#and I was each using just his dagger with no hunters mark

[transkingcobra]

When the dice are trying to give your character arguably more interesting trauma but you still wanna keep the current story so you gotta plot armor some bitches

[yourownutopia]

Ultraviolent Heart Part II

╰┈➤ A year has passed since you walked away from the hunter world, from him. The ache in your chest never left, but tonight, you let yourself surrender to it, if only for a moment. That’s when you feel it—a faint flicker of mana. Hope surges, fragile and desperate, at the thought that it could mean Jin Woo. But as you follow the spark, it's not Jin Woo who greets you..

Jin Woo x Isekai'd!Player2!Fem!Reader | Part II | Heartbreak | Angst | Jealousy | Crying | Violence | Blood

[Part I]

Crywolf - ultraviolent [she sang to me a language strange]

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚--~

“What if I manage to kill you and your puppets as well?”

Jin-Woo’s voice was cold as ice, his eyes glowed, and his face was smeared with blood as he stared at the half-destroyed statue, which was looking back at him with a hint of panic.

The power emanating from the young Hunter made the room tremble. The room where everything had begun—the room he could now finally return to, only to discover that the creator of his powers was also the root of all evil.

The half-destroyed statue responded, its jaw already shattered, and deep gashes marked where Jin-Woo’s daggers had struck.

“I am the architect of this system. If you were to kill me—”

“—I’d become an E-rank again?” the black-haired Hunter finished the sentence, sweat glistening on his bloodstained forehead as a manic smile spread across his lips.

“I’ve already considered that possibility… but a system that exists won’t simply collapse if its creator vanishes, will it?” His grin widened, and the statue realized what that meant.

By the time its own system denied it access, its fate was sealed.

“I used to think I had no choice but to follow the system, that I’d become nothing more than an avatar, bend to its will” Jin-Woo whispered, tightening his grip on his blades. The glowing aura around him and the second heart he just got beating in his chest quickened his movements—each beat releasing more mana.

“I’ll just devour the entire system,” he declared, preparing to strike. But then the Architect said something that froze him mid-attack.

“̴H̵a̵v̷e̶ ̵y̴o̵u̴ ̷n̶e̷ver̷ wo̵n̴de̷r̴e̶d̶ ̶w̷h̶e̵re̴ ̷s̴he̷ d̷i̵s̶a̴p̷p̶e̵a̵r̵e̵d̵ ̵t̵o̷?̵”̴

The Voice began to tremble, static and flickering – like a broken TV.

The Shadow Monarch’s eyes remained unchanging, and he kept the statue in his sights. Was this a dirty trick? Was it trying to exploit his only weakness—you?

The Architect’s tone shifted as he noticed the young Hunter’s hesitation. He had struck a nerve. Not even a second heart could fill the gaping hole in his chest that you had left behind. But the thought of what the system might have done to you made uncontrollable rage boil within him.

He’s just playing with you, Jin-Woo. Don’t listen to him.

Your voice was loud and clear in his head—or at least the voice he still remembered.

Maybe he had a screw loose, or he was completely losing his mind, but after some time of your absence, your voice began appearing more and more clear in his mind. Especially in situations that were inherently dangerous, when adrenaline coursed through his veins. It wasn’t real – he knew that too well, but it was enough to give him strength.

Suddenly, it all made sense—the reason why he couldn’t find you anywhere, not even a single clue about your whereabouts, no matter how long and intensely he searched. Who could let you disappear, if not the System itself?

As he followed this train of thought, a massive knot formed in his stomach. The mere idea that he might have done something terrible to you—who knows what—was enough to drive him to the brink of madness.

His grip on the dagger tightened, the weapon creaking under the sheer force of its wielder. His entire body burned.

“What have you done?”

His voice trembled with fury—a rage that sent fear coursing through his shadows.

A rage with the potential to turn this dungeon—no, the entire city or even the world, to ashes.

And he likely would if it meant avenging you.

A deep laugh filled his ears as the battered statue laughed.

"That's the funniest part of all this, I didn't have to do anything", its voice was smug, less panicked. Now, he had enough time to do what should prevent his death.

What did he mean by that?

"You did this for me" the architect added. Jin Woo felt a sharp pang in his heart at the thought that he was responsible for what had happened to you. If only he had looked after you better…

"She left on her own."

The wounds inside him, which he had sporadically patched up, ripped open again at the thought.

He didn’t want to believe it—couldn’t believe it. Not coming from the mouth of this monster, yet his words ate their way into his mind.

His voice distorted, as though there was interference, but the grin on the stone shell didn’t fade—in fact, it grew wider.

The black-haired man didn��t want to listen any longer and prepared to attack, but a voice—your voice—stopped him. So clear and distinct, as if you were right beside him. And then he saw you out of the corner of his eye.

“Jin-Woo?” you asked softly, almost hesitantly. Your [E/C] eyes shone. This time – your Voice rang crystal clear in his ears, as if you were just beside him. It felt too real. His whole body reacted to your voice, a shiver ran down his spine.

His mistake: he turned his gaze away, just to finally see you again.

The world stood still for a second as he looked at you, his mouth opening to say something, anything—but by then, it was already too late.

The stone spear of the statue pierced his stomach, sending waves of pain through his entire body.

Blood gushed from his mouth, his eyes wide in shock. He had… fallen for it.

He saw his HP plummet drastically, his vision blurred, and his strength drained away.

Was this the end? Would he die here?

The sharp scream of his name that came out of Hae-In’s mouth, who stood with the other S-Rank hunters not far from the battle, didn’t reach him.

Everything around him grew dark, his eyes fluttered, and he shut out all the sounds surrounding him—only your image remained.

He was tired, so unbearably tired. He didn’t want to continue; it was all too much. And knowing he would never see you again shattered the last bit of resolve that had driven him forward.

What reason did he have to keep suffering? He might as well succumb to the darkness and finally let his soul rest. Stop fighting, at last.

This feeling… death reaching for him, pulling him to the other side.

Was the Double Dungeon truly to be his eternal resting place after all, despite escaping it the first time? How ironic.

“It’s okay” your voice gently reached his ears.

Could he finally be happy with you if he gave in?

He exhaled one last time and closed his eyes.

Peace, at last.

“You’ve fought enough; you can let go” you said softly, and he felt the warmth of your hands cupping his cheeks.

When he opened his eyes, the Double Dungeon was gone—everything around him was white, and he gazed into your beautiful [E/C] eyes, your face framed with a soft smile on your lips.

Was this an illusion? A figment of his imagination to ease his passing?

“You can let go, Jin-Woo” you said calmly, your lips mere inches from his.

But just before you could unite your lips with his, something dawned on him, something that reignited life in his limbs.

“N…” he began, but only a raspy sound escaped on his first attempt.

“Hmm?” you asked.

“Ne…ver…” Jin-Woo made a second attempt.

“Never” he finally croaked, and your eyes widened.

“[Y/N] would never say something like that”, he declared, his numb limbs moving again.

You had always cheered him on, stood by his side, and motivated him to keep going, even when he didn’t want to. You had taken his hand and encouraged him to surpass himself, to never give up.

“When you’re backed into a wall, tear the damn thing down”, you had told him after you’d both barely survived Cerberus, when the situation seemed hopeless—but you had pushed through and pulled him along.

The illusion began to crumble around him, and the soft smile of your mirage twisted into a knowing, satisfied grin. As if Death himself was satisfied with his own Defeat, almost proud of Jin Woo’s resistance.

Jin-Woo straightened up, his hands instinctively gripping the spear in his stomach. The light disappeared, along with your form, and his eyes snapped open. Life flooded his body, and the second heart in his chest pumped even more pulsating mana through his veins as he pulled out the Speer, blood dripping down to his feet.

The triumphant grin of the statue shifted to pure horror at the sight of him getting back in action, after it had already claimed its victory.

“You really don’t know her if you think she’d ever say something like that”, Jin-Woo said as he spat the blood from his mouth, the metallic taste still lingering on his tongue.

In a flash, he sprinted forward and cleaved the statue’s face, its terrified eyes staring at him. It was over.

“Apparently…” the statue began to speak, its voice growing quieter toward the end, but its horrified expression turned into one of satisfaction—a faint grin.

What now? Had he underestimated something?

No, Jin-Woo could feel the presence of the Architect fading—it was clear, its mana dwindling. And yet, the creature acted as though it had won.

“I’ll leave her a message from you,” were the monster’s final words, spoken with just enough strength for a wide grin, before its presence faded.

Jin-Woo’s eyes widened at the words. No—this couldn’t—.

He reached out. No way would he let this monster go wherever you were, no matter where that might be.

When his hand finally felt something warm, he gripped it as tightly as he could and felt his body being pulled along.

A blinding light forced him to shut his eyes, a wave of energy surging toward him so intensely that he could only grip tightly onto whatever threatened to slip from his grasp. Suddenly, the ground beneath him vanished, leaving him weightless in the embrace of a strange warmth.

The warmth seeped into his wounds, and the pain vanished instantly.

For the first time in months, the crushing weight on his chest lifted, and he could breathe freely. It was a sensation he hadn’t felt since your absence.

The warmth enveloped him, soothing his battered soul like a gentle, healing touch. For a fleeting moment, everything felt right. But then, just as quickly, the feeling disappeared. The light receded, the emptiness returned, and the electric hum of mana that usually coursed through his veins was gone.

His feet hit cold concrete, dizziness overtaking him as his back slammed against the ground. The impact forced the air from his lungs, leaving him gasping as he lay motionless. The screech of tires pierced the air, snapping his head upward—only to be blinded by a pair of glaring headlights.

Jin Woo flinched, squeezing his eyes shut as he instinctively raised a hand to shield himself. Confusion flooded his mind; the abrupt change of scenery and his sluggish reflexes left him utterly perplexed.

Moments later, the car door creaked open, and a voice rang out—both alarmed and irritated.

"You can’t just run out into the road like that, man! What’s wrong with you?!"

His head whipped toward the source of the voice as a figure stepped into view. Worry flickered in the stranger's lavender-colored eyes as he crouched down to examine Jin Woo, who looked thoroughly disoriented.

"Are you hurt?’’, the man asked, his initial anger giving way to concern, likely born of the shock.

For a moment, Jin Woo didn’t answer, his breathing uneven as he tried to process his surroundings, before Jin-Woo crouched back.

 But his movements were… slow. Far too slow. What was going on?

It felt as though he had no Mana left at all.

He immediately glanced down at his body, only to find the gaping wound in his stomach gone, along with the blood on his clothes—and even his shirt was no longer completely shredded.

It felt as though all the Mana in his body had vanished. An icy wave of panic clawed its way through him.

"Beru?!" Jin Woo called out; his voice edged with urgency. He expected a response, a reassuring presence—but there was nothing. Silence pressed in around him. He was truly alone.

Instead, the stranger in front of him gave him a puzzled look, clearly unsure who—or what—Jin Woo was calling for.

The man had striking lavender eyes and stark white hair, the contrast making his features all the more vivid. Jin Woo’s gaze lingered on him for a second too long before snapping away.

"I'm fine," Jin Woo replied curtly, though the sharp edge in his tone was undermined by his obvious disorientation.

The stranger raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. And who could blame him? Jin Woo looked far from "fine," his body tense and his expression filled with panic.

"Are you sure?" the stranger pressed, leaning in slightly, his tone gentler now.

Jin Woo let out a defeated sigh. He couldn’t afford to waste time arguing, not when something was clearly wrong. He swallowed hard before asking, his voice quieter than before:

"Where are we?"

-‘๑’-

A Year

It had been a year.

Exactly one year since you had returned home and turned your back on the world of Hunters.

A year spent trying to move forward, even though your heart had shattered into a thousand pieces.

A year filled with bitter truths—because you no longer had a place to return to.

It became painfully clear that no one remembered you—not your parents, not your friends. As if you had never existed.

But that pain was nothing compared to the emptiness you felt when you realized your decision was final.

The moment your mind caught up with what you had done, you had screamed. You had cried out prayers to gods you didn’t believe in, slammed your fists against the ground in desperation, hoping your pleas would be heard—that the System would reappear.

But it had all been in vain.

By leaving his world, you had also left behind your abilities as a Hunter—or a Player.

All that remained were memories and the emptiness in your heart, proof that you had ever been part of that world—that his warmth, his fingers intertwined with yours, the joy in your heart when he laughed—it had all been real.

Eventually, after weeks of unbearable pain, you managed to pull yourself back together.

You pushed the dark thoughts aside and tried for a fresh start.

You got a job, found an affordable place to live, and finally felt like you had regained a sliver of control over your life. Things were getting better—just a little. But every now and then, the memories caught up with you. The questions crept in: How was he doing? Were he and Hae-In happy now, while you were still mourning someone who was never truly yours?

And today, on your "anniversary," the weight of those memories was especially crushing.

You flinched as something cold brushed against your cheek, snapping you back to reality.

The dull music that had filled your ears became sharp and clear again.

Your head jerked to the side, where a glass filled with dark brown liquid hovered inches from your face. Behind it was the concerned face of your best—and only—friend, as well as your roommate: Nika.

Her lavender-colored eyes studied you with a mixture of worry and exasperation.

“You’ve got that look again,” she said, her voice loud and direct as she slid onto the barstool next to you.

“What look?” you asked, taking the glass from her hand. The amber liquid inside swirled lazily as you turned it in your hand.

“The ‘I don’t belong here, someone save me’ look,” she replied with a faint smirk, taking a deep sip of her own drink.

“What are you thinking about this time?” she asked, setting her glass down on the counter with a dull thud.

You knew you couldn’t tell her the truth. She was aware of your heartbreak—though you had spared her the details—but she hated it when you wasted even a single thought on him.

After all, it was Nika who had painstakingly put you back together, who had offered you a place to stay after you confessed you’d been sleeping in a rundown motel.

You had been nothing more than coworkers, yet she had taken you in.

She had seen through your sadness, the pain you carried with you—the nightmares that haunted you, the lack of sleep, and how little you left the apartment. Eventually, she’d had enough and confronted you, practically dragging you out of the house.

At first, you resisted, but the sobering realization that you could now drink yourself into oblivion again since your hunters’ powers were gone, had quickly changed your mind. So much so that even Nika occasionally worried about your drinking habits.

Apparently, your “it’s nothing” had taken too long, because her piercing gaze told you she wasn’t buying it.

“You can’t be serious,” she said, letting out a heavy sigh—as though your pain were her own. You understood why. In moments like this, you felt so small again, like you’d made no progress, like the pain had never truly gone away and happiness was something you’d never feel again.

“I’m sorry, it’s just… it’s been a year now. The melancholy kind of sneaks up on you,” you admitted, offering her an apologetic smile.

“I get it—you loved him, yada yada. But life moves on. We’re young. We’re hot. He didn’t deserve you anyway. I mean, look at you.”

Her voice brimmed with confidence, the complete opposite of your own. She was strong, self-assured—a little reckless, sometimes abrasive, but her heart was always in the right place.

Her enthusiasm was infectious, and despite yourself, you couldn’t help but laugh.

“It’s time you finally realize what you’re worth. I mean, guys hit on you all the time. Grab one and have some fun. Or reject them—that’s fun too,” she said with a playful grin before downing the rest of her drink in one gulp.

Then she grabbed your hand.

“Come on, we’re going dancing,” she declared, pulling you off the stool.

“Wait,” you protested, but she shot you a knowing look.

Her grin widened as you downed your own drink in one go, relishing the burning sensation before letting her drag you to the dance floor.

Maybe she was right. At some point, you had to let go. Jin Woo was your past, a closed chapter in your story.

Maybe it was time to try something new.

-‘๑’-

You felt the cold wall against your back as two strong hands gently but firmly pushed you backward, and you instinctively wrapped your hands around his neck.

Perhaps you had followed Nika’s advice and gotten involved with something… or rather someone, whose hands were now sliding under your black dress, leaving a warm tingling on your skin. Whether it was the alcohol this time, or if you simply wanted to prove to yourself that you were finally over Jin-Woo – you had no idea. But his hands on your skin made you feel desired again, something you hadn’t felt in a long time. Even if it was just a quick fling, right here in this moment, it felt good, even though the icy cold grazed your bare skin because you had left your jacket in the coat check.

His warm breath brushed against your neck, and you could clearly feel how your body wanted to give in.

At least, until the moment when his lips were only a few centimeters away from yours, and you wanted to close your eyes.You jolted upright as a familiar feeling coursed through your body, snapping your attention away. Your head whipped to the side, toward the source of the aura.

It couldn’t be—it was impossible.

And yet, you had felt it.

Mana. Nearby.

There was no mistaking it. That distinct surge of a mana stream—something you thought you’d never feel again.

That spark was enough to reignite something within you, something you had thought long dead.

Hope.

Hope that you might see him again. That you could apologize. Say all the things you’d never allowed yourself to say. Could it really be?

“Are you okay?”

The black-haired man in front of you had stopped immediately, concern in his striking green eyes.

You stared at him, unable to form a coherent thought as the sensation consumed you, blotting out everything else for a fleeting moment.

“I’m sorry, I…” you began, disentangling yourself from him, unable to meet his gaze.

You didn’t owe him anything—not really—but you wouldn’t have let this happen if you’d known it would end like this.

He was probably angry—disappointed at the very least. Bracing yourself for the worst, you were surprised when no harsh words came.

Instead, he simply nodded, understanding in his eyes, and stepped back, releasing you.

“It’s okay. You don’t need to explain,” he said gently, his green eyes following you as you began to turn away.

“Thank you,” you whispered before rushing off in the direction of the mana stream.

The sky above was clear, dotted with stars. It was late December, and the temperature had plummeted below freezing.

Your lungs burned, and the cold lashed at your exposed skin, but you didn’t slow down. You couldn’t risk losing this chance, couldn’t make the same mistake again.

Tears welled in your eyes as Jin-Woo’s face filled your mind—his warm smile, the one that had always sent butterflies through your stomach.

No. You wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.

You rounded a corner into a dark alley and came to an abrupt halt, gasping for breath. Your exhalations formed small clouds in the freezing air as your heart pounded like a drum in your chest. Blood rushed through your veins as you scanned the shadows ahead.

You barely noticed the biting cold. Your eyes were locked on the figure hidden in the darkness.

For a moment, you bent over, bracing your hands on your thighs as you caught your breath.

-‘๑’-

“What do you mean, she’s gone?!”

The white-haired man’s voice rang out sharply over the car’s speakerphone, his focus fixed on the road ahead.

The voice on the other end was trembling, frantic.

“I—I don’t know. Oh god, it’s my fault. I told her she should—”

“Calm down. It’s not your fault,” Hide interrupted, his voice steady but his body tense. Jin-Woo, sitting in the passenger seat, could clearly see the strain in the way Hide gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles whitening, his eyes darting nervously. Still, his voice remained calm—for his sister’s sake.

“Take a deep breath, Nika. I’m coming to pick you up, okay? We’ll find her. I promise,” Hide said reassuringly.

A small, muffled sound of agreement came from the other end of the line before the call ended. Hide exhaled heavily, running a hand over his forehead.

Jin-Woo had been staring out the window in silence, his thoughts a tangled mess, his gaze fixed on the blur of passing buildings.

He was still in Seoul, but something was wrong. He had no connection to his Shadows, no access to his abilities. The System had gone silent, leaving an ominous knot in his stomach. He felt weaker than he ever had before—even weaker than when he was an E-Rank.

Had he made a mistake?

The white-haired man—Hide—was the one who had almost run him over. Out of guilt, he had insisted on giving Jin-Woo a ride so he wouldn’t have to walk all the way home. But their route had taken an unexpected detour when Hide received the call.

“I need to make a quick stop. I hope that’s okay,” Hide said apologetically, glancing over at Jin-Woo.

“It’s fine,” Jin-Woo replied quietly, his eyes still fixed on the dark street ahead.

Hide wasn’t much of a talker, which Jin-Woo appreciated. But now, perhaps sensing the tension, maybe it was time to break the Silence.

“Mind if I ask what’s going on?” Jin-Woo asked, his gaze finally shifting to the driver.

Hide leaned back slightly in his seat, rubbing his forehead with the back of his hand. A half-hearted chuckle escaped his lips.

“My sister and her friend went out. Apparently, they got separated. Probably nothing serious,” he replied, stepping harder on the gas.

Jin-Woo nodded slightly. That sounded exhausting. Thank goodness Jinha wasn’t into partying—it would’ve been a headache he didn’t need.

By breaking several traffic laws, the white-haired man managed to get them to their destination quickly.

Hide slammed on the brakes and parked the car by the roadside when he spotted his sister.

She stood at the entrance of the club, neon signs casting colorful reflections on the ground. A cigarette dangled between her lips, and she held [Y/N]’s jacket in her arms—retrieved from the coat check.

Her eyes darted nervously, scanning her surroundings. The moment she saw her twin brother’s car, she ran toward it as Hide stepped out.

Jin-Woo watched the scene unfold through the side window, clearly hearing their exchange thanks to the slightly ajar driver’s door.

Hide placed his hands on his sister’s shoulders, speaking to her in a calm, soothing tone. The resemblance between the two was striking—save for their height and gender, they were unmistakably twins.

“Take it easy. Start by telling me what happened,” Hide said, his voice steady. His sister stumbled over her words as she tried to explain.

“She was so down again, so I told her to relax and have some fun. I should’ve kept a closer eye on her, but the guy seemed so nice…” she trailed off, the glowing cigarette in her hand entirely forgotten.

Jin-Woo, sitting silently in the car, wondered what kind of strange drama he’d stumbled into. His musings were interrupted when the white-haired girl suddenly bolted.

A young, black-haired man had just exited the club, and she charged toward him.

“You! Tell me where she is!” she demanded, her tone sharp as she nearly leaped at him. The startled man raised his hands defensively.

“Whoa, take it easy,” he said, taking a step back. Before she could get closer, Hide intervened, holding her back.

“Calm down, Nika,” he said, though she fought against his grip.

“That’s the guy! He went outside with [Y/N]!” she exclaimed.

Jin-Woo’s eyes widened at the sound of your name. A sharp, unbearable ache tore through his chest as vivid memories of you filled his mind. Your radiant [E/C] eyes, your angelic smile—the one he had loved so deeply.

Your voice echoed in his head, louder and more persistent the longer you were gone. How many times had he thrown himself into battles, eschewing his shadows, because your silhouette seemed to appear in his mind when adrenaline coursed through him? You had given him strength, even in your absence.

Regret burned through him—leaving you, failing to reach out, being so selfish.

No. It couldn’t be you. He convinced himself it was just someone with the same name.

But his fragile hope shattered when the black-haired man responded to a question Jin-Woo hadn’t caught:

“Oh… You mean the little one? [H/C] hair, [E/C] eyes?”

Without thinking, Jin-Woo’s hand shot to the door handle, and he stepped out.

Hide noticed Jin-Woo from the corner of his eye, his head slightly lowered. Despite his calm demeanor, his posture was tense.

“Where is she?” Jin-Woo’s voice cut through the air like icy arrows, forcing the dark-haired man to turn his attention away from the white-haired woman beside him. She, too, turned to look at Jin-Woo.

“Who are you?” The dark-haired man’s green eyes darted to Jin-Woo, who immediately grabbed him by the collar, yanking him forward.

“Tell me where she is,” Jin-Woo demanded, his voice carrying the weight of his former power as the Shadow Monarch, as though he could crush the man in an instant.

“Hey—calm down,” Hide said, startled by the sudden shift in Jin-Woo’s demeanor. But Jin-Woo ignored him completely.

“Whoa, take it easy! I didn’t do anything to her,” the man stammered, raising his hands to show he had no intention of fighting.

“We just... messed around a little. I didn’t know she had a boyfriend,” he added, apologetically misreading the situation.

Jin-Woo’s eyes widened at his words. Pain pierced his chest at the mere thought of you having any sort of involvement with this man. Anger flared at the idea of him even touching you.

“Besides,” the man continued, “she blew me off before anything serious happened. She ran off like she’d been chased”

The dark-haired man was about Jin-Woo’s height and likely much stronger. A fight without Jin-Woo’s powers would not end in his favor. The only reason the situation hadn’t escalated was the stranger’s defensive stance.

For a brief moment, Jin-Woo’s grip on the man’s collar tightened, his gaze piercing. But the sincerity in the man’s voice was evident, so Jin-Woo reluctantly let go.

“Who the hell even ARE you?!” the white-haired woman snapped, her lavender eyes burning with intensity. She had just been released by her brother and now glared at Jin-Woo.

When Jin-Woo looked at her, realization struck within her. His Appearance fitted the one [Y/N] gave her.

“YOU!” she spat, pointing an accusatory finger mere inches from his face.

“Do you even know how much you hurt her? How much she suffered because of you?!” Her voice trembled with fury as she threw the rhetorical question at him. She wasn’t waiting for an answer; her anger didn’t need one.

“How dare you show up here after a whole year?!”

Jin-Woo held her gaze, unflinching, but for the first time in a long while, he felt powerless. It wasn’t just his lack of strength – no, her rage overwhelmed him, her emotions exposing just how much you meant to her.

He stared at her coolly, but her words cut through him like a thousand tiny knives. What had he done? What on earth had happened?

The thought of how you must have felt had already cost him countless sleepless nights. But now, faced with the real consequences of his neglect and selfishness, it hit him harder than ever before.

Suddenly, the Architect’s words made sense – how he had said you’d left willingly.

Jin-Woo froze. His stomach churned, a dreadful feeling settling deep within him.

He had followed the Architect’s trail to stop him, but by the time he arrived, the Architect was gone – and now, so were you. It couldn’t be a coincidence. He had to find you before he did.

The guilt and regret eating away at him wouldn’t ease as long as he knew you were safe. But the guilt he’d feel if something happened to you? That would destroy him.

He took a sharp breath, shoving aside the rising panic that crept into his entirely human body.

“Stay out of this. I’ll find her,” he said, turning to leave. But a rough grip stopped him mid-step.

“Wait!” the white-haired woman barked. Her voice was firm, but she let go of his coat as soon as he turned toward the direction the dark-haired man had pointed out.

Jin-Woo tuned out her loud protests, vanishing into the streets. His steps quickened.

At least his physical conditioning hadn’t failed him. Mana or not, his rigorous training paid off.

He sprinted through the dark streets, his breath forming clouds in the icy air as his sharp eyes scanned his surroundings. It was 2 a.m., and the streets were deserted. The dark night sky stretched endlessly above the city, stars visible despite the light pollution. But Jin-Woo didn’t notice.

His heart pounded wildly in his chest, his palms sweaty. With every passing minute, the panic threatening to overwhelm him transformed into fear, clouding his rational thoughts. He couldn’t think straight at the idea of something happening to you

You were strong – he knew that. He’d fought beside you. But in this world, where neither of you seemed to have powers, and with no knowledge of your current condition, anything could happen.

And it would all be his fault. He could live with he blame that he left you – that he hurted your feelings. But he would never be able to forgive himself if something happened to you.

He froze when he heard a muffled scream and felt a brief flicker of mana. His head snapped toward the source, and he pivoted on his heel, his body instinctively going on high alert.

“Please, just hold on a little longer, [Y/N],” he muttered, his feet carrying him in the direction of the mana surge.

-‘๑’-

Breathless, you stared at the shadowy figure stepping out of the darkness.

Could it really be him?

“Jin-Woo?” you whispered, your hoarse voice barely audible.

But your hopes shattered when a tall figure stepped into the dim streetlight.

It was a man, perhaps in his early to mid-thirties. His hair gleamed a fiery orange, and his dark red eyes sent a shiver down your spine.

Your hand instinctively clutched your aching chest, the old wounds flaring at the realization that it wasn’t Jin-Woo.

How foolish you felt – incredibly foolish. You’d run here as fast as you could, all because of a feeling. A naive hope.

A hope that the unrealistic scenario you’d played out in your head thousands of times might actually come true.

That you’d get your happy ending – or at least the chance to explain yourself, to cast off the burden of guilt and regret weighing on your shoulders.

Why had you been so unbelievably stupid? Hadn’t you learned anything? Who else but you would be foolish enough to run through the streets in the middle of the night, dressed lightly, with no phone – all because of a feeling?

Your body trembled, the cold raising goosebumps on your skin. You swallowed back your tears, lowering your head.

It suddenly felt like every ounce of strength had drained from your body.

,,Disappointed?’’, the voice rang into your ear.

"Uh... uhm, sorry. I was expecting someone else," you said, feeling a little embarrassed as the stranger approached you with slow, deliberate steps. But...

You looked at him, and the smile on his lips sent a shiver down your spine. Who was he?

Something about his presence felt familiar, yet you couldn't sense any Mana from him. Still, you were certain he had been the source, he seemed... out of place, almost inhuman.

"Oh, don’t tell me you don’t recognize me?" he asked with feigned surprise, glancing down at himself as though he were just now noticing his appearance. His hands reached for a strand of his orange hair, which he stroked thoughtfully with his thumb.

"Fascinating. I didn’t expect to get such a realistic body," he said, his red eyes locking onto yours again.

Your confusion seemed to amuse him. What was he talking about?

"Come on, [Y/N], use that little brain of yours," he laughed, his steps slow and deliberate as his red eyes gleamed at you challenging.

No matter how hard you thought, you couldn’t make any connection. He knew your Name…

He was now standing in front of you, looking down with that same unsettling smile.

Clearly, he had grown tired of waiting. His red eyes sparkled, and his voice distorted as he spoke:

"Do you really want to leave the game? Yes or no?" he asked playfully.

Your eyes widened in pure shock at his words, at the distortion in his voice—it sounded exactly like...

"The Architect?"

Your voice trembled as you voiced the thought aloud. That couldn’t be.

The sheer shock on your face seemed to excite him. He relished every ounce of your fear and disbelief.

"Bingo!!! But you can call me by my real name. I think it’s only fair, given your naive foolishness saved my life. Thanks for that, by the way," he said casually, his voice dripping with mockery as you stared at him, dumbfounded, unable to process his words.

This couldn’t—mustn’t—be true. Kandiaru, the Architect of the System—the one Jin-Woo had eliminated after Ashborn denied him access to the System. How in the world had he ended up in your world? Did this mean Jin-Woo had lost? How had the timeline gone so awry when you’d gone to such lengths to prevent exactly that? You didn’t even want to imagine what this meant for Jin-Woo.

"How—" you began, but he cut you off immediately.

"Oh, do you think it was just a coincidence that you ended up in our world?" he asked with a smirk, disdain evident in his voice.

"I needed someone knowledgeable—but not too knowledgeable. And your disgustingly kind heart? That was just the icing on the cake," he said, his fingers gripping your chin and tilting your head up, forcing you to look at him.

"Through your world, I saw my future and devised a Plan B to ensure I’d survive."

Slowly but surely, his facade of calm began to crack. His piercing gaze and the unhinged grin spreading across his face triggered every instinct in you to flee.

The alcohol clouded your thoughts, but even in this state, you felt a shiver run down your spine—a strong sense of danger.

You needed to run. Now. But your body wouldn’t move.

"It was only a matter of time before your love for him forced you to make a choice. After all, there’s no future for you and him," he continued as you stood there, helpless to do anything but listen.

"And with that, you weakened him—severely. Longing is such an ugly emotion, isn’t it?" he whispered, pulling your face closer to his. His grip was unyielding, and any resistance you managed was useless.

The gears in your head began to turn. He had... used you from the very beginning? Known all along that you’d return with a broken heart, leaving Jin-Woo vulnerable?

No, he hadn’t just known—he’d banked on it. He had meticulously planned everything, using you as a pawn for his own survival.

"If it were up to me, I’d have handled things differently, but it was hard enough keeping my intentions hidden from Ashborn. Truly tedious," he muttered, clearly irritated at the thought of the Shadow Monarch, who had tasked him with finding a suitable human.

"But no matter. I can just as easily plunge your world into chaos," he laughed, gazing up at the dark night sky—until your hand gripped his wrist, pulling at his sleeve.

His laughter stopped abruptly as his eyes darted down to you, his head tilting to the side.

"Hmm?" he asked, amused by your defiance.

Your actions were no longer rational, driven instead by a simmering rage. Deep within, it boiled and churned. All the pain and effort... for nothing?

"Oh no, did I make you angry?" he taunted, mockery lacing his words.

"You’re a filthy bastard," you spat, your [E/C] eyes glaring fiercely at him. You couldn’t hold back anymore.

For a brief moment, Kandiaru looked surprised before bursting into laughter.

"Oh, oh, such harsh words from such a pretty mouth."

He leaned down, his hot breath brushing against your face as his fingers dug painfully into your chin. His eyes roamed over your form, taking in your exposed skin and the black dress that hugged your curves.

"I can see what he sees in you," he said with a wicked grin.

That was the last straw. Without thinking, you swung at him. Your fist collided with his open palm as he released your chin to block your weak punch.

He gripped your hand tightly, the pressure forcing your fingers to ache as you let out a pained gasp and dropped to your knees.

"Know your place, human. The only reason you were ever strong was because of my power—but here, you’re nothing. Just another insignificant human among many."

The playful tone in his voice vanished as if a switch had been flipped. His gaze turned icy, his voice cold as he looked down at you.

Your bare knees scraped against the rough asphalt. He eased the pressure slightly—enough to avoid breaking your fingers—but his words burned themselves into your mind.

He was right. You had no real power, no special abilities. You were just a human. A powerless, ordinary human.

He let go of you, obviously not wanting to deal with you any longer. As he turned his back to you, every fiber of your being screamed at you to stop him—no matter how.

“Wait,” your voice trembled slightly as you got back on your feet, the cool night wind brushing against your bare legs.

He sighed, clearly annoyed by your persistence, but turned his head slightly in your direction. “What now?” he asked gruffly, throwing you a sidelong glance.

“What… happened to Jin Woo?” you asked then. You had to know—had to know if he was okay. He couldn’t have lost to him. That just couldn’t be true.

The Architect paused for a moment, as if thinking. Then, a smile returned to his lips. He could tell you anything, and you would believe him.

“Oh, right. I should pass on his last words,” he said, his voice growing quieter.

“Although… he never got the chance to say them.”

Click.

His words flipped a switch in you. Overwhelmed with anger, you charged at him. Every part of your body wanted to tear him apart, even though you knew you didn’t stand a chance.

With a loud scream, you stormed toward him, your hands clenched into fists—your body tense.

“Oh, man,” Kandiaru muttered, rolling his eyes as he lazily prepared to block your feeble attack. But to both his and your surprise, your punch carried far more weight than the last one.

So much so that he stumbled back a step, staring at you in confusion.

It was nothing compared to your former strength, but the fury and adrenaline gave you power. And apparently, his body wasn’t as strong as the one he had in his own world.

“You’re really starting to get on my nerves,” the Architect growled, his expression darkening with irritation. He was slowly but surely losing his composure.

“I really hoped I wouldn’t have to kill you,” he sighed, reaching behind him.

A shimmering dagger appeared, its blade catching the light of the streetlamp as he moved.

Your eyes widened at the sight—it bore a resemblance to Baruka’s dagger, but this one was deep red.

“That’s enough,” he said, and in an instant, the weapon in his hand began to pulsate. The mana flowing from it was the same as the one that had drawn you here in the first place—but now, it was far stronger.

He didn’t give you time to think. He lunged at you.

Unlike his strength, his speed wasn’t inhuman, which allowed you to dodge his strike.

The blade grazed your cheek, and your back hit a wall painfully as you tried to evade.

His crimson eyes locked onto you, the grin returning to his face as he saw the fear in your eyes.

Your heart pounded wildly in your chest, terror flooding your body as you stumbled to the side. The dagger embedded itself into the wall where your head had just been.

He really intended to kill you—out here, in the open!

Blood trickled down your cheek as you broke into a sprint, his footsteps echoing right behind you.

“Come on, [Y/N], don’t make this harder than it has to be,” his manic voice called out from behind, steadily catching up.

Your legs grew heavy as you ran through the alleys, panic gripping your throat. Was there really no one around? No one to help?

The fear was suffocating. The walls to your left and right hemmed you in—you had no choice but to keep running straight.

But his steps drew closer, and when he caught up to you, you saw the dagger flash toward you from the corner of your eye.

Your life flashed before your eyes—the last image in your mind was that of the black-haired Hunter.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered faintly as your foot twisted, causing you to lose balance.

Resigned to your fate, you were weightless for a brief moment—only a fraction of a second. You squeezed your eyes shut, bracing for the pain.

But the pain never came.

Instead, your body collided with something hard and warm.

An arm wrapped around your waist, pressing you tightly against the warm figure in front of you.

Your cheek rested against soft fabric, beneath which a warm body rose and fell with irregular breaths.

“Get your hands off her.”

Your entire body reacted to the voice. The chest you were pressed against vibrated as he spoke, and your eyes flew open.

Tears welled up in your eyes, darting upward.

The familiar scent filled your nose, the warmth spreading through your chilled body instantly.

It was him.

You wanted to look at him, to confirm that he wasn’t an illusion—but he held you firmly in place.

Warm blood ran down his arm, dripping onto the ground beneath him. The sharp pain coursed through his entire arm, but it was nothing compared to the relief he felt as he held your body against his. The warmth that flooded him as he inhaled your scent. His body had longed for this for so long. The deep hole in his chest stopped aching.

Kandiaru didn’t hesitate for a second. He pulled the dagger free and jumped back several steps,

“How did you—?” Kandiaru began, disbelief laced in his voice.

Jin Woo, however, simply glared at him darkly, his eyes narrowed to slits and his arms protectively wrapped around you. Not for a second did he let any weakness show, despite his lack of abilities.

Only when the orange-haired man retreated slightly did Jin Woo turn his half-focused attention to you.

“Are you alright?”

The tone of his voice, directed at you, was gentle and warm. You had almost forgotten how it felt when he spoke to you like that.

You pulled away slightly to look at him, your [E/C] eyes brimming with tears.

He hadn’t changed a bit—only his eyes hinted at the deep sorrow and suffering your disappearance had caused.

In contrast, you had changed a lot. You had lost weight, your cheekbones were more pronounced, and the dark circles under your eyes spoke volumes Jin Woo didn’t need to read to see that you hadn’t fared any better than he had.

So many sleepless nights, so much unnecessary pain, so much longing and desire that had haunted you both equally.

His hands now rested on your shoulders, and you noticed the blood on his arm. Worry surged through you, but the gentle pressure he applied—wordlessly telling you it was okay—brought your attention back to his face.

All at once, everything came rushing back—all the words you had never been able to say.

“Jin Woo, I—”

You wanted to beg for his forgiveness, to tell him how terribly you had behaved and how foolish you had been.

The black-haired man interrupted you with his index finger pressed gently to your lips, silencing you softly. His lips curved into a faint smile.

His eyes told you everything you needed to know in that moment. Even after all this time, you still understood him without words.

A hot tear rolled down your cheek, dampening it before dripping off your chin. You nodded in understanding.

It could wait. For now, the most important thing was getting both of you out of here in one piece.

The Architect, meanwhile, had quickly recovered after realizing that Jin Woo no longer radiated any mana. In this world, he was weaker than even an E-Rank.

“Jin-Woo Sung,” Kandiaru called, his eyes flickering with pure murderous intent as he lunged forward, dagger in hand, its blade pulsating.

“It’s my pleasure to cut you to pieces,” he laughed as he charged at you both.

Jin Woo tensed and pushed you behind him, ready to somehow fend off the attack. His reflexes might no longer be those of an S-Rank Hunter, but he still had close combat experience and enough muscle strength.

The energy radiating from the blade was palpable in the air—electrifying and oppressive.

Everything happened so fast, you had no time to react. The black-haired man shoved you aside with gentle force, pushing you out of the line of fire.

You stumbled but managed to catch yourself in time to avoid falling.

Wide-eyed with fear, you spun around.

Jin Woo had deflected the attack with a skillful move, pushing the orange-haired man’s hand upward at the right moment.

Tension gripped your body, and you sucked in a sharp breath.

Your head darted around, searching for ANYTHING that could help you.

Jin Woo could do nothing but block the Architect’s relentless attacks. Kandiaru struck with brutal force, slashing with the dagger in his other hand.

More cuts appeared on the Hunter’s skin as he was forced back. Kandiaru gave him no reprieve, and you could see sweat gleaming on Jin Woo’s forehead. His movements slowed as the fight dragged on. He couldn’t hold out much longer.

Jin Woo slammed into one of the parked cars as the Architect grabbed him by the throat and threw him. Jin Woo was hopelessly outmatched.

Blood clung to his forehead as Jin Woo’s eyes briefly flicked toward you before focusing again on the orange-haired man, whose wild grin remained as his red eyes sparkled with malice.

He struggled against the grip on his neck, which tightened, choking the air out of him as Kandiaru pressed him harder against the vehicle.

A sharp pain shot through the back of his head, and a choking sound escaped his throat as the lack of oxygen began to affect his brain. His vision blurred, and he felt the burning in his lungs.

This was it. For the third time, he was losing to this monster, but this time, it would be the last.

Kandiaru raised his weapon, holding Jin Woo firmly in place.

“It’s been a pleasure,” he laughed, ready to strike, when suddenly his grip loosened, and he was shoved to the side.

You had thrown yourself against him with all your might, sending him staggering.

Your body hit the cold asphalt hard, scraping your hands and knees as a searing pain shot through your arm. Kandiaru also met the ground—the force of your impact had hit him with full strength.

Jin Woo’s lungs filled with air again, adrenaline pumping blood through his body. Suddenly, he could see again, gasping for breath.

The dark red dagger clattered across the cold ground, sliding several meters away, but the Architect quickly scrambled to his feet and grabbed his weapon.

“You damn whore,” he growled, his psychotic grin replaced by pure rage, his focus now on you.

Jin Woo had also gotten back to his feet, his entire body aching with pain. He took a brief moment to overcome the stabbing headache.

This human body severely limited him, but his will to protect you drove him forward.

You were a good distance away from him, and with his battered body, every step felt like twenty.

You gasped in pain, your knees burning like fire and refusing to cooperate as Kandiaru set his sights on you.

Fear flooded your senses, robbing you of reason and freezing you in place as the Architect charged at you, dagger in hand, its tip glowing brightly with small bolts of lightning sparking from it.

“[Y/N]!” Jin Woo’s sharp cry reached your ears as he realized he wouldn’t make it in time to save you. His voice trembled as he stretched out his hand toward you—but it was in vain.

You didn’t even have time to scream. All you could do was reflexively close your eyes.

The faint hum of an engine barely reached your ears.

An ear-piercing screech enveloped your body, bracing itself for incoming pain—but none came.

Jin Woo stood frozen, his wide eyes trembling as his hand quivered at what had just unfolded before him.

For the moment, nothing else mattered to him except you. You were still sitting motionless on the ground.

‘’[Y/N!]’’, you didn’t react.

Without hesitation, he hobbled toward you, dropping to his knees and placing his hands on your shoulders, shaking you gently.

“[Y/N]!”

No response.

“Can you hear me?!” Jin Woo’s usually calm voice trembled with fear. Unknowingly, he held his breath.

Finally, your eyes fluttered open, and your [E/C] irises met his stormy gray ones. The tension visibly melted from his face as he let out a shaky breath. Relief washed over him like a tidal wave, but you still said nothing.

You blinked a few times, dazed and confused.

“What?” you whispered faintly, your mind struggling to process what had happened.

Jin Woo’s worried expression softened further, and without warning, he pulled you into his arms, holding you tightly against his chest.

“I… I thought…” His voice cracked, and whatever words he meant to say dissolved into silence. The walls he had painstakingly built around his heart during your absence crumbled entirely. His body trembled, and his embrace tightened.

Never in all the time you had known Jin Woo had you seen him so consumed by fear.

As the shock in your own body subsided, you, too, began to sob uncontrollably. Your hands clung to the fabric of his black shirt as you returned his embrace.

The two of you clung to each other like drowning souls, finding solace only in each other.

Abruptly, Jin Woo pulled back. Your tear-filled eyes questioned the sudden separation until he cupped your face with his hands and pressed his lips to yours.

Finally.

He had waited too long for this moment, envisioned countless scenarios where it might happen, and convinced himself repeatedly that it had to be perfect. But now he understood—it didn’t need to be perfect.

The moment was messy, far from ideal. You were both battered and bruised, covered in blood and sweat, adrenaline still coursing through your veins.

And yet, that kiss was the most beautiful thing Jin Woo had ever experienced.

All the longing, the yearning, and the love he had carried for you poured into that single, imperfect kiss.

Tears streamed down your face once more, but this time they were tears of joy.

It felt as though his love seeped into the cracks of your heart, slowly but surely filling every void and healing every wound.

You only broke apart when a voice disrupted the moment.

A quick exchange of glances was all you managed before both your heads turned toward the source of the sound.

“HOLY SHIT, NIKA! WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO?!” a male voice yelled as a car door swung open.

Only now did you notice the lifeless body lying on the ground, orange hair splayed in all directions.

Hide tugged at his hair, staring in wide-eyed disbelief at the unmoving figure in front of his car, then at his sister climbing out of the driver’s seat.

“Dear brother,” Nika began in a calm, angelic tone, inhaling deeply.

“DID YOU MISS THE PART WHERE HE WAS THREATENING [Y/N] WITH A FREAKING GLOWING KNIFE?!” she screamed, her tone switching to pure outrage as she glared at her brother.

“YOU CAN’T JUST MOW HIM DOWN!” Hide yelled back, utterly floored by her reckless driving and lack of judgment.

,,OF COURSE I CAN, DIDN'T YOU SEE??!'', she yelled back.

“WE’RE BOTH GOING TO JAIL! How the hell do you plan to explain this to the cops?!” he paced frantically, running his hands through his hair.

But Nika ignored his panicked questions entirely, her focus shifting as she spotted you and Jin Woo. Without hesitation, she sprinted toward you.

“[Y/N]!!!” she cried, her voice thick with emotion, throwing herself to the ground beside you and wrapping her arms tightly around your neck. Jin Woo had to shuffle aside to avoid the collision.

She clung to you desperately, sobbing uncontrollably.

“I’m so sorry,” she wept, pulling you even closer.

Your tear-filled eyes drifted to Jin Woo, who gave you a soft, knowing smile.

You felt nothing but overwhelming gratitude that everyone was safe.

-‘๑’-

“Take good care of her,” Nika said firmly, releasing you from her embrace and shooting Jin Woo a stern look.

He paused briefly, his gray eyes locking onto yours before he gave a gentle nod.

“With my life.”

A faint smile tugged at your lips as a blush crept onto your cheeks. Jin Woo’s sweetness still left you in awe, and it was hard to grasp that all this love was directed at you.

It had been a week since Jin Woo had entered your world, and now it was time to return home.

The Architect’s body had not been human; it dissolved into mana before merging with his dagger upon his death. That blade turned out to be the System, manifest in an object, and it allowed Jin Woo to create a Gate back to the Hunter world.

Explaining this to Nika and Hide had been…challenging. Even after witnessing it themselves, disbelief lingered in their expressions. Without the firsthand evidence, they might have deemed you insane.

As for destiny? The events that unfolded proved that the System’s claim of inevitability wasn’t absolute. Its deletion was imminent, and you now believed you could shape your own story.

Jin Woo, however, wasn’t leaving anything to chance.

He refused to let you out of his sight, constantly staying close and cherishing every moment together. “For all the lost time,” he would say.

Now, you both stood before the Gate Jin Woo had conjured. The Twins in front of you.

“Go on, before I start bawling,” Nika said, wiping at her teary eyes. Leaving her behind hurt, but you had to return. There was still so much left to do, so many monsters to fight.

What mattered most, however, was that you were together again.

You nodded, biting your lip to hold back tears.

“Shall we?” Jin Woo extended his hand.

Without hesitation, you intertwined your fingers with his, meeting his eyes. His reassuring squeeze grounded you.

Together, you stepped through the Gate, returning to the Hunter world.

[Welcome back, Players.]

‧˚₊•┈┈┈┈୨୧┈┈┈┈•‧₊˚⊹⋘ 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎... ⋙‧˚₊•┈┈┈┈୨୧┈┈┈┈•‧₊˚⊹

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇ! ꨄ︎ ︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶ Holy shit i finally did it. It took so much thinking and rewriting because i wasn't happy - there were so many things that changed during the writing process. I am not fully satisfied, but i hope you like the second part as well! :)

As i already mentioned in my last Post - there will be a few side Stories, adapting this Two Shot~

Thank you for all your support! likes, reblogs & comments or just reading <3 .'*•.¸♡ I really appreciate it <3 ♡¸.•*'

♡¸.•*' ˋ°•*⁀✎ 𝑢𝑡𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑎

@phisen @bunniotomia @mysterylilycheeta @uchihaclan27

[deadtired-highkeyenergetic]

The Hunter

Reader uses the alias the Hunter here, but Bucky also gives them the pet name 'doll' so...to be honest I didn't ascribe a gender to the reader here. Interpret it however you want.

Warning: angst ahead

Summary: Getting Zemo's help in finding the source of the Super Soldier Serum results in your past rearing its head once more, threatening to tear you and Bucky apart.

Zemo's plan is…

You're not sure how to describe it. You can see Bucky's jaw tighten, Sam's muscles tensing up, and there's this hurricane of emotions swirling inside your chest. The three of you know that this is the best shot you'll have at finding the source of the Super Soldier serum, but none of you quite like the plan.

Letting out a deep breath, you meet Zemo's gaze. "Fine, I'll do it. I'll be his Handler, but only if he consents."

Bucky looks up sharply, concern written all over his face and you nod. He pauses, eyebrows furrowed before also giving a nod. "We'll go with the plan then."

Sam frowns but keeps quiet. If the two people who will be most affected by the plan are willing to go through with it, he's fine with the plan too. Zemo looks smug, but you brush it off. It's not like you haven't been to Madripoor before, you know your way around…kind of. Knowing Madripoor, it should have changed quite a bit since the last time you paid it a visit.

When the plane lands, you glance at Bucky, gently brushing your hand against his.

"I'll be fine, doll," he murmurs in response to your wordless question. You don't quite believe it, but the plan has been set in motion, there's no going back. The most you can do is ensure he doesn't do anything that goes beyond the boundaries he's been trying to keep to.

"You don't need to kill anyone, alright?" You whisper, not wanting Zemo to overhear it. You trust the baron only as far as a baby can throw him, and you're pretty sure he wants nothing more than to prove that Bucky will always be the Winter Soldier. You'll help Bucky prove otherwise, even if it means dirtying your own hands once again.

His gaze softens at your words and he gives you a small smile, accompanied by a nod. You squeeze his hand, taking one last look at the man you love before slipping into your Handler mode, eyes hard. He looks away, ice blue eyes turning empty as he lets himself slide into the Winter Soldier's mind. You despise that empty look, but for the sake of the mission you cannot avert your gaze from it. You are the Asset's Handler now, and the Handler does not look away from their weapon.

It's easy with Zemo's help, entering the bar where the contact resides. It's even easier, spotting the hidden guns and the tense shoulders. This is your element, the place where you shine best as much as you hate to admit it, and you feel your old self rise to the surface once more. Each move is cold and calculated, from the way you hold your glass to the way you sit, it's all to keep tabs on everyone and be ready to strike at any opportunity. Zemo struts about, easily fulfilling his role and then the target lays a hand on him.

Now.

"Soldat, ready to comply?" The Russian flows from your lips, having been etched into your memory years ago.

"Ready to comply." Bucky — no, the Winter Soldier — replies just as coldly in the same language.

"Attack." You take a sip from your glass, watching as the Winter Soldier slams the man's face into the counter right next to you. Efficient as always. You sigh, sliding off the bar stool as another lackey tries landing a sneak attack and throw the dagger in your hand. The metal slides into flesh, blood bubbling from his lips and he collapses onto the floor, unmoving. You spin around, throwing yet another dagger which finds its mark and slam a fist into the face of the nearest enemy before thrusting a knife into his heart.

The Winter Soldier easily throws the lackey who tries to tackle him, sending him crashing at your feet and you repeat your motion, ending his life before he can regain any sense of where he is. Each punch the Winter Soldier lands is accompanied by a stab from your knife and before you know it, only one lackey is left standing.

"See how they complement each other? They weren't called the best for nothing." Zemo places a hand on Sam's shoulder. "Even after some time 'retired', they slip back into their roles so easily."

Blood splatters streak across your face and your arms are covered in the same crimson liquid, painting quite the figure. You see a flash of fear in Sam's eyes and smugness in Zemo's, but Bucky's gaze remains as empty as ever. He stalks over to the last lackey who is more than ready to piss his pants but you call the Asset back.

"Stop." The Winter Soldier freezes in his tracks immediately. "Leave him to me."

Zemo raises an eyebrow at your words, a smile of amusement flicking across his face but you can't be bothered. You know this place, this bar. You've been here once before, and the last time you were here, you'd left the same way — covered in blood that's not your own.

"Bring us to Selby, and you might just live to see another day." You dig the heel of your boot into his ribs, grinding it harshly. He whimpers, nodding frantically and you take a step back.

"Lead on," you smile, watching as he scurries towards the hidden door you know is there and opens it, shakily gesturing inside. You stride in confidently, slicking your hair backwards and sheathe your retrieved knives while the others follow behind you. Sam's gait is filled with nervousness, Zemo's is relaxed and Bucky…he walks like a ghost, silent, just as he was taught to.

"Selby! Good to see that you've recovered since the last time I saw you! Wouldn't be much fun if you didn't, would it?" You grin, waving as though you were greeting an old friend.

"Y — you!" The woman on the couch jumps to her feet, backing away as quickly as she can. "I thought you were —"

"Dead? Retired? Come on now, you know better than to believe rumours. You're a smart one, took me forever to track you down the last time. Your taste hasn't changed much, it's still a bar with terrible decorations." You casually walk over, taking a seat on the arm rest of the couch Selby is occupying. "Now, I want to know a couple of things. Simply answer them truthfully and we can both go our separate ways, capice?"

Zemo opens his mouth, about to say something when you fix him with a glare. You're not about to fake selling the Winter Soldier when there's an alternative plan right here, a plan that doesn't involve Bucky needing to continue being who he's left behind. All that's needed is your former alias, and you'd rather sacrifice your soul than Bucky's.

Selby swallows hard, fingers twitching but to her credit, she remains steadfast in the face of fear. "What will you give me in return?"

"Your life. And the life of the bartender back there. He serves pretty good drinks, would be a waste to kill him, don't you agree? I suppose whatever remains of your empire too." You shrug. "Pretty fair deal, in my opinion."

"And what do you want to know?"

"I want to know who's supplying Super Soldier serums, from where, and how long. Should be easy enough for the likes of you, no?" You smile, playing with the knife that has miraculously appeared in your hand. She eyes it uneasily, throat bobbing and you can't help but smile wider. This is the power you once wielded, striking fear into everyone who knew your face and you inhale deeply, feeling the familiar sensation surging within you. It's been years since you last felt this way, and the feeling is addicting. You feel yourself toeing the line between the Hunter and Y/N L/N, dangerously tipping towards the Hunter.

Selby moves her hand before you can blink and the bartender lunges at you but a solid wall of muscle block his way, a metal hand wrapping itself around his wrist, crushing it. The bartender screams in pain and you groan, giving Selby a poke on the cheek with the tip of your knife.

"Why'd you have to sacrifice your bartender like that? I'm sure you know who that is, don't you? The one with the metal arm. Now your poor bartender will never make drinks again." You lazily flick your wrist, lodging the knife in the bartender's throat. Bucky drops the body and it crashes onto the floor, spilling blood everywhere. "Try not to make me do that again, Selby. I much prefer it when you're a good little girl and give me the information I so politely asked for."

"Politely? You massacred everyone in my bar just to get my attention and you call that polite?" She snaps, furiously whipping out her gun but you remain unfazed. Bucky automatically moves to shield you but you quickly order him to stop and he complies. You see the fear in his eyes, but also the anger at how easily you can control him. A small part of you regrets giving him an order in Russian but you push it aside, focusing on the task at hand.

"I could have done so much worse, and you know it. I'm still waiting on the answer to my previous question, by the way." You place a hand on Selby's shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "Don't keep me waiting too long."

The gun's muzzle is still pressed against your chest but her finger moves off the trigger. "You destroyed my empire once, and now you wipe out its stronghold. Promise me you will never interfere with my business again?"

"Promise."

Letting out a shaky breath, she puts the gun aside. "You will want to look for Wilfred Nagel. He's the one who's been making the serum. For how long, I'm not sure, and as to where, I —"

A phone rings. Selby smiles, "someone has a call to pick up."

"Indeed, they do." You twirl a knife and slam it into her heart. Her eyes widen before glazing over, blood pouring from her open mouth. Her men move immediately but you stand up, and they all falter. Your gaze flicks over them, taking note of their weapons and builds before dismissing them with a wave. They fall in line, disappearing into the shadows and Zemo lets out a cough, breaking the silence.

"You might want to answer that call, Sam." You say calmly. "I don't think she's going to stop calling until you answer it. Besides, it's safe to do so now. After all, these men are never going to see the light of day."

Sam eyes you warily but presses the answer button anyways. You turn to Zemo, who's simply smiling at you.

"Welcome back, Hunter." He claps, unafraid even as you close the distance between the both of you. "I knew you always had it in you."

"And yet you chose to help let it out. You're either brave or foolish." You growl.

He chuckles, "I simply wanted to help you three accomplish your mission. Whether the Hunter was let out or not didn't matter. It just so happens you chose to sacrifice yourself rather than your precious James."

"Then you better —"

"Y/N?" Bucky softly asks. You jerk back, struggling to push the Hunter away but it bares its fangs, refusing to go back now that it has tasted the first freedom its seen in years.

"Buck." The word feels thick in your mouth. "I…"

You don't have any excuses to defend yourself with. The evidence is right there, laid bare in the blood-stained bar. You've killed so many despite the promises you've made to the man you love above all else and the guilt is starting to eat you alive.

"You…" You can see the conflict in his eyes. He loves you, but hates what you became during that moment. He shifts from one leg to another, unsure of what to say when gun shots ring out.

"We need to go, now." Sam's voice cuts through the tension. His gaze is narrowed. "Selby's death just set off this side of Madripoor."

"Anywhere in mind?" Zemo asks, still looking mildly amused.

"Anywhere but here." You answer for him, heading for the exit. "My presence should be enough to make anyone who wants to shoot at us think twice but that's all the time it will buy. Move fast if you want to live."

With that, you kick down the door and run, the other three following behind you. The wind whips at your face as your legs carry you over the ground, bullets whizzing past you and you can't help but laugh. This is what you've been missing since you retired your alias, the burn in your lungs, the wind in your face, the thrill of the chase. You feel alive again, and the Hunter inside you craves more.

Turns out Sharon Carter was in the area too, and saved all four of you. She agrees to help track down Nagel, but something nags at you. There's something off about her, an itch you can't quite scratch. Still, you attend her art gallery gala, keeping your suspicions to yourself. If she is who you think she is, confronting her about it now would be a terrible idea.

During the gala, you stick to the shadows like you always do, sipping at your glass of champagne.

"Doll." Bucky moves to stand next to you.

"Buck." You refuse to meet his gaze.

"About what happened at Selby's bar, I —"

"Can we not talk about that now?"

"No. I need to know. I need to hear it from you, please doll," he pleads. "I have to."

You swirl the golden liquid in your glass, staring at the bubbles. "I know what I promised, and that I broke it, but I did it so that you wouldn't have to stain your hands. I'd rather it be me doing the dirty work than you."

"I know that, Y/N, but you went further than you had to. You didn't have to massacre the entire bar, or kill the bartender, or kill Selby, and yet you did." His voice is quiet, unsure. "Are you the Hunter or Y/N right now?"

"I don't know." The words come out as a whisper. "I really don't know."

He lowers his gaze to the floor, "I believed in you, I really did, but now…now I don't know. You looked like you were enjoying yourself when you killed everyone, and it scared me. I was afraid that I'd lost you to your past, especially when you killed the bartender. I was afraid of you, terrified of how easily you slipped back into being my Handler."

"You slipped back into being the Winter Soldier just as easily." You wish you can take your words back right there and then but it's too late. His expression falters, fingers curled into a fist and stiffens.

"At least I didn't kill them all. The Winter Soldier would have."

"You didn't need to because I killed them all."

"You didn't need to kill them all. Knocking them out would have done the same thing." His voice is strained, but there's an edge to his words.

"They would be coming after us right now if I hadn't. That adds more guns to the ones we're already facing." The glass cracks under your grip.

"You promised me. You promised that you were done with being the Hunter, and I allowed you to go back on it for the sake of the mission, but you took it too far!" You've never heard Bucky raise his voice like that at you, and it's enough to make you drop your glass, champagne spilling all over the floor. "You took it too far, Y/N."

"So we're done?" Ice floods your veins, freezing your heart. "If so, I'd like to take my leave."

"Then leave. We're done. I don't want to see you again." His jaw tightens.

"As you wish." You step over the spillage, heading back towards the gala without a second glance back.

If you'd looked behind, you would've seen the tears that streamed down his face.

[radio-fmm]

The sparrow and the hunter

Zoro x fem!reader

Warnings: pure fluff, mentions of daggers, zoro making fun of gods as he does, fem reader can transform into an animal idk thought you should know

Word count: 2.1k

Summary: In which Zoro falls hard for you and he struggles with it

𖤓˖⁺‧₊☽𓅨☾₊‧⁺˖𖤓

When you first joined the crew, Zoro was very skeptical about what you actually would bring to the table, since your abilities were… unique to say the least, but you had helped them giving useful information and advise when in a very tight situation, and who was he to doubt his captains decisions.

“A BIRD?” Luffy exclaimed almost jumping out of his seat. Yes, you could turn into a bird

“Yep, that’s why I am a good informant! People don’t suspect of a tiny sparrow flying around” you explained followed by a wink

“But… how?!” The navigator asked still confused

You turned around tugging your shirt slightly down and removing your hair form your back to reveal a tattoo “This is an ancient mark that was bestowed upon me by my people, the mark of a god called Quetzalcoatl, also known as the feathered snake. It carries the power that allows me to transform”

This only made Zoro grow even more doubtful about you, a god? It sounded like a fairytale to him. But as it turned out, you were also a fearless fighter, extremely skillful with daggers and combined with your special ability it made you fierce, which earned you his respect quickly after having fought beside him and the strawhats.

As you slowly went from the quiet reserved new crewmate to show your real colors of a confident caring bright and easygoing individual, the swordsman didn’t mind sharing with you the ‘training zone’ which was just a section of the going merry Nami had assigned to such activities to prevent accidents. Most if not all of the time you would train separately since you only did cardio and battle training and Zoro was more of a heavy lifting kind of guy. Both seemed to enjoy the silence of each other’s company and only exchanging few hellos and goodbyes.

But of course that slowly began to change when Zoro became curious on your fighting tactics

“Where did you get that dagger?” He asked from the other side of the ‘gym’ after staring at you training from a while, you turned to him a little taken aback, he wasn’t the one to talk let alone start a conversation

“I made it myself when I was 12” you answered as you slowly walked to where the stoic swordsman was standing.

Zoro had noticed how this dagger was different from the others you kept on your belt, not only was the shape and overall hold and design different, you kept it in a cover around your thigh at all times, so it peeked his interest

You presented the dagger, making slow steady movements that made it shine in the afternoon sun, it indeed looked more homemade, and the sharp edge was of a black shiny material he had never seen before.

“My father was a hunter, he showed me how to build this type of daggers to protect myself since we lived in the mountains… and for artistic purposes” Zoro’s eyes examined every detail of the weapon, and in further examination he noticed how indeed everything about it was really you, your essence was plastered all over it

“Interesting” he said still fixated on the dagger “You can hold it”

Zoro looked at you now closer and speaking almost in a whisper, you handed him your beloved weapon and he took it slowly. It was lighter than he expected it to be, he made an aggressive strong move as if he was cutting something and you giggled which made him embarrassed and a little insecure

“What?” He blurted out in defense

“You don’t use it like that, it’s meant for self defense or close targets. You have to move fast and steady” you took his hand in yours and demonstrated how to attack with it cornering your own throat between the dagger

“Always strike with purpose”

The swordsman felt his heart rate accelerate and a pink blush creeping from his neck, his gaze fixated in yours and his mind racing. You offered a sweet smile before removing yourself from the hold, Zoro returned the dagger to you shyly “Nice uhm… technique… and beautiful dagger” he immediately turned around to resume his workout, still flushed and with nervous hands.

The green haired pirate felt his head spinning not believing how you, a freshly arrived new strawhat, had not only allowed him to hold something you treasured and valued so much, but also had pointed it to your neck with his hands while being a man that doubled you in size and strength. His head couldn’t stop thinking about the intimacy of it all, it had left him breathless. You trusted him

But really it was just the beginning of the end for this poor man. Zoro had found himself trying to have more of you, like you had casted a spell, craving for your attention and essence.

He now looked for you when he entered any room, always wanting to be in your presence even while you just were enjoying your hobbies or any mundane task, he was eager to learn things about you and oh what a wonderful person you were to chat to, always keeping the conversation fun and interesting, listening attentively when it was his turn to talk, always sharing a piece of your soul.

You had seen through his stoic scary facade and saw what he really was. Everything that Zoro did was driven by love and the deep meaningful connections with the people around him, always remaining loyal and acting as the protector of the crew not because it’s his job but because he cares. He may not be as expressive as Sanji, but you were able to read him.

This scared Zoro immensely, not only cause he started to catch himself feeling annoyed whenever the stupid cook swooned your way or called you sweet names, or cause he couldn’t stop thinking about you even when training or trying to nap, or cause somehow you seemed to enjoy being around him too. No, it scared him because it made him feel like you had a hold on his heart and was afraid of being vulnerable. He felt weak

So when he finally came to the conclusion he was falling for you, and falling hard, instead of talking about his feelings, he opted for actively avoid you but of course you noticed right away. At first you gave him some time pretending you didn’t notice, he probably needed space from you feeling like you were smothering him, but eventually it had started not only to become ridiculous but to hurt you, because at the contrary of Zoros better judgment, you cared.

You excused yourself from dinner way early one evening, making a lame excuse so that you could finally catch Zoro alone on the crows nest on night watch and confront him, tired of his obnoxious behavior. Your stomach stirred in nervousness as you laid down on your hammock trying to distract yourself while crocheting, the door creaked open and you saw Nami menacingly standing in front of the door

“When are you gonna pull Zoro out of his misery?” your brows furrowed and a scoff escaped your lips

“What are you talking about? He’s the one avoiding me” The navigator rolled her eyes and sighed very loudly clearly annoyed

“He’s head over heels for you y/n! But he doesn’t know what to do just spare him”

“That’s not true” you sounded almost sad, Nami slowly came closer to you changing her approach

“You’re kidding right?, I swear he almost got up and ran after you when you stormed out, he’s smitten I had never seen him like this” you didn’t answer, thinking about his change in behavior and Namis thoughts, it seemed like it made sense

“I was planning on talking to him later anyways”

An exited squirm escaped Nami as she aggressively pushed your hammock back and forth shaking you “FINALLY! I swear you both were driving me insane”

As the sun disappeared behind the ocean and the moon greeted you shining through the cloudless sky, you awaited for everyone to retire to their bedrooms to peek your head through the door of the girls quarters, the ship was lulled by the waves and not a sound could be heard, quite rare for the Merry to be this quiet only confirming everyone was fast asleep.

You looked up to see the swordsman’s green hair peeking through the crows nest, only making you more nervous

“I can see you staring you know?” Zoro spoke loud enough so you could hear but not to wake anyone up, a shiver ran down your spine before you cleared your throat approaching the tall nest

“Can we talk? Please?” You didn’t wait for an answer before transforming and flying your way up, feeling shaky as you landed in the edge and morphing back

“I guess” Zoro whispered, arms crossed in front of his chest looking up at the stars twinkling in the night sky

The gentle breeze made your hair dance revealing your glistening eyes and your pinkish cheeks, the moonlight softened you making you look like a fallen angel that had answered to Zoros prayers. Of course he knew what were you doing here, it made his heart quiver in anticipation both of not having a clue of how you may approach the topic and to finally see you up close again after a long time of staring from afar

“Why are you avoiding me?” Oh so we are going straight to it “I gave you space so you would figure things out, but it has gotten stupid what did I do wrong?”

Silence pierced your ears only hearing your heavy breaths both of how nervous you were and how quickly you had morphed to get up there with him, you had never been so blunt in your life but it was Zoro who we are talking about here there was no way around it

“I don’t know” after a while of you staring at him while his gaze shifted from you to literally anything else this was his response? You sighed defeated before getting up

“I won’t get in your way then” it hurt you deeply but what else could you do if you couldn’t reason with the hardheaded swordsman?. Before you could get on the ladder you felt a strong hand reach yours in a hurry

“Wait… stay” there was a shift in his tone, you had never heard Zoro speak like this, it was like soft plead for understanding. You hesitated but sat back down face to face while he kept his grip on your hand

“If you don’t tell me what you’re feeling I can’t understand Zoro” you also changed your tone to a softer one, making him feel secure, encouraging him to speak up.

There was no other way around it, even if he didn’t felt ready to say it out loud the more he did leaps around his feelings the worse it’ll get. Zoro squished your hand as he struggled to find the words

“I’m avoiding you because I can’t handle the way you make me feel” He couldn’t look at you even if he tried but if he did he would be met with a puzzled expression planted all over your face

“I am falling for you and I don’t know what to do”

Zoro looked intensely into your big orbs that shone as bright as the moonlight above both of you, the confusion of your face was washed away immediately, a loving smile now in its place. You giggled which made him back up in embarrassment you did that often

“You love me you big idiot! That’s what you do” you said before leaning in to lock your lips in his.

The pirates eyes widen in surprise but slowly welcomed your action, melting in your touch and positioning a hand in your back to keep you closer while both of your hands hanged from his neck. You tasted sweet like he imagined but way more addictive, he never wanted to part his lips from yours ever again, but breathing was necessary for both of you.

Your smile came back to your mouth as you separated, cupping both of his cheeks so he would keep looking at you

“I love you Zoro”

An unfamiliar warmth settled on his face, but a wonderful feeling captured his heart and then he knew, if he was to ever give his heart to anyone in the world it’ll be you, you’ll take care of it and love it unconditionally

“If I say it back you’ll kiss me again?” your laugh was heard again brightening the dark sea and the pirates soul

“Yes”

“I love you too y/n”

𖤓˖⁺‧₊☽𓅨☾₊‧⁺˖𖤓

Omg I loved doing this oneeee, and ofc had to represent my culture adding an aztec god as reference ☝🏻 if you want a series or a follow up lmk, as always feel free to request and correct me, English is not mu first language

[w0rmdealer]

My BVZ ocs!

Since words are hard to read, here’s what it says:

The Winter Twins

Blair(blizzard)

Demisexual, she/her

The “guard dog”

Does most of the work

Mainly uses guns and swords

Older than Briar by a year

More put together mentally, but brutish

Collects supplies to a unnecessary point

Briar(Frost)

The “charm”

Performs more then any actual fighting

Uses daggers, whips, and guns

Chaotic to the point of harm

Has some healing skills (sometimes is ends badly)

Talks to himself a lot (in a “cat meowing at a wall sort of way)

Both of them:

Both are pale, cold to touch, have scars them seem deep and fresh (even though their old), and often shivering (even in the western climate)

Though this may make people think they’re some sort of undead zombie variant, they are very much not

Their name is from their odd dress (too heavy for the normal weather on the planet they reside) and snow and frost symbolizes seen marked on them

Only Blair is really missing an eye, Briar just thinks it looks cool and wants to ‘keep up the brand’

Though their name says otherwise, they aren’t really twins, just siblings

Both are known for being by each-other. Some man said Briar once ran out a tavern because he was “too far away” and “his head felt like it was being split open”

On days Blair’s prosthetic leg fails her, Briar helps her around. This usually results in them slacking off on their bounty work (did I mention they were bounty hunters?)

[sorceresssundries]

The Death of Thom Rainier

Pairing: Blackwall/Lavellan (My quizzy, Sparrow)

Warnings: ANGST, talks of death, grief, heartbreak.

Word Count: 4670 words

Summary: The honour and integrity of the Inquisition is at risk of being brought down by the decision surrounding the fate of the Inquisitor's lover. Action must be taken, and quickly, to save the group from talk of corruption.

It was late, and the moonlight dappled through the crumbling cracks and forgotten fissures of Skyhold, spilling pale silver across the war table. Shadows danced over the once-pristine map, now scarred with countless daggers marking places where they had struck — and where they had yet to reach. The Inquisition had grown into a force of reckoning, but with that power came bonds of responsibility, heavier than crowns and chains. They had to be more than a scattered band of idealists. They had to be an order, a symbol, both a hammer of justice and a shield for the helpless. Their future was as fragile and perilous as a frost-kissed web clinging to the rafters above.

Three figures met in secret, while the rest of the fortress slept.

“The Inquisitor has ordered his release from Val Royeaux,” Cullen’s voice cut through the room. His hands gripped the pommel of his sword, his eyes unflinching, burning with the loyalty that had driven him through so many battles. “He is to be brought here for judgement.”

Leliana’s eyes gleamed in the candlelight, the flicker casting her in shifting shadow. “A reasonable request,” she replied, her voice soft but edged. “Blackwall is a part of her Inquisition. Should she not be the one to pass judgement on him?”

Josephine, seated at the far end of the table, sighed, her hand rising to rub at her temple. The stress etched itself deep into the lines around her eyes, tired from the endless machinations and political games. “Blackwall was a part of the Inquisition, yes,” she said, her voice quieter than the others, yet no less burdened. “But this isn’t about Blackwall. This is about Thom Rainier, and Orlais wants his head. They won’t settle for anything less.”

“His crimes are…” Cullen began, his brow furrowed as if the mere memory of Rainier’s past offences disgusted him. “Unforgivable. I’m inclined to agree with the Orlesians on this.”

The commander was all duty now, his judgement unyielding. His years as a Templar had hardened him to betrayal, especially from someone so close to the Inquisitor.

Josephine straightened, the flicker of the fire catching the lines of tension on her face. “You know as well as I do that this isn’t just about Rainier’s past. His relationship with the Inquisitor was no secret, even at the Winter Palace. Our Orlesian allies watched them, talked about them. Whispers travelled faster than arrows. What will it look like if she brings him back here? If she protects him?”

“It will look,” Cullen said, voice dark and firm, “like corruption. As if we value personal attachments over justice. An institution capable of one corruption is capable of many. It could undo everything we’ve built.”

“And if we let him die in Val Royeaux, she will never forgive us,” Leliana interjected quietly, her gaze flickering with a rare moment of sympathy. “We will lose her trust.”

A heavy silence fell over the room, a storm waiting to break. There was truth in every word, and each of them felt the rolling thunder of the dilemma closing in.

“She will not forget the betrayal. Not from us.” Josephine’s voice trembled ever so slightly as she spoke, as though already anticipating the bitterness that would follow.

Leliana’s gaze sharpened then, a glint of something colder and more dangerous flashing in her eyes. “There is a path forward.” Her voice, once as soft as a lullaby, now carried the quiet menace of a hunter who had found her prey.

The spymaster stepped closer to the table, her fingers brushing lightly over the map, resting just above Val Royeaux. “We could arrange for his release — quietly. He would never make it here. A fatal accident on the road. An Orlesian ambush. It would solve the issue without leaving our hands stained. He dies, Orlais is happy, and the Inquisitor’s hands remain clean.”

Cullen stiffened. “You’re suggesting we…?”

“Kill him?” Leliana’s lips curled, just slightly. “I am suggesting we control the narrative. We let slip our route back here. We spare her the guilt, and we show Orlais that the Inquisition stands by its principles. We did as she asked us, Rainier is killed in an unpredicted attack, and the Inquisitor is spared the burden of deciding his fate.”

The room was cloaked in silence once more, heavy with the choice before them, a choice that would either save the Inquisition — or damn it.

Josephine’s fingers tightened around her quill, her gaze falling to the map. “If we choose this path,” she whispered, “We save our Inquisition. But we might lose her.”

 ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ♜  ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Sparrow sat on the throne she never wanted, in a fortress that still felt too vast, too cold, too foreign to ever be hers. The high-backed seat loomed around her, it's cold stone carved for someone much larger, much grander. Her small, elven feet dangled just shy of the floor, and the throne's broad arms were too wide for her to rest against. She felt weightless, suspended in the centre of it, untethered.

She straightened her spine, drawing on the memory of her mother’s lessons, as if the  invisible cord pulling her back might make her taller, more imposing. Make yourself tall, Ma’da’ean, her mother used to say. And everything else will shrink.

But the world refused to shrink. The great hall remained cavernous, the whispers of the court still echoed off the walls like a rising storm, and the knot of dread within her only grew tighter.

Give her demons. Give her tyrants. Give her politics she knew nothing of and Gods she did not worship. She would take them all. 

This, she could not do.

The dread had sunk deep, threading through her chest, winding around her heart. The thought of seeing him again, of locking eyes with the man whose name she did not even know, made her stomach twist. 

She closed her eyes, just for a moment, clinging to the silence inside her mind. Please, she thought, though she had no idea who she was pleading to. She wasn’t one for prayer, nor for gods. But now, she found herself grasping for anything to shield her from the moment that was about to come.

Please, don’t make me do this.

But whoever might have been listening did not answer. A cold silence fell over the great hall as the heavy doors groaned open. The sound echoed, announcing the arrival of the man she could not face.

She couldn't look at him. Her entire body rebelled at the thought of raising her gaze, of seeing him as he was now—a stranger wearing a name she didn’t recognise. Her heart still clung to the memory of the man he had been only days ago. His eyes had been soft, honest. His words had promised her safety, his touch had offered comfort. Nothing matters but us, he had whispered. He had kissed her as if she were something precious, first with gentleness, then with a passion that had made her believe him.

Now, all of that felt like a cruel trick, a trap she had willingly fallen into.

Her eyes burned, but she would not let the tears fall. She couldn’t drag her gaze from the floor. She needed to breathe, to gather the last shreds of her strength before she dared look at him again.

The man I knew doesn’t exist, she reminded herself. He never did.

It was anger that lifted her eyes, as the heavy sound of boots came to a halt in front of her - She could not let herself be Sparrow, or Blackwall’s lover. She was the Inquisitor. The mark in her palm itched as she raised her gaze to finally meet the man standing before her. 

Cullen? And an Orlesian man in intricate armour and a matching brass mask. 

Her breath caught in relief, or was it just surprise? She felt too nauseous to be sure of her own feelings. She was calm until she noticed the blood. It was splattered across Cullen’s armour, streaked across his breastplate, flecked through his golden hair. There was a jagged cut to his high cheekbone, the skin raw, smeared with red. The sight of it sent her heart into a tailspin, her anger replaced by a cold, creeping fear.

Sparrow stood, unthinkingly. There was a river of murmurs, words tangling like hissing cicadas in the hot, oppressive air of a summer storm. Every gaze in the hall fixed on her, on them, but she could hardly hear them over the rushing in her own ears.

"What's happened?" she demanded, her voice hoarse as it cracked through the crowd, pulling the room’s attention fully toward them. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, though she willed herself to stay composed.

Cullen glanced briefly at the court before locking eyes with her again. “We were intercepted.”

Sparrow’s stomach dropped. Her heartbeat thundered in her chest as she searched his face for answers. “Where is Blackwall?” Her voice was barely above a whisper now, but the name hit the air like a blow.

Cullen swallowed hard, his jaw tightening as though the words themselves were difficult to push out. “Thom Rainier is dead.”

The world tilted beneath her. The buzzing of the court, the murmured voices and watchful eyes, all faded into a distant hum. For a moment, Sparrow couldn't feel the stone beneath her feet, couldn’t even feel herself breathing.

The man beside Cullen was speaking - something about being an envoy, about it all happening so fast. She didn’t care. His words slipped past her, meaningless, drowned by the sound of her pulse roaring in her ears.

He can’t be dead.

Her chest tightened. She couldn’t breathe. The room felt too small, the air too thin. Her fingers flexed at her sides, desperate to hold onto something, anything that wasn’t slipping away.

He can’t be dead.

She could still hear his low, rough laugh in her head, the way it rumbled through his chest when he let his guard down. She could still feel the calloused swirls of his fingertips against her skin.

She hadn’t even bathed properly since they’d been together. His scent still clung to her, faint but lingering—leather, sweat, and the earth. She closed her eyes as if she could summon him back with the memory of it, as if he could step out from some hidden corner and make this a cruel misunderstanding.

Her eyes flickered to the windows, to the light of an indifferent sun spilling through the stained glass. The world outside was bright, alive. Vibrant patterns of colour danced across the stone floor, reflections from the sunlight mingling with the songs of winter birds that chirped in pairs just beyond the glass. It was all so alive, so full of life and warmth.

How could he not be?

Sparrow blinked, struggling to focus, to anchor herself to the present. Her voice—when it finally came—was like shards of glass, shattered and too small to hold onto.

“He can’t be…” she breathed, her words trembling on the edge of disbelief. “There has been a mistake.”

The Orlesian stepped forward, his presence all formality and cold distance. “My lady,” he began, “we were ambushed on the road by bandits. They spread pitch across the stones, threw oil, and fired arrows lit with flame. The carriage he was locked in was alight within seconds. The guards tried—”

“That is enough.” Cullen’s voice cut through, sharp and final. His tone left no room for further details, no space for the grisly reality the man was about to spill. He stood tense, his eyes not meeting Sparrow’s. His harshness wasn’t just for the noble, it was for her—an attempt to shield her from the images that would follow if she heard any more.

But it was too late.

The words “the carriage he was locked in” echoed in her mind, painting a picture of the fire, of Blackwall—Thom—trapped and helpless, dying in agony. She could almost see the smoke rising, the flames licking at his skin, hear the crackle of burning wood and the screams no one would ever admit to. The images flooded her without mercy, despite Cullen’s effort to stop them.

Her legs wavered, and she reached out, her hand barely catching the edge of the throne for balance. The air was too thick now, the voices in the hall too loud, too suffocating. The world, once bright and filled with the laughter of birds, was silent and cold. 

She fell apart. All pretence of dignity slipped from her white-knuckled fists like sand. The invisible crown of the Inquisitor tumbled from her head, her practised posture buckled. She collapsed to the cold stone floor, not a leader, not a herald, but a woman with a heart shattered beyond repair.

“Get them out!” Her voice cracked as she cried out, barely able to force the words through the choking sobs that rose from her chest. “All of them. Now.”

Cullen’s stiff nod was the only reply she received. His voice cut through the hall, issuing orders with the force of a commander who would not be questioned. The nobles, the advisors, the residents - every prying eye - scattered as if swept away by the storm of her devastation. 

She was an exposed nerve, raw and bleeding, her tears an unending stream. Her cries, desperate and guttural, filled the empty hall, echoing louder with each person who left.

She didn’t know how long she knelt there, her face buried in her arms, shaking uncontrollably. Time had lost all meaning. But then, without warning, a large, gentle hand unfurled her. It was Iron Bull - his presence massive and unyielding, but his touch impossibly gentle. She tried to fight, her body kicking and flailing as his arms lifted her from the floor, but it was futile. His strength was too steady, too absolute.

He carried her effortlessly up the winding stairs to her chamber, holding her as though she weighed nothing. His voice rumbled low, soothing but blunt. “Keep hitting, boss. It’ll help.”

So she did. She hit at his broad chest, her fists weak and trembling, but she struck anyway, again and again. She imagined it was Blackwall she was striking, the man who had torn her heart apart.

If he had been honest, if he had told her everything from the start, if he had trusted her the way she trusted him, he wouldn’t have died like this—engulfed in flames, alone, on his way to be judged by her.

Each hit carried the sting of her anger. Selfish fool. Treacherous. Manipulative. She pounded against Bull’s chest, though her strength was rapidly waning, her fury dissolving into fresh waves of grief. She hated Blackwall for the lies, for the betrayal, for leaving her with nothing but the memory of his touch. 

She hated that she was stripped of the chance to be angry with him, to tell him of her humiliation. She wanted him to know how he had hurt her. That she had fallen in love with him because he was steadfast and kind. How humiliated she was that she had called out the name of another man while they made love. 

But if she were honest, deep down, beneath all the fury and anguish, what she truly wanted was for him to fight for her. She wanted him to beg for her forgiveness, to tell her the truth in its entirety, to explain why he had kept so much from her. She wanted to be angry with him, to rage and cry and then, eventually, not be angry anymore. She wanted to forgive him, even if that made her weak.

Now that chance was gone and it felt as though she would be angry forever—trapped in this endless cycle of fury that had no outlet. The sharp, jagged words she wanted to hurl at him would never be spoken, would never cut him the way they cut her. Instead, they dug into her own skin, slicing deeper with nowhere to go, and she would bleed and bleed and bleed for the rest of her days.

And still, Bull carried her - bearing the weight of her anguish. He made no attempt to stop her, to console her. 

He just let her break, knowing it was the only thing left she could do.

She couldn't pinpoint the moment she slipped into sleep - whether it was exhaustion or the way Bull had laid her down so gently on the bed. Her eyes fluttered shut, and the weight of sleep pulled her under, heavy and irresistible.

In her dreams, everything felt warped, as if reality itself was bending around her grief. She wandered through the halls of Skyhold, her footsteps echoing unnaturally. The walls stretched impossibly high, and the colours of the tapestries bled into one another, too bright, too vivid. The faces of the people she passed blurred into nothingness, their voices a distant murmur of sound that she couldn’t quite make out.

Blackwall was laughing at her, that laugh she loved so much - the one that reminded her of the bending of the forest trees in Summer and the crackle of a fireplace in winter - sharpened itself against the stone walls of Skyhold and ricocheted around her. 

Shadows from barely-lit candles began to stretch and twist, forming grotesque shapes that danced in the periphery of her vision. She turned, only to find the spectres of dead men swinging at the hangman’s noose, their lifeless eyes staring blankly into the void. The empty, hollow sound of coins jangling mingled with the cloying, hot smell of spilled blood. 

“My lady” His voice spat at her, deep and gruff, “My love”

She wanted it to end. Please... make it stop. No more. Her nails bit into the flesh of her palm, the sharp pain dragging her back to consciousness. She woke, sweat-slicked and trembling, tears streaming down her face.

She wasn’t alone.

A man stood on her balcony, leaning against the window frame, barely a silhouette in the dim light. When he noticed her stirring, he straightened sharply, stepping into a sliver of moonlight.

It was him.

Or rather, a ghostly, altered version of him. His hair, once long, was now cropped close, his face clean-shaven. The familiar features she had known were marred by dark bruising around one eye, his skin paler than she remembered. But it was still him.

It had to be another nightmare. Another cruel trick of the Fade. If she couldn't have him—if Blackwall had truly been taken from her—then all she wanted was peace. Blessed, quiet peace. She dug her nails into her palms, harder, until the skin broke and blood welled in her hands. She gasped at the sharp pain. Still, she did not wake.

“My lady,” he spoke softly, his gaze lingering on her bleeding hands as he took a step toward her.

“Don’t,” she spat, wiping her tear-streaked cheeks with the back of her hand, the metallic scent of blood sharp in her nose. This place was more lucid than her other nightmares, more grounded in reality, but that only made the apparition in front of her more dangerous. He was too much like the man she had loved, too much like the man she’d lost.

“Sparrow,” he whispered, his voice filled with the old affection that once soothed her but now felt like a dagger twisted in her heart.

“Stop!” She inhaled sharply, her body trembling with the weight of her grief. “Leave. Now.”

This was no different from the other demons that had preyed on her in the Fade. Desire, most likely. Tempting her with the one thing she longed for most, only to use her weakness against her. They always found her here, in these fragile moments, vulnerable and desperate. She wouldn't fall for it. 

“Don’t you dare use his voice,” she hissed, her hands curling into fists at her sides, the fresh pain from her palms sizzling. “You think I’m that easy to break?”

The man flinched, brow furrowing in the way she had seen a hundred times before, a familiar wrinkle in his forehead that made her heart ache. The memory of it tore at her insides, a splinter burrowing deeper into a heart already shattered beyond repair. Could there really be any more room to break? She thought she'd felt every kind of pain there was.

“It’s me, my lady,” he said softly. “I’m here.”

“Please,” she begged, her voice cracking. “No more.”

Her body betrayed her then, a heaving, hollow retch overtaking her as she leaned over the edge of her bed. Nothing came up. She hadn’t eaten in days. The only thing left in her stomach was grief, and it was impossible to expel. But the tears—they still flowed, unrelenting. She thought they would run dry by now, but if her tears were a measure of her love for Blackwall, then she supposed they would never stop.

He moved toward her in an instant and knelt beside her, his fingers brushing her back in the same gentle circles that had once been a balm for her. The same touch that had comforted her when she was Sparrow and he was Blackwall.

She let herself believe the lie. She leaned into the sensation of his touch, as if it would be the last time she could ever feel him again. His hands were warm, real, and they smelled of the same worn leather and pine as he always had.

“I’m here” he murmured, his breath ghosting over her ear. “I promise you.”

She whimpered, torn between wanting to shove him away and pulling him closer. If this was the demon’s game, so be it. She would risk everything for just one more moment with him. One more breath, one more touch. Let the Fade take her.

“There was a plan,” he continued, his voice laced with weariness. “To get me out of Orlais, just as you instructed. The Inquisition made a deal with the Val Royeaux nobles—those who had every right to want me dead. They agreed to formally release me to the Inquisition, on the understanding that Cullen ‘let slip’ the route we would take back to Skyhold, the number of soldiers escorting me, everything. An envoy was sent alongside him to ensure the plan proceeded smoothly, that I would not make it back here alive.”

Her breath caught, her eyes wide as she struggled to comprehend his words.

“But there was a second part,” he continued, his gaze dropping to the floor. “Another prisoner, sentenced to die, took my place. Dressed in my clothes, a sack over his head. They promised him they would provide his family a bag of gold if he stayed silent and died in my name. They gave him poison—quick, painless. He was dead before the ambush started.” His voice was bitter, angry. “I was taken away in secret, through passageways I'm sure no-one knows exists. With Leliana. Blackwall is dead. Thom Rainier is dead. I’m all that’s left.”

She ripped herself from his touch, rising to her feet as fury welled up in her chest. “More lies!” she shouted, her voice hoarse. “Why didn’t they tell me? Why did they let me believe—do they even understand how much—”

“They needed you to believe it,” he said quietly, his head still bowed. “They needed the Orlesians to believe it. To see the noble, bloodsoaked commander, the shaken envoy…” he finally looked to her “And the broken-hearted Inquisitor”

“Well, they got what they wanted,” she snarled, pressing her hand to her chest as if to hold herself together.

“I would never have agreed to it,” he whispered, “I was ready to die. I deserved to die.”

He began to move away from her, retreating toward the door. 

“There’s to be a private hearing tomorrow,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “You’ll still get to decide my fate.”

She stared at him, disbelief turning her blood cold.

“I’ll accept whatever you decide,” he said, his eyes burning for her. “I’ve been given more than I deserve. More than I could ever hope for. To have known you, to have been loved by you... that was more than I could ever have dreamed of, as Rainier or as Blackwall.”

Her certainty that she was talking with a demon wavered, and her heart fluttered. She had to know, she had to be sure. 

“Tell me something,” she said, her voice quiet but steady.

“Anything,” he replied, without hesitation. His voice was resolute, as if whatever she asked, he was ready to face it. For her, he would.

Her gaze sharpened, seeking the truth she needed to hear. “When we were in the Fade... when we fought our nightmares—what did you see there?”

It was a question that had haunted her, one that she had never dared to ask until now. He had never spoken of it. She didn’t know his answer, and neither would a demon. 

Blackwall tensed, his face tightening with a pain he had long buried. His shoulders sagged beneath the weight of something too heavy to carry alone. Finally, he bowed his head, the unspoken torment that had lived inside him spilling out, his voice raw with sorrow.

“You fought against spiders,” he began, his words slow and deliberate, as if reliving the nightmare again. “Sera fought against nothing. And I...” His voice faltered, and she could see the anguish etching itself into his features. “I kept seeing them.” He closed his eyes for a moment, as if trying to shield himself from the images that had never truly left him. His hands clenched at his sides, but he did not stop.

“The Callier children. And the men, my men, who died for their murder,” he continued, his voice lower now, filled with the heaviness he had never allowed her to see until this moment. “Again and again, they came at me. And again and again, I cut them down.”

His words hung in the air like a bitter curse. He drew a ragged breath, his hands trembling, as if the ghosts still clung to him.

“That nightmare turned me into what I feared most,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “It almost broke me.”

Her heart ached as she finally saw him - not a trick, not a demon - but the man she loved. The man who had lived with the weight of his sins, trying, despite everything, to atone. A man who, no matter how fiercely he loved her, still believed he was unworthy of any in return.

It shattered her.

The flood of emotion broke through her control, and before she could stop herself, she threw her arms around him, sobs tearing from her throat as she buried her face against his chest. Her body trembled as grief, relief, and the overwhelming need to hold him crashed over her all at once.

He caught her, pulling her close, his arms wrapping around her as if he, too, was holding on for dear life. His hands shook as they gripped her, and she could feel the tremor in his chest as his breath hitched. Yet, still, he held her. Just as he always had. As if, in this one moment, all the guilt, all the nightmares, could fall away in the circle of her arms.

It was really him.

She stroked his cheek, her thumb brushing over the faint stubble growing back. Anger would come. Admonition, too. But what she felt now, swelling in her chest, was more important. Forgiveness. It was the first thread she would pull from the tangle of pain between them, the one that would begin to untie the knots. 

The weight of the past was still there, but now it felt lighter, shared between them. They had both suffered, both lost something, but here, in this moment, they found something else: a chance to rebuild. A chance to begin again.

And for that, for him, she was willing to fight.

[not-wholly-unheroic]

I remember seeing a bunch of these “what if Hook was the actual hero? The reason he hates Peter Pan? Here are theories that Hook was a Lost Boy?”, when I was younger and it didn’t really make sense.

Okay? Cool? I’m fine with villains having a sympathetic backstory, but not every villain is meant to be some sort of tragic hero.

I may not have read “Peter and Wendy”, but I’m very familiar with most Peter Pan media aside from the Disney originals and Hook doesn’t really need any special reason to hate Peter Pan other than the obvious “That scurvy brat cut off my hand!” I don’t know about everyone else, but I’d certainly hate someone enough to see them as a rival to kill on the spot for something like that.

But overall, Hook is a pirate. Have people conveniently forgotten that pirates would gore, maim, mutilate, and kill people for the fun of it during their whole pillage and ransacking of other ships? If it wasn’t Peter, then it totally would’ve been someone else.

Heck, Smee called Pan’s actions as a “childish prank” and Hook agreed “Aye, but throwing it to the crocodile! That wretched beast liked the taste of me so well, it’s been following me ever since, licking his chops for the rest of me!”

So, it’s not just the hand…although apparently Hook’s gotten used to it. Again, he’s a pirate captain, however and whenever the crew had gotten into Neverland, there’d bound to have been other pirates that they encountered before Peter Pan. It’s the fact that Tic Toc Croc never leaves Hook alone. Now Tic Toc clearly would eat anyone else, but Hook is the main snack of his attention.

It reminds me of that story about a tigress where she literally tracked and stalked a specific hunter.

So yeah, understandably, Hook has a right to be angry. He doesn’t really need any more motivation than that to hate Peter Pan.

I am curious in how and why, cuz I highly doubt Peter’s dagger would be able to chop off a hand in one blow. And I doubt Hook would’ve just been standing around to let someone, let alone a child, do that to him. “Peter Pan” (2003) does a good job in showing the mutilated stump of such an injury.

But I wonder what exactly led up to that point.

I agree with you on the “Hook was a Lost Boy and Peter is actually evil and Hook is trying to save them” trope. It’s been done so many times now and I’m just…very over it. Besides, while it is, I suppose, technically possible Hook could have been a Lost Boy AND an Etonian…it just…doesn’t seem likely to me that he would be both. And most of those retellings just end up leaving Eton out entirely…which…bothers me because it’s a big part of his character. Even if he wasn’t there for long, it clearly left its mark on him with his obsession with “good form.” Also…I like Hook in part BECAUSE he is a villain. I find him fascinating because he is a sympathetic villain with a great deal of potential for redemption. I don’t WANT him to be the hero from the get-go. That fundamentally changes his character and means we don’t get to see the complexities of his emotions and trauma play out as he struggles to BECOME a hero in his own right. Making him the hero from the start just skips over all that and totally ignores canon for both him and Peter. Peter may be a selfish, cocky kid who can be cruel at times…but he’s not some demon child and people need to stop pretending that he is. Like Hook, Peter is a fun character specifically because he is complicated. Don’t turn him into some straight-up villain who is flat and boring and totally unlikable. Barrie pretty clearly meant for us to like both Peter and Hook and have mixed feelings about them. It’s who they are and it’s why his story has stood the test of time—because well-written characters aren’t one-dimensional.

Also…making Hook the hero and Peter the villain completely misses the point… Frankly, the whole issue Peter and Hook have with each other is (ironically) that they BOTH need to do some growing up. In Peter’s case, it’s pretty obvious. He has physically and emotionally stopped aging. Hook may be a grown man, but (and I say this as someone who loves Hook) he is emotionally very immature. He loses his temper easily, holds a grudge against a kid rather than taking responsibility for his part in things as the adult, and generally just doesn’t behave the way a grown-up should. Peter is stunted in his growth, holding on too tightly to his childhood, and Hook grew up too quickly and never really matured as a result. Wendy sees this pretty clearly and finds the balance between maintaining childlike wonder and growing into a respectable, responsible adult. If you make Peter into an often literal inhuman monster and Hook into the perfect hero, then Peter becomes totally incapable of ever choosing to grow up (even just emotionally, if not physically) and Hook doesn’t need to grow anymore because he’s already reached the end goal.

As for how/why things started between them…personally, I think Hook started it. As you said, he IS a pirate, after all. My guess is that he wanted something from the Lost Boys and/or Tink…information about a treasure, perhaps, or even just information about how to get off the island, as in some versions it seems he is trapped there…and Peter saw Hook threatening them and wasn’t having it. The only way I can figure that Peter managed to actually cut the hand off entirely is if Hook had fallen flat on some hard surface (rock?) that had very little to no give and Peter just…dropped like a stone from a great height, letting gravity really do its work and putting all his weight into it. And the only situation where I can see this happening is if Hook had a weapon in his hand that perhaps Peter was trying to knock back. I honestly don’t think it was intentional to cut the hand off. I suspect, knowing Peter’s tendency to make up stories about himself to make him sound more courageous and tough than he actually is, taking the hand clean off was an accident and when he went to pick up the discarded weapon, it was really only then he realized the hand was still attached. He flung it away in disgust and the crocodile just happened to be nearby. When Peter tells the story, though, he changes things up a bit. And Hook is too out of it from the blood loss and pain to really remember all the details so he believes Peter’s version of events that it was an intentional “prank” to cut off the hand and throw it to the crocodile.

[cherry-pop-elf]

Kraven In Marvel Rivals

I just. Imagine it. And squirrel girl and them interacting 😭 Ok so imma do my best to like. Give a game play concept. So like yeah. There is so much detail here. I hope yall appreciate. And uh if yall wanna like more let me know pls

Ignore the lack of details on the gun. Guns are hard 😔

His Play Style

Hunters Eye

A passive Skill that allows him to increase crit chances against animal themed enemies (SQUIRREL girl, SPIDER man, Rocket RACOON, etc)

Hit List

Able to fire a bullet that allows you to track a target for a temporary time frame. Lasts longer on animal themed hero’s by a few seconds

Blood Lust

A Passive where he will develop a temporary movement speed after getting a KO

Fish In A Barrel

Able to throw a net to temporarily stun the enemy. Can be used on people who can fly and make them crash to the ground, causing small amount of damage from the impact. Same applies to if Spider-Man is on a wall

Cat Scratch

Similar to Squirrel Girl’s tail bounce he can leap himself to a wall and perch against it to take a sniper position aim. Consider it a merge of Tail Bounce and Spider-Man’s wall crawl. A hand will sink his claws into it, and he will use his other arm to aim his sniper rifle

Dodge The Dagger

His melee is that of a dagger, and his claws.

Feral Frenzy

“YOU ARE MINE” Ultimate where he becomes a Tank similar to The Hulk. Able to charge towards the enemy and swipe at them. Holds a temporary higher resistance to projectiles in the frenzy. Works well for a last hurrah/barrier breaker for Domination

Team Up Ability

The Pride

When Spider-Man and Squirrel Girl are on the same team with him he has a chance of resurrection if either two kill an enemy team member. Much like Hela’s team up

For Spider-Man and Squirrel Girl they’ll be given a increase health bar and critical chance increase

Some Interactions

“Well hello there, little one. Are you Belka’s friend?”

“MRR-!”

“You seem like someone she would befriend.”

Kraven to Jeff

“Sergei, it has been a while since I’ve seen you!”

“Same to you, Ororo. Last we’ve spoken was at your wedding. Sorry for um….crashing it.”

“In your defense, it was rather literal. T’challa and I needed an excuse to get to the honeymoon already anyhow.”

Storm and Kraven speaking

“GAR-BEAR!”

“BELKA!”

“I missed you! Oh my god we need to catch up like as of yesterday! Where you been?!”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“I don’t know~! Look where we are talking now!”

“….You got me there…Dory~”

Squirrel girl and Kraven

“Proshchay, vdova.”

Kraven killing Black Widow

“You were certainly easier to kill than your male counter part-“

Kraven killing Penni Parker

“Not one for shark fin soup, but I’ll make an exception.”

Kraven killing Jeff

“SORRY-! NO HARD FEELINGS?!”

Squirrel Girl killing Kraven

“Eh-! You got eight more lives!” And will count down each more until reaching past the 9th mark. Where he will say. “HOW MANY LIVES DO YOU HAVE?!”

Spider-Man Killing Kraven

[natimiles]

Everything Falls 2 (Rafayel x OC)

Words: 964

Tags: angst; hurt/no comfort; light descriptions of violence and injuries; death; depression.

Notes: I was upset and frustrated that Rafayel didn’t come home when I hit the pity the first time for this floral banner, and then he was making me work super hard to get him. So, I wrote an angst drabble each time I pulled and didn’t get him, to make him suffer as he was making me. I was gonna write more, but ended up writing only 3. They’re not related to each other, I was just very creative and used the same name and turned this into a mini series to haunt my friends on discord. I was frustrated and made this everyone’s problem shaeheuoaea

I wrote this with my self insert OC Mina. I don’t have a profile for her (yet), then know that she’s not MC. She has the bond and different lives with Rafayel (and only him), but she’s not a Hunter, she’s a psychologist.

Rafayel was walking through the city center when it happened. A loud crash, followed by screams — something the people of Linkon were all too familiar with: Wanderers. The noise came from the direction he was already heading to meet Mina, and he quickened his pace to reach his beloved faster. The people who had been there moments before were now running for their lives, while the young man ran against the crowd.

The scene before him as he approached the building where his girlfriend’s psychology clinic was located sent him into even deeper panic. Her familiar face was the first thing he saw, and he blocked out everything else as he headed straight for her. Dodging a few Hunters who were already there to contain the situation and evacuate the area, Rafayel materialized his dagger, his eyes locked on the woman.

Mina seemed to sense that he was nearby, her golden eyes turning in his direction, a relieved smile spreading across her face. The bond lit up in his chest, the sensation almost burning from within, and he forced a smile, trying to reassure her.

But everything fell apart in the blink of an eye.

One of the Wanderers fired near Mina, destroying everything in its path, sending dust and debris flying in all directions. The Hunters nearby rushed to eliminate it before anything worse could happen. Rafayel’s steps faltered when he realized his beloved was no longer where she had been. Panic set in as his eyes scanned the surroundings, and a scream of her name formed, only to die in his throat when he found her — lying on the ground, thrown several meters to the side, severely injured.

If someone asked him what exactly had happened, he wouldn’t be able to answer. One moment, he was still some distance away, and the next, he was kneeling beside Mina, with the Wanderer who had attacked her now disintegrated. Around him, the chaos slowly began to shift — from fighting off the Wanderers to tending to the wounded — but Rafayel paid no attention to any of it. His entire focus was on the woman in front of him and her worryingly weak and uneven breathing. He didn’t know what to do, didn’t want to make things worse, but the sensation of the bond weakening with each passing second drove him deeper into a state of panic.

Mina tried to call out to him, to turn and look at him, but everything felt off, and all she could manage was a pained whimper.

“No, cutie, don't force yourself! Don't… don't waste energy.” His voice was low and choked, desperation clear. He thought about holding her close, wrapping her in his arms, but he knew that could only make things worse. “I’ll get you help, you’ll be fine and…”

Rafayel looked around desperately, searching for help, but there was nothing more to be done. The bond was fading, losing its connection to her. Fear overtook him, and he placed his hand on his chest, right over the mark, as if that could somehow keep her there. His dual-colored eyes widened as he looked down and realized her chest no longer rose and fell with her breath.

“No! Cutie… no, no, no… Mina!” He panicked, as the sensation of her presence completely faded, and the mark on his chest vanished.

Rafayel touched his beloved’s arm one last time, but was soon pulled away by the paramedics so they could assess the situation. He tried to stay close to her; she needed him there... And when one of them closed Mina’s eyes with the tips of his fingers, his world completely collapsed.

Whoever had been holding him a few steps away let him go, and Rafayel didn’t know where he found the strength to take those steps toward his beloved. His whole body felt numb, as if it refused to process what had just happened. Those who knew the artist for his aloof posture toward the world wouldn’t have recognized him now. He threw himself to the ground on his knees beside her and pulled her into his lap. Tears flowed freely down his face as his trembling hands held Mina gently for the last time, in yet another premature farewell he couldn’t stop.

In the following weeks, his life and the studio were consumed by chaos. Not that it had been organized before, but now Rafayel felt no desire to do anything at all. Blank, unfinished canvases were scattered everywhere, some broken and scorched; brushes, clothes, and dishes added to the mess that grew each day. And in the middle of it all, the artist lay sprawled on the couch, refusing to move unless absolutely necessary. If it had been hard for Thomas to reach him before, now it was impossible, because Rafayel made sure to ignore everything and everyone.

Mina was no longer there to hug, kiss, or touch. She was no longer there to inspire him daily and make his life better. The bed was cold without her. The days grew worse without hearing her voice. The studio was empty and abandoned without her laughter. Her scent was fading more and more from the clothes in the closet.

She was his world, his home outside the ocean. His light, his life, his vibrant pink that he had finally found again. She was the one he had dreamed of spending the rest of his life with, but the weekend he had planned never came, and he was never able to make the proposal official.

And with these thoughts and memories haunting him, he spent every day locked inside his studio, knowing that the only way he could see his beloved was through the photos they had taken together, since she would never be by his side again.

Taglist: @william-rex @candiedcoffeedrops @valkyyriia @drachonia @m00nchildwrites @keithtopia @aquagirl1978 @dollielament @fang-and-feather @specters0rd @sh0jun @yamarireads @just-a-dodo

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[cursedcupcakemaster]

I don't own Delicious in dungeon or its characters they belong to Ryoko Kui

Warnings:Implied deaths, blood mentions, , innards mentioned

Notes:Reader Is fem coded but I don't mind others imagining them as neutral or anything else, Lycion is kind of a werewolf here because why not

Type:Poison deluxe fruit tart

Run little Red Run

We all know how this story goes, and pretty girl in a bright red cloak off into the woods where all sorts of critters wander both harmless and more than a little dangerous. Well that pretty girl in the bright red was you in the cloak your dear old Grammy made for you by hand on your 8th birthday and you were grown now with your mother sending you off to visit dear Grammy with a basket of treats from bread to the bottle of wine nestled in the basket beside a dagger she had insisted you take

Stay on the path your mother said for she knew what lurked in those trees was far more dangerous than a simple wolf or two. She knew because she had seen people from your village go missing once or twice.

Oh if only you had listened. How lovely and naive your mind was.

As the dirt crunched beneath your feet and birds sang in the trees you smiled to yourself enjoying the walk when you heard a branch snap not far from you as the birds stopped singing and flew away. Once you looked you saw a tall handsome elf with odd markings

"Well what do we have here? Not many come into these woods let alone pretty village girls"

There was something odd about the elf but you couldn't entirely put your finger on it

"I I'm just visiting someone that's all" you managed to tell him

"Ah but through the woods? A lot of beasts could snatch up a cute little thing like you, surely you've heard those stories right?" He inquired with a smile on his lips

"Well yes but that's what they are arent they? Stories " you said calmly

This make the tall male snicker

"Yes just stories" he mused

"Well i uh I have to go, it was nice to meet you" you said before running off

"Nice to meet you too little red" he whispered as you left

After bringing your grandmother the goodies for the week you made the journey back

Every week when you would visit your grandmother you'd find Lycion there waiting with a smile

You two would talk and sometimes you'd notice something odd about him. Like how his teeth seemed much sharper than the average elf's, his eyes seemed to trail after your every step like when a rabbit is stalked by a much larger animal

Youd wave off the odd feeling boiling in your gut each time

Unfortunately some rather frightening things started to happen

More people had been going missing particularly those who were male merchants and hunters around your age

Not much was found of them except a few bones and their faces marred for those who's full bodies had been recovered

Live stock also seemed much more frightned especially around the setting sun

The strange thing was not many went missing apart from sheep

The really disturbing part came when you found one of them out on your porch and it's insides torn out covering the stone in blood

This was clearly a sign to the elders in the village that you were being targeted by the beast that stalked the place so it was decided you should leave

There was only one place your mother could think to send you, your grandmother's house. It was far enough from the village and you'd be safe without fear of the monster stalking the village

Gathering up your red cloak and the basket you used so many times your mother gave you some wine bread and other essentials along with a letter to your grandmother to explain the situation. Before you left your mother gave you a dagger telling you to use it should you encounter anyone who seemed untrustworthy and run.

As your form disappeared into the forest your mother couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was going to happen. She wanted to stop you but a small voice in her mind told her to have hope, hope that you might reach the house before whatever was hunting you could have the chance to devour you.

This time the forest which was normally like a second home to you seemed far more long,winding , and unfriendly. Each branch snapping somehow had you on edge. Every flap of a birds wing could be the monster that was hunting around your village. Shaking it off you kept to the path

The strangest part of your walk was there was no sign of Lycion. He'd normally be out and about to talk with you but there was neither hide nor hair to speak of in regards to the tall elf. You really could have used some words of comfort or a joke from him by now but you continued on with your trek until you saw the glow of the lanterns outside of your grandmother's home

You knocked hearing a voice that wasn't quite hers telling you to enter upon instinct drawing out your dagger and going through the door

The house seemed quieter than usual with the fire in the fireplace still going. Looking around every corner you searched for your grandmother only to find someone you didn't expect

Lycion

He smiled upon seeing you and you were in no jovial mood by any means so you demanded answers

"I simply wanted to help your granny, with that awful monster stalking about i figured she could use some company, it comes out the most during the full moon" he explained

This was enough to calm you down for now so you set the dagger away but something was still off.

As the sun went down and awful smell began to fill the house. Lycion seemed unbothered but when you went to check hw insisted it must have simply been some rotten food he'd get rid of later

Your grandmother should have been up by now you knew that as fact. This time Lycion didn't stop you he seemed distracted by something outside

Turning to you be finally spoke

"When you come back i have something important to tell you red" he said with an odd look in his eyes

The way he said it made hairs on the back of your neck stand on end but you still went to your grandmother's room and the stink from before grew stronger. Opening the door you saw what was left of your grandmother tears welled in your eyes as you went back to get to Lycion. You told him everything and he merely responded with

"I know. And it's time you knew little red"

You asked him what he meant before the full moon made itself known and you heard a disgusting sound of bones breaking and rearranging as his form began to change resembling something you'd only heard of in legend

Grabbing your dagger you ran as his form finished its change

Grinning to himself Lycion muttered

"Run little red~ i love to chase. " before he took off after you

You felt so stupid how could you have believed this monster was your friend, all the signs were there, and now you were going to die.

Running fast as your legs could carry you, you heard a howl in the distance letting you know he was likely playing with you. A sick little game that had gone on for so long

You tripped over a branch sending you tumbling through the woods and down below into a patch of earth knocking the wind out of you.

You tried to get up only to scream in pain realizing your leg was broken getting up and trying to ignore the pain you were grabbed by a clawed hand

You closed your eyes expecting to have your face clawed off only to feel an almost gentle caress at your back

"Oh little red this was such a fun little game but I'm not going to eat my mate, I waited for too long to do that" Lycions voice came out and the sound almost made you wish all this was a bad dream that he wasn't the one who murdered so many people

It was no secret girls went missing in these woods you just happened to be one of the few who knew the reasons why but would never get to tell another soul

[agirlandherquill]

Knock, knock! I'm here to ask you about your lovely work! Don't mind if I just...

Ruin's Reprisal

A Deal of Daggers

Between The Lies

Fables of Fate

The Light of Darkness

Thank you, have a lovely day!!!

thank you so much for asking!

now, where to start? well with the top of the list I suppose as logic dictates, and it's also the work that's the most completed (and by that I mean im editing the second draft, everything else is only draft 1, if that)

Ruin's Reprisal in simple terms is a homage to all the fantasy books I grew up reading, and the one's I've read whilst drafting - it's in essence one big heist, lots of questionable morals (on the second protagonist's part more than most, aka Fenley), and a journey from losing everything to finding a purpose again, and the truth, or at least that's the case for Edeva, the main protagonist of the story, now what else is there to say? hm, there's fights, there's violence, there's betrayals and broken hearts, and magic - my interpretation of it, at least, and it's also a story of rebellion against the upper classes and the monarchy - it's the first story I ever wanted to write, and now about four years on it's almost complete, it's undergone a couple complete rewrites but I'm so happy with where it is now

A Deal of Daggers - this was the first time I ever tried nanowrimo, about a year ago, and I wondered if writing 50k words of something was possible (turned out it was, I'd hit the 80k mark by the end of it) and I fell in love with the characters and decided to keep on working through Christmas, then I sort of got side-tracked with Ruin's Reprisal, so that draft is about halfway complete, but knowing me by the time I get around to revisiting it (hopefully around autumn time) I'll fall in love all over again - but to tell you about the story itself, rather than a fantasy story I wanted something a little different, something more perilous, something darker - so, I ended up with an ex-assassin hiding her secret life from the man she is forced to partner with on a royal quest of sorts - an assassination ordered by the King, to remove the Queen, and that story's the amalgamation of secrets, forbidden desires, and the dangers of a society overrun by the underworld of crime

Between The Lies - well, I really wanted to step out of my comfort zone in this one, and tell a story in many different ways - through the eyes of a camera, transcripts, and most importantly, a journal - the journal of a doctor whose job it is to understand why a man killed the Chancellor of the country, and with a strict regime bearing down upon her it becomes a struggle to hide a secret of her own - she is not who she says she is, and the patient, the man under her care, has her figured out all too well - so to sum it all up, their lives are in each other's hands, and there's only a few days until the explosive trial which decides how their stories end

Fables of Fate - this one's much simpler than the rest, I wanted to test myself and see if I could write a novella, and I ended up writing three, which were prequels to two of the main characters of Ruin's Reprisal, and the background story of another character that readers will get to meet in it's sequel novel

The Light of Darkness - it's a ghost story, after watching Lockwood and Co, and being incredibly inspired by both that and Sherlock Holmes, I wanted to create a story that combined the supernatural with mystery - and that started with Emmeline, the main character, and the ghost hunter, who stumbles across Barnaby, a deserter from the military, in the middle of a hunt for a being that holds a clue to the mystery that her life depends upon - if she does not solve it, she will die. The two band together, after she rescues Barnaby, and he does his best to aid her and protect her from threats far more real than she is used to - society

and that's it, some stories are more developed than most but one day I hope to get them all fully fledged into novels!

[drudragonrose]

A Place for the Unwanted

Dadstarion is a fun conscept for me but because it's me and I can't be normal here's a darker fic.

Warnings: Blood drinking, violence, death, CA mentions

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Humans would be humans Iris supposed. Ever since she and Astarion decided to spend the rest of their unlives taking care of the vampire spawn in the Underdark, they worked on making their own little patch of dirt and broken stone a home for all of those that would otherwise be rejected by those that they did not understand. Yes Iris got looks for being a dhampir but they grew used to her when they realized that her condition was as unvollentery as theirs. Even though they had retreated to the dark and silence there were still those that did not understand. Human hunters came from all over to try and take on the settlement. When they got here they were met with fang, claw, and steel, some trained by the hexblade herself in the art of swordmenship. Fresh blood, human blood was in short supply when they were limited to those that would harm the settlement first so they savored it when they could get it.

The new palace was built and the walls fortified, a monument to their will to live. On one of their patrols outside the perimeter of the palace walls Iris and Astarion spotted a group of travelers with children among them. “This is new.” He said softly as he got low to the ground. About fifty years or so walking these grounds had taught them both every stone beneath their feet. They got closer silent as owl wings, close enough to hear what was being said among them. “Please let us go, we’re so hungry.” Said one little voice. “Shut up you monster!” Then came the sound of a hit. It took everything in Iris not to his on the spot. A glance at Astarion and Iris rose. She made herself known to the group with the rogue remaining hidden, just in case. “Greeting travelers. You’re a long way from the marked paths and it’s easy to get lost down here.” The tiefling dhampir said smoothly.

“We’re looking for a place that’s been called the Ruby Palace by monster hunters all around. It’s said that it’s a resting place for vampires. We want to give them back these little hell spawn.” Said a man in their number. Looking at their clothes she knew they were Gur. “I heard rumors that there was a tribe of Gur that were looking after some eternal children.” She said tilting her head. She looked at the kids, then at the adults. It was all she could do not to slaughter them all here and now. Each one had the glow in them that said they had been starved for some time, their clothes were in tatters. Around their mouths were muzzles crafted to fit around their small heads. “That was when their parents were still alive. It was decided that now that their family bonds are gone we can no longer house such evil among us.” The man said with his jaw set. Iris heard a whimper from one of the five. “We’ll be happy to take them,” Astarion said from behind her.

Iris hid her surprise. The children were Gur after all and she knew her hatred towards them. One of the escort party attacked but not before they got a dagger to the eye. “That was admittedly a very stupid idea.” He said, his voice low and dangerous. To everyone else, Astarion seemed calm but Iris knew that this was more of an eye of the storm type of deal. Iris went over to one of the girls in group and removed her muzzle. “Don’t do that.” The man who had chosen to lead cried. Iris pinned him with a look as she let the offending object drop to the ground. “Or what? You’ll kill us? Your friend tried and look where it got them.”  She said pointing at the woman on the ground slowly bleeding out. One by one she let the children out of their bonds. Some cracked their necks, the others rubbed their jaws as if they had been in those horrid things for a while. “Don’t worry little ones, you’re safe with us now.” she whispered.

“You’re hungry are you not my dears?” Astarion asked as he too got closer to the children. “We have a rule here, no one hurts our family. You all are family now and these people hurt you and tried to hurt us.” it didn’t take long for the children to understand what he was saying. The girl was first, jumping up and latching onto one of their captor’s necks. Taken by surprise the four remaining escorts were slow to react. It gave time for Iris and Astarion to incapacitate them and leave them for the five hungry kids to drain. “Do you feel their pulses slow? Never take that last drop. To take their lives is to take their death onto yourself.” Iris said as one of them released the now near-dead Gur. Astarion whipped the blood from the girl’s lips and examined her. “What a mess. There’s nothing for it though. You will get neater with time.” He said with a small smile. “Why are you helping us?” She asked. Astarion winced. “It’s my fault you’re all like this in the first place. I have been where you are now. Scared, betrayed, alone. I’ll make things right.” He said. He got up and Iris took his hand. “We will make it right.” She said as she closed her hand in his.

They rounded up the spawn children and led them into the palace. One of them, named Louisa, looked back at the corpses. “What will happen to them?” She asked. “The creatures outside our walls will get to them. No predator will turn down an easy meal and we provide for them enough that they leave us alone. In fact, I believe here come some of the local hook horrors to finish the job.” She said as she saw dreadful things coming up the hill. They hurried them inside and left the animals to their meal. “Let’s see what I can scare up for them to wear while I make them new clothes.” Astarion said clapping his hands together. Iris smiled to herself. 

They had had a conversation about this not too long ago. They had agreed that if circumstances were different, they would have a whole gaggle of kids. Astarion had never really seen himself as a father but with her, with his Iris he could see it. A house full of little horned children, pale like him or blackish purple like her, running around and causing havoc. While Dhmpier were possible for Astarion, Iris’ origin made it so she couldn’t host life in her body. It was nice to dream though. Iris pulled herself out of her reflections when Astaron came back with an armful of clothes. “Me first.” Lousia said as she ran to him and started going through the pile. “Alright don’t grab. Everyone will get a turn.” He said more patiently than she would have expected from him. Still watching him like this made Iris feel warm inside. “While she’s choosing what she’s going to change into how about the rest of you tell me your names and we can play some games.” She said, smiling at them.

“The others are going to have a field day with this.” Astarion commented as he started to pin up the pretty blouse that Louisa had chosen to fit her. “Oh they will get used to it. They got used to being down here after all.” Iris responded with a fond look. “Others?” Asked Cor, a boy in the group. “Yes, there are seven thousand of us down here, more or less. We’ve made a home. A home for the forgotten. We’ll look after you.” She said and gave the boy a hug. He sank into it and started to cry softly. She patted the back of his head until he stopped. “I’ll take him next. Get to know the others.” Astarion said offering the boy a hand. Their family was large and weird but Iris wouldn’t have it any other way.

[have-some-heals]

Hunter: Sybll & Ghost: Veles

The green aura radiated over the team. Each felt the light and dark they had learned to cherish drain from them pulled into the crystal at their backs. Green walls suddenly materialized trapping the fireteam into n the room as outside the fallen ruble began to reconstruct itself. In a burst of nefarious hive energy the son of Oryx materialized sword held high. His eyes scanned over the six guardians before he brought his sword down dispelling the walls.

Sybll rolled into the hall the two teammates and herself suddenly bursting with solar radiance. “Grab the chalice I’ll take care of these corpses” she called over the comms as a grenade tossed from her hand leaving a burning sun where it landed roasting the hive in the area. “Veles, I need a summary of plans” she called tossing a dagger into the head of a witch just outside the door.

In the distance a pair of hive launched arc bombs at her as behind her Crota shot arc bombs from his outstretched hands. Each missed as the hunter rolled and sidestepped along the bridge.

“It appear we will need to bait out a sword bearer, my readings indicate we can use the blade to penetrate the shield allowing the team to inflict damage.” The ghost reported back on the open comm line.

The hive knights launched another rally at Sybll. The first shot was avoided with a jump and then the next with a second jump. “Oh fuc-“ the hunter said as she looked over her shoulder just in time to see her mistake as a rally of arc explosions collide with her back sending her flying into the tower with the boomers.

The pair closed in on her aiming their grenade launchers at her. Both began to glow in warning of a barrage about to begin. “Reports indicate if you don’t take action you will not survive” Veles chimed to the hunter.

With a scream Sybll mustered her light and shot out a barrage of fiery blades roasting the knights out of this plane of existence. She remained kneeled on the ground for a moment trembling from the exertion. “I can do this” she groaned through gritted teeth pulling herself up. “I just need to be faster” she told her self using the wall to support her body.

“A blade has just arrived it seems like killing the knights worked like before.” One of her team called as she took another step. Her foot left a burning mark. The next step it was lesser but still burning.

“Faster” she whispered as she pushed herself to the edge of the tower. As she reached the edge and moved to jump back into the fray the sound of doors opening rang out behind her. She turned as two more knights emerged and let loose a flurry of arc. The explosions sent her flying back to land on the bridge under her and knocked the air from her lungs.

“You are in a critical state” Veles said sounding panicked. The hunter laid there looking up at the knights they now aimed down at her.

“Faster” she whispered reaching up at the knights and making a fist. “Faster” she said again as she leaned up. “Faster!” She screamed as the knights launched another attack.

The arc bombs lanes where Sybll had been laying only Sybll was suddenly in the air above the lights. “Faster, Faster, Faster” she chanted as the solar radiance faded from her and was replaced with arcs of lighting. “I’m not going to let the like of you beat me” she screeched as she descended on the pair of knights and lashed out with her fists. The blow caused one of the knights to stumble back suddenly and begin to tremble as arc energy exploded from its body killing it and its comrade.

“It worked his shielding is down” a teammate announced.

Sybll turned and thrust her hand in the direction of Crota her arc staff materializing in air moments before lodging into the hives chest. “Burn” she whispered as she lunged forward pulling out her sword. The arc staff sparked and burned away pieces of the Hive as small bolts chained from it to the enemy. “Burn in hell” she screamed as she lunged down atop the hive bring her sword squarely down on his crown shaped head. The added charge sent a bolt of lightning down upon the pair.

In the burst of energy Sybll held her sword in one hand and a secound arc staff appeared in her hand. She lunged it into the ground above the arena a storm was suddenly raging as lighting began to continually strike the second staff before chaining into the second directly into the hive who had dared call himself a god.

[zeehva]

His large, smooth hands glided across her warm skin with ease. Following every curvature and caressing her closely. Her flesh was dappled with small imperfections, beauty marks here, scars there. It was well traveled as she liked to call it. Though as his fingers trailed across each scar, one in particular caught his attention. “How’d you get this scar?” He asked as his thumb traced it once more. 

Zeehva looked over her shoulder, trying to get a glimpse of the jagged scar on her back thigh. Breathing out a soft laugh as she relaxed down onto her arms, lazing about like a cat while he rubbed at her muscles. “Father and I.. We were retrieving our goods from a pretty big bust. Real valuable stuff ya’ know. Couldn’t believe we found it honestly. But of course, we weren’t the only ones sniffing for that treasure.. Some other relic hunters came along as we were heading back to the caravan. We usually try to be honorable, if someone finds the goods first, we’d usually just back off and go to our next lead. Of course, not these folks. They intended to steal the treasure. But they didn’t stand a chance against Mistah Belrose..” She laughed, her voice emphasizing her fathers nickname in a deep baritone. 

“That was until they got their hands on me.” Her lips pursed, turning into a slight frown as she recalled the memory. “He let them take it all once they stabbed me. I wasn’t strong enough to break free or anything. He put his dagger in my thigh and dragged it down until my father promised to let them have the goods. I couldn’t help but scream. It felt like he had lit my leg on fire. I’m used to being hurt from falling and what not but that was.. that was something else.” She ran a hand through her dark raven locks, ruffling her hair some. “I never did forgive him for giving in to their demands, even if my life was at risk. After that was when I started learning combat though. I wasn’t going to let others use me against my father. He didn’t have a choice to take me on the road with him, and I was a weakness. We knew that, but it was that moment in particular that truly opened my eyes to just how big a weakness I was. We’d never survive if all anyone had to do is make me their punching bag in order to get what they want from us..” 

She rolled over, head propped up on her hand as she looked at Ikhaara. “And I’ve never been a punching bag since..” She smiled warmly, though her gaze squinted as she thought briefly to herself, “Well.. For the most part anyway. The spear only scares off so many..” 

| This was inspired by a prompt from a writing discord community I’m in. So enjoy the little drabble and thank you to @ratdorei for running the discord and inspiring people to write again! @ikhaara for mentions. |

[phenomenalgirl9]

Elder Vampire! Seokjin x Newborn Vampire! Reader: Blood is Red

<;- Previous / Next ->

Part iv

A/n: Sorry if I kept anybody waiting =)

(In this AU just the bute doesn't change you, it kills you untill you are provided the blood of an pure blood vampire within a certain time to get turned... my au my rules 😛) There are gonna be mentions of blood and almost death so read with caution.

Summary: Namu clan has always been very strict and secretive as to whom they let into their clan. And go strictly by the rules of the Vampire Community as to never put a threat to their identity. What happens when Jimin finds a girl on the verge of death in an abandoned street.

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Each day the training got harder and harder as it was found out that the Argon Clan were making moves, according to the intel from the Wolfs the clan has even recruited new members and a series of murders have been going on. So it's only a matter of time before they come for the Namu clan, the Bangtan House being one if the most important of all places. But, you are a greater target and Jieun will surely target you more, hence, Yoongi baught a few wolf ops with him to teach a few of you the use of guns.

Hoseok explained you how even being a supernatural you can use silver bullets safely without hurting yourself. And you found yourself to be a natural at shooting.

"No doubt, you always were good at it. An expert hunter, turned in a vampire" Hoseok said "You are an invincible super human, always remember that" he said holding your shoulders, you guys were still trying to get used to the smell but you could never distance from Hoseok for that.

Apart from you Jungkook and Jihyo were good at it. Jimin was more comfortable with his bow and arrow that were actually awesome. Meanwhile Taehyung was good at bombs and Mark, one of the wolves' bombing experts showed him how to handle them, along with his sword. As for you, you marvelled at all but bombs, so you decided to stay within combat instead of explosives.

One evening you were sitting on the roof munching down an apple when, Jin came in and said "Hey beautiful"

"Hi Jin" you said with a smile.

"come with me I have something to show you" he said and put out his had "lets stroll there together"

"You came all the way here? Couldn't you call?" You said chuckling.

"I do not use those devices and the boys were busy so I had to come and get you" he said. You grabbed his arm and went. You again had this warm feeling inside you the moment you and Jin touched. You smiled to yourself at the fluttering feeling at your cold heart. Jin was leading you to one of the practice rooms. You saw a tall thing covered with a white cloth.

"Jin, what's that?" You asked.

"Uncover it and reveal it to yourself" he said, as you eagerly went on to find:

(imagine this to be on a mannequin)

You just stood there staring in awe at the gear, it seemed custom made as per you taste and you were sure Jin took Hoseok's help in this. You went on to take a closer look saw that the dagger hilt had your Name initials on it. You had always awed at Jihyo's gear, but you now loved the one you have. The blacks with purple tints suited you perfectly.

"Jin!" You said and ran to hug him and he caught you. "Thank you so much! This looks so great and perfect oh my god" you mumbled in joy.

"Thanks to Hoseok and Jimin, I knew exactly how to get these designed" he said

"Aye and this" Jin said, as he brought out something from his pocket.

"I personally chose these" he said.

"But if you dont like any piece we can get it changed" he said looking at you.

"I love each and every piece" you said adoring your new gear

"so why dont you get dressed in it?" He said.

You nodded and grabbed the main trouser and top to the room attached to change. You changed into it, only to realise that the top had a zipper and a belt in the back that you couldn't reach.

"Um.... Jin?" You called out.

"Yes?" He said from outside

"Can you come here and Zip this up?" You said.

"Should I get Jihyo? Wait I'll get Her-"

"No" you said "You come in" you said in. a firm voice, you blinked and found Jin standing behind you. You could swear you heard him suck in a breath. He touched your shoulders lightly as if you were made of porcelain. He held the zipper and as he pulled it, his touch felt like it burnt your skin. You could see his eyes raking up and down your body through your mirror, as he tightened the belt. He lingered a bit before he cleared his throat and left. Not before you noticed how red his cheeks and ears were.

"Yn?" You heard Namjoon's voice from outside. You shrugged on your jacket and stepped out of the room.

"Yes Joon?" You said.

"Wow" he said "You look really scary, I mean the good kind of scary" he said.

You chucked and thanked him and he proposed that you both go for a walk.

"Jimin told me you have some wierd feelings going on?" He said fixing his specs.

"That Rat!" You muttered before answering "Yeah um... Its embarrassing" you said.

"I know. You must think you like him" Namjoon said.

"Yeah I actually do" you confessed genuinely.

"But Yn I must tell you, you dont" he said. And you were shocked, since when did he knew more about of Your feeling than You?!

"Excuse me?" You said, irritation laced in your voice.

"Yn, don't get angry but it's just the blood pull, being around Jin all the time, makes you feel like you like him" he said.

"I'm not around him all the time" you protested

"Yeah apart from training and running errands. Don't think I didn't notice the two of you spending nights reading and talking at the library" he teased, with a smirk.

That is true, you generally spend nights with Jin, talking to him, reading with him, learning about different creatures.

"I also spend time with you Namjoon" you say, which is also true, you spend time learning about poisons and antidotes, they somehow peaked your interest.

"Yes, with Jin hyung" he mentioned

"Ah yes I feel a pull towards him and increases with the moon. The fuller the moon, the lesser the attraction. But I do genuinely like him" you said.

"Yes, but I just want you to be careful and think every step you take. Cause you're the first female atleast I have seen hyung to seem interested in" he said.

"I will" you said, after having a little more chat, Namjoon went off to mind his own business and you went back to change but something caught your eyes and instead you ran towards where you knew He was. How you knew? You don't know.

You grabbed a glove and dropped it infront of him.

"Pick it up" you told him

"Yn, you sure you can do this?" Jimin said from the other side of the room.

"Yes I know what I am doing" you said.

"But, What are you doing? Jimin ssi? Why did Yn drop a glove infront of Jin Hyung?" Taehyung asked in confusion.

"Pick it up Kim Seokjin, I challenge you to a swords duel" you said with a smirk.

"You really do that with a gauntlet you know" he said.

"Modern times, modern things" you said.

And he did, he picked it up and gave it to you. "Ok Yn Ln, I Kim Seokjin accept your challenge" he said. And you smiled to yourself, yes you have been planning to do this, and the moment you laid eyes on your gear, you wanted him to the first one you fight. Jihyo did say you had a clean chance of winning over Jin, so you did it.

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The next day (Duel day)

You glanced at Jin one wore time, taking in his black clad hunting gear. You would lie it you said, you didn't feel week in the knees for him. Who wouldn't?

But no, you took your brain out of your crotch and brought back your head in the game. You had to win this, Jimin brought out 2 practice swords and the two of you faced each other

"There's still time to forfeit" he said with a smirk

"In your dreams" you muttered and as if on cue, Jimin blew the whistle and the match started. It was a one match duel. The two of you watched each other and every movement.

The rest 7 shook in anticipation as to who would hit first, who'd call the first strike.

"Too scared to strike?" Jin asked

"You first grandpa" you teased

"Uh huh, lady's first" he said.

But you remained in your place and said "That only applies when you don't have senior citizens in the scene. But here you are" you said and that broke Jin's armour of patience and he swiftly brought down his sword to knock off yours but you skillfully blocked it out with one whisk and attacked him instead. You were playing all offence and Seokjin himself found this fierceness of yours extremely hot.

He kept evading your attacks as you never gave him a window to attack and not leaving any place unguarded. The two of you went on, to and fro hitting and evading and the audience couldn't move their eyes away from you. The two of you constantly threw insults at each other the moment you'd distance each other by the force of the sword.

You swiped your sword at him but he gracefully ducked from under it and grabbed your hand and even before you realised what was happening you were under his hold, him holding your neck with one arm locking your free arm and holding the sword arm with the other and you couldn't move.

"I do like when you're wild, but you can't defeat me" he said in your ear. His deep voice under his close proximity sent shivers down your spine and you tried to move and get free.

"What happened? Cat got your tongue? Do you forfeit?" He asked again his breath brushing over your ears.

"No" you said and kicked his knee with you foot hard and as an impact he winced which was enough time for you to set free and hold up your sword.

"Not today Seokjin. No not today" you said with a smirk. Jin swore to rub that smirk of your face, even though he had to admit this all was really kinda turning him on, but now was not the time for that.

The fight was so intense that Hoseok was amazed at the skills of the both of you showed. He's never seen anyone fight like that. Jimin almost felt proud that he trained you, well to some extent, you were surely pretrained and forgot that when your memory was taken.

Jin aimed his sword towards your leg and you swiftly jumped and that's when it came to your mind. You kicked his palm, resulting in his sword falling and you took the chance to land on it and pointed your sword towards Jin and said "Up"

You cant believe you did it, you defeated-

Your thoughts were cut when Jin caught your arm and tackled you down to the ground pointing your sword to your neck and said "Now now, getting to ahead of ourselves aren't we?" He said and looked into your eyes and the guy's mind went blank, just for a moment the tall sexy man, whose one look enough made you want to surrender infront of him. But you took your chance, that one moment of vulnerability was enough for you to tackle him instead. You pinned him down to the ground pinned his hands under your knees and locked his legs with your own. As for your arms, you held him down with one and used the other to hold your sword to his throat.

To say Jin was shocked, is an understatement, but he was also immobile. But additionally he was extremely extremely impressed not to say how extremely desirable you looked as you sat on him, pinning him down, your butt painfully close to his crotch and shit he couldn't thunk straight. Neither could you, you almost forgot that you were here literally pinning Jin down infront of your friends and you are completely lost in his eyes, you've never looked at him thus close. His eyes, his nose, his plump lips that you've often wonder about feeling on yours or all over your body. You could literally feel him twitch under you, and felt as if his whole body was warming up, and his ears were red. You couldn't take it anymore you dropped the sword and connected your own lips, and damn, he kissed you back the moment your lips touched his, and you felt flutters coursing through your body and you forgot everything. Jin had loosed up his hands which were now encircled around your waist, pulling you even more closer to him.

You drowned out every other voice around the two of you, you never heard an annoyed Yoongi was was being held down by Hoseok to not interfere between the two. You certainly never noticed a flustered Jihyo covering Jungkook's eyes. No you didn't all you knew were the lips of this man that devoured yours as hungrily as you did. You felt fireworks in your stomach. Noway this was the blood pull, is what you thought.

But the moment was soon interrupted my a phone ringing, and it was as if your trance broke. You were both so flustered that neither of you uttered a word and just stood up looking at Hoseok who was talking on the phone with a grave expression. As soon as he hung up he looked at you and said "Jieun is on the move, she's coming for Yn. Our clan leader Jackson just called"

"Finally then" you said and everybody looked at you in shock. "I want to fight that bitch and avenge my family" you said "I want to avenge every moment that got stolen from me because of her"

"Are you crazy?" Jungkook shocked everyone and spoke first "That's Jieun! Lee Jieun! The head of the Argon Clan. Who almost got you killed. You might be a great fighter but that doesn't mean your ready to face a whole army" he said.

"He's right. They can't fight and protect you Yn" Namjoon spoke up.

"They don't need to! I can protect myself! You said

"We are sure you can" Jin spoke up and put a hand to caress your right cheek "But all of us would be distracted as we all will have your safety in mind. Don't you think that would be advantageous to our enemy"

"Then what am I supposed to do?" You said.

"We need to throw them off your trail" Jihyo spoke up. We'll relocate to the house in Busan and I'll get someone to dress and smell like you and you-" she was cut off by Hoseok who said

"will come with us, to our base" Hoseok said "only our smell can cover up for yours"

"As much as I hate the idea of you being surrounded by wolfs, I think that's our better chance. Jungkook call the Enha house and TobyTo houses for back up and to go directly to the Busan house. Jihyo call the imposter and Hoseok please take care of Yn" he said, grabbing your shoulder.

'Don't worry I won't let her in harmsway. No matter what, we'll have the wolfs and the other hunters" Hoseok said.

You looked at Jin and said "I don't wanna leave all of you, alone to fight". Jin just smiled and brought you in a hug and said "You wont, you'll have Namjoon go with you"

You sighed and said "I don't wanna leave you, Jinnie", Seokjin smiled at you audible pout and the usage of the name you used to call when you were a kid.

"I'll find you as soon as all this is over? Okay? I'll run to you if needed" he said

"What if I need you?" You asked and he pulled you away but still held your shoulders.

"I'll always ve there for you when you need me" he said holding you close by your shoulders and connected your foreheads.

"You promise?" You said with glassy eyes.

"Promise" he said. You pull back and bring out your pinky, Jin just laughed connected his pinky to yours.

What you didn't know was Yoongi was watching the whole scene as he was making calls and he smiled to himself. He was supposed to protect you, for himself and for your parents whom he had promised before their deaths to always protect their dear daughter. He wannted you safe and he's sure Jin had the same motive, even though he'll have to have "the talk" with him later, still he was glad where you were and the person you were with.

----------------------------------------------------

Soon, a girl came from a ove the roofs. You were sure she was there to avoid eyes.

Jihyo and you took her to you room, see was exactly you height and body type just that she was blond, but it was nothing a bit of potion from Namjoon couldn't handle. You cut you finger and apples some of your blood on whose name you learnt was Yeji's body which would be covered in clothes.

As soon as she was dressed and masked, you were shocked that it almost felt like you. You thanked Yeji, but she said she was more than eager to help, as back in the years, her parents had once saved her from some rogue wolfs. You both promised to keep in touch after this whole ordeal was over and Jihyo always welcomed more females.

As you stepped back into the courtyard, Hobi came and almost latched to you like a koala. And God you felt like you'd suffocate off the smell.

"Hobi! What. Are. You. Doing?" You said.

"Rubbing off on you" he said

"Yes literally! But why?" You said, trying yo get used to the smell.

"So that your own smell gets covered by mine" He said.

"That isn't necessary Hoseok" Jin said literally snatching you to his side. " Namjoon has the smell removing potion ready, he and Yn will take a vial" he said, hugging you.

----------------------------------------------------

You climbed on the car after hugging eaach of the members of the Bangtan house except Namjoon who was already in the car, even Yeji, leaving Jin for the last.

With a last hug you whispered "Remember your promise" and you got in the car.

You were scared, for the members and of whats to happen, and specially how you'll spend the night without Seokjin. More importantly how many nights would you have to spend, without Seokjin.

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Tempting Tempest (Shark!Bakugou)

Shark!Bakugou x mer!reader

warnings: yellow sour fruit, dubcon, blood, violence, strange as fuck words I’d only use while writing monster smut idfk, silly ending

A/N: I know I said I wasn’t gonna force this one out, but sometimes you gotta. This was kinda fun to write, but idk how sexy it is to be QUITE honest. The next time I write mermaid p*rn outside of tempting tempest, it’s definitely gotta be with at least one human, ama. also the ending is a little wacky, pero it made me smile so like maybe it’ll make you smile too. ha...? okiee here’s the thing...vhjdsvhjd

Violent fury compelled you to tighten your hold on your weapon. Like a spear, you flew through the water, firing towards the shark. Too bad for you, he had fast reflexes and as soon as you were close enough, he whipped his tail around and slapped you in the face.

Colliding with the sand bed and a large kelp-covered rock, you struggled to right yourself, when the merman gripped onto your waist. He pulled himself up so his head was leveled with yours. He bared his teeth at you and snapped at your neck. You hissed and swiped your knife at him, missing his chest and cutting into his side. He growled when blue blood spilled out into the water, swirling around the two of you as you wrestled for dominance.

The merman slammed your wrist into the edge of the rock next to you, forcing you to relinquish your dagger. Sharp fingers curled around your neck, quickly stopping your waterways. You dug your nails into his toned arms so fiercely that even more blood flooded around you. Despite the obvious pain you inflicted on him, the merman gave you a sharp, threatening sneer.

“Looks like you do have more fight in you after all.” He teased, tightening his hold. He licked his lips and brought his free hand to your mouth. “Should say I’m grateful that you’re not gonna make this boring.”

Figuring that it was no use clawing at your opponent, you threw your hands down on the sand bed, searching for your lost weapon. Thinking that you were going to throw sand in his face again, the shark let go of your neck and grabbed your wrist, quickly pinning it to your side.

“Not gonna let that happen again, little guppy,” he grumbled. The hand at your mouth squeezed your cheeks together as his hungry, crimson glower bore down on you. “You’re gonna have to learn some new tricks fast.”

You bit down on his narrowed webspace between his pointer finger and thumb, making him jolt back. That offered you enough slack to quickly wiggle out from underneath him, but not enough time to swim away.

Rounding you, the shark took hold of the flimsy part of your tail, sending an excited shock up to your neck. You whined and flipped your tail at him, attempting to hit his face, but he only laughed as he dodged the attack.

“That was cute.” He mocked as he approached you again, ushering you against the giant rock. “That little cry, I mean...think you can do it again for me? Huh, guppy?”

You hissed at him, the fins on the side of your head flaring in an attempt to make you look more threatening. He pushed you back against the wall, your skin grating against the rugged edge of the flat. You winced while he growled, deep and low, baring his sharp, ivory teeth. You couldn’t help but flinch, your fins falling back with a huff. At this, he chuckled, closing the gap between the two of you, his shark’s tail triumphantly swishing from left to right.

“Not so tough now, are yah?” Your body trembled as he grazed his lips against your neck, slowly bringing them up to your ear. “All bark and no bite.”

The purring came back—that deep, mesmerizing rumble from his chest. You hated how easily it got to you—how it made your muscles relax and your mind fuzzy. You scowled at his chest, too afraid that if you looked him in those beautiful, ruby eyes, you’d be lost to him again

The shark put both of his arms against the rock, caging you in with him as your prison bars. “Whatsamatter?” He asked. “You some kinda mute or are you just being a bitch?”

“Oh, bite me!”

“Is that a command or a request?” He gave you his insolent shark-grin as he leaned closer. “‘Cause I will,” he said in a teasing tone, but you knew it was a promise. The heat of his tongue reached the sensitive part of your ear, licking it for just as long as it took for goosebumps to erupt across your arms. He purred, “even if you don’t ask nicely.”

“I’m not asking you for anything except for you to leave me alone!” You barked out, albeit weakly. His chest rumbles were echoing inside your head, lulling you into a trancelike state you didn’t want to fall into.

“Since when?” He inquired impudently. His hands fell down near your hips.

You gestured pointedly behind him, indicating the updraft of sand and blood whirling in the space the two of you previously occupied. He glanced back only for a moment, not willing to take his eyes off of you for a second too long. He smirked, finally closing his hands on the part of your body where your torso met your fluke. They were rough, calloused from experience—hunter’s hands. You fought off impending thoughts of having those hands graze every inch of your body.

“Thought that was just foreplay.” His whisper was husky with provocation as his thumbs circled your hip bones. He took the hand you were using to point at the aftermath of your fight with into his. “It’d be no fun without any chase.” He lightly bit down on the carpal side of your palm, his dangerous eyes daring you to react. You merely shuddered against him, an act he seemed to enjoy.

“Foreplay?!” You squawked, bemused. You tore your hand away from his lips and quickly dug your fingers into his side, right below the place you’d cut him. It was healing fast, but some sapphire oozed out, nonetheless. “I cut you!”

He laughed, making his abdomen tighten underneath your touch. You inhaled sharply, and pressed your palm into him, enjoying the feel of his tight stomach. Gods damn you, he was hot.

“What’s one more scar?” He took your hand and moved it up his chest, satisfied to know you liked the feel of him. His skin riveted underneath your fingertips as he drew you over his various markings from previous fights. “I’m sure there’ll be plenty more where that came from—at least, if you’re the kinda mate I think you’ll be.”

“I don’t even know you,” you said, though that was a weak riposte. It wasn’t like you were around long enough for any merman to bring you pearl bracelets and hidden treasures just to have you fall into their embrace. Though, if you had, you wouldn’t be dealing with a shark right now.

“Katsuki,” he said smugly. “Figure you should know the name you’re gonna be moaning for the rest of your life.”

“As if.”

“And you are?” Katsuki completely ignored your retort. “Honestly didn’t think that ‘Guppy’ was all that fitting for a cute, little mermaid like you, but if that’s what you prefer-“

You scowled, ignoring the way your heart stuttered when he called you cute. His lips tilted sideways.

“Nah, you’re too high and mighty for guppy, aren’t you?” He continued, wedging himself closer to you. You felt cool gusts of water blowing against your shoulder and down your back as he drew nearer, his low purring reverberating down your tail. His lips were against your neck as he suggested, “right, princess?” You shuddered against him again as he kissed the sensitive spot on the skin below your gills. “Oh you like that, huh-“ his voice dropped an octave-“princess.”

Despite yourself, you groaned, turning your head so he could angle himself better, suckling on your tender flesh. You slanted your hips into him, hands moving up his strong, muscular back, to his neck, weaving through the surprisingly soft, ash-blonde hair. You tugged, and his growls mixed in with the rumbling only grew louder as he continued to kiss you.

Something thick and heavy pressed against your belly and through foggy eyes, you saw two massive erections, each with jelly-like fluid seeping out from the tips. Your mouth fell open on a moan as you imagined either of the two—if not both—entering you, all previous resignation sinking into the sand beneath you.

Your free hand trickled down his abdomen, loving the way he twitched at your soft caresses. You touched the tip of one of his dicks, and he grunted, a bit of white spurting into your palm. Enjoying his reaction, you rubbed your hand up and down his shaft, squeezing his base as he wrapped an arm around your back.

“Fuck.” He rasped, rutting into your hand. “Touch my cock like that and I’m not gonna be able to control myself.”

“You’re controlling yourself?” You mocked uneasily, tail slapping against the rock.

His nostrils flared. “More than you know.” The hand behind you moved down to your backside. He drew circular motions in the thickest part of your tail behind you, squeezing your flesh, making your fluke shake with anticipation.

“Tell me to fuckin’ stop,” he murmured noncommittally, pressing his cocks harder against your tail. With both hands now on your tail, he moved one over to the puffed out slit below the middle of your hips. He dipped a finger into you, testing out the undoubtedly viscous truth of your velvety walls. He moaned, loving the feel of you, loving the way you whimpered as he touched you. You watched as his pupils grew large, dark, and predatory, as he added a second finger to curl in and out of you. “Tell me you don’t want me to wreck your sweet little pussy right fuckin’ now, or I’m not gonna stop. Once I’m inside you, baby, there’ll be no turnin’ back—even if you beg me.” Something low and animalistic echoed out of his throat at the thought. “Though hearing you fuckin’ beg doesn’t sound half bad right now.”

“Katsuki-!” You started to mewl, but were cut off by his lips descended onto yours. It was a desperate kiss with strong, erratic tongue. He tasted you like you were meant for him—frantic, like he couldn’t get enough of you. Not knowing much about what to do with yourself, you squirmed against him, but he hardly seemed to care. If anything, your resistance only spurred him on.

Grasping onto your wrists, he pinned them against the rock behind you, using one hand to lock them into place. His now unoccupied hand cupped your face as he deepened the kiss. He traced his touch down to your neck, your collarbone, and found ménage at your breasts. He tweaked your pert nipples until they were hard and dark from arousal.

You felt him smirk against you when you finally touched your tongue to kiss—the first of the many triumphs he was going to hold over you. He swallowed your downing moans with fervor, biting down on your lower lip when you attempted to resist again. You cooed.

“Goddamn, you’re fuckin’ gorgeous, you know that?” Katsuki’s hands slid down your torso, lingering around your navel when you let out a little squeak. He chuckled. “So ready to be mated, too. You liked being chased around, didn’t you?”

“I-“ you breathed, your heart racing with both excitement and dread-“I don’t know!”

“So coy all of a sudden.” He snickered, grasping onto one of his clasper-pricks. He gave it a couple pumps, letting tendrils of the thick, white seed flutter around in the water. He pushed his member against your slit, letting your own slick membrane cover his thick cockhead, readying him to take you. “That’s okay,” he muttered, “looks like your cunt already knows for you.” He exhaled. “Say my name again—like you did the first time.”

“Kat...suki…?”

“Good girl,” he purred, pressing his cockhead into you, biting back a groan as he did so. Gods, it was unbearably huge. You shot him a panicked look, but that only made him all the more hungry.

“Wait-!” You wiggled, unprepared for the stretching you felt as he pushed into your tight hole. You cried out as he thickened, even while constricted by your walls, not even at his hilt yet. “Wait, please, I can’t—!”

“What’d I tell you, princess?” His voice grated against your soft cheeks, warmed from fluster. “Said there’d be no turnin’ back, didn’t I?” Even still, he pulled back, easing into you slower the second time, pressing in, inch by withering inch.

“God damn, you feel so good wrapped around my cock, hon,” he grumbled thickly, mesmerized. He pulled back once more, and when he pushed in again, he grooved his hips up, pushing even more of his girth deeper inside of you.

“Fuck!” You cried out, attempting to twist away from him. “It’s too much!! I can’t take it!”

“Relax,” he crooned gruffly, petting the erect bud above your slit. His touch sent waves of unfamiliar pleasure rippling through your body despite the terrible corruption battling inside you. You tightened around him and he groaned.

“My gods, baby. The hell are you doin’ to my cock?” Katsuki nestled into your neck, licking at your gills. “Such a good girl—so fuckin’ tight for me, huh? You’re gonna take me so well, I know it.”

Your body wavered—almost complying. Katsuki began rolling into you at a charitable pace, caressing your body, thumb encircling your clit, stimulating you just enough to keep your mind away from the pain. However, when he lessened his hold on your wrists, one of your hands broke free. You pushed against him, writhing and feral.

That was when he bit you.

Scorching affliction shot through your shoulders, down your spine. Your tail spasmed against his, your soft scales scraping against his fine exterior. You wailed and dug your nails into the thick muscles of his back, but that did nothing to tear Katsuki away from you. His grip on you was vice, impervious to any sort of protest. In fact, the more you tried to get away, the closer he pulled you, rutting into you faster, your bodies spinning through the ocean as he locked you into matehood.

Just as you thought you couldn’t take any more of the tremendous cutting feeling his shark’s teeth had your neck, the burn mitigated. He wasn’t holding back—if anything he was digging deeper into you—but as his mark melded into your skin, your body relaxed and you began to enjoy the pain. The feeling was purely hypnotic.

Katsuki began to push more of himself inside of you, and you easily accepted him. Your tail twisted around his as his hips slapped against yours. You arched your back, feeling your walls fluttering around, and you sighed his name on a moan. His arms curled around your waist, squeezing your sides, loving the feeling of your bodies, hot and needy, pressed together.  

“Mmmmfuck.” Katsuki pulled away just in time to see your crimson sanguine swaying out and away from his toothy grin. His pupils were so dark and wide that you could hardly see any of the red left in his iris. He was loving this.

“That’s it, baby.” He praised you, licking your cheek. He reached around his back to move your arms so they were around your neck. He groaned when he buried his girth to his hilt, making sure that you and him were as close possibly. “You’re all mine now, aren't cha? Mine-“He speared himself into you with each clipped word. “All. Fuckin’. Mine.”

“Fuck...yes, Katsuki,” you moaned, feeling a tight, aching coil inside of you as his large palms roved over your body. He squeezed your curves, kissed your chest, all the while sweltering inside of you.

“I knew I fuckin’ wanted you the moment I saw you hidin’ away from all those loser fishdicks bringing those mersluts trash just to get some tail,” he panted. “Thought you were sneaky, huh? Thought you wouldn’t be noticed?”

Katsuki pulled your hair, forcing you to face him head on. “Nah, couldn’t let a cutie like you slip away. Couldn’t let any other bottom feeder try to take you, neither. Fuck, you’re gonna be my perfect mate.”

Your inner walls quaked as he ran circles around your clit. “W-what is…?” You began to ask on a hard thrust that hit you perfectly. Your coil bursted and you convulsed around him, squealing as he rutted into you harder and faster. You clenched, again and again, as you pooled over and out with each of his world-ending thrusts, ecstasy completely enveloping your entire being.

“Oh, that feels fuckin’ great, princess,” he growled into your hair. “Good girl, cummin’ for me so soon like that. Fuck,” he rasped, “bite my neck before I fill you up, baby.” He leaned back a drew a finger ong his gills, indicating exactly where he wanted you. “Be my girl.”

You leaned up to drive your tongue up his neck. He shuddered at the contact, still fucking you relentlessly, dragging against your thickened walls. You bit down, hard enough to draw blood, to leave your mark, while you wove your fingers through his soft locks.

“I’m gonna fill you up with my cum. Is that what you want, princess? You wanna feel all of me?”

“Yes, gods yes!” You cried, bucking into him, needing more.

“Say my fuckin’ name, angelface. I wanna hear that sweet voice of yours.” He grunted, biting harshly into your shoulder, tail swishing, hips stuttering.

“Katsuki, please, give me your cum. I wanna feel you baby. Please! Please!

Katsuki came with a roar, lining your walls with his thick, hot cream. He buried his cock inside of you, emptying himself completely, still managing a few more languid thrusts as he planted sloppy kisses to your lips. He groaned into your mouth, loving the taste of your more than compliant tongue.

“Gods, that was-,” he exhaled, lifting himself off of you. He took your hand and guided you up with him, pushing your head into his chest. “-that was god damn hot. You’re gonna be a lot of fun, huh?”

You watched as he shook his two dicks, mesmerized by the residual pink and white swirl of the both of yours’ wash, before his members folded back into his pouch. You parted your lips on a question that didn’t come.

Katsuki snickered. “What?”

“Were they both-“ you festered down below his stomach-“inside of me?”

“Tch!  If I had both of my cocks buried in you, I promise you’d know it.” He rolled his eyes before kissing your forehead, suddenly all too familiar with you. “Why? That wasn’t enough for you? I can go again if you aren’t already full to the brim.”

“Oh no!” You glanced down, unsure. “I mean...I don’t know, I was just curious…”

Katsuki chuckled, tilting your chin up to bring you into a kiss. “You wouldn’t be able to handle it, princess.”

“You don’t know that,” you barked back, suddenly all too familiar with him. “I can handle fucking anything you throw at me!”

“Filthyy language, baby. You kiss octopi with that mouth?”

“Are you kidding me?!” You choked. “Hypocrite!”

“Man, you really are gonna be a lot of fun, aren’tcha? So easy to tease.”

“I was just curious!” You threw your hands up into the water and spun around, casting out a sardonic, “you’re incredible.”

Katsuki wrapped his arms around your torso, bringing you back against his chest. “I know.” He kissed the back of your sore neck. “If you really think you can handle it, I sure as hell don’t mind findin’ out.” He brought both of his hands down to your stomach. “After we get you something to eat. You weren’t gonna catch that marlin all by yourself, anyway.”

“I was before you interrupted me,” you bit out, leaning into his touch.

“You think so?” You felt him grin against your skin. “Alright then, let’s find you a marlin and make a deal: if you can take it down all by yourself, I’ll fuck you so good, you won’t be able to swim straight—with both of my cocks.”

“The hell kinda deal is that-?!”

“And if you need my help-“ he continued-“you’re gonna hafta suck them both off.”

You snorted. “In which of these scenarios do I profit?”

“The one where you get a nice meal, a hot mate, and a nice kelp bed to lay in.” He shrugged.

“Kelp bed?” You turned your head at him, looking hopeful.

“You have such nice lips, I can’t wait to know how they feel wrapped around my cock.”

“Kelp bed?” You reiterated, shrugging him off, trying to figure out which direction that marlin swam off to. “Which scenario has a kelp bed in it?”

“Both of them, idiot. I’m not gonna let any mate of mine sleepin’ on some fuckin’ coral or whatever the hell you’ve been doin’ while tryna hide. Do we have a deal or not?”

“Dunno-“ you swam out farther, trying to be nonchalant about your new pursuit-“do you have said bed?”

“You’re really not sneaky,” he snarked, already swimming after you.

“Maybe not,” you laughed as soon as your eyes narrowed in on a giant fish, “but I am fast.”

(Try again...?)

No more tag list, sorry.