#and malleus' is basically silver's blood parents

[cywscross]

brainrotting over leona's platinum jacket bday card because now that i'm actually looking, leona's portrait is basically a fucking family photo, falena, cheka, his mom, and even kifaji as one big happy family. leona's the only one who's not in it, he's shoved to the side and completely separate from them, and i just want to sCREAM 😤😤😤😤😤

[moonyasnow]

Moony's TWST Vampire AU

Part 7: Diasomnia

Heartslabyul Savannaclaw Octavinelle Scarabia Pomefiore Ignihyde Diasomnia (you are here) Extras

(listen I know what a massive contrast this is— it's just the only official art which shows the entire Dorm together)

Special warning for this part! It WILL contain Book 7 spoilers! Such as: Lilia's past, Malleus' parents, Sebek's grandfather, and some Silver stuff

This is NOT ORGANIZED lmao Literally just unfiltered thoughts and ideas, with some short writing snippets only sneaking in by accident. Literal brainrot stuff

Also some thoughts will absolutely be longer than others I wrote most of this in like 5 hours in one sitting

It will be in 8 parts. First the dorms, and then a final one for my thoughts on some side-characters' places in this AU

Basic Rules of the Vampire AU:

A vampire is unkillable until they turn someone. As such, vampires are rare, and usually created on accident.

Vampires can't die of starvation. They can sure try, and by god will it hurt, but it can't kill them.

Vampires can drink liquids that aren't blood, though they get no nutrients from it, but they cannot ingest food. If they try to eat normal food, they just throw it up, their bodies rejecting it entirely.

They can drink any blood that is not from another vampire.

Malleus

Malleus was one of the rare few to be BORN a vampire. It is theorized that his family is the one which all current vampires can trace their affliction back to. Though older than all turned vampires in this AU, with the exception of Lilia, he is still considered quite young as far as pureblooded vampires go. Millenia before modern times, there were many born vampire families, though they have all since perished. It just so happens that the Draconia bloodline had some unique power which made them able to grant some small part of their powers to others— hence why the turned vampires stemming from the Draconia bloodline are some of the few traces left of the race of born vampires as a whole.

Him being a pureblooded vampire, and the last of his ancient kind— which humans, through witch-hunts and crusades and pogroms, hunted to near-extinction— means that he is assured to be the last. For even if, by some miracle, he produces an heir— which would have to be with a human, as all turned vampires are well and truly dead, yet a human and vampire having a child is still difficult— that child would still only ever be half.

It is…a crushing weight, to have to live with.

An unspeakable sorrow, so much bigger than one vampire's, never mind a human's, life. An entire history, come to an end. Lost forever to the hands of time.

And Malleus isn't ready to face it. So he studies. He travels across the globe to any ancient settings he can find with any hint of having been touched by his kind. All in order to gain more information to compile. To be closer to the faceless kin he has lost. Chasing the ghosts of ancestors whose names he will never know, or if he does, never be able to properly pronounce, for their names were from long-since dead languages whom no one could possibly pronounce accurately, the modern equivalents having changed far too much to still sound the same.

He cannot stop to ask himself 'why'.

Because if he does, if he questions if his work matters, he will question if anything matters.

He grew up with Lilia's tales of his mother, of his father, his grandmother, grandfather… Tales of them are all he has. While he doesn't need to fear Lilia reaching the end of his un-life naturally in this AU, he is still aware the day could come.

Ironically for the man with the longest life left to live, he is the one who spends the most time running from oblivion.

On a more neutral note, as a born vampire, his taste in blood is a lot pickier than that of a turned vampire. Unlike turned vampires, who can subsist on basically any kind of blood, Malleus has to drink the blood of mortals. And even amongst them, he has a preference for blood type.

Lilia

Lilia is one of the oldest vampire-spawn in the world. Perhaps the oldest. He is almost two millennia old at this point. And he watched the last Draconia fall seven centuries ago. He was turned by Malleus' mother, Maleanor.

Though in a way, because of it, Lilia blames himself for her death. Maleanor could be killed because she had turned Lilia. Pureblooded vampires can still be killed after they have turned someone. Because it is, in essence, giving away a part of their power to another. If that turned vampire dies, all that power returns to the born vampire. But the same is also true in reverse— at least to some extent.

So, while he isn't as powerful as a born vampire like Malleus, he is very close to it.

With Lillia being so close to many mortals' stereotyped view of vampires, he often 'jokes' about being a vampire with people he runs into at the concerts he goes to.

He's the one of the 'old vampire guard' to be the most open to potentially positive interaction with mortals. It took time, especially considering mortals in the past hunted his closest friends and their families to their deaths. It took raising Malleus, and later Silver, for him to realize— as he, through them, realized just how innocent children are, and their parents' actions have nothing to do with them— that the current generation of mortals shouldn't be blamed for what their ancestors did.

As the mass hysteric fear of vampires has long since died out, and the vampires known to be living in the Coral Sea aren't viewed with as much hostility as vampires were back in in his day, he has hope that things can change.

And speaking of the old days...

Back when he was a fledgling, it was considered a massive honor to be a turned vampire. That meant you were considered someone trusted by a born vampire— born vampires had naturally risen to the top of the hierarchy at the time due to their sheer power when compared to other species of fae. Because a born vampire turning you still meant that you now had the power to kill them. It was a mark of close frienship, that the born vampire trusted you enough to share their power and near immortality with you, and to be vulnerable because of you.

There was no such thing as 'accidentally created' turned vampires, as born vampires possessed much greater control of their venom.

Also! Vampires are just one species of fae, which in this AU I have decided are rolled together of the in-game races which Malleus and his mother and grandmother, Baul and Raverne were.

Other types of fae, like the fairies who take over the NRC Greenhouse in the Fairy Gala event, as well as the dwarves from RSA, are still fae, but not vampires.

Silver

Silver is the last in an old lineage of vampire hunters. Think, the Belmonts, from the Castlevania series.

The lineage was believed to have been wiped out when Malleus' mother died, taking all known members of the family with her before she succumbed.

He's around 5 years younger than Sebek, at least physically speaking. Because, just like the 'didn't drink the last drop of poison' metaphor I used in Idia's part, Silver was somehow grazed by a vampire as a baby.

But instead of doing what it did to either Idia or Ortho, it just put him in the same death-like sleep as Ortho, however for much, much longer; hundreds of years. Though as he was a baby, he never noticed any of that time passing. And as stated in Ortho's part, as turning children just isn't done, no one is sure why such strange things do happen in the rare cases it's attempted.

And miraculously enough, he somehow managed to fight off the sickness that would have turned him.

It's unclear if this means he's now immune to whatever pathogen turns one into a vampire or not. Silver hopes that isn't the case; he wants to become a vampire when he's fully grown, so that he can have more time to spend with his family, who are all vampires— not to mention more power to protect them.

Lilia wants to continue the tradition from his youth, of turned vampires being highly respected due to the close bond with a born vampire— Briar Valley's rulers— that it implies.

Sebek

Sebek is one of the few half-vampires to ever exist.

Or, well, his mother is a half-vampire. He is thus 1/3d vampire. In terms of power, it's about on-par with a turned vampire.

But he, Sebek, of the once proud Zigvolt vampire lineage, is nothing like those fledglings. He was born a vampire, after all.

The day Silver is turned is one he fears subconsciously. For what would it mean, for a mere human, to come to be considered on par with the great Lilia? Sebek obviously knows Lilia wasn't born a vampire— he was turned. But he is old…ancient, even. He was there with the Draconias during the fall of their society. Not to mention And in a way…him not being a born vampire, yet still having so much status in what remain of the vampire courts of old, gives him hope that he, too, might one day be considered great. Not a 'half-spawn', who, he once heard his mother recount from the words of his great-grandfather, 'doomed the race.'

Oh yeah Baul is Sebek's mother's grandfather in this AU. Baul's child had Sebek's mother with a human, and she, in turn, had Sebek with a human father. I had to make it fit with the timeline while also keeping Baul as fully vampire. I don't make the rules (I literally do—)

But at that point, if his mother HAD had a child with another born vampire— before all but Malleus remained— it would probably have ended with a lot of inbreeding to try to keep their vampire blood 'pure'.

"Perhaps," Lilia had once suggested to him, "the born vampires of old's unwillingness to have children with humans is part of the reason why they have been all but wiped out. You only exist because you mother, and your mother's parent, made an exception to that widely excepted rule."

Sebek wasn't— and still isn't— quite ready to accept that yet. He grew up glorifying the old days of vampire-kind, rather than Malleus who simply wished to collect and preserve any knowledge left behind to know something, anything, of his ancestors. Sebek idealized it as what he should be.

[kaymarie-bell]

Diasomnia Book, Chapter 5 Spoilers (and mini translations)

edit: [part 2]

‼️ LONG POST ‼️

Baul reports that the castle is currently surrounded by Henrik, the Knight of Dawn and their troops. They cannot use teleportation magic because they're injured so they must walk all the way there + Lilia is currently not a match for the Knight. Meleanor must stay strong by herself

Baul does not want our group to come along since it's a battle of Fae vs Humans, but Silver says that race doesn't matter and we want to fight for what's right

They find a pair of cooks who give the group food and mention that Silver really looks like "him"

Silver is on his Disney princess era, he's using his ability to talk to animals to help them get to the castle/distract the guards

KNIGHT OF DAWN REVEAL (he's Silver's ancestor 100%)

Silver's ring/necklace started to shine right after we got to see the Knight

Man that Henrik is really ugly

This mf's entire reason to wage war against the Fae is just to take Meleanor's magical orb for his collection??? and to steal her egg??? the Knight is clearly against this but he cannot refuse to fight due to his own circumstances

WE FINALLY GET TO THE CASTLE

Malleus' mother is named Meleanor (we get a confirmation of the spelling from the name of the location)

SHE'S SINGING A LULLABY BEFORE WE SEE HER (yes it's the same song Malleus sings in the overblot scene I wanna kms)

she's gorgeous omg

Meleanor is really mad at Lilia (?) and throws lighting at him and everyone else

Aye we get egg Malleus reveal

Meleanor already calls him Malleus because she was sure he was going to be a boy because of motherly instincts (😭)

Silver and Sebek experience microagressions from the Fae pt. ??? (Meleanor made them kneel before her once she saw their ears)

Meleanor decided to confront the troops by herself

just fell to my knees. hold on

She gives her egg to Lilia and orders them to flee somewhere safe

Lilia protests and Meleanor keeps on throwing lighting at him. Silver steps in to protect Lilia. Lilia scolds him but then Silver begs them to stop fighting because they're doing it only out of concern for the other

Baul and Sebek are surprised by him. Baul asks Meleanor to listen to his words

Lilia: I can't hatch this egg by myself! Dragons can only be hatched with magic and affection from their parents. It only works with true love

I don't understand parental love. I don't know what it is like to love someone.

Meleanor: You love me, don't you? Or were you lying when you proposed to me when we were young?

You love Levan too. The time you two have spent together side by side as generals is even longer than a married couple.

How can you not love a child of our blood?

Meleanor forces everyone away from the castle while saying her goodbyes to Lilia and Malleus

Lilia tries to get back to her but Baul stops him and tells him that as guards they must obey the commands given by the Draconias, or else be punished by lighting. Lilia says it doesn't matter, he will quit the squad and he's already used to the lighting.

Baul says that the egg he's holding is the King who will carry the future of the valley. They must escape. They have to trust that Meleanor is strong enough to win and get back to them, and keep their focus on protecting the egg.

Lilia finally agrees and we keep on moving

The writers are so evil. We get a confrontation of Meleanor vs the Knight of Dawn

Meleanor's battle against the troops is basically the scene of Maleficent vs Prince Philip in the movie (she's in her dragon form). Meleanor's magic attributes are the same as Malleus's dorm SSR btw (fell to my knees)

we're currently escaping via underground passage that's collapsing due to the battle

suddenly the Knight of Dawn appeared. He was blown all the way there by Meleanor's magic

the Knight recognized Lilia's general mask immediately and realized that the egg he's holding must be the Prince and Lilia takes a fighting stance

Baul steps in to fight but the ceiling collapsed, burying Lilia and Malleus under the debris. Silver panics but then an aurora-like light appears. The Knight used his magic to save Lilia and the egg

the Knight shows concern for the egg and Lilia asks him why he saved them. the Knight is speechless

the Knight's mask breaks. He looks just like Silver but with long blond hair. Everyone is shocked

there's two lights comming from them, it's originating from their ring/necklace (they both have identical ones). The Knight says he was given his by his fairy godmother (?) and it was one of a kind. He demands to know who Silver is.

Silver cannot get any words out. We hear a roar and the Knight says there's no time for talking, Henrik is after the egg so they must keep on running quickly

Baul is offended by "being pitied by their enemy" but Lilia says to forget about it and keep moving

Silver is still in shock and remembers the conversation he had with Lilia when he gave him his ring (about how he had it on when he was found)

oh no my son is straight up having a panic attack and crying his heart out. He cannot accept that his own flesh could have done this to Lilia and Malleus. We see the beginning of another overblot...

Sebek is screaming for Silver to stay strong. He tells Lilia and Baul to keep going and that we will catch up later. Silver is our responsibility as his friends.

Yuu gets dragged into darkness, Silver's negative emotions???

Silver is having a lot of negative thoughts, wondering if Sebek hates him now...how will he ever face Malleus again...thinking that maybe if he stays in the dream he won't have to show up in front of them...he wants to stay in the dark...(we have to literally fight his demons away 😭)

Silver is crying. Suddenly we hear a baby. And a familiar voice...

[Abandoned castle, covered in thorns]

Lilia: I'm coming back here again...it must have been 300...no, 400 years already.

We finally signed a peace treaty with the neighboring nations. I was able to return to this place.

It's been a long time since the last time I came here. It took quite a while. Truly.

Silver: This voice...father?

Lilia: The castle of the Wild Roses is abandoned, and it is said that you will get cursed if you step a foot in.

Silver: Father...can't he see me? Could this be part of the scenery in Father's mind, or...?

*cries from a baby*

Lilia: a baby's crying? Is it coming from the throne room? I should go see

[Throne room, covered in thorns]

Lilia: A baby? And what's more, it's a human! Why are you here?

[CG of baby Silver. He has blond hair and a shining ring/necklace]

Lilia: ! this ring...

Silver: This baby! Could it be...? My hair color is different, but those eyes and that ring...

Lilia: Hair golden like the sun, and that ring...It cannot be...the Knight of Dawn's...?

No, it isn't possible. Soon after the castle fell into Henrik's hands, there was another dispute over land and resources.

In that confusion, the Knight and his wife Leah...*sigh*

Cradle, will you show me your memory for a moment?

Far Cry Cradle [To the cradle in the distance!]

Silver: That spell...it's my Father's unique magic.

He can play the memories engraved on "things" for a little bit.

Red Fairy: The enemy is around the corner!

His Royal Highness, who was once titled the Knight of Dawn, has perished. The fall of the castle is just around the corner.

The "Land of Swords" has met its end.

Our dearest Queen Leah, please hurry up and run! We will protect the Prince.

Blue Fairy: Come now, my Prince. You will sleep sweetly for a while, until this sad battle is over.

Green Fairy: It's okay. This ring will strengthen our magic. He will remain in this form, dreaming happily ever after until the spell is broken. Whether it is 10 years, or 100 years.

Blue Fairy: Well then...

When someone who truly loves the prince comes along...this spell will be broken and he will wake up from his slumber.

Red Fairy: Yes, I'm sure of it. In a world without war, in a world of peace...

[Back to Lilia's memory]

Lilia:...I see.

Your parents and guardian fairies protected you from the flames of destruction.

Have you been waiting in this cradle for someone who truly loves you to come along, since the day the country collapsed?

But as time passed, the magic of the guardian fairies must have broken down.

*baby crying*

...the child of the Knight of Dawn...a revenge for Levan and Meleanor's...

Right now...with these hands...

*Silver gasps, the baby wails*

Lilia:...I couldn't face Malleus again if I did that.

If I tell him to love mankind and walk with his neighbors...then I must do the same.

And...I would have lost even Malleus if the Knight of Dawn hadn't granted me mercy that day.

Can this "me" ever love a human being?

Silver: Please stop, Father! -I'm not worthy of being loved by you!

*baby cries*

Silver: STOP IT! STOP CRYING! YOU DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO CRY!

Lilia: There there, don't you cry anymore. I'm surprised that such a small body has been able to endure such loneliness for so long. Good boy, let's go.

Huff, you're heavier than I expected.

I remember the day the Malleus hatched. It seems like it was only yesterday.

Fairies and humans alike wish for their own children to live, even at the cost of their own lives, I suppose.

*baby cries*

Child of the Dawn, today is the birthday of the new master. Therefore, I shall give you my blessing!

Blessing of the night.

[the baby's hair changes from gold to silver]

Silver:..O-oh...my hair...

Lilia: His hair changed color!

Perhaps the Knight of Dawn's hair, which shone like sunlight, was due to the blessing of his servants of the day.

Your hair seems to have been lit by the light of the moon, with the blessing of the night's servants.

That's alright. A person with golden hair would stand out a bit in the Valley of Thorns.

*baby yawns*

Lilia: Hahah. Are you tired from crying all these years?

Now, your name is- hmm? It doesn't seem to be written anywhere on the cradle or the ring...

Hmm...let's see...moonlight...silver...Okay, I've decided.

Silver. From today on, your name is Silver.

The moon illuminates the dark night. Like so, its silver light will illuminate your path.

Despite Lilia adopting him as his son while knowing who his biological father was, Silver still feels guilty about his origins

Okay so I chose one of the spaces where you can heal your cards, and got some lines from Lilia. He's wondering what do human babies eat in order to grow, and remembers that Baul's son-in-law is a human, so he decides to ask for his help (the music changes from dramatic and gloomy to bright and cheerful, it made me tear up)

A new location appears, it is the house in the forest where Lilia raised Silver. Lilia is singing the same lullaby Meleanor sang to Malleus.

Malleus knocks on Lilia's door, he wants to see the baby he has taken in since the fairies in the forest have been talking about it. Lilia tells him to be quiet because he has just gone to sleep.

Malleus calls the baby a naked monkey-like creature and asks what is it (😭). Lilia says he's the baby from the rumors and says he looks lovely.

Malleus:...lovely? that thing? (😭😭😭)

Lilia is like "oh you came at a good time, I have to go shopping so please watch him for me for a bit, okay?" and Malleus is like "huh? This? me?"

Lilia is trying to figure out what "powdered milk" is because that's what his book says he should feed the baby. He has to go to a human store to get it. (Fairies eat flowers' nectar???)

Malleus does not want to stay on his own because he's afraid he'll break the "little creature" if he touches him. Lilia assures him that it'll be okay, he just has to sing a lullaby and the baby will fall asleep even if he's crying.

Lmao Lilia left and baby Silver woke up crying immediately. Malleus is stressed because the baby is noisy and he can't think of any song...but then remembers that he does know one at least one (he sings the song again 😭). Silver fell asleep and Malleus wishes Lilia to hurry up and return.

Malleus doesn't even remember where he heard that lullaby. He thinks it might have been from one of his nannies. The Silver of the present cries when he hears that.

There's snippets of Silver's upbringing throughout this part. Lilia and Malleus were present when he stood up on two legs for the first time (Malleus says it would take about 30 years for a fairy...it took him 20, and he was considered fast). Lilia says that at this rate Silver will be all grown up in the blink of an eye.

Lilia is reading a story, and Silver says his first word

Baby Silver: dada

Lilia: What? I am not your father....

Baby Silver: dada!

Lilia: Well...should I just wait until you understand things better before I tell you?

Well then...yes, I am [your father].

Baby Silver: *laughs*

Another conversation between Lilia and Malleus. Malleus asks where did he find a human baby, Lilia just says he found him during a walk in the forest and tells him to not pay any mind to it. Malleus says that he didn't have to raise him just because he found him, it would've been good to leave the baby with the humans.

Lilia:...your father Levan uses to say this: We fairies need to get to know humans better, and humans need to get to know fairies.

Levan was the one who took the initiative to learn a language in common with humans and also to teach it to other fae.

Silver is a way for Lilia to learn to love humans. Malleus asks him what if he can't get to love them, Lilia says not to jump ahead since there's a lot of time.

Lilia: it says here that they can only eat milk and mashed vegetables

Malleus: if that's what the human book says then that's okay. We're fairies so we shouldn't go against it.

Lilia: but you've been eating meat and fish since you were little

Malleus: But I am a dragon, not some weak human

Lilia: They cry when they are hungry, and sleep when they are full. Babies are similar, it doesn't matter whether dragons or humans.

Malleus:...ha.

Lilia: Oh, you ate the whole plate. Good boy, Silver! Was it good?

That's it, eat a lot and sleep well so you can grow up to be a big boy!

But don't you get tired of the same taste everyday? Next time, I'll try a little more variety-

Should we add meat of a rat to the soup? It's said to be nutritious. Or maybe the powder of a black newt?

Malleus:...don't do that. I'll have food for the baby brought from the castle regularly.

I'm a little nervous about leaving it all to you.

Lilia: Oh? You used to hate humans. What brought such a change of heart?

Malleus: If this baby gets weak, you'll be sad. Isn't that right?

Lilia:...you're such a sweetheart, Malleus.

Silver: Father...Lord Malleus...I...

[blot monster appears]

Silver:...you keep showing up again and again. Go away.

Another battle

Another memory. Young Silver is shouting for Lilia to come see what he has. Silver made a bracelet out of acorns, it is the same one Lilia still has among the things he keeps in his room.

Lilia praises him for being a genius at picking up acorns, and Silver tells him he had help from his animal friends. Silver tells him is for him.

Silver: You know, I heard that if you carry an acorn amulet, you will live a long and healthy life.

The oak tree fairies taught me that.

Be healthy all the time. And we will be together forever.

Lilia:...you will pray for my long life?

You, who are a human....

Silver: What? What's wrong? Are you hurt somewhere?

Lilia:...it's nothing. Come here.

Silver: Daddy, it hurts if you squeeze me that hard.

Lilia: It's the best gift ever.

With this charm, I feel like I'll be able to live another thousand years. Thank you.

Silver: Heheh. I love you, daddy

Lilia: So do I, Silver

The current Silver remembers finding that bracelet while cleaning up Lilia's dorm room, he had forgotten it was a gift from him. Lilia had said it was the most precious gift he had ever received, a gift that even Malleus envied.

Silver says that something like that couldn't be worth much. He cries.

The next memory is the day Silver found out he was adopted. He was so shocked he ran out of the house while it rained.

Lilia says that he thought Silver would've figured it out by now, but then he retracts the statement and says he was the one who kept it to himself. He didn't have the courage to tell the truth and see Silver's sad face. Lilia runs into the rain while calling out for Silver.

The current Silver still cannot fathom that Lilia could truly love him while knowing he's the son of the Knight.

Silver says he's tired and cannot keep on going. He apologizes to Lilia and Malleus for not being able to accomplish his dream of being a knight. Then a voice speaks up...

It is general!Lilia, and he calls Silver "Knight of Dawn"

Silver goes to deny it's him, but then his appearance changes and the one with long blond hair and armor is him. General Lilia accuses him of taking away Levan and Meleanor. Silver calls him father, and Lilia tells him to not call him that.

Battle, General Lilia vs Knight of Dawn Silver.

Silver begs Lilia to stop since he doesn't want to fight him, he tells Lilia he will dissappear and never show up in front of him again. Lilia refuses to listen.

Lilia gains the upper hand and he's ready to strike Silver down, but then he starts to change into the blot monster. Silver realizes this is a nightmare, but he's very tired and cannot fight against the darkness any longer.

Lilia's voice tells him to stand up. He tells him that it's not a problem to run away from an enemy, or use cowardly tricks to get away. What matters the most is to not give up on living. So, stand up Silver!

Silver is not sure if the voice is real or just a convenient thing his mind made up. He's unsure of what to do...

[the story continues but I've been here since 1 am, it is currently 8 am ☠️]

some comments/observations so far:

- the lullaby wrecks me every time. The first time we heard it was very chilling because it was during Malleus' overblot, but then seeing Meleanor -> Lilia -> Malleus again...it just makes me sadder and sadder

- Lilia lost the only two people he had ever loved at the same time (😭)

- I hope we get to see more of RSA since the whole "Land of Swords" seems to be related to its origins...

- I kinda called it with Silver being a prince of sorts...I do not feel happy about this, he's in so much pain because of his origins

- I think the scene where Lilia finds Silver dealt me even more damage than Idia and Ortho's backstory in chapter 6. You guys have to listen to it fr. The baby crying? Silver shouting that he has no right to cry while crying himself? Lilia gently soothing the baby at that point feels like it was also meant for grown up Silver.

- Every memory we see of Lilia it's full of the love he chose to have for Silver and it breaks my heart that Silver still cannot allow himself to be loved. I also loved seeing Malleus there.

- I'm calling it now, the spell the fairies put on Silver is the reason he still falls sleep randomly. It hasn't been broken completely because he feels doubts about the love Lilia has for him, but Lilia will finally manage to make him see the light and Silver will be free.

- I also would love for the acorn bracelet to end up being the cure for whatever it is Lilia has. With the power of love everything is possible and all that.

- With all this going on I haven't even thought about what Malleus must be doing in the "real world" rip ☠️

[bluelightning16]

Reincarnation/Isekai AU inspired by @llondonfog's recent post :D

Basically, Silver reincarnates/isekais as a child into a world in which his parents are still alive, a world in which mankind has successfully dominated all. Knowing all that was revealed to him in his past life (information that is not divulged to him during the present day, so as to keep him sweet and innocent), he is utterly horrified by this disgusting version of reality. Unfortunately, the damage has already been done and by the time he's of age to help, the state of human-fae relations will surely be beyond salvation; thus, he grows up as an extremely suicidal child, burdened with all the guilt and blood and sins of his unrepentant predecessors...

(Later, perhaps, he comes into contact with an extremely vengeful Malleus...)

[wonderlandinsalem]

TWST: Fates AU

※For clarification the Fates I'm referring to is Fire Emblem Fates and not Fate/Grand Order!

An AU in which Malleus was kidnapped as a baby in retaliation to a human prince baby going missing.

This AU is currently imperfect because I got this while getting ready to buy breakfast so I will be addressing plot holes and such after I write down the main plot points. Also I know Malleus's grandma's name has been revealed and I do know it. However for the sake of the EN server player (I am one too sjjsjs), I will not be using it!

Headcanons:

-When Malleus was kidnapped, the queen was overcome by grieve from losing her last blood relative

-No war has ever come out of it however since it wasn't ever proven if a human or a fae kidnapped her grandchild

-She adopted Silver as her grandson given that they are similar in age

-Malleus was raised by (diurnal/light) faes (idk how Twisted Wonderland's world works, if it works like the ones in Sleeping Beauty, essentially he is Aurora lmao)

-When Malleus is of age to go to high school, this can go one of two ways. He's either enrolled to Night Raven College where Lilia would recognize the missing prince or he's enrolled to Royal Sword Academy where Lilia spotted him during interscholastic spelldrive competition

-If he was enrolled to NRC, Lilia would drag Malleus back to Briar Valley which he wouldn't need much convincing to budge since his caretakers had told him that he's living with them because his real parents went missing

-If he was enrolled to RSA, Lilia would need to kidnap the poor student back to Briar Valley

-If Malleus was enrolled to RSA, Lilia would be Housewarden whereas Sebek the Vice Housewarden. Originally I wanted to make Silver Housewarden but he's usually a no-show because he fell asleep or Lilia is usually there with him during the Housewarden meeting because he's asleep. I think either works so pick your fave lmao

-Sebek probably view humans differently now that his master is a human??? Although I'm not too sure how much he respects him though considering that Silver could sleep anywhere and everywhere

-Although Silver and Malleus are referred to as Silver and Malleus in this HC, I'm pretty sure in the AU they go by different names seeing that Malleus have been taken in by new guardians and Silver has been adopted by the queen

Plot holes:

-How did Malleus get kidnapped without being spotted???

-Initially his guardians were a human couple which I think would work but it would be very complicated to raise a dragon fae as a human so I went with the Malleus is Aurora route instead

-Since I initially wanted to make Malleus grow up as royalty in the human kingdom, I thought that Malleus would probably be bullied for having horns, pointed ears and slit pupils

-So if MC/Yuu was to be transported during this hectic period in Twisted Wonderland and Malleus is for some reason, still attending NRC, he would be very touched by how sincere and kind MC/Yuu is to him

-Malleus's and Silver's birthdates stays the same so basically Malleus is a few months older than Silver but they're still the same age

-I'm pretty sure there's plenty but I can't remember jsjsjsjs

Sorry for the bad formatting, I'll be on mobile for a while since my PC monitor broke a month ago (???) and I'm still waiting for a replacement! If someone decides to add more to this AU or make a fanfic out of it, please tag me! I would love to see it 🥺🥺🥺

[twstwonderlandstuff]

Can i have platonic headcannons for the diasomnia students (seprate) learning that the reader (who is from another world so she'd be Yuu basically) is Lilia's daughter (who even Lilia didn't know existed) considering at first the them AND the reader just thought she was a normal human. Even though the reader did have the pointed ears but the reader was just told her whole life that it was just some kind of genetic deformity of some kind and nothing else.

ooh, I saw this request answered on someone else's blog, so I'm more than happy to give you my take on it!

also, I had a difficult time with sebek, so my apologies, but he is excluded.

female reader

tw: child abadonment, implied sexual conduct

due to circumstances, lilia's partner (yuu's parental figure) is implied to be female.

requests are open!

🍉 malleus draconia 🍉

lilia had a partner? is the first thing that pops into his mind. my word, what a surprising turn of events. and you're...human? what a curious tale.

malleus regards you with an air of fascination. as lilia was as close as he can get to a father figure, he becomes quite curious in his own eloquent way. he doesn't know what to do, to be honest.

he'll, of course, welcome you as part of the diasomnian family. while he isn't very good at social interaction, he hopes to get along better with you. you might just be the last of lilia's blood to survive.

truth be told, a small part of him is suspicious. how would lilia, in spite of all his travels, impregnate somebody, not be aware and... have a daughter? it doesn't add up to how he sees lilia.

pointy ears... are part of what identifies faes, so to hear that you simply thought of it as a birth defect amuses him. if sebek heard that...

he'll teach you the ways of briar valley. the history, traditions and so on, if you so persist. in a way, he's like a big brother who wants to get to know you, but doesn't quite know how.

🍉 silver 🍉

surprise, of course. to think his old man was traveling to a different universe just before lilia found him... silver can command his strength.

he's surprised, of course. you're lilia's daughter...? so, his sister? no, half sister? he welcomes you as such, and is prepared for your utter shock when he tells you that your siblings.

he treats you like he does with sebek. siblings stand on equal ground, no? granted, he's sure you haven't endured much training, so he'll help you on that front.

that being said, he'll be an attentive older brother. receiving an unexpected sibling seems to show that side of him that even he doesn't know about.

I think when he first met you, there's a little strike of... oh. father's biological child. it fades as quick as it appears, so it doesn't bother him much.

while he's unsure on whether or not you plan to stay in twisted wonderland, he'll do his best to support your decision- it must be difficult, deciding between your adoptive parents or your biological one, who he happens to share familial connections with.

🍉 lilia vanrouge 🍉

the man himself! in absolute shock. so his one fling led to... oh... oh dear. he feels very guilty. to abandon a child unknowingly while taking another one in... how is he supposed to feel about that?

for a few days, lilia is quiet. his head is muddled with thoughts and his confusion rings clear as day. how did he become so foolish? how did he... why... how...? it takes the combined efforts of everyone in diasomnia to snap him out of it.

first things first, he apologizes to you and tells you what he knows about your birth's circumstances. to think that he would create a child..

with silver, he's known him ever since he was a wee lad, but you..? even though you are bound by blood, he doesn't know a single thing about you. how would he start? he gives you options that makes it comfortable for you. you can reach out to him if you like, or you can back away. either way, he'll do his best to communicate with you.

he doesn't know what you'll choose- to stay in twisted wonderland, or to go back to your original world, but whichever you choose, he hopes you won't forget what happened with him.

general

since you hail from a world where magic doesn't exist, they will show you its wonders. from tricks to tricky spells, they'll attempt to aid you. who knows, perhaps after some exposure your own magic will appear. the child of lilia vanrouge would be expected to have a few throws of magic, yes?

they'll try to make you feel at home. it's not perfect, but they're trying. cooking with lilia is something that they're fervently trying to get you out off, but alas, the old man always comes out victorious.

[twst-hanaya]

Silver's Tragedy

Some of my thoughts on Silver and his situation.

Note: There will be spoilers, and no, I'm not paying attention to what kind, so read at your own risk. Also I dive into a LOT a lot of speculation about Silver's possible thoughts and feelings, so again, disclaimer: this is all just my opinion lol please don't get mad at me. This is chock-full of assumptions based on not a lot of evidence so and I'm willing to live with that lolol.

That being said, let's get into it!

I made sure to read through all of Silver's Vignettes before writing this all down, and it did make me restructure some of my ideas into something based more on what we've seen of Silver in the story.

Here's the thing about the Diasomnia quartet right? They're a family, really family in a way that no other dorm is. There are childhood friends and people who have known each other all their lives, but Diasomnia is different because it wasn't a group of peers growing up together. They're more close to the nuclear family structure of having a parents, an adult that is meant to be a caretaker and children who were guided under that paternal role. While Malleus is obviously not quite as guardian-like as Lilia he's basically the doting Uncle in this scenario.

The reason I mention this is because although this is their dynamic, there's an inversion of expectations here that is unfortunate and unavoidable and not normal. Whereas most people would expect the parent to be the first to die, and the child to forge ahead without them, it's the opposite here. Silver is a human, in a society full of fairies and ancient creatures, and Lilia raised him knowing that it was all the more likely that his son in all but blood would turn to dust before he even saw a wrinkle appear anywhere on his own face.

Silver expresses in his Scary Dress Personal Story that having Lilia and Malleus disappear like that was incredibly rattling, because it had never even occurred to him that they would never be in his life. He's fully steeped in the expectation that he'll be the one leaving everyone else behind, and the experience of having them stand before him as an enemy, someone he could no longer stand beside, was a moment that woke him up to the reality that this may not always be the case.

(While it seems like there was a hell of a lot of foreshadowing for the events of Chapter 7 in this particular Vignette, I'm not really gonna get into that here since I'm focusing on analyzing Silver as a character rather that the events of TWST as a whole. )

While this episode focuses on Silver waking up to the possibility of loss on his own part where it never existed before, I want to focus on the other side of this coin. I can only imagine the kind of mentality you end up having growing up as a mortal in a world of practically immortal beings. Indeed, he seems unbothered and unflappable for the most part, with a tendency towards obliviousness. He doesn't seem to have much negative emotion in general, and is fairly straightforward and honest with both himself and others. And you know what? I'm sure he is fine.

The thing about people though, is that we're capable of being "fine" with a lot of fucked up things. We get used to it, we compartmentalize - we can't keep functioning if we let it bother us. There are things that are "just the way they are" that are absolutely fucked up. While Lilia and Malleus's tragedies are the burden of time and the inevitability of it, and everything that's swept away by it, Silver's tragedy is that ever present understanding that he will be the one abandoning everything he loves. It's one thing to grow old with your loved ones - it's a whole other beast to feel time slipping by you as they remain unchanging and ever the same, on a completely different plane of existence.

Can you imagine how lonely that must be?

He isn't a dog - he's a person and he's aware. And that's all Silver has known really. He's befriended fellow humans during his time at NRC certainly, but they aren't family. He's constantly focused on what he can give back to them for loving him, and he's constantly fighting to give them something of worth while he still has the chance. What can he leave them? He talks a lot about returning Lilia's debt of kindness with everything he can, and I can't help but feel it isn't just gratitude that drives him, even if he isn't aware of it himself.

I think we focus a lot on how the ones being left behind are hurt, but it's worth acknowledging the burden that comes with being the one that leaves.

(On a sidenote, I think Sebek has a very interesting role to play in all of this, but with the level of information we have on him, I hesitate to make any speculations. He's half-fae, half-human, and I'm sure that comes with its own baggage that deserves its own post. The reason I can't make a more meaningful analysis is because we don't really have a grasp on how half-human half-fae lifespans work in comparison to full humans and faeries, and even different types of fairies, though it's pretty clear (to me at least) from what he's said that his mom is some kind of Vampire, or Baobhan Sith type of fae.)

[luminous-letters]

Can i have platonic headcannons for the diasomnia students (seprate) learning that the reader (who is from another world so she'd be Yuu basically) is Lilia's daughter (who even Lilia didn't know existed) considering at first the them AND the reader just thought she was a normal human. Even though the reader did have the pointed ears but the reader was just told her whole life that it was just some kind of genetic deformity of some kind and nothing else.

ooh, i've seen this ask on @twstwonderlandstuff 's blog recently. and i'm more than happy to take on this req ✨

apologies for answering so late.

mc's parent here is female, if you don't mind.

WHAT?

No way. There is no way Master Lilia could've had a child. Despite travelling from country to country, he would never have been able to encounter your birth mother! You were from another world for gods' sake!

And he still can't get over that fact. You? From another world? Do you qualify on being an alien? Like in those science fiction documentaries...?

Enough of that!

There's no denying that you indeed possessed some fae characteristics, albeit watered down by the other blood that runs through your veins.

Chimera...

Truth be told, he was once curious of finding other people like him— born with the blood of Fae and another. It was a long time ago, to the point that he had almost forgotten about it completely.

He didn't expect to find someone so soon. And in the form of you, the infamous Prefect, too?

Since you've missed out on many of Master Lilia's heroic travels, Sebek would be more than happy to share them all with you!

Let us begin with his tales of the Scalding Sands. And proceed to Pyroxene, then to Jubilee Port!

Though not related by blood, I wish for us to have the same camaraderie of true siblings.

Silver couldn't describe the feeling that welled inside him. Delight mixed with anxiousness and... Jealousy...?

He didn't mind most of those feelings. He was more focused on sharpening your skills— swordfighting, survival and if possible, magic. Basically, everything that Lilia had taught him since he was but a child.

After all, Lilia was a high ranking official and a personal friend of the royal family, surely someone would be after your head. If news broke out, that is.

To the best of his ability, he will make sure you are protected and secured. He considers you as his sibling, so he will do what he can to become a reliable older brother.

An older brother...? Don't mind me, it merely feels strange on the tongue.

A product of Lilia's many exploits? What tales do you tell, I wonder?

Pray tell, child of Lilia, what stories do you have of your mother? Your hometown? What songs and lullabies have your folk sang to you as a babe?

What was your house? Was it of brick or stone? Or perhaps wood and glass? What of your hometown? Was it a lazy town by the seaside? A bustling jungle of concrete and lights?

Or perhaps it was a plan and simple countryside? He had so much to learn, so much to see and to hear.

Pardon me for the sudden questions. I could not resist but to wonder of your origins. Much more that you're related to Lilia by blood.

Give and take. For each story you tell him, he graces you with knowledge privy to the inhabitants of Briar Valley. If he feels up to it, he might tell you a meaty secret or a tidbit of knowledge from hidden tomes.

Malleus saw potential in you, and it wouldn't hurt to have Sebek train you with your magical abilities. He made a note to make sure of you had magic in you.

And he could have Silver or maybe Lilia himself to train you in your physical abilities as well.

I have a child? Amusing!

No child of his would be as helpless as a ragdoll, of course! A classic Vanrouge-style training ought to be useful to you.

A week of survival in the mountains, or maybe hand-to-hand combat with Sebek. Ooh! Or maybe a rather extreme training camp led by a good old friend of his!

How foolish he was to not consider that his gleeful galavanting would bear fruit. Aside from rigorous training, he has a lot more plans in store to make up for lost years.

He's read countless books about foreign cuisine, and it would elate him so if his dearest daughter would get to taste them all.

From chocolate-coated shellfish, to strawberry flavored pasta! Everything that has been cooked under the sun he'll gladly whip up in the kitchen.

Oh! And before he could forget, he plans on throwing many birthday parties for you. So buckle up and prepare for an eventful afternoon!

My daughter, it still feels rather strange to call you that, in this time we spend, I pray that we would be able to do some catching up with each other.

[grey-eyed-menace]

Vague ideas for future Twisted Wonderland snippets that I can't articulate just yet, and, knowing my luck with the inspiration Gods, isn't likely to get resolved anytime soon.

Either way, they're being forced out into this thing so I don't fucking forget.

These aren't in any particular order.

The basic flurry of panic and tears Subaru goes through after getting sorted into Pomefiore, branching from this, this also likely needs to include Crowley being informed of the situation. Which mostly consists of "GOD FUCKING DAMNIT! I'M ILLITERATE!" and another poor first year diving for cover as they clutch their RSA transfer paperwork like a lifeline.

Grim's reintroduction into NRC and how he becomes the only sentient being allowed under Subaru's comforter in Pomefiore. By admission under duress, Ace still thinks the little demon is out for blood. Possibly a follow up with Diasmonia and Silver playing temporary snuggle buddy while Subaru cuddles with the first year gang.

As above, what changed with Heartslyabul storyline, and why Grim wants Ace to stop coming the fuck over to Pomefiore.

Subaru getting dragged into town so she can get actual clothes that aren't just her school and dorm uniforms by Rook before he bails due to Vice Housewarden duties and dumps her on ADeuce. The trip is ultimately derailed and ends with Subaru pushing TW!Kuzco off of Sage Island's pier and having to book it back to Night Raven before they can be held accountable. Takes place maybe a week and a half before the entire Chapter Three debacle.

Having to go into town, again, post Chapter Three to actually get those clothes before she's forced to attend a public place with Vil. She ends up tagging along with Sebek, Thorne, and Silver as they set about restocking Diasmonia's kitchen utensils, (you know why).

Riddle and Floyd getting caught making out during the immediate wind-down of Chapter Five.

Floyd squeezing Subaru for the first time, and ending up with a head hug for his troubles as Subaru just... quietly collects herself in the aftermath of Chapter One. Ends with Subaru earning a life long menace because she just goes back in for another hug once he lets go, (post chapter one, Subaru's still really fucking jittery but positive affection is positive affection).

Subaru accidentally kidnapping Tsum-Ruggie.

Tsum-Floyd purposely kidnapping Subaru. Featuring Jade as a reluctant recipient to a hug.

The one where it's revealed where the fuck Tsum-Subaru ended up.

The incident that convinced Subaru that all of her upperclassmen needed to collectively get laid. AKA Ghost Marriage. Now with cheek kisses, fifteen year old boys being idiots, and having to pretend to have the hots for your shut-in of an upperclassmen so he doesn't get carted off to the Afterlife, (and a delighted little brother who takes so many pictures and videos).

The thirty minute staring contest that happens during chapter six after Subaru threatens to start waxing lyrical about Idia again. To his parents. Followed shortly by Azul actually waxing lyrical to his parents.

Another less defined idea of Idia subtly trying to get called Shroud-senpai during Star-Sending and Subaru being called an adorable underclassmen by Agatha.

The entire reason Leona is fucking terrified of Ortho in my version of events. Featuring a gleeful Rista Caspian, a sad Agatha, and a deeply traumatized Alek Carris. Oh, and NRC during the third years first six months or so at the College, (excluding Leona, who... was technically still a third year).

Jamil and Agatha play cards and gossip post chapter-four.

What Sebek thinks constitutes as appropriate Courting Practices. Lilia looks on in amusement, Silver vague pity. Thorne and Malleus, meanwhile, are just fuckong confused.

Agatha and Idia's first week at Night Raven. And how Crowley broke his Left arm that year.

Azul Ashengrotto matchmakes.

Jade Leech being the one that actually gets the couples in question to sleep in the same bed.

The somewhat nonessential silly little cluster of scenes where people mix up Subaru's given and family name.

The rather enthusiastic make-out session between Yuuki Subaru and Agatha Paige once they both learn the other is alive in the aftermath of chapter six. Idia and Ortho are even more traumatized. Azul wins a bet. Agatha considers it premeditated revenge to what is bound to happen in Ignihyde between Azul and Idia once they get back, and Subaru is just a little light headed and happy. Neither consider this a prelude to a relationship of any kind.

A conversation had with Lilia during Subaru's birthday event, featuring a look at what being a teenager feels like at fifteen and what it looks like when your well over two thousand years old.

The wholesome little snippet of Riddle and Subaru being stupidly sibling like during an Unbirthday party.

Cater getting the privilege of a Subaru Sanctioned And Approved scrapbook for his birthday. Complete with lots of selfies.

Subaru bringing Malleus as her plus one to an Unbirthday Party post chapter three. He looms. Riddle is worried, Cater pouts, Trey is tired, Ace questions his life choices, and Deuce...? Deuce makes conversation. Awkward and stilted, but conversation!

Subaru hugging a rightfully confused Thorne, and not letting go for a solid thirty minutes. Featuring a very confused and indigent Sebek.

Leona's increasingly elaborate plots to avoid Subaru post chapter-two, because he's a lot of things, but watching one of his tiny underclassmen looking at him in legitimate abject terror over something isn't something he likes dealing with.

Ruggie and Thorne's late night Cafeteria Raids. Cuter then you'd expect. And sadder.

Rista and Floyd's ongoing rivalry for the most unhinged Octaniville member. Jade wins by a landslide.

Someone finally confides in Subaru that two of the scariest people on campus think she's cute. Subaru, who's seen both of these idiots fail at largely normal human things, thinks they're idiots.

The master chef competition, and how Subaru got banned from it. Featuring a rightfully terrified Crowely and a stab happy Grim.

Winter Break cuddling. With Grim.

Why Subaru let's Grim easy access to knives.

Subaru's completely justified reaction to learning Rook has been taking pictures of her without explicit permission, and has more or less been stalking her after being informed of her situation, and her very violent want to get the fuck away from him afterwards.

Dorm room transfer following Chapter Five, both for ease of access due to a broken ankle, and because the repurposed storage room isn't so much cutting as it is the fact that it's directly across from Rook's personal room. Sleepover with Epel.

Why you don't fuck with Pomefiore First Years. They will stab you with the nearest available object, and the staff either won't believe you, or they themselves were once Pomefiore First Years and know you provoked it.

Some idiot decides to finally comment on the casual dates Subaru has with some of her social circle. Rook may or may not be responsible for stringing them up in front of their dormitory with a length of rope.

The fall-out of the association with Vil's fanclub, and Epel and Subaru's collective investment in a metal baseball bat as a precaution.

Time Travel shenanigans featuring Subaru and the Obey Me! cast.

How Subaru ended up in Twisted Wonderland.

Future snippet of the fifth year graduation for most of the third years.

That one Age-Swap AU where Epel and Subaru are still as feral as they are as first years as they are Housewardens.

The rather sad expectation of Subaru waking back up in that antiques shop with nothing to show for it except what feels like a very realistic dream. Meets the Shop-Keep a very... familiar face.

Sebek finally hikes up his metaphorical skirt and asks a pretty girl out. Thorne just thinks he's adorable. They get a date snippet post chapter seven.

Blanc March, ex-Housewarden, expresses a desire to pinch Riddle's cheeks. Riddle collars him.

Tsum-Sebek and aggressive snuggles.

A bunch of post chapter seven stuff that's on the back burner until the release.

Malleus and Subaru have a long talk about what they think about each other.

Vil gets tackled during Chapter Six. By Epel.

Agatha's Union Birthday.

Valentine's Day, NRC Remix. AKA Subaru stares way too long at at certain people and nearly has a breakdown over arrangements. Agatha is told she's appreciated. And Thorne beats Lilia out of the kitchen with a wooden spoon. Oh, and Ruth nearly gets thrown out a window.

Pillowtalk, discussions of romance, Ace has a Sexuality Crisis, and gender-switch potions.

Neige asks Subaru out post chapter six. Agatha has an entire laughing fit over it while offering no help to a near hysteric Vil. Followed shortly by 'Why couldn't you ask her out?' which is answered by the subsequent 'I like having an intact spine'.

Thorne and Silver talk about loneliness, Sebek and Thorne talk about fear, Malleus and Thorne have what might qualify as 'Girl Talk'. Lilia has a moment of pride.

The death of Thorne's crush on Lilia, and Silver's unfortunate need to lay out the facts.

Cater tutors an underclassmen through becoming Tech Literate, and gets an unfortunate crush.

[twstdreams]

Hi hi I simply love The senerio with Leona in it lions Chase it was cute may I request one with Malleus please ^^

Here you go! I took some liberties with the reader’s personality, so they won’t exactly fit everyone, but I hope it’s an enjoyable read!

Malleus Draconia with a crush on a reader who sees him as an older brother figure:

You noticed the lingering gaze of a Diasomnia student as you strolled towards the dorm. Most students were hesitant to approach the powerful dorm leader, and frankly, at first, your relationship was nowhere near as close as it was now. It was only a combination of ignorance and bravery, and perhaps a little stupidity or poor risk management, that the two of you had such a close relationship.

When you first met, you hadn’t been so oblivious to not notice Malleus’ powerful aura, but given the distinctive student body, he was only one of many surprises. Lilia seemed more approachable at first glance, but there was something more foreboding beneath the surface. Octavinelle students always seemed to say the right words but you couldn’t seem to shake a sinister feeling when you were around them. To be blunt, you weren’t even sure if the Heartslabyul dorm leader was sane. Malleus had potent strength but did not seem to have any outright hatred or madness. 

Admittedly, the first time you had asked Malleus to join you was an impulsive decision slightly spurred by panic. After seeing Sebek getting electrocuted for forgetting to invite Malleus, you sputtered out an offer without much thought. 

“Oh! Um, would you like to come too?” You figured Malleus would decline, but you’d be spared any suffering since you went through the formality of inviting him. At worst, Malleus would chide you for encroaching on his busy schedule. At any rate, nothing could top receiving a flaming ball of fire to the face, so you took your chances.

To your utter surprise, Malleus actually said yes. Your jaw nearly hung open from shock until you remembered that etiquette and basic social interactions deemed that you should respond. And that is how you found yourself walking through the Diasomnia gardens with Malleus after your very first conversation. The memory brings a smile to your face now, but at the time you were pretty nervous.

Currently, you were heading towards the Diasomnia dorm to have tea with Malleus. With your favourite snacks in hand, you walked with a bounce in your step. When you opened the door, you spotted Malleus reading over some papers. He looked like the picture of an ideal responsible student, which off-put some but made him more endearing to you.

In lieu of a greeting, you placed a plate of the treats you had brought for him to eat. His attention shifted to you as he put away the papers in favour of trying the snack. You began to pour tea for the both of you.

“You’re like the ideal big brother to me,” you commented nonchalantly while taking a seat. You were always rather impressed by his skills, safely surpassing yours, but it was the time he set aside for you that warmed your heart.

“A big brother?” Malleus repeated with a tone of disdain.

“Yeah? You know, like, an older sibling that’s a guy,” you fumbled with your words as his reaction filled you with uncertainty. Did fae not have siblings? Did he think you had insulted him? You continued in hopes of fixing this mess, “Siblings have the same parents or at least one parent in common, and, uh, well they’re usually pretty close and they …”

The words died in your throat as Malleus’ icy gaze pierced straight through you. You were on the verge of suppressing a shiver. Sometimes Malleus didn’t quite understand your behaviour or some random human convention, but this was different. 

“I am not human,” he asserted, “Nor do we share any blood.” You chose your next words carefully. Suddenly you had landed in bumpy waters with a tempestuous storm brewing.

Choose to:

A) Clarify what you meant

B) Drop the topic

A) Clarify what you meant

“It’s just,” you inhaled deeply and summoned all the courage you could, “I didn’t mean it literally. The point is to illustrate how close we are. More than casual friends.” 

There’s a beat of silence. You’re doing your best to bravely face the situation but a part of you wants the floor to swallow you whole. Were you wrong? No, you couldn’t be. Malleus wouldn’t spend all this time with you if he didn’t care at least a little. Right?

“But still platonic?” he inquired, and there was an edge to his tone that told you he still wasn’t pleased. 

“Generally, yes,” you paused as you felt a change in the air, magic threatening to spark, then hastily added, “But! I mean, feelings aren’t linear. They, they’re evolving and changing. So, in the future, who knows?” You closed your eyes and tried to collect yourself. How had the situation turned so awkward and precarious so quickly?

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean anything bad by it,” you say to the teacup, but you know Malleus hasn’t moved. You practically felt his glare as all your emotions spilled from your lips, “Even if it’s a bit presumptuous, I …”

You can’t do it. What were you even trying to say? No, you knew, but now you were second-guessing everything. Honestly, at this point, you felt like a complete mess. Maybe you should have just waited until you weren’t a bundle of nerves.

“You what?” He phrased it as a question, but his voice indicated it was a demand. 

“I … Well, I care about you,” you squeaked, face set aflame. You didn’t think your face could get any hotter even if Malleus did decide to set you on fire. This whole thing probably looked so dumb to the fae. You were never going to bring up siblings again.

“Humans are quick to make declarations of love and care,” he remarked but you felt some of the tension lift as his tone mellowed out.

“Yes, I suppose so,” you agreed, careful not to break the fragile peace. Malleus sipped his tea while his eyes bore into your soul. You weren’t sure if it was a signal to continue, so you added, “Though being in love and loving someone are not the same, they are both forms of love.”

“And? What would you categorize your confession as?” he asked casually as if he hadn’t requested for you to bare your heart to him. You gulped, hesitant given you had just narrowly avoided a disaster.

“I don’t know, love is a strong and confusing feeling,” you murmured while choosing to avert your gaze to the teacup before you. Maybe if you stared at the tea long enough, it would reveal the right thing to say.

“I look forward to your conclusion.” Expectant green eyes met your wide ones. This felt like some god awful trick. He continued, “Though I suppose you, who is so similar to a fumbling child, will take some time to decide.”

You gritted your teeth and silently nodded. It felt like some devious trick question with no right answer. What was Malleus expecting? Were you suppose to confess you were madly in love with him like some protagonist out of a fairy tale? Did he expect some reverent answer about his status and how you’d never dream of dating a powerful descendant of the king? Perhaps spout something brutally honest like Silver? Something cunning like Lilia? Dutiful to a fault like Sebek?

You had no clue as dread settled in your heart. Though his current unbristled appearance gave no hint, you knew this was serious. You had no idea your relationship with Malleus was so tumultuous and unstable until now. A simple misstep had landed you in so much trouble, you can still feel waves of his magic linger. You’d always known Malleus was powerful, both in magic and his position, but this was the first time it’d been a threat to you.

The discussion was about types of love, but it was fear that was welling up in your heart.

B) Drop the topic

“Sorry! It was a bad example, forget about it,” you replied, trying to keep any nervous ticks under control. The tension in the room told you Malleus had forgotten nothing. You made feeble attempts of bringing up other topics but all responses were lacklustre. Soon enough, the tea was cool and you excused yourself with Malleus making no actions to stop you.

Your subsequent interactions felt off. Naturally, Malleus was busy with both his studies and duties as dorm leader, but every conversation seemed laced with an unpleasantness you weren’t sure how to handle. A slight contempt that had never been directed to you before. 

The ground beneath you no longer felt steady and each step was filled with trepidation. You tossed and turned at night, unsure what to do and why everything had ended up like this. You swayed between worry and annoyance. Wasn’t he being petty? Or were you inconsiderate? You had missed something but your eyes couldn’t find the unknown piece.

You hesitated to act, but one day Lilia had approached you with a smile baring too many teeth and left you with an ominous warning.

“Be careful,” he whispered with eyes that lit up in amusement as panic wormed its way into your soul.

One day, while passing papers a teacher had asked you to deliver to Malleus, you cautiously asked, “I haven’t done anything to make you angry, right?”

“Of course I’m not angry. I’m not,” he insisted. 

Oh no.

No no no no no.

No!

Dismay practically flowed through your veins as the sentence left his mouth. He was definitely upset and you had no clue how to fix this. 

Was your relationship with Malleus always this fragile? Everyone was always wondering how you’d manage to befriend the dorm leader, but now you knew it wasn’t befriending him that was hard, it was maintaining this relationship. Part of you was upset, you had come to care about Malleus a great deal, but frustration bubbled up too. Why couldn’t he just tell you why he was mad? For all the comments about how you were like a baby or a child, he provided no guidance or clues.

This felt like a losing game and you weren’t sure you wanted to play anymore.