halt and swung his leg over the saddle, dismounting and landing on the grass smoothly. He gave the mare a gentle pat, and you suddenly felt conscious as he approached you in long strides.

He stopped just in front of you, eyes seemingly studying you. “You are?”

You swallowed nervously, daring to meet his aquamarine gaze. “Y/N,” you said softly, “The Second Imperial Prince’s fiancée.”

His eyes narrowed and he closed them fleetingly before opening them again. “I see… That foolish younger brother of mine.”

You remained silent, unsure of how to respond. Your sparkling eyes flickered to his mare standing patiently beside him for a moment too long. Her coat was as white as fresh snow, and it almost hurt your eyes the way the sunlight reflected off her.

He noticed. “Oh, her?” He nodded toward the horse, gesturing for you to come closer. “Go on. You can touch her if you wish.” 

Your eyes widened in disbelief, trodding towards him in excitement. “May I, really?”

“Sure, whatever,” he muttered nonchalantly, though his gaze softened slightly. He was more focused on observing the horse’s reaction to you.

With careful hands, you reached out and gently raked your fingers through her silky mane. A delighted giggle escaped your lips as the fauna neighed softly and nudged your hand for more of your kind attention.

“She’s beautiful,” you whispered, and he hummed in interest. You paused for a moment, glancing at the prince curiously. “What’s her name?”

“Celestia,” he replied, pulling on the horse’s rein before folding his arms over his chest. He watched you interact with the animal. “She rarely warms up to anyone, but it seems as if she likes you.”

Your eyes lit up with surprise and you smiled, your fingers still tangled in the horse’s mane. “Celestia is a beautiful name… It suits her. She’s as white as the moon.”

For a brief moment, the prince turned his head to the side, as if he was hiding something from your view. He wouldn’t admit it, but he’d trust anyone his beautiful horse liked. His fingers slipped through his tousled red hair, and though his voice slightly carried a tone of arrogance, it was also laced with something else. “Tch. Thanks. I named her myself.”

You laughed lightly, “How old is she?”

“Turning nine soon,” he answered, giving her a pat. “She’s the mother of a black stallion.”

Your eyes twinkled in awe, fists clenched in front of you as you beamed up at him. “She’s a mother?!”

Sae raised a brow, leaning back slightly. “You’re standing too close.”

“A-Ah, my apologies, Your Highness,” You stuttered, retreating several steps just in case. “I… I seem to have forgotten my place,”

“No, it’s quite alr—” He started, lifting a hand as if to stop you from backing away, but was interrupted by one of the pesky servants from Rin’s wing of the palace. “...”

“I-I apologize for interrupting y-your conversation, Your Imperial Highness,” She panted, bowing low, “But The Second Prince has requested his fiancée’s presence for a private audience.”

Sae clicked his tongue in annoyance, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer before he mounted Celestia. “I guess it cannot be helped. Fine, whatever.”

Your heart sank slightly, a wave of disappointment looming over your ethereal features. Your pretty eyes downcast and fists clenched lightly by your sides. You had hoped to stay just a little longer, either with the man you had mistaken for your fiancé or perhaps with the beautiful horse. You weren’t sure which had captured your fascination more.

You thought that, perhaps, if Rin was not unlike his brother, then marrying him probably wouldn’t be so bad.

Still, with a deep breath, you held onto your skirt and followed the maid. But just before you left, you glanced back over your shoulder at the First Prince with a smile so pretty it could coax the sun out of the sky and make even the stars envious.

“See you around, Your Highness!” You called out, waving your arm before turning around to trail after the servant woman.

Sae stood frozen for a heartbeat, his thoughts clouded by the ghost of that smile. Something stirred in his chest, something unfamiliar and probably unwelcome. He huffed quietly, silking his hand through his hair before muttering under his breath.

“Yeah… see you.”

Your heart raced as you stood before the polished double doors of Rin’s chamber. You swallowed hard in an attempt to calm your nerves. Your breaths came in shallow, like there was some sort of invisible weight pressed against your chest. 

Your hand hesitantly hovered mere inches from the door. You hadn’t even met the man and yet the tension was thicker than when you had personally greeted the crown prince.

The maid beside you fidgeted, clearly just as anxious. She stammered softly, “My lady…  j-just knock and wait for his word. I-I’ll take my leave now.”

You nodded, watching her scurry away so quickly as if she couldn’t wait to be out of the prince’s domain. You blinked in thought— if the servants in this wing were this jumpy around him, it didn’t bode well.

You took a deep breath, trying to steady your trembling fingers. After whispering a few reassurances to yourself, you finally raised your knuckles and knocked gently on the door.

No answer.

A few more seconds passed before you tried again, but this time you heard a deep, irritated voice call out.

“Enter.”

You gulped and planted your hands on the heavy door, pushing it open. The moment you stepped in, you held in your breath. The interior was extravagant beyond words– a room fit for royalty, as expected. 

Your enlarged eyes scanned the deluxe chamber, mouth unintentionally falling agape at all it held. But the awe immediately vanished as your gaze landed on Rin. The prince stood by a grand archtop window with his back to you, gazing down at the Aquaria Royal Gardens— which, to compare in size, were bigger than your whole village fit together.

He turned at the sound of your entrance, his sharp eyes immediately narrowing with a look of disdain. His voice was flat, yet annoyed. “Quit ogling and close the door behind you.”

It was an order, and you felt your body immediately move on its own. Your hands fumbled as you quickly shut the door, unable to keep the heat of embarrassment from rising to your cheeks. You lowered your gaze, focusing on the rosa aurora marble floor beneath you.

Rin’s eyes raked over you, his foot tapping on the floor impatiently. His eyes were just as icy as his brother’s, but where Sae had a certain aloofness, Rin’s coldness felt like a blade to the throat. He eventually crossed his arms over his chest and looked at you condescendingly, “No proper greeting?”

Your mind scrambled. “Ah..!” Your fingers gripped onto the fabric of your dress tightly as you bowed stiffly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Y-Your Imperial Highness,”

He let out an exasperated sigh, rubbing a hand over his face as if the very sight of you was an inconvenience. “Horrible posture,” he muttered. “Your etiquette needs a lot of work.”

Your heart sank further, and humiliation washed over your whole face. You straightened up and pursed your lips together tightly, the words sticking to your throat like superglue, afraid that whatever you’d say next would only make matters worse.

He remained quiet and turned around, walking to the large seating area in the corner of his chamber. You hesitantly followed after him, taking a seat right beside him on the burgundy plush.

He eyed you sideways, clearly displeased. “...Really?”

“Um…” You shuffled your feet awkwardly, the fabric swishing against your ankles. “Sitting in front of you would be presumptuous of me… How dare I make eye contact with someone as great as you, given my position?”

He rolled his eyes at your words. “How audacious.”

“Oh— Your Highness, you’ve got an eyelash on your cheek,” You started, instinctively reaching out to brush it away. But before your fingers could make contact, his hand snapped out, roughly swatting yours away.

“Don’t fucking touch me, commoner scum.” He hissed.

You immediately withdrew, rubbing your stinging hand gently. You bit your bottom lip to keep quiet. “I apol—”

“Go sit in front.”

You obeyed without question, your body moving on autopilot as you rose from the sofa, taking a seat across from him. If you hadn’t the guts to defy your parents, what made you think you could defy a prince? You didn’t even have the strength to be angry; you were too preoccupied with trying to hold yourself together under his oppressive gaze.

What followed was more of an interrogation than a conversation.

“Can you read?”

“No.”

“Write?”

“No.”

“Table manners?”

“I eat with my hands.”

“... Can you do anything at all?”

Your fingers twisted nervously in your lap as you swallowed thickly, embarrassment creeping up your neck. “I can make really good vegetable soup...”

“...”

The silence stretched out, and you could feel your self-worth slowly becoming nonexistent. After a moment, he stood with a sigh, making you flinch. 

You averted your gaze to the window and you tapped your foot anxiously against the floor. You realized you were swallowing thick lumps of nothing more than usual. All his questions were glazed with layers of dripping haughtiness and it hurt when you realized how useless and worthless you were as you answered each one.

“No, this is good,” He assured, almost to himself, as he began unbuttoning his white shirt. You looked up at him, confused.

“Good?” You repeated softly.

Rin approached you with his shirt halfway undone. He stopped just in front of you, leaning down with an expression so intimidating it sent shivers sprinting down your spine. “Do you know why I chose someone as lowly and pathetic as you, peasant?”

You rubbed your clammy palms together and paused. “I think I might have an idea,” You whispered.

“Oh? Continue.”

“You want to win the public’s favour, perhaps?” you guessed carefully, “because it shows a connection to those of lower status…”

He raised a brow, “Hm. You’re smarter than you look.” He admitted.

But his next words made your blood run cold. His hands found your shoulders, his fingers gripping onto them with not much force as he leaned closer. Your gaze ashamedly darted down to his peeking sculpted chest before flicking up to his eyes.

“After I’ve become emperor instead of that shitty brother,” he whispered, his breath hot against your ear, “you will bear my child. Then, I’ll find a way to get rid of you.”

Your whole body was trembling as soon as his hands left your shoulders. You could feel your teeth clattering slightly as you stared at the floor, unable to speak. You tilted your head up and watched as he slowly slid off an oval-cut sapphire ring, rimmed with shimmering stones of diamond, from his finger.

“Give me your hand,” He ordered impatiently.

You nodded immediately, extending your hand in front of him with starry eyes. Without a word, he slipped the opulent band onto your ring finger, careful not to make contact with your skin. You pulled away and admired the accessory— you’d be set for a thousand lives if you sold this heavy thing.

“Thank you…” You smiled softly.

“This ring is a royal heirloom, along with one other,” He warned, pointing to the Crest engraved in the gemstone. “Do. Not. Lose. It.”

Your heart pounded in your chest as you stared at the ring, nodding quickly, “Yes… I won’t.”

“Good. Now go. The maids will show you to your chambers. Be ready for your etiquette lessons tomorrow.”

You rose from the sofa shakily, bowing once more. The difference between this man and the one you’d met earlier was staggering, and you already had a not so vague idea on who you preferred.

“Then I shall see you tomorrow. Goodnight, Your Imperial Highness.”

Your eyelids felt heavy as you tried to open them. You blinked once, twice, three times– your vision blurred with remnants of sleep before gradually sharpening into clarity. But what you saw around you was anything but familiar. 

Gone were the days of waking up to dusty cobwebs and the cracks and crevices of a wrecked ceiling that you had grown used to. Instead, your eyes met a vast, polished quartz ceiling, glistening in the morning light. Above you was a fancy chandelier, its long golden-framed vines dripping with crystals, and glass trickled down from the hooks. 

You shifted beneath your plush cover and froze for a second, because this soft sensation was just as unfamiliar. No more prickly stacks of straw or thin, rough blankets. No, today, you had woken up in luxury.

As you sat up, memories of yesterday flooded your mind. Oh, right. You were absolutely shocked when you were first led to your room. You could say you were floored by its elegance– far larger and more lavish than any room you had imagined you’d get. Though it still paled in comparison to Rin’s personal quarters, it was hard to grasp that this space was your room.

You remembered indulging yourself in a little tour last night, exploring it in awe. There was a massive walk-in closet, filled to the brim with fine dresses and gowns of rich silks and satins. Accessories like cocktail hats, jewel-studded heels, and purses of gorgeous colours, all of which you couldn’t wait to try, filled the shelves.

The grandest thing you had ever owned prior to this was a ring made of a flower’s stem.

But as you rubbed the sleep from your eyes, you felt a shiver run up your spine. Your heart jumped as you realized someone was in the room, and you let out a small squeak, instinctively clutching the covers.

“So you’ve finally woken up, my lady,” came a gentle, slightly amused voice.

You blinked rapidly, your gaze locking onto a pair of soft amethyst eyes. The young woman standing beside you had ginger hair that fell to her shoulders in soft curls, her pale cheeks peppered with specks of pretty freckles.

“W-Who are you…?” You asked carefully.

The woman set a pair of fluffy cotton slippers on the floor beside your bed, then gave you a small curtsy. “Eleanor, my lady. I am your lady-in-waiting.”

You slid your feet into the slippers, still feeling a little dazed. Eleanor busied herself with smoothing the bed linens as though it were the most natural thing in the world. “Meaning..?” you echoed, sitting up straighter.

She chuckled lightly. “Meaning I’ll attend to your personal needs and assist you with your duties to make sure you are well taken care of.” She gave you a smile, “You’re new to all this, aren’t you?”

You looked down at the marble bashfully, nodding your head, and admitted softly, “Yes…”

“Haha, that’s quite alright. But let’s not waste anymore time! We have to get you ready for today!”

“... Huh?”

You were absolutely pampered.

The question constantly lingered— what had you done to deserve this? Probably nothing but you were thankful that you went in the stead of your older sister.

Just a short while ago, you had been treated to the greatest bath of your life, courtesy of Eleanor. She had insisted it was part of her duty as your lady-in-waiting, but it seriously felt like a ritual reserved for queens. She skillfully massaged your muscles and rubbed your scalp with rosewater serenade. And when her hands worked authentic vanilla lather across your skin, you smelled like a warm, freshly baked biscuit. An upgrade from your baths in the river.

Currently, you were seated on a leathered stool as Eleanor combed through your hair with care. The reflection in the mirror in front could leave you gushing over yourself for hours. Your gown was a waterfall of midnight blue silk with intricate silver embroidery. Your waist was still uncomfortable from the pressure of the tight corset, but the result was definitely worth it. 

A delicate web of pearls hung from around your neck, cool against your collarbone. You absentmindedly toyed with the silver tassel earrings as Eleanor finished adding the final sprinkle of silver glitter to your styled hair.

“You look absolutely breathtaking, my lady!” She exclaimed as she clapped her hands together to dust off the excess shimmer.

You smiled admiringly, turning your head left and right. “Thank you, Eleanor. I never thought I could look like this...”

You stood from the stool, walking towards the door before her voice stopped you in your tracks.

“Wait, my lady!”

You turned, watching as she carefully presented a delicate box etched with faint leaf patterns. Nestled inside were a pristine pair of white fine lace gloves that were long enough to elegantly reach the elbows. 

“His Imperial Highness the Second Prince has ordered that you must wear these whenever you are with him,” She said quietly.

“Ah. Thanks.”

You understood. It was slightly disappointing that your fiancé would go to such lengths to avoid touching you. Was the prospect of touching you truly that distasteful to him? But you shrugged off the thought and removed your heirloom ring before sliding the gloves on. You put back the ring on top. It wasn’t everyday you got to wear something this refined. Perhaps it would be everyday from now on…

But then, the memory of Rin’s chilling words echoed through your mind. “Then, I’ll find a way to get rid of you.”

Your heart clenched and you shook your head. As long as you did as commanded, you were sure you’d be fine.

“Let’s go, Eleanor.”

Your body tensed under the penetrating gazes of the countless servants. Their stares followed you as you walked down the Main Hall of the right wing, heading towards the heart of the palace.

They weren’t even trying to hide their gossip. Why would they? Servants here were no ordinary peasants, they were people of the lowest class of nobility. Sons and daughters of Earls, Counts, Barons.

“His Highness must be smitten,” one maid said, “Just look at her dress!”

“Isn’t she from the slums?”

“And she wears the Royal Heirloom on her finger!”

“So, the rumours were true, then?”

“I heard she thought she'd be marrying the Crown Prince.”

“Pftt, That’s embarrassing.”

The hushed whispers suddenly quieted down to zero, and you assumed it was probably Eleanor’s doing because you could literally feel her piercing gaze though she was trailing respectfully behind you.

“It’s alright, Eleanor, leave them al—”

The words died in your throat the moment you caught sight of him– the man you first encountered when you arrived at the palace. He was exiting the Council Hall, deep in conversation with what looked like an advisor or high-ranking official. Your heart skipped a beat as you instinctively lifted the hem of your dress and rushed towards him.

“Your Highness!” you called out, your voice chirpier than you had intended.

He turned at the sound of your familiar voice, his eyes widening just slightly in surprise. For a fleeting moment, it seemed you had embodied the grace of a princess… had your heel not caught beneath you. You stumbled, eyes squeezing shut as you braced yourself for the fall. But instead of tasting the cold, hard floor, a pair of strong hands caught you, steadying you by your waist.

“Careful,” he warned softly, his hands lingering for just a moment before falling back to his sides. “You’re not used to heels.”

You laughed awkwardly, but you could not hide the disappointment that washed over your expression as his hands left you. “No, it’s my first time.”

He paused. His eyes stayed on you for a moment longer than they should, taking in the way your dress perfectly complimented your figure. But he realized this, and his gaze quickly shifted to the golden deer emblem mounted on the wall.

“You… look different,” He continued, rubbing the back of his neck.

The hall suddenly felt hot, or maybe it was just the heat radiating from your face. You dipped your head, fiddling with your clad fingers. “Oh, do I…?” you sputtered softly, but you silently cursed yourself for replying in such an awkward manner. Of course you looked different!

“Ahem,” Eleanor chimed in, coughing into her fist dramatically. “Not to interrupt, but I hear some alarming footsteps…”

“If you slack off one more fucking time, I’ll display your decapitated head on a pike to serve as an example for your pathetic kind!” a voice yelled from behind.

Rin stepped out the Council Hall, his face an angry scowl as he finished lashing at the minister who scurried away like a frightened animal. His eyes then flickered towards you and his older brother, and his expression soured further.

He turned to look at your lady-in-waiting, speaking sternly. “I thought I told you to bring her to my study,”

“We were on our way, Your Imperial Highness,” Eleanor responded politely, bowing her head.

“Incompetent.”

Rin’s attention shifted to you, noticing the lacey white covering up to your elbows. Without warning, he inched forward and closed the distance between you, his hand snaking around your waist. You tensed as his not unwelcome grip pulled you closer, your palm instinctively flying up to settle on his chest. You looked up at him gently, hesitantly, but his eyes weren’t on you– they were locked on his older brother.

He eyed his brother suspiciously, “What are you still doing here?” He asked. “Shouldn’t you be preparing for your trip to Berlina?” 

“Berlina…?” You repeated in confusion.

“The Kingdom of Sorcery and Magic,” Eleanor quickly whispered into your ear, leaning in with her palm covering her mouth.

Sae’s expression remained indifferent, clearly unbothered. “Shouldn’t you be focusing on more important matters right now?” He let his eyes wander lazily towards your hand on Rin’s chest before he smirked. “Like… sharpening your embarrassingly inadequate swordsmanship skills?”

Rin’s face contorted in anger and his neck flushed a deep red. His grip on your shoulder tightened just enough to make you wince. “You bastard… You’ll regret this.” He seethed through clenched teeth. 

The Second Prince glanced back at Eleanor in disgust, “You’re dismissed.”

He looked back at you, noticing your extravagant dress, before furrowing his brows. “The dress you’re wearing is too fancy for a day with no important occasion.”

You glanced down at your blue gown and shrugged. “Eleanor chose it for me,”

“Who?”

“—I personally think it suits her just right.” Sae broke in suddenly, wearing a smirk on his face as though he found pleasure in annoying his younger brother.

Rin narrowed his eyes at him. “Who asked for your opinion? And what were you two talking about, anyway?”

The Crown Prince hummed, leaning against the wall behind him. “Let’s see. Well, I told her she looked different, and helped her up when she tripped on her heels.”

“Tch.”

“But be careful,” Sae’s lips twitched into a small grin, his gaze drifting to meet your eyes. “keep your eyes on this beauty else I might steal her from you. Isn’t that right, my lady?”

Thump. Thump. Thump.

“Your Highness, even if you joke around like that, I don’t think my heart can take it–” you whispered, and Sae chuckled lightly, though Rin quickly pulled you behind him.

“That’s enough, stay away from her.” He glared, barely affecting Sae. “Your little jokes aren’t funny.”

“Who said I was joking?” The eldest quipped nonchalantly, and Rin just rolled his eyes.

“Let’s go.” He exasperated, holding onto your wrist and dragging you alongside him.

As his hand guided you away, you looked over your shoulder, searching for a familiar pair of tourmaline eyes. Ones identical to those of your fiancé’s. But instead, all you saw was a broad back and auburn hair shifting as he walked away in the opposite direction.

Rin slammed his fist against the hardwood of his desk. That interaction seemed to have spilled gasoline to the blue flames in his eyes, which were already burning with rage. “That bastard thinks he can keep playing games with me!”

You remained still, hands folded patiently over your abdomen. The last thing you wanted to do was provoke him further.

After a tense silence, Rin let out a sigh and collapsed into the plush seat behind his desk. “It’s alright,” he began, his voice softening just slightly. His gaze locked onto you in a way that made blood rush quicker through your veins. “You’re my ticket to becoming the emperor—” He leaned forward. “I need you.”

Your breath hitched in your throat at those words, but you knew not to expect much. Still, you mustered a sweet smile. “I’ll do my best, Your Highness. You were mentioning today’s schedule…?”

He leaned back, propping his arm on the armrest. “Right. My father is holding our engagement ball next week. Every noble house will be there to congratulate us. In the week leading up to it, you will perfect your manners and court etiquette. Understood?”

You gulped hard as a huge bag of responsibility was suddenly thrown onto your back. A week? To not work on, but perfect everything?

“...Understood.”

—

“... After you master public speaking skills,” Rin went on, “you’ll focus on formal dining etiquette. I don’t want you embarrassing me by eating with your hands. Then, you’ll have dancing lessons and study Royal Dress standards. You also need to be familiar with Aquaria’s history, diplomacy, and customs– especially royal protocols and responsibilities, and….”

His voice continued on, listing task after task. Your head was spinning, and you thought you were going to faint and collapse to the ground. This wasn’t the fairytale you’d imagined. You signed up for the fun part of being a princess— the ballgowns and the makeup, and maybe kissing the prince. This was a chore, the kind that made growing carrots and potatoes seem like heaven in comparison.

“By the end of this week, I expect you to be flawless. I’ve brought in the best tutors for reading, writing, and everything else– all that easy stuff. Do not disappoint me.”

You nodded automatically, but not before adding an innocent thought that had slipped into your mind, in a slightly sarcastic manner. “Have you perfected your swordplay, though?”

Now the temperature in the room seemed to drop down to zero as he bore his narrowed eyes at you. You felt a cold shiver run up all your bones, and your knees weakened. “You think you’re funny don’t you? Do you really want to play this game with me?”

Your bravado crumbled. “N-No…”

“Then get some rest,” he ordered. “Your training starts this afternoon.”

You nodded and quietly turned to leave the study.

Six long days had passed by since your lessons began. Six mentally and physically exhausting days.

Your dance instructor was a strict middle aged lady with sharp eyes and an even sharper tongue, who worked you till your feet were bruised. She made you balance books and vases on top of your head as you marched back and forth, her shrill voice cutting you off whenever your posture was horrible, or when you mixed up the steps for a dance made for another song. Although you loathed her guts, you couldn’t deny the significant improvement of your poise.

The dinner etiquette lessons, however, offered a time-out from that hag. Yes, you learned the basics of formal dining– how to keep your elbows off the table, chew with your mouth closed, use the silver utensils correctly, and pat your lips clean with the patterned napkins. But, the best part, or reward, was tasting the delicacies they served. Truffles, lobster coated with butter, and tender lamb chops. And then there were the fancy desserts– macarons pumped with ganache filling, puff pastry, tartelette au citron, éclair au chocolat, and more.

All of which you had never dreamt of tasting in your life, you who had never tasted anything more luxurious than a loaf of bread.

You also learned how to read and write, not for the reasons you preferred, but good nonetheless. You had found a particular fondness for the history lessons, which were not tedious at all. You were focused at all times much to your mentor’s surprise. Learning about the Royal family’s reign— how they had ruled over neighboring lands for centuries, managing resources, trade, and finance— fascinated you.

But your ears always managed to tune in and pick up the subtle gossip rotating among the maids and servants in the halls and libraries, so you had learned a few things.

The two princes were locked in a one-sided rivalry. One was fighting crystal and pickaxe for the crown, while the true heir showed little interest in the throne he was destined to inherit.

Sae, the eldest, wasn’t just entitled to the crown by birthright. He excelled at everything– swordplay, defense, archery, and horseback riding for royal ceremonies or simple trips to cities. His skills were polished to literal perfection. Rin, on the other hand, was skilled, but not extraordinary. He always lived in the shadow of his brother.

Yet Rin’s desire to become emperor wasn’t merely a wish— it was a burning, desperate need, an ambition to prove himself worthy. To finally win against Sae.

Killing his brother, of course, was out of the question— such an act would be treason. Besides, Rin didn’t just want him gone; he wanted Sae to see the moment when he ascended the throne, to admit defeat, to acknowledge that Rin had bested him.

Rin believed that the key to winning favour with their father—the current emperor—and the people was to flaunt his achievements, which, to remention, were not as good as Sae’s. But his sharp tongue and cold demeanor made it difficult for him to win many hearts. Sae learned to place a mask behind his foul words, whereas Rin still struggled to.

And that’s where you came into the picture.

You weren’t just his fiancée; you were part of his strategy. He’ll show you off before the court and the public, showcasing to the world how he transformed a mere commoner, a peasant, into someone of worth. 

You came from a disgusting, needy village, yet now you stood in royal fits. To Rin, you were a symbol showing his ability to elevate those beneath him. A tool to gain the favour of the people. You could read and write now, you were beautiful, and in the eyes of the kingdom, you had the potential to become the empress one day— if, of course, Rin managed to seize the crown from his brother.

—

It was late at night, and the moon’s natural light filtered through your curtains. You moved to your huge window and brushed aside the rosegold-embroidered fabric as you peered down at the Royal Gardens. The view was similar to that of Rin’s, since your chambers were three spare rooms away from each other.

You were exhausted, but you always had time to admire the water spilling down elegantly from the angel sculptures’ stone lips, or the beautiful shrubs clipped into topiaries. 

But all the exhaustion you felt moments ago suddenly vanished when your eyes caught sight of someone unexpected. 

It was the Crown Prince. You had seen Sae around the palace during these tiring six days, and you’ve engaged in many small talks with him without Rin’s knowledge. Conversations flew naturally with him, he asked you about your life before the engagement, and though you were initially hesitant, you found yourself speaking openly with him. There was a strange ease to Sae that, oddly enough, only you seemed to feel.

You stared at him a bit too long, your gaze almost boring a hole into him, and he sensed it.

Pivoting on his heel, he made direct eye contact with you from below. A soft gasp escaped your lips, and you hurriedly pulled the curtain closed. But he could still see your silhouette, and when you peeked your head out slightly from the curtain, you could’ve sworn you’d seen him chuckle.

With a quick gesture of his hand, he beckoned you down to the gardens. Your pretty eyes widened, but you found yourself nodding eagerly with no hesitation. How could you refuse?

—

Panting softly between giggles, you rested your hands on your knees.

“I can’t believe you ran to meet me in your… nightgown,” Sae remarked, his lips curving into a subtle smirk.

You straightened and boldly stepped closer until you were only centimeters away from him. Your eyes twinkled in the moonlight, and you shone a smile brighter than la lune. 

Sae’s breath caught in his throat as your face came full view and he felt his body still. You were Rin’s fiancée– he shouldn't be looking at you like this. But the glow of moonlight was making it hard…

“... You’re beautiful,” the words slipped out naturally.

Heat flooded the sweet curves of your cheeks at the way he said it so casually, so suddenly. Your gaze dropped to the freshly cut grass, your fingers nervously tucking a loose strand of your hair behind your ear. 

“Thank you,” you muttered quietly, your voice barely above a hush.

Silence followed. But comfortable, nonetheless. Then, you noticed his hand, palm up and waiting in front of you. You blinked up at him in confusion.

“I am aware that I am in no position to do this, but…” He paused, “May I have this dance?”

Your eyebrows shot up comically in surprise, glistening doe eyes widening for the hundredth time tonight. Your heart was thumping so fast you thought it might burst from your chest, and you feared he might hear it.

It was risky, you knew that. If Rin were awake, he might have been watching from his window– his chambers were so close to yours. You knew how much he enjoyed looking from his window from the time you’ve spent together in the past week. But, he had dismissed you earlier to rest and this moment alone with Sae was tempting.

Hesitantly, your hand hovered over his before relaxing and letting it fall in his grasp. You met his gaze, and you shyly whispered, 

“I know we’re not supposed to be doing this… but I want to.” Your fingers intertwined with his, and you smiled softly. “May I have this honour, Your Imperial Highness the Crown Prince?”

Sae glanced down at your hand weaved between his fingers. His brows furrowed in a frown, and a wave of panic washed over you. You literally felt your heart leap out of your chest. Had you overstepped your boundaries?

“I was only kidd—”

But instead of pulling away, he gently hooked his finger under the wristband of your glove, sliding it off your hand. You felt warmth bloom across your cheeks as he slowly removed the other glove too, making sure to leave his touch lingering on your bare skin.

“You don’t need to wear these ridiculous gloves to bed,” he said, “It’s unnecessary.”

Your cœur fluttered. “I… I just forgot,” you mumbled, embarrassed. 

He rolled his eyes, but his lips quirked into a smile as he clasped your now bare hand, while the other found its place on your waist. The fabric of your silk nightgown was thin, and his touch felt intimate, direct, and you could feel his fingertips pressing lightly against your skin.

He led you in a slow dance gracefully under the protective gaze of the serene moon, delicately spinning you before your arms naturally draped around his neck. His hand slid to the small of your back, pulling you closer. He looked so good, he smelled so good, his touch so gentle. You wanted him.

“Do you like these gardens?” He asked suddenly, giving you another twirl.

You nodded, lacing your fingers in his. “I do. It’s quiet. The palace can be… overwhelming.”

Sae raised a brow, “Overwhelming, huh? For someone like you, I suppose it would be.”

The words stung slightly, but there was no malice in his voice. You dared to meet the eyes you came to adore, “And you? Why are you here, Your Highness?”

He paused, then turned slightly. “I’m avoiding another council meeting. You’d be surprised how tedious it can be listening to old men argue for hours on end.”

You laughed softly, and for a brief moment, his eyes softened. He pointed toward a part of the garden in the distance. “Come with me,” he said simply. 

You followed, trembling as the Crown Prince led you with his fingers gently wrapped around your wrist. When you came to a stop, your breath caught in awe. Before you were roses of every shade– deep crimson, soft peach, porcelain white, and candy pink.

“They’re gorgeous,” you gasped.

“Right.” Sae bent down and plucked a single red rose from the bush, turning to you with a small, rare smile. “The red ones are my favorite,” he murmured, carefully tucking the rose into your hair.

You smiled sheepishly, gently patting the rose he’d placed. “They remind me of strawberry ja—”

“They remind me of blood,” he interrupted with a casual voice.

You blinked, startled by his answer. “R-Right.”

He chuckled softly, rubbing the area around his neck. “I can see why Rin chose you.”

You looked at him for a few seconds before quickly shaking your head. “He didn’t choose me, he just wanted any girl from our clan. My older sister was supposed to go, but I went in her stead. Besides, I’m nothing special… just convenient.”

“Convenient?” His gaze darkened slightly before his hand came up to rest on your chin. “...Don’t sell yourself short. You’re more than that.”

Your head quickly tilted down and you began to fiddle with your fingers, then with the simple lace adorning your neck. “Your Highness– stop saying things that make my heart, I don’t know, hurt?”

“Oh?” He placed his hands gently on your cheeks and you looked up at him lovingly. “That isn’t good for Rin, is it?”

You shook your head, “No, it isn’t. But he doesn’t make me feel this way.” You boldly placed your palms on his shoulders and stood on your tippy toes, and as soon as he leaned down slightly in approval, you pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.

He tapped his forehead against yours and smiled. His heart was beating a bit quicker, and he found it dangerous. “Well, I’m afraid I must leave now.” He drawled.

Your heart sank a little, your ethereal eyes flicking down. You nodded slowly, “Thank you for your time, Your Highness.”

He looked down at you, his expression softening. Slowly, he lifted your hand to his lips and pressed a chaste kiss to your skin. “It was a pleasure, my lady.”

If he couldn’t hear your heart thundering in your chest one thousand miles per hour moments ago, then he sure could now. As he disappeared, you placed your hand over your chest, rubbing over the spot where he’d kissed.

It seemed like Sae had yet again bested Rin in a game neither had realized they were playing.

Tonight was your engagement ball, the grand celebration that would officially announce your impending marriage to Rin.

You were both in his chamber, dressed fully in fancy outfits. He wore an elegant white attire adorned with the brooch of Aquaria and a navy blue sash draped across his chest. You wore a pitch black gown embroidered with gold, matching gloves, and heavy golden jewelry that Rin had exclusively bought for you. 

The party had already begun downstairs, the grand ballroom filled with the most important guests from across the empire. But the grand entrance of the soon-to-be bride and groom had to wait for the Emperor’s speech, set to occur an hour after the festivities commenced.

“It’s a lunar eclipse,” you mused admiringly, leaning against the window. The moon, bloody red from the umbra, hung in the night sky ominously. “I’ve read about the phenomenon in the Royal Library. The stars look so close… they look like they could fall right into our hands.”

Rin rolled his eyes and walked closer to you, resting his hand on your further shoulder. He stared out the window in boredom. “How poetic,” he muttered sarcastically. “Even the moon is congratulating us tonight.”

You turned your gaze from the sky to him, your hand gently smoothing out a small wrinkle on his sash. “It’s time, isn’t it? We should head to the Ballroom.”

He grumbled in response, pushing your hand aside as if your touch was unnecessary. 

The intricate grandfather clock suddenly chimed loudly. Midnight had arrived.

Tick.

“In the Twilight of the Eclipsing Red Moon…”

Tick.

“When Stars Align and Shadows Loom…”

Tick.

A strange voice seemed to rise from nowhere. You flinched visibly, a shiver creeping up your spine as the tiny hairs on the back of your neck stood up. You quickly found Rin’s hand and grasped it tightly. 

“D-Did you hear that?” You shuddered, voice trembling.

He raised an eyebrow. “Hear what? You’re imagining things.”

You shook your head, swallowing hard. “No… I swear, I heard something– like a voice. It was…”

He scoffed, shaking his head dismissively. “It’s just the clock ticking. Don’t start getting all nervous on me now.” His grip tightened around your hand, but you doubted it was for your comfort. “You’re going to be on your best performance for me, Got it?”

You hesitantly nodded, your gaze lingering on the moon for a few more seconds. The red, eerie glow still haunted your thoughts. You reluctantly turned away, looping your arm through Rin’s to exit the chamber and enter the grandeur.

“Yes…”

“And I want to thank you all once more for attending tonight’s ball,” The Emperor’s proclamation boomed from behind the closed doors. The attention of every soul present was on him. “I would now like to announce the formal entry of The Second Prince of Aquaria, and his fiancée, a soon-to-be princess, Y/N!”

The large doors, decorated with orchids and bloody red roses, parted dramatically to reveal you and Rin hand in hand. The Royal Guards on each side immediately stiffened and raised gloved hands to their head in salute. 

The aristocrats hushed immediately and their eyes followed as you both stepped onto the red carpet, descending the grand staircase and heading towards the two thrones.

You halted just below the steps of the thrones, immediately lowering your head in a bow of respect alongside Rin.

“Greetings, Your Imperial Majesties,” you murmured, lifting your head as you learned to.

“... Thank you, Father, Mother,” Rin’s voice followed formally.

Your gaze shifted towards the Empress. You particularly loved her as her lovely crimson hair always seemed to remind you of Sae. Oh, speaking of the Crown Prince, where was he? You hadn’t caught a glimpse of him yet. 

You turned your head, eyes subtly scanning the room in search of a distinct redhead. And in the corner of your eye, you found him leaning casually against a balcony pillar, arms folded over his chest and eyes closed.

Your gaze softened at the sight of him before refocusing on the mob of aristocratic ladies and noblemen that had rushed to circle your betrothed as soon as the Imperial Greetings were over. They approached and offered smiles under snobby and vexing expressions, backhanded compliments under the guise of praise.

“Such a refreshing choice, Your Imperial Highness!” A brunette lady gibed, fanning herself with an elegant fan as she slyly smirked, “You’ve truly outdone us all in… originality.”

A Lord chuckled beside her, his laugh insufferably pompous. “I must say, Your Highness, I certainly admire you embracing such humble roots! A prince of the people! Ho ho ho!”

“I’m glad we have such a reliable prince who values all his subjects equally!”

“It is odd that His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince hasn’t found a lady yet.” One brought up.

An Earl added, “That’s true. He’s supposed to step up to the throne sooner or later. He needs an heir once he becomes Emperor.”

You squeezed Rin’s hand discreetly as he bit his lip in frustration at the mention of his brother. He needed to restrain himself at least this one time. 

“I appreciate your sentiments–” he began, but faltered for a split second. “No I fucking don—” You squeezed his hand again, giving him a gentle nudge, and he cleared his throat. “Your support is reassuring,” he finished with a strained smile.

As your fiancé continued chatting with the backhanded nobles, your attention kept drifting towards Sae, stealing quick glances every now and then. He had begun conversing with a group of higher officials and ministers, likely discussing Berlina, The Kingdom of Sorcery and Magic that he had frequented many times to strengthen the Empire’s growing alliances.

Loud enchanting music began to play from the orchestra and many already established couples began to dance in the center. Expensive and rare gifts began to pile at your feet, congratulatory offerings from various guests. Rin accepted them indifferently and reluctantly offered his thanks with as much enthusiasm as the stone sculptures that lined the ballroom.

“This jewel was found in the Ancient land of Topion and is thought to bring good fortune!”

“This exotic bird from Elakis produces gold everytime it sings!”

“This sword is forged by a legendary ghost smith whose body lives in the volcanic depths of Loo!”

You froze when Sae stepped forward as the next gifter, and it seemed like the entire room was also holding its breath. He approached, your widened eyes drifting down to the elegant box in his hand. He opened it, revealing an intricate necklace with shimmering, round pearls.

“An authentic pearl necklace crafted by the Merman Emperor of Eau.” Sae presented with his usual calm demeanor, making it hard to believe that he had spent days negotiating with the merman to create a necklace exclusively suitable for you.

Your mouth parted in surprise, and the words tumbled out. “Oh– thank you! It’s… beautiful.”

Rin rolled his eyes, gently fisting your hair and lifting it to expose your neck. “You didn’t have to do that,” He hissed through gritted teeth, looking at Sae with teal eyes that crinkled in hate.

Sae met his brother’s glare with a simple hum, fastening the beaded necklace around your neck. You bit your lip tightly as his touch lingered on your skin, looking down at the pearls that beautifully settled against your collarbone. “That would be disrespectful to you both, I’m afraid,” He said. “Even Our Father, the Emperor, has offered her pleasantries.”

Rin clicked his tongue and looked back at you, wrapping his arm possessively around your waist and pulling you closer to him. He pressed a quick kiss to your forehead, catching you by surprise. The Crown Prince narrowed his eyes at the gesture.

“Come on, darling,” Rin emphasized as he spat out the term of endearment, though he internally cringed and wanted the ballroom to rupture and swallow him whole. The pet name left a bitter taste at the tip of his tongue. “It’s time for our dance.”

You nodded, your lips parting to speak, but, “Of course, Your High—”

“The Great’s Fate is Sealed in the Veil of Night…”

That haunting voice again. Your ears were ringing. You quickly squeezed your eyes shut and froze in your tracks.

“...By the Hand of One from Mystic Light.”

“I-It’s the voice again!” You whimpered, hands flying to your ears in a desperate attempt to block out the sound. “I hear it!”

Rin scoffed loudly, glancing left and right at the guests who were exchanging confused looks. Sae, on the other hand, seemed out of it, with half-closed, bleary eyes.

“Quit it, you fool!” Rin cursed in annoyance, his patience snapping. He grabbed you by your shoulders and yanked you to his chest away from their judgemental gazes.

“Voice? I don’t hear anything,” a lady whispered.

“Neither do I,” someone else chimed in.

A voice snickered, “She said ‘again’.”

“His Imperial Highness must be marrying someone with auditory hallucinations.” The words stung as they left another noble’s mouth.

Then, in an instant, the ballroom plunged into darkness as the bright chandeliers went out. The ballroom was only illuminated by the glow of a large bolt of lightning, and a thunder rattled so violently it deafened you and shook the windows. When the bulbs flickered back on, a shrill lady’s voice pierced the silent room.

“T-The Crown Prince! He’s not moving!”

All eyes shot to Sae, who lay motionless and graceful on the floor, hand on top of hand. He looked calm, as though he was merely resting. 

You gasped in fear, hands flying to your mouth as you tried to stay balanced on your feet. Rin’s eyes in particular were the widest. The atmosphere in the room immediately shifted to terror as everyone noticed the ink-blue vines creeping slowly up his neck, thorn designs wrapping themselves around his throat.

“T-That’s… Alexis’ Curse!” The Emperor panicked.

You had read about it. Alexis’ Curse—an ancient legend of a wizard scorned by love. His heart had been shattered by the daughter of a shoemaker, Michelle Kaiser, who had chosen her Earl lover over him. She always refused Alexis’ advances, and the gifts he’d always present. 

Enraged, Alexis had cursed the Earl, condemning him to a fate of eternal sleep unless the one he loved kissed him to break the spell. The curse wasn't one of eternal youth, however—the body continued to age, to decay, until there was nothing left but ugly bones. 

But because Alexis had disposed of his inked body in his tower, the Earl had died alone, Michelle never finding him.

The curse had become a myth, that Alexis’ wrath was aimed at those of high status, warning them of the dangers of meddling with those beneath them. 

But the nobles’ faces were literally drained of colour because what had once been myth was now terrifyingly real, before their very eyes.

It had been a few weeks since the disaster during your engagement party.

They had sealed Sae’s lifeless body deep in a chamber within the Main Palace’s basement. You attempted sneaking in multiple times, but you failed– the entry was heavily guarded and there was too much risk. And besides, if slipping past your lady-in-waiting wasn’t hard enough, Rin had become increasingly possessive as the possibility of being promoted to Crown Prince rose. That is if he was elected as so in the Royal Committee Meeting.

He was proud enough that he’d permit small acts of closeness– letting you remove your gloves when in his presence, even sharing his chamber. So, you would never risk waking him up while trying to sneak into the basement.

You recalled the aftermath of the disastrous ball vividly:

—

“I never knew he was so pathetic,” Rin sneered that night, running a hand through his dark hair before resting it at your throat and squeezing lightly. “Falling in love with you? A commoner? He must be out of his mind.”

He chuckled as he released you, pulling you into his chest.

“The whole Empire is so stupid. They think he fell in love with someone else. But it’s better this way.”

—

Yet despite Rin’s actions, your thoughts remained with Sae. You’d spent the weeks caring for Celestia, his white mare, as well as tending to Rin’s black stallion which he had never bothered to give a name to. You learned from the stable workers that Celestia was the mother of the charcoal horse.

Tonight, however, a once in a red moon opportunity presented itself. Your fiancé was away on royal business in Yelund, negotiating financial matters with their government in place of the Crown Prince. You took this chance, knowing it was the only one, and decided to sneak out.

You left your chamber, clutching a cage with a rat you’d found in the servants residence. You made your way through the darkened corridors until you reached the entrance of the basement. You hid yourself behind a large stone pillar and took a deep breath, tossing a small block of cheese across the room as a distraction. 

The guards were alarmed by the subtle noise and quickly whipped their heads and ran towards the sound. You bit your lip in concentration— everything was going according to your plan. You quickly released the rat from its cage, watching it scurry across the concrete, and silently slipped into the Royal basement. You sighed in relief as you heard a guard's voice.

“Oh, it’s just a rat. Guards, get back into position.”

—

You slid off your heels so that your bare feet barely made a sound as they grazed the stone steps of the staircase. The basement wasn’t very illuminated if not for the dim candles that hung on the wall, and the stench was not horrible as you thought it would be. Instead, it smelled like preserved jasmine.

You were at the last step when you put your hand on the concrete wall, trying to catch your breath.

At the bottom, in the center of the relatively smaller room, stood a rectangular crystal glass box. Inside it, Sae lay perfectly still. The sight of him made your gaze soften and your heart clench as if it was put in a meat slicer. His skin was pale, but it was bolded, in contrast, by the inky blue vines tracing thorn and rose patterns across his body. 

His cheeks and ears were faintly flushed by a baby pink dust, and his lips looked so soft, so gentle, so inviting. Stray strands of his red hair lay on the cushion beneath him, his long lashes resting against his cheekbones.

You were aching as you approached the enclosure. Your fingers trembled as you pressed them to the glass, your breath slightly fogging the surface. Tears blurred your vision as they began to roll down your cheeks, and you leaned down to gently caress his cheek with your bare hand, feeling the coolness of his skin.

You sniffled and your palms went to rub your glossy eyes, before you straightened up and curled your fingers on the glass in a tight grip. He looked beautiful, you thought, with roses that matched his hair colour surrounding him all over.

“Your Imperial Highn— no, Sae—” you whispered, “I… I love you, too.”

You cupped his face with quivering hands, your thumbs rubbing sweet circles on his skin as you contorted your body awkwardly to reach him. The glass was positioned high, at your waist’s level, so you had to twist your body and bend to touch him intimately.

Sae remained unmoving, yet you had hoped that somewhere deep within his slumber, he could sense your touch, or the sincerity of your unsteady voice confessing your reciprocated love.

As you leaned in to kiss him, that same sharp voice that you always hear yet again cut through your ears, and you instinctively covered them with your hands for protection.

“But From the Dust of Forgotten Lands,”

Your heart thumped faster in your chest as you tried to shake it off.

“Shall Rise a Heart with Common Hands,”

Beads of cold sweat trickled down your temple— you could never get used to the voice, no matter how many times you’d heard it.

“With Lips of Rose and Spirit Warm,”

Your hands fisted at the cotton under Sae, inhaling deeply before bending down until your face was inches away from his.

“To Bring the Order, End the Storm.”

Your lips hesitantly hovered over his mouth before you fluttered your eyes shut and pressed them against his in a kiss. Your lips together were so soft, yet they weren’t moving against each other like a mutual kiss would. They locked seamlessly in a way that felt strangely natural, as if the pair were made for each other. 

Your lips lingered against his for a few seconds, and you wanted to relish the moment more, but you felt a subtle shift in Sae’s body. A faint flinch, almost imperceptible, ran through him, and the blue roses on his skin suddenly began to glow.

You pulled back before you could fully comprehend what was even happening, your lips just brushing his as you turned and sprinted towards the stairs. Fortunately, the guards on duty were in the midst of a shift exchange, so you assumed you had gone off flawlessly.

But not entirely.

A certain awakened man had caught a glimpse of your hair as it bounced during your escape.

The first light of morning stabbed your eyes, and they fluttered open abruptly as you realized Rin’s hands were on your shoulders, shaking you harshly. His face was itched in a deep scowl, his breath hot against your skin.

“What the fuck is all this about? This is what I come back to, you fucking whore?” He fumed venomously.

You blinked in confusion– your head was still fogged with sleep, after all. 

“W-What..?”

—

The usual tranquility of the whole palace was broken by hurried, squeaky footsteps and frantic voices. News of the Crown Prince’s revival had spread like wildfire through the Royal Quarters: the sleeping prince had defeated the curse and had awakened after only a few mere weeks.

The servants and maids rushed through the hallways, scrambling to prepare for what would be an unexpected audience. Gossips and rumours flowed through every corridor of the palace faster than the head maid brewing herbal tea in preparation for noble guests.

And in the Royal Gardens outside, hundreds to near thousands of noblemen and noblewomen who were alerted of the Sae’s revival gathered, dressed in their finest dresses and suits. 

Oh, you were so fucked.

—

“M-My lady, this isn’t good!” Eleanor cried as she ran into your room, “Hundreds of guests have arrived in the Throne room, and both princes are there too! His Imperial Majesty is now urgently awaiting your presence!”

Your hands instinctively wrapped around your abdomen, and you suddenly felt nauseous. Your body shook slightly, your teary eyes fixing themselves on the ground. You loved Sae, you really did, but doubt was gnawing at your organs. Kissing him felt right in that moment, yet you were starting to regret ever doing it. 

What if he didn’t want your help? What if your peasant lips had tainted him? What if he didn’t want you?

“I… I don’t want to go,” you hiccuped, walking around your room in circles. “I’m so stupid, I should have never—”

“No, my lady,” She interrupted gently. “You must.”

You gulped and nodded hesitantly. Rin’s anger lingered in your mind like salt and pepper— his eyes were boiling over with rage, his face tinted a deep crimson red. You had never seen him like that, and now, as you stepped into the crowd gathered in the grand hall, all heads turned to look at you in a way that made you even more uncomfortable.

But the Emperor, however, did not seem angry. Weird enough, he looked elated for reasons you couldn’t yet pinpoint.

As Eleanor had said, Rin and Sae were both present, standing opposite each other like the rivals they were. Rin was struggling to contain the way he was absolutely fuming, while Sae was blatantly staring at you with no intention of hiding it. Unlike the way you usually reacted to the Crown Prince’s gaze, you felt rather nervous, flexing and unflexing your fingers.

You pinched the fabric of your simple gown and bowed low, and the thin patterns of the marble floor never seemed so interesting.

“Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty,” you addressed. 

The Emperor nodded in acknowledgment, before turning his attention to Sae expectantly. “My son.”

“Yes, father.”

Before your wracked mind could process what was happening, Sae suddenly began striding toward you. Rin was a considerable distance away from you but he also furrowed his brows in confusion. A million thoughts started to run through his mind and he felt the unease creeping up his spine. Had they planned something behind his back?

Sae came to a stop in front of you, and your breath caught in your throat as you felt his arms, so muscular despite being under layers of hand-crafted clothing, loop around your waist and pull you close. Your face pressed against his chest, and your hands awkwardly hung near your sides despite being desperate to place themselves in places they’d beg to touch.

Loud gasps and surprised awes of the hundreds of uninvited, stunned guests echoed throughout the large room.

“Hey, what the heck–?” Rin suddenly snapped, biting down on his lip so hard that blood seeped out, the iron leaving a metallic taste on his tongue.

He didn’t like you, not really, but he had finally claimed something– someone that his older brother desired, and now it felt as though Sae was taking you from him. 

It irritated him to no end, the way Sae’s hand gently patted your hair and the way you sheepishly smiled into his suit like an idiot– who the heck did you think you were? How could you? How fucking dare you?

And more importantly, why was the Emperor fine with this? Why was he chuckling so carelessly akin to the circus’ fool? What was going on?

But your mind was already in Saturn. You were lost in the Crown Prince’s musky scent and the oh-so-delicate taps of his fingers on your head, and when you heard that voice again, you closed your eyes knowingly and smiled for the first time in what felt like forever.

“A Crown of Old Shall Find its Grace,”

“In the Embrace of a Simple Face.”

“Y/N.” Sae’s voice broke through your thoughts and the voices of gossip in the crowd died down instantly. He tilted your chin up gently, thumbs caressing your face sweetly before his hands found their place on your cheeks.

Your eyes darted left and right nervously, avoiding his gaze. He'd never called you by your first name before. You shook those thoughts away and met his gaze. “Yes…?”

“You know,” He started, “To break the curse, the feeling of love must be mutual…”

Your cradled head nodded in his hands in embarrassment, and you felt heat creep up from your neck to your ears. “I’m aware,”

“So?”

Your eyes widened and immediately snapped down to the floor, watching your simple heels shuffling softly. You couldn’t help the soft giggle that escaped past your lips, and you only hoped that no one had heard that. You looked up at him affectionately.

“I love you…” Your voice dripped like melted caramel on his tongue, so sweet.

He smiled– a real, genuine smile that no one besides you could see– and leaned down, whispering an “I love you too,” before sealing his lips against yours. The kiss was gentle, and you let out a soft sigh as your fingers curled onto the rich fabric, gripping onto his attire tightly. His lips were warm as they moved against yours, unlike the cold, unmoving lips that you had claimed a while back. 

When you finally pulled away, your eyes fluttered open, dazed with bleary eyes, little hearts seemingly etched into your pupils.

The crowd erupted into cheers and gasps, and maybe a few rolls of the eyes and glares from jealous noblewomen or daughters of Lords who had hoped to have Sae all to themselves, though you barely registered anything.

Why would anything matter, when you were here, openly in his arms?

“His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince is in love with his soon-to-be sister-in-law? This is hot news!”

“The Second Prince didn’t love her anyway.”

“He didn’t? But was it really a marriage of convenience, then?”

“No way, he must have been in love. What’s there to gain from a commoner?”

“But what could a village girl like her possibly offer the Crown Prince?”

The Emperor suddenly rose from his golden throne and stepped down the carpeted stairs, standing in the center. He cleared his throat and raised his scepter high in the air.

“I, the Emperor of the Royal Empire of Aquaria, officially dissolve the engagement between Y/N and the Second Prince, and announce the engagement between her and the Crown Prince!”

Rin’s eyes twitched. His fists clenched tighter by his sides, knuckles white and nails digging deep into his palms. He felt humiliated in front of so many people, but it is said that what goes around comes around. 

“Huh? But Father, she's—” Rin began, but the Emperor turned his head and shot him a threatening glare. 

“Emperor’s order.” With a voice that sharp, there was no possible room for argument.

You also stood frozen, mouth hanging open in disbelief as you blinked at the Emperor in the distance. But Sae’s fingers tipped your chin back up and his lips latched onto yours in a bold, open-mouthed kiss.

“Look at me,” he murmured as he pulled back slightly to look at you, his breath warm against your skin.

Your breath hitched, your gaze locking onto his. “Your Highness… I can’t believe this is happening,” You whisper-yelled in excitement, your hands waving around uncertainly.

He gently poked your cheeks. “You’ll take my last name since you don’t have one.”

You pinched yourself to check if this was all just a dream. If it was, you didn’t want to wake up. But it was all too real. The Crown Prince was now your fiancé. You were going to be the Crown Princess, and eventually, the Empress. And you were going to take his last name because commoners do not have the privilege of family names.

And despite everything, you strangely felt no deep remorse. You had slightly opened up to and grown fond of Rin in the past few weeks– he had those moments, but with you in his brother’s arms right now, you felt something different. You felt bad, but at the same time you didn’t. It wasn’t guilt. It was more complicated, but in the end, you didn’t dwell on it. You didn’t need to.

Rin stood in his spot motionless like a fallen angel’s statue, face hidden by a brush of his dark bangs. His eyes were fixed on the floor and his hands were clutching onto his pants like if he removed them hell would break loose.

His plan had backfired on him. Initially, he had chosen you, a commoner, as his fiancée to gain favour with the people, to appeal to the majority of Aquaria’s population, who were commoners themselves. It seemed like a strategic move at the time. His father, the Emperor, was known for his peculiar love for equality and would occasionally volunteer in villages, much to his dismay. Rin had believed marrying you would show his alignment with his father’s baffling… values, and would increase his chances of becoming the next ruler.

But no. His darn prodigy of a brother had bested him once again. Sae was better at everything: swordplay, horse riding, diplomacy, even winning nobles’ hearts. And now, his brother had not only fallen in love with his fiancée, a dumb commoner from the slums that he had chosen to boost his image, but also managed to make her fall heads over heels for him as well.

If that hadn’t infuriated him enough, he despised how his father wore that sickeningly proud smile on his face as he clapped his hands together, and how the couples were cheering and twirling like morons on the floor. While he stood stiff and awkward in the corner, insides seething in mixed emotions, hearing your stupid giggles and his brother’s irritatingly sweet reassurances of a better life with him. Sae had taken everything away from him, and it felt like salt being rubbed into an open wound.

But Rin hated his older brother, and he hated you too.

So on the night of your wedding, the chambermaid in your room let out a blood-curdling shriek, her face as pale as the moonlight that shone through the window. 

Cruel streaks of mulberry and plum bruises painted the delicate canvas of your neck. The once-pure white of your nightgown now blemished with spreading stains of deep cherryrose dye called blood, seeping through the fabric and into the silken sheets beneath. 

A severed porcelain horse’s head lay propped beside the body with vacant eyes, and scattered across the carpet were shattered remnants of a pearl necklace.

“But Do not be Fooled, One Shall Not Bloom,”

A dagger, its handle carved from true blue sapphire, was loosely wrapped between cold, limp fingers of a lifeless corpse sprawled across a river of red.

“For This, Will Lead to One’s Gentle Doom.”

© 2024 bluelockmaniac — do not repost, copy, translate, modify, etc my work on any platform !

[padfootagain]

Love in Verses (XXII)

Chapter 22 : ‘And if you missed a day, there was always the next, and if you missed a year, it didn’t matter, the hills weren’t going anywhere’

Hi! Here is a new chapter! A very important chapter!!!

I hope you like this chapter! Tell me what you think!

****

Pairing: Hozier x fem!reader (professor!AU)

Warnings: slow burn, angst, hurt, hurt/comfort, tooth-rotting fluff in later chapters, some scenes in later chapters will have heavy sexual themes even if it’s not explicit nsfw description, so minors here

Summary: Your life seems perfect. You're engaged, your career is thriving as you become an assistant professor at Trinity College, and this Andrew Hozier-Byrne you're sharing an office with seems to be a nice guy you hope to call a friend soon. Life seems to be smiling at you... until everything goes sour. When your fiancé breaks up with you, your perfect world shatters. And when your colleague also gets his heart broken soon after, your shared office seems to be a curse rather than a blessing. But Andrew seems determined to mend your broken hearts... Will things finally go according to plan?

Word Count: 2436

Masterlist for the series – Hozier’s masterlist – Main masterlist

Sunrise

This time of year, the window boxes smell of the hills, the thyme and rosemary that grew there, crammed into the narrow spaces between the rocks and, lower down, where there was real dirt, competing with other things, blueberries and currants, the small shrubby trees the bees love— Whatever we ate smelled of the hills, even when there was almost nothing. Or maybe that’s what nothing tastes like, thyme and rosemary.

Maybe, too, that’s what it looks like— beautiful, like the hills, the rocks above the tree line webbed with sweet smelling herbs, the small plants glittering with dew—

It was a big event to climb up there and wait for dawn, seeing what the sun sees as it slides out from behind the rocks, and what you couldn’t see, you imagined;

your eyes would go as far as they could, to the river, say, and your mind would do the rest—

And if you missed a day, there was always the next, and if you missed a year, it didn’t matter, the hills weren’t going anywhere, the thyme and rosemary kept coming back, the sun kept rising, the bushes kept bearing fruit—

The streetlight’s off: that’s dawn here. It’s on: that’s twilight. Either way, no one looks up. Everyone just pushes ahead, and the smell of the past is everywhere, the thyme and rosemary rubbing against your clothes, the smell of too many illusions—

Between them, the hills and sky took up all the room. Whatever was left, that was ours for a while. But eventually the hills will take it back, give it to the animals. And maybe the moon will send the seas there, and where we lived will be a stream or river coiling around the base of the hills, paying the sky the compliment of reflection.

I went back but I didn’t stay. Everyone I cared about was gone, some dead, some disappeared into one of those places that don’t exist, the ones we dreamed about because we saw them from the top of the hills— I had to see if the fields were still shining, the sun telling the same lies about how beautiful the world is when all you need to know of a place is, do people live there. If they do, you know everything.

The hills are terrible, they hide the truth of the past. Green in summer, white when the snow falls.

Louise Glück

You went home that night a few minutes after Andrew had left. There was no need to stay, you couldn’t focus or have any kind of coherent thought after that kiss anyway. So you headed home, trying not to think of Andrew, of his delicious scent, of the roughness of his beard against your skin, of the softness of his lips against yours, of his taste of coffee and chocolate, of how good his kiss was…

You kept those thoughts at bay while driving, but then they were swarming as you took off your shoes in your flat, locked your door, took off your coat and started pacing across your living room.

What the fuck was that?! The first time around, you were both drunk, it was easy to brush off the moment you had shared as a mistake. But this time?!

You needed to be logical. Logic and reason. Logic and reason…

What the fuck was that?!

A mistake. That was what it was. You had said it yourself! His feelings were all over the place, and in these moments of intense stress, people did crazy and stupid things, like kissing other people they didn’t really like. Maybe he was feeling lonely, and, and… you were there… you were there and that was it. Nothing special about it. He had apologised, it was alright, the two of you could go on with your lives and your arrangement as if nothing had happened.

But then… why did you keep thinking about his lips on yours, and his tongue, and his hands, and his smell, and his rushing heart under your palm and…

No! You turned to the picture of you and Frank displayed there, on your mantlepiece, the one reminder of the life you should have, the one you wanted. You were a strong, independent woman, and you knew what you wanted. You wanted your life back. You wanted your life with Frank back. Yes, Andrew was smart, and kind, and a gentle soul, and hilarious once you had broken his shy shell, and adorable with his blushing and his discomfort and his glasses, and of course, of course he was gorgeous, tall and pretty and…

… yes, yes to all of that. But you wanted Frank.

You wanted Frank.

You wanted Frank.

You repeated the sentence like a mantra, just to convince yourself. And for a moment, you succeeded.

Still, the dreams you forgot in the morning were full of long brown curls, of a beard brushing your skin, of hazel and a laughter you knew was not Frank’s. Not Frank’s at all…

The air was crisp, the leaves white with frost, the grass a paler green than usual. The sky a moody grey, the trail ahead overgrown with bushes over its edges. The buzzy chirping of birds, the whisper of a river nearby. The hushed murmur of leaves under a squall, the shade under the canopy of the forest you were walking through. It was cold, and it was lovely, wandering across the countryside across the Wicklow Hills. Such a quiet day, life in winter was slowed down, Nature itself had settled for a rhythm that was quieter than its usual rush of life. It felt like you had a million years ahead of you, like this very day would never end, like time would stretch forever ahead, becoming infinite in its slowing pace. Like there would always be a tomorrow, like all things in life would last.

The warm feeling that had settled in Andrew’s chest was steady, unwavering, this afternoon. It had appeared when he had dropped by your building to pick you up. You were grinning, such a happy smile on your features. He was glad, relieved even, to find such grins more and more often on your lips these days. It seemed that you were happier again, a closer image to the woman he had first met, the one beaming with warmth and a quiet joy.

Elwood was walking before him, taking off every now and then because of the nearby smell of a bird, a badger, or a fox, but Andrew was quick to call for him, and the obedient dog always stopped, returned to the safety of Andrew’s side. He seemed in bliss like this, free to run up and down the path as long as Andrew could keep an eye on him. He was busy sniffing the side of the path now, near a relatively tall oak tree, while Andrew was laughing loudly, so loudly he scared for good the fox Elwood had smelled.

“Do it again! Do it again, Andy!”

Andrew tried to calm down, to breathe fully again, but it was hard to do so when your laughter was still in the air. You seemed so happy this afternoon. Carefree. Radiant. Christ, he wanted this moment to last forever, to see you smiling like this until the sun itself would burst and destroy all things known to mankind, until the universe would collapse and die out, until even light was gone. He wanted this moment to last forever, for you to always be this happy, for him to always be able to see you like this…

He caught himself thinking these ridiculous thoughts, because okay, fine, maybe he liked you a little. Perhaps, just perhaps he had a tiny crush on you. But nothing more. Nothing close to love. That was a feeling only for Sam, you… you were charming, and funny, and so damn smart, and strong, and brave, and gorgeous and… yes! Yes, of course, to all of that, but you weren’t Sam, and he wanted Sam, because he couldn’t fall in love with someone else, that was impossible. He had come to this conclusion the night after your second kiss, a week ago. You had said it yourself, his feelings were all over the place, he wasn’t thinking straight. Yes, he was attracted to you, yes, he liked you… but that was it. That was it…

Except it wasn’t, and Andrew was painfully aware of it now. Now that you stared at him with those eyes he saw in his dreams, now that your laughter warmed his very soul, now that all he wanted was to kiss you, to hold you tight, to feel your grin against his lips and taste the joy that escaped your mouth.

He liked you. Badly so. He had a crush on you. A very, very heavy crush on you. One that he had to refrain and get under control, because none of this was the plan, because you were colleagues, because you were friends, because you still loved your ex while Andrew wasn’t certain of his feelings for his ex… and yet, he still felt it with every fibre of his being.

He had a crush on you…

“Do it again!” you commanded once more, and you were so adorable like this, all laughter and childish excitement.

He was laughing too much though. When he brought up his hands to his mouth, positioning a single blade of grass between his thumbs, he couldn’t blow enough air to make the grass whistle.

“Wait…” he choked on his laughter.

“Do it again, Andy!”

“Stop making me laugh so much!” he complained, stumbling on his feet, laughing too hard.

“Come on!”

“Hang on… wait, wait, wait…”

He adjusted the grass between his fingers, put it to his lips once more. It failed, but he tried a third time. The sound that came out was hilarious, but it worked. He looked at you with wide eyes, while you laughed again. He made a funny face while blowing hard a fourth time, and you doubled over with laughter.

“What was… that sound?!” you laughed so hard you were choking on your words, and Andrew wasn’t in a better state as he answered.

“A whistle!”

“It’s not… not a whistle! It’s a trumpet at best…”

You couldn’t speak anymore, Andrew had to stop walking, holding onto his stomach as he bent over and laughed, laughed, laughed until there were tears falling on his glasses. You reached for him for support as you were lost to a new fit of laughter. He reached for you as well, meeting you halfway so you could hold onto his arm, and he could do the same.

Further down the path, Elwood was sending the pair of you a questioning look, but Andrew didn’t notice. He finally calmed down enough to stand straight, stretching fully his back again. He waited for you to be steady on your feet to let go, but you kept on holding onto him. He took off his glasses to dry them on his scarf.

“I can’t believe you’re mocking my secret talent,” he shook his head.

“This was hilarious. Ugh… my stomach hurts now.”

“Come on, we’re almost there! There’s such a nice view up the hill.”

“Give me a minute. I need to catch my breath.”

“Am I making you out of breath?” he asked, wiggling his eyebrows and successfully making you laugh again, although he couldn’t help but regret having this playful flirt with you.

“Sometimes,” you admitted with a wink, and the sight made his heart skip several beats.

He hoped you would take his flushed cheeks for a consequence of his laughter, or the cold weather, or your walk even.

“Come on, we’re almost there!” he dragged you along further up the path until you had found back your usual pace.

You hurried as you noticed that the forest was less and less dense, the trees more spaced out until there was nothing above your heads but the greyish white of the sky. You almost ran the first few meters to the top of the hill, while Andrew looked at you, shaking his head and climbing at a more reasonable pace. Elwood was trotting next to you, tail wiggling in joy.

At the top of the hill, there were about twenty more meters to walk to reach a clear view of the valley below surrounded by the small mountains of the Wicklow hills. A river ran through the valley, a string of greyish blue in a land made of patches of browns and greens. He let you walk ahead for a bit, stopped when your silhouette seemed to be overseeing the valley. He took out his phone, snapped a picture of you with your red scarf blowing in the wind, a vivid contrast to the pale sky, with mountains before you and Elwood sitting at your feet. He could have stood there for hours, looking at the gorgeous landscape, the cotton-like sky, you… He felt so peaceful then, without his ordinary dread of time passing, of running out of precious moments, of missing what was important, of wasting the little amount of years he was allowed to spend on this earth. There was just today, and he had all the time in the world, so long as he could watch you like this…

You turned around then, grinning.

“Andy! It’s gorgeous out here!”

“Told you!” he spoke loudly to be heard over the wind that was blowing harder on the treeless space of the summit.

“Come here!”

You held out your hand for him, and Andrew walked over to you, held the hand you were offering in his. You gave his fingers a squeeze, grinning, before letting go and turning to the beautiful sight again.

“Thanks for bringing me here,” you leaned against him, and Andrew didn’t think as he wrapped an arm around your shoulders, drawing you closer.

He heaved a sigh, taking in the view. Wild and peaceful and familiar. It felt like home. Your weight against him was grounding, reliable, warm. It felt like home, too.

And for a moment, while staring at the wilderness of the Irish landscape, Andrew felt human. Instead of a struggling adult with his love life in shambles who overworked to cope with the mess the rest of his life was, he felt like he knew what it meant to be alive on this earth. Being here, staring at the land spreading at his feet, with his dog rubbing his head against his jeans, with you in his arms… That was what being human was supposed to feel like…

“Let’s take a break before going back,” you offered. “I’ve brought snacks.”

He nodded, offered you some water but you surprised him with a thermos and proper snacks. You headed back along the track to escape the violent wind, the cold too intense to bare in the openness of the hilltop. You sat down on a rock, not far from the path, and handed Andrew one of the two small thermos you had brought with you, along with a little box in which you had prepared snacks for him.

“Thank you so much, that’s so sweet,” he grinned.

You pulled out some treats for Elwood too, and Andrew’s heart melted for good.

While you busied yourself with spoiling his dog, Andrew drank some of the tea you had made for him. He frowned hard at the taste. It was… exactly how he took it. It was undoubtedly the taste of his favourite brand, the flavour too strong, it had to have been made using two teabags instead of one. He opened the little box, found there two pieces of his favourite chocolate, some grapes and a couple of biscuits. His favourites, here again.

In eight years of relationship with Sam, she had never done anything for him that seemed so tailored to his taste.

He looked at your own snacks, same quantity, but different biscuits, chocolate and fruits. Tailored to your own taste.

You had gone out of your way to prepare this for him. And it was stupidly simple, if Andrew brought it up, you would brush it off as if it were nothing. But it was everything.

You knew him. You knew him, and you had prepared all this so he would enjoy it, because you knew him.

You knew him. You…

“Andy? You’re okay?”

He merely nodded, blinked tears away, looked down at the snacks resting on his knees.

“Thanks for the snacks. That’s really fucking sweet.”

“It’s nothing.”

“I love those.”

Your smile grew more tender.

“I know.”

You knew… you knew…

He struggled not to say the words on his tongue, knowing it would spoil everything, terrified at the thought that he truly felt this way. It was obvious though. Now that the words formed in his mind, they were obviously true, so painfully obvious, how could he have been so blind?

I love you.

[shy-urban-hobbit]

If you're still taking prompts, can I suggest ♡ "stay away from me" from the were-vamp au, with Lambert caught unprepared for the full moon and fearing he will lose control of the beast, if you want to <3

😁😁😁 I love this au so much!

Lambert was driven to all fours by the expected but still sudden pain just as they reached the treeline. Even after almost a century his body starting to remould and reconfigure itself was something he'd never get used to. Fuck human literature for making it out to be something which took mere seconds. It was a long, torturous process: every second feeling like an hour as your entire body feels like it's been engulfed in hellfire both inside and out as bones and muscles tear and break, every sense trying its damned hardest to torture you as they danced along the fine line between too dull and too sharp. He'd known ones younger than him who had attempted to tear out their own teeth and nails or gouge their eyes out during their first transformations in an effort to do something to try and make it stop.

He'd forgotten. A werewolf who'd fucking forgotten it was a full moon tonight!!

He wanted to blame Aiden for his current predicament but even his pain-addled mind knew that that was unfair. Nobody had made him accept his vampiric friends invitation, but after nothing for two months thanks to Aiden's itchy feet (wings?) followed by the letter saying that he was staying in the neighbouring kingdom for the foreseeable and for Lambert to send a reply back with the messenger if/when he wanted to meet... Lambert may or may not have forgotten to double check his calendar in his haste to scrawl a reply saying his was free to meet at the Inn Aiden mentioned at twilight in two days time (usually awakened just as the sun dipped below the horizon, the vampire always did enjoy the apparent 'grey area' and likened it to humans who enjoy rising to watch the sunrise, taking advantage of the cover provided by fully lengthened shadows and the rapidly encroaching dark to bask in the last dregs of daylight).

They'd enjoyed a grand total of 30 minutes together before realisation had slammed into the both of them and Aiden had ushered him back out through the door before taking off running, trusting Lambert to follow him and not caring that both of them were moving a little too quickly for what could be considered normal.

He would have laughed at the situation if it wasn't absolutely, balls to the wall, horrifyingly, horrifically bad.

Having never transformed away from pack territory before there was no way of knowing how the wolf would react, and Lambert could already feel that its interest had been piqued in a way he really did not like. This was going to be an absolute fucking bloodbath one way or another and he had no idea how to stop it. He wanted - needed - pack.

"Lambert, can you stand? We need to keep moving, just a little further in."

A loud, low, canine whine echoed through the dark before Lambert could stop it from escaping.

"Leave." He bit out, the word slightly slurred and muffled whilst his new teeth were still slightly too large for his mouth forcing his slowly elongating jaws apart.

"No." Came the instant reply. The urge to pounce, to grab and tear and bite surged up inside him as he felt Aiden take his elbow.

"Get away from me!" He half screamed, half roared. He was pretty sure the only two words which ended up being coherent were "Get away" but that would still get the message across and Aiden would be wise enough to run. He wasn't sure he'd be capable of forming an argument - let alone voicing one - for much longer.

No such luck. Aiden gave a catlike hiss in response before throwing Lambert's arm over his shoulder and hauling him to his feet, staggering under the unexpected weight of Lambert's extra muscle, "I'm not leaving you like this in unfamiliar territory. I know somewhere we can go, just try not to go feral on me for a little bit longer. Count to one hundred or some shit."

Lambert didn't know where Aiden was taking him, all he knew was that at some point the vampire ended up more or less having to bodily drag him as it became too slow and painful for him to continue walking upright. All of his concentration went towards keeping the beast at bay; trying to ignore all of the unfamiliar noises and smells and how tantalisingly close and accessible Aiden's soft belly was until he felt the vampire lower him to the ground, at which point his mind became blank static as pure, base instinct took over.

Lambert's entire body ached as the feeling started to return to it. He forced himself to take deeper breaths, wincing as his lungs responded with stabs of pain in protest before running through the rest of his checklist, starting from his toes and working upwards. No aches or pains that felt too serious and full movement: always a positive. Finally, he forced his eyes open, not recognising his surroundings.

It looked to be some sort of cave, he got up to unsteadily, brushing off the remaining rags of his clothes as he began to look around curiously. Deep gouges which were recent enough to have only been caused by him littered every single wall alongside an opening which Aiden must have dragged him through last night as it appeared be the only way in or out. Wide enough for a humanoid to pass through but too narrow for his wolf when fully transformed. Lambert smiled to himself, holding a hand out in the weak stream of sunlight it was letting in. Smart man.

Wait...Sunlight.

Lambert's smile dropped and his innards turned to liquid as he hurriedly scrambled through to the outside, not caring about his nakedness.

"Aiden!" He yelled, turning in a rapid circle as he searched, eyes wide despite them screaming at him to close them again in their post transformation sensitivity, "Aiden!!"

"Over here."

Lambert had missed the cloaked figure the first time. Hunched in the narrow sliver of shade against the rock face as they were, they were almost invisible. Exhausted green eyes met his from under the hood with a tired smile.

"...What the fuck are you doing sitting out in daylight?!"

Aiden shrugged, "I told you I wasn't leaving you alone. Don't worry, it's only about an hour passed dawn. I've never been sure how long the effects of transformations linger for so I was going to join you in another hour or so and just hope you were more you than wolf."

"And if I wasn't?"

The silence that followed was heavy, they both knew the answer. By that point Aiden would have been fighting his own instincts for hours. Vampiric rest after all more closely resembled death than sleep and could only be fought for so long after sunrise. An exhausted vampire would be no match for an aggressive werewolf.

"Get the fuck in here." Lambert growled, making to head back into the cave.

Aiden following with a tired shuffle and making sure to keep to the shadows and removing the cloak once he was safely inside and holding out to Lambert, "You need it more than me at this point I think."

Lambert accepted it, wrapping it around himself before sitting against the wall and pulling a spluttering Aiden down into his lap, tucking the other man's head under his chin, "You made sure I didn't do something horrendous last night, least I can do is give you somewhere a little better than the floor to sleep."

"Hmm. You do have a nice lap," he gave a little wiggle as he snuggled deeper into Lambert's chest, eyes already closed, "Comfy."

Lambert huffed a laugh, "Good to know. Some reunion, huh?"

Aiden didn't reply, already quite literally dead to the world.

[violettduchess]

hi violet, can i req for gilbert, prompt forbidden love? if it's ok i'll leave it up to you whether if it's gonna be a fic or hc :) thank you

A/N: You all voted for this to be an Angel / Devil AU and here we are.

CW: death, sickness, war

Gilbert x Reader

Word Count: 2650

1095: the Holy Land

The first time you see him it is over a rising cloud of brown dust, stamped from the earth by a cacophony of hooves and sandaled feet charging at each other. Sunlight glints off curved steel and chain mail as blades from both sides bite into flesh, punctuating the haze with red droplets.

Through the blood and dust you see him, walking amid the chaos. He is, quite simply, the most beautiful being you have ever seen. Every movement exudes grace, from the bend of his torso to the tilt of his head. He is so arresting that you stop in your tracks, frozen under the burning sun, watching him across the din until he turns his head. Fatefully, his gaze finds yours. His eyes, the clearest, deepest red you have ever seen, pull you in, like a fishing line cast into the ocean. You find yourself moving towards him, the epicurean tide drawn to the beauty of the ethereal moon, breathless with something. Time stands still, all sound dwindling into nothingness. The screaming of men, the groaning of the dying, the frenzied cries of horses, it all fades when he smiles, your heart suddenly caught in the curve of his lips, the line of his jaw.

And then he sees you clearly, as the dust begins to clear, as the last man lays gasping, calling for his mother. He sees you and his beautiful face darkens with an emotion you are all too familiar with. The shadowed mask of fear.

You blink and he is gone.

1348: London, England

It is nearly a millennium before you see him again. You step outside of the small, dank house, the smell of sickness lingering in the air. It clings to you, the sheen of rot and ejecta, and you are grateful for a moment’s respite. It is then you see him, walking alongside the rickety wooden cart piled high with bodies, some still oozing sickness from their sores.

“Bring out your dead!”

The man pulling the cart and yelling is sweating, salty droplets of water leave tracks in the dirt caked on his sallow skin. His heartbeat is too fast, too erratic but he fights it, the fist squeezing his lungs, wanting to get just one more footstep further away from this thing they call the Black Death.

But then his voice is gone, his knees buckling as his heart finally gives up the fight. Gilbert, draped in robes the color of twilight, kneels in the dirt road beside him. You watch as his pale hand touches the man’s face and soothes back his matted hair. He speaks and whatever you expected his voice to sound like, it is not this. Not like the soft sound of the wind sweeping across rolling plains. Not like the velvet depth of night, when darkness blankets the mortal world.

“Hello Richard." He is gentle, so very gentle. "My name is Gilbert." He cups the man's face with a tender hand. "It’s ok, my friend. There is nothing to fear. It’s simply time to let go.”

Like a being transfixed, you watch as he guides the soul from its prison of flesh and bones, and with a wave of his hand, sends it on its way.

“You look so young.” 

The words leave you before you can stop them. You know speaking to him is forbidden and yet, somehow, it feels as natural to you as sunlight.

He looks up at your words and again, the flicker of fear burns in the red brightness of his eyes. He rises slowly and you admire the way he conquers it so quickly.

“I’m older than you.”

He knows he should not answer you and yet he does, turning to face you fully now. You tilt your chin upwards, letting him look, letting him drink his fill of the sight of you.

“I’ve never seen you before.”

Something dances across his face, tears his gaze away from your form.

“My duties were elsewhere for a time.”

The story behind his words is in his eyes, straining to be freed. His lips burn with the need to tell you more.

And then the bell tolls and you both look in its direction.

Time is fleeting. You have work to do.

With great effort you turn away from him, walking toward the next sad building reeking of death. When you look over your shoulder, past the curve of your leathery wings, you find him watching you.

And you smile.

1839: Mazatlán, Mexico

The winds and water have washed away the small town on the coast. There is nothing left of it, aside from bits of broken buildings and bodies lying in watery graves.

An old woman with a broken back lays, panting heavily as the light slowly fades from her dark eyes. You approach her, your heavy robes trailing in the dirty water and mud. When she sees you, her breathing quickens, her eyes widen and her fingers, old and gnarled and broken, scramble to touch the worn silver cross that has hung around her neck for the last sixty-eight years. Little does she know it too has been lost in the storm. You kneel beside her and she whimpers, her whole body trembling as you reach down, laying your hand on her forehead.

“Por favor,” her voice creaks, “por favor.”

“Begging won’t save you now. You know the life you led. The women you sold. The children.” It doesn’t matter what you say. They can always understand you.

Her body spasms as you reach for her, the real her, the essence inside. Her last words die unspoken on her lips as you send her soul to its journey's end..

Rising, you scan the debris, feel the call of so many souls and you are weary. You make your way towards the beach, stepping over the rubble until you have reached the soft, white sand and smooth gray boulders. You slump down against one of them, tired. The sand is soft, the boulders warm with collected sunlight. You have learned to appreciate the simple things of this plane of existence. The sound of the ocean. The smell of the salty air.

“So even your kind needs a break.”

That voice.

He is standing above you, backlit by the sun, and you wholly believe he is worthy of the countless prayers shot to the heavens by pleading lips.

You can’t help but smile. “Come sit with me. Take a break yourself.”

He smiles back and your heart cracks open, bursting with something newborn and unexpected. Something you can’t give a name to, yet.

“Isn’t there a story about a garden and a serpent that starts this way?” But he lowers himself until he is next to you. His arm brushes yours and it feels like holy fire.

“I shouldn’t be here.” Your voice is softer than usual as you watch the roll of the waves along the beach. A single shoe made for a tiny foot bobs alone in the water. Its former owner is his responsibility. Babies always are.

“You’re doing your job.”

“No, I mean here. With you.”

The words sound as loud to your ears as the waves crashing into the rocks scattered about the shallows. Embarrassed, you start to move away from him, from his warmth and his light and his heavenly smile.

And then you feel his hand wrap around yours, the dawn grasping the dusk, and he pulls you towards him.

Falling into his embrace is easy, so much easier than you ever would have believed, easier than you could have dreamed. Easier than all the rules that say it is forbidden would have you think it is. He is light and warmth to your shadow and shade. You drink him in, wrapping your arms around him, pulling him close against you. He gasps softly into your hungry mouth, stunned by the feel of you.

His kind have always been told a litany of warnings to stay away from you. That nothing good will ever come of associating with devils. That he would burn in the pit fires of hell if the rules were ever broken. And oh he is burning, just not the way they described. 

As he pulls you against him, your softness yielding to the planes of his body, he does burn. He burns with a singular need to kiss you, to touch you, to claim you as his. He burns with a desire far more dangerous than hellfire. It sharpens him, hardens him, shifts his purpose with every movement of your lips against his. Your mouth is ambrosia. Nothing will ever taste as good ever again. He will forever be thirsty for it. The feel of your hands, pressed against his back, just under his wings, is branded into him, changing him, claiming him.

It is only the tolling of the celestial bell that falls like an ax through the haze of your lust. The call to work.

“I must go.” He looks over his shoulder, then back to you, his dark hair falling across his forehead in a way that makes your fingers ache to touch it. “We’ll meet again.”

He stands slowly, spreads his large, white feathery wings and in a rush of wind, a flash of light, he’s gone, leaving you alone on the beach with the mournful sobs of the dying, the monotonous lull of the ocean’s waves and his kiss burning on your lips.

October 1916: Somme River; Picardy, Northern France

It feels wrong, rushing to meet him with the thunderous sounds of war rocking the world, and the deadly fog of mustard gas rising like a cobra to sink its fangs into shaking men. Even you shudder as the shrill cry of artillery shells and the spitting rage of the machine guns echo hell on earth. Men are dying in record numbers but it is precisely for this reason that you can meet. The bloody ground with its endless sea of death and destruction masks your movements from anyone who may wonder where exactly you are. Too many souls departing too quickly. Everyone is busy, thanks to men and their thirst for war. Angels and devils alike roam the ravaged fields, answering the call of the doomed.

He waits for you behind a burned-out house amid charred, leafless trees. You gasp when you see him. One eye is covered by a swath of black silk. 

“What happened?” Your hands are on his face, now familiar to your touch. You have loved him for almost a century, a drop in the ocean of time, and yet, short as it may be, it feels essential. Sacred. 

“They know.”

Those two words sink into your heart like a stone, dragging you down into a trench of despair. He has lost an eye in punishment. There will be more coming. The sky above you explodes orange against gray.

There are so many words that they stifle your speech, stacking one behind the other in your throat. None of them will change anything. None of them will save you. He reaches out, pulling you into the shelter of his embrace, a tender kiss placed on the top of your head, between your short, black horns.

“It will be alright. I have a plan.”

You tilt your face up to look at him as the world rumbles, heavy tanks rolling like moving fortresses through the dead fields.

“I will come for you. Give me time.” He sounds so sure.

Dread crawls up your spine with tiny, grasping claws but you nod slowly. You trust him. 

He leans down, pressing a light kiss to your lips, a small beacon of hope in the darkness that surrounds you, the darkness that fills you. Then he steps away, unfurls his pristine wings, and vanishes, leaving you alone amid the wreckage.

2023: St. Anne’s Nursing Center; Regina, Canada.

The old man sees you, although his eyes stopped working years ago. Ignoring the exhausted muttering of the overworked nurse, his drawn face, etched with lines and mottled with brown spots, turns towards the doorway where you stand.

You are never who they want to see. You with your black wings and horns, with your fiery eyes and ashen skin. You, devil. His heart, worn and faded, skips its final beat as you walk over, curling your cool fingers around his frail wrist.

He wants to scream but all that comes out is a wheeze of fetid breath. Holding his wrist in your hand you lean down, lips close to his ear.

“It’s time.”

Every last living cell in his body wants to fight and you sigh, tightening your hold on him. It’s not a pleasant end when they fight, especially once they realize where they are going. And this one has reason to fight. His soul is as tainted as can be, a history of violence and hate and a pile of bones that will eventually be unearthed in the far corner of his remote property. Too many for just one person.

He submits, his soul needing to be pried from its cage of weak bone and flaccid muscle before you are finally able to send it down, down, down where it belongs.

There are others here, dancing on the edge of this life and the beyond, but none require your attention. Not today. You leave the now still body, making your way down the generic beige hallway and across the dated, olive-green tile of the entrance until you are outside, breathing in the cold, clean winter air.

Above you, the sky is black, the moon only a sliver of silver amid the twinkling stars. You’re about to move on when you hear it. The unmistakable beat of wings.

You turn and you see him, dropping down to the ground in one elegant movement. What you see brings both hands to your mouth, snatches the breath from your lungs.

Gone are the soft white feathers of his wings. They have been plucked out, burned away. The bloody leftovers re-formed into the stretched black leather of bat wings, darker than yours and wider. His robes are darkest obsidian, his hair midnight kissed by stars. And sprouting from it, the surest sign of what he has done: long, black horns, curled like a ram’s and deadly sharp.

“No…..no……” You know what this means and it brings you to your knees, right there on the icy pavement. His red eye is aflame with determination as he walks over to you, leaning down to take a strong hold of your arms and lift you again.

“It was the only way.” His voice is steady, gentle but sure.

You shake your head. “You are Fallen. You know what He will do. What you will have to do to prove yourself.” The Morningstar is cruelest to those just like Him.

Gilbert brushes your soft hair back, his skin pale as bone, now cold as ice. 

“I will not only endure it, but I will conquer it and prove that I have earned a place among His agents. Perhaps….even….conquer Him.” His expression softens as he cups your face, his thumb stroking the line of your cheekbone. “I can master anything. You are by my side. You,” he pauses, his voice a whisper that roars louder than thunder, “are the reason for it all.” 

And then his mouth is on yours and you melt against him, love for him clouding the danger of his words, the fear of what is to come. You wrap your arms around him and you return his kiss hungrily, greedily, covetous. His teeth sink into your lower lip, his wings extending to black out the sky before wrapping themselves around you, his hands grasping at your robes, yanking handfuls of it away from your skin until he can take hold of the soft underside of your thighs. With a deep growl he lifts you, pulling you against him, his unbound lust finally free. 

After all…..he too is now a devil.

Tagging: @aquagirl1978 @alixennial @alexxavicry @queengiuliettafirstlady @rhodolitesrose @ikemen-writer @bellerose-arcana @thewitchofbooks @redheadkittys @dear-mrs-otome @firestar-otomeobsessed @curious-skybunny @kpop-and-otome @writingwhimsey @mxrmaid-poet @silver-dahlia @wendolrea @otomefoxystar @nightfoxqueen @myonlyjknight @queen-dahlia @aceuuuuu @scorchieart @bubblexly @joiedecombat

[books-and-strawberry-tea]

Books I always forget about cause they are on my kindle:

Am I the only one like this? I always forget what I have when its a digital collection. I've been collecting since I bought my kindle. I read heaps on my kindle. But I just keep adding more and more to my collection. So here's a list of books a want to read that's on there. If anyone has any feed back or recommendations about my list, please leave a comment! Also if you decide to look into the books on this list, be aware some are 18+ and have TW.

Vampires: Hollow - Legend (Series) Tethered (series) Court (started) The southern book clubs guide to slaying vampires (Started) Twilight (series) Court of the vampire queen (40%) From blood and ash Bitten and bound Vampire academy Die for you (aus) The vampire in the bookstore Bound to the vampires Empire of the vampire - Empire of the damned (series) Feathers so vicious (series) House of crimson hearts Shade of a blood moon blood oath - shadow heart - twisted soul (series)

Manga: Somethings wrong with us (Manga) Say i love you (Manga)

Contemporary/contemporary romance/dark romance ect: Den of vipers The predator The ritual Things we never got over The virgin suicides Ninth house - Hell bent (series) God of Malice Hate mail Hate (JAMES) Bridget jones diary Hunting adeline (Started) Kiss the sky The seven husbands of evelyn hugo Moments of mayhem Lights out Mine (AK ROSE) Falling leaves Twisted friction Saint - sinner - priest - midnight mass (series) Love of my after life Theif (MASSERY)

Fantasy/fantsy romance: The spell shop Yumi and the nightmare painter Gideon the ninth Kingdom of blood and betrayal (35%) - A kingdom of venom and vows (series) Heir of the beast (series) Whispers of the deep The crimson moth The orchid and the owl (started) The song of the marked A court of silver flames (started) Half a soul (series) The god and the gumiho A discovery of witches Psycho fae - psycho shifters - (series) Daughter of the moon goddess (30%) - Heart of the sun warrior Powerless The liars crown Forged by malice - bonded by thorns - Woven by gold (series) Heaven officials blessings The dragons bride Dark heir - dark rise (series) Legends and lattes Lightlark - Nightbane (ugh) The very secret society of irregular witches One dark window - two twisted crowns (series) The invisible life of addie larue One little nightmare Daughter of no worlds The unmaking of June farrow Feather so black Songbird of the sorrows What is dark within me (series) A dream so wicked - Sleeping beauty retelling Of darkness and ruination

Ghosty/Hauntings/Spirits/Halloweenie ect: When stars come out Black silk and Sympathy (Aus) Love letters to a serial killer Good girl bad blood (started) - as good as dead (series) House of hollow Chlorine Carving for cara Her soul to take (series) A soul to keep The curse of the flores women The haunting of blackwych grange Leather and lark Starling House A deadly education Spells for forgetting Rouge In the clearing (aus) In a dark mirror Creations captive

Japanese stories: 夏物語 (Breasts and Eggs JP ver) The full moon coffee shop If cats disappeared from the world (ENG/JP) Conveniance store woman Butter コーヒーが冷めないうちに - 川口 俊和 Days at the morisaki bookshop (series)

[skittlespizza]

THE SUCKENING/PROJECT MOON AU

Arthur Bennett was born in the nest of Salpippyeo Agroindustries. He was a happy, wealthy man until meeting a Bloodfiend who posed as his family’s maid. Arthur’s father was also a fixer who focused on hunting Bloodfiends as his main job. Arthur’s father kept the secret of Bloodfiends away from his son in an attempt to protect him from Bloodfiends as a whole. Arthur falls in love with Vanya Hemlock and begins a secret relationship with her, letting her drink from him whenever she wants. She sires Arthur, and much like the main story, she leaves him after around a week of this. The heartbreak and loneliness of being a Bloodfiend without a sire causes Arthur to tell his father the truth. His father locks Arthur in the basement of their home and tells him that he will find a cure. Arthur is alone in this basement for several weeks until he distorts. He sees Carmen, she promises him freedom and he becomes the He Who Wishes to be Free. His distortion took on an appearance similar to a bird.

The cause of his distortion was heartbreak and betrayal, feeling like there was no one who truly loved him. He proceeds to kill everyone in the manor until he’s stopped by the Bloodfiend Fixer Group, the Camarilla. The Fixer he meets is able to convince him to undistort and become part of the Camarilla, and Arthur, desperate to be free joins them.

He does odd jobs until he has his first “big job”- to help Emizel Tucker.

Emizel Tucker was born in the backstreets of the W Corp. He took a liking to cannibalism and through this connection of being a frequent cannibal, he joined a gang called the Demons. Rising through their ranks with his insanely depraved and feral behavior, he soon takes control of his own small group within the Demons. In a fight with a rival gang, Bloodfiend Gabriel Montez sires Emizel before running away. Emizel begins to use his Bloodfiend powers to make a name for himself in the W Corp Backstreets, enough so to catch the attention of the Camarilla Fixers. His story starts with him fighting off a group of the Fixers, saying he would rather die than ever become one of them. Arthur is hired to take on the job of convincing Emizel to use his powers to help others and eventually succeeds once he promises that Emizel can eat “as much” as he wants. 

Shilo was born in the Nest of the C-Corp. His mother was a brutal and cruel woman nicknamed The Queen for her strict and cruel nature. Shilo, curious of the world outside of the C-Corp Nest, runs off to the W-Corp with one of The Queen’s bodyguards. Arthur, after taking Emizel as his apprentice, is tasked with finding and returning Shilo Bathory to the bloodfiend Queen.

Arthur finds Shilo and decides to take Shilo on a small road-trip around the City before returning him to the Queen. He makes Shilo an unofficial Fixer and they fill a few of Arthur’s contracts for a few weeks. (The Queen doesn’t need to know Arthur’s found Shilo). After a little bit of time, Arthur takes on a contract for The Twilight Prince, Edward Twilight. Edward wants the small group to find and kill Viv and Vex. Two notorious killers in the W-Corp backstreets. The two bloodbending Bloodfiends took his money and never fulfilled their contract and he wants his money back- and their heads.

Arthur meets the twins and finds out that Edward is such a fucked up guy that Viv and Vex couldn’t stomach assisting. Edward runs a small fighting ring where he forces people to distort and fight. 

The story follows Arthur, Shilo and Emizel trying to kill Edward Twilight and dismantle his fucked up fighting ring.

[malekthecat]

Ninjago x Mlp Au: S1 Rise of Snakes and Night Princess

In city called Ninjago, Master Wu gathers four ninjas, who have the elemental powers، Kai and Nya the Masters of Fire and Water, Zane the Master of Ice, Cole the Master of Earth, and Jay the Master of Lightning, come together to protect their city From the evil Lord Garmadon and Serpentine, and also to know which one of them is the legendary green ninja A prophecy, the boy who will save Ninjago from Lord Garmadon and the Overlord... At the same time the residents of Equestria are preparing for The Summer Sun Celebration which occurs once a year, a girl named Twilight discovers that there is a prophecy that says that the Princess of the Night and Princess of Darkness called Luna, or currently known as Nightmare Moon, will return to spread eternal night in Equestria...so it is decided that She tells the Princess of Equestria and her dear teacher The Empress Celestia, Celestia tells her that she must go to a small village called Ponyville to supervise a summer sun celebration and to find friends. There she meets five girls: Pinkie Pie who represents the element of laughter, Applejack who represents the element of honesty, Fluttershy who represents the element of kindness, and Rainbow. Dash represents loyalty, Rarity represents generosity and Twilight represents magic Together, they will search for the elements of harmony to save their city from Nightmare Moon...With all these differences between these, the heroes of our story did not know that there were many similarities between them and that they would meet soon and work together to defeat the Villains...

Episode 1: Way of The Ninja And Pony on The Moon

"A pony named Twilight discovers the truth that Nightmare Moon has returned to Equestria, so she decides to tell her teacher, Empress Celestia, but she receives a reply that she must go to a small village called Ponyville, so Twilight goes there with her little cat, Lila, to supervise a summer sun celebration and to make new friends as well." There she meets six girls: Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Nya and Fluttershy, and also meets Kai, Jay, Cole and Zane, and together they will defeat Nightmare Moon and Lord Garmadon!"

"Before time had a name, Equestria enjoyed peace and tranquility for a period of time, and there were two princesses who maintained this balance. The princess, the Greater, raised the sun every morning, and the youngest raised the moon at night. Thus, the two princesses maintained a balance for their kingdom and for their people as well, but over time, the youngest became dissatisfied. Because ponies play and have fun during the day that her sister attends, and ponies sleep at beautiful nights that the youngest attends, and the situation remained like this until one fateful day, the younger sister refused to lower the moon. She turned her sister in every way to master it, but the younger sister did not want to, and with sadness and hatred for her sister, she turned into a pony. An evil darkness, she was Nightmare Moon! She swore to cover the skies of Equestria with eternal night. So the eldest decided to look for any way to stop her sister, and she used the elements of harmony. After a great battle, the eldest sister was able to exile Nightmare Moon to the moon, and after that, the people of Equestria began celebrating a summer sun celebration, and this continued. Celebrating for a long time...”

Twilight said this while reading the book she borrowed from Celestia

Then Twilight said:

"The elements of harmony and pony on the moon? I think I want to know more about this story!"

Twilight decided to go to the library to learn more about Nightmare Moon. On the way, Twilight met her childhood friends, and they wanted to invite her to one of their friends' parties. Twilight could not refuse their request, so she went with them.

The host of the Moon Dancer party was preparing a number of things until she finally found her friends coming and she was happy about that

And she said:

"Finally! I'm really happy that you guys banned my party, especially you, Twilight...I didn't expect you to come too."

Twilight laughed and said to her:

"Why wouldn't I go to my best friend's party?"

Moon Dancer said:

"Because you're always busy with your studies an-"

Twilight cut her off and said:

"Maybe whatever, you want to see my gift?"

Twilight gave the gift to Moon Dancer and began to open it and found inside a picture of her and all her friends

Moon Dancer smiled with tears of happiness evident on her eyes and said:

"Thank you...thank you, Twilight, thank you all."

Twilight approached her and wiped her tears and said:

“There is no need for this, Moon Dancer, we are friends. Well, what do you say we start celebrating?”

The celebration began and after a few hours, when night came, everyone went to their homes, and Twilight and Moon Dancer remained at the party

Moon Dancer said:

“The party was really fun, I'm really happy to-”

Moon Dancer stopped talking when she looked at Twilight, who was thinking about something

She said anxiously:

"What's wrong, Twilight? What are you thinking?"

Twilight said:

“I think there's something I've forgotten, something important...”

Twilight looked at the sky and found that a moon was starting to appear, and then she remembered her search for Nightmare Moon

Twilight said:

“The moon... How did i forget that?!”

Moon Dancer said in amazement:

"What do you mean?"

Twilight said:

“I have been searching for anything related to Nightmare Moon so I can inform the Empress...”

Moon Dancer was about to ask her what she meant, but she found Twilight starting to go and said:

“Don't worry, I'll come back later when I'm done!...”

And she was gone

Moon Dancer suddenly felt a strange feeling, as if this would be the last time she would see her friend... would it really be the last?

(In the library...)

"Lila! You??"

Twilight said as she looked for her little assistant

Lila answered:

"I'm here"

When Twilight looked up, she saw a black cat with eyes as blue as the sea. Yes, it was Lila, her favorite cat, It was a gift from Celestia because Twilight studied her diligently, and Twilight used a spell to make her talk. Lila always said that she came from a cold place full of snow, and the Empress found her and she was injured and took care of her until Twilight got her

Lila went down and Twilight asked her:

"What were you doing up there?"

Lila answered:

"I was taking a nap"

Twilight said:

“Okay Lila, can you find a book that talks about old legends?”

Lila went to a bookshelf to get the book and she found it. Twilight took a book, opened it and started reading it:

"Elements of harmony, a pony in the moon?..."

Lila said in surprise:

"Pony in the moon? But it's a fairytale."

Twilight continued:

"A pony a pony, I found it! The pony in the moon is a legend from the history of ponies. A powerful pony wanted to rule Equestria in the eternal night. She was defeated by the elements of harmony and was banished to the moon. Legend says that on the longest day of the year she will find a way To escape from a moon that will bring with it eternal night...”

She also said:

"Lila! Do you know what this means??"

Lila answered:

"no?"

Twilight said:

“This means that at the end of the Summer Sun Festival, Nightmare Moon will return to Equestria and bring with her Eternal Night, so I will write a letter to the Empress!”

Lila said in surprise:

"Okay, but what are you going to write?"

Twilight replied while writing:

“My dear teacher, because my continued study of the history of the ponies, I discovered that the pony in the moon, called Nightmare Moon, will return at the end of the Summer Sun Festival and bring with it eternal night. Therefore, I hope that you will take action to prevent this from happening...”

- Your loyal student (Twilight Sparkle)

Twilight finished writing the letter and sent it using her magic

Lila said:

“Okay, but the Summer Sun Festival is tomorrow and the Empress is already busy with it and it would be really bad if we disturbed her?”

Twilight said:

"This is the problem! Summer Sun's celebration will be on the same day as Nightmare Moon's coming...so I had to tell her about this..."

Shortly after that, a reply arrived to a message from Amira, and Twilight was happy about this

Then Twilight started reading a letter:

“My dear student Twilight, I know that you have been studying well and that you are one of my best students, but you must forget these superstitions and you must make some friends when you go to Ponyville tomorrow to attend the Summer Sun Festival there.”

-Your precious teacher (Empress Celestia)

Twilight's smile turned into shock and said:

"What?! But...but these are not myths! They are real!!"

Lila sighed and said:

“It's already night, tomorrow when we go we'll talk about this.”

Twilight grabbed her cat and they go to sleep

(in the next day..)

In a blacksmith shop in a village near Ponyville, there was a young blacksmith named Kai Smith trying to make a perfect sword, but he was unable to do so, and then his younger sister, called Nya, came.

Kai told her:

"I thought I'd make it this time..."

Nya looked at her brother and said to him:

"Don't be so sad, brother... I'm sure you'll succeed soon!"

Kai looked at the sword he wanted to make and said:

"Do you really think so?"

Nya answered:

“Of course, if father were alive, he would have told you...”

Kai continued:

“I know... something requires patience in order for me to succeed...”

Then Nya approached her brother and smiled at him, but then a man entered them

Wu said:

“So this is the blacksmith shop right?”

Kai looked at him and said:

"Yes, it is. How can I help you?"

Wu said:

"You seem to have weapons for warriors and even samurai, but nothing for ninja?"

Kai said surprised:

"Ninja?"

Wu told him:

"Yes, like you, Kai."

Nya said in shock:

"And he knows your name, too."

Wu said:

"Of course I know, Nya."

Then Kai said to him:

"Well, I don't know how you know our names, but tell me what you want?"

Wu said:

“There's no need to be angry Kai, I just wanted to give you an offer.”

Kai was surprised by what he said and said:

"Really? What is it?"

Wu replied:

“My name is Wu, and I have come to give you an offer to become a ninja.”

Nia said surprised:

"A Ninja?!"

Wu said:

"Yes, you can both be ninjas on my team."

Nya was surprised by Wu words, but Kai did not like it, and said to him:

"Listen man, this is a store called Four Arms, not Four Ninjas. If you don't want to buy anything, go away!"

Wu looked at Kai angrily and said to him as he left:

"I thought I found something special here..."

Then Kai said:

“But if you want something special I can give you...”

When Kai turned around, he found that Wu was already gone...

Then Kai looked at his sister and said:

“Where did he go?...”

Nya answered:

"I don't know, he was here for a moment."

Then Kai went back to work, but then Nya said to him:

"So Kai, when are we going to Ponyville?? The Summer Sun Festival is tonight and I promised Rarity I'd help her with the decorations!"

Kai looked at her and said:

"I know, I know... also I promised to Applejack help her organize a celebration... It's almost over and we'll go together."

But suddenly Kai and Nya heard people screaming outside, and when they looked outside, they found that there was an army of skeletons coming towards them.

Nya said:

"who are they?..."

Kai answered her while taking a sword and shield:

"I don't know...but stay inside!"

Kai then went out and started attacking the skeletons, but then he turned around to see that his younger sister was also fighting with him.

Kai said as he approached her:

"Didn't I tell you to stay inside?!"

Nya answered:

“And leave you have all the fun?”

They started fighting together

But there were some skeletons trying to enter a store, but Nya noticed them and kept them away and felt that they were trying to steal something, but then Samukai came down and started fighting Kai, and when Samukai was about to perform Kai, suddenly Master Wu went to save him with Spinjitzu.

Then Samukai said to him:

"Even your Spinjitzu has become weak!"

Wu then replied:

"Nothing is weaker than bones, Samukai!"

They started fighting each other

Then Samukai tried to cheat and try to hit Kai, and he threw a water deer and was going to fall on Kai, but Wu saved him.

Then Samukai said:

"Lord Garmadon said get the boy!"

Wu said in surprise:

“Garmadon?...”

Then they were going to catch Kai, but Wu used Spinjitzu and saved him

Then Samukai's army decided to withdraw, and before they left, Samukai said to them:

"It's not over yet! I'll come back for a map!!"

And then they go...

Kai approached Wu and said:

“Thank you for saving me and my sister! By using you to...where was that?”

Wu looked at Kai and said:

"Spinjitzu, it's called Spinjitzu... so have you considered my offer?"

Kay answered:

"Honestly, I don't know...I have to fix a store and..."

Nya interrupted him and said:

"But Kai! This is going to be fun! Imagine us being ninjas!"

Nya continued to insist on Kai until he said:

"Okay sister, if you want it...we'll be ninjas."

Wu smiled at them and after Kai and Nya gathered some of their things, Wu told them to follow him

Then Wu went and took the map that was hidden in the store

Kai said in shock:

"Hey! How long has this map been here?!"

Wu replied:

“I don’t remember, maybe ten or twenty years ago.”

Then Nya said:

“But how did we not notice this... Who were these skeletons and why did they want to kidnap my brother??"

Kai continued:

"And who are Samukai and Garmadon??"

Wu sighed and said to them:

"Well, I will explain to you the story...Once upon a time, Equestria had protectors who protected it from evil people, and one of them was the first Spinjitzu master and the first elements Masters... and the Spinjitzu master made four Spinjitzu weapons, and when he left, he left the Spinjitzu weapons with his sons, but it was one of them." He seeks the power of these weapons... and after a long struggle between two brothers, one of them fell into the underworld... and then a younger brother decided to hide weapons because of their dangerous power... and he drew a map of the places and gave it to his bestfriend so that he could hide it....”

Kai said:

"And that friend was my father..."

Wu looked at the shocked child and answered:

“Yes, he was your father... He was my friend before....”

Nya continued:

“Before he died...”

Wu then continued his words:

“And I am the younger brother in the story and the elder brother is Garmadon and he wants the map to steal weapons... and for this I need elemental masters, a ninjas who will help me to find weapons.”

Kai sighed and said:

“Okay, we coming but only for Nya.”

Wu smiled and Nya was jumping with happiness

Then Wu said to them:

“And I'm sure Celestia will be happy to know this.”

Kai and Nya were shocked, and then Kai said:

"You know Empress Celestia??"

Wu laughed at their reaction and said:

"Of course I know her and I will tell you why at an appropriate time. Now let's go to the Spinjitzu Monastery."

Later, after hours of walking...they finally arrived at the Spinjitzu Monastery. Kai was tired from walking and Nya was a little more active than him, perhaps because she was carrying less things.

Wu said to them:

"Come on, little ninjas! You got a lot of work today?"

When Kai heard this, he fell to the ground in shock. Minutes later, Kai and Nya entered and showed them their room.

On the way, Nya noticed that there were other rooms for other people and said:

"Are there other people living here?"

Wu replied:

“Patience Nya, everything will come in its own time.”

Kai and Nya looked at each other and continued walking. Then they started training, and Nya was good at it, but Kai...in fact, he didn't want to come there from the beginning. Wu was scolding him for this, and whenever Kai tried, he would fall, and they stayed like that until noon.

Wu told him:

"What's wrong with you, Kai? Why don't you want to train?"

Kai got up from the ground and answered:

“Because I don't want to be a ninja! I only came here for my sister...”

Wu sighed and said:

“okay... Take your time and then you will think about whether you want to continue or not”

Kai said:

"Well, I feel Like I forgot something..."

Wu said in amazement:

"what did you forget?"

Kai said:

"I don't know, but I'm sure it's something important..."

Then Kai and Nia looked at the setting sun

Kai said in shock:

"Summer Sun Celebration!! Applejack!! I have to go because!"

Then Nya said:

"Oh no...I forgot my date with Rarity!! She must be angry..."

Wu said to them:

"Okay, but don't be late."

Kai and Nya quickly went to Ponyville

Wu said after they left:

“I hope this celebration goes well...and I hope that Celestia will quickly gather the Elemental Masters of Harmony...”

Later, when Kai and Nya arrived in Ponyville, they went their separate ways and agreed to meet at the end of the day and celebrate.

(With Kai..)

Kai went to Sweet Apple Acres, the place where the Honestly girl of Ponyville and Equestria live, Applejack! Kai and Nya adopted sister

"You're finally here, you naughty cat," Applejack said as she shook Kai hand

Kay said:

“I was late because of some things...You won't believe what happened to me today.”

(With Nya...)

"Rarity! I'm here" Nya said as she rushed to catch up with her best friend

Rarity said as she put on an ornament.

"Nya!"

When Nya reached her side, Rarity said:

"It's good that you're here, I've brought together some amazing things for the party!"

Nya laughed and said:

“You still care about elegance as much as you used to, Rarity.”

Rarity said:

“Of course, the most important thing about a woman is her elegance. How about you help me here?”

.......

Later with Twilight, the carriage sent by the Empress arrived and Twilight rode in, taking Lila with her

Lila said to her:

“Perhaps what the Empress said may be true, and you should leave the library for a while to make friends. Also, the Empress made us stay in the library in ponyville”

Twilight said to her:

“It is a good thing that the Empress made us stay in the library, and I will continue supervising a celebration, and then I will complete research on the prophecy!”

Then Lila said:

“But how can you be sure that the prophecy was true?”

Twilight answered:

“Honestly, I'm not sure if this prophecy is true, but my feeling says it will be true!”

Then Lila said:

"I see...but what about making friends?"

Twilight said:

"Making friends won't save Equestria! I have to find more information about Nightmare Moon."

Then they finally arrived at Ponyville, and when they got down, Twilight kept contemplating the beauty of the place, even though it was simple.

Lila said:

“What a beautiful place indeed!”

Twilight also said:

“You're right, although the buildings look really simple compared to Ninjago City or Canterlot"

Then Twilight and Lila noticed a pink-haired girl

Lila said:

"Twilight, how about trying to be her friend?"

Twilight said in shock.

"Really? But what abou-"

Lila interrupted her and said:

"Come on Twilight, try it"

Twilight sighed, then walked a little closer to Pinkie Pie and said:

"Hello?"

Pinky smiled and said:

"Hi !"

Then Twilight said:

"I'm new here and I'm here to..."

"You what?" Pinkie said as she stared at her

Twilight tensed a little and said:

“Uh...I said I was new and...”

Then Pinkie screamed in shock and ran quickly

Then Twilight said:

“Oh, what a successful attempt at making friends, so where will we go now, Laila?”

Lila answered:

"It seems that we will go to the apple farm and there we will meet a girl named Applejack. She supervises the food."

Twilight said:

"Okay let's go...Wait, who is these ponies??..And what are they doing to this child??.."

Twilight and Lila looked at three boys wearing black, ninja-like clothes who were holding a child with blond hair.

Twilight came closer to them and said:

“Who are you and what are you doing to this child??”

One of the boys looked at Twilight and said:

“Hello, my name is Jay and this is a naughty kid who ran away from school again.”

Twilight looked at Jay strangely, and then Cole said:

"Are you serious Jay? You just said your name to a girl you saw now, did you forget that a ninja should be mysterious??"

Jay told him:

"Oh yeah, I forgot."

Zane looked at them in surprise and said:

"But Cole, you told her about our identity by deed."

Cole looked at him and said:

"Hey did I?"

Jay said to them:

"But we really do look like ninjas, don't we?"

Twilight looked at them and said:

“Honestly, you just look like ponies in pajamas.”

Jay looked at her in shock and said:

“pajamas?? I thought we looked like ninjas...”

Then Zane said:

“But we have to get Lloyd back to his school now and get back to the sensei”

Lila was surprised and said:

"sensei?"

Then Cole tell them:

"Let's go, guys"

And then the ninjas went with Lloyd

Twilight said in surprise:

“Well, that was really weird... Let's go, Lila”

Then they went to the apple farm

(And at the same time with the Empress...)

Empress Celestia was holding Twilight's letter and next to her was a man wearing a straw hat

Tia looked at him and said:

“So it seems that their return will be on the same day...and we are still wasting time here.”

Wu looked at her and said:

“Don’t worry, Tia, I started collecting Elemental Masters in order to protect the Golden Weapons, but what about you? Have you collected Harmony Elemental Masters?”

Celestia sighed and said:

"no not yet..."

Wu was surprised and said:

"Why not? Haven't you found them yet?"

Tia answered:

"No, I already found them in Ponyville but I prefer Twilight to be the one to find them...she is, after all, a chosen person..."

Wu asked her:

"Do you think she'll be the green ninja?..."

Tia answered:

"I don't know...but what's the harm in making sure of this matter? But we must not repeat the same mistake we did in the past..."

Wu sighed and then left, and Tia turned to see the picture of her and her sister on the glass, and her look turned to sadness.

With tears falling from her eyes, she said:

“I will save you, Luna, I promise...”

Then Celestia looked at another picture, and it showed Wu in his youth, and there was a young man with brown hair with him

She said:

"And I wish the same for you, Garmadon..."

.......

Twilight and Lila arrived at the apple farm

Twilight saw an orange-haired girl who was wearing a straw hat and a brown-haired boy with her

"It must be Applejack," Twilight thought to herself

Then Twilight approached them and said:

"Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle and I'm here to..."

Then Applejack took her hand to greet her and said:

"Hey Twilight! My name is Applejack but you can call me AJ, and I'm sure we'll be friends soon!"

When Applejack opened her eyes, she found that Twilight was going to fall to the ground

Applejack said shyly:

“I'm sorry, I always forget that I'm a little strong.”

Kai and Lila were laughing at them, and then Kai said:

"a little?"

And they continued laughing

Then Twilight said to them:

"whatever, we came from Canterlot at the request of Empress Celestia to supervise some matters here for the Summer Sun Festival.”

Twilight looked at Applejack and saw her calling her family to bring food for the guests, and Applejack began to introduce her entire family to Twilight and Spike, her closest and oldest brother, “Big McIntosh” and of course her other brother, “Kai,” and her sister, “Nya,” who was not there at the moment, and her younger sister, “Applebloom,” and her grandmother "Granny Smith" and of course bring a lot of food with them

Twilight said to them:

“Wow, it looks like the food is in good hands...well I guess I'll go and finish a mission...”

But before Twilight could go, Applebloom caught her and was looking at her sadly

When Twilight looked at everyone and saw how sad they were, she said:

"Okay, I'll stay longer."

When Twilight said this, everyone was happy again

Lila was shocked, then she looked at Kai and said to him:

"Do they always act like this?"

Kai answered:

"Yes, Ask me. I've known Applejack since childhood, and it's normal for her and her family to behave like this with strangers."

Later, when they left, Twilight was tired from eating so much, so she said:

“Oh... I think I ate too many pies...”

Then I noticed that Laila was looking at the sky

Twilight asked:

"What's wrong, Lila?"

Lila answered:

"a girl named Rainbow Dash was supposed to come to sweep away the clouds.”

Twilight looked at the sky and then said:

“It doesn't seem like it's doing its job...”

After Twilight said this, she collided with a pony that was speeding and fell into the mud

Twilight looked at that pony and said:

"Hi!"

the pony looked at her and said:

"Oh, I'm sorry...but I know how to make it up to you!"

Then that pony flew into the air and took up a cloud with her, drenching Twilight with it

the pony laughed and then said:

"Oh...don't worry, I know how to fix this!"

Then the pony flew in and made a small tornado to dry Twilight's hair, and when she finished, Twilight's hair was a disaster, so she and Lila burst out laughing.

Twilight said to them:

"is this funny?"

the pony said:

"Yes, really funny!"

And keep laughing

Then Twilight said:

“So, are you Rainbow?...”

Her answer:

"Yes, I'm Rainbow dash! The fastest and the best!"

When Twilight looked at her, she found that she looked more like a griffin than a pony, but she had a special jewel in the form of a necklace.

Twilight looked at her for a moment and then said:

"So you're a Griffin?"

Rainbow Dash was surprised by her question and said:

“Yes, I am, why are you surprised?”

Twilight answered:

"No, that's not what I mean, but only because this is the first time I've seen them...And I also wanted to ask why you still haven't pushed the clouds away?"

Rainbow Dash replied:

“Because I've been practicing some cool moves! And I still have some time.”

Twilight was surprised by something and said:

“Who are you training for?”

Rainbow Dash said:

"Wonderbolts! I've been wanting to join them for a while and the Summer Sun Festival would be the perfect opportunity for that."

Then Twilight had an idea and said:

"So you think they'll accept a girl who can't push away clouds?"

Rainbow Dash looked at her and said:

“Is this a challenge?”

Twilight smiled and said:

"Yes"

Rainbow Dash said:

"Then you'll see how I can get her away in just ten seconds."

Then Rainbow Dash flew into the sky and began to push away the clouds and quickly finished them

Twilight was shocked and Rainbow Dash was laughing at her reaction and then said:

"This was fun! I hope we meet again."

And Rainbow Dash was gone

Then Twilight went to the place where the celebration would be held. Twilight was amazed by Zeina's beauty, and at the same time she noticed the presence of two girls, one with purple hair and the other with black hair.

Twilight said to herself:

"I think Rarity is one of them."

Twilight went up to them and asked who Rarity was

The woman with purple hair answered her:

"Of course I'm Rarity! The amazing fashion designer!"

Twilight was dazzled by her beauty and said:

“Wonderful, actually. I came to supervise The decorations an-”

she noticed that Rarity was shocked by something

The black-haired girl said:

"Rarity? What's wrong?"

Rarity was going to fall but Nya caught her and said:

"Nya! I can't see...please tell me I'm dreaming!!"

When she said that name, Twilight remembered about Applejack sister

Nya sighed and said to her:

"You're exaggerating too much"

Twilight did not understand anything and said:

"What?? oh you mean my hair?"

Rarity got up and grabbed Twilight and said to her:

"Don't worry, honey, I'll fix it!"

Twilight was shocked and said:

"Wait what??"

Nya and Lila were surprised, but they went with them

(In Rarity house)

Rarity was brushing Twilight hair and Nya and Lila were watching

When Rarity finished it, she put some ribbons in Twilight's hair

Twilight said in shock:

"It's... really cool!!"

Rarity smiled and said:

“This is the least I can do, so why did you come to see me, my dear?”

Twilight answered:

“I came from Canterlot because Empress Celestia sent me to supervise the Summer Sun Festival here and wanted to meet you to see how you prepared the ballroom, and it seems that you have been doing a good job an-”

“You're really from Canterlot?!” Rarity said happily as she held Twilight close

"Uh, yeah?" Twilight said surprised

Rarity said:

"You don't know how much I wanted to visit that place! It's one of the most beautiful places in Equestria. Wait, I'll get you a gorgeous dress! Then you'll tell me all about Canterlot."

When Rarity was gone, Twilight approached Nia and said:

“Does she always act like this?”

Nia answered:

“No, but if it was about Canterlot, you would do more than that.”

Twilight sighed and said:

"Honestly, I don't have time to try on all these beautiful outfits, because I have a lot of work to do."

"Okay, but will you come back later?" Nya said

Twilight answered while holding her cat:

“there is not much time left until I finish my tasks and perhaps I may return.”

After Twilight left, Rarity came carrying several dresses and said:

"I'm back! And I have some- hey where did that girl go?"

Nya told her:

“She went because she had a lot of things to do.”

.......

"So looks like we should check out the music now," Twilight said as she wandered into a village

Until Twilight heard the beautiful sound of birds singing, when I approached, she saw a cute girl holding a small bird

"Hi” Twilight said

Twilight said nervously.

“Uh, my name is Twilight Sparker and I'm here to supervise the celebration...”

Fluttershy grabbed her hair shyly and said in a low voice:

"I'm... Fluttershy."

Twilight asked:

"What?"

Fluttershy said:

"Fluttershy..."

Twilight didn't understand, but she saw birds, that girl had returned

Twilight said:

"Ah...your birds are back. I think you're good at this."

Lila got out of her place

Twilight said:

“That was easy.”

When Fluttershy saw that little kitten, she quickly flew to Lila side and caught her and said:

"Little kitten! She's so cute!"

Laila said:

"Oh, that's really nice."

Fluttershy said:

"Amazing! you can speak our language. How about you tell me something?"

Lila asked:

“Like what?”

Fluttershy replied:

"Oh, I don't know. What about your life story?"

Laila said:

"Well why not?"

But Twilight grabbed Lily and said:

“But I'm really in a hurry and I have to go to a library, but I don't know where it is...”

Fluttershy said:

“If you don’t mind, I can accompany you and show you to her place and on the way hear the story of your cat’s life.”

Twilight smiled at her and let her come

Lila started speaking:

“When I was young, I came from an empire full of snow...”

Later, they arrived at a library, and Laila was still talking

Lila finally finished her speech with:

"And this is the story of my life, what do you think about me telling you what happened that day?"

Fluttershy said happily:

"This would be wonderful!"

Twilight said:

"Wait while I open the door."

Twilight opened the door of the library and she and Lila were shocked when she turned on the light and found that all the ponies she had met were there and had prepared a party for her. This was the first time anyone had thrown a party for her....

Twilight said in shock.

"what is all of this?..."

The five ponies gathered with Kai, Nya, and the three ninjas and said:

“A party for you!”

Twilight smiled and said:

“That's...really nice, thank you guys but how did you have time to do this?”

Pinkie Pie approached her and said:

“Because when I saw you for the first time in the morning, I didn’t know you, and if I don’t know you, that means you’re new, and if you are new, it means you don’t have any friends here, so I threw this party for you!”

And then Rainbow dash said:

"The important thing is let's celebrate!"

Everyone started celebrating, and by the time night had come and the time for the Summer Sun Festival was approaching

Twilight was in her room and was looking at the sky

Lila approached her and said:

"What's wrong, Twilight?"

Twilight said:

“It's almost sunrise and I haven't looked yet...”

Twilight saw stars shining close to the moon and said:

“Legend says that on this night the Princess of Darkness, Nightmare Moon, will return...I hope the Empress’s words are true and that these are just fairy tales...”

Then Applejack came and said:

"Come on, Twilight, it's sunrise time!"

Later in the celebration hall everyone was there for Shorouk

Kai told his sister that he had to return to a monastery for something and left. Nia and Wu were surprised...

The mayor came out and said:

"As Mayor of Ponyville, I announce that the Summer Sun Festival has now begun. In a few minutes, our village will witness this celebration and celebrate the longest day of the year, presented by Empress Celestia!"

Fluttershy started making the birds sing and everyone was happy and excited except Twilight who was worried about what would happen....

Pinkie Pie noticed her feeling and said:

"What's wrong, Twilight?"

Twilight looked at her and said:

“Uh? Oh nothing!”

She tried to put on a fake smile, but Pinkie Pie is an expert in these things, so she knew she was lying

Rarity opened the curtain to introduce the Empress, but was shocked because she was not there!...

Everyone was shocked, and suddenly the Princess of Night and the Princess of Darkness, Nightmare Moon, appeared!... and they were laughing

Twilight said:

"Oh no...."

(and at the same time in the monastery)

Samukai was holding the Golden Weapon Map and was laughing, but suddenly he heard someone's voice saying:

"So you thought I wasn't expecting you?'"

Then he turned around and saw that it was Kai and he was holding a samurai sword

Samukai said:

"So you're back...prepare to finish fighting!"

(To Be Continued...)

Fun Facts:

• I used Google Translate for this, so there may be some errors

• Spike has not appeared yet because I hate the way he appeared in comics in Twilight's past and after episodes, so I decided to make him appear in the next episode and that would be the first meeting between him and Twilight And I will make his relationship with Twilight and the others better • Kai and Nya are twins and were adopted by Applejack's family in the past • Wu looks like his adult form in Season 9 and not just an old man • I call Celestia the Empress because the title of princess doesn't really make sense • You will discover that Lila is not Normal cat with the seasons... • When Kai said he didn't want to be a ninja, he wasn't joking about that, and you'll find out why later (and I don't mean he won't be a ninja) • It has taken a long time to write this :( • I made Twilight much better with her friends and with the five girls from Ponyville then the real show

[throughtrialbyfire]

Fic Author Self-Rec!

tagged by the lovely @mareenavee , thank you so much!! <3

tagging @dirty-bosmer @orfeoarte @gilgamish @umbracirrus @totally-not-deacon @v1ctory-or-sovngarde @thequeenofthewinter and YOU!! no pressure to participate, and if you haven't written 5 fics, feel free to just talk about whichever ones you have!!

Rules:

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love!

i'm going to paste each fics summary, and then go on my tangents!

An Inner Sanctity

Two months after attempting to utilize the Eye of Magnus and gain it's power, Ancano wakes up in an unfamiliar cottage, being cared for by the very person he intended to destroy. Navigating their strange and new dynamic, the Thalmor agent finds he may be offered second chance at life, but whether or not he takes it is another story.

this fic is a huge work of exploration into what indoctrination can do to someone who has never known any different, and how that can affect things as broad as worldviews and as personal as one-on-one dynamics with people. it's also partially catharsis-fic, as giving ancano some of my own mental and physical issues and dialing it up to 10000000000% is a hell of a lot of fun. i love seeing that old man suffer and then earn his rise from the ashes. plus, using athenath in a fic where they cant rely on the other two of the trio - as this is in an AU i call the "athenath solo run" - forces me to think of how they would handle situations on his own. spoiler? not too well.

it's on a hiatus at the moment despite having a pretty long backlog, i just don't have the motivation right now to edit and write more for it, but that definitely will change in the future, because i really love exploring ancano's psyche and how he begins to grow and change.

also the fic title comes from the song "Twilight" by Bôa, while that doesnt have anything to do with the fic, i loved the line "you give me an inner sanctity", sooooo <3

The Mark You Left

Two scientists realize, upon losing contact with Dr. Richtofen, that they are truly alone in the aftermath of their actions.

i don't have 5 fics for TES, so have my singular CoD Zombies fic as well! i've had a special interest in the ultimis timeline of CoD Zombies since uhhhh 2011? maybe? sometimes it lays dormant for months and then all of the sudden i think about it daily, especially the dynamics between Dr. Schuster, Dr. Richtofen, and Dr. Groph. so, i wrote this as a bit of a loveletter to a fandom i no longer am part of, but still have a lot of fondness for. it's a quick read that hits on this concept of ultimate betrayal in the aftermath of literally betraying someone else for that person. two people dealing with that, processing that, and what they'll do in the wake of all of this.

the title for this fic comes from the song "Birds" by BENN, who used to make CoD Zombies-based songs before rewriting/redoing them for his own original work!!

Portraits Under Forgotten Suns

A collection of short one-shot fics done for TESFest 2023. A werewolf in his cage, a Bosmer alchemists' first memory, a Dunmer mage's quiet contemplation, a humble keeper's last look at the place he's called home, a sailor's fate at the wreck of the Brinehammer, and an Altmer bard's fond summer memory.

as it says on the tin! its a series of one-shots i initially published to tumblr, then moved to Ao3 to make them more accessible and have a ready archive of them! i loved working on each of these, getting into different perspectives, and figuring out how to convey the narratives of the characters i worked with. i liked writing up details of my dragonborn trio's pasts, too, and the story for "Forgotten/Devotion" was a hell of a lot of fun, getting to pull the wreck of the brinehammer into a fic!

If by Sun and Moon I Swore

With the Empire's victory in the Skyrim Civil War, Hadvar has been quietly readjusting to regular life. When an old friend turns up at his door, that quiet he'd hoped for comes to a halt.

i love hadvar/ralof with all my wretched pining heart okay. i cannot deny this pair has a vice grip on me! and working with them, two soldiers touched by war on opposite sides who once had something (in this case, used to be (and still are) in love), can be something both so tragic and so healing. pulling this pair back together, giving them some form of comfort, even if it's brief, is such a joy. i have intentions of writing more for this couple in the future, but that's likely going to be a while. still, i'll be sure to let you guys know if i do get around to it!!

this fics title is from "Like The Dawn" by The Oh Hellos! its my quintessential hadvar/ralof song for sure <3

Cycle of the Serpent

Surviving Helgen by the skin of their teeth, three elves find themselves tossed into the middle of ancient legends, a civil war, and a hell of a lot of problems. They may all have different reasons for being in Skyrim, but if they have any hope of reaching their destinations alive, it lies in learning to trust their strange new companions… no matter what. From the ruins of Helgen to the plains of Whiterun, from the seas of Solitude to the grim frost of Winterhold, and everywhere sprawling beyond, the unlikely trio will find that being chosen by Akatosh is more than they've ever bargained for. And with their own histories crawling back, and secrets slowly spilled, the trio may find that there's little they can do to escape the cycles they've made.

this longfic is… a huge undertaking. "An Inner Sanctity" focuses on two very flawed people coming to love one another. "Cycle of the Serpent" focuses on three very flawed, extremely fucked up people learning to trust one another and face whatever fate awaits them together, even when that trust is tested, even when the world is cruel, even when trauma batters and bruises them in the current and then rises up from the briny depths of the past to tug them back down beneath. it's about sustained and sometimes self-fulfilling cycles of hurt, anger, and sometimes vengeance, and it's about love and joy and companionship and friendship that lives within it all.

in short, this longfic is one of my biggest undertakings in a very long time.

i started this as a bit of a joke. the idea of there being more than one LDB was a fun idea, and then i created three elves, and those three elves gave me their family histories and their childhood friendships and their previous travels and how it changed them all prior to helgen and i went… yeah i can't just not write this and go insane about it. these three and their various methods for dealing with situations, their triumphs and defeats, and how they bounce off one another became so organic and real to me that i feel continuously pulled to keep their narrative going. this story forced me to write my first ever combat scenes (posted the snippet of my second ever real combat scene tonight!) and learn how to navigate keeping it within TES lore, while also breaking out of some of the stale writing in skyrim itself. i have plans to rewrite/overhaul entire questlines and characters to give them more life, and i've got dozens of OCs lined up - at least one of whom is hinted at within the first chapter. i have this story and these characters arcs planned out, and they do get particularly grim at points, but i never want this story to go into "there is no hope" territory. there's always hope, it just lies in learning to break your own cycles, even if it feels like it may kill you.

the title of this fic was taken from the song "Pillar of Na" by Saintseneca, i very heavily envision emeros as the first verse, athenath as the second, wyndrelis as the third, with the fourth being all three of them, and the fifth (the "eternal, eternal, eternity round…") being a sort of ensemble of all the places and people they've touched in their lives.

woooooooooooooooo!! that was long-winded. thank you for listening to me ramble on these, and thank you so much again for tagging me, mareena!! i hope everyone is having a lovely wednesday/thursday!! <3333

[darktreeroots]

Meet Darkseed and Hollowforest from A Rising Twilight Moon!

They’re SkyClan cats but are HalfClans—their parents Fishnose (RiverClan) and Lightmoon (ThunderClan) decided to leave them on SkyClan territory after deciding that they couldn’t raise kits.

This comes from the fact that both of their parents are also HalfClan (Fishnose is River/Wind and Lightmoon is Thunder/Shadow) and thus believed that they couldn’t raise their own children.

They were both born as toms, but transitioned into she-cats before they got their warrior names.

While they were both originally made warrior apprentices at two moons, Darkseed became a medicine cat apprentice at five moons (this was before code five).

Neither can be described as generally happy, but Darkseed is the lighthearted one on the surface even if she’s not actually happy. As a medicine cat, she has a decent bedside manner. Hollowforest is easier to actually make happy but she takes longer to show it. She gets the brunt of the Clan’s xenophobia because she interacts more with the warriors.

[inkedmyths]

I was posessed by the sudden need to pony

[folkookie97]

— clara, 21, she/her. 💌

— brazilian ficwriter, angst & smut.

— INTP-T, enneagram 6w5, caprincorn sun, taurus rising & moon, sagittarius venus, scorpio mars.

— jungkook utted, taehyung & yoongi biased. bts stan since dope era 2015.

— fav movies: hunger games (all of them but especially catching fire & tbosas), the notebook, priscilla, twilight saga, scream (1996), titanic, pride & prejudice, little women (2019).

— fav TV shows: daisy jones & the six, gilmore girls, bridgerton, the haunting of hill house, grey's anatomy, friends, YOU, gossip girls

— fav artists: bts, taylor swift, ryan gosling, jacob elordi, margot robbie, emma stone, tom hiddleston, lana del rey, tom blyth.

— more random facts: i'm 5′ 2. my fav album is folklore (taylor swift) and my fav song EVER is "all too well" but that 10 minute version. i'll graduate in education degree in december. i'm left-handed and my fav colors are pink and red.

💌 i love writing smut and i also love writing angst with some BTS members x Female Reader/Female OC. i like exploring AUs and writing prompts inspired by songs too.

💌 sometimes i like to write darkfics (and the characters aren't always good people, but anyone who reads fanfic should know that these things have anything to do with the real-life members).

💌 on this account i usually pick writing ONLY about my biases (mainly jungkook, who's my ultimate). in no way am i belittling the other members, cuz i love them too, but i just feel more comfortable this way. i hope you respect that. <3

💌 but if i ever write something about them, i'll add it to the alternative masterlist.

💌 if any of my writing involve love triangles (or something like that) with the other members, I'll add it to the 2 masterlists (the real main and the alternative).

💌 THINGS I REALLY DON'T WRITE ABOUT: pedophilia, incest (step-incest MAYBE), rape/non-con (dub-con MAYBE), male!reader or male!oc, ABO, anything sexual involving poop. anyway, there are several other criminal things that are kind of obvious too, right?

💌 REQUESTS: closed for now, but you can feel free to send me messages suggesting some idea. <3

💌: all my fics are crossposted on my ao3.

[princess-of-the-corner]

Yeah, they'd want to at least mitigate whatever lies the cult cooks.

It's like, "Yes, Nightmare Moon did many bad things, but YOU didn't, so you are not evil."

And even if the cult succeeds in growing Nyx to her intended size and adding Nightmare Moon's memories, her memories of the time spent with Twilight and co would counter them.

Especially if there is no scene of Twilight seemingly giving Nyx up/abandoning her, so Nyx doesn't feel betrayed.

And the fact that all of NM's evil is still locked away inside Spell Nexus.

So, for the 'Cult enacts their plant' Season finale.

Part 1 is the cult kidnapping Nyx and taking her to their lair/place to complete the spell. Twilight and co (Mane Six, Flash Sentry, squad of guards) go after them cause Twilight placed a tracking spell on Nyx or in her stuff. Unfortunately, they don't get there in time to prevent the cult from casting the spell. The episode ends with Nightmare Nyx rising to her feet.

Part 2 is the cultists joyfully celebrating their "Queen" awakening as the heroes stare in dismay. Twilight steps forward and tearfully begs Nyx not to take over Equestria. Spell Nexus smugly brags about their victory and says something like, "I believe we should allow our Queen to take the first shot at her nemesis," or something like that. Nyx agrees and seems about to hurt Twilight when suddenly she turns and blasts Nexus/some of the cultists, surprising everyone. Nyx reveals that while she now has NM's memories, she still has her own and won't turn against her family. What follows is a battle between the heroes and the cultists, where it is revealed that Nexus has trapped NM's evil inside himself and that the cultists are brainwashed. For this AU, rather than a piece of Nightmare Moon that contains her evil, what is possessing Nexus is a creature like the Pony of Shadows/thing that possessed Stygian, and it's connected to King's Sombra's fall to darkness. This shadow creature is the one ultimately responsible for originally corrupting Luna and now wants Nyx's for themselves.

Nyx frees Nexus and all the cultists while the Mane Six destroy the shadow creature with the Elements. The Elements are then used to return Nyx to filly size.

This event resulted in ponies learning the truth about Nyx but we can discuss the aftermath later.

Thoughts?

OH HELL YEAH

[kittydragondraws]

dumb mlp au fic ideas i had

all of these are a part of the same au verse btw

Rise of the Sun and Moon - The story of how Celestia and Luna went from two relatively average unicorn princesses to the widely loved and revered rulers they are today, and how they managed to defeat an ancient evil that, despite their best efforts, would continue to haunt Equestria for millennia after their story.

Daddy of Discord - The origins of Discord as we know him today and the telling of how Equestria came to be dominated by ponies and other equines. Told through the lens of Discord (very poorly) relating the story to an exasperated yet curious Twilight.

Ballad of Blizzard Heart - After Shining Armor's death Flurry Heart goes mad with grief, and begins experimenting on dead and dying ponies to try to find a way to heal them. Hoping tht if she succeeds she can use those methods to bring her father back to life. Her despair and rage eventually turning her into the monstrous and power-hungry Blizzard Heart.

i really need to learn what sanity is

[charlieswanismydad]

about me !!!

links

drawn by the amazing @ghosttoastx !!! if you read this ily you’re never getting rid of me now

Hi!!! I’m Alice.

I do stuff. It’s pretty cool.

Enfp, hufflepuff, Capricorn Sun, Libra moon, Pisces rising, he/she, and more!! I’m also a non-partnering aromantic and gray asexual!

I stalk blogs I like, don’t be alarmed if I like a bunch of posts at once!! In fact, be happy!! I love you!!!!!

If you want to talk to me please do!!! I want more friends. Just keep in mind I am a 15 year old minor!

You have been warned!

DNI:

racists, homophobes, sexists, etc. general dni criteria ig

people who just hate for no reason!! (anti-furry, just hating on certain fandoms, etc. ticks me off!)

proshippers

frans/fontcest

exclusionists

radqueers

radfems

pro paras. go to therapy

nsfw (also sorta related to above, pro cnc/ageplay. go to therapy)

WIPS:

Wilting Flowers - My actual baby. My pride and joy. It’s imperfect but that’s okay.

The actual grim reaper falls in love with a mortal. I can’t do it justice, you’re just gonna have to trust me.

don’t break my heart - Shameless Sans fanfic. All of the self indulgence ever, but it brings me joy :) semi discontinued, might come back!

I love it man. It makes me so happy. Basically yn is an awkward dumbass and so is Sans and they fall in love and stuff :)

Fandoms:

My main fandoms are Twilight and Undertale (obv), but I’m in a bunch more!! :D

The Arc of a Scythe by Neil Shusterman

Harry Potter by Daniel Radcliffe (JK…)

Steven Universe by Rebecca Sugar

Doki Doki Literature Club by Dan Salvato

Omori by Omocat

Arcane by Riot Games

The Walten Files by Martin Walls

The Amazing Digital Circus by Glitch Studios

The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber (the book’s by Gaston Leroux but i haven’t read it lol)

Deltarune by Toby Fox (is that an anagram???)

Meet the Robinsons by Disney

And more that aren’t off the top of my head!! Just ask bros :)

I’m kinda obsessed with UTMV, soooo….

Fav AU - Insomnia (link to chapter 1)

Fav Sans - Dust by Ask-Dusttale and Geno by LoverofPiggies

Music:

Ranked by popularity, with my fave songs from each! Just like the fandoms, it's all over the place.

Taylor Swift - Haunted

Hozier - In The Woods Somewhere

Muse - Soldier's Poen

Mitski - Last Words of a Shooting Star

Will Wood - Suburbia Overture/Vampire Culture/Whatever the hell the name is idek anymore

Dazey and the Scouts - Maggot

The Oozes - I Still Adore You

Lemon Demon - Action Movie Hero Boy

Tally Hall/Miracle Musical - Misery Fell

Teddy Hyde - Terry’s Taxidermy

Destroy Boys - Crybaby

The Crane Wives - Little Soldiers

Steam Powered Giraffe - Malfunction

Writing Requests:

HEY SO HERES A FUN FACT: I WANT YOU TO ASK ME TO WRITE THINGS FOR YOU!! LIKE I LOVE THAT!!! I WILL WRITE YOU LITTLE ONESHOTS IF ITS A FANDOM IM IN!!! OR I CAN WRITE ABOUT MY CHARACTERS IF YOU’RE INTO THAT!!! JUST PLEASR PLEASE PLEASE ASK ME AAAAAAA

Things You Might Want to Be Aware Of:

i tend to isolate myself when i’m having a Big Sad™️ moment. please do not be mad if i act cold!!!

i’m a very empathic person and i get really upset around negativity. please do not send me or mention me in anything political or controversial.

i get in my head about disturbing/sexual things. once again, don’t show me this stuff. don’t ask me to write about it, either!!

i am uncomfortable around religious discussions. i get enough of them irl!!! please keep them away from me :')

i’ve got adhd and possible ocd so yeah and also my auditory processing sucksssss so if we ever interact on call or *gasp* irl then i’ll say “what?” every five seconds

books. @bunny-on-a-bookshelf for books.

i’m just a silly little girl who is also a boy. we have fun here

Tags:

(new so they haven’t been used much)

#mootie patooties - mutuals

#irl alice - real life shtuff

#reblogs - self explanatory

#alice writes sometimes - my writing!!!!

#skeleposting - undertale/utmv

#is that an anagram??? - deltarune

#sparkly - twilight

#im aspec BUT - simping, fangirling, i do a lot of it

#liveblogging homestuck - reading homestuck and making vague comments about it.

#ALL HAIL - welcome to nightvale stuff!!!

#rock n robinson - meet the robinsons

#musical automatons - steam powered giraffe!!!! the best band ever btwwwew

Moots:

I literally love you guys 😭😭

@donotreleasemeintothewild

@livforlive

@last-herondale

@hiro-doodlez

@sneakyfox55

@junessillywachingcorner

@popiollie

@toka-san

@wishtale-blogs

@italic-does-random-shit

@ghostboisonly

@just-let-me-call-myself-arson

@pizzatowne

@ghosttoastx

@thenocturnenarrator

@lelitachay

@paraska00

@tundra116

@blurboppz

@flesh-archivist

@matzahstein

@paranoid-radio

@martinibass

@drrobotnic

@sandwich2451

@blaster-fagot