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da-birb-writes-sometimes · 1 year

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Though The Path May Be Long, I Shall Find You; Ruggie Bucchi

A path lies ahead, some are more treacherous than others. At the end of the winding, coloured footsteps is where they can rest; a bird directing them forward, made out of precious stone.

Main Character; Ruggie Bucchi

Supporting Roles; Grandma Bucchi, Rho (Ruggie's bird)

Content; Soulmate AU (I use the term soul match), gender-neutral reader, this can be read as platonic, familial, or romantic, hurt/comfort, I get emotional yet again about Ruggie, stressed reader

Content Warning; Ruggie's backstory (his mom's death and I mention childbirth, but describe nothing), self-doubt (reader), allusions of depression (reader), anxiety attacks (reader)

Word Count; 5 K

Do not put mine - or other creators' - works into AI; that shit steals.

Prologue & Leona's Story | Jack's Story

Ruggie was out with the adults, tagging along to collect honey to bring back to the village. He followed silently behind his grandmother, holding her hand. Ahead of them two birds flew ahead, honeyguides, singing their song to alert the beastmen that there was a hive ahead. A hive full of sweet honey, a rare treat saved for the elderly and the young of the village.

“You see those birds, Ruggie,” his grandmother nodded up to where the birds flew. “Those are honeyguides. Your mother…” The woman paused, taking in a calming breath. It’s been nearly five years since her daughter, her only child, had passed away due to complications from childbirth. Unfortunately, it was common for many first-time hyena beastmen to pass while delivering… and such a fate fell upon her. She shook her head, continuing with her tale. “Your mother, her messenger was a honeyguide.”

Ruggie looked up to his grandmother. “Mama had one of those birds?” He tried whistling the tune of their leading song, but it just came out as raspberries.

His grandmother chuckled and ruffled his hair. “Yes, and oh the trouble those two got into. How do you think I got all this grey hair?” She tugged at a few strands to prove her point. She did their whistle, going slowly so that Ruggie could practice alongside her. “Like this.”

Ruggie eventually got the call down and whistled towards the other adults, and the two honeyguides. “Gramma?” He tugged at her shirt. She looked down and picked him up, putting him up on her shoulders. “Do you think my messenger will be a honeyguide… just like Mama’s?”

She smiled bittersweetly, picturing the rose quartz bird that stood still by the only pictures she had of her daughter. “Hmm, maybe. But that’s for the winds to decide. Regardless though, they’ll bring you great happiness.”

“Gramma?” Ruggie placed his head on top of hers. “What’s your messenger? Did Mama meet her soul match? Did you meet yours?”

The birds stopped, as they arrived at the hive. The adults tasked with smoking the bees out got to their jobs, passing down honey from the rock crevice and putting aside some of the comb for the birds. This harvest looked like it would be enough to feed both the elders and the children, plus some extra left over for the harvesters.

Ruggie’s grandmother hummed to herself. “I think that’s a story for a later time, no? Now come on, try some of this honey, it’s the sweetest I’ve ever had in all my years.”

She never got her messenger. Never had been gifted a soul match by the King of Beasts or the southern winds. And her daughter had met her match, but then he left after her death; her messenger going still after her passing. Leaving the ageing woman all alone, with only a few photos, her daughter’s lifeless messenger, and Ruggie. The person who looked the most like her.

…

The stars twinkled in the night sky, and Ruggie reached his hand out. “Hi, Mama,” he whispered. “I hope you’re doing okay up there in the stars… Tomorrow is my birthday ya know! I’m getting a messenger, just like you did!”

A gentle warm breeze caressed his face, and a shooting star raced against the deep indigo sky. Make a wish. Ruggie clamoured over the window, the breeze playing with his hair. He leaned against the frame, and closed his eyes. “Mama, if you’re up there listening… I wish that you could be my messenger. I know that I never got the chance to meet you, to get to know you, but I want to. I want to get to know you. And I know that you can’t be here, but … I love you, Mama.”

He cracked open his eyes and saw that the entire night sky was filled with shooting stars, a sign of a good omen. The warm breeze tickled his nose before going back out of the window. In the distance, he could hear a lone hyena calling out to its clan, but no one called back. He looked out into the sea of shooting stars and located the star he designated for his mom; an orange star, large, but not super noticeable. A warm amber amongst the darkness of the sky and pale blues of other stars.

He yawned and went back to his bed, clutching on to one of his mom’s old stuffies; a patched up warthog. “Good night, Mama, I love you.” He closed his eyes and was off to the land of dreams.

The light breeze was back, warm and carrying the scent of honey. It carried a small pink crystal bird with it, placing it gently at the foot of the bed, looking after Ruggie’s sleeping form. A honeyguide, much like his own late mother’s. It too being made out of pink crystal, but rhodochrosite, not rose quartz. A crystal meaning compassion, love, comfort, and happiness.

When Ruggie woke up he stared at the bird before cradling it gently to his heart. He walked to his grandmother’s door. “Look, gramma, it’s just like Mama’s!”

His grandmother hugged him, clutching on tightly to his back, tears rolling down her cheeks. Perhaps this life had been cruel to her, but she at least knew that her grandson, her only family, had someone out there. And that maybe, just maybe, her daughter was looking down from the stars smiling and looking out for her son.

…

Ruggie kept his messenger on him at all times. When he was wearing his dorm uniform, he kept the pink bird on a braided necklace that his grandmother made him for his fifth birthday, using some fabric from one of his mother’s old scarves. Whereas, when he was in the school uniform he kept it in his breast pocket, above his heart. And he would subconsciously check throughout the day to make sure that it was still there, a habit of his.

It’s been four years, and yet the bird has yet to come to life. But Ruggie didn’t feel bitter, or sad. He knew that life wasn’t fair, he has witnessed that much. He has lived it, experienced that it wasn’t fair. Knew that it was something you could only make the best of. He also knew that he shouldn’t complain. He was thankful that he had at least something to match his mother. A symbol that she was always looking after him. So, even if the messenger never came to life, he could at least have an aspect of his mother. Thankful that there was at least a chance of him having a soul match out there, somewhere.

He hadn’t told his grandmother, as he didn’t want to bring a sense of sadness; had she not gone through enough? The last thing that he wanted to do was to bring more pain to the ageing woman’s heart. He just wanted her to be happy. She had done so much for him, sacrificed so much; the least he could do was give her some hope. That he could bring their family out of poverty. That he could get a well-paying job. That he could find happiness. That she needs not to worry about him. That he would be okay. That they would be okay.

Besides, the new school year was beginning and he was positive that would mean that Leona would give him odd jobs to do. But hey, money is money, and he wasn’t one to look a gift horse in the mouth, especially when said gift horse paid him graciously.

So, Ruggie was busying himself by rearranging his room, placing the few personal belongings that he had in their spots. The photo of him and his grandmother, and next to it, the warthog plush that belonged to his mom. Everything else was hand-me-downs from Leona, or related to schoolwork. The only other personal things he had was the braided necklace, and of course, his messenger. He whistled the honeyguide call to himself, making sure everything was in place. Leona was off at the ceremony, so he basically had the day free to himself. He could probably go off and work some odd errands, but just for today, he would relax.

He closed his eyes and rubbed the wings of the stone bird. “I know you’re out there. I want to find you,” he sighed, holding the bird to his chest. “Let me find you.” He tried to fight off the drowsiness that was taking hold — it wasn’t even nighttime yet — but it won in the end, and he fell asleep.

As the sun set, and the waning moon rose, a warm breeze carried the scent of hibiscus flowers and honey, ruffling his hair. The stone bird tumbled out of Ruggie’s hand, falling gently onto the blankets. The breeze caressed it, and the stone honeyguide ruffled its feathers for the first time. It hopped upright and nestled in the sleeping hyena-beastman’s hair, singing its guiding call softly.

…

Ruggie stretched awake, the room still dark as the sun had not yet woken up for the day. The waning moon, and stars provided the only light, casting the room in blue and silver light. He walked over to the window and looked out, searching for his mom’s star. “Hi mom,” he said to the warm amber star up in the sky. A warm breeze tickled his ears, and he imagined it was her playing with them. “Can you show me a sign?” About my soul match?

Something shifted under the bedsheets, and Ruggie’s ears twitched at the noise. He crept over to the bed, and lifted up the sheet carefully, unsure of what it could be. Underneath the blanket was the stone honeyguide, twitching in its sleep.

His eyes widened, and he carefully scooped up the little bird, cradling it in his hands. After all of these years. After all of the hardships that he has endured. All of the uncertainty. His soul match was here. He took in a sharp breath, trying to control the well of emotions that had sprung forth; that his soul match was alive, and that maybe his mother, and not the King of Beasts, had sent him a sign. That he wouldn’t be alone in this life. But a lone tear traced down the planes of his face, dropping onto the bird.

This is your sign, take it, my love.

…

You didn’t know what to make of any of this. Being transported into some dimension and waking up in a coffin of all things. That you now live in a decrepit mansion with some cat-monster and ghosts. That magic existed and you had several life-endangering encounters with said magic. And that you now have a small bird made out of pink crystal, and that it was alive. That it could talk.

“You know,” the bird hopped onto your head, “I can’t explain more than you need to be privy to.” Their voice played in your mind, and you tried to ignore them, instead focusing on the tall stack of books about dimensions; trying to find a way home.

You waved a hand around, forcing the bird to take flight, landing on your desk. “I am well aware of that, since you dodge every single one of my questions,” you huff, flipping over the page since it had nothing relevant about your situation. It only said that giraffes were originally demons hailing from the Boiling Isles, wherever that was. This dimension had evil giraffes, but apparently your dimension without magic was far more ludicrous than that. Predictable. “So if you aren’t going to be helpful, just leave me alone. I don’t need your ‘help’.”

The bird gave you a bombastic glare, huffing to itself it went to a small dark brown leather bound journal with the gold insignia of a lion and a hornbill, placing it in front of you. “No need to get snippy with me. Here, read this, it should explain everything you need to know. I can’t do anything else pertaining to your questions now though, know that.” With that, the bird took off through the window, off to who knows where.

You sighed, but focused on the journal they put in front of you and cracked open the centuries old leather.

Of all the magic there is in Twisted Wonderland, the most coveted, the most revered, is the magic of soul matches. These matches come in many different forms, different for every person. Platonic. Familial. Romantic. Those are the most common. For the merfolk it is a song that only they can hear, their match tugging at their soul. Gifted to them by the benevolence of the Sea Witch. For fae it is yet to be revealed, as they are a secretive lot. Fearing that should anyone outside of their clan know that that information would be used against them. All that is known by outsiders is that they were gifted from the Thorn Fairy, a blessing. As for beastmen, and anyone hailing from the Sunset Savanaclaw, they were gifted bird messengers made from precious stone. It is said the crystal represents what their match will bring to them. And once they feel that they are ready, a glowing path of footsteps will lead them to their match. The birds will dance, and then they will know that they have found each other.

You placed the journal back down, brows creasing. You weren’t from the Sunset Savannah, let alone this dimension in the first place. How on Earth do you have a messenger? Why do you have a messenger? And what did it mean? I’m not ready for this… I don’t think I’ll ever be.

…

Ruggie had formed a friendship with his bird, and he even gave her a name; Rho. She doted over him, and her voice was what he imagined his mother’s was like; confident, caring, and warm. And even though he had a friendship with her, he has yet to see the glowing footsteps. He was more than ready to meet them, so it must mean that his soul match, whoever they were, wasn’t.

“It’s unlike you to dwell on possibilities,” Rho said, landing on his shoulder, returning from one of her daily flights. “Uncertainty clouds your mind, much as the smoke from a brush fire does. Clogging out any possible light from the bright sun that lies beyond the thick smoke.” Rho also happened to be quite poetic and… concerning? But she was sweet, so he ignored the cryptic verses.

Ruggie shook his head, trying to centre his mind. “Hmm? Just thinking is all. Ya don’t need to worry about me, Rho. Shishishi!” But she was right, as his mind tended to go down the more pessimistic path.

What if his soul match was never ready? What if they didn’t want to find him? What if they would reject him after finding out about the cards he was dealt in life? Would they stay by his side as he pulled himself, his family, and his community out of poverty? Would they… would they be like his ‘dad’ and ditch him in hopes of better prospects elsewhere, never to come back? To leave him behind? Leaving him alone to take care of everything, with no one to turn to for support?

Rho sighed, and hopped onto his head, ruffling his hair. “See, uncertainty. A tree cannot grow if it does not receive sunlight. And you cannot grow if you doubt yourself.”

He rolled his eyes, but she was right, as per usual. “Yeah yeah, I know,” he sounded relaxed but he took the words to heart. It’s something his grandma would also tell him, albeit she would get straight to the point. Something like, Quit doubting yourself. You are more than capable. Plus I love ya, and that’s what matters!

But Rho looked unconvinced. “If you want, I can go… persuade their bird to encourage them to meet you.”

“Thought that was against the rules though?” Messengers aren’t allowed to disclose any information that could change their match’s mind on whether they wanted to meet or not. He had no idea why, but it was seen as a big no-no. “Didn’t take you as the rule breaking type.”

Rho flitted down to the windowsill, looking out into the Savanaclaw Dorm exterior. “As long as I don’t let anything slip, it is fine. A gentle nudge if you will. And technically, I am breaking no rules. Just paying a visit to my counterpart to discuss their progress. That is all.”

Ruggie raised a brow, chuckling to himself. “Shishishi, you’re a horrible liar,” he poked her on the nose. “Just don’t get caught, okay?”

Rho nipped at him and took off into flight. “Need not to worry.” She didn’t add her own thought, which was I’m unsure if they will be able to see me or not. It’s been several weeks since they arrived and I’ve seen no sign of them.

…

The bird has persisted to follow you everywhere you went; to all your classes, and you had to kick it out of the washroom on several occasions as well. Everywhere. And they. Would. Not. Shut. Up.

“Hey! Hey! You really need to find them!” They pulled at your uniform, trying to get your attention. “Hellooooo! Are you even listening to me?”

Unfortunately, yes. All you wanted to do was get back home. Yes, you have made friends here. You had fun. But you didn’t belong here, or least, you felt like you didn’t belong. The magicless Prefect from another, magicless, dimension. The closest thing you could even call family here would be Grim, and the three main ghosts who are still tethered to the Ramshackle Dorm. Stuck here without any clear way out, much like you are.

You glared at the bird, looking away from the nth book about different dimensions, still finding dillidy squat. “Yes,” you pinch the bridge of your nose, “I heard you the first time. But until I find answers, they can wait. They’ve waited this long, I can survive without them.”

The bird plopped itself onto the book, effectively preventing you from reading any further. “Exactly. They’ve waited for this long. They thought that there was no one out there for them. I know that you’re tired; tired of not getting answers. Tired of being treated as less than due to your situation. Tired of not knowing. But know this; there is someone who wants nothing more than to meet you. They don’t care that you don’t have magic. They don’t care that you’re from a different place. They just want to know you.”

That made you pause in your research, hands trembling. They were right. You are exhausted from everything.

“Now now,” a second voice played in your head, the voice of a woman. But when you looked up you saw another crystal bird, the only thing differing it from yours was that it had more red and white bands. “No need to be nasty. Dear, come now. What is weighing so heavily on your mind?”

Unlike your bird, this newcomer was gentle, and didn’t prod you. They hopped forward, wiping a tear from your face. Since when had you started crying? But the few pebbles that were trying to hold together the dam came surging forward, and the new bird comforted you, wiping your tears away.

“Dear, you’ll be okay,” they said, handing you a tissue. “You don’t always have to be strong. There is no weakness in admitting that you need help. That not everything is okay. There is strength in that.”

The flood of emotions, of stress, of anxiety, of being overworked, of being everyone’s therapist calmed down from a raging torrent to a gentle trickle. Taking the tissue you blew your nose. “I don’t feel okay… I’m so,” you took in a choked breath, “tired.” It felt like a weight had been lifted off your shoulders, admitting to the truth. “I’m just so tired. I should be angry, but I’m just so tired.”

The bird put a wing on your face, holding it with care, with love. They had only just met you but have shown so much more kindness and empathy than anyone else during your stay. “Life has not been kind to you,” they said, rubbing grounding circles onto your palms, guiding your breathing. “You deserve to feel wanted. Deserve compassion. To be comforted when the dark clouds seem like they engulf all light. You deserve to be happy.”

“Why are you telling me all this,” you croaked, voice cracking. “I’ve ignored them-”

The pink bird shook their head, “No, you’ve been surviving, and adapting. But if you wish, if you are ready, you can find him.” They hopped back up to the open window, looking at you warmly. A soft breeze played with the ragged curtains, carrying the scent of honey, but also the smell of home. “Will you be alright?”

You rubbed at your nose, still feeling shaky but better. Not feeling like a water balloon about to burst. “I will be.”

The bird nodded, “Should you need anything do call. Your match calls me Rho.” They took flight, heading back to your match. And you could make out the faintest hints of glowing dandelion-yellow footsteps fading into the distance.

…

Ruggie had not had much free time for himself, being busy with schoolwork, lessons from Leona, and his normal workload alongside odd jobs to make some extra cash to send home. But even with the hustle and bustle, he had noticed the footsteps. They were faint, sometimes wavering, but they were there. It means that they’re open to meeting him, but not quite sure. Still some doubt in their mind.

“What did you tell them?” He looked up from the dishes he was scrubbing, filling in a shift at the Mostro Lounge.

Rho popped out from his breast pocket, climbing up to his shoulder. “That they aren’t alone. That they will be okay.”

Ruggie felt like there was something heavy in his throat. They feel alone? They aren’t okay? “Rho,” his grip on the plate that he was scrubbing tightened, and he forced himself to release it before he caused cracks. “What did you do? Where are they?”

“Ruggie, they will be okay. I told them words that they needed to hear. Affirming words.” Rho’s voice took on a more stern tone, which made Ruggie back off, but he still worried. “What did we say about dwelling on things outside of our control?”

Ruggie took in a deep breath, held it for a few seconds, and released, calming his mind. “That it’s like the smoke of a brush fire. That beyond the dark smoke, there is sky beyond it, and fresh air… this too will pass.”

Rho let out a guiding call, “Good-”

Ruggie quickly grabbed her and put Rho in his pocket, hearing the door from the kitchen open. He didn’t want someone to walk in and find him ‘talking to air’ and think he was slacking off. “How is everything goin’ on out there?” He got back to scrubbing dishes, covering up that he was previously not.

“Quiet,” you huffed, putting on an apron and coming to stand next to him. “Azul has been trying to butter me up into making a contract with him… again.” You shook your head, rolling your eyes, “But I reminded him of what happened last time and he left well enough alone.”

Ruggie relaxed, it was just you. “Heyya, Prefect. Long time no see? Decided you were too good for Savanaclaw, huh?” He teased, bumping his shoulder to yours.

You bumped him back. Ever since you had to crash at Savanaclaw, you had formed a friendship with the hyena-beastman. He didn’t hide behind a mask, he was authentic, and that put you at ease. “Pshh,” you swatted at him with a towel, “like you could really get rid of me that easily, gotta come over and bug Leona every now and then. Keep him humble.”

“Pftt,” Ruggie burst out laughing. “Yeah, ‘keep him humble’. Just as long as ya don’t mess with him too much, yeah? Remember, I usually do his work.” There was no bite, and he swatted you back. “These dishes won’t clean themselves, come one, before Azul finds us slackin’ off.”

You quirked a brow but got to work, you would rather do the dishes and make light conversation, or just enjoy the quiet, with Ruggie, than deal with rude customers or being roped into something. So you and Ruggie worked in relative silence, working on getting the large pile of dishes done. The only thing breaking the silence being the distinct whistle Ruggie did quietly.

“Just curious, but what kind of whistle is that?” You put down the large pan you were rinsing off, down to dry, turning to Ruggie.

Ruggie stopped, his left ear twitching. “Ah, it’s just something I picked up when I was younger.” But he could see the curiosity in your eyes, and he decided to humour you. “It’s a honeyguide call, a type of bird. We used to work with them back at home to collect honey.”

Why does it sound so familiar then? Where have I heard it before? “Could you show me how to do it?”

As Ruggie taught you how to make the call, the two of you failed to notice Rho slip out of his pocket, flying up to where your bird rested. “We should just tell them! Look! The footprints are right there! Are they that dense?!” They huffed.

Rho shook her head, “They will do so on their accord. For now, let them be. They’re happy.”

…

The footsteps were glowing brightly now, a bright, warm, dandelion yellow. Cheerful, playful, and happy. But you hadn’t followed them yet, doubt still on your mind. Why did someone else get to pick my soul match? Shouldn’t I have a say in this? But every time those doubts came forward, the other pink bird, Rho she said her name was, would come for a visit.

“Good day, Prefect. How are you faring today?” She hopped over to your desk where you had a book about this world open, reading about beastmen and Sunset Savannah cultural practices.

You placed a bookmark on the page you were on, which discussed the caste system. “Doing better. But, Rho?” You held out a finger, and she hopped on. “I’m curious; what kind of bird are you?”

Rho cocked her head, “Ah, I thought you knew. My dear, I am a honeyguide.” She let out a call.

“A honeyguide…” You froze in your seat. It’s a honeyguide call. You knew you had heard that call before, your own messenger waking you up every morning with it. Did that mean… was Ruggie your soul match? The honeyguide. The feeling that everything would work out for the better when you were around Ruggie. He just felt… correct to you. Like home.

You rushed towards the front door, Rho and your own honeyguide clutching onto your uniform for dear life. “AFTER ALL THESE MONTHS YOU CHANGE YOUR HEART?!” Your honeyguide shrieked, falling off.

“Hush you!” Rho scolded, sending off your messenger to find Ruggie. “I take it you connected the dots then? You don’t need to rush, dear.” She said.

You didn’t slow down though, if anything you sped up. “My match is Ruggie, isn’t he?” It was stated like a question, but you knew that it was a statement. “I’ve kept him waiting! Kept him out!” You knew a bit about what Ruggie’s life was like before attending Night Raven College. That fate had seemed to mock him… and you also mocked him unknowingly.

Rho pulled on your ear, pulling you out of your spiral. “You weren’t ready, you cannot and should not blame yourself! You were making the best out of your situation!” This was the first time that Rho had sounded upset.

You stopped your frantic pace, halting in the middle of the hallway. Students passed by, some giving you weird looks, but they continued on their way. But someone stopped, and stepped aside, watching.

“I hurt him!” You shouted, but no one but you, and your match could hear when you spoke to your birds. “Hasn’t he been hurt enough?”

The footsteps were blinding now, he couldn’t be far away.

“Doesn’t he deserve to be happy? Don’t I deserve to be happy?! Why should some long ago king dictate how we should be happy?! We didn’t ask for this! Any of this!” You were heaving, the dam of emotions breaking again, tears rushing down your face in full force. “Rho,” you whispered, “I just want a place to call home. It doesn’t need to be the one I knew. It doesn’t need to be fancy, or elaborate. It doesn’t even need to be a place. He feels like home, where I can rest.”

But Rho wasn’t there anymore, your bird was now on your shoulder, trying to move you forward. “Well, you can’t do that if you just stay there! MOVE!”

You looked up and the footsteps were gone, in front of you was Ruggie with Rho on his shoulder. You hiccupped, be it from crying, the emotions, or the shock that he was right there, within reach. “Did you hear all of that?”

Ruggie nodded, “Yeah, yeah I did.”

Rho and your messenger took flight, performing the soul match dance before Rho landed on your shoulder, and your bird landed on Ruggie’s. And they sang the honeyguide call, indicating that there was something sweet ahead.

“Come on,” he took you to an empty classroom, away from prying eyes. “Here, breathe with me. In; one, two, three.” You breathed in as he instructed. “Hold; one, two, three.” You held. “And out; one, two, three.” And you breathed out. “Better?” He caressed the knuckles of your hand gently.

You nodded. “Ruggie, I’m sor-”

He stopped you, smiling. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. What matters most is that we found each other… That we chose each other.”

Fin

Author's Note; I literally cried writing this (I was emotional at the time). Ruggie's story has been in my brain since I put his name on the list for this AU. It has haunted me for weeks. Have had the honeyguide song stuck in my head for years ever since I first heard it on Wild Kratts of all things. My favourite one I've written as of yet; up there with Jade's.

Tag; @leonistic

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lowkeyclueless5137 · 8 months

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The reincarnation shenanigans!

Aka the Au which was inspired by this post, but make it Floyd x Riddle :3

Now, knowing that in the previous au with gods(the godly roommate).... Well one of them was actually planned to hit the bucket... I need smth worse -3-

Now sum important trigger warnings: we have a lot of murder in here so if it isn't your cup of tea, sorry :'3

Heck yeah! Let's get into it! :3

We will split this whole thing into 3 parts: contemporary adventure, the post return of the said diety and the past that led up to everything. This way it will be easier to see the tone shift in everything and why certain things played that way. :3

Now, as a starter base: Imagine twst(without NRC and the great 7 shit), but gods were heavily worshipped. Like it wasn't unusual for a lot of churches to hold holy ceremonies, in search for divine blessings. Unfortunately, very few cases were given an answer.

Now you had Riddle, whom his mother discovered early on that he was special. He was an obedient child and he did everything he could to please his mother, yet never did he get that approval from her.

Because he had a mark on his arm. If people were to see it, they would assume this child had a tattoo. Riddle himself didn't understand the circumstances that the mark put him in. He thought it was pretty, but his mother didn't think that way, hence there were various attempts at trying to 'erase' it.

Attempts, which fortunately caught the eyes of the Clover parents. At that time, little Riddle was Sneaking out to play with the kids in the neighborhood. Trey, Che'nya and Floyd, the 4 of them usually being supervised by an adult a bit further. One day, the Clover parents saw Riddle's injured arm and immediately demanded to give the boy proper care, to which he denied, because his mother told him that he should erase the mark on his arm.

Yes, people, we get a trial and Riddle is taken into custody by the Clovers, who are ACTUALLY capable of raising a healthy child. There were months of doctor visits and bandages, along with a long awkward time for everyone, but gradually, things were better. Trey was more than happy that he had Riddle as a little brother. And Riddle was also happy with having a bigger and smaller siblings.

Now fast forward to the time both Riddle and Trey are teens. Trey was preparing for his 18th birthday, which ofc it was a big thing in the family. Everyone was all happy about it.

You also have Che'nya and Floyd, who were also happy for their friend turning 18. Che'nya already was 18 and at first he was very excited about the fact that he was considered an adult. So Trey pretty much got hyped by everyone around to plan a party and enjoy his sweet 18.

There's also a romantic development in between Riddle and Floyd, but the 2 keep beating around the bush, which is frustrating af. Che'nya has tried, multiple times, to set the 2 up and Trey, always, gave to his catboi buddy a pat and consolation pastries post failed attempt. :'3

Unfortunately, Trey doesn't catch that party.

Because some more dedicated cultists came one day and straight up made a genocide in the bakery. Trey and Riddle tried their utter best to protect their little siblings, armed with cooking tools.

That's when Riddle discovers that his mark wasn't just a wierd thing on his arm. It allowed the redhead to summon a sword and already he somehow knew how to use it, which gave them a small advantage.

They get saved by Jade, who presents himself as the God of prophecies and rumors. He proves his godhood by literally knocking out the enemies with a finger snap. :3

Jade himself admits that he was in a hurry, since it seems that the 'God slayer' found its wielder after thousands of years of being dormant. He says that Riddle, as a wielder, has a responsibility: prevent judgement day from coming upon humans.

Trey, as the oldest of the Clovers that was well... Alive... Says that it's absolutely bullshit. Jade only adds that since humans commited a grave sin many centuries ago,they were damned since start by the judgement day. This got lost in translation and as such, humans believed that if they allow the God of passion and emotion to be brought back to the living, they would be blessed and as such survive judgement day.

To prove his 'good nature' Jade offers to Riddle a deal: Fulfill his role and during this time, Jade will protect Trey and the little 2 Clovers from anymore dangers. He adds that since the cult traced the whereabouts of the sword, it would be inevitable for them to try and now use Riddle's other siblings as a bargain token.

Despite Trey's insistences to not do such thing, Riddle accepts the deal. His reasoning was that he felt guilty for everything. The Clover parents raised him right and gave him a loving place to call home. To be able to avenge their unfair deaths would be the best Riddle could do. And he wants to do that, to protect the rest of his family.

But first is the funeral. Since it took place post Trey's 18th birthday, at least he was eligible to take in the bakery and his younger siblings. Despite the begging from both family and friends, Riddle still packed up a small bag and off he was to fulfill his mission.

What he didn't expect tho, was for Floyd to insist to go with him. He and Che'nya made a plan of helping when they heard about the whole ordeal. Floyd was strong and much more capable of fighting than Che'nya was, so he will go with Riddle, while the latter will help Trey out at the bakery. Jade seemed to not mind this, rather he encouraged it.

Once the 2 were gone, Trey brings up to Che'nya that Jade looks awfully a lot like Floyd. The diety in question reasons that he can take many forms, as such he presented in something almost familiar, something that would prevent unwanted fear from mortals.

Meanwhile, we have Floyd and Riddle on their little adventure. :D

The thing was that Floyd was more of a guide. His parents took him on a lot of trips, as such he knew a lot of places around and overall was a great asset in orientation. Floyd was capable of a lot of things Riddle didn't expect the latter to know, then again, according to everyone else, Floyd came from a wealthy family, just how Riddle initially did. Surely he could learn anything if he wanted.

As such, things led up to discovering that the cultists were on the hunt for Riddle because they needed him in order to awaken their leader diety. The redhead didn't know what they needed of him, nonetheless he was sure that this won't happen, for during all this adventure, he trained in combat much more.

The finale would be finding the cultists's headquarters along the ceremony room. Being at the end, on an empty hall, Riddle was very on edge. He asked of Floyd to stay here, behind the big doors, as this was only in between him and this messed up people. Floyd wanted to protest against it, but Riddle told him that he wishes that because he loves him and doesn't want to risk losing smeoone he loves again. In the end, the taller complies, before making Riddle promise that he will be alright in there, promise which gets sealed with a kiss.

The whole ceremony room was big, but also empty. Riddle was very much preparing for an ambush.

Except he gets startled by the doors closing with a loud bang and Floyd standing in front of them, with a very apologetic look. The latter wanted to go to him and nag him for breaking their promise.

Except that this moment of weakness is enough for someone else to attack from behind and stab Riddle. The redhead wasn't feeling pain from the wound, but rather from the realisation that came once the cult members were cheering and didn't attack Floyd, the latter only walking towards Riddle. Smearing his fingers with the redhead's blood and then putting in his mouth the said blood, Riddle could only hear the cult members cheering, saying that finally the God of passion was back and thus they were spared from judgement day.

Floyd was the said God of Passion. And Riddle failed to prevent him from returning to his real nature.

So he accepted his fate, succumbing to his wounds once he heard the other humans in the room wanting to kill him and finish off this whole thing. Except that Floyd has none of it and takes Riddle in his arms, using his powers to heal the redhead after he used the same powers to get rid of the cult members, leaving only their leader alive, saying that it will come handy later.

When Riddle wakes up, he immediately puts distance in between him and Floyd once everything sinks in. He accuses the latter of betrayal, to which Floyd admits that since start, Riddle was set up for failure. Riddle tho, does inquire to know why did he keep him alive, if now most likely Floyd would cause a new regime altogether.

The latter says that he didn't want that, that he only wanted back to his godhood. Jade was his brother and the latter always blessed Floyd with his past memories. Every time Floyd would get reincarnated, his memories from past lives will always haunt him. Jade gve out the prophecy of judgement day. What Jade didn't share with the humans were 2 things: 1. His prophecies were always coming true.

And 2. Riddle was the one who brings judgement day, not Floyd or any other diety.

The redhead still refuses to believe or even get close to the latter. And Floyd indulges in this, saying that he wants to see Jade and talk with him. He told Riddle that Jade held up his end of the bargain, so he expects for Riddle to hold up his.

Before Floyd could actually leave, Riddle grabs his arm and asks to know one thing: if Floyd tampered with his emotions. He was the God of passion and emotion after all. Riddle wanted to know if his feelings were a lie too or not.

Floyd admits that he knows why Riddle would ask this, but he denies ever tampering with his feelings. He can only tamper with the mortals directly, a thing which Riddle was at the moment, but wasn't supposed to be. So even if he did tamper with his emotions, it will wear off the second Riddle accepts his godhood back.

The redhead finally indulges in it and asks what he should do to find the whole truth. He doesn't want to be bamboozled and used anymore because he doesn't know information.

And Floyd gladly presents him with the solution: kill the cult leader. Kill the one who lead this whole thing. Avenge his adoptive parents and finally settle in this injustice. He even summons in the said person, all immobilised and just begging at this point to end their suffering.

And Riddle, overcomed by rage, cuts off the head of the leader, assuring an instant death. With this, it assures that Riddle filled his purpose and slowly, his old self was coming back along the memories of his previous lives.

His first life, the one which started all, was during the age of gods, an era where divine help was more often practiced, as gods were comfortable roaming around the humans.

Amongst those, there was the god of justice, who persecuted any abuse of power amongst deities. He was one of the more worshipped gods, known for his chase after the god of passion, who often stirred conflicts in between humans. Many assumed the 2 hated each other, hence the endless chase.

But when the humans saw their opportunity and attempted to kill the said passion god, the latter was devastated and called upon him as his one and only lover, who now was on the deathbed because of punny humans bamboozling them.

As such, the god of justice used his blade, the famous 'god slayer', to pierce both of their hearts and thus kill both of them in each other's arms. The sword was crafted by Floyd initially, as a courting gift and Riddle used it to execute justice among the deities, yet that wasn't known by hoomans. With this, the god of justice plants a curse: they will get reincarnated again and if the humans drive both of them to the same situation as now, a calamity will hit humanity, as punishment. The cycle will repeat endlessly and to make matters worse, any other diety that will die will also be subjected to the very same curse. Repeat this endless cycle and bring the judgement day again and again until the humans learn their lesson.

And he had many lives: some were better, some were worse, but all ended up with him and Floyd in each other's arms as the sword was plunged through both of them.

But now, the cycle was broken. Both were back to their original forms and Floyd has never been happier.

Riddle tho, wasn't as happy as the latter. He insisted to tell Trey nothing about this. He feared the resentment the other may have. Floyd said that he could easily change that outcome, but Riddle didn't want that. He wanted Trey's true emotions, as such he wanted to still charade as a human until his mortal life would've dictated his end. After that, he will gladly go away with Floyd and enjoy his immortality. The latter wasn't that pleased, but he had to indulge if he wanted forgiveness for his 'betrayal'.

Damn does Trey feel so fucking relieved to see Riddle back. Jade told him everything that went on, to which Riddle's initial plan of lying was off the window. He still insists that he only wants a normal life for as long as this family lives. Trey is just happy his younger brother was back and alright. They will figure things out in the end.

Che'nya is also alright. Although he initially wasn't included in the bargain, Jade felt as if he will have to answer if the cat Boi was hurt in any way, shape or form. Ya know things were good when Che'nya was cheering for his ship finally sailing. Man has waited years for that, even if it came with the price of a cult's lives. :'D

But we have a happy ending at least. :3

#twisted wonderland #riddle x floyd #floyd x riddle #The god reincarnation au is pretty angsty if you think about it.#Endless scenarios ending in tragedy until the one where it actually breaks the cycle.#But it's also fun :v #I like angst apparently... But with comfort afterwards pls :3

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