#and swinging his sword around to the point it could harm women inside

[specialshinytrinkets]

[ID:

You do [caps] not [end caps] need to kill off a character for 'emotional impact', or 'realism'. Especially if you've given readers / watchers time to bond with said character. Come on.

/endID]

im starting to think you guys dont like it when stories make you feel things

[draven-imani]

Journal 6

Today was another long day. Another very long day. I don’t even know how to begin to express how much happened today.

We broke fate.

We did what we came to the Grey Garrison to do and according to a higher being we weren’t actually meant to have done that but we did anyways and it changed everything. It changed an entire timeline. We did that. I’m still processing that.

Let me start from the top.

We made for Old Kenabres first thing in the morning. We were given a number of supplies from Arashniaval for our strike force, while Horgus was using his own funds to supply the main troops. The Silver Legion and the units Commander Tirabade had been able to muster rode ahead and drew away the brunt of the demonic forces, leaving the Grey Garrison mostly unguarded. The Commander did not join the forces drawing distraction, however. She would be fighting alongside us to reclaim the shard of the Wardstone from Deskari’s hands. And she was not the only one. This morning the envoy the Commander sent down to speak with the First Descendants returned as well. And they came alongside forces from below ground lead by Lann, ready to join the fight against the demon scourge. Lann and a number of his rangers joined our strike team. Each of us paired up with a ranger, with the group deciding I should team up with Lann since I was the captain of this mission. I had no arguments there. Lann proved to be a very capable marksman. Even without cold iron arrows he managed to do some damage to some of the demons we faced, which is more than I could say for most people.

If we ever have a moment when we aren’t fighting for our lives for once, I wouldn’t mind having a chance to chat with him outside of life-threatening situations. Lann seems like a good guy. But apparently my life is going to be getting really busy really soon, so that’s probably not in the cards.

As we approached the grey garrison, we saw two sentries. We identified the twisted reanimated mockeries as vermleks, parasitic demons who puppeteer corpses of the dead. The victims in question were High Commander Hulrun, and the head of Nyserian Manor ironically enough. It would seem Lord Nyserian met with a terrible fate when he presented Commander Tirabade’s sword to the demons, in a bid to try to get safe passage and a position of power. We found proof later that this was their punishment for him not giving it to them sooner. Serves a coward and a traitor right, for the innocent blood on his hands.

My feelings about Hulrun are more complicated. He was a powerful crusader. He should have been able to stand up against the demons as a symbol of strength against the tide of evil. Instead he was felled and turned into a mockery. So I found what they did despicable and I wanted to put him to rest. But I also never found him to be the height of what we could stand for. He was no Irabeth Tirabade. At one time he was a paranoid man who brought out the worst in our people for many years. He led the witch hunts, which may have been a little before my time, but the effects of which still echo down. I…deeply fear what would happen if anyone found out about the mark I keep under wraps.

Whether he truly become better or simply had others who advised him to tone it down, I will likely never know now. And quite frankly it doesn’t matter, as he is dead and we have more pressing matters than the past to contend with.

Speaking of that accursed mark, it was bleeding a stream of blood worse than ever before, and burning like someone had taken a hot iron to it. I couldn’t help but flinch, and the others couldn’t help but notice the bandages that were already stained red before we had even entered battle. I…promised to explain later. And I suppose I will have to, if it’s going to cause so much blood that I cannot hide it around so many demons. I will have to find a new method. Perhaps a bracer of some kind…

Hiskaria asked ‘you too’ when I started rubbing at my arm initially, and showed me a mark on her back. It was not anything near the same as the festering mark on my wrist. She had some sort of large glowing spiral birthmark on her back. Although there was one thing in common I found: both appeared the day our families died. Hers was reacting here as well, which was apparently abnormal. Hers had something to do with the Riftwardens—which now that I think about it she’d kept buddying up to Arashniaval frequently, going to him to comfort him when he thought the Riftwardens died despite just meeting him, and he’d reacted to her in surprise when we’d first met her.

For now, however, we needed to focus on the mission as hand. There were two demon sentries. If we took them out fast, we might not alert the entire temple of our presence right away. Luna did her usual thing, going invisible and sneaking up on one, getting a good swing in on it, although not enough to destroy its host. Commander Tirabade charged in behind her, stabbing it, and Melody joined her.

Hiskaria and I focused on the other. Radiance was more insistent than ever that these demons be cleansed—the bodies of the faithful needed to be freed and put to rest properly.

These creatures took a beating and still remained standing, sending wave after wave of negative energy through us with mass inflict wounds. The Commander cut down the one who was possessing Hulrun—trying to be respectful of the dead, although once Luna got started insulting him for the witch hunts it was hard for any of us to not agree with her points that the man was kind of an ass. Still, the demon was dead and I’d at least follow Radiance’s request to lay his body to rest later, even he deserved that much.

The other demon devoured its host, but was then skewered through on Melody’s glaive, leaving the courtyard outside the temple silent.

Then Melody looked up. She told us in a hushed voice that she saw her goddess’ songbird. But also a twisted being who looked like a humanoid woman with a clawed locust’s arm. An oracle of Deskari. And probably a powerful one at that if her body was twisted in such a manner.

This would be no easy task. But we needed to get to the wardstone and destroy it, to keep it from being used as a weapon and turning our own symbol of protection against our unsuspecting men and women on the front lines. Whether it would be easy or not didn’t matter.

Luna slipped ahead of us, practically vanishing as she pulled her hood over her head and she seemed to become one with the shadows with her mastery of stealth. I focused on Iomedae’s blessings, using her mastery of the warrior’s ways to try to keep up with my swift footed companion.

A fight had already broken out by the time I arrived. Luna had snuck up behind a tiefling cultist and liberated his head from his shoulders. The rest had tried to swarm her, but she was not an easy woman to harm in such a way. Lann shot an arrow into the fray, catching the attention of one of the tieflings and drawing him out of the room to me, which I swiftly cut down. The rest were taken care of by Hiskaria’s arrows and Luna and Melody’s blades.

Now that we were inside of the temple, Radiance’s energy was feeling more insistent than usual. They told me that this was once a temple to Iomedae, and it should be cleansed and returned to its former glory. I got the sense that they meant immediately, not after we got rid of the demons. At first as I cleared the demons I argued with Radiance, telling the sword that I needed them to be patient—if we tried to cleanse the temple before we got rid of all the demons, the demons would just desecrate it again.

What made me change my mind was the room with the arms.

I am not going to describe the room with the arms. Just know that…the demons and their cultists made some very visceral and disgusting idols in mockery of our holy places.

I was ambushed by several cultists of Deskari in that room. Which was a veeeeeery good way to get some very recently acquired bad feelings out of my system. With some help from the others, we cleared out the three cultists who thought they would be adding me to their sick idol. Sick bastards.

Then Melody opened a door. And got a bomb right in the face.

Because alchemists suck like that.

Luna went in with her axe, but the man had a spell on that made hitting him difficult, he shifted around the attacks, our visuals on him were blurred and difficult to see correctly. Hiskaria got a bright idea, and cast magic missile on him.

I liked that idea, and produced a wand of magic missile we’d been given by Arashniaval, and did the same. Between the two of us and Luna, we beat away at the alchemist. He used a smoke bomb to try to hide from the missiles. Hiskaria got in closer, drew fire from him, and was able to give me enough of an idea of where he was that I could get up in his face and cast it once more. Which was all we needed.

From there we only had one way to go. Which was behind a locked door Luna was having difficulty opening. We decided to work together to smash through it. With Luna taking point, we threw everything we had into it, and finally managed to burst the door.

Straight into a room with a tiefling and three dretches.

It wasn’t actually that difficult. Luna ran past the dretches and took on the tiefling. Commander Tirabade and Melody took on the dretch nearest the door, which I used the Commander’s shield for cover to slip in and attack the one next to her, Radiance giving me a particularly spectacular moment killing the dretch in a single swing. The final dretch tried to flee, but Luna took a swing at it as it did, then ran after it and ended it before it could try to warn anyone on the second floor.

We were a little bruised, but not so much that we felt like we needed to sound the retreat yet.

Radiance was even more insistent, and I was feeling a bit twitchy after the aforementioned room as well. I requested some time to clear out the bottom floor before we continued on. The others agreed, as it would give them some time to check for anything of value on the bodies they may have missed.

So, I got to work. First clearing out the…aforementioned room. Doing burial rites for the desecrated bodies and for Hulrun while I was at it. Then I cleaned the prayer room. Which had an interesting engraving in celestial, although I cannot read the language. I recalled that Gabrielle could as an aasimar, although I didn’t want to make assumptions given how different Luna is—so I asked if anyone in our group could speak the language. As fortune would have it, Luna did speak celestial, and was willing to help, despite needing to kneel before the alter to see the engraving properly. She would not tell me what it said, instead, she went over to a glowing outline of a doorway we’d noticed in the other room, and spoke the words, “Let us inherit thine arms, Iomedae.” The doorway swung open. Inside was an amazing armory. Cold iron weapons of all kinds, an enchanted longsword, sturdy shields, and a gorgeous breastplate with Iomedae’s holy symbol emblazoned across it. I feel speed is what we needed more than heavy armor at the moment, or I would have gladly donned it.

I also may have hesitated because I think it looked like that sort of think Auriel would have liked. I feel like I remember him mentioning he intended to get something similar to this at some point. Or maybe that’s just me projecting. I don’t know.

Anyways.

After that was done we cleaned up the museum, in which we found an adamantine morningstar of all things. Would have been useful for that door earlier. We gave it to Luna. Adamantine with her strength will be useful I’m certain.

With everything cleaned up and Radiance a bit quieter, we decided to head up to the second floor.

The second floor was almost blood bath. I…kind of don’t remember a lot of the fight that happened here. It was a blur, and I went down a few times. A lot of times. They really had it out for me. For obvious reasons, I was the only Iomedaen in the room. And possibly because of the accursed mark on my arm, who knows? What I do know is, we got upstairs. Melody got besieged on all sides, and the moment one of the tiefling cultists died, we heard the voice of the oracle. And she summoned a swarm of locusts from the tiefling’s body, which attacked Melody on his death, badly injurying her with negative energy. I ended up running in and putting myself in between her and some of the other enemies with the intention of drawing some attention away from her. Which worked. Unfortunately it worked a little too well. I got swarmed by tieflings and Deskari cultists, and when Melody or Heskaria killed one the oracle would cause the locust swarms to pull the life from me. I went in and out of consciousness more than a few times here. I was lucky the Commander was here. She and Hiskaria kept me alive. Between Commander Tirabade’s lay on hand’s and Hiskaria’s wand of cure moderate wounds she’d picked up somewhere along the way. I definitely owed her one. I guess as her ‘acting captain’ I’m putting in a few good words for her for sure at this point.

When the swarm of enemies died down, we began looking around a bit more. We found a room with a bowl of water and—viscera—with zombies milling about. We took care of them with literally no issue. Radiance once again began insisting on immediately consecrating the room, and I once again told them that we needed to wait until we knew there was nothing nastier on this floor after what we’d just dealt with, if the oracle could reach out through her followers up here. Radiance didn’t like that answer, but conceded that it was my choice either way. Good. Maybe Luna was onto something with putting my foot down with them.

Melody was standing near a door looking a bit spooked, and as I approached she quietly told me something was on the other side talking in her mind. She described it, and I reasoned out that it was a Schir demon due to the sound of gnawing on metal she heard. We decided to let Luna go in first, as it was probably prepared but to my knowledge they couldn’t see those who were invisible. So she downed another potion and slipped inside, getting a good stab at him before he could react. Unfortunately, he proved a bit more damaging than expected, and we heard Luna calling for someone to help her out. I was planning to join her, since demon slaying is kind of my specialty. But then something else burst from the door behind me. A strange chimera creature. Not a demon, but an evil intelligent beast working with them. A peryton. The creature bared its fanged in something between a smile and a snarl as it greeted me, before lashing out, knocking me against the wall and dashing any hope of me going to Luna’s aid.

Fortunately, both Melody and Commander Tirabade were able to help Luna, while Hiskaria put some arrows into the creature attacking me. The Commander apparently killed the demon, then Luna charged out of the room and with a single swing of her axe beheaded the peryton.

The rest of the floor was so easily cleared out I legitimately don’t even remember what the creatures in the last room were. Some kind of insect or spider that caused darkness, but Luna was able to cast light due to her aasimar bloodline and dispel it. I blocked the doorway to protect Melody and let Hiskaria and Melody take shots at them until I was hurting too badly to continue that tactic, then stepped aside for Luna the clean up the rest.

After that was done, Luna began going through some papers that she had seen the cultists looking over before. I began clearing out the room the zombies had been in that Radiance had reacted to. And the others began checking the other rooms for anything that might be useful or important.

After I cleared and purified the water in the bowl it became immediately obvious that it was a scrying dish, as it activated on its own. It had two things to show me. First, was Leto and Commander Spriggans. They were in the middle of the demon hordes, separated from their unit. They were fighting valiantly, and they didn’t look worse for the wear at the moment. But with their positioning, I knew if I called the retreat now, they might get left behind. They might end up stuck behind enemy lines. Or worse, overwhelmed and killed.

Before I had time to process that, a second vision was granted. This one a bit closer to where we were. It was of the oracle, upstairs. She was panicking. Pacing, muttering to herself “fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck”, terrified of how quickly we were tearing through her forces, of how quickly we were making our way to her and undoing all her work. The angle of the scry then panned out, showing me the room outside, allowing me to see the fiendish minotaur guarding the door to her chambers. It gave me a good idea of what we were going to be facing when we went up there. It was a tiny room to be dealing with such a large creature, not much room to maneuver. Not much room to get Luna into a flanking position.

But more importantly, we’d been planning to call the retreat after this floor. Because we were all exhausted. We were low on magic. We were low on healing. We were hurting. But if we did that, we were going to put Leto and Commander Spriggans in danger.

I had to make a call. Retreat. Put the mission and the people in front of me first and risk Leto. Or push forward, risk everything so I could try to bring everyone back safe. Assuming I didn’t get everyone killed doing so.

I was paralyzed with indecision.

The others were talking about various things they’d found. A list of traitors here and elsewhere, which was useful. Some other things I honestly was too distracted at the time to really process. Then Luna started talking about how we ought to head out if we were going to call the retreat and get back to Defender’s heart, since we were getting tired. Melody and Hiskaria agreed.

I stopped them. I told them to wait. I explained I’d seen something in the scrying room, and I explained what I’d seen and why it was a problem for retreating. But also why not retreating was a problem.

Luna said she didn’t give a damn, and said on the count of three everyone raise their hand who voted to keep going. All three of them did.

I—was speechless. I am not so proud as to think they did not understand how much of a risk they were taking pushing forward. They knew how much they were risking, and what they were doing, to keep Leto safe. A man they’ve barely even met once, but who they knew was important to me.

I owe them. More than I can begin to repay. But I am going to start, as best I can.

After I finished cleansing the second floor, we made our plan for how to deal with the third. We knew that the oracle was not at her best. We also knew how the minotaur’s room was laid out. We decided to use this to our advantage. There wasn’t much room to maneuver—not even enough for us to bring our ranger companions along, we had them watch our backs and stay on the second floor—but there was just enough to possibly get Luna in behind him if we played our cards right.

Luna drank another invisibility potion, and crept ahead of us. We waited for half a minute, then followed, with Melody in the lead. The plan was for her to lure the beast forward, as she was the only one with a weapon that could reach as far as the minotaur’s. She would stand in the stairwell and taunt the beast until it charged her, then Luna would step behind it and attack the moment its back was no longer to the door.

The plan worked. It worked exactly like we’d planned. Except for one problem. I didn’t see it for myself, I was still in the stairwell. But I heard about it afterwards. When the beast began to lumber forward, Luna stepped in to attack. She landed a devastating blow, drawing her axe up from the bottom of its spine to its neck. The creature stopped, and swung around, and its own axe swung into Luna. The fiendish creature put a smite into the blow, and its full strength behind it. With a single swing, Luna crumpled. I didn’t see the attack, but I saw the end result. There was blood everywhere.

Commander Tirabade charged in, and ended the beast’s life in a single final stroke, Luna having nearly ended it with her single blow. This left the room clear for Hiskaria to run in and use her wand to heal Luna back to her feet, and Melody to finish getting her back up. By the time I reached her, she looked good as new, if not a little shaken or perhaps just displeased that her blow hadn’t killed the beast outright. There was blood splattered across everything.

I really owe Luna after all this is over, with how close that was.

Then Luna suggested we do that again for the next room. We went to argue. I wondered if maybe she’d taken some head trauma on top of the axe wound. But she pointed out that technically the plan worked fine—she’d just gotten unlucky with the minotaur’s axe. She was pretty sure the same wouldn’t happen a second time with this panicky oracle. And this time we’d all be right outside the door.

I hated to admit it, but the plan had worked pretty well. And getting Luna in the room and flanking the oracle would be the best way to ensure she went down quickly. So we all agreed. Luna drank another potion and vanished, then we opened the door.

The oracle laughed manically when she saw us, her eyes wild and desperate. She was a twisted disgusting thing, her form warped into some sort of half-elf/locust combination by Deskari’s magic. I wouldn’t have even recognized her as a fellow half-elf myself if Luna hadn’t said something earlier when one of us was describing her. I am glad that the taint that this mark on my arm has left on me has done no such thing, I much prefer my face and arm as they are thank you.

The oracle—whose name I felt no particular urge to memorize, my apologies, I think it would have galled her to know she wasn’t that important—warned us to stay back. She asked where Luna was, to which Melody claimed that she’d been killed by the minotaur. One look at the bloodied room seemed to be enough to convince her of the truth of that, as she laughed in our faces at our folly. She motioned, and two portals appeared. What appeared to be two babau demons appeared, with Leto and Commander Spriggans held hostage. She warned that she would have them killed if we didn’t retreat and let her finish her work.

I…admit to not thinking straight here. I froze. Obviously, I knew we couldn’t just throw down our arms, not when so many lives were at stake with the wardstone right there. But I also wasn’t about to throw my brother and commander to the wolves.

Thankfully, Melody was much more clear-sighted than I. She ran forward, and attacked one of the supposed demons. The illusion around them flickered and vanished, revealing the truth underneath. Two constructs, which had created the illusory demons—and the illusions of Leto and Commander Spriggans, who were not there at all.

I was incensed at the trickery. I realized then that the desecrated scrying chamber had very likely been to look for someone one of us cared about to use against us, and she had chosen Leto. This kind of construct could only be used with an illusion preprogrammed into it—which meant they knew what to put in ahead of time, and someone elsewhere had put it in and sent it over. The constructs had the holy symbol of Sivanah emblazoned on them, so it seemed someone within their church was responsible. According to Luna, it was Lady Salzala. I’m inclined to believe her. Apparently, the mummified locust with the book she stole the day we met was addressed to her as well, so a lot of things keep pointing back in her direction. Commander Tirabade said she left with a contingent of her men on ‘business’ after the attack, so it would appear she fled the scene.

Unfortunately, her name was not amongst the ones in the documents Luna found naming traitors, so we lack any further evidence, although the Commander is going to look into it further.

With the bluff called, we attacked. Luna appeared as she swung her axe at the twisted locust oracle. Both Luna and the oracle looked surprised for a moment, I didn’t catch what either said, but then the oracle used a spell to teleport across the room.

While Melody and I focused on her and Luna dealt with the constructs that had flanked her, Hiskaria had a different idea in mind. She swung around, avoiding the fight entirely, and pulled out the rod of cancellation we’d been given to destroy the Wardstone. We were here to do a job, and she was going to make sure it got done, one way or another.

The oracle cried out, but it was too late. Hiskaria pushed past whatever last defenses the final piece of the wardstone may have had, and it shattered in a blinding flash. Shards rained down around us like meteors in miniature. They ripped the oracle and her constructs to shreds, but miraculously the rest of us were untouched—whenever they came near us, they redirected, whooshing around as if we had our own little gravity field and then being thrown in another direction.

Then everything went white. Me, Luna, Melody, and Hiskaria found ourselves in this place alone, Commander Tirabade was nowhere to be seen. Radiance floated before us, pulsing with energy, their blade face down. They spoke, and as they did we began to see visions of what they spoke of. Visions of things past. Of how the Wardstone came to be. Of Commander Tirabade and Stauton Vhagn…apparently former friends, before his betrayal. Of the Stormlord’s first attack on the Wardstone, and then Stauton’s betrayal and escape from the city. And then the most recent attack on the stone, the one that shattered it and brought us together. The attack that killed Trendalor—we know for certain now that the city’s defender is dead, his body stolen away by demons. And then we saw various demons guarding the stone, each powerful entity growing bored with their post and handing it off to one below them, until finally it fell to the oracle, who paced the room fearfully, knowing what would happen to her should she fail at our hands.

Then we saw what was supposed to happen next. The fate that we avoided. The time that was meant to come to pass, but didn’t. Arelu Vorlesh stepped from a portal with a purple crystal in hand, and began corrupting the Wardstone. And she succeeded. Dark tendrils spread through the land, they infected the crusaders through their connection to the divine within the Wardstone, and it twisted and warped them all into half-fiend monstrosities under Deskari’s power. Deskari’s army grew into a force all that more unstoppable, bolstered by our own men whose lives and souls were ripped away all at once.

Then the vision shattered, and we saw what had happened when we shattered the Wardstone instead. A great wave of golden energy swept across the land, destroying countless demons in its wake. Not obliterating their forces, unfortunately—more will come crawling from the Worldwound in the days to come, but it’s still a mighty blow that should buy us some time to regroup after what they did to Kenabres. A nice bit of divine retribution for those who have died.

Radiance spoke to us again. Or, the Spirit of the Hall of Heroes. I couldn’t quite tell if this was the exact same being as the one who spoke to me through the blade. I do recall Radiance referring to themself as the Spirit of the Hall of Heroes before, so likely the same? Radiance is less of a mouthful and easier to write, though. Maybe just ‘The Spirit’ for now, to avoid confusion, because I still had a version of Radiance to use in what was to come as well.

The Spirit drew a glowing blade of light from what had appeared to be Radiance’s blade, and pointed it at us. They told us to show them that we were worthy of the power to defy fate itself. Then they took the form of a man wielding a polearm and the form of a crystalline phoenix formed before them. And flames erupted around us.

Hiskaria did what she does best and peppered him with arrows. I patched myself up with some quick healing and tried to come in for an attack, but their form shifted again, this time into a tiefling man with a large hexagonal shield and he blocked my blow. However since I was harrying them, Luna was about to come around behind him and get a blow of her own off with her axe. Their form shifted to a human woman with a similar axe in an attempt to block, but Luna’s attack managed to get through. Then the spirit’s form shattered. They reformed their crystalline body farther in the white void—now an elven woman with a bow, and began shooting off rapid deadly arrow shots at us that made Hiskaria’s already deadly aim look like a child’s shooting.

We went with the same tactic as before, with Hiskaria shooting from afar, Melody charging in with her glaive, myself healing and sweeping in to flank with Luna, and finally Luna dealing a crippling blow to the crystalline Spirit. The being’s form shattered, underneath was a second form, somewhat like an elven man in appearance, although still made of crystal, holding a staff with twisting gears, the only part of them not crystalline. They tapped the staff, and everything was tugged backwards, returned to how it had been when the fight had first begun. The Spirit sheathed their blade. They asked each of us in turn what we were fighting for, and in turn each of us gave our personal answer.

For me…the answer’s always been the same. I want to protect people. To defend those who are less powerful from the demons, be it with a shield or at the end of a blade.

The Spirit acknowledged us as worthy of the power that had fallen into our laps—and as such they were going to return us to that moment in time, and, as he put it, ‘allow you the power you were nearly denied’.

I found myself back in the moment when the Wardstone was exploding. Shards were flying everywhere. This time, however, a piece hit me, square in the chest. Unlike the oracle and her constructs, it didn’t tear me apart. Instead, an energy flowed through every part of my being, all at once. Through my body, my blood, and my very soul. The other three experienced the same.

We didn’t have time to talk about it, or to wonder at it. As the explosion died down, a portal opened before us. One we’d already seen once before, in a vision, mere moments ago. What felt like mere moments ago, in that white void. Out stepped Arelu Vorlesh, one of Deskari’s generals, in the flesh. She was holding that same purple crystal that she’d had in the vision. She commented on the fact that we’d destroyed the Wardstone that she’d intended to use—but that its power lived on within us, and she would just have to corrupt us instead. Then she activated the crystal. There was a terrible sensation, like something cold and oily trying to take hold of my soul. Commander Tirabade charged Vorlesh, but she cast a spell that began to suffocate her, and she went unconscious in moments. Apparently it was meant to hit all of us, but the Wardstone’s power had protected us. Unfortunately its power was not protecting us from the purple crystal’s power, and we were frozen to the spot. I…was certain we were done for.

Then a blue hand reached out through Vorlesh’s portal. A light from Radiance’s crystal streaked out through her and into that being’s hand. Something was cast, and Arelu Vorlesh was left badly injured, and we were freed. Vorlesh fled. We didn’t ever get a good look at the other being.

Radiance has been silent since.

I can’t say for certain. But I think Auriel saved us. Some piece of his soul. Some version of him. I don’t know. It’s the only explanation I have. That light was in Radiance because of Auriel’s soul, so if it went to that being, it had to have been. Somehow. I know that’s weirdly optimistic of me. I’m not the sort to cling to thinking people spontaneously come back from the dead, especially people whose souls shatter on death. But—I mean Auriel was literally the Chosen One. If anyone was going to come back, right?

Anyways, Radiance doesn’t talk to me anymore. Or can’t, more likely, just like the whole ‘can’t choose Irabeth over you’ thing. But they haven’t flayed my hands, either. I think the whole ‘breaking fate’ thing means I’m able to bend the rules on the whole chosen one thing. Or maybe having a little divine power from the wardstone’s what did it. Who knows. I’m glad. If I’m honest, I’ve gotten a little attached. As much as they’ve gotten on my nerves and the whole ‘flay you alive’ thing pissed me off, I’m actually kind of sad that I can’t hear them now. For one thing, it was the last little connection to Auriel we had. I have no idea if they can hear me or if they’re in some kind of hibernation now. I’ve still been talking to them a bit. Like a crazy person, yeah, yeah.

Anyways, it wasn’t over with Vorlesh leaving. She decided to leave a parting gift. A whole swarm of babau demons. Real ones, not a bunch of illusions over constructs. Babaus are quite a bit stronger than the dretches and vermleks we’d been fighting. Under any other circumstances, we’d have definitely been overwhelmed and killed by a swarm of eight of them.

Instead, they couldn’t even touch us. I mean it, there wasn’t a scratch on us when we left. We completely overpowered these demons that should have easily outclassed us. The wardstone’s powers completely suffused our every action, everything we did seemed to be at the most perfect it could be. I cannot begin to describe to you how it feels to completely annihilate demons that should be such fearsome foes without risking going into territory that may start sounding like It’s bordering blasphemy, so I think I’ll reel it back a bit.

Afterwards, we healed the Commander, and began making our way back to Defender’s Heart. On the way, Hiskaria told us that apparently the very supportive voice in her head was apparently her goddess, Cassandalee. I’d never heard of her before, but Melody had. She was apparently more of a Numerian goddess, one of love, redemption, artifice, and good. Strange that she hadn’t gotten bigger in the 300 years she’s been around if redemption’s in her portfolio since there’s been a big need for that all things considered, since Valoria didn’t pick that up from Sarenrae. But I suppose since her main followers are apparently androids maybe she wasn’t really able to spread much outside her home base, so to speak.

Then the others decided to start hounding me as we walked back. I thought it would be about my arm, considering that seemed like the most pressing thing to ask about. But no. Apparently Luna and Melody had gotten it into their heads that Leto and I are an item. Really! I tried vehemently to correct them, that they really had the wrong idea, that we grew up together and I think of him more like a brother, but for whatever reason they still seem really unconvinced. Maybe if I send them Leto’s way he can talk some sense into them. No. He’ll probably just get them more wound up and release them back on me for the laughs. I tried to get Hiskaria to try to talk some sense into them, but she said since Cassandalee is a goddess of love she felt like it was now her sworn duty to not get in the way of this kind of talk. So now I have a Shelynite and Hiskaria to deal with about this kind of thing. Great!

Anyways. With the demons destroyed by the shockwave, there was no reason to worry about Leto and Commander Spriggans’ safety anymore. I’ll tell Leto about these shenanigans some other day. Tonight, I’m too exhausted to even think about going down there and drinking. Sleep. Sleep sounds good.

[queen-scribbles]

Things Best Unsaid

I didn’t intentionally write this for DA2′s birthday, but the timing did work out pretty well. :D Thus, ~3k of Fenris POV from Sigi dueling the Arishok + the aftermath.

---

“I accept.” 

Fenris’ heart squeezed in his chest as Hawke’s voice rang out, unflinchingly confident. She flung the words back at the Arishok as if she were the one issuing a challenge.

From the Arishok’s satisfied smile, it was clear how he expected this to go. A lone human woman, no matter how respected, no matter her reputation, seemed no match for the towering qunari leader.

Fenris could count the beats of his pulse hammering in his ears as he and the others herded the surviving nobility up to the balconies, out of harm’s way. He ached to draw his sword and demand to fight instead, but he knew he could not.

The Arishok would not allow it-- Hawke alone was basalit-an.

Hawke would not allow it--she hated when others tried to fight her battles for her.

So he stood with arms crossed and shoulders hunched between Sebastian and Isabela, tried to ignore Merrill’s quiet fretting, and kept his gaze fixed on Hawke.

If she was at all worried about the duel, it didn’t show in her stance. She stood with the same casual wariness that marked the outset of any fight; ready for whatever came but content to let her opponent make the first move.

And the Arishok obliged. He barreled toward Hawke with a roar, large blades sweeping in tandem arcs.

Hawke waited until the last possible second to dance out of the way, her own hooked axes now in hand. She pivoted as the Arishok’s charge carried him past her and dug one deep in his back below the shoulder.

The Arishok spun with a snarl and swung at her again, the way one might bat at a stinging fly. She dodged the first strike, but the second caught just at the edge of her shoulder.

Fenris sucked in a sharp breath watching her stumble and scramble back out of range, crimson spreading down her arm. Isabela nudged him reassuringly--or, he assumed that was the intention--but he didn’t even glance her way.

Hawke was retreating, eyes on her opponent as she darted backwards. She’d never seen shame in running away, especially when she could use it to make her surroundings work in her favor.

Even as the Arishok pursued her, she dodged around a pillar to gain some distance putting her superior agility to use.

“Ebost issala!” he spat, nostrils flaring and one blade rising as he charged again.

Fenris’ jaw clenched, heart lodged in his throat, despite his familiarity with Hawke’s skill in battle.

She dodged under the swinging blade and slashed open the inside of the Arishok’s elbow, then let their momentum carry them away from each other. She wove between the pillars again, clearly anticipating another bullrush from the qunari leader.

It came only a few seconds later, and the throne room seemed to shake when he missed and slammed into a wall. “Ashkost kata!” the Arishok snarled as he wheeled to charge her again. His battleaxe was extended in front of him, prepared to skewer this human who had the temerity to defy him and survive so long.

Again, he bore down on her. Again, she waited to dodge. Again, fear clawed the breath from Fenris’ lungs.

And this time she was just a little too slow. 

While Hawke managed to spin away from the main thrust and avoid being impaled, the blade did gouge through armor and flesh both. A collective gasp rose from all the onlookers--save one. Fenris’ teeth were clenched so tightly it made his ears ring, fingers digging into his arms as he struggled to hold himself back from joining the fight.

She can be as furious at me as she likes, if it means she survives.

But Hawke kept her feet, though staggering, and grinned fiercely at the Arishok even as his eyes blazed with fury. “Come on, then,” She goaded, circling like a panther even as the bloodstains on her armor grew.

Part of Fenris wanted to call encouragement, show his faith in her. Part longed for her to be more cautious. Part knew better than to distract her, and all of him was too tense to get the words out if he had settled on a course of action.

The Arishok was too enraged to do anything but succumb to Hawke’s prodding. He bellowed as he charged toward her once more, swinging one of his blades in a brutal arc meant to end this--and anyone in its path.

Hawke ducked, and the fearsome blade lodged in the pillar behind her instead. She swiped at the Arishok with one of her axes and opened a shallow gash across his chest.

The Arishok gave another bellow and yanked on the trapped weapon, swinging his other battleaxe at Hawke as he worked to free it. The point rattled and rasped as it scraped over the front of her armor, but she’d backpedaled far enough it did no real damage.

She leapt up, stepped on the trapped blade, pushed off that and then the Arishok’s pauldron to propel herself away. She faltered slightly on the landing, one hand flinching toward her wounded side as she grimaced.

Despite the way his heart pounded, Fenris couldn’t help a small smile when he saw her mouth a silent curse before zeroing back in on her opponent.

The Arishok finally yanked his battleaxe free, leaving a large divot in the pillar, and whipped around to face Hawke. He launched himself toward her with a roar.

Hawke gave her axes a flourishing twist and darted aside. She didn’t entirely avoid the attack--one blade grazed her thigh and Fenris bit his lip when the wound blossomed scarlet--but it did far less damage than intended. And before the Arishok recovered his balance, she was behind him, hooked axes plunging into the hollows of his collarbone. He snarled and tried to jerk free. She dug the blades deeper with a savage yell.

The Arishok swayed, then wrenched around and grabbed her by the hair. He growled as he flung her into a tumble across the room, her axes clattering to the floor. 

Fenris bit his lip harder to keep her name from spilling out.

The Arishok’s shoulder heaved in great, angry breaths as he glared after her, his back to the balconies. And then his weapons clattered to the floor as Hawke pushed up to a crouching stance. A murmur rippled through the air, uncertainty shifting to hope.

Snarls of red-brown hair hung in Hawke’s face now, blood trickled from her lip, but she still looked every inch the predator. Her hand darted to the small knife at the back of her belt.

The was a rasp growing in the Arishok’s breath, a wet snarl escaping as he stumbled to one knee. “We... we shall return-”

Hawke’s hand flashed forward, the deftly-thrown knife snapping the Arishok’s head back when it slammed into his eye socket.

“Excellent shot,” Sebastian murmured approvingly, and Fenris smirked as the knot in his chest started to loosen.

Hawke staggered to her feet as the qunari leader  fell splayed over the steps.  “You won’t,” she panted, raking hair out of her eyes to stare down the remaining qunari.

They did not look happy with the outcome, but after a protracted moment glaring back, the ashaad nearest Hawke jerked his head toward the door and his few brethren followed the wordless command.

Fenris took what felt like--and may have been--his first full breath since the Arishok issued his challenge watching them go. His arms were stiff with lingering tension when he dropped them.

The movement caught Hawke’s eye and she flashed him a smirk. Despite her bravado, her posture was tense, hands balled into loose fists,weight balanced subtly on her uninjured leg. He moved like a wraith through the crowd of milling nobles, skirting the banister and rushing down the stairs with Merrill and Sebastian in his wake. His gaze remained on the departing qunari, wary even though he knew they would honor the Arishok’s terms.

Jangling armor broke the breathless silence, Meredith and Orsino slowing as they entered the room. Meredith’s sword came up at the sight of qunari, and they reached for weapons in response--

“Don’t.” Hawke’s voice rapped through the air. “It’s over.”

“Over?!” Meredith demanded glaring at the qunari though she addressed Hawke.

“Over,” Hawke repeated. “We had an agreement.” She jerked her chin toward the slain Arishok. “They’re leaving. Without further bloodshed.”

Now Meredith wheeled to aim her glare at Hawke, her gaze rife with arguments.

“For the good of the city,” Hawke said firmly, glaring right back as the nobles clustered and spilled down the stairs. Fenris shifted closer to her.

The women held each others’ gaze a long, tense moment as the qunari filed out. Meredith didn’t relent until the last one had gone.

“Very well,” she ground out, and sheathed her sword. She took in the scene; the Arishok’s corpse, Hawke’s injuries, the near-rapturous way the nobles were eyeing the battered woman before her and nodded with grudging respect. “It would appear Kirkwall has a new champion.”

The tension finally, fully drained from the room as the nobles erupted into cheers.

Hawke indulged their relief for a few minutes, her hand resting on Fenris’ arm when he stood next to her, but the set of her jaw made it clear pride and determination were just about all that kept her on her feet. In short order, she gave a final wave of acknowledgement to their accolades and headed for the door with a just noticeable limp.

Fenris followed close on her heels, was there to catch her arm when she swayed just outside the keep. “Hawke-”

“That went well,” she cut him off, inhaling a sharp breath as she leaned against the wall. “Considering.”

“I’ll get Anders,” Merrill volunteered, starting for the steps.

“No,” Hawke ground out, even as she clutched her wounded side. “People will need him with... with all this.” She gestured at the rising smoke and what destruction was visible from the courtyard.

“You need him,” Fenris growled. Damn her stubbornness, anyway.

She shook her head, brown eyes flashing. “No. None of these are deep enough to need magic for healing,” she said through gritted teeth. “Stitches will do.”

“Then allow me to assist.” The words escaped before he could stop them(not that he could swear he would have).

The beat of hesitation, vulnerability flickering through her eyes, cut deeper than any physical blade. Even if he understood. Especially because he understood.

But then she nodded, once, a brittly sharp motion. “Long as you know what you’re doing?” 

He heard the layers, knew what he risked tearing open, for both of them, beyond the confirmation of ability. “I do.”

I should have stayed. But it was too late for that now. The most he could do was help.

“...Alright.” Hawke pushed away from the wall, froze, and one hand jerked to her belt. “Shit. My axes-”

“I have them, Hawke,” Sebastian assured her, holding out the weapons.

Hawke took them with a grunt of thanks, her movements stiff. “I’ll be fine.” She nodded toward the burning city again. “See what you can do to help.”

“Aye,” Sebastian nodded, in the same moment Merrill piped up, “We will, Hawke.”

“Good thing my house isn’t far,” Hawke commented as she watched them depart. “You won’t have to help me long.”

“It would be no trouble,” Fenris said softly.

Hawke sighed and flashed him an inscrutable look as she leaned on him.

They made their way to her estate in silence, exhaustion giving an excuse to mask any awkwardness. Hawke refused to accept much help besides the stairs, and Fenris struggled with the urge to just carry her every time she bit her lip or her fingers dug into his arm.

Grizzly greeted them with enthusiasm as soon as they opened the door, which Hawke returned with head scratches and cooed praise for protecting her house and its occupants.

Orana peeked out of the library and gasped. “Oh, mistress, you’re hurt!”

“Orana, I’ve told you-” Hawke cut herself off with a sigh and shake of her head. “Could you- Are Bodahn and Sandal with you in there?”

Orana nodded, eyes still wide as she stared at the blood. “Bodahn’s trying to get his boy to sleep, mist-- Hawke.”

“Damn,” Hawke sucked her teeth a moment, swaying into Fenris’ shoulder.  “Could you please bring supplies for patching up to my room?”

Another nod, steadier, as Orana clasped her hands in front of her. “Of course. Will you need my help, mistress?”

One side of Hawke’s mouth curved in the faintest of smiles. “No.” She glanced at him. “I have all the help I need.”

For some reason, the words made his gut clench even more than watching her fight the Arishok had, and Fenris didn’t really want to dwell on why. He nudged her toward the steps. “Hawke...”

“No need to coddle,” she muttered.

Irritation spiked, but he bit his tongue as she started up the steps. Her fingers were white-knuckle on the banister a third of the way up. By halfway, he could hear her breath hissing between her teeth.

“Enough of this,” he growled, and scooped her off her feet.

“Fenris!” She glared at him, hand balled into a fist as it pressed against his armor. “Put me down! I’m injured, not an invalid, I am capable of walking!”

“If you do not let people help you, injured may turn into being an invalid,” he shot back. 

Hawke glared at him a moment longer, jaw clenched, before relenting. “Fine.”

It didn’t take long to reach her room, and he gingerly set her on the bed.

“I’m not made of glass, Fenris,” she grumbled as she tugged off her gauntlets.

“But you are injured, as you yourself pointed out,” he said, a knot snarling in his chest at how cautiously she moved. He shucked his own gauntlets and set them on the bedside table next to hers. “And I’d not cause you any unnecessary pain.”

Beyond what I already have.

Hawke was quiet a long moment, jaw working as she swallowed at least one sharp comment. “Then... could you help with my boots? Please?”

“Of course.” Fenris bent and helped slide off her boots, then wordlessly moved to the buckles of her armor.

She stiffened, staring at the wall, but didn’t fight him. A sharp breath escaped her when she raised her injured arm out of his way, and Fenris hurried so she could lower it again.

By the time her leathers were removed and piled in a chair, Grizzly was curled on the rug to keep watch and Orana had brought the requested supplies; warm water, rags, salve, bandages, catgut thread and a needle. 

Fenris glanced at the supplies, then Hawke’s injuries. “Which one first?”

“Shoulder,” she said without hesitation. “Hurts like the bloody Void.” With only some difficulty she worked off her shirt, tugging the fabric away from injuries with ginger fingers. Her head snapped up to meet his gaze when he started to protest. “Nothing you haven’t seen before.”

He shut his mouth with a click under the challenge of her tired, whiskey-brown eyes. “As you wish,” he finally murmured, and set about cleaning away the blood. Up close, this one was surprisingly nasty and it did seem wise to tend it first.

Silence filled the room as he worked, broken only by the crackling fire and occasional huff from Grizzly as he shifted position. Exhaustion, uncertainty, and a myriad of other things made the prospect off conversation a daunting one, and neither was eager to open that jar of worms right now.

So Fenris focused on the stitches, keeping them secure and even, pretending he didn’t see her grip tightening on the edge of the bed with each stitch. Hawke didn’t emit as much as a whimper as he worked. Her gaze never left the wall until he’d tugged the last stitch into place and reached for the salve and bandages.

“You do know what you’re doing,” she commented, upon peeking at his handiwork.

His lips twitched toward a smile as he gently spread a layer of salve over the stitched wound. “I would not have offered otherwise.” He nudged her arm up with the back of his hand, heard her breath catch in the same moment his heart skipped a beat, pushed through to begin winding bandages around her shoulder.

Hawke bit her lip as she watched him. “When did you learn?”

“After I... ran.” The Fog Warriors had imparted a few things, and he’d gotten practice in a variety of places. “It is something you pick up quickly when you are... unsure who to trust.”

“I imagine so,” she said softly. “Leg next. This one’s not as deep.” Her fingers flexed against the rag she held to her midriff. “You can just cut or tear the trousers, they’re beyond repair anyway.”

From the amount of blood that had soaked the fabric around this wound, he had to agree. “Very well.”

She leaned back against the pillows, swinging her leg up on the bed as he cut away the pant material. After a moment’s internal debate, Fenris surrendered to the inevitable and knelt next to the bed for the best angle stitching this one. Again they were silent while he worked, though Hawke did suck in a few harsh breaths as he progress up toward her hip.

He didn’t dare wonder if it was pain or something else to blame.

Finally all that remained was the gash on her stomach. It was, as she’d claimed, not as deep as the other two, and had largely ceased bleeding. It was still the most difficult to tend, for reasons quite aside from skill.

They both caught a sharp breath when his fingers brushed her side. Fenris swallowed hard, saw her do the same.

It’s fine. I am simply helping a friend. Never had his thoughts seemed such blatant lies. He hesitated, and Hawke shifted.

“I can have Orana-” she began, but he shook his head.

“No.” He raised his head to meet her gaze, saw the walls barely holding... everything at bay in her eyes, and returned to the freckled skin around this last wound. “I said I would help, and I shall.”

“If you’re sure.” Hawke voice was rough and her posture still tense.

“I am.” He took needle and thread in hand, loosely rested his other hand on her hip to steady them both.

These stitches were less even, though no less secure, and his hands trembled  as he carefully wound the bandages. Tight enough to protect, loose enough they wouldn’t cause further harm.

“Thank you,” Hawke whispered as he stood. “I appreciate you... your help.”

He stood there a moment, many things he wanted to say warring for release, but none succeeded. “...You are most welcome,” he said instead, unable to resist tucking her hair behind her ear. A bruise was blossoming on her cheek. Hawke’s eyes fluttered closed and he withdrew his hand swiftly. “Is there anything else you need?”

She flashed a smile that was plainly forced, even with its brevity. “Just fresh clothes and sleep. Orana can help for those, though.” Her jaw tightened and she stared into the fire. “You don’t have to stay.”

I want to. The words made it to the tip of his tongue before they stuck, caught on pride or remorse or something else. He’d given up that right. It wasn’t his place, by his own choice. A choice he was no longer certain had been the right one. But it was the one he’d made, the one he’d needed to make, and he would accept what that meant. For both their sakes.

So he nodded, heart squeezing when her shoulders slumped just perceptibly. (Or did he imagine that?) “Sleep well, then, Hawke. I...” This much he could say. “I am glad you are alright. Relatively speaking.”

She laughed softly at his deadpan addendum and finally met his eyes. “As am I.”

With too much and no more to say, Fenris gave another nod and collected his gauntlets, pulling them back on as he headed out into the street. At least the chaos there he could do something to fix.

[waywardscorpio]

The Demon King Has A Weakness. Chapter One

Taglist: @scuzmunkie​​ @phoenixoffiretwo​​ @luna-obscura​​ @braunstrowmangirl​ @callmekda​ @fanfiction-san​

{A/N: Here is a update guys. I’m so sorry it took so, long. Enjoy}

Warnings: Foul language, Violence (maybe), possible smut (not sure. Depends on how I want the chapter to be.), Pregnant Omega!Reader, Angry Alpha!Finn, Fluff possibly as well, A TWIST AND ADDED MATE. READ TO FIND OUT WHO. {A/N: If you don't like any of the wrestlers used in this story use names of wrestlers you do like.

*Finn Point Of View*

I was now on day three of the search for my Queen, my Omega whom is pregnant. I knew who took her and when I get my hands on him, I will torture him and cause him so, much pain instead of killing him. I know what makes Drew, pissed off. "Your Majesty?" The guard said to me as I was snapped out of my train of thought. "Yes?" I replied to him. "Your eyes are glowing Sir." He said to me as he looks at me concerned something is wrong. "Give me a mirror" I demanded. The guard took out a mirror and handed it to me. I lifted the mirror up and looked in it to see that my eyes are in fact another color. "Send a telegram back to the castle. Having my mother look for Y/N's, life line. Tell her as well that my eyes are red. I'm close to Y/N's life line but it is giving off different places and I can't pinpoint where." I said. The guards did as I asked as we set up camp for the night. I laid in my tent as a guard stood outside keeping watch. "My King" The guard said which woke me from my slumber. "What is it Sheamus?" I said walking out the tent in just a pair of trunks. "Your mother is here with your father." He said to me. "Okay bring them over it is okay." I said to him as I looked at him and walked into my tent to pull on some clothes. "Son are you decent?" My mother asked me. "Yes, I am." I replied. My mother and father walked into the room

"Let me see your eyes son." My mother said to me. I looked up showing my mother my eyes still red eyes. "When did this start?" She asked. Sheamus looked at my mother. "It was around noon before he ordered us to send you the letter" He said to my mother. "Thank you, Sheamus for telling him as soon as you did. I don't think it's Y/N, sending you her life line sos. I think it is one of the pups. This is never been heard of that an unborn Demon and Fairy pup has ever been able to send a life line sos." My mother said. "What is that going to mean?" I asked her. My mother closed her eyes and focused her energy on the life line. She smiled softly able to see Y/N, is still alive. But frowned seeing the bruises on her face and her weakened state. She looks inside Y/N's mind since the unborn alpha pup was using his powers to keep his mother's mind visible to only his grandmother since she was able to see things. She seen the fear of my wife and mother of my children. "She is weakened, bruised. But she is alive. Three out of the four pups are strong one is weak."

It enraged me hearing my pregnant wife and mate is hurt and weakened. "Keep heading north. She was captured by Drew McIntyre, The Scottish King." She said. I took my horse and ordered my men to follow. Sheamus was the first to follow me. "My Lord. We must wait for the rest of the warriors. I know you're enraged but we have to think about this smartly. If we just go by ourselves against him and his men we may not make it out." He said reasoning with me. "I'm a Knight of Hell Demon. There is only one thing that can kill me and that is the first blade." I said to him. "Yes, Sirer I know. But remember you can still feel pain and get hurt and it will hurt her to. She is already weakened if you take on anymore damage it may kill her or the pups." He said to me. I growled knowing he is right. 'What am I going to do?' I asked myself. 'How can I protect her without possibly killing her or the pups?'

A few hours later the rest of the warriors showed up with my mother and father leading them. "Son you must stay calm. I know you want your Omega and pups back safely and you're willing to kill anyone to get to them." My father said to me as I looked at him. "How can I protect her without causing her or the pups any damage?" I asked my father. "You already know but know you must remember letting that side out will come with great power." He said. I looked at my mother seeing the approving nod she gave me. "It's time son you use your full powers." She said. She knew the dangerous side of fine was the only way I could do this and that meant I would have to go against everything I would go against and let out The Knight of Hell. I was the strongest and eldest of all the Knights of Hell and held the most power of all. I kept my powers locked away for many reasons. But it was time I let them out.

I rode on with the warriors and Sheamus in tow. "Sirer are you sure that this is a good idea to let him out?" Sheamus asked looking at me. "It's the only way to do it" I said. Sheamus nods his head. Sheamus took off his charm that kept in his own powers. "Then I will fight with you my Lord." He said to me. "I will fight to the death to save our Queen and your wife." The warriors said. They all loved Y/N, and always listened to her better than me at times. "Whatever happens Sheamus, you save her life." I said to him. "Understood Sirer." He said nodding. "Are you ready for this?" I asked and they all hollered and charged forward.

*Third Person*

Finn, let out his dark side as him and the others roded on to Drew's castle. "He was ready for a war. "Infiltrate the castle. Kill anyone that stands in your way. But women and children." Finn, said as they busted down the gates of Drews Kingdom. Finn got off his horse and walked through the kingdom. The closer he got to Y/N, the stronger the life line would get. "Well well, what do we have here?" Drew said to Finn, with a deep and devious smirk on his lips looking at Finn. "Where is my pregnant Wife?" He asked seething with rage. "Oh that pretty little thing? I have her. Should here her scream for you, crying for you. Begging me not to hurt her or the pups in her beautiful round belly." Drew said to him. Finn growls. "Don't you dare fucking talk about my Queen like that." Finn said growling eyes black and red. Sheamus was looking around for his Queen while his King, kept Drew busy. "What are you going to do about it?" He asked Finn. "I'm going to make you bleed and hurt for putting your hands on my Love." Finn said taking his sash and cape off and tossing them to the side. Finn pulled his sword from his side as he watched Drew. "Lets see you try Balor." Drew said running at him with his sword in his hand. Finn, struck first. Drew's and Finn's swords colliding together with a loud clinking noise of metal on metal. Finn, kicked Drew in the gut swinging his sword at him cutting his arm. Drew, laughed darkly as he swung his sword catching Finn's shoulder. He didn't feel any pain as him and Drew, went toe-to-toe with each other.

Meanwhile Sheamus, was searching the castle for Y/N, as he fought off guards. Y/N, heard the all to familiar sound of the Irish fella Sheamus. Y/N, cried out happily knowing she has been found. She weakly stood up holding her swollen belly. "Sheamus?" She said as she looks up at the pale skinned man. "Yes, it is I, Sheamus. Can you walk My Queen?" Sheamus asked her. "Barely can stand. Where is Finn?" She asked. "He is fighting off Drew and keeping him distracted while I came to find you." Sheamus replied to her. He picked her up bridal style and carried her. She used what strength she had to put a shield around her and Sheamus, to keep anyone from trying to attack them while she and the pups were in his arms. "Stay awake for me okay? I know, you're tired Queen Y/N. But you have to stay awake as long as you can." Sheamus said to her and Y/N, nodded her head understanding what he was saying.

Sheamus got her out to the carriage where Finn's, parents were. "Oh thank the heavens, sweet girl." Finn's mother cried as Finn's father took her into his arms keeping her head up. "Here drink this please?" He said to Y/N, who weakly raised her head of Finn's father's shoulder and took small sips of the water, while his mothers hands glowed over her body and belly to asses the damage. "She needs food anything will do." She said when she was done. A women and small child from Drew's servants crew walked over slowly showing they mean no, harm. "Here miss, we have some fruits and veggies. Will it help." Finn's mother looks at them hesitant at first. "They won't hurt us. She and her son have been sneaking me food here and there when they could without Drew knowing they were." Y/N, said hoarsely. Finn's mother looks at them and nods softly gesturing them both over. "Bring it over. It will help a great deal." She replied. The small boy stood on his tippy toes to hand it to her as the boys mother handed some to Sheamus, too for the journey back.

"Where is she?" Finn, said walking over to Sheamus. "In the carriage with your mother and father. She is weak." He said to Finn, as he sipped some of his water. "Sirer you're bleeding" He said handing him a piece of cloth to stop the bleeding from his shoulder and side. "I didn't notice honestly." Finn said. He walked over to the carriage opening the door. He seen Y/N's weakened state as she is eating slowly and drinking water. He climbed in as he watched her. "Sheamus, you're leading us home." He said. "Fi-Finn" Y/N, crocks out softly. "Shh I got you, Baby" He said to her. She sniffles looking up at him reaching for him. He happily obliges in taking her in his arms. His hand went to her belly to protectively. Sheamus drove the carriage as he lead everyone home alive and dead.

*Two and a Half weeks after they got home*

*Y/N P.O.V.*

I was laying in bed with Finn, while he slept rubbing my belly. It was the first night out of the hospital wing since what happened. "Baby Girl?" Finn said softly in a half wake and half asleep state. "Yes, Babe?" I asked softly to him as I turned over to face him. "What's on your mind beautiful?" Finn asked opening his eyes to look at me. "I'm worried he will try it again and next time he will kill me." I said to him softly. "As long as I am still alive he will not be able to lay a finger on you." He said to me as he looked me in the eyes. "What if he gets the first blade?" I asked him softly. "The only way he can get that blade is to go to Kane himself. But even then the only way he can use the blade is if he has the Mark Of Kane. I can already tell you Kane will not give him the mark because he will know the bad inside Drew and the revenge he seeks on someones life." He said to me. "Are you sure the blade is useless without the mark?" I asked. "Yes, Baby Girl. I'm sure it is. I know for a fact that its useless with the Mark Of Kane. And even if he was to somehow get the mark of Kane he would have to have Kanes blessing to take the mark or else the mark will kill Drew or anyone who bares it without proving themselves to Kane first. I've seen many try and only five out of the millions that have tried have failed. Kane has only Five people he trust with something like that and three out of the five thats bared the mark have died." He said. I wasn't sure what he meant by only three of the five are living. "What happened to the three that died?" I asked. Finn, looks at me as he adjusted us both to lean on the headboard.

"One of them died from an Angel Blade by the hands of none other than the Angel Castiel, Two were killed by Eve because they betrayed her." Finn said to me as I listened to him talk. "What about the remaining two?" I asked looking at him. "Well one is a hunter named Dean Winchester, and the other one is Sheamus." He replied to my question. "There is only few who can bare the mark without it causing you to lose your mind." He added as he held me close rubbing my back gently. "Wait Sheamus, as in the guard Sheamus?" I asked. "Yes, he is the only none human currier of the Mark of Kane, besides Kane himself." He said to me. "Why would he take or want the mark?" I asked him. "Because before Sheamus, came back home to Ireland, he had found him a mate that he loved. A year before he came back and was going to bring her with him to live here; she was brutally beaten and murdered while still pregnant. He has not been the same. It's part of the reason he is so, distant yet protective of you. Because he doesn't want anyone else to every go through the pain he went through." He said. I began to tear up a little. Now I understand why he wouldn't really want to come near me at times since I found out I was pregnant. "He blames himself for it. So, when he became clear minded he went to Kane for the mark. Kane, knew what was going on and understood why Sheamus had went to him. Kane, knew the pain of losing the women he loved because of someone else. But Sheamus, didn't want the Mark of Kane to get revenge. He got it to stop the men from ever doing it again to anyone else." He said to me. "I didn't know why he looked so, upset on Halloween and All Hollows Eve. Now I know why." I said understanding now even more.

I got up carefully out of the bed and waddled towards the door to the hallway. "Baby?" Finn called out to me as he got up off the bed. "Yes?" I replied turning around to look at him. "Where are you going?" He asked me. "To talk to Sheamus." I replied. "I'll send a guard for him, you sit down." He ordered. I squeaked softly and sat down in the rocking chair as Finn, sent an on duty guard to go get Sheamus. "I know, what you want to talk to him about. You can't hide them thoughts from me, Baby Girl." He said looking at me. I frown feeling like he is angry with me or thinks the worst. "Do you hate me for it?" I asked softly looking at him as I bit my lip. He shook his head no. "Why would I be angry with you for something you can not control from happening in your heart?" He asked me. "It is normal for some Omega's to have more than one mate. It doesn't mean you don't love me any less than when we got together." He said rubbing my cheek softly.

Sheamus walked into the room. "Yes, My Lady?" He said as he closed the door walking into the middle of the room fear in his eyes he would hurt me. Finn, frowned knowing the male was having one of his moods. "Hold me?" I said softly. Sheamus froze up. "My Lady, I don't think that is appropriate for me to be doin'." He replied politely to me while looking at Finn. Finn, nods his head. "It's okay. I'm okay with it." He said to Sheamus. Sheamus swallows hard before slowly walking over holding his hand out to me. I took his hand softly and stood up. "It's okay you won't hurt me. I trust you Sheamus." I said to him softly as I looked at him. "I know you trust me. But every time I've been happy someone has snatched it away from me." He said looking away from me frowning while slightly growling. "Shhh. I'm not going anywhere." I cupped his cheek softly.  

I stepped closer to him as looks down at me. "It's okay to hold her. She trust you and so, do I. I see the way you look at her from afar because you're afraid to love again. But you won't know what will happen until you take that first step." Finn said to Sheamus, as he walked over to us and stood behind me while his hands rested gently on my belly. Sheamus raised a hand to touch my belly but stopped and looked at me as if I was going to object. I tenderly took his hand and placed it on my belly while one of the pups touched his hand through my belly as a sign they like him. Sheamus began to tear up. "I forgot what love felt like after I lost her." Sheamus knew why he was called here. "Sheamus?" Finn said. "Aye?" He said in response. "Join us?" He said to Sheamus.

"Are ye sure 'bout it?" He asks softly as he went to move his hand away from my belly. "Yes, we are sure Sheamus." I said softly while pulling him closer for a kiss but looked at Finn, for permission first out of respect. The Demon King, nodded his head in approval as he watched on, while I kissed Sheamus, gentle but let him have the control. After a few moments we pulled apart and looked at each other. Sheamus's breathing had caught a little when I, leaned my head to the side and moved my hair to bare the right side of my neck for him. Finn's mating mark was on my neck on the left side. Sheamus looks at Finn, for approval. "Go ahead. Me and Y/N, have talked about it already." Finn answered the silent question. Sheamus let his k-9 teeth extend before he bit into my neck. I moaned a little at the feeling. After a few minutes he pulled away from me panting a little.

Sheamus, Finn, and myself laid in bed, just talking to each other before we silently fell asleep tangled up together.

[justanotherlifeff]

Levi Ackerman × reader

Genre: Angst, Hurt/comfort, Fluff, matured themes, slowburn

Warning: There's mentions and descriptions of underage rape and suicidal themes and self harm and other triggering stuff.

(Y/N) POV

Damn those 3DMGs... After using those for a while, I suddenly felt so dizzy that I passed out. Right on that cart. I recovered fairly fast but just when I did, someone injected me with something. I was already tied up and drowsy so I couldn't fight. When I regained my consciousness, I was tied to a chair, my 3DMG was taken off and there were six men standing in front of me. "So you're (Y/N) (L/N) eh? Humanity's strongest woman? That runt really got himself some good meat." a very tall man chuckled. My mouth was gagged so I couldn't give a reply. I just glared at him.

"I don't know if you know me. I'm Kenny. Now that I know that Levi has a thing for you, I'll keep you nice and tied up here so that I can kill him when he comes to get you. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the company of these fine lads" Kenny chuckled again as he got out of the door. One of those five men came close to me and told the others with a laugh, "Captain gave us permission. We really should enjoy this one". Saying that, he started groping me. I almost tried to protest but then I remembered that I had a pocket knife in my panties. Levi made me keep it with me when we were gearing up before leaving the safe house.

My hands were tied behind me and there was a gap on the chair right above my ass. I slipped my hand in my pants as calmly as possible, while one more person joined him to grope me. One of them took of my scarf and saw the hickeys that Levi left. " Darn it! Marked women aren't attractive!" one of them grunted. "Well, we can bite her and leave worse marks" another chimed in and one of them bit my neck really hard. It hurt like hell and I did not enjoy it because it felt exactly like how everything felt when I was underground. I yelped at that, gritting my teeth to stop myself from crying. I reached the pocket knife somehow and got it out of my pants and unsheathed it.

I slowly cut the rope tying my hands and then the rope that was tying my torso to the chair. The guards didn't notice because they were too busy groping me and biting me. It took about 30 seconds for the whole process but I decided that I had to wait till Kenny is gone.

A few weeks back:

Levi and I were standing on the clearing of the safehouse. He was training me to use knives. "If you can defeat me with only a pocket knife while I have a sword, you would be good enough to survive against Kenny with a knife. Everything I learned about using knives was from Kenny. I don't expect you to be that good but I want you to be able to take on 3-5 people with a pocket knife. I only won against Erwin in sword duels a few times because I had years of experience. You won't have that and good for you, you won't have to face either Erwin or Kenny. Now, focus." Levi told me as a pep talk. His pep talks were more discouraging than encouraging.

I decided I had to wait for about five minutes before whatever there was outside the room was clear. I had limited time to cut everyone open and strap into their 3DMGs that have guns attached. I endured absolute hell for five more minutes and when I was done, I, without any warning, slit the throats of the two men closest to me with one swash. One body fell down and I kept another on top of me to shield the bullets. I used the knife to cut the rope that tied my legs and used the body to run up to the closest soldier, slit his throat, threw the chair at one of the two soldiers left and ran up to the other with the body of the soldier whose throat I just slit and threw the body on him and got on his back when he was loosing balance and put my knife on his throat but suddenly, the other soldier ran towards him and snatched the knife from me.

He thought he got me but I snapped this guy's spine with a kick that I delivered by swinging on his neck and kicked the last soldier on his face, picked the knife up and slit his throat too. It took 7 minutes approximately. I had three minutes at max to strap up to the 3DMG. I did that as fast as possible in about 4 minutes and also took the most filled tank and took all of their unused bullets. I opened the door to find two soldiers running towards the door in the hallway but instead of shooting them, I flew towards them and slit their throats with my knife. I didn't want to attract Kenny's attention. I already felt nauseous and dizzy for using the 3DMG but I kept myself calm and in control.

I saw a window in the hallway and opened it, shot towards it twice to break the grille and flew out. I was still in Trost but in the military building for the interior squad. They had their own buildings in every major city. I got the attention of the MPs already and they chased me. I knew that I couldn't afford a 3DMG chase because I felt dizzier by the minute, so, I changed my direction towards the market place, went through several narrow alleys between buildings and lost their tail for a second and got into a clothing store.

An old lady was at the counter who looked at me with shock as I rushed towards her and told her in a pleading voice, "Please help me! They will kill me. I need a place to hide.". She saw the marks on my neck that clearly stated that I was physically abused not long ago and she said, " Okay my dear, into the dressing room. Now.". I rushed into the room she showed me. Suddenly I saw her throwing a blue cloak over the door with a (Different hair colour) wig. "Wear these." she instructed. I did as she said, wearing the navy blue long cloak and the wig. "Come out when you're done dear and wash off all the blood on your face and hands in the bathroom. You will attract attention if you don't" she told me in a soothing voice.

I did as she said and I honestly looked very different except for the marks on my neck. When I came out of the bathroom, she gave me a grey scarf to cover it. I searched in my pocket and found my purse. I didn't have much in there because I didn't get a chance to collect my pay check. I only had three gold coins. I gave those to her and told her, "Ma'am, I could never repay you for your kindness. Please take these coins. They are all I have now. I promise I'll pay the rest as soon as I can..." she interjected me and said, "I know who you are. You're (Y/N) (L/N) from the scouts. My dear, everyone has heard of your bravery. I'm honoured to help you. You young people give your lives for humanity and this is the least I could do for you".

I didn't know how to answer to that so I smiled at her and muttered, "Thank you. I have to go now" and left the shop. I saw the military police looking for me but the wig saved me. I knew what location to go to because Levi explained us the plan about where the hideout would be. It was night, the market streets were still pretty busy but they won't be a while later. I knew I couldn't borrow a horse or anything because that could blow our cover. I had to walk to the forest in which the new safe house stood. It took a while, the streets were empty when I got close.

I got inside the forest and used 3DMG to get in further even if that made me feel dizzy to speed up the process. When I reached, it was late. There were lights inside the house and I knocked the front door. I took the wig off so that they would recognise me. There was no sound for a while till someone cracked the door to see who's knocking and the door flung open and Jean stood there with Connie and Sasha. Sasha pulled me in a brief hug asking me if I was okay, etc.

"Get me a place to sit" I muttered as they took me in there to the dining room and let me sit, giving me water and bread. I started eating those like my life depended on it. I could hear screams of agony in the background but I wasn't feeling good enough to give heed to it. I didn't even notice that Connie disappeared from the room. A moment later, Levi entered the room along with Eren, Mikasa, Armin and Connie.

"So, you're back." he said with his cold tone dripping with sarcasm. I looked at him with a surprised expression. I expected him to ask me if I'm okay. "So, you feel like not answering your squad leader is completely fine. Then again, you seem to disobey my orders without any issue." he told me in his cold voice again.

"I'm sorry heichou, I felt like you stated a fact instead of asking a question. I don't know how to answer to facts. About the order, two lives were at risk. I did what any second in command would do because they are my subordinates too. Infact, under the Survey corps rulebook, section 4, a second in command can make their own decisions in case of life or death situations..." I continued formally and coldly when Levi stopped me with his hand slamming on the table as he talked quietly and menacingly, "Are you fucking kidding me? I know what the fucking rulebook says! My point is, how the fuck can you make such an absurd decision like that in your current condition?!".

My eyes widened at that. I noticed everyone standing around us silently, quiet perplexed by the tension in the room. "What do you mean by my 'current condition'?" I asked quietly. Levi continued to give me his cold stare and said, "You really thought I won't find out you're pregnant?". I knew I would be in big trouble now. I calmed myself down and looked at everyone else in the room and told them, "Could you all give us some privacy?". They all murmured an yes and rushed out of the room. Levi and I were alone in the room.

The uncomfortable silence was broken by myself when I said, " I didn't want to worry you by letting you know about it. You already had a lot of burden on yourself..." I tried to reason with him but he stopped me and said, "How do you think I feel right now? I feel like a complete failure as a partner and..." I saw him hesitate for a while before he continued, "and as a father.".

"I'm sorry" I blurted out. "I couldn't live with the blood of my comrades on my hand. Not when I could've saved them. I should've told you about the pregnancy. It would've helped you make plans better. I found out very recently too and everything got messed up so suddenly..." I tried to reason with him. He didn't reply for a while. I knew he was trying to calm down. I knew that he needed time to adjust to the whole situation. Even if he is the strongest man of humanity, he still is human. "Could you live with the blood of your kid on your hand?" he asked me softly. "No. I can't. That's why I'm alive..." I started when I remembered about the injection.

"Levi, I need to see Hanji. They gave me an injection that made me pass out. I don't know if it will harm the...baby." It felt weird to talk about...it. I still couldn't believe I was going to have a child. I saw a glimpse of concern in Levi's eye. "I'll send Hanji as soon as she arrives. She is supposed to be here soon." he told me. There was another awkward silence before I asked him, "Do you want the kid?".

He looked at me as if I just asked him the most stupid question ever. "(Y/N), why do you think I just shouted at you for making a completely rational decision?". I smiled at his answer. He wanted it too. "I'll tell Sasha to boil some water for you. You need a shower. You look like shit." he told me before walking out of the room.

Levi POV

I was torturing Sannes when Hanji arrived. She tried to join me but I stopped her and said, "(Y/N) escaped them. They injected her with something to make her unconscious. I need you to check if it affects the baby in any way". "You know? She told you?" Hanji asked with surprise. She was pretty sure that (Y/N) wouldn't tell me about it, at least, not yet. "No she didn't. I heard it from Connie. Tch! If she just talked to me about it, I wouldn't let them kidnap her or inject her with some sort of crap that might harm the baby". I grumbled.

"I'll go check on her. Are you coming?" Hanji asked. "Yeah coming". I muttered as I took the bloody apron off and followed her. (Y/N) already took a bath and was wearing her own normal clothes. We all kept our bags in the warehouse before going into combat. We collected those and Reeves from there later. I sat on a chair in the room next to the bed where (Y/N) was lying on. She was in my room, of course. There were many rooms in this house.

Four bedrooms, two of them had one bed in each and the other two had three bed in one, and two bed in one room. Hanji took one of the rooms with one bed and I took the other. Moblit and the male members of my squad were staying at the room with three beds and the female members of my squad were in the room with two beds. There was a spare room which we used as a torture room. There was, of course the dining room and the kitchen and a small underground dungeon.

Hanji was doing a blood test on (Y/N). She somehow always has her equipment in her bag no matter what the situation is. She mixed her blood in some chemical and declared that it was a mild sedative which won't harm the child. (Y/N) was sleeping, probably because she was too tired from the events from the morning. I decided to go back to torturing Sannes when Hanji was checking (Y/N)'s temperature and some other stuff to make sure she's completely fine. I noticed the bite marks on her neck as she was sleeping. "What did they do to her..." I thought grimly.

I was pretty sure they laid their hands on her and I intended to cut their hands off and feed them to dogs. She just had to say the name. I took one last look at her and left the room. Even after going through so much, she still managed to look like the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. On the way back to the torture room, I told Mikasa to wake (Y/N) up in time for dinner and give her the news Hanji gave me about the sedative not being harmful. After a while, Hanji arrived the torture room and apologised for being late and literally jumped onto torturing Sannes.

No one's POV

Mikasa woke (Y/N) up when dinner was cooked as instructed by Levi. The first thing (Y/N) asked after waking up was about the injection. Mikasa gave her the news about it being harmless. "How did things go with Levi Heichou?" she asked (Y/N). "We sorted things out. By the way, did Connie tell Levi about the...you know.." (Y/N) tried to ask Mikasa about the baby but hesitated because she felt uncomfortable about the whole thing. "Yes but don't kill him" Mikasa told (Y/N) as she smiled at her. "Well, I was intending to but we need all squad members" (Y/N) sighed.

The two girls went downstairs to the dining room. Everyone except Hanji and Levi were eating. Hanji and Levi still were busy torturing Sannes. As (Y/N) sat beside everyone else, everyone became silent. Mikasa calmed everyone down by mentioning that things were okay between Levi and (Y/N). "Oi Connie?" (Y/N) called Connie out calmly while eating as Connie gulped. "Didn't you promise me to keep your mouth shut?" (Y/N) asked him in a calm tone. "Uh, you see, I felt that it would be wise to tell Levi Heichou since he told us about you... I'm so sorry (Y/N)! Please forgive me!" Connie looked scared to death. To that, (Y/N) smiled and said, "Seems like you actually made a good decision Connie. Levi would've killed me himself if I told him about it later. You really aren't as dumb as I thought". "Huh?" Connie said looking confused. "Well, I guess I'll take the last sentence back" (Y/N) remarked at that.

Everyone laughed at that except Jean, who made a serious face, looked straight at (Y/N) and asked, "So, you're already in first name basis with him.". Everyone including (Y/N) was thrown aback by Jeans sudden serious demeanour. "Why are you stating the obvious?" (Y/N) asked Jean calmly. She just didn't understand why Jean hated Levi so much. "You really never noticed me did you?" Jean sighed loudly. "Noticed you? Apart from you fighting with Eren constantly, misbehaving with your mother back in the trainee corps days and being called 'Jean-boy',and, recently complaining about how bad Levi treats me, what else was there to notice?" (Y/N) asked looking confused.

"You never noticed that I never fought back when we sparred back in the trainee corps days? Or the fact that I always helped to point out the dummy titans in our combat training exercises and I always happened to be around you? I even complimented your hair the first day we talked! I complained about Levi because I was worried that he would hurt you! But of course, you got together with him even if he probably never showed any positive feelings towards you! Instead of asking you if you're okay after being kidnapped, he blamed you for everything! And you got knocked up by that guy. How do you even know that he wont leave you later?.." Jean stopped when he noticed the sympathetic look on everyone's face except (Y/N)'s, who's eyes looked like she was pleading someone to spare his life.

Looking at the direction everyone was looking at, Jean sighed and stated, "Levi Heichou is standing behind me. Right?". "Yes he is. Muck the stables till your hands get raw. I'll cut your hands off if I find a spot tomorrow. Don't even think about dinner tonight. If you can, spend the night with the horses. After all, you look like one too." he heard Levi's voice from behind him. "Hai!" he shouted nervously as he got up and saluted and went for the stable.

Levi sat down for dinner with Hanji joining us a while later. She revealed the idea about making the other military police they caught read a script because Sannes wouldn't talk. The idea was already implemented before they came for dinner. The rest of the dinner went quietly because no one was brave enough to talk with a pissed Levi around. Everyone went to bed after dinner except Levi and Hanji, who went to get Sannes to talk. (Y/N) decided to go to bed but instead went to the stable to find Jean. Jean was muttering curses at Levi while cleaning the stable when (Y/N) found him. "Jean?" she called him out.

"Sorry about my behaviour during dinner." Jean muttered. "It's okay. I'm sorry that he got you into this." (Y/N) apologised too. After an awkward silence, Jean spoke up saying, "I still want to know why it was him instead of me.". (Y/N) looked right into Jean's eyes and asked him, "What would you do if I talked to you about my past? I killed that garrison soldier because he tried to take advantage of me. I spent seven years underground in a brothel. I was five when they made me serve customers. How would you comfort me from that?".

Jean was taken aback by (Y/N)'s sudden confession about her past as well as the question. "Well, I would tell you that I'll protect you from anything like that. I'll make sure you forget the bad past with an amazing future." Jean replied after thinking for a while.

"This is the reason why I chose Levi. He never promised me a good future or protection because he knows the future can't be decided. He never said that he can make me forget my past because anyone who lived in the underground knows that you can't forget that place. What he said was that I'm strong enough to protect myself now and that's what matters. He taught me to be stronger even if that hurt me. That's why I'm alive today. He shouts at me because he cares and doesn't want me to make mistakes. If he wasn't serious about me, he wouldn't shout at me for making a good decision. He only did that because he was worried about me and the...baby." (Y/N) answered softly.

Jean didn't know how to answer to that because she was right. "I'm sorry Jean. You deserve someone who isn't as complicated as I am." (Y/N) told him with a sympathetic smile. "You're right. I wish the best for you. Can't say the same for Levi Heichou though since he's killing me here" Jean chuckled. To that, (Y/N) got her hand in her pocket and pulled a bread out. She got that from the kitchen for Jean on her way out. "Here, take this as an apology in behalf of Levi. I had to steal it from the kitchen" (Y/N) said as she handed the bread over to Jean. Jean took the bread, muttered a thank you and before he took a bite, the stable door opened and Levi stepped in and said, "That was a wonderful speech but I still can't allow him to eat. That's part of the punishment.".

Jean quickly tried to hand the bread back to (Y/N) but she looked at him and said, "No. Keep it" before turning back to Levi and saying, "It will take a while for him to get done with cleaning the stable. We don't want weakened soldiers in case of any sudden attacks.". Levi looked at her for a few moments before answering, "You're right. However, Hanji and I have an announcement to make. Jean, meet us at the dining room when you're done eating and cleaning yourself up". To that, Jean muttered an okay and waved at (Y/N). (Y/N) smiled at him and waved back.

On their way back to the dining room, (Y/N) asked Levi, "Now that you know why I chose to be with you, I want to know why you chose to be with me.". To that, Levi chuckled and said, "Pregnancy is getting you soft. The (Y/N) I knew would've never asked that". "Right. So soft that I killed 5 people in 7 minutes." (Y/N) scoffed at that. "Were those the people you gave you those marks on your neck?" Levi asked with a dark tone. To that, (Y/N) answered, "Yes.". "Well, that's a job well done for beginners. Try to make it in five minutes next time. If you didn't kill them already, I'd have done it and fed them to dogs." Levi told (Y/N) in a monotonous voice. A frown formed on (Y/N)'s face as she told Levi, "You still didn't answer my question".

"Well, I wanted to be with someone who has a high chance of survival but isn't some shitty housewife too because I want to be with someone who can keep up with me. Other than that, I guess I wanted someone who would understand what's in my mind without me having to dictate everything." Levi answered to (Y/N) before asking, "The things you told Jean, were those true?". Before answering to Levi's question, (Y/N) mocked him by saying, "Seems like my pregnancy is making you soft too. That isn't the Levi I know" with a chuckle. Levi made his usual grumpy face at that and said, "Shut up and answer the question". " Yes. That was true." (Y/N) answered.

They reached the dining room. Hanji and Levi announced that the Reiss family was the true Royal family. Sannes confirmed it. Everyone was shocked by the news specially because no one ever imagined that Historia is the true heir. Hanji also mentioned that Eren could be eaten. Mikasa cringed at the thought and tried to get out of the room. Levi talked some sense into her about how going on a rampage won't work. It was planned that Levi squad would move to one of the Reiss family lands at dawn and Hanji will immediately go to Erwin with Moblet to give news about Sannes's confession.

When we were done, Levi and I returned to our room and a while later, both laid down on the bed, together. A few moments later, (Y/N) noticed Levi's hand run into her hair, gently patting her head as her face was on his chest. "You've done really well, (Y/N). I'm proud of you." he sighed. An uncharacteristically huge smile formed on (Y/N)'s face as she muttered a "Thank you" before passing out.

[AUTHOR'S NOTE: I felt like I should explain the timing of everything that happened since it all happened in one day.

3:00PM-(Y/N) got kidnapped

4:00PM-Levi questioned Reeves

5:00PM- (Y/N) escaped the military police.

6:00PM- Sannes and Ralph were kidnapped

8:00PM- (Y/N) arrived at the safe house.

9:00PM- Hanji arrives at the safe house

10:00PM- Dinner is set, Hanji and Levi tricks Sannes.

10:30- Dinner is over. Sannes confesses immediately. He is sent to share a cell with Ralph. Levi says Hanji to report to everyone about Sannes's confession and goes to look for (Y/N)

11:00 Hanji sets out with Moblit to give the news to Erwin. Everyone else goes to bed.]

To be continued...

Taglist: @reality-is-often-disappointing, @kingtamakimurder

[swanqueeneverafter]

The Once & Future Queen Pt.36

The Crystal Cave. (The group continue their journey. Upon entering the cave, Morgana conjures two torches and hands one each to Xena and Gabrielle. Seeing this, Regina conjures a fireball to light her way while Emma simply pulls a small flashlight from her pocket. As everyone continues on through the cave, Zelena produces her own green fireball and walks alongside Morgana.) Zelena: "So we can't use magic to get here, but it's fine once we're inside?" Morgana: "Apparently so. I didn't make the rules." Zelena: "Hm. You've been here before then?" Morgana: "No, but my sister visited from time to time. It was here where she used to watch me through the crystals." Zelena: "Well I'd call that creepy, if I didn't do something similar with Regina." Morgana: (Smiles:) "Seems we're a lot alike." Zelena: (Stares at Morgana a moment, then gruffly:) "Maybe we can paint each other's toenails and share stories after we rescue my niece?" (Zelena picks up her pace, leaving Morgana to trail behind.) Morgana: (Calling after her:) "I had nothing to do with Mordred kidnapping the child!" Zelena: "Do you mean this time or does that include the time before as well?" Morgana: "Both. Whatever dark deeds I may have done in my past, none of them included harming innocent children." Zelena: (Sighs and allows Morgana to catch up to her:) "Her name is Maria." Morgana: (Nods:) "I know." (Listening to their conversation, Xena's memories return her to the time of her own redemption.)

Many, Many Years Ago. (Xena walks through the wreckage of a village to see everything destroyed.) Xena: (Marching up to her second in command:) “What have you done?!” Darphus: “A message, to those who defy us.” Xena: “You killed women and children?” Darphus:  “If this doesn’t strike fear into the hearts of the northern villages, nothing will.” Xena: “You’re a butcher. Your disobedience will not go unpunished!” Darphus: “I expected as much.” (A few feet away, a baby starts crying. Xena walks over and picks up the child.) Cretus: (To Darphus:) “I thought I killed them both.” Darphus: “Kill it!” (Cretus draws his sword and approaches.) Xena: “Stop! (Points at Cretus with menace:) You kill this baby, you die next. (Stares at Darphus:) Contrary to what some might think, I still lead this army.” The Crystal Cave. Present. (Gabrielle, like the true bard she is, continues the story while the group walks along through the darkness.) Gabrielle: “The child should have meant nothing. But it was the beginning for Xena. The past is a harsh and unwilling mistress to change and so her own men put her through a gauntlet of death.” (Images of Xena being brutally beaten by members of her own army flash through Xena’s mind’s eye. Left for dead, the soldiers begin to disperse but Xena’s indomitable spirit pushes her to get to her feet and walk away.)

Gabrielle: “But now that good had taken root, the will to survive was too great. Her destiny now was to fight for the innocent. And that is what she’s done. And with that, Xena became good.” (Morgana smiles as Gabrielle finishes her story, realising perhaps for the first time that she’s surrounded by others who have dark pasts.) Morgana: “And you’ve never been tempted back to the darkness since?” Xena: “Oh, there have always been temptations, but somehow I just seem to resist them.” (Xena smirks at Gabrielle.) Gabrielle: (Rubbing Xena’s back:) “Yes, I don’t know how she does it sometimes.” Zelena: (Rolls her eyes:) “Oh please. While these two may need each other to keep on the straight and narrow, there are those of us who have no problem doing it by themselves.” Regina: (Joining them:) “What are you talking about? Zelena, you have spent most of your life looking for acceptance from others. The whole point of your obsession with going back in time was so you could have people around you to love and support you.” Zelena: “Yeah, and you certainly put a stop to that, didn’t you?” Storybrooke. Past. Barn. (Zelena turns her magic on Regina. Lifting her up, Zelena begins strangling her sister.) Zelena: (Pleased:) “Only light magic can harm me. And you’re as dark as they come. It was your destiny to be this way. And it’ll also be your undoing.” Regina: (With a strained voice:) “Don’t tell me what I can be.” Zelena: (Chuckles:) “I tried to be good once, but it wasn’t in the cards. This is who I am and it’s who you are.” Regina: “You’re wrong, Sis.” (Now, white light emerges from her hands.) Zelena: “What are you doing?” Regina: (Smiles:) “Changing.” (With a sudden burst of strength, Regina forcefully pushes her sister back.) Zelena: (Angry:) “How?” Regina: “I make my own destiny.” Zelena: “So, now you’re a hero?” Regina: (Smiles:) “Today I am.”

The Crystal Cave. Present. (Zelena glares at her sister, then turns at the sound of laughter coming from Morgana.) Morgana: "I'm sorry, but the Wicked Witch was defeated by the Evil Queen's use of light magic. That's hilarious." Zelena: "Oh, well thanks very much. And I thought you and I were just starting to get along. (Morgana continues to chuckle:) Need I remind you that Morgause didn't find my time travel spell a laughing matter? Or that out of the six of us, I am the only one who has defeated Mordred not once, but twice?" Mordred: (Unseen:) “There will not be a third time. (Xena and Gabrielle’s torches extinguish and everyone draws their weapons trying to find Mordred:) Over here.” (Zelena conjures another fireball, walking forward.) Zelena: “Show yourself, Mordred.” Mordred: “How has it come to this? Betrayed by my truest ally.” Morgana: (Speaking up:) “I have not betrayed you, Mordred. (She listens for a response:) Please, face me.” (Mordred’s voice sounds as if it’s coming from different directions. The group keep turning, trying to pinpoint where he is.) Mordred: “Who would of thought it, the great and powerful Morgana joining forces with those who would have seen her dead mere days ago.” Morgana: “Face me.” Mordred: “But you cannot stop me now. You cannot even help yourself.” Zelena: (Having heard enough:) “Why are you hiding? You still afraid of me?” (She turns back to face the way they came. Mordred comes through the passageway behind them.) Mordred: “I fear no one. Least of all you. (Mordred swings the sword towards Zelena but it is blocked by Xena who points her sword at his throat. Mordred laughs at her:) You have defied me for the last time, Xena.” Xena: “Oh no, you and I are just warming up.” (When Xena starts to back him up, Mordred walks back through the passageway and utters a spell, causing rocks to fall and block the way forward.) Mordred: “Stanas ahreosath!” (As the dust settles, the group has been cut in half. Gabrielle, Regina and Emma stand on one side of the rock fall while Xena, Zelena and Morgana's conditions are unknown.)

Gabrielle: "Xena! (She hurls herself at the rock wall, attempting to move a large rock but it is stuck fast. Gabrielle reaches higher up and pulls some small rocks away. She tries frantically to pull the rocks down but nothing happens. She slides to the ground, and turns to the others:) A little help?!” Regina: “But we don’t know-” Emma: (Steps forward:) “I’ve got this.” Regina: “Emma, wait!” (Emma takes aim at the wall and blasts it with a pulse of magic, blowing a sizeable hole in the rocks before more begin to fall on top of them. On the other side of the rockfall we see Zelena flying through the air, having been knocked backwards by the force of the blast. Gabrielle covers her head with her arms until the rocks cease falling.) Gabrielle: (Looking up at Emma:) “Thanks anyway!” (Gabrielle returns to digging by hand while Regina pulls Emma aside.) Regina: “I was going to say that we can’t just blast our way through because we don’t know who’s on the other side of that wall.” Emma: “Our daughter’s on the other side! Mordred has her and unless we do something about it real soon-” Regina: (Cutting her off:) “I know, Emma. Trust me, I know.” (Regina walks over and joins Gabrielle.) Emma: (Incredulous:) “We can’t just sit here clearing rocks while Mordred’s getting away from us!” Regina: “Well unless you want to kill us all with another rock slide, we don’t have another option.” (With her heart racing and her frustration mounting, Emma has no choice but to put her feelings aside and aid with the excavation effort.)

(Meanwhile on the other side of the wall, Xena, having recovered from the initial rockfall, dusts herself off and continues further into the cave. Elsewhere, Zelena looks all around her. With her path blocked at every turn except for one, Zelena takes a deep breath and walks along the passageway and out of sight.) Centre of the Cave. Alcove. (Although not having seen a single crystal so far, Morgana is first to find Mordred’s hideout within the cave. Following the illuminated pathway, Morgana enters an alcove where a child’s cradle rests upon a makeshift altar. Walking towards it, Morgana’s attention is caught by Mordred, who steps out of the shadows.) Mordred: “Welcome, My Lady.” (Morgana glances at the cradle containing Maria and then back to Mordred as slowly, she gives him a warm smile.)

[alicepink-me]

The New Guardian

Story Summary: Marinette Dupain-Cheng is an adult in the real world, guarding the Miracle Box in Master Fu's place. She's in love with Chat Noir, but refuses to tell him her feelings. New holders appear to fight the duo and shake up their lives. Marinette makes a tough decision about her future as Ladybug.

Chapter 21: The Cube Part 1

"Chat Noir?" Ladybug said, admiring the Eiffel Tower through the white snow. "Do you ever miss Master Fu?"

"I wasn't as close to him as you were." Chat adjusted his scarf. "But I wish I had gotten a chance."

"I miss him." Ladybug responded, crisscrossing her legs as she looked down. "I trust his judgement, but . . . I really don't think I'm cut out to be a guardian."

"Don't you remember when you thought that about the Ladybug miraculous? You mentioned before that you tried to get rid of it because you doubted yourself." Chat scooted his body, turning to her. "You learned yourself that that decision was wrong. You were always meant to be Paris's Ladybug. And now . . . you're meant to protect the miraculous all together."

"What if this time it's different?" She looked to him. "One miraculous is a different matter than the entire Miracle Box."

"Come on, LB." Chat smiled. "With me by your side to support you, nothing will stand in our way of protecting this city." His hand reached for her shoulder. Ladybug blushed. "The miraculous are in good hands and . . . it's only been a year and a half. We have plenty of time to figure it all out."

"I just wish I could talk to him." Ladybug bit the inside of her cheek. "I only received part of my guardian training and I still have so many questions. I can't ask him for help anymore." She sighed. "Anytime my lucky charm brought me to his shop or if I needed any advice, he was there. Now . . . I have to do everything on my own."

"Hey, no you don't." Chat Noir shook her shoulder. "I'm here and I can support you. I never knew much about this world of miraculous, but there's always a way. We'll be partners forever, no matter what happens, so maybe there's another book out there. Maybe there are more temples or more boxes. There has to be something left and we'll find whatever it is."

Ladybug smiled. "You know . . . I sent him a Christmas card."

"But I thought-"

"I know he doesn't remember us, but I still thought I'd send one." Ladybug interrupted. "Marianne sent me an invitation to their wedding. She knows my identity still and she knew how happy I'd be for them."

"Are you going?" Chat leaned back on his hands.

"Well the invite is for both of us and we'd have to attend in disguise. It'd be insanely rude for two superheroes to show up and drive the attention away from the married couple." She rested her chin on her palms. "But I don't know it's the best idea to go."

"You should. Go as yourself and I'll stay back." Chat smiled. "At least go for Marianne, but you also get assurance for Master Fu's future."

"I guess." Ladybug grinned, turning back to the dimmer sky. "But next Christmas, we're getting pictures together and not for a magazine this time. I'll keep sending my cards for now. He won't remember us, but it's all in the season."

. . .

The Present:

Ivory twisted her blade in the asphalt, pacing around it. "The great heroes of Paris have fallen so easily?!" She shouted. "I thought they would've had better." She stopped.

"We need to leave, Ladybug." Chat whispered. "If we escape, you can use your lucky charm to fix everything, including our powers. We can hide for awhile and think of a plan. Then we can come back stronger."

"I'm tired of running, Chat Noir." Ladybug shook her head. "We need to finish this dispute between us and the temple once and for all. That's the only way to end it." She turned to him. "Unless we kill them. But we aren't really heroes then."

"We need a plan." He insisted.

"No plan will end it." She assured. "The fighting will only continue."

"But we can escape. It's the only chance we have." Chat pleaded.

"With their power . . . there's no chance of escaping, let alone beating them." Ladybug looked down. "But maybe we can somehow convince them of a compromise."

"I don't think talking will save us from decapitation by that sword."

"It took time with April. She wanted me dead when I first met her, but she changed." Ladybug reasoned. "If we can get our point across peacefully, maybe we have a shot."

"What are you two babbling about?" Ivory asked, eyes squinting.

"Kill them already!" Lemon shrieked.

Ivory grinned, lifting her blade in the air. With a loud growl, she began to swing.

"Wait!" Ladybug shouted. Ivory stopped the blade, inches from her face.

"What could you possibly have to say?" Ivory asked.

"Why . . . what are our crimes?" Ladybug breathed, fear in her eyes.

"Your crimes?" Ivory returned the blade to her side, wide-eyed. "Do you really not know?"

"Everyone we've met has a different picture of the situation." Ladybug answered. "And several don't have the right details."

"Oh." Ivory swiftly kicked Chat's baton far out of reach behind her. It rattled against the ground in the silence. She laid her sword flat on the ground and sat behind it, sitting crisscrossed.

"What are you doing?!" Fern yelled. "Are you surrendering?!"

Lemon frowned. "You shouldn't give them the time of day, yet you're sitting to have a chat?"

"Hush." Ivory held up her hand. "We may be here for other reasons, but I am fair. I will not kill without reason. I will ensure that these two know why we are doing this and why they deserve their sentence."

"But-"

"We aren't animals, Fern." Ivory dismissed. "We will settle this fairly and like the warrior women we are." The two teammates sighed. "Lemon . . . I need your flame." She said.

Lemon rose her hands and snapped both sets of fingers. "Burn." She commanded. A ring of fire grew around Ladybug, Chat Noir, and Ivory, trapping them.

"Incase you were thinking of running." Ivory smiled, looking to the two. "Now where were we?"

"Is this some sort of trial and if so, how is it going to work?" Chat asked.

Ivory's smile grew. She held her hands in front of her as a glowing light shined before a small box appeared in her palms. "I have a variety in my inventory." She announced. "I can summon more than just weapons. Obviously I have my limits, but I can use it to my advantage." The box looked like an all black Rubik's Cube, but nothing harmful.

Ladybug squinted. "If that's not a weapon, then what is it?"

"The Verbindend Wahrheitssucher Würfel." Ivory answered, holding it up. "To ensure a fair argument and uphold true honesty, we must use it." Her fingers moved to one side and ripped off one of the cubes.

"What?" Chat Noir stared, confused.

Ivory ripped off two more. "Hold out your hands." She commanded.

Ladybug looked to Chat Noir before they both anxiously outstretched their aloe vera cuffed hands. Ivory placed a cube in Ladybug's hands. It quickly sank into her skin, horrifically disappearing. Her miraculous stopped blinking. Ladybug's Eyes widened as she jumped back.

"What was that? What did it do?!" Ladybug turned her hands, searching. Ivory ignored her and placed one in Chat Noir's hands, it vanishing as well. "W-Where did that thing go? It-"

"Absorbed into your skin." Ivory finished for her. She set the box in between the three of them and held the third tiny cube in her own palms. It sank immediately and all of their miraculous had stopped blinking by now. Almost as if time had stopped. "You don't need to worry. It won't harm you." Ivory informed.

"Tell us what it does!" Ladybug sat back down, her fingers tapping in a panic. "I'm not used to random cubes disappearing inside my body." Ivory looked up at her. Ladybug gasped. "How are y-"

"Telepathy." Ivory spoke. "This box links us and our minds. Your memories cannot lie. Only dreams can."  She looked to the larger cube. "We can find out what each other knows or has learned. We can piece together what's right and wrong from that and then decide on future action."

"You can see everything?" Ladybug asked.

"Only if you think of it." Ivory answered. "It's nearly impossible to hide the facts. See, if I mention Master Fu, your mind registers him and shows me every memory you have of him. It really does leave your head vulnerable, but don't worry. I'm not asking about your love lives or embarrassing secrets you had as children. And if you truly are innocent in this whole matter, you shouldn't have anything to hide."

"Kind of like a memory google search." Chat said.

"Yeah." Ivory rolled her eyes, starting to regret what she saw in his mind. "Okay then . . . I'll start." She squeezed her fist that the cube went through and it began to glow green. All three of them closed their eyes.

. . .

"So he just picked two strangers?" A girl questioned.

"Yes, Zealous." The professor answered, pacing the room. "Because this temple wasn't still standing at the time, Master Fu had no other option than to choose strangers."

"So it was justified?" The red head asked, leaning back in her desk.

"That, however, is false." The man smiled. "Fu may have needed strangers, but he had the ability to train a few or at the very least, prepare them. And not only did he choose strangers, he chose children; children he met outside of their school. He could've searched for trustworthy, hardworking adults, but chose a risky path that not only could've put France in danger, but an entire miraculous, while already having two lost in the wrong hands."

"Some say that Master Fu made the right choice." Another girl raised her hand. "Ladybug and Chat Noir have saved Paris for years with only a few mistakes. Maybe the old man was smart after all."

"That point is valid." The professor shrugged. "But what if one of those teenagers felt tired and decided not to come on one occasion or what if one fell in love and thought to woo their crush with their powers? You all are raised here without ties to people and places for your own good. You are better here than anywhere else and with your training, none of those mistakes are a worried possibility. Fu didn't make the worst decision, but since he was looking for unqualified, young strangers, he could have easily chose wrong. Don't confuse luck with what is right."

"Will he face the consequences?" A boy asked, twirling his pencil. "If this old man is causing so much trouble, why don't we just lock him up or kill him or do something with him?"

"Sadly, Wang Fu passed in the last few weeks." The professor sighed, looking at the floor. "The council had a plan in the works to enact our revenge, but now we can't. It is his passing that has brought me back to this chapter in our books once again. His history will not die with him."

"But his terror is over now?" The boy looked bored. "So why is this lesson relevant to us?"

"Because it's not over." The professors smiled. "His disciples are still alive and well in the city of Paris. They hold all of Fu's stolen power without any thought of giving it back and for all we know, they probably don't realize the temple has even been restored." The man moved to his desk. "Your generation is anew." He declared. "Each of you lived through the horrid time jump that we faced. One hundred and seventy-three years lost . . . "

"They should pay." One student stated.

"Indeed they should." The professor grinned. "And they shall."

Zealous listened to her professor with an eager look in her eyes. Her dedication to the academy was not to be underestimated. She would fight till the end for any just cause. Every time they reach this chapter, she's always frustrated. Her hatred for Wang Fu and his decisions only grew.

. . .

"These memories." Ladybug said, furrowing her eyebrows. "I know how aggressive the academy is, but . . . this is horrible."

"That's only what I was taught." Ivory stated. "I'm formed by the teachers that raised me, so don't shoot the messenger. I'm only seeking to find the unbiased truth."

"Better than fighting." Chat said. "We can share endless stories and memories if that's what evidence you need to not kill us."

"Of course." Ivory said with a devilish.

"How dare they teach those lies . . . especially after his death." Ladybug growled. "Okay, I'm next. " She insisted, squeezing her fist. "It's my turn."

[toreii]

Audacious || Mitsuhide Akechi

Somehow in my exhaustion, I found the inspiration to continue this one-shot. I had kind of given up on this ficlet because my ideas were not working. Thankfully, I didn’t delete this and I managed to save it! A little time and patience works a long way. I hope you guys enjoy it!

You didn’t consider yourself bold or daring, and yet you found yourself often doing things that surprised people. You would hear others describe you as an initiative person, a fearless leader, and always on the move. Truth be told, you hated waiting. You detested the thought of not knowing what to expect and wondering how things would unfold. You liked to take charge simply because you liked being in control of yourself and your environment. However, none of that was happening, and you found yourself playing a peddler’s wife far away from Azuchi in a rural town with Mitsuhide Akechi.

“Why couldn’t I be your sister?” You ask for the tenth time.

And for the tenth time, Mitsuhide replied, “Lord Nobunaga instructed I keep a close eye on you.”

“As your wife?” You questioned, eyes narrowing suspiciously.

“This man we’re seeing has a penchant for young women. If you’d like to join his harem of concubines, by all means, go right ahead. I’ll be certain to give my darling sister my full blessings.”

“As long as he can maintain me, I do not ask for much,” you reply, hefting a weighted pack along your back.

Mitsuhide smirked. “Unsatisfied by your living arrangements in Azuchi?”

You waved him off. “I merely jest. I could never betray Nobunaga despite his penchant for me. If I am of use to him, then so be it. I will be the best spy in all of Azuchi!”

You gave Mitsuhide a thumbs up as you winked and stuck your tongue out. He grinned finding not only your response, but your posture silly. Still, there was a stir in his chest. His gaze softened as you turned your back to him. You were dressed in shabby clothes, your hair pulled into a bun and secured with a periwinkle cloth. You had traded your zōri for simple straw waraji which threatened to rip at any given moment. Mitsuhide had expected to hear you complain at the choice of outfit he had picked for you. Instead, you nagged at him for making you his pretend wife. You were positively adorable as you pouted at him each and every time you asked why he had made you his wife.

“Are you coming?” You asked, shooting him another annoyed pout.

He grinned. “I do hope you know the way.”

“To the daimyo’s house? Easy. It’s the richest house in town.”

Mitsuhide nodded. “I see. Tell me, little seamstress, which house would that be?”

You paused glancing around at your surroundings. Every dwelling and establishment seemed to be made out of the same building materials. You could try narrowing it down, but finding the answer would still prove a bit difficult seeing as it was your first time in town. You would need to divulge some information first from the townsfolk, and hopefully derive some leads to the lord’s home.

“It’s gotta be one of these,” You answered. “If we ask nicely, someone is bound to tell us.”

Mitsuhide chuckled. “If only people were as honest as you are, [Name].”

“A little kindness goes a long way. You should try it sometime, Mitsuhide.”

“It often backfires. There’s no harm in being ruthless either.”

You purse your lips as you glanced up in thought. “I can’t see myself being like that.”

And, I wouldn’t want you to be, [Name], Mitsuhide thought, as the smile gracing his lips vanished.

He wished to keep her safe, preserving that radiant smile of hers at all times, and away from everything that could harm her. Truth be told, Mitsuhide did not want [Name] involved in his business at all. The circumstances did not turn out that way, and he found himself bringing the chatelaine along. He hated the fact that he would expose her to possible danger, but he reminded himself that he would be with her every step of the way watching closely. Mitsuhide walked up to [Name] placing his hands on her shoulders. She tensed under his touch glancing up to meet his gaze with a puzzled expression on her face. Her delicate eyebrows arched and her lips parted ever so slightly. His fingers curled gripping her shoulders a tad tighter. Part of him didn’t want to let go, and yet he pushed her out into the busy street as he remained in the shadows of the alley they had secluded themselves in.

“Mitsuhide?” [Name] called.

“Enough chit-chat. Time to get to work,” he stated.

A chill ran down your spine as a sudden realization dawned on you. Mitsuhide was still dressed in his usual attire. You were not. Surely, this man wouldn’t leave you to your own devices...right? You were afraid to ask, but you needed to hear the answer come from him.

“What about you?”

He smiled devilishly, his golden eyes seemingly glowing with delight. Mitsuhide took a step back and you felt your heart stop. No, he was not going to—!

“Do not fret, my little mouse. I shall be watching.”

And as if summoned by some magical force, a wave of people flooded the street. He was gone in a flash lost to the darkness that had enveloped him. You looked around taking note of the stalls and businesses open for the day. You felt a shove from behind causing you to stumble forward a bit. You heard a mumbled apology as the person moved around you. You clutched at your fake pack feeling lost in this crowd.

Gather information, you thought jolting the reminder in your head. You scowled remembering Mitsuhide’s visage. That ass is gonna pay for this!

You spent your morning going from place to place within town hearing various conversations. From the quality of products coming in, to food reviews, and even outside skirmishes that had nothing to do with the task at hand, you listened to everything with intent. Yet, nothing stood out to you. Why Mitsuhide had brought you along was beyond your imagination. You plopped down on a bench outside a teahouse as you set your pack down, and felt the immediate relief across your back.

“Here you are.”

A cheerful, feminine voice spoke out from beside you. You glanced at the young woman who set a plate of dumplings and a steaming cup of tea beside you.

“I haven’t ordered yet—”

“Compliments of our lord.”

She walked away leaving you puzzled by her words. You looked inside the tea house meeting the gaze of an older man. He looked to be middle aged with graying hair, and rugged looks. He shot you a smile which made your stomach knot. Something about this man sent shivers down your spine. You looked away feeling dread consume you. Suddenly, you no longer felt thirsty as your instinct told you to leave. You grabbed your things and started down the road.

Please, please, please, you chanted internally, hoping not to hear footsteps following you.

Amidst the crunching of gravel, your stomach knotted with fright. You heard a few men snicker behind you which only made you pick up your pace. Unfortunately for you, the men quickly had you surrounded. You stumbled back only to feel the sharp press of steel against your back. You eased away from the pointed edge of the man’s sword as you curled in your arms to protect yourself.

“I’m sorry. There seems to be some misunderstanding,” you began nervously.

“None whatsoever,” the lord from the teahouse spoke. “You’re a pretty new face.”

Oh, dear god, no. It’s the guy Mitsuhide told me about, you realized.

“I respect your rejection of my invite at the teahouse. However, every person that does business in my territory needs to pay a fee.”

You blinked. “A fee?”

“Oh, yes. How else am I supposed to collect tax? These lands don’t support themselves,” the lord continued, waving his arm to indicate their surroundings figuratively.

Your posture eased as you arched an eyebrow. “Wait a sec. We’re still in Nobunaga-sama’s province. From my understanding, there shouldn’t be any tax collection in place at all. Everyone is free to do commerce without having to pay.”

The lord’s sleazy grin vanished, replaced with an angry scowl as his face turned red and blotchy. “To hell with that demon’s laws! These are still my lands! I rule them how I want, and there’s not a thing anyone can do about it!”

You balled your fists feeling a surge of indignation. “How can you say that!? You’re robbing your people of their hard labor profiting from them to keep your territory afloat? That money you take from them should be going back to your people!”

“Do you not think that’s what I do?!”

“No!” You shouted. “You don’t! You use it to pilfer from your own domain and spend it on lavishes and trying to bed any woman that comes your way! And now that I look at it—” Your eyes took in the sight of the men that accompanied the lord. They were not samurai at all. You knew by their looks alone they were from a different class. “You used that money to hire ronin, didn’t you?”

“What if I did? I need an army!” The lord shouted as he took an angry step towards you.

You froze. “An army?” You questioned.

“Hah! I shouldn’t have to explain myself to a common woman. You either pay or I will take you on the spot!”

You gripped your pack, ready to start swinging it as a weapon if you needed to. Sure, you were outnumbered six to one, but you sure weren’t not going to go down without a fight. At the lord’s indication, the men brandished their swords against you. Each of them grinned sickeningly at you as their master approached closer. You had no choice, but to fight back. You hated to think this would be the last time you’d live. The thought was close to forming, however, you lamented not seeing him for the last time.

Mitsuhide…!

A thunderous crack echoed throughout the area. A split second later, one of the ronin fell on the ground. Time stood still as everyone stopped moving. You were certain all of you were staring at the fallen ronin dead from a shot to the forehead. Your stomach sank and as reality finally sunk, the men around you screamed in terror. You looked past them to see the smoking barrel of Mitsuhide’s rifle pointed back at them. You didn’t think twice. You bolted from the group crossing the open space as fast as possible.

Your straw sandals threatened to rip making it hard to keep your footing. Yet, you willed them to hold. You ended up stumbling past Mitsuhide as you came to a sloppy stop. Your knees buckled as you fell hard unto the ground.

“You! Who are you!?” You heard the lord scream.

“Who I am is the least of your worries,” Mitsuhide answered, keeping his rifle trained on the man. “Paying you a personal visit proved to be unnecessary, after all.”

“What?”

“I have you to thank, [Name]. I knew you’d prove to be most useful,” Mitsuhide continued.

“You mean… You knew this would happen?” You asked breathlessly.

Mitsuhide smirked. “Truth be told, I had already been investigating this man months prior. I only needed to confirm a few suspicions.”

You got back on your feet as the truth of his words hit you full force. “So then, Mitsuhide… You!”

“We’ll settle it later, [Name]. This matter needs to be resolved first.”

“Hmph!” You crossed your arms, pouting once again as you turned away from him. The nerve of this man! He blatantly used you! He obviously never needed your help.

He made me his bait! You internally screamed.

“What are you lot waiting for!? Get him! Get him! And bring me that woman while you’re at it!” The lord shouted.

“I wouldn’t move if I were you,” Mitsuhide advised.

“Why not?”

Mitsuhide raised a hand and at his command, his army emerge from the shadows of the forest. The lord and his men were completely surrounded with more than a dozen rifles pointed at them. The ronin quickly dropped their swords and fell to their knees begging for their lives. Realizing the fight was over, the lord look utterly defeated.

“Who are you?” He asked again, his voice broken.

“A message from Lord Nobunaga: your lands shall be divided and your people are now his. You, on the other hand, shall be imprisoned for your crimes.”

The lord paled. “My crimes?”

“My lovely wife shall leave no account unsaid. Afterall, you confessed everything to her.”

“That woman is your wife?!”

You stood quietly as your eyes met the now disgraced lord. A moment ago, he was flaunting his authority. Now, he looked sad and pathetic. You felt nothing. No longer needing your disguise, you untied the bandana keeping your hair secured. It fell in waves of locks as it settled along your back. You ran your fingers through your tresses combing out the knots as the lord and his men were tied up and led away.

Mitsuhide turned to you, a pleased smile on his lips. “You did well.”

You scoffed. “I was almost attacked by him and you killed a man right behind me. How do you think I feel right now?”

“Were you scared?”

“That’s not it!” You shouted, your nails digging into your palms as you balled your fists. However, your anger quickly dissipated and you backed down. “Forget it. I want to go home.”

You looked away from Mitsuhide staring at a patch of grass. You heard him approach, but you never imagined that he would pull you into his arms. You didn’t imagine feeling a slender finger hook your chin as your eyes met his. His long lashes caught the light of the setting sun making eyes shine brightly. You were at a loss for words as you gently braced yourself against his chest.

“Thank you, [Name].”

You felt a prickle in your eyes and you quickly averted your eyes one more time choosing to bury your face in his kimono. He reeked of gunpowder, as usual, but it was comforting. Mitsuhide was here with you.

“You took too long,” you whimpered quietly as you tried your best to keep from crying.

He patted your head as he held you tightly against him. “I’m sorry.”

You felt your heart squeeze upon hearing his soft voice. Your arms encircled him as you returned his embrace. You knew everything would be okay. Your sense of security was back, and you couldn’t be happier than to be in Mitsuhide’s embrace. The only thing you lamented now was that the charade was over. You were back to being the chatelaine of Azuchi castle and a simple seamstress.

A few days later, you were out strolling the market enjoying a well deserved rest from your mission. Mitsuhide had revealed the ex-lord’s plot to secretly amass an army to rise against Nobunaga’s rule. He had been a minor daimyo who had been defeated some years ago by Nobunaga. His army had been dismantled, and the ex-daimyo was left to supervise his domain. However, his greed knew no bounds.

You hated that Mitsuhide used you to expose the ex-lord’s weakness for women just to draw him out. However, he continued to praise your bravery for holding out long enough to get the man to spill his secrets. Since your return to Azuchi, you hadn’t seen Mitsuhide at all. His vassals informed you that Mitsuhide seldom returned home in the coming days since you both returned. All you knew was that he was busy with his interrogations and cleaning up the aftermath of the incident. You would often look in the direction of the holding cells, but you dared not approach the place. Hideyoshi was liable to lock you in your room. Plus, you didn’t wish to disturb Mitsuhide.

You could only think back at your last interaction with him as he held you against him. A part of you didn’t wish to let go, but you knew it wouldn’t last forever. Mitsuhide offered to give you a piggyback ride back into town, but you turned him down as you felt your cheeks burn in embarrassment. Still, he took your hand in his as he led you back. Everything else had become a blur of memories.

As you walked down the road, you glanced up to see Mitsuhide weave his way through a small crowd. You couldn’t believe it. He was back! You raced over to him waving a hand in the air to get his attention.

“Mitsuhide!”

He shot you a cool smile seeing you beam so brightly. There was an itch in him to reach over and pinch your cheeks. However, your relieved expression warmed him, and he greeted you the only way he knew how.

“My, I’ve never received such an enthusiastic greeting. You look like a puppy who’s seen its master after a long time.”

You pouted. “Oh, you! Can’t you be happy we’re finally seeing each other again?”

Mitsuhide’s eyes widened in mock shock. He placed a hand against his chest feigning his surprise. “[Name], you’ve missed me that much?”

You faltered. “Well, I… Uh…”

A slick smile spread across his lips. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“It’s not like that! It’s, um…”

He chuckled seeing your cheeks flush again. Mitsuhide sighed, grabbing his chin in thought.

“What to do? I must make my absence up to you. Unfortunately, I don’t have much time today. I was on my way back to the castle.”

You quickly latched onto his arm. Not only was Mitsuhide surprised, but you were, as well. You hated not knowing anything, but you were content to not know, either. You accepted that fact when it came to Mitsuhide. As long as he was safe and okay, nothing else mattered. Yet, you felt incomplete.

“Call me selfish, but…” you began quietly not daring to meet his gaze. “I don’t want to let you go.”

“I have yet to pay you for your help,” he said, drawing you from your thoughts.

You looked up at him. “Huh?”

“Whatever you want, I will give it to you,” Mitsuhide promised. “So, tell me.”

Whatever I want…?

Your hold on him tightened. There was no need to think about it. You were sure of yourself this time. Even if Mitsuhide pushed you away, you knew this was something you had to do. You didn’t want to define it by a mere word, but rather with an action.

You led Mitsuhide into a nearby alley taking refuge behind a stack of rice barrels. You didn’t care who saw as you were determined to make this moment a reality. You clutched Mitsuhide’s scarf in your hands and pulled him towards you with all your might. He braced himself against the wall as his palms came to rest on either side of your head. At the same time, you rose on your tippy toes meeting Mitsuhide halfway as you planted a kiss upon his lips. Your eyes were closed as his widened with genuine shock this time.

Those seconds felt eternal, but you couldn’t keep supporting yourself on the balls of your feet. You pulled away with a sloppy pop resting back on your feet. You still held onto his scarf as you gazed up at him with half-lidded eyes. You saw him swallow. You were both clearly out of breath panting for air.

Mitsuhide placed a hand against your flushed cheek as he leaned down. His forehead pressed against yours and he laughed softly.

“You silly girl.”

You purse your lips. “Give me some credit here. I’ve never done that before.”

“It wasn’t bad for your first time,” Mitsuhide said as he drew back.

“You don’t need to sugarcoat it,” you muttered. “And, you don’t need to pay me for anything, either. I’m content with just this.”

“Hmm, I think not.”

You shot him a questioning expression. “Hm?”

Mitsuhide held your chin as he pressed his other hand against the wall behind you. “It looks like I have time to spare, my dear [Name]. I can show you much more than just a simple kiss.”

You shyly averted your gaze as you moved his hand from your chin. Yet, Mitsuhide managed to lace his fingers with yours as he continued to keep a hold on you.

“We don’t have to…”

He leaned in again whispering hotly in your ear. “Unless, you don’t want to?”

Your heart nearly burst out of your chest as his low tone of voice sent chills down your spine. You ignited the flame and now Mitsuhide was faning them. Just a moment ago, you were in control and now he had taken it back. Truth be told, you liked it. His daring proposal excited you, and you were curious to see where it led. You could only take this chance for who knew when the next opportunity would arise.

You pushed off the wall as you never let go of his hand. Nothing needed to be said. Your eyes conveyed everything to him. Mitsuhide led you out of the alley and back out into the busy market street. His work could wait. The two of you had a long afternoon ahead. Everything would be okay. You and Mitsuhide were together, and you hoped it would remain so.

[mai-takeda]

The Voyage Part II ft Mai Takeda and Asande Stormborn

“Fire!” Asande barked and the cannons of The Stormdancer leapt to life. Their echoing rounds streaking through the air. Asande watched with a miniscule tug at the corner of her lifts. She felt the rush of the moment, the blood running it’s course through the pathways of her body. She stood near the rail starboard while her other mages positioned themselves in similar fashion. 

The plan was nothing that her crew didn’t already hold familiarity with. Unlike The Black Orchid which loomed closer in their visage, The Stormdancer utilized it’s mages in defense of the ship while allowing artillery and bowman to manage the offensive front. She began to take the crystal in hand and pull at the aether within herself. She knew the other mages would be doing the same in expectation of what was to come.

Mai watched it from the middle of the ship. She had a hand curled around the hilt of her katana sheathed on her hip. On the opposite hilt she had sitting in it’s holder one of the chakram she obtained from the island they visited earlier. Kami please give me strength, she thought. Her hand grew more pale the harder she clutched the hilt. A handful of others stood with her, shoulder to shoulder in the way the Master at Arms had directed. Meanwhile she felt herself cringe inwardly at the booming sounds of the canon fire. Her skin felt like it tingled with the use of magic suddenly being hurled to and from the sparing ships. Her pink lips continued to move in a silent prayer though the whispered words for the safety of those around her and not herself. 

Asande braced herself feeling The Stormdancer’s violent shutter upon being struck when a spell from The Black Orchid got through their defense. 

“Tighten up or I’ll send yer arse to bottom of this watery pit my damned self! They tryin’ to slow our girl!” Asande yelled while preparing the next spell and eyeing the distances of the two vessels. “Prepare to receive these watery fucks!” she exclaimed with the excitement riding her words. “They want a boardin’!”  

An arrow arched over her head from The Black Orchid and there was a cry behind her telling tale of a member of the crew being struck. She ignored it. There was no time for that now. The Black Orchid meant to board The Stormdancer, using it’s superior speed to close the distance. Only moments passed before Asande’s assessment proved to be true. Ropes were loosed with grapples and soon men and women began pouring toward The Stormdancer from The Black Orchid. Many fell in their attempts with arrows in their torso’s or struck with the fierceness of a spell that hurled them back from which they came. Most went to the narrowed space between the two vessels and in the watery depths. 

“Repel the bastards!” the Master at Arms yelled at the line which Mai stood.

Mai pulled the sword of the Takeda free. The crew bellowed and gave war cries as the entire line surged forward to meet the boarders. Mai was silent, eyes intent, moving forward with the rest of the crew. Immediately a curved blade came screaming toward her head. Guided by her reflexes, her sword arm leaped upward, parried the strike and continued her forward progress barreling into the sturdy man to push him off balance and create space. Before he could recover she swung her sword toward his head. The edge making a line toward his neck when at the final moment she turned the blade flat side and lifted her swing so the flat of the blade struck the man in the temple sending him staggering sideways.

He began straightening after shaking his head from the strike when a rapier exploded from his chest. A booted foot planted on his back, shoved him forward toward the planks of the boat and Asande stood there with her bloodied rapier.

“No time for that shite!” she barked at Mai. “Ye strike then ye strike true! Yer life or his. No other fuckin’ way! Ye understand, Mai?”

Before Asande could get an answer she was rushed by another pirate and began letting her rapier dance with his sword. All around the sounds of battle filled the air along with cries of pain from the dead or dying. From the wounded and the maimed. The canons no longer rung and the magic was more precise and consolidated with mages trying to keep harm from either ship.

Mai understood Asande words and had no time for inner reflection before she faced off with another. Parry, thrust, back step, parry again. Mai found herself pressed by the opponent trying to impale her upon the broadsword. He gave another thrust but she leaped swiftly back creating a larger gap while barely avoiding another crewmate. The man looked to charge at Mai once more and she charged toward him in return. The thrusting strike she expected came. Quickly, she stepped inside the strike and brought her sword upwards into his abdomen and digging up into his body cavity. Her eyes widened feeling the penetration of her blade and the look in the man’s face. Immediately she blinked it away, jumped backwards to pull the blade free and moved on to not allow her mind to dwell on the second life she had taken in her years.

“Yer a fuckin’ bastard with salt water in yer damn head,” Asande accused while parrying another strike. “Nothin’ on The Dancer worth yer damned life!”

The Black Orchid’s captain, a sturdy highlander himself, came on again to press attack. His blade flashing and seeking a weak spot in Asande’s defenses. She deftly parried and moved in and out of range of his strikes while her eyes darted. She could hear her Boatswain’s voice joining the others upon the decks repelling the boarders. A sense of tension loosened in her. It was a matter of time and she knew it.

“What are ye after?” she demanded just as her blade’s point creased a line of blood along the side of his face. 

The Black Orchid captain cursed with a free hand going to the cut. “You! The gil on yer head is too much to pass, Stormborn! Too much!”

And he came again. She lowered herself toward the planks below her then pushed off the balls of her feet propelling herself into the air performing a backwards arc. Her feet came down and she waved her sword before her.

“Ye lost. Listen around ye. Nothin’ more ye can do to change what is happenin’ other than to toss that twig in yer hand to the planks and yield. Yer not even good enough with that damned thing to bother me.”

“To the abyss wit you!” the man yelled and began to charge.

Asande, giving him a bored expression turned her rapier point downward, reached inside herself and allowed a ball of aether to pour free at the forward motion of her arms in his direction. It struck him squarely in the chest and threw his body backwards colliding with others in the midst of a dying battle. Crewman from The Black Orchid seeing this finally paused enough to look around. The Stormdancer crew had surrounded the boarders and some were even know giving final strokes to the dying. Their weapons began clattering to the planks after Asande’s eyes turned upon them. 

“Least ye bastards are smarter than this one,” she said stalking toward the opposing captain and leaving the other crew to her Quartermaster to sort. “I didn’t put enough to kill ye,” she said standing over the opposing captain who appeared dazed.

Mai came up to Asande’s side pointedly ignoring her own katana that she held in her right hand. It was lowered and she knew what dripped down it’s edges and point. It was something she didn’t want to see but she knew she would have to face. Instead she focused on the exchange between Asande and this other captain. She came to stand beside her friend who was now slapping the other captain roughly in the face attempting to rouse him. She heard Asande’s words.

“Who is seekin’ my bloody damned head bastard! Who?” 

Mai thought to stop Asande for a moment in case the woman knocked whatever sense was left in the man out but he began speaking. Mumbling really. She leaned closer to hear his words.

“Coldren” the captain mumbled. “It-it was Coldren.”

To this Mai eyed Asande. She heard the other woman gasp and step backwards upon hearing the name. Everything in the other woman seemed to stiffen and before Mai could stop her, Asande gave a thrust of her rapier and sunk it into the man’s chest directly into his heart. 

Mai’s eyes widened. “Asande! H-He was defenseless!” 

Asande didn’t bother looking at Mai. The name she heard continued to play out in her mind. It continued like a chant that held no end. When Mai’s words came to her, she still did not look at the small raen. 

“He made the choice comin’ after me fer coin so let the waters swallow him,” Asande said with a tinge of indifference. “And doin’ it for Coldren no fuckin’ less.” She bent over to wipe her sword on the dead man’s tunic before straightening up and speaking loudly. “May no man nor woman think of comin’ for me and mine again for Coldren! This will be the result!” She jerked a pointing finger at the dead captain. “Ye who wish to join my crew can if my crew accept ye. If not, we shall send ya back to the Orchid after disablin’ yer sails and renderin’ any live mages unconscious. Ye will be able to live another day but not on our trail. My crew will sort ya.” 

And with that Asande turned and stalked away. 

Mai watched the retreating back of her friend, turned her eyes back to the dead captain and then Asande once more.

“Who is Coldren?” she asked herself softly. “And why did she react like that?”

Continuing to watch Asande who began disappearing toward the captain’s quarters Mai shook herself. A sudden throb raged along her side and her eyes jerked toward it along with her free left hand. There was an opening in her toga where a blade had caught her. Blood trickled ran from the cut, seeped through her fingers and with the adrenaline no longer pulsing through her she began to stagger. Pain infused her, weakness lunged for her and she could feel her knees buckling. 

“Oh,” was the only thing she said before darkness took her and she fell to the deck.

Written by myself and @zhauric who plays Asande Stormborn! Hope you all enjoy!

[littlemeowmeowschimmy]

Until We Meet Again [Yoongi x Hoseok x Reader]

credit: Cindy

Requests opened // m.list next

Genre: Dark // Angst // Some Smut

Summary: The Imperial kingdom has come to its breaking point. The emperor who had taken over was and is to be known as ruthless and unforgiving. In this society, power is ultimately given to those who align themselves with the imperial family as it takes many lives of those who oppose them. When your little medicine shop is under destruction from the new emperor, you decide its your best to fight back. However, you never imagined the murderous emperor to take a liking to you..

Word Count:2.5k

A/N:Ah a small series I'm thinking of doing. Warning though, this is not going to be fluffy and cute. Rather, dark and very suspenseful. I should also warn that as I was writing this I was considering on deleting it because I didn't know how people would take it. I've always been into the darkness of humanity and although I would never go as far as to write about certain things, there are others that I am willing to write. Such as corrupted power and its influence on people, that stuff fascinates me. Yeah sorry I'm weird D: But enjoy though~

»»————-　★　————-««

The wind felt nice against your flushed cheeks. Everything was moving smoothing, according to your father. Trade was coming in nice, the crops were growing tall, and your family was prosperous. Life had been extremely well, that was under a new emperor stepped into power.

You were young when life was well, your father mentioned all the time. The country wasn't fighting with anyone, everyone was getting along. So much so that rebels from earlier had settled down. Your father also mentioned that he considered retiring when you were of age if the country was going to continue to be in peace. But he spoke too soon. Soon after the new emperor emerged, the bad years quickly followed.

It was often wise for younger ladies such as yourself not to go out alone. There was horror stories of females who the emperor would scout and never return them to their families. Most of whom were bright young ladies who had the world to offer. Since you were an only child, your parents often took lengthy measures to make sure you would stay out of the emperor's grasp.

Rumors began to spread about him, claiming that he was blood thirsty. That if one didn't follow his rule, he would chop their heads off almost immediately. You grew up in fear of your own emperor. So much so that you often stayed inside away from his or anyone else' eye. You didn't want to be taken away, nor did you want to go outside were people could judge you.

Your family was known to be the medics of the town. Offering herbal remedies to those who fell ill, or those who needed spiritual help. You found yourself learning everything there was to offer about plants and nature as you grew older. To the point where after your father had passed, you took over the business.

Since there was no one to hand it over to, you opened your shop for help. You wanted to carry on your father's business even if you didn't marry. You found it necessary to help your father's wish to come true. By the time you turned twenty, your father's business had grown to about three or four workers under you.

But what you didn't know was that ahead of you, troubles were brewing. What you found as familiarity would soon be ripped into pieces.

»»————-　★　————-««

"Ms.[L/N]! Ms[L/N]!" Seoyeon, a bright fifteen year old who studied under her eldest brother, shook you awake and spoke to you in a hushed whisper. You employed her brother to help you around the shop, she often tagged along because she was interested in medicine and helping others.

You groaned, rubbing your forehead with the tips of your fingers. You had stayed up late the previous night, looking at new information that was given to you about a week ago about medicine. You glanced over at Seoyeon, tilting your head just a little to the side. Glancing up, you noticed that Seoyeon's eyes were filled with concern and she looked almost as if she was about to pass out.

"Seoyeon, what's going on?" You questioned back using the same tone she previous had.

"Imperial guards are here!" Her voice quivering. Your heart shot up into your throat as your hands started to shake. You set your scroll down, flattened your clothes only to move yourself forwards with Seoyeon behind you. Her eldest brother, Jun, was standing in front of the door with two Imperial guards glaring down at him.

They looked rather annoyed, considering they assumed a male would be the head of this shop. It was very uncommon for a female during this period to be taking care of something as big as what your father had built. You reached out to touch Jun's shoulder carefully, reassuring him that you had this under control.

"You're the owner?" One asked his eyebrow raising in concern. It was almost as if he was looking at you, mocking you for even being in the position you currently held.

"Yes, I am. Is there a problem?"

"The emperor has his eye set on this place." The one from before continued. "He wishes to build another section to his palace due to the growing amount of power and staff he currently positions. You have less than one week to clear everything and find another place or you will be destroyed."

With that the guards turned around to head off, your heart being pulled out of your chest with them.

»»————-　★　————-««

What had happened in a week was more than a surprise to you. Starting off with the delivery of your eviction. You cried for hours in your futon, got less than three hours of sleep and still carried on business perusal. Jun and Seoyeon tried to comfort you, however their efforts seemed to go to waste. You weren't the type to reach out to another person, but they could sense that something was bothering you.

Even the other two employees wanted to help you, however they didn't know exactly how to. Everything seemed to be crashing down, to the point where your mother stopped in. She offered to move the business to their home, but you refused.

You hadn't stepped in there since your fathers passing and you weren't going to conduct his business were he ate and slept. It would be too much for you to handle, let alone the burden of your mother. She was growing older and you refused to let her step in the shop to help. This was your responsibility and you were going to take care of it.

By the end of the week, you didn't find a solution. Instead, you were filled with rage and confusion. Why would the emperor want to take something your father had worked years for. Why did he have to be so selfish? The imperial family had caused the country so much harm, so much pain that you couldn't understand why they were still in power. What the rebels were preaching and even being thrown out of the cities were right. If someone had to take down the imperial family, they had to do it now.

You couldn't suffer because of the imperial family any further...

As those thoughts were big and bold, you had to try and convince yourself to stop shaking. You knew the guards were going to show up and eventually detain you. Those stories you had heard when you were younger started to circulate. The sights you had seen as the imperial family started their rise haunted you every night.

Bodies being thrown like trash, fries erupting from the north and south. Screams of young women and children ringing caused small tears to formulate and trickle down your cheek. You stood outside in the pale moonlight to look in front of you. If you were going to go out swinging, you might as well in front of your store.

In a matter of seconds the two guards surrounded you with a few more. They held knives up to your throat as a carriage from the distance came rolling in. The thumping of your heart could be heard in your ears as your palms started to sweat. Your body could be seen shaking from underneath your clothes, despite the fact that it looked as if you were calm.

The carriage stopped just behind the guards, the knives still being pressed as a man stepped out. He was dressed in the highest fashion, his hair pulled back and his eyes dark. He moves almost like a snake, his expression mischievous. You couldn't read him, nor did you get a good feeling about him.

"Ah the owner's daughter, a pleasure to meet you." His voice sending chills through your veins.

"No I am the owner and what you and this emperor is doing to my store is beyond horrendous." Your entire body shook even further, now visibly showing to those around you. However, your voice didn't quiver or faulter.

The dangerous man gave a half smirk. His eyes lighting up at your bravery as his hand signaled for the guards to lower their swords. As the metal left your chin, it was replaced by his hand. He cupped it in his thumb and index finger, turning your face side to side. He was examining you and it discussed you.

He took into account your shaking body now as he could feel it. It seemed to pleasure him to see someone so fragile and beautiful quiver just at the sight of those of royalty. He chuckled to himself, lowering his grasp on you and turning to look at the guards again. In one single, “Take her away, the emperor will have fun." you were swooped up into the guards grasps.

»»————-　★　————-««

Once again, you had never realized that your life would be where it was now. All you wanted was to fight for your store, to fight for your rights and yet you were stripped of your clothes, placed in rags and chains. Those horror stories of emperors were coming true. What you had saw was more than less what you expected of him. You knew that he was horrid, but you prayed to your ancestors that you wouldn't see him.

Now you were tossed and thrown like a doll, forced on your knees with your head lowered. The palace was beautifully decorated with gold and silver. The walls red and the floors marble. Everything was handcrafted to the emperor’s tastes, those from before and now. The hard earned money of those taken away to fulfil such a ruthless man.

"My my my, what do we have here?"

"Hoseok please, don't scare her she's already terrified out of her mind. I don't like my prey to be trembling."

"Oh c'mon my dear, she looks absolutely delectable~" Hoseok purrs his body moving closer towards you. You saw black shoes in front, then was forced to look up at him. His eyes were the first you took into account. They were dark and playful, a bright heart shape smile slowly emerging. He tilts his head to the side, examining your features. He brushes his thumb against your cheek, taking your skin in.

"Oh my Yoongi, she's absolutely gorgeous." Hoseok hums his hand moving from your chin to grasp your neck. He squeezing you, the air being taken as you made a choking noise. That heart shape smile turned into a dangerous, almost sadistic grin.

"Would you stop!" Yoongi demands smacking his hand against his throne. Hoseok pouts, letting go of your neck as he turns back around to skip towards who you assumed was the emperor. Yoongi stood with his body slouched in his throne. Hoseok sat next to him, curling himself up against him as Yoongi brought his hand back to stroke his hair.

He brought the same hand that was stroking Hoseok up to his lips. His fingers covering them as his eyes glared down at you. Once again, you were captivated by his glance and by his beauty. The thought you had of the emperor was completely washed away when seeing him. But that didn't excuse his ruthless and chaotic behavior.

Due to his intense glare, you hadn't realized that all this pent up anger from before came forwards. Eventually furrowing your brow and giving him an intense glare back. Normally you would hear stories of people who wouldn't dare look in his eye. But you had enough of him and you wanted to see him gone as soon as possible.

Yoongi seemed to be enjoying himself, especially when you glared at him. He enjoyed the anger people fed him, because it made him feel invincible and yet it also turned him on. He was sadistic in his own ways and it certainly played out in his rule.

Yoongi stood up, pushing Hoseok to the side just a little. Who whined because he was comfortable, but Yoongi didn't give a damn. He moves himself forwards, slowly descending from the stairs. He walked closer to you, bending down and getting right in your face.

"I heard you challenged me in front of my officers, is that correct?" His voice deep and threatening. You weren't shying away from it, despite the terrified pit in your stomach.

"Yes because you do not deserve my store nor do you deserve to be emperor." Your words causing Yoongi to give a low throaty laugh. What confused you was that he seemed to be calm in this entire exchange. It was almost as if he had heard it a thousand times and wasn't terrified by you nor anyone. Yoongi brought a hand up to your face, caressing your skin gently.

What happened next surprised you. Mostly because you were taught to be kind and respectful, but how could you be respectful to someone who wanted to take your life away? You turned your head out of his hand, ultimately spitting on Yoongi.

It went silent in the room, guards in shock as they didn't know what to do. It seemed as if this was the first time someone had ever done something like this to Yoongi. Speaking of, he was in shock for point two seconds. Yoongi brought his hand up to wipe some of your spit from his cheek, his eyes lingering on his fingers before he swiftly wrapped them around your neck.

With all of his might, Yoongi lifts you up, his grip tightening as he brings you to your feet and closer to him. As he does so, he beings laughing, extremely amused but you.

"Oh I like you, I really do." his voice dropping in tone as his grip tightens further. Because your hands were chained, you couldn't do much. You tried moving them, but they wouldn't reach up as far as your waist. Choking noises escaped as your legs stared to frail. Attempting to wiggle yourself out of his grasp, only for him to tighten it.

"Yoonki, don't kill her we just got her!" Hoseok whines shifting himself on his plush cushions, his legs crossing as he watches the scene unfold.

For a split second it seemed as if Yoongi was debating if he wanted to let you go or not. He watched you suffer for air, his face twisting in pleasure as he saw your body flailing. He couldn't help himself, this is what he had become under his father's rule. The joy of someone suffering was enough to bring him happiness.

Out of the "graciousness" of his heart, Yoongi let you go. Your body falling in front of him as you gasp for air. He looks down upon you, his eyes darkening further. Turning around, Yoongi walks back up to his throne, sliding himself back in and holding Hoseok close.

"Take her away, I don't want to see her face in front of mine..just yet." The guards rushing forwards to force you on your feet again. Yoongi's eyes never left yours, that disgusting expression staying as he waves at you.

"Until we meet again kitten~"

[final-fantasy-mama]

Reload and Release (Ch.2)

Emet Selch X Mature/Wol

Takes place during the Raktika Great Woods event, loosely follows cannon with some dialogue changes.

****************************

“Can we simply not take a moment to enjoy the view together? Or would you rather I spied from the shadows?” ~ Emet Selch.

“I for one would prefer you where I can see you.” The hero spoke up after everyone else went silent. Emet Selch was grinding on everyone’s nerves with his comings and goings as well as his snobbish attitude. It took all the will power Thancred had not to take a swing at the Ascian while they all made they’re way through the Great woods in search of Y’shtola. If the hero hadn’t stepped in to hold him back, he very well would have.

With a hand holding Thancred’s sword arm, she stepped forward to confront the ever-growing source of their discomfort. “I know we’re all on edge here, but can we please just try to get along for the remainder of the journey. I don’t want to waste precious bullets on either of you!” She scolded like a mother would a child as she was wont to do. She was a mother after all, it ran in her blood. "By the fury, my 8 year old has more sense and maturity than the lot of you put together!"

Emet shrugged his broad shoulders but submitted to her in the end. “Of course, hero, my apologies. But Perhaps you should keep your rabid dog on a leash.”

Thancred ground his teeth and took a threatening step forward. “Why you son of a…!”

“We’ve got children with us and that was a cheap shot Emet Selch!” The hero raised her voice to hush her companions and then marched up to the Ascian. “You are to stay in my sights and by my side at all times from here on out! No ifs ands or buts! And if you give me or them any lip, I’ll throw you over my knee and spank the Zodiark out of you!”

Emet gave a coy smile. “Oh, that is just too enticing a punishment to not attempt.”

She shot him a look that could kill and hissed. “I will make sure you don’t enjoy it!”

With a small bow and look of sly satisfaction he submitted and motioned for her to lead them on. So, she did just that as they walked deeper into the woods. Everyone finally silenced by her intervention and the zipped mouth of the Ascian.

Another hour had passed before Minfilia spoke up. “W…would it be possible to rest for a bit?”

“Are your feet bothering you?” Thancread asked looking down at his young ward.

She shook her head and hid her face. “It…its not that its just…” a loud rumble resounded from the pit of her stomach that made everyone stop and stare at her. She blushed furiously.

“It has been a while since we have had anything to eat. Maybe a rest is in order?” Alisaise suggested with a small laugh.

The hero nodded her agreement as everyone sought the shade of the nearby trees and sat down to rest. Alisaise dropped her shoulder bag and fished out some rations and then passed them around but hesitated when she glanced at Emet who stood by the hero’s side. “I don’t suppose someone like you would enjoy food like this….” She began and he waved a dismissive hand to her.

“You’re correct, I would not.” He said simply.

“No need to be arrogant about it.” She said under her breath and offered some to the hero who also refused.

“I’ll stand guard while you all eat.” The hero offered and walked a few yalms away to a better vantage point with Emet at her heel.

He nearly bumped into her when she suddenly stopped. “I said you had to stay by me not on me!”

“And miss a chance to receive a royal spanking?” He smirked.

“Oh gods, its that your kink?” She groaned and reached into her brassier to produce a small metal case. Inside was a few cigarillos that she put to her lips and lit via small lighter. She took a long drag and blew the smoke away from him.

“I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours.”

“Tall Guys with pointy ears.” She shot back and offered him a cigarillo. He waved it away.

“How about tall guys with pointy noses?” He joked and pointed to his own rather large hooked Garlean nose.

Another drag of her smoke and she said with a straight face. “Never thought of it. You know I still haven’t forgiven you for invading my room the other night.”

“After the gift and wine and chocolates? I must be losing my touch as most women invite me back after the first time.”

She threw the cigarillo butt to the ground and stomped it out. “I’m not most women and you’re too optimistic for your own good.”

Something dark crossed his face as he stepped in closer trapping her against the trunk of a large tree. “A show of faith then? Shall we continue where we left off the other night?”

With his towering form and shadow hanging over her he leaned in so dangerously close it annoyed her. “Have you made it your mission to seduce me or something????”

“Seeing how it flusters you so can you blame a man for trying?” He purred against her ear.

Her lower eyelid twitched. “Flustered?” She growled as she grabbed him by the jacket collar “Listen here buster! I’m not some red-light hussy you can sway with a cheap smile and bit of gil! I don’t know how they breed women in Garlemald but you’re going to have to work for my favor if you ever hope to gain it!”

Emet’s eye seemed to light up with joy at her rant and he looked at her like a child eyeing a tempting piece of candy. “Oh my you are a fireball!”

She jabbed a finger into his chest. “And you are……..” Her voice trailed off as she gazed over his shoulder and suddenly lashed out, grabbed his collar again and threw him to the side as a arrow buzzed past and planted itself in the tree where his head had been. “AMBUSH!!!!!” She screamed as she pulled out her Musketoon and dragged the Ascian away as they both ran back the way they came.

Arrows pelted the ground and trees around them as the Warrior whipped her gun around, spraying bullets and knocking arrows our of midair with each bang. One hand was firmly on the Ascian’s fur lined collar pulling him along the way one might drag an old dog, only this old dog had a bemused smile on his face the entire way.

The other adventurers were on their feet and ready to go by the time the Hero and Ascian reached them when a group of black clad hunters flanked them and had them effectively trapped.

A large Hrothgar at the lead pointed a finger at them and shouted. “Now surround them!” following a brigade of well-trained bowman had bows at the ready and arrows pointing down at them from all directions.

Everyone slowly put up their hands with the exception of the Hero who only put up one hand and kept the other firmly gripping her companion’s jacket, preventing him from escaping into the shadow’s as was his won’t at times like these.

The lion like face of the Hrothgar looked them over. “These sin eaters…they are not like the others!”

Thancred spoke up in everyone’s defense. “There’s a reason for that. Lower your weapons, please. We mean you no harm.”

“How is it they can speak?” One bowman gasped in confusion.

“It’s a sin eater’s trick! They mean to kill us all!” Exclaimed a nervous female in their group.

There was a moment of silence as both parties sized each other up and tried to mentally decide what to do next. Emet Selch, of course, could not keep his mouth shut to save his or anyone’s lives.

“Oh for the love of…” He drawled in an uninterested tone. ���I had hoped that by accompanying you we might come to understand one another. But all I have come to understand is that you have a knack for inflaming the natives. You’ve committed the cardinal sin of boring me. And so I retire to the shade.” When he made to escape in his usually flourish of dark Aether the hero’s hand around his collar kept him in place as she yanked him down to her level and looked him square in the eye.

“No Ifs Ands or Buts, Ascian. Don’t make me regret not shooting you in my room when I had the chance.” She said sternly.

“Then what do you plan to do about all this?” he jutted his head in the direction of everyone else.

A cunning sparkle filled her eye as she let go of his collar to free her hand, grabbed a cylinder off her utility belt, threw it up into the air and shot it quickly with her Musketoon. The whole area bursted with green mist so foul everyone had to raise their hands to block their mouths and nostrils.

While some of their captors did just that others let their arrows loose but the Machinist already anticipated that. She reloaded her gun with special ammo and let off another shot that enveloped her allies in a sphere of blue light and ricochet bullets around them, blocking and knocking any projectiles aimed at them.

With all the coughing and sputtering going on around them from the noxious fumes, she used the opportunity to quick load her gun with gas rounds and shot them off rapid fire, moving her arm in a steady sweeping motion. One after another, the bowman fell to the ground, completely knocked out by whatever gas she managed to pack into her bullets until there was not left but a few spearman  (who were shaking in their sandals) and the Hrothgar who’s eyes were wider than dinner plates.

She had managed to take out the entire brigade in less than a few seconds using only her guns and her keen eyes. She spun the Musketoon in her hand and holstered it on her back as she turned to Emet Selch and said in a cocky tone, “There. Oh Emperor of eternal boredom. Are you not entertained?”

Yellow eyes that quivered with excitement refused to tear themselves from her spry leathered form as a faint blush colored his usually pale cheeks. "Zodiarks Mercy, that was so incredibly and undeniably titillating." He said in a breathy voice that made the hair on her neck stand on end.

[allthefandomloveandimagines]

Edmure tulley

Hello Lindsay! I ship you with Edmure! Though people may not be your thing you don’t have to be outgoing and loud to attract Edmure’s eye. He needs someone to love and someone to love him back. He’s often pushed into situations where his opinion won’t matter and he knows there’s not much he can do. He’d be loving though you may not see it on his exterior. He’d be interested in hearing about what you’ve read and what you’ve learned. He’d try to impress you but picking up and novel and sharing with you what he found. He’d try to bring you a new book home every time he was out and would tell you about where he’s been. I imagine he’d want to unload all of the family baggage he deals with. You’d be absolutely precious to him though he would be big on PDA in public. He’d always step forward to protect you from harm.

❤️story time❤️SORRY THIS ONE HAS SOME GRAPHIC VIOLENCE—-DO NOT READ IF YOU CANT HANDLE IT PLS

Edmure traveled home after a long month with the starks planning funerals and making preparations for Robb’s battle plans

He was tired and worn and not looking forward to the lost of things he would have to do when he went back to leading his house

On his way the first time he had stopped at a quaint little town full of lively people and rich music

Everyone there was friendly and talkative and it was a place he hadn’t thought to visit before

He looked forward to returning to it now that he was headed home

But when he arrived.....

All the buildings had been burned

Damaged

Markets were ripped apart and produce was smashed and covered in mud

Bodies layed across the towns roads and square

Men, women, children

They were all gone or screaming and running about looking for survivors

Edmure flagged his men to assist and in a Second he was racing his horse through the streets

His guards soon met him with news

“Raiders probably, took al the valuables and slaughtered everyone else.” He looked about

Edmure dismounted his horse and walked through the puddles mixed with blood and oil

Rain started to come down hard and the night started to close in

The fires on multiple houses were dying down but nothing was left unturned

Suddenly the grunts and shouts of wild men could be heard from a corner house with seemingly less damage than the rest of the village

Edmure grabbed his sword and trotted off into the house

He ducked under the broken frame of the door and moved a torn curtain away from the enterance

There he met two dirty looking raiders with faded tattoos and torn clothing drenched in blood

And there you were

Pinned against the wall

Tears in your eyes and dirt on your face

Your eyes travelled to edmure who immediately seemed angered by their presence

“Let her go.” He hissed

The two men laughed and one pointed a blade at your neck

“I said-“ edmure cleared his throat “let her go”

“Ey why don’t you come and get her?” You watched edmure very carefully as he creeped forward

The two men didn’t move

But you knew they were ready to

“How many?” Edmure asked

The two men looked at eachother “how many what?”

“How many people have you killed?” His voice was stern and you could tell he was angry

“Like we kept count” they both laughed and shoved eachother playfully

“I said how many people.” Edmure stopped a mere two feet from the man on the left

“Listen here you bastard,” the man stepped forward and raised his blade

But there was no point

Edmure swing his sword and it cut straight into the raiders throat

He dropped to his knees and tried to cover the fresh, bloody wound

But as he did so blood began to fill his throat and it started to spill from his lungs

He fell over

The second man pulled back and got behind you

“Stop!” Edmure shouted

The man held a blade to your neck and gently pulled your hair from your face

“Oh no, I think it is you who should stop.” His breath was hot on your neck and the blade was cold and starting to pinch at your skin

Edmure moved his sword down

“Let her go, and I’ll let you leave” he opened his arms “I won’t fight you”

“You’re stupid” the man spat at him and slowly started to move towards the door

Edmure slowly circled around the room with him making sure he wouldn’t jeopardize your safety

“Let her go.” Edmure insisted, still carefully following the man towards the door at a safe distance

“Just you wait pretty boy” he hissed back

You jerked you head away and his grip on the knife tightened making you wince

All of the sudden you saw Edmures eyes widen

“Stop!” He screamed

You saw him attempt to lunge in your direction and as he did you saw a silver blade piece through the stomach of the man holding you

You screamed and jumped to the floor

The raider fell to the floor-dead

You started to panic

Your hands shook and your eyes fell with tears

Wind started to blow drops of rain into the damaged house as night drew closer

You stayed focused on his body

His dead bleeding body

Edmure rushes to you and newly down at your side

“Are you okay?” He asked

You didn’t answer, you didn’t even look at him

More people like him entered the room and you didn’t even look at them

You were petrified

Where was everyone?

Who survived?

Who’s screams had you heard while you were hiding?

Why didn’t you help them?

Could you have helped them?

You let edmure pull you to your feet and shuffle you out the door

When you looked up your heart sank

Everything you had known was torn down and on fire

Bodies were scattered in the streets

Some of which you thought you recognized

The rain was coming down hard and it started to become more difficult to see

“Search for survivors. Then can stay at the next town over. I’ll take her with me.” Edmure dismissed his men and took off his cloak

He then wrapped it around your figure

“Do you have anyone here?”

Your eyes snapped up to his—filling with tears

“No.” You felt the knot in your throat begin to build “I have no one.”

He looked at you with pity but you could see he was struggling with what he should do

“You can come with me then, I won’t let anyone take you.” He lifted you into the back of his horse

Then mounted it himself

“I would suggest keeping your head down, we will be racing a storm.”

Much to his surprise, you wrapped your arms around his waist and placed your head on his back

You managed to keep the cloak tied around you in fear of freezing to death on the way to his home

Every now and then a shiver would rattle your spine and he would look back at you to make sure you were alright

Once you reached the Tully house you were rushed inside

Once you entered a group of older maids apperared

“Oh my!” Then all rushed at you full force and examined you

They were all quite short and edmure towered above themc but they didn’t really seem to notice

“Ladies, please take care of her. She will need new clothes, a room and food. She’s had a long day so please,” you looked directly up at him, your hood still on “be gentle with her.”

Edmure stalked off and was immediately followed by several old gentleman sqwauking about finances and lists and the stark family

You watched him quietly until he was out of your sight, slightly hoping he would come back

Within an hour the old maids had you clean and redressed in a white nightgown

You were positive that they had scrubbed every inch of you whether you had liked it or not and you had to admit you felt very violated

One of them had spent nearly an hour deciding how she wanted your hair braided for the night

While she tugged at you with the brush she had made little comments like

“I miss sweet little Kaitlyn’s long hair” or “I remember when little kaite used to get twigs and leaves caught in her braids”

You knew she had to be talking about kaitlyn Stark

She was well liked where you were from and so was edmure

For the most part at least

That’s how you were able to recognize him so quickly

He had come in to the pub you worked at late one night and bought everyone drinks

He seemed awfully awkward but genuinely pleased to have such company

He was lucky to have gone late at night

You preferred the night yourself, people who stayed awake that late had better stories

And quicker wits

Fights were always more interesting when they both knew how to dishout insults

The theee maids set you off to bed after bringin you a bowl of soup an some bread for dinner

It was awful kind of them

And you only ate because they sat there and watched you do it

To be honest

You weren’t all that hungry or tired

How could you sleep after everything you had witnessed?

You waited until you couldn’t hear anyone bustling around outside your door

Then you lit a candle and found your way out to the hall

You spent most of the night wandering around the Tully house until you came upon a large library full of dusty old books

You grinned and immediately raced over to a shelf and ran your fingers across the spine of the largest book you could find

And there you sat

For hours

Going from one book to another while the size of the library seemed to swallow you up

When the sun peeked it’s head up the next morning you had fallen asleep on a chusioned chair with your knees over leg and you head down on your chest

It didn’t look very comfortable but you slept nightmare free

It wasn’t until late afternoon that you were found by edmure himself

He had a group of men with him and he immediately chuckled when he noticed you

He dismissed his counsel and closed the library doors behind himself before walking over to you

He squatted down on his knees and looked at you before gently moving you shoulder a bit

“Come on dear, you might want to get up.”

You stirred and moaned before turning in the chair to hide your face from him—then continued to sleep

“I’m sorry but you will have to get up now.” You could hear him try to be gentle but you knew he would eventually move you if you didn’t do it yourself

You looked over and slowly opened your eyes

You didn’t speak, you were still trying to get you pupils to adjust to the light in the room

“Is it morning?” You finally let out a yawn

“Actually, it’s mid afternoon.” He grinned and raised a cocky eyebrow

“It’s what?” You jumped out of the chair and to your feet which almost immediately caused you to fall over

Edmure caught you by your waist and looked down at you

“I imagine your legs might be a bit stiff from sleeping like that.” He was right

Perhaps that position had been a bad idea

You straightened yourself and looked at him

“Thank you for saving me:” you caught him off guard

“Um-er well your welcome.”

You patted your dress down and looked at him. “I should be going now huh?” You looked at the floor and started towards the door when he caught you by your arm

“Or”

You slowly turned back “or?”

“Just how much do you like reading?”

That day you accepted the a role in edmures council advising him on ways he could be fit his house from both past knowledge of finances and political alliances and you maybe had to explain his income sheets to him

Either way

You always found yourself at his side

Most of the decision you found he made himself were quite questionable

He grew to realize that to

And with your help his house and people started to love him more

And he only grew to love you more

Eventually edmure proposed to you and informed you that he couldn’t care less what house you came from

He needed you

And he wouldn’t let an alliance change that

[iamcrimelord]

Bloodborne: Ardenti Sanguine Chapter 2

It was two days till the night of the hunt and Daigo decided to go down the streets and survey the city. The first thing he noticed was that they simply LOVED statues. Most of them of shrouded figures that seemed to be weeping and wailing. He shook his head as he laughed. The city was certainly full of life. Brewers with barrels upon barrels of blood wine, medicinal wine, and so forth lined the streets. People were drinking it and at one point, he could have sworn that a mother was feeding her child with milk mixed with blood in the bottle. On another street corner a group of mates were drinking blood booze out of tankards, talking, cheering, and carrying on as though there was not a care in the world. Across the street on the opposite, a group of richly dressed men were seated around a table at a fancy tavern smoking cigarettes and sipping what he could only assume was blood wine from more elegant looking glasses. Everywhere in this city he could see the old and the young, the rich and the poor, the men and the women all drinking blood like it was water. There was one nagging question though in the back of his mind he could not shake however since he had read about blood ministration the night before. Where was all this blood coming from? His thoughts were disrupted however when he came close to a tavern called, “The Black Rose.” The wooden sign that held the name was clearly old though well maintained, and the windows were also tinted by time. His tongue felt a little dry so he decided to go in and see what was available. 

When Daigo entered the tavern he could see a very diverse group of drinkers indeed. There were your yoeman workers and farmers, volunteer hunters, and official hunters of the workshop. There were even a pair of choir members on the upper balcony that was on the inside of the tavern. All in all it looked like a good place to kick up ones heels and relax. He saw the bar and walked over to it, took a seat and looked at the drinks available. There was Blood Whisky, Blood Bourbon, Blood Wine, Blood Mead, Blood Absinthe?! That last one was truly surprising, what sort of sights and sounds did one see with blood laced absinthe? The Bar Maid came up to him and winked. “So Brother, what shall it be?” 

She was a very pretty woman. Buxom, long auburn hair, freckles, and mocha skin. Daigo grinned and leaned back a bit. “How about the blood wine? I’m feeling like treating myself tonight.” She nodded and left with her smile still on. 

Daigo leaned back and inspected his fingernails when suddenly two people sat side by side of him. “So...you a brother of the church mm?” one of them said. Daigo looked and saw a broad shouldered man with no hair or eyebrows but a thick goat beard on his chin. He was dressed in scruffy leather and had a folding saw on his hip and a blunderbust on his back.

“Come to rub elbows with us common folk eh?” Said the other man. He was tall, pretty much wearing a poncho made of some rough tarp that covered most of his body, save for his ragged pants and mud stained shoes. 

Daigo rapped his finger nails on the counter top and grinned. “Mm.....in a manner of speaking. I’m new in town.” 

The goat bearded hunter chuckled, his laugh showing he was missing more than a few teeth. “Well, well, welllllll......fresh meat from the church? how exciting....” 

Daigo kept up his friendly smile. “Indeed.” His right arm was hidden beneath the shoulder cape of his outfit...but he flexed it into a fist. He knew what was about to happen. 

The Tall hunter shifted his arm and rested his own hand on his weapon. “Yeah...we love it when you knobs from Cathedral Ward come down here and strut around like a peacock. Gracing us with a vision of your holier than thou arses.” 

Daigo saw his drink appear...the bar maid looking far more nervous than before. She quickly put space between herself and the situation that was developing. Daigo took the glass and downed it in one go....it was quite smooth and the blood gave it a surprisingly nice aftertaste. “Well if you want to see my ass, I suggest asking your sister first for permission, she might get jealous otherwise.” 

The Tall hunter shrieked in anger and pulled out his weapon, a surprisingly elegant butterfly sword. He kept the blade folded in but tried to use the shaft as a blunt club. Daigo quickly leaned back and fell out of his chair as the tall hunter smacked the goat faced hunter right in the jaw, sending a few more of his teeth flying out of his mouth. Daigo fell on his back but then rolled back to get into a better stance. The other patrons got up quickly, and a circle formed around the three men as the other patrons began to cheer on the fight. The Bar Maid looking furious left to get help. The Goat faced hunter rubbed his jaw and then cracked his neck. “WATCH WHERE YOU’RE SWINGING!” he shouted. 

The Tall Hunter looked at Daigo and spat. “I was swinging for the nancy here!!!” he and the goat faced hunter got off their stools and took fighting stances. Daigo simply chuckled and with his right arm he brushed back the shoulder capes and had them folded behind him. His Wooden Right arm revealed for the masses. The two hunters looked at it in shock and a small degree of fear. “The Hell is that?” the goat faced hunter asked. 

Daigo cracked his knuckles. “This...was a gift from a very old friend. But as far as you two are concerned, this is the instrument of your incoming ass beating.” The two hunters looked at each other, the goat faced man drew his saw and the two rushed Daigo. He flexed the hand on his right arm and the thorns that made up his fingernails on that arm extended into claws, which he then swiped across the face of the goat faced hunter on the right. With his left hand he then grabbed the tall hunters wrist that had been swinging for his head and twisted it hard, causing the tall hunter to drop his weapon. He then let go and with expert speed did a sweeping leg kick that knocked both men on their backs. Daigo quickly grabbed the butterfuly sword and in an elegant display of form and skill whipped the blade around himself quickly before pointing the now exposed blade right into the goat faced hunters face while Daigo had drawn his pistol and pointed it at the tall hunters face. The two men held up their hands in surrender and Daigo was just about to pull the trigger when he heard a whistle being blown. 

Daigo turned his head to the sudden noise and saw a team of constables in the door way. Led by a man with long blonde hair and holding a simply MASSIVE buzz saw blade on his back, and what appeared to be a mace in his hands. “Now whats all this then?!” he shouted. The Bar Maid approached his side. 

“These two men harrased my customer and intended to do him harm!! ....But it seems he was able to dispatch them himself...” She said with a good bit of surprise. 

Daigo nodded. “I just wanted a drink Constable. Nothing more.” 

The man nodded and then looked at the crowed of people who were watching. “Right then! Now listen very closely to me...We are all hunters of the city of Yharnum. From the farmer to Vicar Laurence Himself! All of us, are in this together. Now I’ve heard repeated reports of this in the past of church brothers being accosted by ruffians in this part of the city. And I tell you now, IT WILL...NOT...DO! If I hear any more reports  of drunken brawls, street muggings, or so forth, I will lock down this entire section of the city and establish STRICT rules and a curfew for the area. AM I UNDERSTOOD?” the other patrons nodded quickly. Many averting their eyes. The choir members however watched from above...with heavy invested interest in their fellow church member. The constable nodded and then looked to Daigo. “Brother, is there anyway we can make this up to you?” 

Daigo looked at the constable for a moment, then down at the tall hunter. “This is a nice sword. I’m keeping it.” He then turned and walked past the constables and out into the street. He left the tavern thinking it should be a day or two before he returned. But in the meanwhile, he had a nice new weapon to add to his armory. He twirled the sword around in expert fashion as he walked down the street, but was stopped by a call from behind. “Excuse us brother, might we have a word?”

Daigo turned to see who was calling him and saw two choir members approaching him. Walking Canes in hand. He performed one final flourish and then stuck the weapon into the back of his belt. “How can I help you...fellow brothers?” he asked with a friendly smile. 

The Choir Members smiled, but that was all he could see of their faces, those smiling mouths. Both looked exactly the same to each other. The one on the left spoke. “I must say it was very impressive seeing you handle those two brutes. They are hunters of no small reputation. Tell me...where did you train?” 

“Oh I simply learned on my travels. There is no greater mentor than experience.” Daigo said. 

“I see.” The Choir member said. “Well I say, if we had a few more brothers like you in the church we’d not need to rely on such....crude instruments.” He said with a smile. 

“Well that’s the thing about crude instruments.” Daigo replied. “They’re low maintenance and don’t require constant cleaning...unlike other more...delicate tools.” He said with biting friendliness. 

The choir members eyes may have been hidden, but the contempt in his voice could be heard. “Yes well.....we each have a roll to play dont we?” 

The other choir member spoke up. “Forgive my friend here, he tends to be much more direct in his opinions than other choir members.” 

“Well I’ll take that over pretenses any day.” Daigo said. 

“Of course” the second choir member said. “Why lie when honesty is far too much fun?” 

“Quite.” Daigo said. 

“Well...I hope todays events have not soured your view of either the city or its citizens.” The second choir member said. 

Daigo focused a bit more on the second choir member, and noticed that their lips were rose bud shaped and had a bit of gloss on them. “Well milady, it takes more than a tavern fight to spoil my view of things.” 

The Lady Choir member chuckled. “well good. I would hate to see someone with so much potential leave us so suddenly.” 

Daigo grinned and stroked his beard. “Well.....perhaps a guided tour of the city would help me find a new found appreciation for its ........wonders.” he said with a playful grin. 

The Lady Choir member laughed softly and held out a hand. “Well..anything to aid a brother of the church.” Daigo smoothly took her arm and the two walked side by side down the street. The firm scowl of the other choir member they left behind unnoticed by the pair. 

Later that night the two were having dinner in Cathedral Ward enjoying a balcony seat with a view of the whole city, the gently rising moon, and the beautiful lake that rested next to the city. They had walked the length and breadth of the city taking in the sights and sounds of all that Yharnum had to offer. And now they were ending the day with each others surprisingly delightful company. “So Tell me Sister,” Daigo said. “What are nights of the hunt like?” 

She sipped some blood wine and sighed gently. “I dont know. Choir Members are not allowed to participate.” 

“Why is that?” He asked. 

“Because choir members are researchers looking into how to elevate the mortal coil of man. A brute is easy enough to replace, there is not a lot of training involved. But a researcher who dies takes all of their knowledge and discoveries with them.” Her voice seemed to betray the bitter sweet sentiments she had about that. 

“Sounds like your a bit disappointed by that.” He said. 

“Well, only as much as a child might be disappointed that they cannot actually slay a dragon. My strengths are in academia not martial prowess as you or the hunters have.” 

Daigo sipped some wine and thought about that. :But you know....the thing about a body of flesh is...things that are weak can be made stronger....and minds that are ignorant can be filled with knowledge.” 

An amused smile kissed her lips gently now. “Are you proposing we exchange lessons?” 

Daigo nodded. “Indeed....I lack knowledge of the city, and you wish to fight in the hunt do you not?” 

The mask may have hid her face but he could see she was clearly thinking about it. “All right...then let us make an accord. I will instruct you and you will train me.” 

Daigo smiled and nodded to that, toasting her with his wine. The two clinked glasses together. “Though we simply cannot call each other brother and sister.” 

“Agreed” she said. “I am Morganna Du Loch.” She said, taking off her head piece to reveal a strikingly beautiful woman with blond hair, saphire blue eyes, and ivory skin. 

“And I am Daigo Gwyn Belfir.” He said. 

“Pleased to meet you Daigo.” She said. 

“The Pleasure, Morganna...is mine.” He said with a grin once more. 

Meanwhile in church headquarters, Laurence was pouring over his texts and manuscripts from Byergenwerth. Sketches of eyes, tentacles, and other mis matched limbs of various sorts were detailed in his books. Behind him as he researched, was a mural showing the moon, and in front of it...a tall whispy figure of bone and tentacles could be seen, descending on a field of white flowers. “There must be a way to contact him.” He said. 

------------------------------------------------------------

Hey guys, just wanted to thank you so much for reading todays chapter. I just want to give a quick shout out to my friend @i-am-wyrmdrake who has been an absolute champion for me this year. Things were pretty rough at the start of 2019 but now that I’m back on my feet I just want them to know that I really appreciate all that they have done for me. Keep rocking on amigo mio! 

[fernwehbookworm]

Knight of Kandor- Chapter 11

I pace the cell. My whole life was avoiding discovery. I should have run when I first got the order to come to court. I should have run after I came to in the ward. I could still see the men cascading down from the roof that they just caved in. I could see my men drawing swords and fighting towards me. Flashes keep racing through my mind. Boots on cobblestones strike there way down the dark hallway. A torch brings light to me, light I had not seen for two days since they stuck me down here. Grim faces of palace guards greet me. I step away from the door as they unlock it. One snaps shackles over my wrists to keep my arms pinned behind me.

"Come on." The one with the torch says as he leads the way. The one behind me keeps a strong grip on my upper arm.

The journey back up through the castle seemingly takes forever. Servants stare and whisper. I hear a great crowd gathered in the hall before we even enter. Silence falls just before the doors open.  A wide path is cleared when the doors swing open. All three thrones are occupied at the far end. All three faces showing a range of emotion. The Advisers all sit below the royal family. My trial is about to begin. The soldier behind me forces me to my knees. With my arms restrained I almost fall on my face. I am tempted to keep my head bowed but I decide that I have nothing to be ashamed of. I was forced into this life but the very people passing judgment on it.

"Sir Kal El Ward, if that is your true name, you have been accused of high treason for crimes against the crown. Lying, sabotage, attempted assassinations, and attempt at corrupting the Queen-in-waiting. How do you plead against these accusations?" The queen's voice easily carries over the quiet crowd.

I look at Lena, she was still beautiful. Tears flowed down her cheeks and she would not meet my eyes. I look back to the queen. Resolve hardens in my chest.

"I am not guilty of sabotage, assassination, or anything else that would betray the crown. I chose long ago to fight for this country and do not regret that decision. I am guilty of only being a woman, forced into a life I never wanted due to Your Majesty's Royal Decrees. I am guilty of falling in love with the Queen-in-waiting but I never laid a finger on her. I will accept whatever punishment you choose but I choose to no longer lie so I will not accept all the charges against me." I force my voice steady and clear, everyone can hear it. They can hear that I no longer try to drop the tenor of it. The rest of my life will be short anyway, I might as well hear my own voice.

"Still those crimes you have been accused of are a death penalty." The queen's voice is sharp and knifes through me. They have no proof of any betrayal so only those I claim will kill me.

"If that is your wish, my queen."

"Wait, mother. This man... sorry, women saved my life. She saved Queen-in-waiting Lena's life also, multiple times. I do not know how the assassins managed to get inside the castle, but each time, Kal was throwing herself in harm's way. She never asked to rise through the ranks, I did that. Please show mercy." Prince Alexander begs of his mother. I almost want to hug him for his intervention. Lena remains silent, avoiding my eyes.

The Queen sits in deliberation, the advisers whisper among themselves. some moving up and down the table to share the whispered words. Whispers that could mean my life or death. Finally, Lady Catherine stands and ascends the dais to whisper in the Queen's ear. The Queen nods and dismisses her with a wave.

"My son and advisers seem to be of the same opinion. You are still a War Hero and you have saved Lena's life on more than one occasion. In return, I will give you your life, but a punishment must be made. Twenty- five lashes tonight. Then You will have three days to recover and leave. You are henceforth banished from the lands of Krypton." Gasps are mingled with mummers all around the throne room.  I finally bow my head.

"As you wish, My Queen."

"Guards, take her to the courtyard." The two men by me roughly grab my arms and pull me to my feet. I half walk, half dragged out of the hall. The platform in the courtyard is already erected. They are swapping out a noose for a lashing pole. One of my hands is unshackled to be redone in front of me. The heavy iron links between the two are stretched up above my head to be placed on a hook. It is so high that only my toes touch the ground, allowing my back to stretch to be completely exposed. Someone cuts away the thin shift leaving my front just as bare.

The crowd is reforming outside. I look up and can see the royal family on one of the balconies overlooking the entire ordeal. A man silently holds up a piece of thick leather to my mouth. I open and then bite down on it. This is going to hurt by I resolve to not pass out from the pain that is coming. If I did, they would just wait for me to regain conciseness before resuming. A practice snap of the whip almost makes me flinch.

"Begin." The queen intones.

The first lash feels like fire against my skin. I bite down hard on the leather. The second was just as bad as the first. By the fifth, I grunt with each one. By the tenth, tears stream freely down my face. When I look to find the only comfort I have in this world, she is gone. Lena left me to my punishment. How could I blame her, how could she love a woman who deceived her with every breath? Numbness sinks in then. The numbness of loneliness that does not allow you to feel anything else. Suddenly my arms are released from above my head and someone catches me before I fall to the ground. They lift me over their shoulders and carry me. Not to the cell like I thought, but up. Up to my own room and to my own bed. As soon as my head hits the pillow my body gives out.

When I come to it is still light. I lie on my stomach and something feels like it is pressing into my back. I try to sit up but a hand rests on my shoulder.

"Not yet Kara. We have to make sure the wounds close."

"Winn?" I ask.

"Yes, John is here too. He has already packed for you. Rest now." I fall back to sleep, and actual sleep this time.

The next time I open my eyes it is dark. Winn lies on the floor below me, John is asleep leaning against the wall. I feel tears form in my eyes again. I have to leave the only friends I ever had. I had to leave them and travel to enemy lands to live out the rest of my life, however short that may be. I sit up, my back screaming in pain, and move to the wardrobe. A pack is already there in front of it, John had actually got it ready. I dig deep into the back for my old tunics, the ones from before I came here. After I dress I also silently strap on my old dented armor, leaving the Luthor armor behind. Once or twice, both of the men stir but neither wake. With one last glance, I silently leave the room. Conner and Andrew are stationed right outside Lena's chambers, both avert their eyes when I glance over at them. The walk through the castle is long. but I head to the stables to get Comet. Two stable hands doze in a corner. When I enter they jump to their feet.

"I have come for my horse," I say when they look at me questioningly.

"You ain't gotta horse." says a gruff voice from a figure walking up from the back. A large man, almost as animal as the beasts he tames.

"The White War Horse. He's mine." I say

"Not no more. Queen's orders. That horse is now apart of the royal breeding stock. He will make some fine steeds." Anger flood through me, of course, she would not make my banishment easy. Of course, she would take away my last remaining friend.

"Can I at least say goodbye?" The man looks at me harshly, then softens.

"All right, I know the bond between horse and rider, but make it quick. I ain't gettin' in trouble for no wannabe knight." The man leads me to Comet's stall. He neighs as I approach. The stable master leaves us.

"Hey boy, be good okay? This will be better for you. Lots of hay and a warm stable. Plus looks like you will be getting all the horsey tail you desire." I laugh through the tears that started to fall and bury my face in his mane.  We stand there for a bit before I force myself to tear away. I know Comet senses my sadness and he tries to get close to me again, stopped by the stall door.

"No, you stay here. I need to go and you cannot come." Comet makes a sound that might have been a whine.

I turn my back. I hear him paw at the door, trying to get to me. I can hear his cries even outside the stable and it breaks my heart. Thank goodness it is dark because tears fall freely down my face. I walk to the main gate and the guard on duty lets me through with no questions. Everyone knows of my banishment at this point. The streets are quite as I walk. At the last gate, I have to wait until morning so I sit with my back against the outer wall. I chew on some more of the pain revealing leaves, my supply is dwindling quickly. I riffle through the pack to pass my time. John packed a change of clothes, a bedroll, flint, steel, a waterskin, some dried meats, hard rolls, dried vegetables, my healing herbs and a map of the kingdom with marked roads. I keep digging and find a small box. My soaps. I smile at that. John knew how much I loved these. In the box was something else, A pouch filled with coins, it was more than what I had from my pay. John must have added most of his as well. Winn may have helped also, knowing him.

At daybreak, the gate is raised and I leave Kandor, leave my only family behind, heading south to enemy lands.

I woke up on the last day Kara was allowed to be in the city. I do not know why I felt the need to see her leave but I had Jessica dress me anyway. I went down to the courtyard and waited. No one showed up. Then I saw Sir James walking across the yard, he spotted me also. He was sad, I could tell. He could not mourn the loss of a friend who had lied and was banished. Even if Sir James forgave his friend, the world, and Kara, would never know.

"She is gone, your Majesty." He says without allowing me to ask.

"When?" I ask, disappointment inexplicably rising in my chest.

"Early yesterday morning, long before the sun even rose."

"But Comet is still here. I saw him in the stables just last night." I try to protest, James shakes his head.

"Orders of the Queen. Comet is the crown's property. Kal left on foot with only what he could carry."

I try to swallow past the lump in my throat. I leave Sir James without a further word and go back to my room. Jessica follows just as silent. I cannot quite figure out my emotions. I used to be so sure of how I felt, nothing for the most part. Now ever since Kara walked into my life I was so unsure about everything. I was sad that she left secretly in the night, not being able to see her one last time. A part of me foolishly thought that seeing her leave would make my emotions clearer. I was angry at Mother for sending her away, banishing her to enemy lands. If they were enemy lands, a voice whispers in the back of my mind.

Alexander and I hurried to mothers study with the papers left by Mister Winslow. They held the only chance of sparing Kara's life. I do not know why I wanted to save the girl who lied to me but the fact that Lex wanted to save her too was all I needed not to question it. We found mother sitting calmly in her study, staring out the window to were the gallows were being erected for the already decided trial.

"Mother," Lex says with such authority that it actually makes her turn.

"Yes, my dear children? You look out of sorts. I know this has been harrowing but it will all be over soon." poison seems to seep off her words.

"We cannot kill Kal," I say.

"We can and we will." Mother turns her icy glare on me.

"No Mother, she has done nothing besides lie to the crown." Alexander retorts back.

"Nothing? She claimed to be a man and infiltrated my army. Who knows what else she could be hiding."  

"Mother, without any proof of anything else, we cannot hang Kal. Nowhere in the laws of the land does it say a knight must be a man, or a soldier must be a man." Alexander says levelly

"That matters not. No one but the scribes and us would know that."

"Mother, this is a human life! Not some dog that must be put down! Kal has done nothing but serve the crown!" I practically yell at her calmness.

"But has he?"

"What?" Alexander and I say at the same time.

"I have suspicions that Kal is not as loyal as he seems."

"What are you saying, Mother?" Now I was just as confused as I was angry.

"I have spies in Cadmium that whisper of someone inside our castle who works to remove our family from the throne. I believe this person is Kal."

"Why would you believe that?" Alexander asks, disbelief plain in his voice.

"How convenient is it that he saves the day three times in the short time since arriving here?"

"You are the one who requested him by name!" Alexander explodes.

"Because you praised him so highly. Oh Rao, her, you praised her so highly!" Never did Lillian invoke the god's name in vain. This was actually heated, despite Mother's calm voice.

"So what? Kal was put into our armies as a child spy and climbed the ranks in hopes of one day being sent to court to save the Queen-in-waiting time and time again, nearly dying twice?"

"I do not know, but I am looking for proof. Most likely he was approached by another spy and recruited."

"So now we are at not just one, but two spies." Watching Alexander and mother argue was like watching to warriors clash. It was dangerous to be this close.

"Why not? I have a whole network in Cadmium." Mother shrugs nonchalantly.

"We still have no proof." Alexanders completes the circle of this roundabout argument.

"We are not saying not to punish her. Just do not hang her." I say, finally finding my tongue to bring some reason to this argument.

Mother sits back in the chair and stares out the window again. An uneasy quite falls on the three of us.

"Very well. Banishment then. But you will protest the hanging in front of everyone. That way the people can see my justice and mercy for themselves. They can see the crown is fair to all."

"Yes, Mother," Alexander says.

He scoops up the papers and leaves the room, me right behind him.

Doubt still plagued my mind, even though Mother had no such proof. When we get back to my room, Donovan stands guard outside. Jessica stops to chat with him and I continue inside. I sigh. Jessica was so in love that it was cute. For some reason, it also hurt. Damned emotions were so jumbled I could not separate ones I felt for myself for those I felt for others. Jessica enters with a dopey grin on her face and sighs a more happy sigh than my own.

"Do not scowl at me," she says, much to my confusion.

"I was not scowling." Trying to school my face into a neutral mask.

"You are always scowling Lena. Ever since the trial."

"Am not." is all I can retort.

"Yes, you are." I feel like a child again and want to throw a tantrum but I flop on the bed instead.

"It is not fair. I do not even know what I feel and she was gone before I could even hope to figure it out." Jessica flops down next to me.

"You know what you feel, because if you did not feel what you feel you would not be conflicted."

"Excuse me?" I ask, trying to follow what she is saying.

"You still love Kara. You love who Kara is, not that she is a she."

"A woman cannot love a woman Jessica, it is not done." Jessica laughs.

"What?" She is doubled over clutching her stomach.

"You! 'It is not done.'" she mocks me with a deep serious voice.

"Jessica, it is not done."

"Yes, it is. Actually, it is very much among the common folks. Yes, it is frowned upon among nobles and royalty because most want heirs to each inheritance without making a mess of it." I look at her.

"You are lying to me and I do not appreciate it, even if it is to comfort me."

"Lena, please. Even you and I have participated in such activities, platonically."

"But that was just..." I trail off, unable to protest.

"But I do not love you, not like that."

"But many do. Lena just admit that you love Kara Ward." I roll away from Jessica's knowing eyes.

"I cannot. Not yet."

[celxstialisms]

Wrote a little drabble for Kyron. Putting it under the cut cause it’s a bit long

There were times when hiding his true nature was more of a hindrance than a good idea. Kyron kept himself detached from the world for the most part and was content to live his life, or rather unlife, protecting the living from foul necromancy and enjoying the company of his beloved and the small town that his tower was near. He had no wish to get involved in anything else and certainly not anything that involved Order knights and paladins. Kyron was a necromancer, what the texts of the Order and other such groups called a Grand Lich, not a selfless hero. Even his acts of fighting foul necromancy were done partly out of feeling insulted and offended that anyone would use arts he helped craft to harm the living. However, involved with the Order was just what he had gotten himself into.

Cornered was one way of putting Kyron's predicament. Protected by his powerful barrier, he watched the spellbound blades of the Order knight's bounce off yet again while he formulated a strategy. The necromancer would rather get away without killing any of the Order members if he could manage it. He could see the clerics that were standing away from the knights and the paladins leading the group while they prepared their spellwork. The kind of solar and celestial spells the Order favored were a bane to the undead as Kyron was aware and he could only assume they thought his barrier would crumble under their power.

“You're wasting your time,” Kyron said in an almost sing-song voice as another sword blow bounced off his barrier.

“Silence, monster!” the paladin with a winged crest on his helm barked in reply. “The blades of the knights are chipping away at your damned barrier as you waste what breath you have left. The purifying spells of the clerics will be more than enough to shatter it and destroy you.”

“Bold words for a man facing the King of the Dead.” They had not believed him the first time he used that title and Kyron doubted they would again. But getting a rise out of them was rather amusing.

“Your bluff won't work,” the paladin snapped, pointing his holy sword at the necromancer. “The King of the Dead is a myth. A boogieman your kind throw around to scare people. Well it won't work on me! I will see you destroyed and then use your remains to hunt down your followers!”

Kyron's violet eyes narrowed at the paladin's proclamation. “Is that so?” He knew the Order knew such tracking spells as to use his ashes to find where his home was. They would be able to find the small village that lived in the shadow of his great tower. Kyron also knew how ruthless the Order was. “...So you would slaughter a village of innocents just because I lived there?”

“There's no telling who else you've tainted with your foul practices!” The paladin raised a clenched fist as eyes hidden beneath his visor bored into Kyron. “For the sake of the purity of their spirits, I would gladly condemn their flesh to sacred destruction!”

The audacity of such a declaration almost took the wind out of Kyron's lungs. To think the Order's soldiers would so easily decide upon the destruction of innocent lives! More than that, Kyron had a vested interest in the people in that village, his village, that he had kept safe and secure for thousands of years. Any threat to them was something he took as possible the gravest insult and offense imaginable. He would visit his true wrath upon these men and women of the Order and they would know despair before they died.

“All right then, you overgrown worms.” Kyron's voice held a sudden venom as he snarled out the words. He dispelled his barrier and the force of the magic wall bursting sent the attacking knights tumbling head over heels across the dirt. “Give it your best.”

“Bring the celestials!” The paladin's order was prompt as was the sharp gesture given to the clerics. He had been waiting for his words to bite deep enough to make Kyron drop his powerful barrier. In his experience all necromancers eventually gave in to wounded pride and one so boastful making the same error made the paladin grin broadly.

The clerics raise their hands and released the glittering golden orbs they held into the sky, five in total. Each one swirled and turned on and around itself, moving faster and faster with each swirl. The movements created gilded patterns in the air that soon took proper shape as odd silhouettes. In a flash of golden light that momentarily blinded Kyron as he looked on, floating figures appeared. Each had multiple pairs of wings and four heads that each depicted a different animal. Their bodies were clad in shimmering robes that reflected the light of stars and their hands held glittering, gilded weapons.

“Oh...what?” Kyron's brow furrowed as he scrutinized the summoned beings momentarily. His eyes widened as each of the five celestials raised their weapons to simultaneously cast a powerful spell.

Five beams of sunlight lanced forth and converged to a single point before launching a single blast that enveloped Kyron in a conflagration of solar energy. The resulting flash of radiant light was all but blinding and kicked up a cloud of dust from the sandy ground. The Order knights all tensed, however, at the sight their quarry still standing and unharmed save for a few superficial burns.

“You know,” Kyron said as he patted dust from his clothes, “contrary to popular belief, combining a series of mid-tier spells does not actually create a higher-tier one. So when I said 'give it your best' I meant give it your damn best!”

A wave of Kyron's hand, glittering blades of green and black slashed through the summoned celestials. Two were slain outright and crashed down in pieces before dissolving into motes of golden light. The other three charged through the air, weapons at the ready and intent on dismembering the necromancer. Kyron was finally forced to move from his spot to evade the soaring blows of the gleaming maces the celestials wielded with inhuman might.

The celestials were faster than Kyron had anticipated and it was only just barely that he managed to dance out of the way of the deadly blows. But it was not something he could keep up forever, that was certain. It was nailed home in a very direct way when he moved away from one mace swing only to be faced with another celestial suddenly armed with a long, gleaming blade instead that the summoned being shoved through Kyron's chest. His eyes went wide and he froze in place, mouth opening slightly as he looked down to where the sword was buried in his chest to the hilt.

The paladin smirked beneath his helmet and turned to speak to one of the clerics. “To think this fool actually made me worry for a moment.”

“Paladin Brandt! Look!” There was a shocked tone in the knight's voice that made Brandt turn his gaze back to where Kyron was and he felt his mouth go dry.

The celestial that had stabbed Kyron was dissolving into a mess of decaying pseudo-flesh and necrotic ooze that dissolved the moment it touched the ground. Kyron stood tall still, the hole in his chest knitting itself together, and had a steel in his gaze that had been absent before. The knights, brave men each of them, were starting to falter. One took a step back only to have Kyron standing right before him in the wake of the sharp sound of air tearing. His hand came to rest on the man's breastplate as his violet eyes regarded the man with a gaze suddenly devoid of any warmth or mercy. “Now I wonder,” Kyron said, eyes flitting to Brandt, “how does this story end for you?”

But there were still two other celestials in play and refused to be idle now that Kyron was still moving. The pair rushed through the air, weapons ready to swing, but only made a few feet before crashing down to the ground after lances of green light punched through them. The whining of a spell reached him and the necromancer grabbed the knight before him and spun him into the path of the solar ray unleashed by the blessed sword Brandt wielded. The knight screamed in agony as he was cooked inside his armor, the steel growing white hot and searing the flesh of Kyron's hands until it began to melt from the very bone.

The roasted corpse ended up tossed at one of the other knights as they charged in with panicked shouts. One cleaved through Kyron's chest at the shoulder only to have the necromancer's bony hand tear the helmet from his head and rip the lower jaw from his face in a shower of blood and teeth. Kyron would ensure that these fanatics understood true fear before they all died, the kind of fear he saw in the knight's eyes as he passed from the living world. He spun toward the next man and from Kyron's form was released a terrible shriek like that of a banshee. The knight froze as all life was stolen from him in an instant, giving Kyron a moment to pierce his skeletal hand through the breastplate of another foe and crush his heart within his chest.

“The wrath of the Sun be upon you! Burn in his righteous light! To ashes, you monster!”

The clerics spoke as one and called down a pillar of light upon Kyron's bloodied form. The flesh burned from his body and the sensation of it all, the odd tingling he felt, was distantly familiar. Yes it was the half-forgotten sensation of pain! The heat he was feeling from the blast was enough to make him chuckle darkly and decide then and there to show Brandt and his fanatics the folly of pursuing an unknown target.

Brandt's satisfied grin faltered as a sickly green light glowed from within the pillar of solar energy. The clerics began murmuring and several screamed as the necrotic energy consumed the solar spell in a blast that knocked several men off their feet. The trees in the immediate area withered away to husks as the life was drained from them along with all the other plants in the clearing. A skeletal form, tall and encased in archaic armor, stood at the epicenter of the green blast. Death lights burned in his empty eye sockets and a spiky crown rested atop his head. The sight of it made Brandt's blood run cold as what he took to be a silly myth stood before him plain as day.

“I had made an agreement with Lord Paladin Alexander,” the King of the Dead spoke as he raised a hand full of pulsing green energy, “that while our goals coincided, I and the Order would avoid each other. But it seems fanatics like you, Brandt, will always be there to disregard sensible choices like leaving a lone mage traveling on the road alone. At the very least the deaths of your men will be painless. And instantaneous.”

Kyron crushed the pulsing orb held in his hand, releasing a series of wisps that flowed through each of the clerics and caused them to drop dead on the spot. Brandt, all color drained from his face beneath his helmet, looked around at the sudden collection of corpses and jumped back a few paces when the shadow of the man now revealed as a Lich loomed over him. “This is ridiculous!” he said, voice quivering in desperate fear as he tried to hold his blade steady before him. “It's an illusion! The Grand Liches are just stories! Fables to tell recruits about the dangers of arrogantly playing with life and death!”

“Well good to know my story is being put to some practical use. I'll have to thank Alexander the next time I see him.” Kyron's cold gaze regarded the paladin before him with a kind of disgusted rage. He knocked the man's sword from his grasp and grabbed by the neck to lift him off his feet. “But you, Brandt, are truly worthless. Little better than a small, opportunistic predator preying upon the weak to bolster your position. A mongrel of a lesser being that I am going to enjoy pulling apart thread by precious thread of life. And that will be the greatest thing to accomplish in your life.”

Brandt's armored hands scrabbled at Kyron's skeletal wrist, the lich's grip tight enough to keep the words from coming from his throat as he tried to break the inhuman strength holding him. He writhed desperately as Kyron snatched the helmet from the man's head to see his sweat covered face and the true fear in his eyes. Kyron took no relish in the suffering of his enemies but for Brandt he was willing to make an exception rarely given. The man had threatened people truly precious to the King of the Dead and the price of such an offense was high.

“I'm going to kill you now,” Kyron said, “slowly. Then again. And again. And again. Over and over until I grow bored. And there will be no sweet final release for you. Once your body is useless even as a shell for your spirit I will rip your soul asunder and consign you to oblivion. The King of the Dead denies you your right for Final Rest. Let's begin.”

His grip tightened until the wet snapping crunch of bone resounded and Brandt's body went limp for the first time.

[nowwhateinstein]

Land of Endless Sky: ch 1

Intro & Prologue

++++++ Chapter 1

ASH HOLLOW NEBRASKA TERRITORY

Captain Fox William Mulder squinted through a pair of tarnished field glasses at the sleeping encampment in the river valley below. The smoke of dying nighttime campfires drifted slowly up through tipi openings. A large herd of horses grazed lazily on the far side of the camp. He’d counted nearly fifty lodges; a fairly large camp by Brule Sioux standards. The scene reminded him of a print he’d once seen by the famous painter, George Catlin: a pastoral idyllic in the pre-dawn light. Not for long, he thought dismally, lowering his glasses and glancing behind him to where the soldiers of Company K of the United States Second Dragoons waited on impatient mounts. Behind them were six companies of the US Sixth infantry.

His own horse, Ghost, snorted anxiously, sharing in the growing tension of men and animals. Mulder had participated in several Indian campaigns in his seven years with the Second Dragoons - most recently against the Comanche down in Texas. The outcomes of those battles had never plagued his conscience. Their adversaries had wrought indiscriminate havoc and terror upon settlers and other Indian tribes; the justice meted out to the Comanche had been harsh, yet commensurate with their atrocities. But this, he mused uneasily, casting his eyes once more upon the unsuspecting camp, this was different. The Sioux had, until recently, given little trouble to Americans passing through their land.

The Army had sent General Harney and his forces to “whip the Indians” in response to the Sioux killing of Lieutenant John Grattan and his men the year before. But the details surrounding Grattan’s death were murky, at best, and there was some question whether the Sioux had been provoked into attacking; Grattan had a reputation for being hot-headed and was inexperienced in dealing with Indians. The Sioux may have shot Grattan, but it was widely believed, even back in Washington, that the fool had instigated the affair and had gotten himself and his men killed by a needless escalation of force and poor discipline.

Despite the uncertainty, the order to avenge the “Grattan Massacre,” as it was now being called, had come down from on high, and the Second Dragoons were dispatched from Fort Kearny to join Harney and his forces to punish the Sioux. After nearly a month of hard travel across the parched Nebraskan prairie in the punishing summer heat, they had finally located the Sioux camp here at Ash Hollow, a quiet, tree-filled valley along the Platte River.

Most of the Brule war party, including their chief, Little Thunder, were away from the camp. They had left in good faith to parlay with the US Army, but the party of soldiers they were meeting was a diversion sent by Harney. Now, the camp was virtually defenseless - exactly how Harney had planned it. There would be no parlay, no truce, today, he thought with an appalling sense of dread. Only bloodshed. His own blood ran cold at the thought.

Harney stood a few hundred yards away, flanked by two aides. His tall frame and white beard made for an imposing figure atop his black horse. All eyes were on him for the signal to attack. Presently, Harney drew his saber, raised it, then swung it towards the ground in a single, decisive stroke.

“Attack!”

Reluctantly, Mulder drew his sword and spurred Ghost forward to join the throng of blue and black jackets streaming down the hill.

As they closed the distance, he could see faces peeking out of tipis - mostly women and children. The expressions turned from curious to panicked as they saw the oncoming line of men and horses.

“Wasichu! Wasichu!” Mulder recognized the Sioux word for “white man” echo throughout the camp. Their cries vanished amid the noise of stampeding hooves and the relentless thunder of rifles and revolvers.

Screams drifted upward through the gunfire as naked and buckskin-clad women, many with babies in their arms, rushed from their lodges away from the soldiers. Children followed, looking back now and again in fear and confusion. A few men, mostly old-timers and boys too young to join the war party, ran out to meet the attackers with bows and flintlocks, but were quickly mowed down by the superior firepower of the soldiers.

He charged through the camp, weaving through lodges, bodies, and soldiers, unable to bring himself to swing his saber or fire his weapon. I’d rather be thought a coward than to take part in this mindless slaughter, he thought grimly, as he maneuvered Ghost through a small stand of trees and up a small hillock on the far side of the camp.

The attack was over in a matter of minutes. Besides the occasional moan of an injured Sioux, a heavy, unnatural silence fell upon the valley. An order was given to search for survivors. Mulder remained in the saddle, watching as the regiment fanned out over the surrounding hills.

“Captain! Over here! I’ve found some!” Away down the hill from Mulder, Sergeant Krycek was waving his hat and gesturing excitedly to him. Mulder rode over to where Krycek and a half dozen men stood with their weapons aimed at a hole in the side of the hill. A cave, he realized. He dismounted to stand beside the sergeant.

“They’re in there, Captain,” Krycek said, the excitement evident in his voice. “I can hear ‘em cryin’.”

Mulder paused and listened. The frightened whimpering of children could be heard from a short distance inside the cave.

“Lower your weapons,” he said. The men didn’t move, their weapons still trained on the cave entrance.

“Come on, Captain, they ain’t nothing but a bunch of animals.” Krycek flashed him a savage grin.Mulder drew his revolver and pointed it at the sergeant. “Lower your weapons!” he yelled. Krycek glared at him, but he and the others reluctantly backed away from the cave.

Krycek was trouble - his spiteful and cruel nature was well known throughout the regiment - but since he hadn’t disobeyed his order, there was little Mulder could do to discipline him.

Mulder holstered his weapon and turned to a small man with glasses. “Private Burks, you know Sioux, don’t you?”

The short man bobbed his head. “A little, yes, sir.”

“Tell them to come out of the cave. Tell them that we won’t harm them.” Burks stepped forward hesitantly.

“Belay that order.” The voice of General Harney boomed behind Mulder. Harney, his aides, and a small contingent of infantrymen had gathered around the cave entrance.

“Sir,” Mulder interjected. “There are women and children in there.”

“There could also be a dozen warriors down there with them, waiting to ambush us. I will not risk the life of my men, Captain.”

Mulder knew the risk to be overblown. “Sir -”

Harney cut him off with a sharp gesture of his hand. “Sergeant, have your men open fire.”

Krycek gave him a vicious smile, then gave the order for the soldiers to line up in front of the cave. Mulder watched helplessly as they opened fired into the cave. The deafening echo of rifles rippled through the valley. The voices in the cave fell silent.

An order was given by one of Harney’s aides to clear the cave of bodies and check for survivors. One by one, the bodies of five women, six children, and three infants were pulled out and laid in a shallow depression beside the cave opening.

“Just as well,” Harney said, glancing disdainfully at the bodies as he brushed dirt from a gilded jacket sleeve. “Nits make lice.”

Mulder’s stomach churned at the grisly sight: tiny hands covered in blood, eyes that once glimmered with carefree delight now sightless. His head became light, and his legs suddenly felt like gelatin. Faintly, as if from a great distance, he heard the bugle call to fall back into formation, but he remained motionless besides the empty cave and bodies.The sun had risen and the last of the soldiers faded beyond the horizon when Mulder dropped to his knees and vomited.