#back to basics back to the roots but not going backwards bringing it forwards

[thistaleisabloodyone]

Watching the music video for Everest and it really reminds me of the music videos for Frontiers (I think it's the warehouse setting, mostly, but also the sharpness and, like, seriousness. Lack of smiling) and 100degrees (similarly black and white, similarly sharp and serious, no smiling, etc).

It really does feel like a revisiting who they were at the start, the vibes and essence of the Rampage originally, but bringing it forward and matching it to the more experienced, more sure of themselves as individuals and as a group Rampage now.

[misqnon]

MONT TELL US ABOUT THE MASQUERADE DRABBLES RAAAHH (pls and thank u <3)

also basically none of my wips are named . ruj roh.

LMFAO just arbitrarily give them names i guess. or briefly describe what it is in a few words. lemme see [grabby hands]

AND FOR UR ASK masquerade is the actual story but i have a drabbles document of scenes i wanted to write that are either non-canon or im not sure where to place them yet !! wait holy shit THERE'S SO MANY MORE THAN I THOUGHT THERE WAS??

it's time for horny! vampire! nonsense!

Leo and Ace were alone for once, stepping through the forests of Hyde in a comfortable silence. They'd left Marnie and Lilli back at the [spoiler] camp, where they seemed to be getting along well with everyone. But Ace had suggested a walk, and Leo wasn't one to avoid any time with Ace. Especially just the two of them.

Ace hopped over a gnarled root sticking out of the path and Leo, distracted in his own daydreams, walked right into it. He fell forward with a stumble, but Ace caught his shoulders and straightened him.

Leo chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry. I got distracted." 

Ace stepped back and kept walking, backwards now, so he was facing Leo. And yet he still wasn't tripping on anything. 

"By what? There's not much out here aside from leaves." He said, teasing. "Unless it's me. I mean, I am quite handsome, I know." He joked, bringing a hand to his chin. He was clearly just trying to make Leo laugh- and it worked, but he was also actually correct.

"Oh yeah, it was definitely you." Leo said sarcastically. 

"Still got it."

Leo rolled his eyes. Ace was still walking backwards.

"How are you not running into anything?"

Ace flung his sunglasses down over his eyes. "Vampire magic."

"Ah. Sure." 

Then, at the most humorous possible time, the blonde misstepped after a change in elevation and nearly fell backwards. Leo panicked, reaching out and grabbing him by the arms, pulling him back with some effort. 

The two of them looked at each other, now close again, Leo's hands locked on Ace's forearms, and as Leo began to blush, Ace busted out laughing. 

Leo felt himself relax a little. This dude was a total goofball.

"Okay, so, maybe I was just lucky. I can't see behind me either."

Leo felt a bit cocky by now. He gently took the sunglasses from Ace's eyes.

"Really?" He said with sarcasm again, eyeing the shades. 

"Hey! Those aren't part of it!" He said, cackling as he tried to take them back from the human. Leo was careful with them, but at some point he slipped them on himself. Ace stared with a smirk, crossing his arms. 

"...Wait, are these prescription?" 

"Alright, hand 'em over." Ace said, snatching them back. He returned them to their proper resting place in his hair.

"Why do you have those if you never wear them? And they're prescription?" He asked.

"That's-" Ace started. Then he froze. 

He seemed to still completely, focused on something. Then he brought a hand over his nose, and his eyes steeled. He suddenly looked stressed. 

"...Ace? Everything okay?" 

"Uh- Yeah, yeah, just…" He trailed off again. He seemed to become uncomfortable, with telltale signs coming over his expression. His eyes, usually a yellow-green, began to muddy. They seemed orange, brownish for a moment, then they slowly became red. Leo froze.

He knew what that meant. Ace and Lilli, their eyes only got like that when they smelled blood. Or when they were bloodthirsty, aka, very very hungry. Like when they'd been exposed to that massacre on the train, or when Lilli hadn't eaten for a few days. But which one was it? Lilli's was gradual, her eyes turning slowly, so surely this must mean there was a lot of blood nearby, right? 

"Is everything alright? Do you smell blood?" 

Ace looked to be worsening. "No, I don't. I'm- I'm fine,"

He clearly wasn't. 

Leo stepped forward a bit, reaching out to him, and Ace backed up so fast Leo actually felt afraid. 

"Ace, clearly you're not fine- What is going on!?" 

Leo was beginning to fear not only for Ace, but for himself. If he didn't smell blood, then what, was he hungry? Why else would his eyes turn this color? Carter's were always red, but Carter was also…Carter. 

But Carter had never looked this stressed. 

Ace attempted once again to collect himself. "Look." He managed, nearly bent over. His own hand was digging into his arm. "Just head back to the camp for me, will you? I'll meet you there." Ace sounded serious. And irritated. It felt wrong coming from him, something his voice never sounded like. 

"...Okay." Leo said, though he instantly regretted agreeing. But he wanted to trust him. Wasn't that what this whole thing was about? 

"But promise me you're going to be alright." He added, stepping forward again. 

Ace groaned, and then, without warning, pulled Leo forward with one clawed hand. Leo's eyes widened in shock behind his glasses. Suddenly he was face to face with Ace, though through the scarlet eyes and the strange expression, he felt like he was looking at some kind of bastardized version of his friend. 

"Leo, I'm….really thirsty all of a sudden." Ace muttered. 

Oh. 

This was quite literally his worst nightmare. 

"Oh." He said simply, echoing his thoughts. 

Oh.

What else was he supposed to say to that? 

Though it was only a single syllable, it carried all the weight of surprise, fear, and betrayal Leo was feeling at the moment, and Ace could tell. He winced almost immediately, whether it be at the realization of his own words or hearing Leo's frightened response. 

"I don't…" Ace started, but he trailed off again. He turned, and now Leo was pressed against a tree, the tall, blonde, goofy vampire suddenly a terrifying threat. 

Ace slowly leaned into Leo's neck, silent aside from his breathing. Leo's heart was beating out of his chest. He'd been in a situation much like this before, and with Carter of all people, so it seemed much worse. But Carter, as much as he looked down on the other, had been completely in control of himself, and had even asked Leo for permission before he'd even opened his mouth. And Leo never had, so he never did. Bloodthirsty Carter had controlled himself, but now Ace- spunky, golden, lovely Ace- was going to drink his blood? 

"Ace, what are you doing?" He managed, pressed against the tree as far as he could in an attempt to get away from the vampire's jaws. It wasn't much of an escape. 

Ace hissed. "I-I don't know!" He growled, claws digging into the bark of the tree above his head. Bits of wood and plant matter scattered over his shoulders. 

What was this, mind control? He had no idea what was going on, but neither did Ace, it seemed. 

"Okay…listen. If-If I give you some blood, do you think you'll calm down?" Leo ventured. Cutting his wrist a bit seemed a thousand times more preferable to having Ace's fangs dig into his neck. 

Ace hissed at that, too. "I don't want your blood, Leo. I don't want to hurt you- I don't-" 

"N-No offense, Ace, but it kinda looks like you do, right now." 

"I don't know what's wrong with me." He said through gritted teeth. "It just- came over me all of a sudden…"

Leo didn't know what to say next, and in the moment he didn't respond, Ace grabbed Leo's arm and brought it to his mouth. 

Leo nearly yiped in fear. "H-Hey, how about I cut my wrist a little, and you just-" 

Leo felt a cut open across his wrist, something akin to a very aggressive paper cut. Ace had dragged his fang over his skin, ripping it just enough for blood to come out. 

He winced, but it wasn't the most painful thing in the world. The way Ace's expression changed when the blood began to flow from the wound got a reaction from him, though. 

"Uh, Ace." He swallowed. 

Ace glanced up at him, only moving his eyes. 

"Please be…careful," 

The moment he'd finished his words, Ace's lips had closed over his wrist. Leo blushed. 

He'd imagined situations like this, but this is not how he imagined it going down. 

Ace was sucking on his skin greedily, and for the first time since this ordeal had began, Leo had a few moments to think. He was distracted at first, watching, feeling Ace…but then he began to reason.

Maybe it was something in the air. It had happened once they reached a specific spot. Ace must have smelled something, inhaled something…hadn't they heard of something that grew in the forest? Bloodsbane? 

Leo, now unrestrained, began to slowly step back the way they came. Ace glared up at him from his wrist. 

"You can keep going, let's just…move this way." He said nervously. 

Ace, surprisingly, let go of his arm. Then he licked his lips. 

Leo would have turned three shades darker if he wasn't scared for his life. He walked back down the path, now he walking backwards as he kept an eye on the vampire following him. 

Of course, it was Leo, and he was also under quite a bit of stress- so he tripped. Ace still reached out to catch him, but he still seemed distracted, and Leo fell on his butt against a tree. 

Ace approached and then bent down to him. His eyes were still blood red, but he seemed calmer. 

He glanced down, and Leo followed his gaze. The wound on his wrist was still bleeding, and now a sizable amount had collected itself on his arm. Ace was practically drooling. 

Leo, thoughtlessly, presented his arm again. Ace took it. dragging his tongue up his forearm to catch the drippage. Leo felt a warmth forming in his stomach and desperately tried to take stock of the situation. 

"Leo…" Ace muttered. "You…Ngh…" And then he was back on his wrist. 

He wasn't bleeding that much, but he was still starting to get worried. Ace was drinking his blood right now. That was a thing that was currently happening.

It was. Kinda hot. 

But he was also terrified and had been terrified about this exact situation ever since he met them all, let alone even realized that vampires were real. 

Well, actually, this wasn't his worst nightmare. In those, they were biting his neck.

[wooper-sandwhich]

Looking Back, Looking Forward | Alien Stage | Ch. 2

Ch. 2 of my fic Looking Forward, Looking Back on AO3! If you'd like to support me on AO3, you can find my fic on there too! My username is " wooper_sandwhich "-- basically the same thing on here but with an underscore instead of a hyphen :] ∘₊✧──────✧₊∘ “Let me go!” Mizi cries, jerking away her arm from the meaty grasp of an orange alien. “I said stop it already, you’re not taking them!”

The alien grumbled incoherently as they lurched backward, amber eyes staring patient, yet poisonous daggers at Mizi as she looks back at their blurry form with determination in her eyes. A few other aliens gather around them exchanging worried words, bringing hands and cool appendages alike up to maws as they gasp.

Her hair is a mess, several pink-trailing-blue strands cast about her shoulders everywhere, having been yanked out from her ponytail when the aliens had initially reached for her head. Mizi knew this day would come, when they would try and take the very last thing that made her human, that grounded her to this mortal plane as Mizi the person, and not simply another contestant number on a board.

She reaches a trembling hand up to tuck a few hairs behind her ear, looking at the group of aliens staring out at her as if she was some kind of wild animal gone rogue.

And at this point, she might as well have been one. Because why else would the kind and optimistic Mizi be acting so wild and unruly? She’d always been a pleasant child in Anakt Garden, had always been cordial, polite, and on her best behavior at all times.

“Mizi...” One of the aliens starts, a spiky blue, feminine figure with brown, down-turned eyes. “What’s going on with you? Just let us take your glasses-- you don’t need them anyway, isn’t that right, darling? We’ve noticed how you squint and stare behind them. They’re unnecessary.”

Unnecessary. That’s all anything human about them was. Just things for the aliens to pick up and shape differently until unnecessary flaws became gorgeous quirks. Artificially produced things stolen from themselves and made anew into parts of them that would be better for marketing, better for their image, better for standing out in the competitions.

Mizi’s chest heaves as she resolutely shakes her head, continuing to back away from the group of aliens, her vision still blurry as ever behind them. She blinks rapidly, trying to focus on the world around her, to root herself into reality so she could better stand her ground, but everything remained a hazy blur of colors and shapes.

And it’s fitting, she thought bitterly.

How fitting that one of her last moments of defiance over something that made her human would be spent in this distorted reality.

As she stumbles backward, her hand brushes against the cool metal of a nearby pillar, and Mizi leans against it for support. The polished surface reflected a warped image of herself gleaned from an instant glance, and for a moment, Mizi hardly recognized the person staring back at her.

Gone was the shy, bespectacled girl with messy pink hair who had first entered Anakt Garden. In her place stood a statuesque figure with perfectly coiffed locks that shimmered like starlight. Her eyes, once a warm golden yellow, seemed to look back upon her with a sharp look that was so unlike the person she was, the kind girl she had been.

--In that look, she remembers the day they had changed her hair, dyeing vibrant pink strands to a cool faded blue, locks that had since only managed to turn back to their normal hue after ages of growing it back out. “To make you stand out,” they had said, as if her very essence wasn't enough. The process had been painful, the chemicals burning her scalp, but she had endured it with a smile, just as she had been taught.

Then came the modifications to her voice. Hours spent in sterile rooms, her throat raw from the injections and procedures designed to expand her vocal range. They had promised her she would be able to hit notes no human has ever reached. They had promised her it would all be worth it to change, edit and alter everything about her. “For marketability” , they’d said. And Mizi had cried that night, mourning the loss of a voice that would no longer ever be her own.

--Yet in that gaze was also a fierce desperation, a yearning desire to hold onto those human flaws the aliens sought to stamp out.

The orange alien makes another attempt at coming closer to her, lifting a scaly hand, and Mizi bristles with a forceful shake of her head, perfect teeth grit tightly between one another. But it seemed they were no longer willing to put up with her game of protest. 

With a look to a few aliens behind them, the orange one nods, and before Mizi knew it, there was a great mass of swarming guards that entered the room, touching and grabbing at her as she screamed and flailed, a tentacle slowly looming over her face as it plucks off black metal frames with a sickeningly delicate force.

They strip her of her glasses the same way they stripped her of everything that had made Mizi herself. The last bastion that’d been standing tall of pure, childhood innocence-- gone. Just like that.

Continuing to thrash and scream incoherently, uncaring of the punishment that would surely come later for such egregious misbehavior, Mizi only slumps to the ground when the familiar metal collar around her neck suddenly sends volts of electricity arcing through her body and rendering her limp, the spinning, hazy world around her looking sharp for the first time in years as she stares out at the crowd of aliens looking down upon her.  ∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

Artificial sunlight filters through the lush canopy of genetically-engineered trees, casting dappled shadows across the verdant grass beneath. A gentle breeze, perfectly calibrated for optimal comfort, rustles the leaves and carries the sweet scent of alien flora throughout the garden. The sky stretching overhead is a brilliant azure, dotted with fluffy white clouds that drift lazily across its expanse, their movements so precise they seem almost choreographed as it mimicks Earth’s atmosphere of old.

And beneath it all, Mizi sits on the lush grass of the garden, verdant blades cool as they tickle against her skin. Her vision, although still not perfect-- yet now unencumbered by a flawed prescription-- takes in the vibrant colors of the garden with startling clarity. The iridescent petals of flowers that seem to shift hues with each passing moment, the glimmering scales of fish darting through crystal-clear streams, the prismatic wings of insectoid creatures that flit from blossom to blossom...

But even amidst the beauty, there was nothing of comfort to take from it. It was all hollow prettiness, manufactured just as she was now by the aliens.

Tears stream down Mizi’s face as she sits curled up in on herself, knees pressed to her cheeks as she buries her head against her legs. It wasn’t fair. It just wasn’t fair .

She had willingly let them change nearly everything about her up until now, physically, emotionally, mentally-- nothing had been spared in the wake of perfection for the stage. But her glasses, that last gift from Shine--

(“something concrete that would never change no matter how beautiful (wrong) she became” )

--was the one thing Mizi had strove so hard to hold onto. And now it was gone. Likely to be sent away to the incinerator and turned into ash that would be swept away on the industrial winds of the city, consumed just like the rest of every godforsaken piece of humanity that was crushed beneath the aliens.

As Mizi wept, the garden around her continuing to breathe its stilted mockery of life, she hardly noticed the presence of another girl beginning to approach her, only looking up with a harsh breath when she called her name.

“Mizi?” Sua’s voice cuts through the artificial ambiance of the garden.

Mizi’s head slowly turns to look at her, tear-stained face a canvas of raw, unfettered emotion against the backdrop of meticulously crafted beauty around them. And for a moment, she’s struck by how sharply she can see Sua now, every detail of her friend’s face in crystal clarity. The violet of Sua’s eyes seemed more vivid than ever, twin nebulae swirling with concern and something deeper, something unspoken.

Sua moves closer, her white gown a rigid difference against the riot of blooming colors in the garden. And with a gentle sweep, the girl sits down beside her.

“I heard what happened,” Sua says softly, her voice carrying a hint of something Mizi couldn't quite place. Sympathy? Pity? Or perhaps a touch of envy for the small act of rebellion?

Mizi sniffled, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. “They took them, Sua. My glasses. The last thing I had that was... that was really me. The last thing that made me... Still human.”

Sua's hand found Mizi's, intertwining their fingers in a gesture that felt both familiar and foreign. How long had it been since they'd allowed themselves this simple comfort? It felt as though the recent days of their lives had begun driving a wedge between them, Mizi feeling as though she saw Sua less and less between their vocal lessons and mandatory enrichment hours.

“Human?” Sua echoes. “What do you mean?”

Sniffling, Mizi rubs at her nose with her free hand, yellow eyes cast to the ground. She’s not quite sure how to articulate the maelstrom of thoughts swirling through her mind, but she had to do her best. For Sua.

Mizi takes a shaky breath, trying to find the words. “Everything they've done to us, Sua. The changes, the 'improvements'... They're stripping away what makes us human, piece by piece. My glasses were the last thing I had that wasn't perfect, that wasn't alien. That wasn’t...made for the stage. They were... they were mine.”

Sua's grip on Mizi's hand tightened slightly, violet eyes searching Mizi's face as the other girl seemed to think for a moment, calculating in that way she always did when practicing what to best say. Yet another thing that had been ingrained into her by the aliens over the years.

But when she does open her mouth to speak, it’s hardly anything Mizi would have expected.

“What does it mean to be human, Mizi?”

Brow knit in confusion, she blearily blinks at Sua. “Huh?”

Sua smiles gently, and she’s beautiful as ever, her features sculpted to alien perfection. But behind those violet, galaxy eyes, Mizi can only see the girl she had come to know all this time at Akakt Garden, the one who would look up at the night sky together with her when the ceilings opened up.

“What does it mean to be human? You said they’re stripping it all away, but what is it , when you think about it, Mizi?” She prompts.

What did it mean to be human?

Flaws. Imperfection. Restriction. Everything that was not alien was human, and that which was human was seen as filth. All that was not alien was kept under lock and leash as pets, workhorses, and entertainment for the extraterrestrial masses. To be be human was--

“Suffering.” Mizi blurts aloud, unable to conceal the train of thought chugging through her mind.

Sua looks at her, eyebrows raised, seemingly just as surprised by her own answer as Mizi had been by her question-- until after a beat, there’s mirth crinkling at the edge of her eyes, and Sua squeezes her hand.

“Then are we not the most human of all right now?”

Mizi swallows dryly, and despite all the negativity coursing through her heart, it flutters at the sight of her friend’s wordless laughter. And Mizi begins to laugh.

“Aha! Hahaha! No-- I, I-I guess you’re right!” She says with an almost hysterical jubilance.

Sua joins her, and Mizi’s laughter mingles with Sua’s echoing throughout the artificial garden in a way that feels more real than anything else in the world, like a melody that neither of them had been taught to sing. For a moment, they’re not just contestants, or projects, or pets-- they’re just two girls, finding a sliver of joy in the midst of their shared pain.

As their laughter subsides, Mizi wipes away the remnants of her tears, her chest feeling lighter than it has in months. “Sua,” she says softly, “I've missed this. I've missed you.”

Sua's smile falters for a moment, a flicker of something-- regret? longing?-- passing through her eyes. “I've missed you too, Mizi. More than you know.”

They sit in companionable silence for what Mizi could only pray to be forever, until at last, yet another prying question begs at her mind, one that she hopes her far more bold and pragmatic friend might have a better answer for.

“...What do you think it means to, to be yourself, Sua?” She asks. “And... What happens when you lose that?”

Sua's violet eyes softened as she considered Mizi's question. Her gaze drifted to the artificial sky above, where holographic birds traced predetermined flight paths through the air.

“Being yourself...” Sua mused, blinking up at that perfect sky. “...I think it's more than just the parts that make us up. Our bodies, our voices, even our memories-- they can all change. But there's something deeper, isn't there? Something they can't touch.”

She turned back to Mizi, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of pink hair behind her ear. The gesture was achingly familiar, so human, an echo of countless moments shared between them over the years, that it makes Mizi’s heart ache.

“I think,” Sua adds slowly, her gaze drifting to the artificial flowers around them, “Being yourself is about more than just the physical things we cling to. It's about the choices we make, the thoughts we have, the feelings we can't suppress no matter how hard they try to program them out of us.”

She turns back to Mizi, a wry smile playing at her lips. “As for losing yourself... I don't think that's possible, not really. They can change our bodies, our voices, even parts of our minds. But there's something in here--” Sua says, pointing at her head, “That is forever unique and wholly you. A thing that will never change, no matter what.”

A warmth blossoms in Mizi’s chest at Sua’s words, yet simultaneously, there’s a lump forming in her throat. “But what if they find a way to take that thing too, Sua? And what if they change us so much we can’t remember what it was, or who we were?”

Sua's grip on Mizi's hand tightened. “Then we remind each other of it. Simple as that. Because I see it in you, Mizi,” Sua says softly. “Not the perfect idol they're trying to create, but you. The girl who cries at sad songs, who sneaks extra desserts to the younger trainees at dinner time. Who always smiles at everyone despite how hard I know it aches for you.”

Mizi’s breath catches in her throat, and that warmth greater spreads throughout her chest, melting away some of the icy dread that had taken root there. She hadn’t realized just how much she needed to hear those words, to be seen as herself despite all the change forced upon her.

“Sua, I...” Mizi began, her voice trembling. “I didn't know you saw all that.”

Sua's smile was gentle, almost sad. “Of course I did. How could I not? You're my Mizi.”

The words hung between them, heavy with unspoken emotion. Mizi felt her heart racing, a mixture of fear and something else, something sweet and hopeful, blossoming in her chest.

“And you're my Sua,” Mizi whispered back, squeezing Sua's hand. “Even when they change everything else about us, even when we can't recognize ourselves in the mirror anymore and...”

She looks at the other girl, and it’s with yet another aching pang that she takes notice of the way her shimmering black hair was just ever-so-slightly longer. A change of her own that Sua was being forced to endure for the perfection the aliens sought to mold her into.

“Your hair...” She murmurs, reaching up to ghost a ginger hand through silky locks.

There's a small awkward pause as Sua is silent, not wanting to acknowledge her hair growing out against her will. The shimmering black strands catch the artificial sunlight, almost seemingly casting prismatic reflections across Mizi's face. For a moment, the garden around them seems to hold its breath, the genetically-engineered flowers pausing in their perpetual bloom, the holographic birds in the sky freezing mid-flight.

Sua's eyes flicker with a mix of emotions-- embarrassment, frustration, and a hint of defiance. Her hand unconsciously moves to touch the ends of her hair, now falling just past her shoulders in a sleek curtain. The silence stretches between them, filled with unsaid words and shared understanding.

Mizi watches as Sua's fingers twirl a strand of hair, the movement almost hypnotic. She notices how the longer length softens Sua's features, framing her chin a way she’s sure the aliens had sought after purposely. And she observes the way Sua's jaw clenches, a tiny muscle twitching beneath glassy skin. It's a tell, a small imperfection that the aliens haven't yet stamped out.

“I see you too, you know.” Mizi says, looking away. “The real you! The... The girl who pretends to be tough but has such a gentle heart inside. Who practices her routines until her feet bleed, not because they make her, but because you want to be the best you can be.”

“And I’ll always love that real you, no matter how they change everything else around it.”

Sua's cheeks flush a delicate pink, and she ducks her head, a rare display of bashfulness. “...We're quite the pair, aren't we?” She whispers back.

Her voice softens, taking on a dreamy quality that Mizi had rarely heard before. “Let's stay here a little longer,” she suggests, her eyes roaming over the lush surroundings. “Just... us two humans, existing together, for a moment.”

Mizi nods, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. They settle into a comfortable silence, their hands still intertwined, as the artificial world breathes around them.

“Let's stay,” Mizi agrees, leaning her head against Sua's shoulder.

And they sit in blanketed silence, the artificial world around them continuing its carefully orchestrated dance of life as two girls sink into one another’s presence. 

[End, Ch. 2.]

[phoenix-manga]

Dorms Meet the Eeveelutions

The students want to know more about Phoebe’s Pokemon, the evolution part anyway. It’s so bizarre how something cute could eventually evolve into something totally different and intimidating. What better way to learn about evolution than introducing them to the Pokemon, Eevee and its various Eeveelutions.

First Years + Eevee

“Huh? This little dog-fox is strong? No way am I believing that! It looks like a plush toy!”

⊖ Phoebe was showing off Eevee to the first years and explains how its a very unique Pokemon who can evolve into different forms. But Ace and Jack thinks that it looks like a fox-puppy who is not strong looking.

⊖ Deuce thinks its cute though as it lays on his lap for pets. Phoebe shows them that Eevee is just as cool and strong as its evolutions. She demonstrates its abilities as a fighter when she had them spar with it to prove a point. 

⊖ Needless to say, Ace was sent flying and Jack, though was basically a stone wall to Eevee until it used Return. The power of affection send the wolf boy rolling backwards a few feet away. From that day forward, they don’t dare say anything about Eevee being weak.

⊖ Sebek though, he was confident he was going to win because he trained under Lilia and he could secure victory. The poor half-fae was sent flying when Eevee started to use Double Team to distract him, Phoebe spammed that move to the point it got annoying. 

⊖ But she never told Sebek what Double Team does though, she just wanted to see him take back what he said about Eevee... Therefore decided to be “that” jerk who spams evasion moves during battle.

⊖ Don’t talk sh*t about her Pokemon or else she WILL play you like the cheap kazoo you are.

⊖ Eevee wasn’t all bad when you’re not its opponent, it was rather affectionate and the boys can’t get enough of the fluff around its neck. Deuce especially has a habit of running his hands through the neck fur whenever he goes to Ramshackle.

Heartslabyul + Leafeon

“Oh, it tripped again! Someone get it out of the mud before you bring it in the dorm!”

⊖ Leafeon was alright at Heartslabyul except it was always getting stuck, tripping and even getting dirt and mud on itself. No one knows how but a mess is sure to follow unless you either get rid of the hazards or keep a VERY CLOSE eye on it.

⊖ Of course, Cater can’t help but get so carried away in taking pictures because clumsy is cute when it comes to animals. While Cater was following Leafeon to try and capture another clumsy moment, he tripped on a stray root the same time Leafeon tripped.

⊖ This happened during an Unbirthday Party and the awkward silence that followed was deafening. No one expected it, Trey just helped Cater up and tells him to look where he’s going and pay less attention on the phone. Leafeon does get a nice treat though, courtesy from Trey.

⊖ Leafeon does get a lot of attention from the students, often times placed a lot of flowers around it while it was sleeping because it just looks so photogenic. Cater is more mindful of where he’s going because he would have preferred people chuckle at him tripping because he can laugh it off too, the silence made him internally embarrassed.

⊖ Ace and Deuce got the idea to try and change Leafeon’s colors to autumn but the Pokemon wasn’t having it and runs around the garden trying to avoid their pens. What ended up was a bunch of roses in different colors and a very angry Riddle yelling for the ones responsible. 

Savanaclaw + Flareon

“Oh? This little fox thing has spunk... Could you roast this meat again?”

⊖ Leona didn’t like any pets at his dorm but of course, this one wanders off into Savanaclaw territory and at the sight of the buff students, it wanted to pick a fight.

⊖ A few minutes of fire being blasted around the area, Ruggie came in just in time to pick up Flareon and gets it to the mirror before anything worse occurs. No matter how many times Phoebe has tried to keep it from going back or Ruggie throwing it through the mirror. It was stubborn! Leona had enough and tried to kick it out himself.

⊖ That ended up with Leona chasing Flareon around the dorm with an actual murderous look on his face, Flareon had an equally scary expression. Those two duking it out on the dorm, fire was everywhere, Ruggie had to fetch Phoebe to get her to stop the madness.

⊖ Leona and Flareon ended up getting soaked by water Pokemon. The two had to come to an agreement, so Flareon becomes a training assistant for the dorm students who are looking to enhance their skills in combat.

⊖ Leona doesn’t want to admit that he’s grown fond of the fiery furball. Yeah right, he says that he still hates it guts but the way Flareon sleeps by his bed says otherwise.

⊖ No one knows why but Flareon has beef with Jack, probably because he’s really buff? But so are the other dorm students though... Whatever it was, the poor boy is confused by it’s temper.

Octavinelle + Vaporeon

“It is entirely just water? Interesting... Your creatures never cease to amaze me!“

⊖ Azul wanted to know more about Pokemon, when the topic of a creature with several possible evolutions was brought up, he immediately goes for the water eeveelution, Vaporeon. 

⊖ Things were going well at first, it was very chill and was easy to look after but then when he tried to give it a bath, Azul looked away for a moment to get shampoo when he turned around because he heard a splash.

⊖ There was nothing in the bathtub, he started to panic and thought that it escaped or dissolved into sea foam! Jade had to calm him down by having Floyd feel around the supposedly empty bathtub. Only to feel something and lift it out, revealing Vaporeon who just looked innocent and was unaware of what occurred.

⊖ After that scare, Azul is very intrigued by Vaporeon and would study its behavior in and out of the water. He would love to observe more about this creature.

Scarabia + Umbreon & Espeon

“Look at this! It’s like me and Jamil! What a coincidence, ahaha!”

⊖ Espeon and Umbreon always came as a pair. It just seemed wrong to exclude one from the other, so Scarabia gets two Pokemon to look after. 

⊖ Kalim is more in tune with Espeon as he loves the sunlight and Espeon’s power is related to the daytime. The two would spend their time walking to the oasis and having a nice soak in the water before going back.

⊖ Espeon is also a good choice to leave with Kalim as it will use it’s powers to foresee accidents and injuries and prevents the Scarabia dorm leader from the danger. Jamil can finally rest easy for once, he wished he had an Espeon back then so he doesn’t have to babysit all the time.

⊖ But that doesn’t mean that Espeon won’t play some small pranks on the boy. Floating his headband  or even his plate of food. Kalim gets flustered and Espeon wants to do it more often because of how easy he is to get a reaction out of.

⊖ Kalim absolutely loves touching the soft velvet fur of Espeon, he also loves the gem on its forehead. It reminds him of the type of decor women wore around his home kingdom.

⊖ Jamil is much more fond of Umbreon. The two find solace in the nighttime. Umbreon doesn’t like parties as much so it can’t be seen whenever Kalim throws a party. But after the party, it can be seen basking under the moonlight with the rings glowing with dark energy. 

⊖ Jamil finds the glow quite hypnotic which is ironic. He often takes nightly walks to de-stress, with Umbreon it was more relaxing. He always thought that he can feel some sort of connection with its gaze. He takes great care of Umbreon, preparing it some nice food for both it and Espeon. 

⊖ Jamil can understand that Umbreon finds Espeon’s pranks annoying, as much as the boy finds Kalim to be a bit troublesome when he gets reckless.

Pomefiore + Glaceon

“Such a beautiful creature! I suppose this wouldn’t be too much trouble looking after...”

⊖ Glaceon would bask in the praise of the Pomefiore students. It knows how beautiful it is and will let others know it. Rook fuels it’s ego with so many praises.

⊖ The only problem was that Glaceon has nowhere to make a snowy bed for itself, it knows that doing it in the garden would upset the students. So, Glaceon just makes it a habit to douse itself with water to freeze it on its fur. 

⊖ Vil took notice of the snowy paw prints it leaves and he wonders why it was making a mess of the floor until he actually observed it. He feels like slapping himself for not realizing so sooner. Pomefiore is beautiful but it has no place for snow.

⊖ He remedied the situation by having the students clean out an empty room for Glaceon to make as much snow as it wants. Glaceon was quite pleased with this arrangement, it now follows Vil and would often make him more sparkly by showering him in a light snow. 

⊖ Glaceon also flaunts itself too, the Pomefiore students praise the Pokemon a lot. Vil and Glaceon are like a perfect pair.

⊖ Seven help the poor soul who was blinded by the sparkling light of his beauty.

Ignihyde + Jolteon

“S-So much energy!! Ah! I wonder if this is some sort of mistake... I might have to make some lightning rods for this one, Ortho”

⊖ Jolteon was very friendly and immediately began curiously poking around the dorm. There was so much to look at! Jolteon managed to sneak into Idia’s room while he was distracted by the game. 

⊖ Jolteon was watching from over his shoulder what Idia was doing, when the Pokemon brushed up against Idia’s side, he bolted up in fright.

⊖ Jolteon didn’t seem to be bothered and continued rubbing against the shaking student. Ortho managed to track Jolteon down and is now trying to get his brother and Jolteon to be friends.

⊖ He finds it cute!

⊖ It took a while for Idia to open up to Jolteon, as exciting it is to study a new species, facing one in person who wields huge power grounded him in reality.

⊖ But he found use for Jolteon’s unintentional jolts, he was using lightning rods to power his new inventions and that became their version of bonding. to the point Ortho had to drag Idia away from Jolteon because he wasn’t done with testing the new machine.

Diasomnia + Sylveon

“So colorful yet... it doesn’t fear me... I think I will like this one, child of man~ fufu!”

⊖ Most would notice how out of place Sylveon is, it clashes with the black of the dorm. But Sylveon was so polite and beautiful that most of them were too distracted to care. 

⊖ Sebek didn’t think that this pastel creature was the strongest. But he was proven wrong after sparring. He’d find it even more shocking to know that Fairy types like Sylveon are feared by Dragons in Phoebe’s world. Not even dragon attacks would make a dent on them.

⊖ Silver likes watching the flowing ribbons, they always are mesmerizing to watch, he often falls asleep after a few minutes of watching the waving ribbons though.

⊖ Lilia tried to feed it his food but Sylveon was quite offended because his food can be considered a Poison attack. Which Fairies are weak to, Sylveon refuses to eat any cooking made by Lilia. Poor guy, the Pokemon was very blunt.

⊖ Malleus was very fond of Sylveon, it always holds his hand with the ribbons. He likes to gently grasp the ribbon as he walks alongside it, if anything happens to Sylveon, he will destroy everyone in the room and then himself! Maybe...

[azc3nsion]

a helping hand

Rating: E (Explicit, 18+ only)

Warnings: Explicit, PwP, Vaginal Sex, Unprotected Sex, lots of swearing, Modern AU

Summary: washing up takes time, which is awfully inconvenient for your flatmate, who would really like to use the bathroom, and would like to use it now. but when you call him in, he brings along an idea - and soon you no longer have to worry about anything - except, maybe, enjoying it ...a little too much...?

It knocked, again, for probably the fifth time in the last ten minutes.

"Can you, like, hurry up? I need to-" "Can you shut up!" You interrupted him, before Childe could repeat himself for the nth time. Another thud, likely stemming from his fist having hit the door. With a sigh, you dropped your hand in defeat.

"Listen," Came the voice of your flatmate. "I-"

"It's open." You huffed out.

"Sheesh, finally. What are you ev-" He broke off immediately. You lifted your head and made eye-contact. Childe stood in the door, hand on the handle, frozen. You lowered yourself until you sat on the side of the tub, completely naked as you were.

"Uh-"

Amusement bubbled in your chest at watching his perplexed expression.

He blinked, and turned his eyes to the ceiling.

"Uh, you could've- Why… The fuck." His other hand came up to rub over his face before pinching the bridge of his nose. "The fuck?"

You raked a hand through your hair. Childe's ears started to glow.

"Slept with a guy who didn't use a condom and I'm not gonna walk around getting cum all over my underwear." You sighed and shut the water off.

"And… now?"

"Been trying to get it all out."

He came into the room, shutting the door fully. The stream of cold air that had flooded the room, coming in from the hallway, got blocked. Legs a little stiff, he made his way towards the toilet and sat down there to pee. You watched him, and had trouble hiding the grin that his attempts at not-staring and keeping himself covered evoked.

"What's taking so long then?" He asked at the ceiling. His fingers pulled the wad of toilet paper in his hands apart piece by piece. His ears were strawberry red by now.

"I feel like I can't really- You know vaginas are self-cleaning, right, but I don't wanna wait around, but also I feel like I can't quite get up in there."

He nodded. His brows creased, and it looked like he was mentally going over your words once more. You sighed again. He finished and got up, flushed, then went to wash his hands.

"Right. So…" He met your eyes through the mirror, and you could see his gaze slipping down before he focused on drying his hands.

"So, I'm sorry for occupying the bathroom so long, Childe. Don't really know how long it's gonna take me."

If you'd have one of your dildo's here, you could've used that. But the one that was the most natural one you had had been lost, for weeks now, and your hopes at finding it just today were slim. If only you had a proper one here, their heads were shaped in a way that would so easily clean you out…

Childe was still hovering by the sink, wringing the towel between his palms. An idea took root in your head.

"Hey Childe?"

He looked at you, and then away, after clearing his throat.

"Yeah? What."

You shifted a little in your spot.

"When's the last time you fucked someone?"

It didn't matter, but it seemed smartest to not outright ask, to not overwhelm him completely.

"Uh… Dunno. Been a while. Why?" One of his hands had been buried in his pocket already, and after rubbing his neck with the other, he put that one into his sweats, too. They held the front of his pants suspiciously convenient away from his crotch.

"You know, you could… You could really help me out here. If you use your dick, the cum would be out of me in moments. Wouldn't take long at all."

This time his eyes shot up to meet yours and stayed there. "Wh-What."

You stayed silent.

He swallowed.

"You want me to- To fuck you, to get the…?"

You nodded. "Doesn't have to be long, either, just a couple of thrusts. Just to get it out."

The silence weighed heavy in the air between you. Childe's ears were an alarming shade of cherry by now.

He swallowed again.

"Like, right here or…?" His hands slipped out of his pockets and the soft, stretchy fabric slid back into its place, revealing a sizeable bulge at his groin.

You got up and out of the tub, leaving wet footprints on the tiled floor on your way to him by the sink.

"We could go to bed, too. Would probably be more comfortable, if you want?"

You ran one of your hands over his left pectoral, down to his side.

"Yeah," His voice was a little raspy. "Yeah, okay."

"Thank you!" You smiled at him, feeling relief but also anticipation spread through your stomach. Fucking your flatmate had never really crossed your mind - mainly because his primary function was to be able to afford rent and not live in a total pigsty - but now that you thought about it… "Your bed or mine?" Had your voice been this breathy before...?

"Mine." Childe mumbled, gaze alternating between your eyes and lips.

Against better judgement you leaned forward, stopped just shy of his lips. He was still staring at yours. The tip of his tongue pushed his bottom lip down.

"Can I kiss you?" Even though it had been you leaning in, it was him asking now.

"Yeah-" You whispered, and then his hand was on your neck already, pulled you in and against him.

He was careful, with his lips and his teeth and his tongue. The first kiss was just soft lips on lips, testing the waters, getting a feel for the other. Then he broke away, for only a moment. He came back, with teeth nibbling at your bottom lip, and then there was his tongue sliding between your lips, easing into your mouth like it had always belonged there.

"-ngh!" You hissed out as he tugged your hips closer and pressed his erection against you. You raised one of your legs without a second thought, to be closer to him, and he jumped at the chance of slipping a hand around your thigh, down to your butt. You rolled your hips against his hard-on, and smiled into the kiss as he let out a soft grunt at the contact.

"You know, I never thought about kissing you, but you're… really good at this."

He rolled his eyes, hands continuing to fondle you while he was momentarily distracted. "That was probably the best kiss I've had in-" "Mhm okay, bed, now." He cut you off with another kiss, mumbling the words against your mouth.

And yet his hands did the opposite, only pulling you closer, softly pushing at your hips until you rolled them against him one more time. Two more slow, deep kisses, and then he straightened his shoulders and took a hold of your hand, pulling you along and out of the bathroom.

The air was chillier outside, and you hurried after him, not wanting to catch a cold.

His room was warm against the hallway, had a pleasant shiver run over your back. You dove into his bed, were surprised at the softness of his sheets as you slipped between them while Childe was rummaging around on one of his shelves. He turned back around, a box of condoms in hand, and lifted one with a questioning look.

You rolled on your back and shook your head.

"Don't worry about that. I just need you to get the other stuff out, it's not like we're actually gonna fuck."

"Right." He winked, grinned, and put it back. You had to smile at him winning his cool back.

His usual, wry smirk was in its usual place on his face, and his posture carried more of the confidence you'd mistaken for cockiness upon first meeting him. Knew to be self-assurance by now.

"So, how do you want it?"

He shrugged out of his hoodie and tugged his shirt back down over his abs, before shimmying out of his sweats. Your eyes went straight to his groin. A dark spot had bloomed over the light grey of his boxer tights, towards the left leg. One of his hands pushed on his junk before he hooked his thumbs into the waistband and tugged them down.

His dick sprang free of its constraint.

It was a decent size, with a nice girth. His hand came back and gently massaged his balls.

You shuffled backwards, fully onto the bed. Turned around and spread your legs, giving him full view.

"Just… push in and out a couple times. Just a few should be enough."

"Okay."

You felt the bed dip where he climbed on it. His palm was warm when he ran it down the length of your spine.

"You sure about this?" You asked, looking back over your shoulder.

"Huh?" He met your eyes, one hand rubbing your hips and sides, the other enclosing his dick and giving it a slow pump. "Helping me out, I mean?"

"Oh yeah, no it's alright. Probably annoying getting your underwear all sticky, I get that. Don't worry about it."

You let out a sigh of relief. "Okay."

He continued to smooth his fingers over your back - your shoulders, sides, thighs. Even used both to round your torso and cup your breasts. It felt nice, but it wasn't really what you'd agreed to.

"What are you waiting for?" You laughed lightly.

Childe's chest, still covered with his shirt, brushed your back as he leaned forward.

"If you're wet, it'll be easier for me to go in. Plus it'd basically help flush you out even more, right?"

You hadn't thought about it like that.

"Huh… Yeah… Guess you're right?"

He pressed a kiss to your neck. His lips felt really nice.

His logic was sound, and so you allowed yourself to fully feel after each of his touches. When he eventually kissed his way down your spine, you wiggled a little.

"Think I'm ready." You let him know, even feeling a little hot and bothered despite your best intentions.

"Alright." He pulled back, and you could feel his thighs touching yours. "Okay, going in. You ready?"

Already the blunt tip of his dick kissed your entrance, not daring to slip in just yet.

"U-huh..." You mumbled.

The tip pushed between your slick folds. Parted them with ease, and slid inside you almost by itself. You felt yourself opening around it, with barely any resistance.

"Oh fuck... Childe-" You pressed out, eyes closed.

His dick fit inside you like it had been created to just fulfill this singular purpose.

"Ah- Hold on, not in completely just ye- Ah…" His pelvis met yours. Both of you moaned out. You almost felt a little light-headed. "Fuck you feel good."

"You too…" Oh, and how good he felt. Filling you completely, having you writhe and itch on the spot, longing to feel him move...

"Okay," You pressed your eyes close and then opened them again, hoping to clear your head a little. "Try… Try pulling out, see if any of the cum…?"

You trailed off as he already moved.

"Mhm, shit..." He breathed out. Only the tip was left inside you. "Yeah, there's some white stuff. Looks like it's working?"

"Can you push in again?"

He obliged, even before you'd finished your sentence. Again his dick entered, pushed until his balls nudged up against you.

"Fuuck…"

You had to close your eyes, he felt too good.

The premise of Childe's dick was presenting a temptation you hadn't considered, and weren't in the slightest prepared for. If you didn't focus on the initial reason you'd asked him, if you- He thrusted in, groaning as you accidentally clenched around him.

The pure lust in his voice had you forcing your eyes open, staring at the headboard of his bed. Childe's hands on your sides held your hips securely as he pushed in and out again, almost having a sort of rhythm already.

"Hey…" You swallowed a moan.

"Huh?" He said.

You had to remember the words before speaking them out one after the other.

"Is there still cum getting out? Did you clean me out already?"

"Oh… Hang on." He pulled out completely. You dropped your head on your hands, willing yourself to not think too much about how utterly empty you were right now. "Yeah, there's still… There's still some stuff there. See?"

You lifted your head and he held out his fingers for you, a thin string of cum dangling from it.

"Shit. That dude must've come deeper in me than expected…"

"I can try going a little deeper?" He offered, and you heard him drop the tissue he'd used to wipe his fingers with on the floor.

You bit down on your lip. He'd pushed in balls deep already, but kept the thrusts relatively light. If he were to actually put some force behind them-

"Yeah, please." Came the words out of your mouth while you were still trying to argue with yourself about how him going in like that, just a few times, wouldn't hurt. Wouldn't be worse than how the rest had been already. Worse, as if him fucking- No, helping you was bad in any way, or-

And then his hands were back on your hips, he lined his dick up with your hole again and filled you once more and any and all thoughts were gone from your mind at once.

He felt so good.

So good.

He went balls deep, went back for the fraction of a second, and then pushed in as deep as he could again.

"-Fuck!" It escaped you. "Ah, shit, Childe… You think the cum is in that deep?"

"You don't want me to make sure?" He huffed out, before grinding his hips against yours. Instead of an answer, you moaned, shamefully loud as he thrusted in, rutting against you. And then one more time.

"Ugh…"

He pulled back, agonizingly slow.

"Hnng, Childe-" It was at the tip of your tongue, that plea, and still you recalled this wasn't meant to be a fuck, this was supposed to help you get the other cum out, this wasn't supposed to- "Childe, please, harder."

He groaned and his fingers dug into your sides.

His skin smacked yours as he sped up and forced his dick as deep down as he could on every thrust now.

"Is this helping?" He asked through clenched teeth, with his dick pounding into you.

"Oh- Oh- Fuck, Childe- I- Fuck-... Deeper, Childe, please gimme- oh- Fuck…!"

He was breathing heavily now, pushing into and against you wildly. Leaned forward and pushed you down into the mattress, one arm around your middle to keep your hips slightly elevated.

"Ah, ah, ah- Ah fuck, fuck fuck…" He grunted, hips smacking into yours.

You realized you'd lost then; whatever petty little mental resistance that remained after that first thrust. He was fucking you so hard and so thoroughly that you could almost feel the strain on your ass and legs already, knew it'd be a pain to sit or even walk tomorrow. And it only had you moaning more.

"Fuck, Childe… Cleaning me so good, fucking me so good, ah-" You moaned out, pushed into the mattress by his weight on your back.

"Giving you only the best I have, baby..." He brought out, spreading his legs a little further. Your own felt like jelly, being fucked apart like that

Smack smack smack.

He let out a moan, directly into your ear.

There was a lot that came over your lips, mindless blabber, mostly; sweet nothings about how good he was, how great he was fucking you, how good it felt.

"Hnng- Cum inside me, Childe-!" You were bordering on light-headedness, didn't have full control over your words anymore, being pounded into oblivion by him. Let slip what had started to fill your head over the last minutes. "Fucking- Give it to me, Childe-! Fill me up!"

"Shit you serious?" He groaned, hips pistoning into yours. "Fuck-"

"Yeah," Now that it had come out, now that you had admitted it to both him and you, it felt wrong to pretend you hadn't said it. Didn't want the chance to be properly stuffed full, by someone you liked, no less, to pass you by. Were hungering to feel him lose himself.

"Yeah, yeah- Just cream me, okay? I want you to- Oh fuck, fuck- I want- I want you- Your-"

"Shit- Ahh, shit- Fuck- Fuck-!" He buried his head by your shoulder. His hips came to a stuttering halt. "Gonna cum if you don't tell me to stop-!" He brought out, but if it had meant to sound like a warning, he was terrible at delivering it like that. Made it sound more like a promise, if all.

"Childe, please-" Your hands clenched into his pillow. "Don't you dare stop now or so-"

He fucked into you hard, bringing your sentence to a stop before you had to come up with some bullshit.

"Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck-" His voice jumped an octave as he flattened himself to you, helplessly rutting into you, and then he was groaning out long and loudly, pushed in to the hilt, and didn't pull out anymore. Rolled his hips against yours to thrust in as deep as he could. "Ohhh… Ohh, shit..."

You clenched around him, tickled another groan out of him as his dick throbbed, filling you with his sperm.

He kept grinding against you with every spurt of cum, slow, lazy rolls of his body as he rode out the last of his body's high, until he finally stilled for good.

Sighed and hugged his arms around you, pressing a kiss to your cheek.

You felt comfortably cushioned, and good, like this, with his dick deep inside, in his arms. There was a pleasant warmth between your bodies.

"Shit. Yeah, there's no way there's any of the shit of that other dude left now…" He ran a hand over the side of your thigh. Pressed another soft kiss to the shell of your ear. "You're full of my sperm, now."

You moaned at his words; at the affectionate and yet almost possessive tone.

"Can you make me cum, too?" You asked, half muffled by the pillow.

"Yeah, sure. Come on, lift your hips a little- There you go."

He refused to pull out, and so his fingers caressed your clit, pushed and prodded and circled relentlessly. Egged you on further and further, having you chase after your own orgasm - until you lost ground and came, overwhelmingly. Still impaled by his dick.

You didn't want to feel for your legs, were content just lying here for forever now. Maybe getting fucked once or twice would be nice, but even if not- This was your spot now. Your motivation to move was below zero.

Instead of making a move to have him shift off of you, you softly ground back against Childe, still deep inside you.

"Fuck this was good... Didn't know you could fuck this good."

"Didn't know you were so fuckable." He answered your unasked question and laced his fingers through yours as you extended a hand next to your face. "Sorry I made you even more sticky now…"

You huffed and shrugged. He pressed a kiss to your shoulder blade.

"This doesn't change anything between us though, right?" You asked, head turned, watching the redhead from the corner of your eyes.

"Hm? What? -No, of course not." He rolled his hips against yours once, pushing as close as possible.

"Okay, good." You laid your head back down, closed your eyes and sighed at the feeling of Childe everywhere around you.

"Can I still kiss you, though?" He asked, and you squinted your eyes at him. "Like, right now?"

It had you laughing.

"Yeah, sure. C'mere."

And he eased out of you, let you prop yourself up on an elbow, and then brought your lips together softly. And as his tongue darted out, swiftly sliding back into your mouth, you felt his cum slowly start to leak out.

-

[luna-jaden-shadow]

Fitting In

Request - part 2 of Saved you first? 😍

Fluff 

Warning - None? 

Pairing - Daryl Dixon X Teen!Fem!Reader

-><-

-><-

You’d spent the whole day being anxious, packing up what supplies and weapons you had lying around before Daryl showed up. For a moment, you find yourself looking around the little cabin that you’ve been calling home. You stand in the doorway for a moment, patting the door frame like you’re patting the shoulder of an old friend. 

You walk out of the cabin, your eyes sticking to Daryl as he breaks the tree line. Waving, you fix your backpack to sitting on your back, basically hopping off of the porch to meet him halfway. “Ready to go kid?” Daryl questions, eyeing up you and the smile on your face as your practically buzzing with excitement about going to Alexandria with Daryl.

With a nod, Daryl turns and begins to lead you back into the woods where he’d come from. “You said there’s kids there?” You bring up as you two walk, looking up at the hunter beside you. He nods, adjusting the way that his crossbow sits on his shoulder just to keep his hand busy. 

“I’ll introduce you to Carl. He’s a good kid.” He says, glancing down at you as you hop over a root sticking out of the ground. “You’ll like it.” He adds on, looking at the path ahead, following his footprints back though he’s come this way so many times he didn’t need it to find his way back. 

You grip the straps of your backpack, looking around at the trees and surrounding woods. “I believe you.” Is all you say as the two of you near the road that leads to the gates. “Who was the lady you were talking about? The one that bullies you?” 

Daryl smiles, snorting a laugh as he looks at you once again. “Carol. She’s good people.” You nod, biting your cheek as you two break the tree line and are met with the walls of Alexandria. 

You’re starstruck, staring at the tall walls that, for the moment, keep you outside. “Woah.” You gasp as Daryl brings his hand up to his lips and whistles, the large door sliding open at the noise. On instinct you’re moving a bit behind Daryl, keeping out of sight of new people.

“Took you long enough.” A voice calls out as Daryl and you pass the gate and enter the walls of Alexandria. “This her?” You peek out from behind Daryl, meeting the blue eyes of a man with a revolver strapped to his hip. “Hi, I’m Rick.” He holds his hand out to you, a smile on his face. 

You glance up at Daryl, seeing him nod and giving you the courage to step forward and takes his hand. “Y/n, but you already knew that I’m guessing.” 

Rick laughs, nodding as he pulls back from you. “Yeah, someone doesn’t stop talking about a crazy girl in the woods.”

You gasp, turning fully to Daryl with your hand over your chest. “Crazy?” You question him, watching him rub the back of his neck and look away from you. “I’m hurt.” You huff, earning a push of the shoulder by Daryl. “So are you the welcome committee or?”

Rick shakes his head, “no, I’m in charge around here, thought I’d be the first to greet you before Daryl shows you around the place.” He gestures around him, eyes scanning the area as people rush about the place. 

“Cool, it was nice meeting you Rick. Let’s go Daryl.” You pull the hunter by the sleeve away from the sheriff who just shakes his head in amusement before carrying on with his patrol. “You owe me a tour.” You turn to walk backwards, pointing at Daryl with a smile. 

It was night by the time you got settled in, after walking the whole day you end up crashing on the couch in the living room of Daryl’s group’s house. Daryl moves your backpack from under your head gently and replaces it with a pillow, placing the backpack beside the couch. Carol leans in the doorway to the room, watching him take the blanket off of the back of the couch and drape it over you. “How’s she settling in?” Daryl jumps a bit, looking up to see her standing there. 

Daryl glances down before straightening up. “Good, she met Carl, they’re gonna hangout tomorrow and do whatever the hell teens do.” He shrugs, tucking his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “She’s gonna fit right in.” A ghost of a smile pulls on his face as he looks down at you as you sleep, pulling the blanket closer to yourself.

[bigskydreaming]

Tom is already rehashing some things, like too many homages to the nineties run, Zucco's daughter plot point, Beatrice had ideas for societal reform he's taking that and giving it to Dick. It'll probably be half hearted, but it stings that Beatrice left just a few issues ago and she's already completely forgotten for the sake of DickBabs or a love triangle.

Like the thing about the nineties runs is I mean, as much flack as we give various elements of them, there’s so much from that time period that was good? Great, even! Just....myself and the writers seem to have very different opinions on what the most interesting elements of the nineties comics were, oh well.

And omgggggg I’m still so mad about Bea, and its literally Shawn Tsang all over again. The writers keep introducing new, interesting characters, investing just enough time and focus into them to have us interested in them and wanting to see more.....and then they toss them aside to go back to drawing from the same well as always.

And the thing is, this isn’t even about me not really being a Dick/Babs shipper, because honestly, I’m not enjoying the Dick/Kory stuff in what I’ve seen of Titans Academy either, and for the exact same reason:

When they create new characters like Shawn and Bea, they KNOW they’re starting from scratch and need to build interest in those characters from the ground up. So they’re forced to put their best foot forward. There’s no short cut there, if you want people to care about a brand new character you have to give them REASONS to care. You have to make those characters likable, you have to make people WANT to root for them, you have to hook them with intriguing backstories that don’t feel formulaic and new angles that don’t feel just derivative of older characters, and that’s how we got stuff like Shawn’s history as a former sidekick to a villain and now running a support group for rogues trying to turn their lives around, and Bea’s work in societal reform.

But then the second they stop having the patience to build the new characters up enough that the interest in them can actually start to reach the levels that lets older characters last and grants longevity....they just toss them aside and move on....except they never really move on, just backwards. Because the problem with so MANY superhero couples, far from just Dick and Babs or Dick and Kory, is just....how lazy it seems to make so many canon writers. They just fall back on rehashing the same old tropes and just updating popular moments that resonated with fans in the past, now just recreated with a slightly more modern twist but without ever really being anything new. 

Even with ships that I’ve never really been sold on in the past like Dick/Babs, I’ve always said, there’s usually nothing stopping me from GAINING interest in them.....its just....the writers have to GIVE ME A REASON TO. And so many of DC’s writers just aren’t even trying. They’re just moving parts around and pushing characters together in various arrangements like everyone’s just a puzzle piece that you can mix and match however you want......and then just basically expecting readers to be interested purely because of who the characters are, or because it hinges on a nice moment that they then milk the hell out of without ever expanding that into building actual STORY around these moments but rather just squeezing each one til they get everything they possibly can out of it and moving on to the next as though its all just about chasing the next soundbite...because it is! LOL.

And honestly, this problem extends far beyond just the Nightwing title or the Batfam or Taylor’s run or writing in particular.....its a company wide issue right now. In fact I would bet just about anything that its a matter of editorial edict, that even before Taylor started his run DC said okay here’s the approach we want everyone taking with their stories right now:

And that’s like.....its all about banking on nostalgia and the comfort of the familiar right now. I think Taylor is drawing all these elements straight from the 90s Nightwing comics, like Blockbuster and Dick having been a cop, etc, because these are the elements of past Nightwing stories that are so well known. Its the same reasoning behind why they put Tim back as Robin and so many of their new characters are just new spins on old faves like Punchline and Harley Quinn, and why they’re pushing all these older ships that haven’t been together in ages and why specific team lineups are reappearing....its because nostalgia is the name of the game for DC right now, and all their writers are just pulling together threads of classic stories that have stood the test of time, figuring anything that landed particularly well with fans in the past will sell with people here and now, and weaving these threads together and brushing over them with a modern social issues veneer. 

As an approach, its basically all just about repackaging previously successful story moments and elements with just enough changes or in just new enough a configuration that readers aren’t likely to complain en masse that like “hey we literally already read all this. We’ve already BOUGHT these issues. When we were kids.” Its minimizing creative risk while maximizing monetary profit. Spend as little creative capital as possible outside of anything that’s already been successful in the past and as such is a relatively proven quantity, instead of testing new material that’s an unknown and runs the risk of falling flat and thus not being profitable.

And see, I’d almost guarantee that all THAT, that whole line-wide approach to DC’s storytelling, is because the powers that be looked at the last several years of stories and how many of THEM fell flat with readers, and decided that the problem was they’d BEEN trying too much new stuff and readers just didn’t like it. Because they WERE concentrating on presenting totally new stories and building up new ideas throughout their books.....but readers have been pretty vocal for years now about being disenchanted with most of DC’s major stories. And so DC I think looked at that and came to the conclusion that okay, people just don’t want new right now, they want the familiar.

But like.....DC’s problem IMO was never that they were trying new stuff? The reason so much of their new and original storylines weren’t gaining traction or bringing in readers and kept shedding old readers had absolutely NOTHING to do with them being new and previously unseen storylines, which makes falling back on nostalgia very much a non-solution to entirely the wrong problem.

No, DC’s problem for years has been that they’ve been all about spectacle instead of story. There’s ZERO emotional pay-off to any of their biggest plot twists or character beats, and emotion is LITERALLY what people read stories for. Its all about racing to the climactic action packed finish of every storyline and then immediately resetting everyone back to square one and jumping straight into the next big story, without ever giving the events of any of their stories time or reason to MATTER to the characters.....and if they don’t matter to the characters, our proxies that we’re viewing these stories through, then why should any of it matter to us? Why should any of it linger, dig in roots, resonate with us as moments that left an impact and that we accordingly want more of?

And again, like because I’m a Dick Grayson focused blog I’ve obviously largely been focused on how much I dislike the SPECIFIC reactions or non-reactions to so many of the major beats in his stories.....but it was spread throughout their entire line.

Bruce and Selina almost got married....but why should anyone care outside of Tom King’s title when nobody else seems to, no other characters feel anything about this, and Bruce in none of his other appearances seems the same as ever without any reminder that he just almost got married but then didn’t.....and if the characters don’t ever seem to be affected by or feeling a need to revisit or reflect on recent stories, why should we bother remembering them either? 

Jason was dramatically and fucked-upily (yes its a word, I totally looked it up and everything) exiled from Gotham....and then all of that is undone in a single issue with one low-stakes awkward conversation between him and Bruce. Damian quits as Robin and goes off the map and everyone in his family is like “hey don’t we have a littler brother, I feel like we did maybe” for one panel per story arc, and that’s it. Roy’s back from the dead and everybody’s like oh hey cool instead of the kind of return we used to get like when Donna came back and everyone was like oh shit, this MATTERS, because we MISSED you....just like Dick’s death never mattered to anyone but fans of his character because much like I was just saying earlier with them not really giving me a reason TO emotionally invest in Dick and Babs’ relationship if I wasn’t already, same thing with the aftermath of Forever Evil. They didn’t give anyone else reason to emotionally invest in that as something that HAPPENED to Dick and that he was AFFECTED by....because the writers didn’t bother writing him as all that affected by it and it was just like oh he’s a spy now, all that was last year’s content, we’ve moved on, keep up.

And on and on it goes. Ric Grayson was the same problem all over again. Rinse and repeat down the line with everyone from Wally to Donna and etc etc etc.

THAT’S why DC’s stories have been falling flat. It has nothing to do with people not being interested in new ideas, characters or directions, its that’s ALL they were giving us, but it was like just reading wiki summaries of events just alongside pretty art, but no real emotional weight or substance to anything we were reading....and thus, literally nothing that we couldn’t get much the same outcome from if we just...stuck to reading wiki summaries after the stories were over, with no real need to follow along with them. For years most fans have basically just been about keeping up to date with changes in the characters’ lives, but without feeling any real need to watch those changes unfold and play out.

And so honestly I worry we’re just gonna be subjected to a company wide rehashing of old and familiar storylines, directions and character beats, but repackaged and delivered in the exact same way DC was delivering us their new stories and ideas these past years....and its basically going to have the same results, because its the same problem. They didn’t actually fix anything by switching gears, they just shuffled around the actual issue.

And DC’s just gonna be like well now wtf are we doing wrong, we were so sure this would work, everyone LOVES nostalgia right? Did we pick the wrong stories and character beats to bring back?

When really its like......it honestly doesn’t matter WHICH stories and beats they rehash, because its not about them picking the ‘right ones,’ the real keepers, the stories that everyone really WAS eager to see brought back or made new again.....

Its about like, the only reason any of those stories or beats or dynamics stood the test of time and are still familiar and well-known....is because the stories AROUND those moments and ideas gave us reason to emotionally invest in them and retain them as crucial to our view of the characters and things that would resonate and stay with us for a long time.

It was never that any of those ideas or stories were just so innately brilliant that they couldn’t help BUT linger in the overall reader consciousness...it was the fact that we CARED about what happened in those moments and stories.

*Shrugs* But I mean hey, what do I know? I’m just a dude on the internet lolol. 

[joonie-beanie]

Bath Time

Pairing: Diavolo x Reader

Word Count: 3,970

Preview: During another one of Diavolo's "weekend retreats" at his castle, you manage to wander into a bathing area where you find the Prince...naked.

He invites you to join him.

What could possibly go wrong?

** Please note that this is a cross-posting **

This chapter was originally posted on 3/8/20 as a part of my “Devil Doms” series on AO3.

Lucifer explicitly tells you to not wander around in Diavolo’s castle at night.

But, with a gaggle of boys currently in your room arguing with one another about pointless things, you can’t help it.

The Prince of the Devildom has decided to hold another retreat—basically a weekend long sleep over—for all of his court and exchange students to enjoy. Which means, another weekend of everyone shoved into close quarters, making horrible decisions, and causing trouble.

You, for one, want to avoid being chased by Henry in the dungeons beneath the castle again. So, when Mammon starts plotting to go see what he can steal, and Beel is ready to go and raid the kitchen, you decide that maybe it’d be better to…get away.

Apparently lucky, for once, you manage to sneak out of your room unnoticed. You leave the arguing behind you, and cautiously begin to pad your way around the seemingly endless castle. The halls span long—ceilings high—with every turn branching off into a new path.

After walking and walking and walking (your feet are actually starting to get a little sore), you finally find yourself standing in front of a marbled archway. Through the archway, you can see a split path—one leading left, and one right. In the distance, you hear the quiet splashing of water, and your nose picks up on a sweet, hypnotic scent.

“Mmm~,” you hum, and step forward—tempted to find the source. However, logic makes you pause, and your feet root to the ground once more.

You have no idea what exactly is beyond this archway, or who. Should you really be venturing into unknown places alone?

However…

You bite your lip, temptation getting the best of you.

You’re not in the dungeons, and you doubt Diavolo keeps any pet monsters up here, so…what could go wrong?

Forgetting that Lucifer may actually maim you in the near future for your actions, you walk through the doorway. But…now you’re plagued with choosing a path.

You turn your head left, and again, you’re overcome with that sweet, addicting scent, and the quiet sound of water. To the right…you can smell the same scent, mingled with what you can only guess are other herbs and aromatic items.

Well, shit.

Taken in by the aroma to the left of the junction, you find yourself stepping in that direction.

You move slowly, cautiously—being careful of your footsteps and the tapping of your feet against the wooden floor boards.

Finally, when you reach the end of the short hall, there’s another doorway. Your fingers clutching the open frame, you peek your head out, eyes curiously scanning the open room before you.

The sweet smell is stronger than before, a contented shiver rolling down your spine as you breathe it in. The aroma is heavy in the hair, wafted up by the steam rising from the large tub in the middle of the room.

Or—less of a tub, and more of a replication of a traditional Japanese onsen. Beyond the stone lined bath is a miniature bamboo garden, and all around the room you spot wooden lanterns—producing just enough warm light to keep the room’s features illuminated.

“Wow…,” you breathe, enchanted by the area before you.

However, as you speak, there’s the sound of splashing water. Your eyes immediately flit to the bath—clashing with gold. Your heart nearly stops.

“Y/N?” the Demon Prince himself asks in surprise. There’s a wooden bowl held in his grasp, fresh droplets of water rolling down his handsome face. You follow the water's path down his neck, and across his muscled chest, before it disappears back into the tub.

His tan skin is marked by curved black lines—gold tipped wings and horns sprouting from his back and head. It’s clear from what you can see that Diavolo is completely naked. Luckily, the milky water keeps you from seeing…too much.

…man, your cheeks feel hot already.

“What are you doing here?” he speaks up, his tone friendly, but genuine question is reflected in his gaze.

“I…,” you straighten up a bit, stepping out from where you’d been peeping. “The boys were arguing again, so, I kind of…started wandering around, and ended up here?”

Diavolo smiles at the embarrassed blush on your face, your hands knit together in front of you nervously. Honestly, he’s not mad in the slightest. Sure, it was a bit shocking to look up and see you standing there, but he’s glad to see that you feel comfortable enough in his home to walk about freely.

“I’m…so sorry,” you begin to say, foot moving backwards. Your heart is racing in your chest, an uncomfortable and unexplainable knot in your throat as you stare at the Demon Prince. You’ve seen him in his demon form a handful of times—taken in the sight of his flawlessly toned body—but for some reason, today, it’s really doing a number on you.

“I-I’ll leave you to bathe. I didn’t intend to interrupt—”

“No, no! Please—join!” Diavolo smiles heartily, opening his arms to you. “This is quite possibly one of the nicest bathing areas in all of Devildom! I’d be overjoyed to share it with one of our precious human exchange students!”

Lips parted, you stare at him, wondering if he realizes exactly what he’s just invited you to do. Aka – get naked and join him.

“Lord Diavolo, the offer is very kind of you, but—”

“I really insist! Here--!” he cuts in, suddenly pressing to his feet. You squeak in surprise, immediately turning your gaze away from him, and the demon pauses. He glances down at himself, realizing his state of undress, and laughs.

“Sorry, sorry! Let me just—,” he begins wading through the water to the side of the bath, and fetches a towel. He fastens it tight around himself, and then turns to face you once more. Face still red, you take a peek over at him, your eyes immediately falling to the pronounced V of his hips. The towel is barely large enough to cover…him…from the looks of it, but you appreciate his quick thinking. There’s already a strange, warm feeling settling throughout your torso, and you have a sneaking suspicion that seeing the Demon Prince in all his glory may have made your heart actually explode.

“I suppose I’m not used to having company in spaces like this,” he laughs a little sheepishly. Diavolo wades through the water towards you, his golden eyes still pleasantly locked with your own, and you nearly bite your lip—entirely too tempted to let your gaze roam his sculpted body.

“Actually, I’ve been bathing long enough already—why don’t you use the tub alone?”

“Lord Diavolo, I really appreciate the offer, b-but—,” your voice hitches as he finally climbs out from the steaming waters, now just a few feet shy of you.

“I would like for you to enjoy your time here in my home,” he speaks, voice tender. His feet pad against the wooden floor boards as he approaches you, and each audible step has your heartbeat drumming loudly in your ears.

Honestly, what has gotten into you???

Finally standing within a mere foot of each other, the Demon Prince reaches out and takes your hand. He brings it to his lips, pointedly looking into your eyes—his lips curving into a handsome smile against your skin.

“Please, it would make me very happy.”

“I…okay,” you finally agree, voice soft. Satisfied, the demon pulls back, releasing you. Your hand falls to your side—skin tingling where his lips had touched.

“Good! I’ll bring you a fresh towel once I’ve finished fixing myself up,” he says, his face radiant. You nod in acknowledgement of his words, and Diavolo dips his head, turning and heading towards the wall on the right side of the room. You watch him in confusion, because it’s not like there’s a door in that direction, but apparently this castle is full of many surprises.

Raising his hand, Diavolo raps his knuckles on the wood twice, and a door-sized panel pops open. Your eyes widen and the Demon Prince winks at you, chuckling, before disappearing. The panel clicks closed behind him, and suddenly you’re alone.

Your eyes shift back over to the steaming bath, and you hold a hand to your chest.

You really could use a space to unwind for a little bit…and whatever is in the water does smell tantalizing.

Taking a deep breath, you reach down and tug at the hem of your shirt. Within the span of a minute, you manage to rid yourself of your casual clothing—the outfit neatly folded on a stool off to the side of the tub.

A little self-conscious, you hold your arms to your chest, lip caught between your teeth in anticipation as you sink your toes into the steaming water. Almost immediately, warmth spreads through your limb—climbing up your leg, and making goosebumps rise.

You sigh blissfully, wondering if onsen always feel this good.

Without any ounce of hesitation—all of your worries melting away the moment the water hits your skin—you’re quick to sink yourself into the bath. The sweet aromatics of the water flood your senses, and your eyes flutter shut as you recline against the rim of the tub.

The warmth that had spread up your leg is quick to flood into the rest of your body—and you assume it’s because your muscles are relaxing. However…the warmth slowly begins to overwhelm you—licking at the inside of your stomach. You feel your nipples harden, and your pussy clench around nothing, and you quietly moan.

Brows furrowed, you lower a hand between your legs—two fingers curiously pushing at your clit, and the hungry groan that rips from your throat surprises even you.

In the back of your head, you know that you should stop. This is inappropriate—to be touching yourself while inside the walls of Diavolo’s castle—especially considering he’s likely still nearby, but…you seriously can’t stop.

A whimper tugs at your vocal cords, thighs rubbing together as the pads of your fingers grind circles against your clit. Your head rolls forward, tiny, wanton breaths fanning into the steamy air in front of you.

“W-why…?” you whine, pleasure growing in your gut. Your brain is flooded with a hunger—a need for a hand on your skin, a pair of lips on your own, and a cock between your aching walls.

This is wrong--! You think to yourself, embarrassed at your own actions, but your body doesn’t reflect the feeling. The sweet aroma of the bath assaults your senses once more, and you choke on a quiet cry, forcing your hand to still. Your fingers shake—resisting the urge to keep going.

Biting your lip, you brace yourself against the edge of the tub, and attempt to press to your feet. Your thighs quiver. You feel weak—each nerve ending on fire as a throbbing desire battles with your inner morals.

“Fuck…,” you sob weakly, knees shaking.

However, before your body gives out beneath you, and you plunge into warm water, you hear a door open behind you.

“Y/N!” Diavolo calls. The Demon Prince dashes to the edge of the tub, his strong arms reaching out to grab you as your body finally collapses. Normally you’d express your thanks, but when your mouth opens—it’s a moan that comes out. The feeling of his skin against yours is nothing short of a taste of heaven.

“I’m so sorry,” he speaks, meeting your gaze. Regret is painted on his face. “I didn’t realize that the ingredients in the bath would have an effect on humans until Barbatos explained it to me.”

Eyes half lidded; you manage to look past Diavolo to see Barbatos standing there—brows furrowed. 

“My Lord…,” he speaks.

“How do we fix this?” Diavolo asks hurriedly, one of his hands lifting to gently brush the hair out of your eyes. You’re acutely aware of every inch of skin the two of you are currently sharing. His contact provides relief, yet increases your yearning at the same time.

“Well…the effects of the bath should wear off in a few hours, naturally…”

“We can’t keep her like this for so long,” Diavolo shoots back, watching the quickening rise and fall of your chest. You’re flushed all over.

“The other option would be to provide relief,” Barbatos continues, professional as ever. There’s a brief silence, then the Demon Prince speaks again.

“Leave us.”

“Yes, my lord.”

You watch as Barbatos bows and then disappears back through the hidden door. Once the wooden panel has clicked closed, Diavolo carries you to the side of the tub. He seats himself in the warm water, cradling you in his lap—and you feel like a baby in comparison to his large stature.

“Y/N…I’m so very sorry. I hoped you would be able to relax, but it seems I’ve gotten you into an even more stressful situation,” he says, laughing bittersweetly.

“Wh…what’s g-going on?” you ask with effort, desperately trying to fight your body’s urges. Because currently—your brain is screaming at you to ride his dick like you’ve never ridden a man before.

Diavolo sighs. “Apparently the ingredients in the bath are an aphrodisiac to humans. It may explain why you were drawn here in the first place, but…”

He looks you in the eyes once more, and you can see his regret, and hesitation. Despite feeling like you’re drowning in your own arousal, you’re still smart enough to realize what Barbatos had meant by “provide relief” as the cure to your current affliction.

Diavolo feels responsible and wants to help, but he’s also the lord of this realm, and you’re his precious exchange student. He doesn’t want to cross lines.

“Touch me,” you beg, your hand reaching up to cup his cheek. His eyes widen.

“There will be no hard feelings, I promise. I’m not mad. I don’t blame you. I just need you to touch me. Please.”

You talk quickly, finding the strength to sit up. You straddle him without hesitation, thumbs brushing against his cheeks as your eyes fall to his lips. The Demon Prince can see the desperation in your gaze—feel it in your every move—and his hands naturally lift to grip your waist.

“Y/N…I…”

His golden eyes drop to your pink lips, and your fingers shake against his skin. You need this now, more than ever.

“Please,” you beg, surging forward—your breasts squishing against his chest. Your hips unintentionally roll against his own, and you feel his semi-hard length against your thigh.

“I need you, My Lord,” you breathe the words against him—voice wanton, and tempting--and in the next moment, he’s stealing your breath away. His arms wrap tightly around you, his lips devouring your own as he lifts you into a heated kiss.

“Mmm~,” you moan into him, unconsciously grinding into his lap. In your right mind, you’d never be so bold—but at the moment your body is acting on its own accord. Your tongue sneaks into the Demon Prince’s mouth, and he’s quick to turn the tables—swallowing your lewd sounds. He holds your torsos flush together, and your chin is angled high in order to kiss him.

You thought that Beel was a giant, but he’s got nothing on Diavolo. You’ve never felt so small before—and the realization is a huge turn on.

Breaking the kiss, you grip his biceps and grind rougher—more desperately—against his growing bulge. The Demon Prince makes a strangled noise, half way between a moan and a curse, and you can’t help but smile with pride. Leaning in, you pepper kisses against the flesh of his chest—tongue licking against the taut planes of skin as you taste him. Above you, Diavolo chuckles, and suddenly you feel his grip around you loosening.

Immediately a whine rips from your throat—the intense desire for contact flaring within your gut as his touch leaves you—but it’s not gone for long.

His hands find your waist, and he picks you up with no effort, turning you so you’re sat with your back against his chest, and with his cock pressing incessantly between your legs.

“Diavolo,” you pout, forgetting to add “Lord”, but the demon doesn’t seem to mind.

“Shhh~ I’m supposed to be the one touching you, remember?”

His hands glide from your waist to your breasts—his palms cupping the soft mounds and giving them a firm squeeze. Immediately you’re biting your lip—little mewls of pleasure rising in your chest as he bids your chest some attention. His fingers pinch at your nipples—rolling and tugging at the sensitive buds, and you can’t help but jump at the sensation—a needy cry tumbling past your lips.

“P-Please, more,” you manage to beg, and Diavolo easily concedes. He leans forward, pressing open-mouth kisses against the skin of your neck and shoulder—the occasional lap of tongue, or nipping of teeth making you moan.

You wonder if he’s being gentle due to his sense of guilt or responsibility, but can’t bring yourself to ask him to be rougher with you. Mostly because you’re so fucking horny still that you’re bordering on incoherency.

For what seems like forever (but in reality, is only a few minutes), Diavolo indulges in fondling your breasts whilst painting an array of hickies across your neck and shoulders. It’s not until you begin grinding down against his cock again that he seems to remember what it is you really need.

Sliding one of his hands down the front of your torso, his fingers slip between your folds and locate your clit. Almost instantly you gasp—shuddering against him—and he chuckles quietly. If he were anyone else, you’d likely have turned and smacked him because how dare he laugh at your horny suffering like this?—but he’s literally a prince, so you restrain yourself.

“I guess that feels good, hmm?” he breathes against your ear. You nod, desperately gripping at his forearm as his fingers begin to work circles against your clit.

Humming happily, Diavolo lifts his free hand to turn your chin (your tight grip on his arm clearly no type of deterrent to him), and he kisses you once more. You moan into his mouth, your hips instinctively beginning to grind against his fingers.

Finally, you’re starting to near your orgasm. You can feel the pleasure building inside of you—white hot like the sun. However—

“A-Aren’t you going to put your dick in me?” you ask shamelessly, breaking the kiss to do so. Diavolo stares at you seriously.

“I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Mmm~ That just makes me want it even mo—”

He cuts off your words with a forceful kiss—his tongue pressing into your mouth—and you immediately forget whatever you were going to say.

As Diavolo’s fingers work deftly at your clit, he continues to swallow your desperate moans and whines with his lips. His cock throbs against your pussy—your hips grinding oh-so-deliciously against him, but he makes no move to relieve himself.

Instead, he rubs at you until you’re bucking in his hold—orgasm lurking just beneath the surface. His other hand is on your neck with his fingers splayed up against your jaw—keeping your head angled so he can continue stealing kisses from you, even as you come undone beneath him.

 Your fingers dig into his arm as your hips twitch—his fingers dutifully continuing to rub at your clit as your orgasm finally washes over you. Almost instantly, you feel the fog of horny desperation begin to dissipate from your mind, and you sigh with relief—your body slackening against the Demon Prince.

“Lord Diavolo,” you breathe against his lips when you finally find your voice. Your clit pulses beneath his fingers with aftershocks, and two half-lidded golden eyes stare back at you when you peel your eyes open.

As the two of you stay seated in the warm water of the tub, you feel an all too familiar heat begin to creep up your toes once more.

“Get me the hell out of this tub unless you want to go for round two.”

That gets the demon chuckling, and he is quick to maneuver you into his arms.

Held princess-style, he lifts you from the water and carries you across the room. Your clothes left behind, he clicks open the hidden panel with his knee and carries you through the doorway. On the other side of the wall is a sizable room lined with towels, robes, candles and what you can only guess are herbs and other aromatics for the bath.

Diavolo carries you to the rear of the room where the robes and towels are, and then gingerly sets you atop the table nearby. As soon as his grip leaves you, however—the Prince turning to fetch you a towel from the nearby shelf—you reach out and gingerly grab his wrist.

Blinking, Diavolo allows you to pull him back to you. You, sat in front of him in all your glory—fresh love bites scattered across your skin from shoulder to shoulder. Pink has risen shyly onto your cheeks, and when you glance up at him, your bottom lip is caught between your teeth.

“Thank you for being kind enough to take care of me, Lord Diavolo,” you start off saying, and he flashes you a small smile. “I really appreciate it.”

“Of course, Y/N. It would have been wrong of me to just leave you in such a state. I only hope I didn’t hurt you, or do anything you disliked.”

At that, he frowns a little, and you’re quick to shake your head—both of your hands moving to grip his own reassuringly.

“I…no, I wouldn’t worry about that, if I were you,” you say, your face getting hotter by the second, and you hear Diavolo laugh. He leans in to kiss the top of your head, and then steps away—turning his back to you as he does so.

For a brief moment, you wonder why he’s purposefully showing his back to you, when all of the sudden you remember.

“You know, I wouldn’t mind helping you out in return Lord Diavolo,” you say, your boldness surprising even yourself.

Maybe it’s the fact that you’re aware he’d gotten hard while touching you that makes you feel a bit braver.

“It’s only fair—and I doubt you would hurt—”

As you speak, Diavolo finally turns to face you, and your eyes immediately fall to his cock. It’s thick, and veined, and big—nearly reaching his navel as it stands curved against his lower abdomen.

“…me…”

Your mouth goes dry, because god he’s a monster, and Diavolo has the audacity to laugh at you.

“The others are likely wondering where you are,” he speaks, acting as if he isn’t standing there with the king of all cocks attached to his already god-like body. “I would recommend drying off and going back to them.”

He throws a towel over your head, and then leans down—his hands gripping the table on either side of you as his hair brushes against your cheek. You can feel his lips against your ear, and you shiver as he speaks—his voice a whisper.

“And for the record, I have no qualms with properly making love to you, Y/N. We simply do not have the time or needed items to…prepare, and I will not have my precious human injured.”

With that, he presses a kiss to your cheek, and retreats whilst shrugging a robe over his shoulders.

Despite not being in the tub, you’re feeling hot all over again. 

[last-operator-standing]

Toll Of The Bell

Chapter 3 - Sonder

> Read on Ao3

> Chapter 1 (tumblr)

> Chapter 2 (tumblr)

> Chapter 4 (tumblr)

Summary: What now? He could roll over and accept the fate thrust upon him and die as Adler intended. Starting a new life away from it all couldn’t be that bad either. Or…

Or he could finish the mission.

Rating: Mature

Warnings: No Warning apply this chapter

Words: 1.8k (7.3k total)

A/N: I'm sorry this one took so long asjdfjf I'm awful at keeping any sort of regular schedule- but i'm going to be trying much harder to keep the chapters flowing :') I'd love to hear any thoughts, and thank you all for the support <3 (p.s. Adler will be here v soon- Promise uwu)

"Please stop staring at me."

Bell has no intention of doing so. He's been staring down Lazar from the moment the man stumbled into the kitchen to join him at the table. The sunlight is harsh despite the closed curtains and the coffee fails to stimulate either agent's mind. This certainly isn't Lazar's ideal morning. The silence stretches on, but the uncomfortable feeling of Bell's eyes on him has him sighing loudly.

"Damn, Bell, alright." Lazar gives in. The chair scrapes loudly against the tile floor as he pushes back to stand, disappearing for a moment and returning with a bag. It piques Bell's curiosity; he was too tired to notice it last night.

A folder slaps loudly against the table and slides a few centimeters towards Bell. The Russian, unable to contain himself, surges forward to snatch it. "You're right about your buddy. Definitely a smuggler of sorts."

Bell flips the folder open and begins rooting through the contents. A picture of Kapano Vang is clipped on the inside. The first page has basic information. Name, call sign, date and place of birth. Bell's more interested in the finer details: A few suspected routes, potential cartel members, a list of what they believe is being smuggled. There's a few recurring words that catch his eye. Golden Triangle Cartel is scribbled at the bottom and underlined twice. Beside it, drawn in bold red ink and circled multiple times, Bell reads PERSEUS?

"What did you see yesterday, in those memories of yours?"

Bell gives a small shake of his head. "It was a bar, I think. He was there." He taps the portrait with a finger. "And someone else who knew us but.. I couldn't remember his face," The Russian gives a disappointed click of his tongue. "Or his name."

Lazar tries to offer a reassuring smile. "Hey, don't sweat it. It'll come back to you."

Bell wishes he could share in Lazar's positivity. He really does. But he can't be sure what brought the memories to him in the first place, or why they were so fragmented. After spending much of the night agonizing over any additional detail he might remember about Perseus or Kapano Vang or anyone else he had seen at that bar and coming up short, Bell's hope started to slip. In the end he could only point fingers at Adler and his MK-Ultra project. "So what's next?"

Lazar doesn't answer right away. He looks thoughtful. Even with their revelation on Kapano Vang and his cartel, they are nowhere closer to finding Perseus than they were before. They are back to square one.

"Well, I could try cross-referencing with MI6 again-" he means Park, Bell thinks with a snort "-and see if they have anything new."

Lazar's looking at him intently and Bell realizes he's waiting for a response. "Oh, uh. Yeah." Bell shifts awkwardly in his seat. "Whatever you say."

A week later, the two man team have no progress to show for their efforts. In that time, Bell's gone over the files at least a dozen and a half times and nothing's changed, nor have any new memories resurfaced. Lazar's cross-referencing has yet to unearth anything new either, telling Bell MI6 is just in the dark as they are.

"This isn't working, Laz." Bell slams the paper back against the kitchen table. His irritation is reflected in the other man's face but Lazar does a better job at hiding it. "We just have to keep looking," Lazar sighs. "We have the answer here somewhere."

Bell clicks his tongue in disapproval. "I've been over these files again and again. There's nothing here. We're not going to find Perseus on some piece of paper-" An idea strikes Bell. Something he never considered before now.

"Bell?" Lazar frowns. "You alright?"

"What if we look for that bar?" Excitement shines in Bell's eyes. Lazar's startled by his suggestion.

"I don't know-"

"C'mon, Laz, think about it. There was more than one Perseus agent there, in my memory." A plan was beginning to hatch in Bell's mind. From the way he's looking at him, Lazar doesn't like where he's going with it. "If we find that bar, maybe we can find one of those agents. Maybe even match some of these faces." He looks down at the file of unconfirmed but suspected Perseus soldiers.

"I don't know about this," Lazar repeats slowly, uncertainly. "If someone recognizes us it could cause some trouble. Especially if they recognize you. You helped stop Perseus the first time. No doubt his people are painfully aware of that."

Bell doesn't want to hear it, though. "It's just a risk we'll have to take," he argues. "I'm a spy, Laz. I know how to keep my head down."

After a bit of back and forth it's settled. First, they'll compile a list of bars in areas known or suspected to be frequented by Perseus. Then, while in constant contact, as Lazar insists, Bell will make his way through each alone and hope nobody recognizes him while he searches for the bar from his memory.

It takes two days to assemble a full list and another day and a half to narrow it down and map a route.

"I'm still not happy about this," Lazar grunts as he drops a duffel bag onto the table. Bell eagerly snatches it and begins shuffling inside. "You worry too much, old man."

The first thing Bell pulls from the bag is a change of clothes. They both agreed he needs something casual. And clean. It would make blending in with the crowd much easier. Too excited about the upcoming mission has Bell stripping where he stands. No time for modesty.

"C'mon, Bell, in the kitchen?" Lazar turns with a light pink tinting his face. Bell grins wide but doesn’t reply. The new outfit fits comfortably. He returns to the bag and roots around for his next prize. There’s a knife with a sheath and a small handgun waiting at the bottom. The knife is removed first. Bell carefully slides it free of its sheath. The blade is unusually slim and dark in color, and sports a dangerously sharp tip with partial serration of both sides near the hilt. Bell’s entirely absorbed in admiring the blade, so much so that he misses Lazar’s amused look until he speaks up.

“I thought you’d like that one.”

Bell returns the smile. “Oh, hell yeah. It reminds me of the one I had in-”

“Hey, Sims! You know reading that shit’s gonna make you go blind.”

“Yep! That’s why I want it alll up here.” Sims shot Adler a lazy grin. The commander slapped the book back against Sims’ chest.

“Bell, you’re with Sims. You usually bring out the best in each other.”

“RPGS! BRACE! BRACE!”

Bell watched in horror as a rocket collided with the chopper beside theirs. It careened dangerously before smashing into theirs, sending their own bird into a death spiral.

Everything was in chaos.

“Grab my hand! I gotcha! I got-!”

“We’ve lost power-!”

“We’re going down-!”

“BRACE!”

Bell blinks hard and his smile falls. There’s a knowing look on Lazar’s face and neither agent speaks a word about it. “C’mon,” Lazar gives a pat to Bell’s shoulder. “Showtime.”

The pair ride in silence. Lazar’s behind the wheel, giving Bell some time to think. He tries to keep the mission center focus, but the memories of Vietnam are overwhelming, fresh in his mind as if they just happened. And they’re not even real. I was never in Vietnam.

The car rolls to a stop and breaks Bell from his thoughts. “Alright, remember, coms on at all times.” Bell rolls his eyes and pops the door, deftly sliding from his seat. “I mean it, Bell!” But he slams the door without reply, turning towards the street. The small earpiece is already safely pressed into his ear and hidden behind his hair.

The checkered brick sidewalks stretch wide on either side of the street. There’s a decent amount of people strolling to and fro, some carrying briefcases and dressed in neatly pressed suits, others in casual attire with seemingly no important place to be. Lazar pulls off, leaving Bell to head for the first destination on his list.

The first thing Bell notices as he pushes into the first bar is the pungent mingling of smoke, alcohol, and sweat in the air. The floor beneath his boots is a glossy hardwood and matches the light oaken walls. The occupants chatter noisily, and although the sound is familiar, the atmosphere is not. This is not the right place. Keeping his appearance as casual as possible, Bell slips through the crowd and retreats out the back door. He glances around to confirm he’s alone before mumbling his findings to Lazar.

One down, seven more to go.

The second bar Bell stumbles into is smaller. There are less individuals milling around and the golden walls are all wrong from the dark cedar panels from his memory. The third bar is even less promising, while the fourth and fifth are so far from Bell’s memory that he’s positive he’s working backwards now.

Bell rejoins the thinning herd on the streets with a dejected sigh. This wasn’t working out. There’s two more bars to check and already it was getting dark. He’d hope for something; A clue, a new memory, a familiar face. Lazar keeps up with words of encouragement but Bell doesn’t have the capacity to share the optimism.

The sixth bar Bell checks holds a notable hushed atmosphere. Right away he’s stricken by the dark atmosphere. It felt.. Tense. Insidious. It doesn’t feel right, but for an entirely different reason. While most of the denizens ignore Bell, a few side-eye him dangerously. He steps to the counter and orders a drink, primarily to alleviate any suspicions from both inside and out.

Bell can’t shake the feeling of eyes boring into his back. It’s somehow different from when he first walked in and was certainly making him more uncomfortable. He shifts in his seat and tries his best to nonchalantly turn and find who the hell was staring at him so hard, but when he looks, he finds nothing out of the ordinary.

The feeling of unease doesn’t leave. He grows antsy and finally after paying with money given to him by Lazar, Bell downs the last of his drink and turns back into the streets. This is certainly not going the way Bell had hoped. The seventh bar is quite the walk from the sixth, allowing him some time to breathe and collect his thoughts.

The feeling of unease melts from Bell’s shoulders the longer he walks. Lazar’s quiet so he turns his attention outward and listens curiously to the broken chatter of the dwindling civilians.

“-think he talks about anything else?”

“Well, it’s not like-”

“Timur?”

“That’s not.. Point.. Why else-”

“Timur!”

“I just think you should consider-”

A hand lands heavily on Bell’s shoulder, stopping him in his tracks. He turns in surprise.

“Timur!” A man stands before Bell with a lazy smirk and a gleam to his eyes- as if he recognizes him. His dark hair is cropped close to his head and a pair of lightly tinted shades adorns his face. The accent is certainly not Russian, and it throws Bell off guard. “Hey! Remember me?”

[concerningwolves]

Hej, I actually have three questions: How do you handle plotbunnies? I currently have 14 - more or less fleshed out. But they are mere notes. Secondly: I'm in a bind with some of my pieces. The introduction is more or less there and I have a cornerstone (an important scene) but I don't know how to get there. Thirdly: Is there a tag or so for beat readers and how much research is good? I can sink week into research a single detail. Thanks.

(A note before I begin: as of 02.04.21, asks like this violate my ask guidelines. This isn’t a personal scolding, @quamatoc, but I just want to make you and readers aware that I won’t take multiple unrelated topics in a single ask anymore. More on this AG update here.)

Handling Plot Bunnies

Honestly, the most helpful thing I've learned is that it's okay to just... let your plot bunnies be. Leave them grazing on your metaphorical mental lawn. You don't have to do something with them straight away – in fact, managing which projects you work on and when, instead of chasing down every plot bunny you see, is an important skill to learn.

I like to keep an Evernote notebook for each plot bunny, so I can update it whenever I get a new idea but don't feel like I'm abandoning the ideas or like I have to work on them Right Now. You could keep a physical notebook, a file, a digital folder full of word documents – it doesn’t matter what you use, so long as it’s something you can access easily and keep relatively organised. Sometimes fresh inspiration will strike and I'll realise that an apparently unrelated plot bunny is actually really useful for a current project, or I'll get struck with a full plot for a previously fragmented idea. Either way, it’s been really liberating to realise that I can just keep plot bunnies safe somewhere for later on.

Getting from Point A to Point B (Building the Plot)

► PLOT STRUCTURES & GENERAL NOTES

To get from place to place in a story, you need to think about what makes it tick. You don’t need to write scenes in order, though! For me, figuring out a plot is really just me asking myself a very, very long series of questions. If I know what the Big Scene is, I’ll work backwards, asking myself things and seeing how the answers could get me from point A to B.

You don’t have to figure out a plot freehand, either. If you’re struggling, you might find it useful to use a pre-made plot structure outline such as the. There are loads available online. Print out several different ones and see which fits best, put your important scene where you think it goes and work backwards, write all over them, use a giant whiteboard, write on the wall – if it helps, use it. Here’s a blog article on different types of plot structure.

I also think it's important to actually write. It's so easy to get caught up in plotting that you don't put your thoughts to paper. Make sure you don’t fall into that trap! I'm a plantser, meaning I like to do a mixture of pre-plotting and flying through drafts by the seat of my pants. Even if you’re a rigid planner, be sure to see how your ideas look in action by drafting out scenes.

► “WHAT IF?” QUESTIONS

“What if character A and B discover a secret? What if they have different opinions on what to do about the secret? What if this becomes a friends to enemies to friends to lovers plot?? – wait, no, what if they’re already enemies and this secret forces them to work together? What if—”

Brainstorm  "what if...?" questions and explore various options. You don’t have to make any final decisions – that’s the beauty of drafting! The point is to put together subplots and main plots, and see which one works best in getting you to where you want to go.

► GOALS, WANTS & AMBITIONS

A character’s ambitions, wants and goals are very important to a story. They help hook the audience in by giving them something to root for. Knowing what a character wants and what lengths they would go to to get it is crucial to driving a plot forwards, especially if your story is character-driven.

What does a character want? → A character can have multiple desires, but it’s helpful to pick one key thing that undercuts most of their actions. Maybe they want to find out who killed their mother, or escape from somewhere. Perhaps they want to steal a pretty gem. Maybe they want to be king, or they want to escape from their responsibilities as a ruler.

What steps is a character willing to take? → Some characters are willing to do anything to achieve their goals. Maybe they commit a crime, end up in prison, get nudged towards more heinous actions, and find themself in a situation they never would have expected. Other characters are more cautious, but get pushed to breaking point – and then make a Bad Decision that bring about a major plot point. The steps a character makes are what puts them on the path of your plot.

Could anything change a character’s desires, or influence them to take different/more drastic measures? If so, what, and how would this change plot events? → Let’s say that your cornerstone scene is when character A steals from character B, but A starts the story unfailingly loyal to B and only wants to protect them. In order to get to that cornerstone, you’d need to work out what could happen to change A’s priorities. Change is invaluable in getting from plot point to plot point. If something happens that changes what a character wants – i.e., a betrayal, a sudden exile, or a change in fortunes – it can push them down paths they wouldn’t have otherwise considered.

► CONFLICT & OBSTACLES

Just as characters need to want something; plots need conflict and obstacles to make them interesting.

What could go wrong? How would the character(s) try to solve the problem? → “How can I create problems?” is probably the most valuable question an author can ask when building the plot; asking yourself how the characters try and solve said problem just pushes it even further, like this:

Does the attempted solution work? Whether it succeeds or fails, does it have any unexpected consequences? → Say that your Important Scene takes place in a different location to where your characters start out. So, the thing that goes wrong means your characters need to flee (the solution), and it works! They’ve escaped! Only now, they don’t have anywhere safe to go, and so they end up going into the place where Important Scene happens. Or maybe they don’t escape, and their attempt means that they’re transported to a more secure location, which in turn gives them an opportunity to get to Important Scene Location.

Do A’s goals conflict with another character’s goals? What would the other character do to protect their own interests? → If your cornerstone scene involves a clash of two armies, you need to think about what could ramp up the tension between the two sides, and conflicting interests is a great way to do this. Maybe your protagonist is trying to save the world from impending doom, but the queen of a neighbouring land is blinded by hunger for more land and riches. Or, the protagonist is a queen-in-exile trying to wrestle the throne back from the tyrannical relative who usurped her. Think about how each characters’ moves against the other could drive the plot.

The key is to think of it as building a structure out of bricks or slabs. You have your cornerstone – great! – now you need to work out what parts go where.

Research and Beta Readers

Research is something I wholeheartedly and unironically love. I will actually give myself research days a treat for reaching certain writing goals! So, naturally, I'm going to say that there's no limit on how much research one should do to create a story. That said, there is one caution to keep in mind: research is good, so long as you don't let it stop you from actually writing OR let it turn your writing into something akin to an instruction manual. In early drafts, try replacing any specific information you need with a code such as [ELEPHANT] or [KX] – basically, something you can find easily with the search function later on when you’ve researched it.

To find beta-readers, I recommend using the writeblr tag. It's where the bulk of the community puts their stuff. Make a post like "call for beta readers" with information about your project and use the buzzword tags like "writeblr" "writers on tumblr" "writers of tumblr" "beta readers" and whatever genre is applicable. Avoid external links in the post, otherwise it won't show up in the tags.

[ASK GUIDELINES | KO-FI]

[suspiciouslypinkrosegarden]

Chapters 3-5 of The Passed Out Princess

Pairing: My CMC (Uyu, Dan Byeol) x Suit Saeran See all chapters

Description: On days 7-9 of Ray’s route, the player is denied food as “Saeran” makes his presence first known. But, what if MC fell very ill under this method of torture due to a medical condition? Sadly, my custom MC, Uyu (full name Dan Byeol), would deal with exactly this dilemma.

Warnings and notes found in chapter 1-2

Without taking a second to assess the situation, he began his tantrum, entering the room without even a knock out of courtesy.

“Finally getting what you wanted and you’re laying down on the bed as if nothing matters! You should be grateful I even thought to check up on you!”

The door shut behind him with a slam.

“Well then? Up. Get up, toy. I didn’t come all the way out here to watch you sleep!”

Saeran made his way over to the bed, almost in a stomping manner.

Uyu let out a small groan, attempting to pick herself up to look him in the eyes, disobeying one of his direct orders on purpose even now. With some shifts, she made her way to sitting up at the edge of the bed close to him with a slouch in her posture. Moving about to face him signaled her forehead to throb again, causing her to instinctively lift her hand to touch it beneath her bangs, a wince escaping her mouth.

“Is that all you’ve got to show me how much I’m making you suffer? Tch. Pathetic! You suck. Take more lessons from Zen while you’re chatting with him so damn much. Maybe he can at least teach you to cry on command for me. Didn’t you take theater classes before or something?”

The tall man in black towered over her as he spoke, icy eyes glaring at her through marshmallow colored fringe which fell over them in his lean forward. His lips curled into a wicked grin before he broke the awkward silence again.

“Well then...what would you like to refer to this issue as? Tell me. You must have weaved quite the story in preparation for my arrival. Out with it!”

Uyu mustered up some strength to mutter out a little of what he needed to know, embarrassed having to explain herself and call for his help when he appeared to be nothing but cruel to her.

He had shouted at her. He had shoved her a little. He had pinned her against a wall and trapped her like a wolf hunting a small, doe eyed rabbit.

And now, here she was teaching him about one of her medical conditions. Needless to say, she wished it possible to pretend it all wasn’t happening.

“..I have chronic low blood sugar. If...my hunger goes unchecked…..it just drops...my blood sugar I mean... and I get sick….it’s undocumented as there’s not much else doctors can do other than tell me to eat..”

Oh the shame.

“Pfft-”

Saeran cackled, loudly, higher in pitch, his voice reaching a part of his lungs that made it almost wheezy.

“Seriously? I hate how your list of problems is so long a fool might have believed you. You’re so damn weak. Say... I wonder...should today’s playtime be me dangling food in front of your face, then? Come on. Let’s get you to stand first, hmm? Then I’ll fetch you something sucky...like raw carrots...and you’ll hop for me like a pet bunny in desperation. I’ll even be so kind as to help you to your feet. What do you say, princess? Would you like that? A gentlemanly hand extended to you from your master?”

He reached down, pulling her hand away from her forehead and clasping it in his right, intertwining her small fingers with his long and slender ones. She shivered at his touch, him being so much colder than she was, as if his hand had been resting in a freezer while apart from her.

“...No...Saeran I might throw up again-”

“Sure you will~”, he cooed, bringing his face to hers.

“Where is that vomit, by the way? Did you oh so conveniently make it to the toilet so it’s all flushed away and gone? Haha...it’s hard to play with a toy who won’t even stand…so up! I’ll help you now, giving you that sweetness you oh so crave. On the count of three! One...two…”

Uyu shook her head as she attempted to pull back away from him, but her hand was still trapped in his firm grip, growing stronger as she attempted to resist.

“Three!”

Saeran gave her a jerk forward, the pull almost sending her to hit the ground before she caught herself on his arm.

“Wow! She did it! She stands! See that wasn’t so har-”

Dan felt the blood seem to rush out of her brain and downwards in a waterfall motion as that hot and cold chill returned. Her legs teetered as she lost balance, falling before grasping at him, ending up in his arms entirely, Saeran trying to avoid being knocked over himself. She let out a “brrr” noise as she shuttered, so dizzy the room felt as if it were doing somersaults and tumbles as it tossed her limp body around.

“Toy? Toy! What the hell kind of a stunt...”

Saeran pulled her away from him to get a better look at her as her head rolled to the side feebly. He held the woman out by her shoulders in front of him as if she were a little rag doll he wanted to shake back and forth to somehow bring life back into her.

“Start speaking to me! It’s not funny! You can quit the act now…stop doing that…”

His tone grew softer as the sound of a stiffness in the back of his throat made itself known, gulping as if swallowing a ball. He spoke again through gritted teeth.

“Not funny….I’m getting angrier….pull yourself together, toy…”

And with a little jostle from him, her guts felt a sudden whirl before a solid drop as did her head, the color black with spirals seizing her sight as she could no longer sort of keep herself upright. Saeran let go of her shoulders, feeling her whole weight lean in on him, catching her before she could fall.

Dan had finally blacked out cold exactly at noon, leaving Saeran alone, drowning in a sea of his own panic.

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

Saeran held her close to him for a minute out of shock, his captivating eyes wide, stunned and not wanting to witness what he was responsible for. With Uyu completely slumped into him, he maneuvered his arms around her to allow her frail unconscious body to lean backwards. He didn’t want to believe he caused her to actually pass out, supporting her with his left arm and gently caressing her soft cheek with the back of his right hand.

A part of him feared he had caused the unthinkable.

He spoke in a strained whisper.

“Princess…?”

Not to his surprise, he received no reply, not even the slightest sign that she was faking. He huffed gently as his bottom lip began to quiver...his underlying worry that she wasn’t indeed fooling him appeared now true. He pulled her close to his chest again, his heart hammering against her as he cursed under his breath, thoughts racing so fast he felt a headache of his own coming on.

“Shit….”

Saeran went down onto his knees, still cradling her as her head rested in the crook of his neck, scooching her so she was sitting on his lap. His heart hurt...it physically hurt...a crushing squeezing pain that made him want to rip it from his chest entirely. It felt as if a rose bush had wrapped its way around it, winding an elaborate cage of thorns which pierced through like a million needles; the prettiest rose wilted in his hands because he couldn’t give it basic sunlight and water. The rose which bloomed within Ray’s heart...unlike Ray, Saeran wasn’t a nurturing gardener. Screaming at a flower for not growing into what you wished it to become will do nothing. Or...was it that the flower had already blossomed as he tried to force it closed, back into becoming a bud? Either way, he could now feel the dryness of its shriveled petals as his first tear spilled down his hot cheek.

“You don’t seem so tough now…..aren’t you supposed to be able to handle what I throw at you?”

He pressed his face into her hair, the smell of her floral conditioner he once insulted overwhelming his senses.

With heavy shame and panic, the built up water in his tear ducts came trickling down in little glistening, frequent streams upon his pale face. He shook like a leaf in the wind.

“...I did it. I defeated you. Damn you. This was supposed to be better….feel better. I was promised this was what I wanted...but you made it too easy. I hate a lack of challenge...”

He lifted his head before scooping her up bridal style, carrying her to the princess bed to lay her down somewhere comfortable. Upon her back with her hair partially sprawled out behind her, her position resembled that of sleeping beauty, the one who cursed her to sleep as well as the one who could save her life sharing the same body. Saeran’s kiss could not wake her as the one who made her prick her finger on that spinning wheel, and her prince charming was gone, banished away as he could not stand the cruelties of the dark castle’s dungeons. Or at least, that’s how he felt; that he was acting as the Maleficent of this long tale.

He stared at her for a while, breathing rapidly as his chest puffed up and down, bewildered, seething and puzzled as to why this all hurt him so. His savior promised knocking Dan down was the way to go...after all, she corrupted Ray, disobeyed the savior and caused Ray to do the same, made Ray have to be cleansed...she was no good for him; a liar and a manipulator. That’s what his savior told him, and she was never wrong, was she?

He tried to take her state in again as he watched her, drinking up her lifelessness, pushing himself to feel positive about it. It was a good thing. This was a good thing. The savior might even congratulate him for this. He might even receive praise for doing the opposite as Ray had done, feeding her well put together meals despite not even having the time to sleep. Or, would the savior scold him for besting her too early? After all, she was still essential to bringing down the RFA, as useless as he made her seem to be.

“Yes, that’s it,” he thought. He HAS to make sure she’s ok so she can carry out her job. But why did it seem like so much more than that as he felt a soreness seeing her hurt? He put his hands in his hair, tugging at the white messy tufts by the roots as he audibly panted, feeling himself being sent into a frenzy of angry and confused alarm. He gasped and shook as his eyes glazed over and color drained from his complexion, internally feeling a tug a war between his yearnings and what he had been told. A few broken “ahs” and whimpers left his open mouth as Saeran stumbled backwards, bumping his heel on the bedside table with a thunk. His tears would not cease.

It felt as if no matter how he rationalized what had just happened, matching it to his savior’s wishes and words she whispered into his ears, he couldn’t find it within himself to feel successful or triumphant in any manner. He whipped himself around to avoid looking at the passed out princess, his gaze meeting a vase with fresh flowers left by Ray which she slept beside every night. This room was so full of her...so full of him...so full of them and their time spent together. With a loud crash, he knocked it over, the smashed bits aligning the floor as the water lay in a puddle, the flowers undamaged, surrounded by the mess.

He chewed skin off his lip, leaving it pinker and salty in taste. To avoid his savior’s disapproval, for acting so weak and for making Dan so ill, Saeran decided it was best to handle the entirety of the situation on his own. He licked away the bead of red hot blood, brimming from where he bit off skin before collecting himself to a degree to clean up what he had done.

He stared at himself in the bathroom mirror for a while, analyzing his features and making certain his emotions were concealed. He needed to hide his trembles and sobs if he were to re-enter the halls, wearing the iron mask of the strongest believer.

—————————————————————————————————-

Locking the door to keep Dan alone and safe, Saeran made his way around until he reached the place’s kitchen, keeping his head low to avoid the need to strike conversations or bark orders. The believers knew by now that his brisk walking and low hanging head meant no one was to disturb him, as he was probably doing something of importance for the savior. Same went for Ray, even. This made his trip rather quick and easy, even with the glances and stares he received in the halls. He paid no attention to the whispers which followed them.

“I’m hungry. Whip up something and make it fast. Doesn’t matter what as long as it’s got all the food groups and doesn’t taste like utter garbage.”

After Saeran commanded the Mint Eye chefs to get to work on a dish specially “for himself”, he pulled out his android phone to do a quick Google search on what might help with Uyu’s condition. From that he was able to piece together that candy and sugar can help provide immediate relief, for just a moment, as it would spike her blood sugars.

“Do we still have any candies around here? I want a few of those.”

“Yes Mr. Saeran sir...there are some mint candies and chocolates in the cabinet by your head…to the right. We got them recent-”

“No need to point it out and ramble. I know my way around the kitchen. Next time, just a simple yes unless I ask you to say more.”

“Yes, sir.”

Mint Eye was rather used to not seeing Saeran or Ray at meal times unless the savior requested him to attend and sit by her side, so to them, him taking his dinner to go was more normal.

He opened the white cupboard door, seeing numerous clear jars they’d set out on display during meal times. He shoved his hand into the chocolates first, taking it out empty then deciding to go for the mints, remembering “the little thing can’t have dairy.” Grabbing a solid handful of the sweet safe for her to eat, he shoved it all into the pockets of his dark suit, then leaning against the wall, eyeing the chefs at work.

As Saeran himself requested a meal, it was going to be elaborate and made by a whole team in an effort to please him, worry that a mistake could send them to be cleansed acting as a great motivator. Two people off to the right made small garlic potatoes while another two prepared a red wine sauce, to go with the steak a different believer was making. This did not include the last pair, which made stir fried vegetables, one cooking and one cutting.

The kitchen was quiet apart from the sounds of the sizzling, chopping, and stirring; Saeran swallowing saliva as his adam’s apple rolled up and then down, feeling the weight of the fear the room felt towards him. Many times, he saw that kitchens were depicted as being so loud and fun, full of life and chatter unlike this one. Saeran commanded authority and respect, yes, but none of these people would even dare say more than a yes sir no sir to him, let alone smile and act friendly. Would they even smile and talk if he wasn’t there? Or, was joy something this place had always lacked, him just now noticing because of the horribly confusing pit in his stomach at the moment? For the most part, he was on his own, the kindness he received from the savior being all he had to look forward to. And it was always enough for him, as the anxiety he provoked just being in the same room as the believers usually filled him with glee. But then...Ray found someone else who’d show him sweetness. A different kind of sweetness. One that would make his face hot to the touch and heart glow, as if he were under the bright blue sky getting a sunburn, sugary treats melting and dancing on his tongue with new flavors he just wasn’t used to. It was nerve racking and yet so energizing at the same time, something to look forward to as he snuck around to see Dan for so long. Saeran at least could say he found her words to be rather interesting, keeping him on his toes the brief time that they properly spoke together. And by brief...he meant three times. That dork passed out after they had only talked to each other three times.

He was used to the feeling of people trying to tear up his body and soul with their nails from the inside out...but not in the way she did. She at least spoke such honeyed words and phrases, sugar coated in such an unlike recipe as did the glaze which covered his savior’s. Even when telling him something harsh, Dan clarified that his best interest was always in her mind. Ray wished for more of this as he asked her to wreck his head outright. A foolish thing really. Or so Saeran was told.

“Umm...Mr. Saeran...your dish is ready.”

He picked up his stare from the floor to the believer now speaking to him as his train of thoughts were broken off. No matter how much of a display he tried to put on, his mind was somewhere else, somewhere it shouldn’t be. Thinking about someone it shouldn’t be.

“Yes, good. I’ll take the plate to my room as I’m very busy with my important work. Bring me some silverware and a napkin. And a water bottle. And cover the food so it stays warm.”

“Yes sir. For eternal paradise.”

“For eternal paradise..”

The kitchen staff said nothing to his face about the redness which surrounded his mint eyes and the tip of his nose, but behind his back was a different story.

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[gingerpeachtae]

Concentric [23]

masterlist

Words: 25.4k ��💀

Genres: fantasy!AU, angst, fluff, enemies to lovers, eventual smut

Warnings: graphic depictions of violence and death

Summary: You had been ready for the end of the semester. You had been ready to spend time away from your best friend, Jimin, and finally move on from the feelings you harbored. Yet, after your friend was forced to reveal a secret, you found yourself in a new world that was chock full of magic, war, and wonder. So, here you were, basically thrown into your own fantasy novel, with your best friend on one side, and six male warriors on the other.

A/N: my braincell is ready for rest oof… PLS ENGOY YOUR EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER EVERYONE 💙

Holding his arms up in front of his face, Jimin flinched as the thorny vines of the thicket scratched at his wrists while he continued sprinting forward. The stinging pain lasted for only a moment as the half-Saeni sucked more air into his lungs and forced his legs to propel his body faster through the rugged, dense forest. The six other Saeni were moving just as quickly and were still protectively surrounding him as they ran. Through the bird calls, bug chirps, and shaking leaves, every single one of them could hear the sound of large paws hitting the earth gradually coming closer. The sounds of deep growls becoming louder.

At the front of the group, Ipsa leapt over a large tree root which caused her golden hair to flash in the sunlight that was peeking through the treetops.

As Geodin followed and easily jumped over the same root, he let out a low groan before muttering in an irritated tone, “Why in Exia’s name are we being hunted by wolves?”

“Just keep moving!” Mingi sternly ordered to the short male without even looking back.

Jimin ran beneath the bright green leaves that caused his pupils to dilate and expand rapidly from the constant changes in light, and as he passed by a skinny maple tree Illai spoke in his mind to inform him that they needed to veer more to the right. After grunting lightly in acknowledgement and pushing his apricot hair out of his eyes, the half-Saeni voiced her direction to the group between his heavy breaths and the Saeni promptly adjusted.

The seven pressed on, leaves and thin branches whipping across their faces and mud splattering against their shins. Mingi effortlessly vaulted over a fallen tree trunk that was almost parallel to the ground but not quite fully collapsed. Jimin, on the other hand, slid beneath it, his head barely missing the rough bark, before popping up to his feet on the opposite side and resuming his fast pace. Dirt and dead leaves clung to his thigh and side but he didn’t bother swatting any of it off as sweat trailed down his face and his heart pounded in his chest. He could hear the wolves grow even closer. Could almost feel their presence on the group’s heels even though the canines had yet to show themselves.

The terrain abruptly began to decline, causing all the Saeni to slow down ever so slightly and turn their bodies to the side to prevent themselves from losing balance. As they descended quickly but cautiously, Jimin heard a stumble behind him and Koliifa cursed as a rock came loose under his weight and his footing faltered for a brief second.

“Careful,” his sister hissed and helped steady the male.

Then, out of his peripheral, Jimin saw Stem furrow his brow and look out to the left while he skirted around a sapling.

After a couple of seconds, the archer hummed and returned his gaze forward. “I think one of the wolves broke off to our left.”

“Leaving?” Mingi called back in question while tilting his head that way and narrowing his hazel eyes.

“No, it’s moving lateral to us now. I think it doesn’t want us going that way.”

Ipsa frowned at Stem’s comment, but didn’t say anything as the group finally reached the bottom of the hill. The degradation levelled out and the Saeni were deposited into a small, bubbling stream that was surrounded by a stretch of flat land with plentiful but spread out trees.

Flinching as the stream’s cold water sloshed onto his leg while he and the others crossed it, Jimin wanted to stop and marvel at how serene and calm the area was but he knew there wasn’t time for that. Maybe later, though… if he survived.

Squinting through a ray of sunlight, the golden-haired female whispered to herself then sharply inhaled and glanced at the Saeni behind her. “For Exia’s sake, they’re herding us.”

None of the Saeni’s movements wavered in wake of the comment but Koliifa murmured another curse and Geodin grumbled in aggravated disbelief while everyone else was stunned into silence.

But it made sense. Realistically, the wolves should have caught up to them by now but they hadn’t or, as it now appeared, purposefully wouldn’t. They were keeping their distance but still making their presence known. Making sure the group went in a certain direction. The seven hadn’t realized it until now since it was the same direction they were wanting to go in, but that made Jimin wonder…

“Are they random wolves or-?”

“Or are they somehow a draikensu’s pet?” Opikal finished the thought in a dry tone. “I was thinking the same thing. Honestly, the timing seems too convenient for it to not be connected.”

“But if they’re with the draikensu then herding us-”

“Means they’re most likely moving us toward a trap.”

The Saeni fell silent again, considering what to do. They continued to move forward; they didn’t have the luxury of stopping… but with every step they took the idea that they may be moving closer to an attack loomed over their heads. The possibility weighed heavily on the group, but they also knew there was nothing to be done besides steeling themselves and being ready.

However, after a few moments, the siblings bringing up the rear exchanged looks, communicating without words, and nodded to one another before slowing down.

“Go on ahead,” Opikal said as she and her brother came to a complete stop beside an old oak tree, “we’ll take care of the wolves.”

The rest of the group looked back in shock at the determined siblings who were standing underneath the oak’s swaying leaves. Opikal’s dark eyes were serious as she drew her sword from its sheath at her hip while Koliifa was unwinding his chain whip with a confident smile.

Ipsa ran backwards as she regarded them with uncertainty swimming in her eyes. “Are you sure?”

Koliifa shrugged indifferently. “Yeah. It’ll be fun, right sis?” Then he shifted his grin to his sister, who only rolled her ebony eyes.

After sighing at her cheerful brother, Opikal gestured for the group to move on. “Just hurry up and go. We’ll take care of it.”

Jimin gaped at the duo, not wanting to leave them behind but knowing there was no time to argue or come up with an alternative. The apricot head’s mind swam with conflict as he watched the siblings turn their backs on everyone and ready their weapons.

“Come on.” Mingi’s deep voice seemed to reverberate through the landscape with his command. “Let’s go.”

Stem placed a firm hand on Jimin’s shoulder and gave him a look of understanding but still lightly shoved the half-Saeni forward as they all began to run at full speed again, leaving the siblings behind.

Reluctantly, Jimin returned to his previous pace and Mingi told everyone to be on guard. Stem stayed behind Jimin, taking over the rear position in place of the siblings while Ipsa dropped back to cover Jimin’s left. After a minute or so, the Saeni could no longer hear the wolf paws but instead a series of loud growls, barks, and whines rose up behind them. Doing their best to ignore the noises and focus on what lay ahead of them, the group of five followed the small creek while being mindful of the wet rocks on the bank.

Do not follow the bend in the stream. You must continue straight. The sweet voice of the mother goddess seeped into Jimin’s mind again. You’re getting close. Very close. Keep moving. Hurry!

Jimin instantly relayed the information to the group and Geodin gave an affirmative grunt in response. They then crossed the creek once more and went back into the shade of the thick woods.

It wasn’t long before a chilling scream resounded into the air and echoed off the trees. It was the type of scream that ran a shiver down a person’s spine and raised the hair on their arms. Filled with pain and desperation. It didn’t last long, though, and within a couple of seconds the sound cut off.

Gritting his teeth and clenching his hands into tight fists, Jimin felt the urge to do something swell inside him. He just didn’t know what he could do. The apricot head went to peek over his shoulder, back to where they had left Opikal and Koliifa, but Stem moved into his line of sight and shook his head.

“Don’t look back,” the archer said in a grave tone then he blinked a few times and looked up at the sun shining through the trees before steadying his gaze on Jimin once more. “They made their choice. We can’t do anything for them now.”

Jimin opened his mouth but snapped it closed and squeezed his eyes shut for a moment before returning his attention to what was ahead of him knowing Stem was right.

The shade cast by the leaves suddenly felt too cold as the cruel reality of the situation settled over the half-Saeni. He had heard the scream, but had no way of knowing if Opikal and Koliifa were still alive or not. The suffocating realization tightened his throat because the same went for you and his brothers. The group had been able to hear the fighting for a while… what if one of those dying screams had been a member of his kiela? He knew how strong everyone was, including you, but… but what if…

All of the sudden, Jimin was yanked out of his upsetting thoughts when Mingi held up his fist. At the appearance of the signal, Jimin and the others slowed down and began to creep forward. Eyes scanning and ears alert. A slight rustle came from up ahead. A noise so minor and indiscrete yet so loud at the same time. The Saeni’s heads whipped in the direction of the sound while Mingi shifted to place himself fully in front of Jimin.

Then… the flash of sunlight glinting off metal… and a sickening thump.

Jimin blinked in horror as an arrow skewered itself through soft flesh of Geodin’s neck. The short male tried to gasp and stumbled while Mingi immediately turned to grab Jimin and tug him behind a large tree. The other Saeni followed suit and found cover as Geodin dropped to his knees, blood leaking out around the arrow and onto his chest. Deep crimson also trailed out of his mouth and stained his lips and chin. The world seemed to pause and hold its breath…

Then another arrow embedded itself into Geodin’s chest. The impact forcing the male to fall to his back. His chest shakily rose and fell… once… twice… and then he stopped moving altogether.

Your thighs and calves burned as you finally reached the peak of the steep incline. Slowing to a stop, you pushed your sweaty hair out of your face then waved your hand around to shoo away the bugs buzzing by your ear as you caught your breath. While gulping in air, you turned in a half-circle to try to see what was around you but all there was was an endless expanse of green and brown. You had no idea where you were or if you were even close to Jimin. It’s not like you had directions or landmarks to help you find your way. All you could really do was keep the battlefield either at your back or on your left shoulder as you ran through the forest in search of your best friend.

The basic plan was to go northwest toward the center of the enemy’s forces to where the rift supposedly was. Unfortunately, you didn’t have the privilege of mental GPS guidance like your dear best friend. Plus, you didn’t even know where the center of the draikensu’s forces were; you only had a generic idea so you were truly just winging it.

Doesn’t matter. I’m gonna find you Slim Jim. 

Swiveling back to face the direction you had been running in, you cracked your neck and back then inhaled deeply. Although you were a decent distance from the field by now, you swear you could still detect a hint of iron and death in the air. Maybe it was because you could still hear faint screams filtering through the trees, or maybe the smell clung to you, or maybe you were simply imagining the putrid scent because you were so on edge.

With how much adrenaline was pumping through your veins at the moment you wondered if you would ever be able to calm down again after this whole ordeal was over.

If you were even still breathing by then.

You were worried for yourself, for Jimin, for Jungkook and Tae and all the other members of the kiela who had become family to you. Mingi too. But you were also concerned about the draikensu. You knew majority of them were at the field but you didn’t know if all of them were and the last thing you needed was to run into a group of the fuckers. If what that one back at the cliff said was true – the key will die while you pathetically fight – then you probably didn’t have a lot of time to waste so you didn’t want to worry about your human ass sneaking around quietly or fighting any skirmishes on your way. Thankfully, you hadn’t seen anyone since you left the cliff but that didn’t mean you were about to let your guard up.

Doing a quick examine of the trees, you tried to ignore the distant screams as you focused your hearing…

Nothing.

No signs of draikensu… or Jimin.

You blew out a raspberry and let your eyes wander until they rested on a large rock that you started to approach coyly. “You wouldn’t happen to be a rock I can ride for miles like the pioneers used to… would you?”

No response, unsurprisingly.

With a bittersweet huff, you clutched your bow tighter and stepped up and over the rock before beginning to move onward once more. Lowering your head to avoid being whacked in the face by a large branch, you scampered over a collection of roots popping out of earth like lacework. Suddenly, a twig snapped and the shrubs rustled violently to your right and your eyes widened in alarm as you instinctively grabbed an arrow from your quiver while turning toward the sound. Your hear beat wildly as you drew back and squinted into the trees but all you saw was a small, russet-colored creature scuttling through the low greenery.

Just a damn animal. Your arms relaxed and you breathed a bit easier as you watched the creature disappear.

Returning the arrow to your quiver, you shook out your hand to relieve some leftover tension then got ready to start running again. Though as you shifted your weight to do so, a pained scream pierced your ears. Freezing, your breath caught in your throat but the shriek stopped just as quickly as it had come.

“The fuck…?” You murmured to yourself while looking around warily.

There’s no way that came from the field… it was way too loud to have come from the field.

While the birds resumed their singing, you drifted your gaze more west and narrowed your eyes. Of course, there was no way to be sure but you had a hunch the scream came from over there. Your insides yelled at you that it did and before you knew it your feet were moving on their own accord.

Rolling onto his back, Namjoon could almost feel the dew-and-blood-slicked grass soak into his armor and clothes. Ignoring the unpleasant sensation, the yellow-eyed male grit his teeth and used both hands to lift his heavy weapon over his face in order to block the serrated edge of the short sword being swung at him. The draikensu’s blade ricocheted off the hammer’s shaft with a shrill ring and a handful of sparks. Baring his teeth at the recoil that traveled up his arms from the attack, Namjoon shifted his weight to attempt to kick his opponent’s legs out from underneath him but a yelling figure with dark hair slammed into the draikensu without warning.

Jin threw his arms around the male going after his leader and tackled him to the ground with a defiant shout. The force of the surprise body slam caused the draikensu to involuntarily drop his sword and the eldest member of the kiela didn’t give the male any time to recover. Jin pulled his sword hand back then rammed the hilt of the weapon into the male’s jaw, making his head snap back against the earth. The draikensu growled and spat out a mouthful of crimson spit before grabbing onto Jin’s forearm and throwing his weight upward and to the side. As Jin was thrown aside, he clutched at the draikensu’s armor and pulled the male along with him.

The two males twisted and grappled in the torn-up grass. Their limbs tangled and grasped at one another while they tried to find an advantage and pin the other down, but the close proximity made Jin struggle. It restricted him from using the blade of his longsword. He simply didn’t have the space or time to use the gore-covered weapon.

While dodging the draikensu’s elbow, Jin tried to spot something he could impale the male on or if Namjoon was able to give him a helping hand… or better yet, a swing of his hammer. Seeing neither, the raven-haired Saeni could only think of one way to finish the fight. Jin released another powerful yell and brought his arm across the draikensu’s chest, gripping the male’s shoulder in his hand to anchor himself as he punched the male’s side with the hand tightly gripping his sword hilt. The draikensu gasped and Jin took that split-second to flip his opponent to his back so he could kneel over the male’s waist. After delivering another blow to the male’s torso to incapacitate his movements, the raven-haired Saeni adjusted the hold on his sword and sliced up from the draikensu’s belly in one fluid but deadly arc. Crimson spattered onto the grass and dripped off the tip of Jin’s sword as the draikensu swiftly began to bleed out while his eyes rolled back into his head.

With a pant, Jin went to stand but the air against the side of his face abruptly stirred and caused him to turn and raise his weapon. A sword screeched against the edge of his own blade. Jin’s fast reaction stopped the weapon from reaching his neck as was the draikensu’s intention, but the parry didn’t manage to leave him completely unscathed. The enemy’s sword shallowly slashed into his cheek and arm, leaving behind thin lines of red, and the attacked made the Saeni lose his balance. Jin stumbled and teetered to the side, falling onto his hip and forearm. He blinked up at the draikensu as he felt his warm blood well up from the cuts, and the sight of scarlet beginning to trail down his face made the draikensu’s eyes sparkle and lips twitch gleefully.

Jin heard a familiar voice call out to him desperately.

“Hyung!”

Looking past the male hovering over him, Jin saw Namjoon running over. His brown hair was matted, jaw clenched, and eyes narrowed menacingly. Not even a second later, when he was close enough, Namjoon reached out and firmly grabbed the draikensu’s collar before yanking the male backwards harshly. While the draikensu staggered and tumbled to the ground, Namjoon grunted and raised the bulky head of his weapon to the sky. Then he smashed it down onto the chest of the fallen draikensu.

Namjoon breathed heavily and lifted his hammer from the crater he had created in the male’s armor before wiping the back of his hand across his forehead then offering the hand out to his brother.

“You good?” The leader inquired while roaming his eyes over Jin’s body to check for injuries.

Taking Namjoon’s hand in his, Jin allowed himself to be pulled to his feet. “Yeah, I’m alright.”

After nodding, Namjoon shifted his gaze to take in the field and the mass of crumpled bodies that now littered it. With sad eyes, he observed the dead, the wounded and barely alive, and those still fighting through their exhaustion.

Shaking his head, he whispered, “How long will this go on…?”

Jin placed a gentle hand on his brother’s shoulder before saying they should try to regroup with the others. The elder tilted his chin toward a collection of flaring lights over by one of the trees scattered throughout the field and Namjoon could just make out the color of mint-blue from the mess.

The leader of the kiela went to agree but as he turned his head back to his brother, he saw movement in his peripherals. Eyes expanding in alarm as he registered two daggers rotating through the air toward them, Namjoon hastily pushed Jin out of the way.

Falling to his ass, the raven-haired Saeni looked up at the other male in confusion. “Joon? What th-OH MY GODDESS!”

Jin was gawking at Namjoon’s thigh and the yellow-eyed Saeni grimaced as he looked down and observed the blade now buried hilt deep in his flesh. Namjoon’s hand trembled as he reached down to lightly touch his fingertip against the hilt and he hissed sharply through his teeth at how the contact slightly disturbed the blade. Blood began to slowly course down Namjoon’s thigh and Jin forced himself to get over his shock and get back to his feet to scan the area.

“Where did it come from!?” Jin whispered frantically and darted his eyes around but when Namjoon only whimpered in response he swiveled his dark eyes to see that Namjoon now had his hand fully wrapped around the hilt. “DON’T TAKE IT OUT!”

“Aish, I know. It just fucking hurts.”

Jin snorted at his leader’s pouting response. “Well, no shit.”

Namjoon barked out a rough laugh but it was fast to fade into another pained moan. While he moved his hand to hold the muscle of his thigh right above the dagger, Jin felt a lump lodge in his throat as he took in his younger brother’s state.

“You… You really shouldn’t have pushed me. You should have gotten yourself out of the way.”

Setting the head of his hammer on the ground, Namjoon rested majority of his weight on the weapon while waving his now bloody hand dismissively and showcasing a tiny, dimpled smile.

“…Hey.” A stranger’s voice suddenly came from beside them both.

With a gasp, Jin pivoted and raised his sword but an array of emerald magic held his swing at bay. Underneath the glittering green was a muscular, emerald-haired female Saeni with both eyebrows raised at the eldest of the kiela. Seeing she wasn’t a threat, Jin eased up and apologized as the emerald light vanished. The magic user chuckled and just gave Jin another look then turned her gaze to the dagger sticking out of Namjoon’s thigh.

“Let me see that.” She crouched down so the damage was at eye level then glanced behind her shoulder at Jin. “You, keep any draikensu off us while I deal with this.”

Jin drew in a breath at her words, feeling the lump in his throat lessen knowing she was going to help his brother. Repositioning himself, he stood guard and protectively watched over them as the magic user put her strong hand around the dagger’s hilt, which made Namjoon curse in a deep voice.

The yellow-eyed male looked down at the female and lightly touched her wrist. “Don’t… save your energy. Don’t waste it on me.”

“Shut up and let me do this.”

Jin roared as a draikensu approached the trio and he took two steps to the side then powerfully slashed his sword across their chest before plunging it through their torso.

“I’m only doing enough to ensure you won’t die after I take out this little guy.” The female gestured to the dagger with her chin.

“Little?”

The magic user just stared up at Namjoon silently through her emerald hair until he swallowed nervously and nodded.

“A-Alright…”

“This is going to hurt,” she said while gripping the hilt more firmly. “On three. One… two… three!”

While bursts of magenta light came from several yards away as another Saeni magic user battled the draikensu with yellow magic, Yoongi crooked his fingers while diving to the side and narrowly avoided a crescent of amethyst magic surging toward him. Rolling to a stop near the base of a tree, his own magic shot out of the ground at his opponent’s feet. The mint-blue tendrils seized the female’s amethyst-glowing hands and began to crawl up her wrists and arms, preventing her from moving. At the same time, Hobi leapt toward the draikensu with a blade brandished in each hand. As he angled his daggers, the silvery-whiteness of his hair shimmered in the sun where it was still visible beneath the streaks of red and brown that painted his body. Aiming one blade just above the female’s collarbone and the other under her ribcage, the kiela’s spy closed in on his target but the female magic user contorted her face into a snarl and lifted one of her legs to plant her foot directly into Hobi’s sternum.

Yoongi felt his stomach drop as he watched Hobi land hard on his back while the female turned her attention to the mint-colored light curling around her arms. Claws of amethyst erupted out of her hands and pierced through Yoongi’s magic but the Saeni didn’t reinforce his bonds. He couldn’t bring himself to look away from his partner who had yet to get back up to his feet. The female draikensu began to violently strip off the mint-blue tendrils coiling up her limbs with her magic as Hobi braced himself on his elbows and let out a low moan of pain.

Petal pink eyes snapped wide open at the sound, and Yoongi thrust his hands forward to cocoon his magic around the spy before dragged him backwards until he too was underneath the tree. The mint-haired Saeni held out a hand and tried to keep the distress out of his voice as he asked if the other male was okay.

Hobi smiled gratefully while taking Yoongi’s hand, but as he was being helped up, the white-haired Saeni wrapped his free arm around his middle and grimaced. “Fucking Exia she can kick hard. I think she might’ve cracked a rib.”

Cursing under his breath, Yoongi immediately dropped his eyes to Hobi’s torso in concern but Hobi let out a breathy chuckle and placed his palm against the magic user’s cheek to gently tilt his face back up. “I’ll be fine hyung. You can fix me up and make me feel better later.”

The tips of the Yoongi’s ears began to burn as he stared into Hobi’s light brown eyes, the warmth of the male’s touch both scalding and soothing. Gaping slightly, the mint-haired Saeni felt as if the rest of the world blurred away as he gazed into those eyes. The sounds of fighting and pain and rage muted as if they were placed underwater and all he could hear instead was his frantic pulse and the echoes of Hobi’s voice. He felt as though he could live in that moment for the rest of eternity. A calming comfort in the middle of chaotic and deadly storm.

And then the moment was shattered as the female magic user screamed in impatience while ripping away the last of the mint tendrils from her arms. Both Hobi and Yoongi snapped their heads over to the angered female whose dark expression seemed to match the magic angrily writhing around her hands.

“Well,” Yoongi commented as he turned to face the draikensu with an annoyed quirk of his brow but he quickly replaced it with a lazy smirk, “someone took quite a while to get out of my magic. It wasn’t even that strong.”

“Goddess, sometimes I forget you’re just as bad as Kook with taunting people,” Hobi murmured and shook his head as the female’s gaze turned even more murderous.

Peering to the side and cracking his knuckles, Yoongi sent Hobi a sly grin. “Who do you think the sprout learned it all from?”

Before the kiela’s spy could come up with a retort, both males caught a glimmer of amethyst out of the corner of their eyes and they lunged in opposite directions as a harsh curve of magic flew at them. The magic hit the tree, gouging into the trunk and slicing into two of the thicker branches. The tree limbs creaked and groaned for a second before they fractured with a splitting crack and fell toward the earth, forcing Hobi to dive out of the way again as they hit the ground. Safely coming to his knees, Hobi reached behind his back to take out a medium-sized dagger while peeking at Yoongi who nodded and allowed his mint-blue magic to flare even brighter as he raised his hands. As the two males readied themselves to rush the female, an ear-splitting screech made both them and the draikensu halt their movements and look to the side.

The Saeni with magenta magic had the other draikensu magic user speared to the ground. The yellow magic enveloping the draikensu’s hands was growing dimmer and dimmer as she lay face down in the destroyed grass, a glittering magenta bolt piercing her body directly between her shoulder blades. The draikensu took a final, unsteady inhale then sagged limply while the last of her magic faded into nothing. Meanwhile, the Saeni magic user stumbled back a step but her legs gave out and she collapsed to her knees with a sobbing gasp. The magenta bolt vanished from the draikensu’s back, leaving an open, gaping hole, and the Saeni seemed to struggle to breath as she cradled her shaking hands close to her chest.

Yoongi and Hobi returned their gaze to the amethyst magic user and were alarmed as they saw her sneer and lift one of her glowing hands toward the weakened Saeni.

“Shit. Look out!” Yoongi yelled as Hobi desperately threw his dagger at the draikensu.

The Saeni looked up from her tremoring hands right as the draikensu spun out of the way of Hobi’s blade and simultaneously sent a sickle of magic from her hand. As the amethyst magic carved through the air, Yoongi flicked a line of his own magic out in a hasty attempt to latch onto the Saeni’s wrist and tug her out of the way… but it was too late. The female Saeni just quietly stared at the approaching wave of amethyst magic with hollow eyes until it cut through her neck and chest. Hobi swore, his voice holding regret and horror, and the two males watched as the Saeni’s now headless body slumped to the earth while her head rolled and came to a rest beside the body of the draikensu she had killed only moments earlier.

As you jumped down into a stream, cold water splashed against your ankles when the stone you landed on lurched to the side. After throwing your arms out to regain your balance, you crossed the water and saw you were now in a meadow-like area. Trees still dotted the earth but majority of the plants were grasses and ferns that ruffled in the breeze. It was beautiful and peaceful and allowed you to see your surroundings more easily… but you were also aware that it made you more visible and exposed. With that lovely thought in mind you kept moving beneath the sun and shade, although you couldn’t keep your eyes from flitting around more often to check your surroundings.

You still had no idea where you were, even more so now since the field was out of earshot. To put it simply, you were pretty much just going off instinct and gut feelings now. Right now, your gut was telling you to turn more to the east. There was no obvious reason as to why, maybe you felt as if you had gone too far west or perhaps it was some other subconscious sixth sense, but nonetheless you still listened to the feeling and adjusted your course. With aching legs and ragged breaths, you delved deeper into the meadow. Ferns gently grazed against your legs and the occasional bramble bush scraped your skin and clung to your clothes.

After a few minutes, the fresh, earthy scent of the meadow began to be overpowered by the distinct odor of blood and fresh death. Skidding to a top as the smell hit your nose, you looked around but saw and heard nothing out of the ordinary. But you knew that smell, as abhorrent as that realization was. Crinkling your nose, you took a tentative step forward… then another and another and another as you followed the disgusting smell to the source. You tried to control your breathing but you found yourself inhaling faster and faster as your anxiety grew along with the stench. Nervous of what you would find. Scared it would be a body with apricot hair.

Tiptoeing around a gnarly old oak tree, your breath hitched as you saw a lump of something laying in the ferns beside a log. Swallowing down your nerves as best you could, you grabbed an arrow and loosely notched it before slowly approaching the form. Tracing your index finger lightly over the arrow’s soft feather fletching for comfort, you neared and saw there was blood pooled on the earth beneath the thing. Blood also coated the stems and leaves of the plants beside it, the red contrasting so vividly to the bright green. The wind picked up and blew against your face, and you resisted the urge to cover your nose as you inched even closer. Then you paused as you saw patches of fur. Perplexed, you titled your head and stood still for a couple moments before moving around the vegetation so it was in full view.

Tail, large paws, and sharp teeth. It was a dead wolf. And it was covered in hundreds of gashes.

Taking short breaths, you squatted before the creature and looked over its maimed body. You had no idea what would create those kinds of wounds, and you didn’t want to stick around and find out. Furthermore, it wasn’t a Saeni or draikensu so there was no reason to hang around. It was time to get moving again. As you turned to leave, you glanced over to the log resting in the foliage a few yards away.

It’s shaped weirdly… must be pretty rotten and decomposed. You thought absentmindedly then gasped and did a double take as you felt your heart stop for a second.

What you had thought was a log wasn’t that at all… it was a person.

But they were no longer alive.

Biting your lip, you crept around the wolf and advanced toward the body. It was completely mutilated. Entrails spilled out from their stomach, deep gouges in their flesh, and torn out chunks of meat. The sight made you grimace and you had to look away for a moment.

After counting to three in your mind, you forced yourself to turn back to the body. Bringing your eyes to their head, some of the tension evaporated from your body and you squeezed your eyes in relief at how their hair was a baby-powder blue. You didn’t know them. You had no idea who they were or if they had been an ally or an enemy. Their body and armor were too shredded and torn apart to tell. Expelling a puff of air, you shifted your gaze to their red-stained hand that rested beside their head. In their palm was a metallic black rod that was connected to a series of smaller rods that were linked together by rings. The object was mostly piled in a heap but you could see the chain ended in a sharp dart.

Is that a whip?

You blinked at the weapon then looked back at the wolf.

Did they kill each other? Your brows furrowed. But why…?

Was this connected to Uzjuk or did you just happen to stumble upon a random, dead Saeni? You could have, but a normal Saeni wouldn’t be wearing armor or carrying around a weapon like that. Not unless they were BTS Saeni or a draikensu. The entire scene was utterly confusing and when you looked up from the wolf corpse your eyes widened yet again as you made out another lump up ahead in the ferns.

Brushing past some briars, you made your way over and noted it was another dead wolf draped over a dead female. A sword was buried deep into the stomach of the animal while its teeth rested against the female’s shoulder. Through the mess of fur, muscle, and sinew, you could see where its teeth had ripped her throat out.

Fucking hell… what happened here?

Scrunching your face at the sight, you peered at the female and wondered if some of her armor was intact beneath the wolf. If it was, you would be able to see if it matched the armor of the palace troops and thus know which side she, and likely the other Saeni, belonged to. Just as you went to kneel down, a series of loud and aggressive, but distant, barks resounded into the air which caused your head to whip up.

You had never heard a wolf’s bark before save what growls and howling were in movies, and although it sounded quite similar to a dog, you would bet your entire Spongebob Squarepants DVD collection that those had been wolf barks. They had to be.

As the sounds faded, you squinted through the trees then glanced up at the sun’s position. The barks had come from the north and a little bit to the east. You breathed in sharply through your nose at the realization, which you immediately regretted, then quickly dropped to the ground and set your bow aside before leaning over to pluck two big leaves off a nearby plant. Using them to cover your palms, you then pushed against the heavy body of the wolf. Once the canine had mostly slipped off the female’s body, you stared at her armor for a few seconds before snatching up your bow, standing up, and taking off in the direction of the barks with the image of the Saeni’s palace armor seared into your mind.

Dashing through the meadow, it wasn’t long before the stream popped back into view. It trickled and bubbled beside you as you ran alongside its bank. You didn’t know if those dead Saeni had been with Jimin but the female had the same armor as the palace troops so it was at least something for you to go off of. And your gut was telling you they had been with Jimin. Why else would they be this far from the field unless they had been heading to the rift?

I don’t know if Mingi and Jimin are alone or with others since I left before they probably finalized those plans, but wouldn’t it make more sense if they had brought a small group of Saeni with them?

You were pulled from your thoughts when another threatening bark followed by a whine echoed through the trees, the sudden sound startling you and making you trip over a rock. Cursing as your weight went forward, you stumbled a few steps but luckily didn’t fall. Continuing to move, you resented the damn wolf for almost causing you to eat dirt, but you were also glad it barked again because it confirmed you were still going in the right direction.

After a minute, the stream started to curve but since the bark had come from straight ahead you plunged into the cool water once more before reentering the dense forest. You ran and ran and ran, occasionally pounding your fist against your thighs to silently order them to keep working and moving. Your entire body hurt and ached but you weren’t going to stop.

I won’t stop trying to find you Slim Jim…

Gulping air into your burning lungs, you tried to maintain your breathing cadence but it was hastily slipping away from you. Knowing you needed to get it under control again if you wanted to keep pressing on, you reluctantly eased your pace a little to catch your breath. Your chest heaved but you slowly lost the feeling of being a fish out of water trying to get oxygen. Hitting your thigh with your fist again, you went to increase your speed when the wind let up and that too familiar scent of iron began to fill your nose once more. Gasping slightly at the smell, your shaking legs slowed down even more as you turned to follow it. Heart thumping crazily, you reached over your shoulder to retrieve an arrow while you crept as silently as you could.

You heard nothing beyond the usual buzzing and clicking of the forest, but the repulsive smell only grew stronger as you warily moved through the shrubs toward the source.

You ducked beneath a branch, hopped over an overturned tree, then, after squeezing through some bushes holding some kind of pink berry, you saw them.

The first body your eyes landed on was a male laying on the ground with one arrow in his chest and another through his neck. He had on palace armor. Your gaze then shifted onto two more bodies; one also impaled by arrows while the other had a bloody hole in their abdomen. Their armor was different. Darker and less intricate. Draikensu. Surveying the scene with shocked eyes, you counted a total of ten draikensu corpses. All dead. There was one more Saeni too, a female with golden hair pinned to a tree via a spear through her ribcage.

As you studied the carnage, a ragged, weak exhale came from behind you, causing you to whirl around instantly.

A male was sitting on the ground with his back against the base of a tree and one leg stretched out before him… but what really caught your attention was the arm drawing back a bow and the arrow levelled right at you. Astonished, you were fast to tug on your own bowstring and aimed back.

How did I not see him?

It was a standoff for one… two… three heartbeats then his arms began to shake and he seemed to involuntarily drop the bow with a self-deprecating laugh. The male let his arms fall to his sides and he tilted his head back against the tree bark.

Looking at you with hazy, hooded eyes, he murmured, “Just go ahead and… get on with it.”

Your eyes bugged out as you realized he was giving you full access to his chest for a kill shot. A split-second later you registered he was wearing bloodied palace armor, which meant he wasn’t your enemy… though with how unfocused his own eyes were, you considered he might think you were a draikensu.

“What? No, I’m…” You lowered your bow and stared at him. “I’m not draikensu. I’m not even a Saeni actually.”

Holding your hands up in peace while moving toward the male, you saw the leg he had stretched out was coated in deep red and there was a strip of blood-soaked cloth tightly knotted above a severe cut on his thigh that went down to the bone.

Lolling his head to squint at you, he took in your entire appearance from head to toe before resting on your face. “Your ears. You… You’re human. You’re his friend…”

“Wait!” You hastily crouched beside him, being careful not to touch him and disturb his leg. “Jimin, er, Chim!? You know him!?”

The male hummed in confirmation. “Five of us joined him and… and that guard, Mingi, on the mission to the… rift, but… we ran into trouble as you can... see…” He gestured to the bodies with heavy movements as you felt dread surge within you.

Taking a deep breath to try to stay calm, you asked him what happened.

“First… it was the wolves.”

The two Saeni from the meadow flashed behind your eyes and you stiffened but remained silent so he could continue.

“Then… Then they attacked us out of nowhere. We, the… the three of us, stayed behind so Mingi could get Jimin away and… to the rift.”

You covered your mouth with your hand.

“We knew that meant death for the three of us… but we also knew he needed to get to the rift or else… or else-fuck.” His voice choked up and you lightly placed your hand on his shoulder. “I guess you know what will happen if he doesn’t, yeah?”

Nodding, you whispered a tiny ‘yeah’ while you felt his body shiver underneath your hand. You glanced down at his thigh, noting how his femoral artery was most likely cut. If Saeni had those. You couldn’t imagine how much blood he’d lost.

“But just in case someone came… someone on our side… like you… I wanted… wanted to… stay awake to let you know they’re still out there. They got away. They went… that way.” He sluggishly pointed in the direction then shifted it slightly. “But we were heading that way.”

Turning your head to see, you had to admit that part of you wanted to immediately spring to your feet and take off looking for your best friend again. Especially now that you know he had to be close by. But… how could you just leave this male when he was hurt like this?

As if he could sense the conflict swarming inside your heart, the male turned his bleary eyes toward you and quietly said, “Go. Go help them.”

“But you-”

He shook his head slightly and moved his gaze to the treetops swaying high above him. “What’s your name?”

“Y-Y/N.”

“Can you do me a favor, Y/N?” His lips twitched in to a miniscule smile as he continued to look at the leaves and sky. “Can you un… undo the tourniquet and then go… help your friend for me?”

Taken back, you looked down at his thigh again and the scrap of fabric that was barely keeping him alive.

He would die in minutes if I did that.

“But-”

The breathy chuckle he released was so soft you weren’t sure if you had even heard it. “I know, I know. I’ve made peace with it.”

You swallowed hard and peered into his face that truly did seem to accept what would happen. “Okay… I-Okay.”

Logically, you could understand it was the best decision for him. He was in pain, his body slowly numbing as his life force leaked away. The tourniquet was only prolonging that pain and the inevitable. There were no magic users there that could heal him and it would take too long for one to get there.

You closed your eyes for a couple seconds then settled your gaze on his leg and reached for the knot.

He flinched as you touched the fabric. “I knew I was done for as soon as I… I got cut but… I didn’t want to give up… I still wanted to help. This was the… the only way I could think of.”

You nodded your acknowledgement then began untying the knot as gently as possible and blanched at how blood began to pour out of the wound. Sucking in a breath, you had to look away so you brought your gaze back to the male’s face.

As his breaths grew fainter with every passing second, you did your best to smile comfortingly even though he wasn’t looking at you. “I, um, I never asked what your name was…”

“…Stem… You can call me ‘Stem,’” he breathed out weakly.

His hand twitched at his side before jerking across the dirt and twigs as though he was blindly searching for something. You had an idea of what it is. Hoping it was what he was wanting, you silently reached over his lap to grab his bow from where he had dropped it, turned over his searching hand, and placed the weapon in his palm.

“It’s nice to meet you, Stem.” You tenderly took his other hand in both of yours and held on so he knew you were there.

“Th-Thank you… Y/N. Thank you.”

As he rapidly slipped away, you didn’t know what to do or say so you let the forest speak and sing for you. He probably found more comfort in it anyway.

A few moments later, Stem’s chin sank against his chest and you let out a long exhale while carefully removing your hands from his now limp grasp. After folding his hand over the other that held his weapon, you shakily rose to your feet, walked around to Stem’s other side, and took out some of the arrows in his quiver to transfer them to your own.

Stepping back, you gave him one last look and whispered goodbye, then took off running after Jimin and Mingi.

Sliding across the ground and tucking his head down, Tae narrowly avoided the spear being swung at him. Once he cleared the weapon, he then pushed himself up to a crouch.  As the draikensu whirled around and went to attack yet again, Tae reached over his shoulder but tensed as his fingers felt nothing but air. Empty quiver. The draikensu thrust forward with their spear and Tae was forced to somersault backwards to evade the deadly point. As he came to his knees, Tae did a hasty scan of his surroundings and saw a body a few yards away that was riddled with arrows which caused his eyes to light up. The draikensu lunged once more but the Saeni was already moving. The spear stabbed at empty space as Tae came to a stop on his knees beside the body. In the blink of an eye, he ripped out one of the arrows, flinging droplets of blood into the air and onto his already red-covered self. Then he twisted around and fired into the side of the draikensu. They fell to their knees with a hoarse scream, one hand grasping at the arrow shaft, and another Saeni turned at the sound and finished them off with a slash of their blade.

Meanwhile, Tae breathed heavily and turned back to the body next to him then removed the rest of the arrows, tucked them into his quiver, and rose to his feet before looking back over to where he had seen glimpses of Yoongi’s magic a few minutes ago. Sure enough, more flashes of mint-blue appeared near one of the large trees standing in the field. With his destination set, Tae rolled his shoulders then set out.

As he rushed through the field, Tae deftly disposed of any draikensu he encountered with efficient, calculated strikes. His muscles were sore and his body was tired, but he couldn’t afford to let his fatigue affect his movements. Even the tiniest mishap, the smallest amount of laziness in his actions would result in his death. His feather earring was heavy and stiff as he ran, dodged, shot, and slashed. More blood splattered against him, covering the gore that was already dried on his skin and armor, and it wasn’t long before he was retrieving the last arrow from his quiver. Expertly notching it and sending it straight into a female’s chest, Tae quickly followed up the shot by surging forward and slicing the sharp edge of his bow against her exposed neck while she was distracted.

Another corpse to litter the field. Another body to water the earth.

Tae continued moving toward the tree, wanting to get to his brother as soon as possible, and he prayed his other brothers were doing the same as he snatched up stray arrows from the ground and the deceased as he went.

Then out of nowhere, as he was leaning down to pull an arrow out of a corpse’s back, a tingle traveled up Tae’s spine and the Saeni instinctively dove to the side right as an explosion of maroon magic hit where he had just been squatting. The force of the eruption rammed into Tae’s back, throwing him further than he had aimed for, and as the blue-eyed Saeni shook his head in shock and staggered to his feet, he saw a male grinning at him. A quick glance down showed he had maroon light encompassing his hands.

Wiggling his glowing fingers at Tae, the draikensu sneered, “My, my, you’re a fast one, but you still won’t last lo-”

The magic user cut off his own sentence when another Saeni screamed and ran at the draikensu with his single-handed axe raised high in the air and a shield held in front of his body.

“They always think a shield will protect them,” The magic user said in amusement as his grin shifted into something more wicked then he threw both his hands toward the Saeni. “It won’t, though it’s cute you tried.”

Magic formed together in a ball-like shape between his hands before shooting out like a cannon and detonating at the feet of the Saeni in a burst of maroon light… and when the light faded, there was a small crater in the grass and only the upper-half of the male’s body was left intact. Tae didn’t even have the chance to react to the gruesome sight because the draikensu turned to him with a bored sigh and shot another magical cannon ball right at him. The blue-eyed Saeni lunged to the side and grunted as he was caught in the explosion’s shockwave again.

“Ah, so it wasn’t a fluke before. You really are just fast.” The magic user rubbed his hands together. “This will be fun then.”

Then the draikensu released another cannon ball but Tae was already running. Knowing he was at a disadvantage since there was nothing to take cover behind, all Tae could do was not stop. Just keep moving and evading. Slowly work his way closer. The maroon cannon balls never let up, but between the blasts Tae could hear the draikensu growling in frustration as the he abruptly changed directions for the umpteenth time. Sweat trailed down Tae’s face and made his eyes sting but ignored it and his body’s exhaustion as he slid on the ground. A ball of magic sailed over his head while he yanked an arrow out of the ground. He came up to a crouch as he notched it then fired at the draikensu before taking off again. The ball that had been forming in the magic user’s hands vanished as the male had to jump to the side to avoid the projectile.

Breathing heavily, Tae kept going. Grabbing what arrows he could and shooting while constantly changing his speed and direction to avoid the magical attacks. Essentially, he was being an absolute pain in the ass to the draikensu. The magic user roared in annoyance and screamed at him to ‘just stay fucking still,’ making Tae lightly smirk as he gasped for air and disregarded the request.

The mistake Tae was waiting for would be coming soon.

Another thirty seconds passed of Tae circling and backtracking and gradually moving closer as the draikensu released magic nonstop and angrily shouted. The field around them was now filled with holes, and the other draikensu and Saeni fighting close by were giving them a wide berth. They didn’t want to get caught up in the magic user’s destruction.

Tae let loose another arrow that managed to nick the magic user’s arm, which caused the draikensu to scream, “DIE ALREADY!”

And then the male thrust his clawed hands forward and sent a barrage of cannon balls at the Saeni. The bombardment was so bright, the magic user had to shut his eyes and hold his arms over his face. When the light finally began to die down, the draikensu lowered his arms and opened his eyes to find the field right before him utterly destroyed… but there were no body parts scattered in the dirt and clumps of grass. The male’s eyes widened in disbelief right as the blue-eyed Saeni silently took his final step behind the unaware draikensu and swung his bow.

The hazel-eyed Saeni had Jimin’s bicep secured in his grasp as the duo ran through the trees. Closer and closer they neared the rift’s location… but Jimin kept looking over his shoulder.

“Stop looking back,” Mingi quietly but sternly ordered.

The apricot-haired Saeni stared at the guard with a startled expression. “But we just left them.”

Mingi kept his gaze forward, not saying anything in response, but his jaw visibly ticked and he tightened his grip on Jimin’s arm.

“No!” Jimin pulled himself free and came to a stop. “How could we just leave them!? We need to go ba-”

The other Saeni grabbed Jimin’s shoulders and slammed him into the nearest tree trunk, his hazel eyes filled with pain. “I hate it too! I hate it… so much… but they knew the risk when they agreed to this mission. They know what will happen if it doesn’t succeed.” Mingi hung his head and lowered his voice so it was a whisper that could barely be heard over the rustling leaves. “Don’t throw away their valor by going back and getting killed. Please.”

“Mingi…” Jimin blinked in shock at the rawness of the other male’s voice.

“Please.”

“Okay,” the half-Saeni agreed softly and Mingi released him then stepped back.

Running a hand through his sweaty apricot locks, Jimin murmured an apology in a small voice. The other Saeni nodded and said they should get moving again. The duo resumed their previous pace, hastily making their way under the shade and patches of sunlight. Eventually, the ground began to slope downwards and the two Saeni started to tread more carefully.

The rift will be at the bottom of this gully, just a short distance ahead. The mother goddess’ sweet voice filtered into Jimin’s mind, and her words made his breath quicken.

“Holy shit, Mingi, we’re almost there,” Jimin said in astonishment while deliberately sliding down a steep section on his side then bracing a foot against the base of a tree to stand back up. “It’s at the bottom of thi-”

Snap!

As the sharp, loud sound made Jimin stop mid-sentence, Mingi held up his fist, shifted his gaze to the side, and peered into the forest. The Saeni held their breath for one… two… three… four…

A dark blur erupted out of the foliage, teeth and claws bared.

Something slammed into Jimin, sending him head over heels backwards down the slope.

A growl and agonized cry joined the symphony of chirping insects and birds.

Tumbling all the way to the bottom of the gully, Jimin flopped onto his back and groaned while pressing his fingertips to his forehead. Hot liquid smeared across his skin and when he pulled his fingers away they were dabbled with blood. His eyebrows shot up, making him wince as the action agitated at the cut at his hairline, and he took a shaky inhale then looked up. Mingi was still standing on the incline, a hand braced against his side as he positioned himself between Jimin and the prowling wolf before him. Red poked out between the guard’s fingers but the male grit his teeth and stared down the snarling animal. The wolf’s hackles were raised and its ears erect as it showed its sharp incisors then let out a series of nasty barks. But Mingi didn’t even flinch, challenging the animal.

Jimin wobbled to his feet right as the wolf crouched backwards. And then it pounced.

Mingi unsheathed his sword as the canine attacked, grunting as the movement tugged at the claw wound on his side. The wolf mostly twisted out of the way but the edge of the blade still sliced into its body. The wolf let out a high-pitched whine that morphed into another growl as it landed on its paws. Without hesitation, the wolf leapt again and went for Mingi’s legs. There was no relent in the animal’s aggression. It kept surging forward again and again and again. Teeth sunk into the Saeni’s calf and the wolf yanked its head, causing the male to fall and lose hold of his sword. The blade clanged to the earth while Mingi’s head landed on a rock. Jimin gasped sharply. The wolf released the male’s leg and turned to look at apricot head, who had been watching the scene unfold with an overwhelming sense of helplessness. But as if gazing into those black, threatening eyes brought him to his senses, Jimin shuddered, sucked in a gulp of air, and reached over his shoulder. Noting his quiver was much emptier after his tumble down the slope, he closed his fingers around the fletching of an arrow and began to pull it out as the wolf growled and started stalking down the slope. With a curse, Mingi sluggishly rolled over, grabbed one of the wolf’s back legs, and hauled the animal back. Then the guard climbed on top of the canine, pinning it down regardless of how much it thrashed. How much it dug its claws into his body and tried to bite him with gnashing teeth.

“GO!” Mingi’s booming voice was clear but his hazel eyes were clouded with pain as they bore into Jimin. “Get to the rift! Go!”

The half-Saeni’s feet were frozen.

“Fucking Exia, GO!”

Jimin, you must go. I know it is hard but you must. The mother goddess urged him to leave as well.

His body jerked but his feet stayed glued in place. How could he leave Mingi? How could he just go? He had to do something!

Don’t throw away their valor…

Mingi’s words echoed in Jimin’s head along with Illai’s.

You must go…

So, he did. He turned and ran. Eyes glossy with tears and heart brimming with hurt.

The sound of bubbling water soon rushed to his ears and a creek came into view. It was shallow, wide, and rocky. Jimin ran alongside and through the water as the creek curved and weaved through the forest.

You are nearly there.

The half-Saeni splashed through the cold water.

Just up ahead! On your left!

He bounded up and over some rocks. The creek twisted away and he began to make his way uphill.

Then skidded to a halt.

To his left was a rugged, rocky incline leading to what appeared to be a cavern opening.

But in front on him was a male resting on top of a large rock with smoky darkness coiling in the air behind him.

The male smiled at Jimin but the expression was sinister and chilling.

“Well, well, well. I’ve been waiting for you.” The darkness pulsed and expanded as the male smirked. “Ready to have your heart carved out, key?”

Hobi flipped the knife in his hand as he dodged another sickle of amethyst magic, grimacing as the pain of his cracked his spiked again. The white-haired Saeni refused to let it slow him down though, so he spun on his heels and threw the blade. The weapon rotated through the air toward the draikensu but she deflected it with a quick shield comprised of her magic.

“Stop throwing shit!” Yoongi snapped at his partner while lassoing a line of his magic around the female’s ankle and yanking hard. “You’re going to run out of blades again!”

The female magic user toppled to the side but caught herself on her knee. Using the stumble to his advantage, Yoongi lifted both hands and wrapped his magic around the female’s torso and chest. Mint-blue magic bound her arms to her sides and began to squeeze, gradually crushing the draikensu.

“NOW!” Yoongi yelled as sweat trailed down his face and neck while he slowly closed his hands into fists.

The kiela’s spy brandished another blade and rushed the restrained magic user from the side. At the same time, the female hissed and focused her attention on the arm closest to the approaching Saeni. Yoongi saw her efforts, her attempts to rip through the constricting blue magic with her own, and was determined to not let her break through. It was time they finished this fight. It had gone on long enough. He fisted his hands even more, causing the draikensu to scream through her teeth. Hobi was about fifteen yards out when the female somehow managed to twist her arm underneath the magic so her glowing hand slipped out. The sight made Yoongi’s petal pink eyes widen in realization. And dread. He had been wrong. She hadn’t been trying to tear through his magic but rather rebuff it so she could free her hand. Before Yoongi was able to restrain the released appendage, the female flicked her wrist and sent out a small crescent of magic.

And Hobi didn’t have enough time to dodge it.

Yoongi could only watch in horror as the other male tried to leap out of the way but the edge of the magic still cut through his side.

Once the magic passed through, the white-haired Saeni slowed down and pressed a hand to his torso as if in a daze, flickered his eyes to Yoongi, dropped to his knees, then crumpled to the ground. He didn’t move after that.

Yoongi stared, his blood running cold and hands beginning to shake, as Hobi didn’t move. It felt like there was a sudden hole in his chest and it was becoming hard to breathe. 

This can’t be real. 

This can’t be real. 

This can’t be real. 

Then the sound of pleased laughter reached his ears, and he turned his gaze back to the draikensu who was now giggling manically. Yoongi’s eyes hardened and his body abruptly became hot with anger. He took a step toward the female as she began to cleave through the magic around her. Another step and Yoongi clenched his fists as hard as he could. The mint-blue magic obeyed his orders and multiple cracking noises came from the female’s bones, making her shriek. Another step and Yoongi moved his wrist so his magic vanished from the draikensu’s torso… but an instant later, blue tendrils shot out of the earth and curled around her ankles and calves. The female yelled and sent a wave of amethyst magic at him. With an expression so blank it was terrifying, Yoongi held his hands out in front of him and his own magic easily burned through the female’s. His chest heaved. From anger, from pain, from shock, from disbelief. From no longer conserving his energy and letting his magic run rampant. Flexing his fingers, his magic snapped the bones in the female’s legs too. She screamed and the sound transformed into a gasping wail as she awkwardly slumped on the ground. Another step. More tendrils of mint-blue light rose up and clutched at her biceps. Another step. The draikensu desperately threw another wave of magic. Yoongi cut through it. Another step. Her humerus bones shattered. Another step. Magic coiled around her forearms. Another step. More broken bones. Another step. The female had tears streaking down her face as she pleaded with him to stop. Blue light wound up her neck and covered her mouth. Another step. The amethyst light around her hands started to blink and disappear. Ropes of blue magic surrounded both her wrists. Crack. Another step. A slender tendril of blue light coiled around both her index fingers. Another step. Crack. Another step. The middle fingers. Crack.

By the time Yoongi was right before the female, every single one of her fingers were broken and misshapen. He could hear her muffled cries and saw the tears pouring down her face as he crouched down. Her eyes begged him to stop. He said nothing, just held her gaze while raising his right hand and hovering it over her heart. Magic shot out and entered her chest. Her restrained body flinched and her pupils expanded as the tendrils wrapped around her heart. Then Yoongi jerked his wrist back and his magic followed, tearing her heart out in the process. The female immediately went limp and he released all his magic encasing her so she collapsed in a broken, bruised, bloody heap.

After tossing her heart aside, Yoongi blinked at his red, tremoring hands while the rest of his body convulsed from overexertion and his pulse raced. Suddenly, he stiffened and choked on air before half-crawling, half-sprinting over to where he had last seen him. Stumbling over the corpses and discarded weapons on the field, Yoongi finally reached the white-haired Saeni. He was on the ground in a puddle of his own blood, and the only movement coming from his body was the slightest rise and fall of his chest as he peered up at the sky with lidded eyes.

The cold, blank expression on Yoongi’s face cracked and he whispered Hobi’s name as he heavily dropped to the ground beside the spy, which made blood splash around his legs. “No no no no no….” The magic user’s bottom lip began to quiver.

At his voice, Hobi’s eyelashes fluttered and his light brown eyes seemed to focus more before shifting and settling on the mint-haired Saeni.

The kiela’s spy weakly smiled and croaked out, “Hi… hyung.”

A sharp ache spread across Yoongi’s chest, his throat started to close up, and a clear droplet landed on Hobi’s torso. Then another. And another. The magic user was crying as he stared at the gushing wound on Hobi’s side. He murmured unintelligibly to himself while placing his unsteady hands over the deep gash, making the other male jerk at the contact. Then Yoongi’s hands began to glow faintly with what little energy he had left.

“Stop… hyung stop. You need to… protect yourself.”

“No, you stop!” Yoongi was scared at how feeble the other male sounded as his tears now dripped onto the back of his hands and rolled off to mix into crimson. “Stop talking I can-”

Hobi sluggishly lifted his hand to place it over Yoongi’s. “Save your magic… to protect yourself… Let me go.”

“Shut up! SHUT UP! You can’t… you can’t just…”

“Shh… it’s okay hyung.”

A sob ripped its way out of the magic user’s constricted throat while his mint-blue magic began to dim. “NO, IT’S NOT! You can’t go. You can’t just leave me. I need you, Hoseok. I need you to stay with me. I love you. You can’t go!”

Hobi’s eyes went wide and he drew in a tiny, sharp breath but in the next second his body slackened and his hand partially slipped off Yoongi’s.

“H-Hoseok…? Hoseok!?” The mint-haired Saeni’s voice was laced with fear.

There was no response.

Yoongi felt like he couldn’t bring any air into his lungs as he jostled the other male’s shoulders desperately. When there was still no reaction the magic user shook his head, refusing to accept it. With strained gasps he moved his hands back to the wound and closed his eyes to pour everything he had into his magic. His energy, his life, his entire being. Mint-blue light flared up around his hands once more and grew brighter and brighter and brighter as the Saeni roughly screamed from exertion. Beneath the blinding light, Hobi’s flesh began to stitch itself together and Yoongi grit his teeth and pushed his magic beyond its limits.

It lasted for a few moments longer but as he took a shuddering, slow inhale, the light rapidly depleted. Within mere seconds, the magic was completely gone. Yoongi swayed on his knees and was barely able to open his petal pink eyes to catch a glimpse of the thin line that had replaced the wide-open cut. He exhaled lightly and lips quirked into a small smile, then his eyes rolled back into his head and he fell to the side.

After he hit the ground with a gentle thud and the breeze whispered over both their bloodied skin, Hobi slowly breathed in and his light brown eyes blinked open. Pressing a hand against his side, his brows furrowed when he didn’t feel his cut-open flesh anymore. His skin was still wet with blood but only a thin incision remained where the large wound had been. The kiela’s spy was confused and raised his head to look at his torso, and in the process saw a familiar head of mint-blue hair resting on the grass beside him.

Worried, the white-haired Saeni pushed himself up with a wince, which also caused an influx of queasiness, and rolled the magic user to his back. “Hyung? Hyung!? Yoongi!!?”

The magic user was unresponsive, causing Hobi to look around helplessly. The other fights were starting to draw closer now that there weren’t any magic users battling to make them keep their distance. The spy cursed and glanced over his shoulder. He had to get Yoongi out of there. His gaze narrowed in on tree with the broken branches and saw there was an open space between them and the trunk. Plus, the branches were thick and full, meaning the leaves would provide a good bit of cover. Nodding to himself, Hobi pulled Yoongi’s limp form into his arms and stood up. Ignoring the sharp pain in his side as well as the overwhelming urge to keel over, the white-haired Saeni staggered over the grass and bodies to the tree.

When he finally ducked beneath the tree limbs, Hobi was gasping for air and his entire body was shaking. Once fully underneath the cover of the leaves and smaller branches, his legs gave out as the last of his strength left his body. Both he and Yoongi tumbled to the ground. Whimpering and clutching at his side, the kiela’s spy took a readying breath then shifted around until he was able to ensure they were both fully concealed. Then he maneuvered Yoongi onto his back and leaned over him.

“Hyung?”

Suddenly the words he’d heard right before the world had floated away into nothingness surged to the forefront of his thoughts.

I need you to stay with me. I love you. You can’t go!

Yoongi’s voice rang in his mind over and over like a bell.

I need you.

I love you.

I need you.

I love you.

I love you.

I love you.

“Hyung wake up!” Hobi cradled Yoongi’s face in his hands as tears welled up in his eyes. “You can’t just say you love me then die before I can say it back!”

A low groan came from the magic user’s lips, making Hobi cry out and hold the other male’s face even more tenderly.

“Oh my goddess…” Yoongi muttered in a gravelly voice. “I’m not dead, I just passed out for a sec-wait.” His petal pink eyes shot open and his mouth parted in surprise. “Did you just say-”

“I love you too.”

Yoongi gazed up in shock, his body frozen from both absolute exhaustion and the surge of emotions he felt. He couldn’t believe it. His heart pounded in his chest while overwhelming relief and happiness settled over him.

But Hobi misunderstood his silence, flinching back the slightest amount. “I-uh-sorry. I should’ve known you didn’t mean it… um, like that.”

The spy went to lean away but Yoongi grabbed a hold of Hobi’s wrist and tugged him back while rolling his pink eyes. “I did mean it like that. Idiot.”

Then Yoongi placed his other hand on the back of Hobi’s neck and drew him down to his lips.

The intense surge of mint-blue light in the distance suddenly died down, making both Namjoon and Jin glance at each other in concern while they continued to hack their way through the enemy. Jin was in the lead, taking care of most of the draikensu, while Namjoon covered the rear. The kiela’s leader was still limping as he hammered the occasional dark Saeni out of the way, but thanks to the magic user who had helped him he was able to walk and wasn’t in danger of bleeding out anymore. He did regret that he hadn’t been able to properly thank her afterwards though. She had disappeared into the fray the instant she was done. He hadn’t even gotten her name.

Maybe he could find her once this ordeal was over to express his gratitude. Granted, that could only happen if they both survived.

Luckily, the draikensu no longer seemed to be pouring out of the trees. There were still plenty to fight, but there was some extra room to breathe and it was simply relieving to see the enemy’s forces did indeed have a cap. Plus, less draikensu made it easier for the two Saeni to move through the field.

The duo was heading toward Yoongi’s magic, drawn to his bright blue light like moths to a flame. But now they were worried. About a minute ago, their brother’s magic had gotten more vivid and intense than they had ever seen before. It seemed like everything in the distance had been consumed in it. Like the air had been set ablaze in blue. Then it disappeared and no mint-blue magic had flared up since.

But the two males were still determined to get to the spot where they had seen it.

Jin tore his gaze away from Namjoon and sidestepped the swing of a mace then stepped in and thrust his sword deep in the belly of the draikensu before him. They fell to the side and the raven-haired Saeni continued forward with Namjoon close behind. The Saeni made it about twenty feet before a new opponent arrived. Arms throbbing as they lifted his blood-covered sword to pary the attack, Jin quickly pivoted and ran the edge of his blade along the draikensu’s thigh then across their chest.

While Jin disposed of the draikensu, Namjoon was peering around the field for any possible threats when a flash of burgundy caught his attention. The yellow-eyed male perked up and squinted. Same hair color… right height and build… and Namjoon swore there was a sword in each of their hands. There was no doubt. It had to be Jungkook… but something was wrong.

The male was slightly hunched over and wavering from side to side as he shuffled forward frantically. His footsteps were heavy, shoulders sagging, and every few seconds he would cover his ears and shake his head as he stumbled along. And while he still cut through whatever draikensu confronted him, it wasn’t with his usual speed and precision.

Shocked, Namjoon whispered his youngest brother’s name, making Jin’s head dart up and look for the male.

When he finally located his brother, the raven-haired male began to feel uneasy. “What in Illai’s name is he doing?”

Namjoon shook his head, not having an answer, before calling out to Jungkook. They were close enough the Jungkook should have heard, even though the sound was somewhat muted by the other screams coming from around the field, but the male just continued moving as if he could only focus on what was directly in front of him.

Jin swore under his breath and went after his brother, and despite the injury on his thigh, Namjoon was fast to follow. The two Saeni made their way toward Jungkook, taking down any draikensu that dared to get in their way all while still yelling out to their little brother. Meanwhile, the burgundy-haired Saeni wobbled on his feet as he blocked an incoming attack with his swords and both Namjoon and Jin saw how he grimaced and favored his right side. With a strained grunt, Jungkook forced the draikensu back and ducked below their next strike to lunge forward and bury a sword into their stomach. He dragged the blade to the side, completely gutting the draikensu then pulled the sword free. Reeling back a step as the dark Saeni toppled, Jungkook’s chest heaved and his sweaty hair fell into his eyes while he reached his right arm behind him. He appeared to brush his knuckles against a spot on his lower back that made his face contort in pain. His peridot eyes squeezed shut for only a few seconds, but it was long enough for a draikensu to spot the vulnerable male and rush at him.

“Shit-JUNGKOOK!” Jin shouted loudly, his voice booming across the field.

The youngest member of the kiela slowly opened his eyes and blinked a few times as he recognized the voice, but he still didn’t realize there was a draikensu coming at him. Seeing that his brother wasn’t moving, Jin decided to take matters into his own hands. Hefting his sword and pushing through the crowded field, he sprinted as fast as he could in order to intercept the draikensu while roaring to divert their attention from his brother. Their swords met with a shrill ring and Namjoon called out Jungkook’s name once more.

The panting burgundy-haired male raised his head with effort and looked for his brother’s voice. “H-Hyung?”

Seconds later, Namjoon broke through two draikensu blocking his way with a powerful swing of his hammer and ran up to his brother. As he approached, the worry budding inside Namjoon became a fully blossomed flower when he noticed Jungkook was painted in blood and that his entire body was shaking.

Coming to a stop beside the male, Namjoon let his hammer drop to the ground so he could reach out and pull his brother into a hug. “Kook, oh my goddess, what’s going on with you!?”

The younger Saeni trembled in Namjoon’s arms, but he suddenly stiffened and hissed when the elder shifted his arms lower on his back.

“What? What is it?” Namjoon peered over Jungkook’s shoulder and saw his hand was just shy of a particularly bloody area. “Are you hurt!?”

“It’s nothing,” Jungkook replied detachedly like he didn’t even care he had a stab wound on his back. “Hyung, I need to-”

“That’s not nothing!” The yellow-eyed male leaned back to go inspect the wound further but flinched when he noticed how hollow and empty the younger’s eyes looked.

“What’s not nothing?” Jin appeared behind Jungkook, having defeated the draikensu quickly, and raised his brows in question.

“Jin hyung!” Jungkook twisted in Namjoon’s arms and Jin was taken back at the wild desperation on the maknae’s face. “I need to know-”

“He thinks it’s nothing that he got stabbed!” Namjoon cut him off once more in a bewildered, stressed tone.

Regardless of the chaos around them, Jin felt his brain shut down for a moment and he blinked as it promptly rebooted… and then he shrieked, “WHAT!? WHERE!?”

Turning Jungkook by his shoulders, Namjoon pointed at the leaking wound and the raven-haired Saeni gasped. The two older males crouched down behind their protesting maknae and inspected his back. They prodded gently, although their touches still made Jungkook tense up and reach for the dagger that was no longer strapped to his side, while murmuring questions of ‘how did this happen?’ and ‘how much blood have you lost?’ and ‘how do we wrap this out here?’ and ignoring Jungkook’s pleas to listen to him.

“Hyungs.”

Namjoon looked down at his clothes and huffed in frustration. “I don’t have anything we can use.”

“Hyungs!”

“Fucking Exia, neither do I.”

“It looks like the-”

“Hyungs!”

“-blade went straight in and out but his organs could be damaged.”

“Our best bet is getting him to Yoongi.”

“FOR FUCKING EXIA’S SAKE, THAT’S WHERE I’M TRYING TO GO!” What little patience Jungkook had ran out and he screamed at his brothers while swiveling to face them. “SO, IF NEITHER OF YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO Y/N THEN LET ME GET TO YOONGI HYUNG!”

Namjoon gaped at his outburst. “Y/N? Wha-”

“She’s not on the cliff anymore.” The peridot-eyed Saeni went to touch his dagger again but remembered so he tightly gripped both his swords instead to ground himself even though it wasn’t the same. “She’s not there!”

Both Jin and Namjoon looked over at the cliff and searched for your familiar figure, but Jungkook was right. You weren’t there. Their eyes widened but they pushed down their alarm, controlled their expressions, and did their best to stay calm for the sake of their maknae, who was now pressing his fists and sword hilts hard against his ears while repeating what sounded like ‘shut up’ under his breath.

“Okay, Kook, just breathe.” Jin tried to place a hand on the younger’s arm but Jungkook stiffened then threw it off.

“No, hyung! I need to find her! She could be… could be…” An intense shudder ran through Jungkook’s body and the male grit his teeth while reaching his hand behind his back again and taking deep inhales before continuing. “So, if you haven’t seen her-”

“We haven’t,” Jin said regretfully while Namjoon looked down at his feet.

They both hated this. Seeing their youngest brother injured and nearly breaking down. Knowing you could be in trouble and not having a clue where you were. How could they have allowed this to happen to their family? How could they fail their family like this?

As the two Saeni were mentally beating themselves up, Jungkook’s legs buckled at the confirmation that neither of his hyungs knew what had happened to you, and he partially collapsed to his knee while burying his face in his arms. The angle made the pain in his back become searing and Jungkook released a groan that soon faded into a cry. Startled and feeling like their hearts were being violently squeezed, Namjoon and Jin immediately went to help their brother up. While they softly pulled the hyperventilating male to his feet, Jin noticed a draikensu coming at them and silently exchanged a look with his leader before letting go of Jungkook’s arm. The eldest member of the kiela stepped away, twirled his sword in his hand so the handle settled into his palm properly, then charged the enemy as Jungkook latched onto Namjoon. The burgundy head clutched at his brother in a way that was somehow both weak and ferocious, and tears finally spilled over his eyelashes and dripped off his chin to plop onto Namjoon’s shoulders.

The leader held him close and whispered what he hoped were soothing assurances. “It’ll be okay. She’ll be okay. She’s a scorja, remember? She’s strong.” He peeked over to check on Jin and saw the male was shoving his blade through the draikensu’s abdomen, then returned his focus on Jungkook who was blubbering against his shoulder.

“Y-Yoongi hyung can probably locate her through the kiela bond since w-we share-”

“Your connection.”

Jungkook sniffled, nodded, then slowly detached himself from the older male, being careful of the blades still in his hands.

“Come on,” Namjoon said softly while wiping away some of the stray tears on the maknae’s cheeks. “We’ll help you get to Yoongi hyung. Get you healed up and then find Y/N. Sound good? Yeah?”

Jungkook let out a shaky exhale as he nodded again and wiped at his face with his knuckles. The other Saeni faintly smiled then leaned down to pick up his hammer before wrapping Jungkook’s arm around his shoulders so he could carry some of the young one’s weight. Jungkook hissed and shut his eyes at the pain but took a deep breath and rasped out that he was fine. Namjoon whispered an apology. He really didn’t want to hurt Jungkook more by tugging on his wound, but he knew it was better than having Jungkook collapse on the way. Not to mention the pain would help him stay awake and alert.

As Jungkook reiterated that he was fine, albeit with a grimace on his face, Jin ran back to the two Saeni with a fresh cut on his forearm but was otherwise unhurt. Yet when he slowed to a stop and noticed Jungkook’s now red and puffy eyes, he had to press his lips together firmly and glance away momentarily to keep his emotions in check.

“Yoongi hyung,” Namjoon informed the older male and tilted his head in the proper direction.

The raven-haired Saeni hummed in acknowledgement, still not looking at his youngest brother out of fear of choking up, and shifted in front of them so they formed a squished a triangle. Then they all set out. They moved at a measured pace; fast but slow enough that Jungkook could keep up without needing Namjoon to drag him along.

It took the trio maybe five minutes to reach the area where they had last seen the distinct flashes of mint-blue magic. Somehow, they managed to have had only a few encounters with draikensu on the way, and Jin got had gotten rid of them quickly with efficient swings and thrusts of his sword. But as they searched through the crowd the magic user was nowhere to be found. All they could see was more fighting, no magic.

For a second, they thought they might be in the wrong place… but they couldn’t be. That large tree they had all seen in the distance beside the flares of mint-blue magic was right there.

“We can’t just run around looking for him.” Jin shook his head and peered over his shoulder at Jungkook, who was trying to hold in his groans, then at Namjoon. “Not with him like this and not with your leg.”

Jungkook tilted his head in confusion and asked, “Your leg? What happened to your leg?”

“I, uh, might have gotten stabbed too,” Namjoon replied sheepishly then cleared his throat and looked Jin in the eye. “Let’s make our way to the tree. It looks like there’s some downed branches Kook and I can shelter under while you look for hyung, and it’s a good marker for you to find us again too.”

“Alright, let’s go.” Jin once again began to lead the way, and the three Saeni weaved through bodies and weapons toward the tree.

At one point, while Jin was preoccupied with a female draikensu wielding a trident, another spotted how Namjoon was supporting Jungkook and bolted at them with a gleeful squeal. Both males cursed as the draikensu raised her lance. They knew they were in an awkward position to fight but before they could separate the female was driving her weapon toward Jungkook’s chest. The peridot-eyed male leaned almost all of his weight on Namjoon, who was fumbling with his hammer, and lifted his arm so the sharp point of the draikensu’s weapon bounced off the flat side of his sword. Jungkook set his jaw as the power behind her strike vibrated up his arm and into his body, which caused Namjoon to stagger slightly. Then, as Jin was slicing through his opponent’s armor and the female was bringing her lance around for another attack, Jungkook abruptly surged forward and kicked the draikensu’s legs out from underneath her. Her back hit the grass and in the next second Jin was plunging his sword through her body. The female craned her head upwards for a brief second, staring at the steel piercing her, then she went limp as blood trickled out of the corner of her mouth. Jin removed his sword while Jungkook gasped, clenched his teeth, and sagged against Namjoon in pain. The yellow-eyed male held him the as best he could and guided the youngest along when Jin went on the move again.

“Can you crawl?” The leader of the kiela asked as they quickly approached the tree. “Because I don’t think I can lug your heavy ass under there.”

Jungkook scoffed and rolled his peridot eyes while he tried not to drag his feet. “Why wouldn’t I be able to crawl?”

“Still difficult.” Jin sighed. “Even after being stabbed.”

A minute later, they finally reached the tree and skirted around the thick trunk until the broken branches were before them. As smoothly as he could manage, Namjoon bent his knees and eased Jungkook to the ground while Jin stood guard. After the burgundy head was gently plopped on the dirt and he rolled to his forearms with a wince, he peered into the dense leaves and stilled in astonishment.

“What?” Namjoon wondered aloud as he crouched beside the male and followed Jungkook’s line of sight. “Oh.”

Through the branches, their eyes settled on a stunned Hobi who was staring back at them. The male had one of his daggers in hand but his other arm was wrapped around the mint-haired Saeni that was laying in his lap. Yoongi’s eyes were closed but his chest was gently rising and falling as if he was in a deep sleep.

The plump leaves and branches had camouflaged them both from view until Jungkook and Namjoon had gotten right up to the foliage, but there was no mistaking it was their brothers.

“Uhhhh… Jin hyung?” Jungkook called up to the male who was still focused on watching out for draikensu.

“Yeah?” Jin replied loudly but he didn’t turn his back on the field. “Do you need help?”

“No, um, he’s here.” Jungkook blinked at Hobi who did the same at him. “Yoongi hyung. Hobi hyung too.”

“Huh?” The raven-haired Saeni whirled around with his jaw agape.

“Hi hyung,” Hobi’s voice faintly came from the leaves.

Namjoon couldn’t help but chuckle to himself as he let his head hang in relief. “Well, this makes things easier.”

But Jungkook got over his surprise, huffed, and began to move over the dirt and roots. “Is hyung seriously sleeping!? He needs to wake up! Now!” With every movement he made, the agony in his lower back soared, but he tried to disguise how much he was hurting by setting his jaw and continuing forward.

He needed to get to Yoongi.

Leaves grazed his head and twigs scratched his skin and he could hear rustling as Namjoon followed him under the branches.

“Kook’s hurt,” the yellow-eyed Saeni informed his brother.

“Oh, shit. Okay… O-Okay.” Hobi glanced at Jungkook and his gaze settled on the dark, wet spot on his back but he quickly averted his eyes to focus on lightly shaking the magic user in his lap. “I don’t know if he will wake up, though.”

“What? Why?” Jungkook glared while he pulled the rest of his body into the small open space his brothers were in.

Hobi gave them a tight-lipped smile and gestured to his side, which was covered in copious amounts of dried blood. “I, uh, almost died and hyung used all his energy to save me.”

Moving backwards so he could kneel closer to the group, Jin speculated that that must have been the cause of the intense flare up of magic they all had seen.

Namjoon shifted so he could check on Jungkook’s wound again while Hobi shrugged at Jin’s statement then leaned down so his lips were ghosting Yoongi’s ear. “Hyung, come on. You gotta wake up. Kookie needs your help.” The white-haired Saeni smoothed his thumb over Yoongi’s cheek and brushed some of his mint hair away from his forehead.

The other males saw the tender action and raised their brows at Hobi who started to blush and stammer.

“Oh, u-um, it’s, ah…”

“Later?” Namjoon offered with a small grin while helping Jungkook get more comfortable on his stomach.

“Y-Yeah. Thanks.”

Finally, the mint-haired Saeni stirred and deeply groaned but he only nuzzled into Hobi’s lap more, making the spy turn even more red and frantic with his shaking.

“Let me sleep, ‘m tired,” Yoongi huskily murmured.

Namjoon let out a long exhale and inched closer to the magic user. Then, using his “leader voice,” he ordered the other Saeni to wake up.

“Agh, why do you sound li-” Petal pink eyes cracked open. “Ah, no it actually is Joon. Great.” The male flitted his gaze around. “And Kook. You look like shit by the way. And I’m going to hope the creeper watching us through the leaves is Jin hyung.”

Hobi laughed nervously and Jin berated the magic user for calling him a creeper while Yoongi just snorted and looked back at Jungkook.

“Seriously, you look terrible… I haven’t seen you like this since I kicked your ass for the first time. Don’t tell me a draikensu gave you-”

“Shut up,” the burgundy head retorted weakly.

“-trouble and you ha-”

“He got stabbed and Y/N is missing,” Namjoon explained bluntly.

In a flash, Yoongi snapped his jaw shut and sat up in shock, but the fast movement made him hold his head as a wave of dizziness and nausea hit him.

While the magic user grumbled as his head spun and stomach lurched, the kiela’s spy let out a chirp-like squeak. “Hold up, Y/N is missing!?”

“Yes.” Jungkook felt his temper start to ignite again and he stabbed one of his swords into the ground. “So, can we please stop talking and do something?”

Namjoon placed a hand on Jungkook’s shoulder to try to calm him down but the burgundy head growled in impatience.

Hardened peridot eyes stared into Yoongi’s drowsy ones. “Can you track her through our connection and the kiela bond?”

“I… I don’t know. Maybe.” The magic user took a deep breath and flexed his fingers… but no magic sparked up. “I probably could but I’m so drained I can barely stay awake honestly.”

Yoongi looked down at his hands and clenched them into fists. Hobi rubbed his back, Namjoon was lost in thought trying to think of a solution, and Jungkook ground his blade further into the dirt while tears threatened to fall onto his cheeks again.

“That means you can’t heal Kook either?” Jin questioned, but he already knew the answer.

They all did.

Yoongi muttered a pitiful ‘right’ and the Saeni fell silent.

They only heard their ragged breathing, the leaves, and the screams and ringing metal coming from every direction.

Then Jungkook yanked his dagger out of the earth and began to shift around regardless of the pain screaming at him to stop. “I’m going to go find her.”

“No, you’re not.” Namjoon grabbed the younger male’s forearm.

“Let me go.”

“You can hardly move!”

“Bu-”

“He’s right, Kook.” Yoongi lifted his head, baring his remorsful face to the others. “You’re just going to get yourself killed.”

“I have to try!” Jungkook tried to pull his harm back yet again but Namjoon held firm, and his struggle caused a twinge to form in his brothers’ hearts.

Taking in the youngest’s wilted and wrecked appearance, Jin squeezed his sword handle tightly as he came to a decision and started to stand up. “I’ll go find her. Everyone else stay h-”

“HYUNG!”

A body slid to a stop beside a startled Jin and they looked up at him with a blood-stained face and big, boxy smile.

“Tae!?”

The younger Saeni gave him a little salute and let out a tired exhale before turning his head and widening his bright blue eyes in pleasant surprise. “Whoa, everyone’s here! You all saw Yoongi hyung’s crazy magic too, huh?” Tae then got on his knees and reached out to clasp a bewildered Jin’s forearm in greeting before clambering further beneath the two broken branches and saying hello to the other Saeni.

They all gaped at him for a few heartbeats, stuttering out quiet and somewhat stupefied ‘hellos’ in return, until Jungkook inhaled sharply and dropped his swords then pushed himself up with a deep, throaty groan. The blue-eyed Saeni went to ask why Jungkook was so pale and making such noises but before he could open his mouth, his younger brother was frantically grasping his arms and asking if he’d seen you.

“Little scorja?” Tae paused for a moment, the craziness of the situation making his mind go blank temporarily. The other Saeni waited anxiously… then his blue eyes lit up. “Oh yeah! She ran into the trees after fighting off a draikensu that got on top of the cliff.”

His words were like a remedy as the Saeni breathed out in relief, some of the tension and uncertainty lifting from their bodies and minds. Jungkook himself trembled and his hold on Tae’s arms loosened as he slumped to the ground while closing his eyes and turning his lips up into the tiniest of smiles.

But Yoongi looked confused. “She… ran? That doesn’t seem like her.”

Tae shrugged and intertwined one of his hands with Jungkook’s. “If I had to guess, she probably went after Chim for some reason.”

The burgundy-haired male whipped his head up and his eyes held hope as he whispered something about the rift.

“Fuck no.” Yoongi saw the glimmer in the male’s peridot eyes. “You’re not going anywhere while you’re hurt.”

“What!? Kookie, you’re hurt!?” The blue-eyed Saeni tightened his grip and rapidly scanned Jungkook’s body while the younger male mumbled out that it was his back. Tae peeked behind the male, frowned, and shook his head disapprovingly. “Little scorja is going to be pissed.”

As the blue-eyed Saeni forced Jungkook to lay down on his stomach again, Hobi glumly twirled his dagger in his fingers. “And hyung doesn’t have any energy left remember? He can’t do anything right now.”

Jin rested the point of his longsword in the dirt. “I can still-shit.” A draikensu had come too close to the fallen branches for the Jin’s liking so he cut off his own sentence and sprang to his feet.

The raven-haired male crept out from the leaves and swung at the unsuspecting draikensu. Jin’s longsword glinted brightly in the sunlight, and the flash caught the draikensu’s attention which allowed them to turn and block the attack at the last second. Undeterred, Jin attacked again.

“Well, can’t one of us give you some of our energy?” Tae tilted his head to the side, making his bloodied feather sway in the air.

“What?” Yoongi blinked hard to try to stay awake.

“I mean couldn’t you just siphon energy from one of us?”

Hobi widened his eyes and turned his head to the magic user resting against his him. “Could you do that?”

“I… I’ve never through of it before but… possibly? I’m not sure how it would work exactly though.”

“Hyung, please try,” Jungkook softly pleaded in a tiny voice.

“Here.” Tae stretched his arm out. “You can take mine.”

Namjoon placed his fingertips on Tae’s wrist and gently lowered it. “I’m injured as well so it’s better if he takes mine. That way there’s still someone who can go after Y/N with Kook.”

“But Jin hyung could go with-”

Tae was interrupted by a heavy breathing Jin disagreeing with him while crawling back between the tree trunk and the fallen branches. “Tae, you’re honestly the only one who could keep up with Kook right now. You go. I’ll stay here and watch over everyone.”

Adrenaline flooded your veins as you ran through the shrubs and underneath the tall trees. It made the painful aching in your body, especially your legs, bearable while you continued to move in the direction Stem had pointed in. The direction that should lead you to your best friend. You didn’t know how close or far he and Mingi were, but you were just going to keep running until you found them or your legs gave out. Whichever came from. And even if your legs refused to move, you still had functioning arms and hands. You would crawl. Hell, if Alex Høgh Andersen could do it as Ivar the Boneless in Vikings for seven years you could do it for one day for your best friend, dammit.

“But it won’t…come to that, Y/N,” you wheezed to yourself between breaths. “You’re fine. Totally fine… Keep moving. Just… keep… moving… Just keep… moving… Just keep moving… moving… moving… What do we… do…? We move… move.”

Airily chuckling to yourself while the wind blew past you, you tried to swallow but your dry throat made you choke and you started coughing. Gasping more air into your lungs that felt like they were on fire, your feet faltered and you grabbed onto a tree trunk to stop yourself so you could lean your hands on your knees and spit out the excess saliva in your mouth. Though as you straightened back up, the wind died down for a moment and your nose twitched as you smelled that smell again. Death. It was strong and coming from up ahead. You hadn’t caught the disgusting scent sooner since you were running upwind, and you weren’t sure if you should be thankful for that or not.

Heart hammering in your chest and leg muscles spasming, you nodded to yourself and murmured, “Alright, here we go,” and notched an arrow before lightly jogging forward.

A minute or so later, the ground began to tilt downward and the smell of blood and death grew even more pungent. You tapped your finger nervously against your bow while zig-zagging down the slope. Halfway down, a flash by your feet made you look down and you saw a deserted arrow partially hidden by the low foliage. Furrowing your brow, you moved on but a few steps later another arrowhead reflected in the light by your feet. And another and another and another. It was like someone had dumped out their quiver… or had taken a tumble down. You trailed your eyes along the arrows until your gaze reached the bottom of the slope.

In the shade there was another lump.

You crept down the slope while scrutinizing the shape.

It definitely wasn’t a log this time. Or a person. It was another wolf.

It lay crumpled between two rocks. It’s head awkwardly propped up, limp tongue hanging out, and throat slit. Blood coated its fur and stained the rocks and twigs and leaves beneath its body.

Was this the wolf I heard back at the meadow? You wondered as you finished descending into the gully and approached the dead animal.

Wrinkling your nose at the stench radiating from the body, you sighed and turned away to continue on your journey. Though as you moved around the wolf, you noticed there was more blood on the ground leading away from it.

In the same direction you were going.

On alert, you readied yourself to draw your bow while you tentatively followed the blood trail. Maybe you were just being paranoid. The blood could easily just be from the wolf… but it worried you that the red droplets were going in the same direction that Jimin and Mingi were supposed to be in.

Ducking below a thick tree branch, you started to hear bubbling water over the rustling leaves.

And then heavy splashing and groaning.

Biting your lip, you moved cautiously.

Quickly, you came upon the source of the sound of water. It was a shallow but wide creek filled with lots of rocks. It opened up the gully a bit, allowing for more sunlight and open space.

And thus, permit you to see the male that was stumbling through the creek further ahead.

He was moving fast but limping badly. One arm was dragging his sword behind him, the tip clanging over the rocks, while the other was pressed against his torso.

And as he staggered into a patch of sunlight, you reeled as you realized you knew him.

“Mingi?” You whispered in confused shock then hastily returned your arrow to your quiver before shouting after him. “Mingi!”

The male was exiting the creek when he paused at your voice and looked over his shoulder in surprise.

You sprinted toward him, not bothering to be quiet anymore. Your feet pounded against the ground, hands roughly shoved branches out of the way. When the creek curved before you, you plunged right in. Mingi was right on the other bank. You were almost to him. You were going so fast you lost your footing on a slick rock and fell forward. A yelp escaped past your lips as your hands and knees were thrust into the icy water and your palms scraped against the rocks. Some water even splashed up onto your chest, making you tense up from how cold it was.

“Y-Y/N?” Mingi stammered out in a strained, faint voice while you pushed yourself back up. “Are you okay? H-How are you here?”

You were dripping water as you safely crossed the remainder of the creek and launched yourself at the Saeni, wrapping your arms around his waist while murmuring his name in relief. But the male released a choking sound and stiffened as you hugged him tightly.

“What? What’s wrong?” You leaned back and took in the way the guard was breathing strenuously and his hazel eyes were darker than usual.

Suddenly it hit you that he was alone.

“Mingi…” You stepped back from the male. “Where’s Jimin?”

And it was then you realized Mingi’s entire front was red. Slashes covered his body and blood was spilling onto his arm and hand where he held it across his stomach. You gaped at the wounds and glanced down at yourself, seeing you were now blotted with red too. You hadn’t felt it seep into your clothes because of the creek water. As you looked down, you noticed his leg was also coated in blood and it was pooling on the dirt and sand beneath his foot.

The blood trail was coming from him.

Mingi adjusted his arm over his torso and let out a ragged exhale. “The wolf attacked… I sent him ahead while I dealt with it… rift should be very close.”

You grimaced at the amount of blood steadily leaking out of the male’s body then registered what he had said. “It’s close? So Jimin should be close too…”

I really don’t think Mingi should be moving around with those wounds… I don’t even know how he’s moving around with them right now.

“I’ll go after him. You stay here,” you told him.

You went to go around him and start running once more but he quickly grabbed your arm with his bloody hand before you could leave.

He shook his head, determination in his hazel eyes, while holding his sword hilt with more strength. “I’ll keep up. I have to… it’s my job to protect him.”

You eyed him, wanting to say no, but it was his choice to make. Besides, the longer you stayed here and bickered with him, the more time you would be wasting. So, in the end, you just gave him a nod. His bloody hand slipped off your arm and you took off running knowing he would be following.

And true to his word, he did keep up despite the obvious pain he was in. He just endured it with gritted teeth and the occasional low moan as blood continued to spill from his body.

After jumping over a small runoff, you looked back at Mingi and asked if he knew how far the rift was.

“No… but if we keep… going straight… we should hit it soon… at least I think.”

You grunted in acknowledgement and refocused on the terrain before you. It was quite rocky and uneven, so you really had to watch where you were going so you wouldn’t twist an ankle.

Not long after, the creek curved away and the ground before you started to rise into a minor incline. You hopped up and over the rocks and roots in your path as the sounds of running water began to fade away, though your ears perked up as your heard something that was definitely not the forest replace it. Deep chuckles, small gasps and groans, dull thuds.

Deep breath, stay calm. Deep breath, stay calm. Deep breath, stay calm. You chanted internally while vaulting over a fallen tree.

When your feet landed back on the dead leaves, dirt, and twigs, you retrieved an arrow and readied your bow. You glanced back at Mingi who raised his bloody hand to his ear then pointed ahead to signal he was hearing the noises too. Then he brought his red finger to his lips to indicate to be quiet before returning his arm to lay across his torso while hoisting his sword in the air with his other arm.

The two of you briskly tiptoed beside each other as the thudding sounds increased in volume… and seconds later you saw who you’d been searching so desperately for.

Except he was being beaten.

Amid the large rocks that cluttered the area, a male draikensu was holding a bloody and bruised Jimin by the throat while sending his fist into the half-Saeni’s torso. The draikensu was carrying a bow and quiver on his back and a knife at his side but was using neither as he smirked darkly and simply used his bare hands to overwhelm the half-Saeni… and there was a strange plume of black smoke swirling behind the male. The smoke seemed to expand and collapse, almost like it was… alive. That sight alone was disturbing, but what was worse was watching your best friend gasp for air while clawing at the draikensu’s hand, his face swollen and purpled. The draikensu scoffed at Jimin’s attempts to free himself, threw him to the ground, then crouched over him to deliver three successive punches to his face.

The apricot head moaned and turned his head to the side to spit out blood onto the dirt while trying to crawl backwards to his bow which lay wedged in the rocks several yards away. The draikensu tsked and held down one of Jimin’s arms while also pressing his face into the ground to pin him.

Coming to your senses, you cried out for your best friend and raised your bow at the male restraining him.

“Oh, we have company now?” The male spared you and Mingi a brief look then grinned as if he was pleased. “Good.”

Neither you nor Mingi rushed the draikensu. Not when he was essentially holding Jimin captive and could snap your best friend’s neck in an instant. You didn’t shoot either. You didn’t have a clean shot with the angle and the draikensu could easily lift Jimin’s body to use as a shield.

Jimin tried to crane his neck your way and mumbled your name. “Y/…Y/N?”

Right after your name came from Jimin’s lips, the draikensu returned his attention to the male under him. He released Jimin’s face but slammed his fist into the apricot head’s temple. Your best friend went limp as the punch forced him unconscious. The draikensu hummed and straightened slightly to reach for the blade strapped to his waist. The smoke behind him seemed to dance in eagerness.

OH, FUCK.

You widened then narrowed your eyes, seeing how the male had eased his hold on Jimin’s arm and wasn’t as close. Mingi whispered ‘Now!’ and you released your bowstring to send your arrow flying at the draikensu.

You and Mingi followed, darting forward.

The male dove to the side to avoid the projectile, which sped past him and vanished into the trees. When he came to a stop, the draikensu growled and swiftly grabbed his own bow and an arrow while you were reaching for your quiver mid-sprint.

He aimed… right at you. And shot.

Your eyes widened but suddenly you were being shoved to the side. Your bow flew from your grasp and you hit the ground hard. Twisting around, you looked back at what had rammed into you… or rather who. It had been Mingi… who was looking down at the arrow now protruding from his sternum.

He had pushed you out of the way but sacrificed his own body to do so.

Mingi!

You stared as more blood bloomed on his chest and blended into the other lines of crimson crossing his body. As you watched the red flow out, so many emotions battled for dominance in your heart to the point you were stunned motionless. Meanwhile, Mingi wrapped a hand around the arrow shaft, staggered back a step, gulped, and flashed his eyes your way.

But before you could get up or help him or even blink, another arrow thumped into his chest.

The impact made him fall down to the earth. And within a few seconds, the light in his beautiful hazel eyes disappeared.

It was gone.

Mingi was gone.

No… no, Mingi. Please, no…

You were trembling, not knowing what to do when a satisfied sigh made you tear your eyes away. You met the draikensu’s gaze and you saw he was taking out another arrow from his quiver as he stood over Jimin.

“Remember my name,” he spoke to you proudly, “Amarok. The one who killed the key.”

He breathed in deeply through his nose as if he was preparing himself, then he turned his eyes and bow on your best friend.

All at once, alarms blared in your head, bringing you out of your frozen horror. You scrambled to your feet. You didn’t even have a plan or really know what you were doing but you charged forward as fast as you could.

Fifteen yards.

Amarok notched the arrow.

Ten yards.

He began to draw back.

Five yards.

The male smirked.

The smoke hovered in anticipation.

You lowered your shoulder like seasoned football player and you slammed into the draikensu with a yell and all the strength you had in your human body. You tackled him away from your best friend, making his bow and arrow clatter against a nearby rock, and the sheer momentum of your attack made you sail over the draikensu after he hit the ground.

Tumbling over the earth, you dug your forearms and elbows into dirt and leaves and stopped yourself a few feet away from the male. You panted while you used your shaking muscles to get up and squinted as sweat dripped into your eyes. Meanwhile, Amarok roared in agitation, clambered to his feet, and turned to face you with a menacing glower.

His jaw ticked once then he rolled his shoulders and started moving toward you.

Okay okay okay. Remember what Jungkook’s taught you. Yoongi too.

You stood and got into your fighting stance, spreading your legs slightly and balancing your weight while positioning your hands in front of your face. Amarok rolled his eyes and reached out to grab your arm but you skirted to the side and dropped to one knee while spinning with your other leg extended. You figured getting him on the ground and into a hold would be the best way to approach the situation so you tried to knock the male off his feet but he was fast to back up out of the way. He hummed thoughtfully while you got back to your feet and surged forward, aiming your knee at his gut. Amarok blocked your attack and used your proximity to thrust his elbow into your side and shove you back then swung his arm at your face. After lifting your forearm to hinder the fist, you went to deliver a punch in return but Amarok sidestepped, grasped your arm, and used your energy to turn and flip you to your back. You were forcefully thrown to the ground, making you involuntarily let out a half-grunt, half-puff of air on impact. Blinking to clear your head and see through the sun glaring through the trees, you realized there was a flat rock by your left leg. As the crookedly grinning draikensu went to lean over you and capture your throat in his large hand, you braced one foot against the flat rock, pushed your hips up, and brought your other leg across his chest. Then you clenched your teeth and drove your leg, and therefore Amarok, down with a yell. Shifting, you kept your leg against his chest, and took one of his arms in your hands and pulled back while dropping the heel of your other leg as hard as you could into his abdomen. You managed to ram your heel into him twice before he caught your ankle in his free hand. Sucking in a breath, you immediately let go of his arm and crunched your torso to drop your elbow into his face but he raised his knee at the same time. Swiftly, you moved your arms so he hit your forearms instead of your cheek or nose. He let go of your ankle and you used the split second of freedom to roll backwards over your shoulder and back onto your feet. Amarok pushed himself up as well.

Your heart pounded and chest heaved. Alright, so… I’m obviously at a major strength disadvantage. But that’s no different than how I am with the boys when we train.

You and the male stepped around the rocks while you slowly circled each other and waited to see what the other would do.

I need to distract him. Make him start talking. See if there’s anything I can use to play with his emotions.

It typically would have been difficult to figure out how to start talking with someone in this situation, but something had been nagging you in the back of your head since before you’d started fighting so you mentally said fuck it and decided to go with that to start an utterly convenient conversation.

You sucked in a deep breath and tilted your head while keeping your eyes on the male. “Your name. I’ve heard it before. Who are you?”

“I’m my master’s loyal subject.” Amarok stopped moving and spread his arms wide. “His doorway and his tool. My purpose in life is to aid him in burning down the world.”

His doorway…? Is he the one Uzjuk latched on to? Your eyes expanded and darted over to the swirling black smoke which was floating over Jimin’s body. Holy fuckballs, is that raging vape cloud Uzjuk!?

But it was a mistake to look away. The moment your gaze shifted, Amarok ran forward and jumped off a rock toward you. He kicked at your side and you brought your unaware attention back to the male right as his leg made contact with your ribs. Stumbling back several steps, you winced and pressed a hand to your side but refocused to block his next kick. Dodging his quick follow-up punch, you rammed your fist just below his sternum, making him double over a bit, then swung your other fist at his cheekbone. While his head whipped sideways, you shifted your weight and did a double roundhouse kick at his shoulder than face. Both were deterred by his arm but you hastily planted that leg back on the ground and twisted so your other foot spun toward him. As Amarok leapt out of the way, you lunged forward for another punch but the male kicked your thigh and made you stagger back.

You caught your breath and placed your hand to your thigh before returning it in front of your face. “The world doesn’t deserve it.”

“Neither did my family,” Amarok angrily spat out while peering at you, “They didn’t deserve to suffer and die yet they still did. The world shall be no different.”

Then the male snarled and stepped forward to swing his fist toward you once more. You leaned back and blocked it with your elbow but as you were paying attention to his upper body, the male hooked his foot behind your ankle. Before you knew it, he was forcing your leg out from underneath you. With a yelp you fell yet again, this time landing on your side and banging your head against the hard earth. White spots danced in your vision while the draikensu went to stomp on you but you were able to roll back just in time. You only made it a few feet away but Amarok didn’t press after you. Instead he just watched as you dizzily came up to a crouch then returned to your fighting stance. Blowing some stray hair out of your eyes, you shook your hands out to rid some of the tension coursing through you and bounced on the balls of your feet a couple times.

I’m like tiny Steve Rogers. I can do this all day.

Chest rising and falling very quickly, you tried to slow your breathing down as you and the male considered each other.

Oh shit, right, distract him! He mentioned his family!

“Your family…? Your family wouldn’t want you going around killing people. They would want you to be good-”

“Good?” Amarok let out a ridiculing laugh. “There is no good in the world, girl. Just temporary illusions that eventually turn into ash and smoke.” The male stepped up onto rock and looked down at you. “Besides, it doesn’t matter what they want anymore. They’re dead. Nothing is bringing them back but I can make the world feel their pain. Feel my pain.”

You squeezed your hands into fists and looked up at the male in incredulity.

I can’t tell if it’s all him or Uzjuk’s influence but I think he’s insane. I get the whole retribution storyline but damn… the whole world?

Suddenly you heard a quiet groan off to the side, and out of the corner of your eyes you saw Jimin flop over onto his stomach, partially raise himself to his knees, and hold his head in his hands.

“My master showed me that the world needs to fall back to its true state of chaos.”  The draikensu inclined his head in Jimin’s direction and lazily hopped off the rock he was standing on. “And it starts with his death.”

Then he began to march toward Jimin.

Ah, shit.

Your feet moved without thinking and you ran up to Amarok. The male shoved an arm out to swat you aside but you dodged and moved in close so you could grab his shoulder for better leverage as you drove your knee into his torso again. He grunted and tried to seize you but in the next breath, you shifted your hands so you could pull the male’s upper body down as you jumped onto his back so his head was between your thighs. Then, with his shoulder and arm still in your grasp, you threw your weight down so you both fell to the ground.

You both sprawled out and, in your peripherals, you saw Jimin finally start to stand up, causing the black smoke to swell and shrink rapidly. Wobbling to his feet, he continued to hold his bleeding and bruised head as he fixed his brown eyes on you.

Hastily, you got to your feet before Amarok and moved so you were directly in the male’s path to your best friend. The draikensu lifted his head and when he realized Jimin was no longer on the ground, he released an irritated yell and pushed himself up.

He took one, two, three large strides forward but with a scratchy grunt, you powerfully planted your foot in the middle of male’s chest so he reeled back a few steps.

“Jimin, go! GO NOW!”

Hearing no response or footsteps running away, you risked a peek behind you while Amarok place his hand against his chest. To your disbelief you noticed Jimin was still standing there staring at you with a mix of confusion, uncertainty, and reluctance on his blotchy and swollen face.

A low noise came from before you so you tore you gaze away from your best friend to see Amarok coming at you with narrowed eyes.

“FUCKING GO ALREADY!” You shouted back at the half-Saeni and raised your foot to kick the draikensu once more but Amarok caught your leg and turned, tossing you aside.

While you skidded against the ground, your head narrowly missing a rock, Amarok calmly walked past you toward Jimin, who was looking back and forth between you and the draikensu in bewilderment and fear.

Fucking Exia, Jimin, you need to yeet out of here!

Clawing your fingernails into the dirt, you hoisted yourself up and sprinted at the draikensu’s back. Then you launched yourself at it. You slammed into him, your unexpected weight making the male teeter forward, and you went to hook your arm around his neck. Though before you could do so, Amarok snarled and reached up to secure his hands around your arm then tugged while bending over. You flipped through the air and onto your back yet again. All the air in your lungs was pushed out, making your body feel tingly and convulse a little. As you struggled for oxygen, Amarok stepped over you. Gasping, you forced your tremoring body to roll over and grabbed his foot.

It didn’t do much to slow the male down. It barely made him falter. He just kept going, getting closer and closer to Jimin as you held on with all you had.

While you tried to hinder the draikensu’s advance, you looked up and met your best friend’s torn expression. As you were dragged across the earth, you gave him a small nod and mouthed ‘go.’ Jimin opened his mouth like he wanted to say something but snapped it closed, then finally turned and ran for the mass of collapsed rock.

Relief numbed your pain as his apricot hair quickly disappeared from sight, blocked by the rocks and the way they inclined and curved away slightly.

Amarok, on the other hand, released a loud, frustrated yell and tried to run after Jimin but you pulled your body closer to his leg so both your arms enwrapped the appendage. He wouldn’t be going anywhere. Not while you were still breathing. You tightened your hold on the male’s leg as his yell faded into a growl while he leaned over to dig his nails into your wrists, making you cry out in pain. When you refused to let go, he cursed you then grabbed a fistful of your hair and yanked your head up and to the side. You whimpered and your grip around his leg unwillingly slackened. Then he sent his fist into your jaw. Your head snapped back and blood began to flood your mouth as your vision went fuzzy, your arms dropped, and you collapsed to the ground. The disorientation only lasted a few moments but Amarok gave you no reprieve as he let out an infuriated noise then kicked you in your stomach.

You curled in on yourself for a second, a sob coming from your lips. Amarok went to turn away from you but you groaned, clenched your aching jaw, and used your trembling arms to push yourself up to your jelly-like legs before spitting out a mouthful of blood at the draikensu while swaying on your feet.

Much to Amarok’s dismay.

An agitated rumble came from the male’s throat while he glared at where Jimin had gone then at you. “I was going to let you live, girl. But now I see you’re just a pest that needs to be disposed of quickly.”

His hand went to his waist and he withdrew his long hunting knife.

You blinked, quirked your head to the side, and snorted, showcasing your bloody teeth. Oh… well, you’re not the only one with a knife, bitch.

Then you wrapped your own hand around the hilt of the ruby-hilted dagger strapped to your side.

Jimin’s head was throbbing and his body stiff as he hurriedly climbed over the mess of collapsed rock leading to the cave entrance. He could feel how swollen and puffy his face was without even touching it and every time he swallowed he could taste the blood coating his inner mouth.

You’re nearly there Jimin. Keep going. The mother goddess urged the half-Saeni gently. Straight into the cave. You can make it.

The sun beat down on his back while he planted his foot against the flat side of a rock and leapt to the next one several feet away. But as he jumped off his leg buckled, making him fall forward and land awkwardly. One of his palms slid against the rock’s jagged edge which sliced the skin open. His knee banged into the hard fragment and he felt his flesh tear open on through his pants. His feet settled on smaller stones while he hunched over the rock and breathed heavily. He didn’t even feel the pain really, too distracted and overwhelmed to register the new injury. It just felt warm. Probably from the blood. Steadying himself on the rock, he closed his hand into a fist, causing crimson to leak out around his fingers and make a small pool, then he leaned his forehead against the sun-warmed rock.

He could hear the thuds and grunts coming from your fight with the draikensu. He hated himself for placing you in danger. For leaving you. For running away.

But he knew he had to.

Don’t throw away their valor.

He had to trust you. You would hold off the draikensu so he could get to the rift and close it.

That was his job. His responsibility.

Get up Jimin. You can do it.

Jimin straightened and ran his hand through his apricot hair, staining some of the strands crimson. Then he looked up toward the entrance of the cave that was so close. Then he nodded to himself and hiked himself up onto the rock so he could press on.

Not even a minute later, he was crouching at the cavern’s entrance.  A constant plinking sound echoed all around him. His brown eyes glanced up at the water dripping off the ceiling that was causing the sounds as they hit the rock or puddles below. Shifting his gaze to peer into the darkness before him, he shivered at the cold draft blowing out from the cave.

Jimin took a single deep breath and lowered his body to the damp ground.

Then he began crawling inside.

While they ran through the forest, Tae looked sideways at his brother in concern. Jungkook’s peridot eyes were focused and his pace hadn’t wavered once, but what worried Tae was how ragged his breathing was.

As well as the blood still trickling out of the male’s back.

They had been running for about thirty minutes. A third of that time was just getting out of the field and into the forest with as few confrontations as possible. Luckily, though, they hadn’t encountered any draikensu since entering the trees. They had been able to just sprint directly toward their destination, which Yoongi had told them was to the northwest.

The mint-haired Saeni, being the talented magic user he was, had figured out how to siphon energy from Namjoon after a montage of curses and just a few failed attempts. As Yoongi’s hands had begun to glow brighter and brighter with magic, the leader of the kiela had gotten more and more tired until he passed out. It was then that Yoongi ceased extracting his energy as to not harm Namjoon. Then the magic user used most the energy to heal Jungkook’s wound. Not completely, but enough so any damage to internal organs was gone and it wasn’t as deep. Then Yoongi used the remainder of the taken energy to locate both Jimin and Y/N, and found they were close to each other. The magic user’s eyes had started to droop and he’d murmured they needed to go straight to the northwest. Yoongi had crawled out from the branches and pointed in the direction before exhaustion overtook him once more and he slumped to the ground.

Very shortly after, Tae and Jungkook had left.

Both Saeni knew it would still be hard to find you and their brother with only a cardinal direction to guide them but it was substantially better than searching completely blind. Not that Tae thought Jungkook wouldn’t have done that if he’d had too.

But honestly, Tae would have still been right beside Jungkook even if that had been the case.

He wanted to find Chim and his little scorja. He was extremely worried for them.

But he was also worried for his younger brother. He didn’t know how long Jungkook would be able to keep going like this.

After the duo leapt over a skinny fallen tree, Tae took in how Jungkook’s hands were trembling and suggested they take a quick break.

Jungkook firmly shook his head in refusal.

“Just so you can catch your breath.”

“I’m fine,” the burgundy head replied through his teeth.

“Kook-”

“I said I’m fine, hyung. We need to keep going.”

It was apparent nothing was going to stop Jungkook, not even the risk of collapsing from blood loss. So, Tae just reluctantly resigned to the fact and continued running.

You hastily backed up as Amarok slashed down toward your thigh then jabbed at your throat. You stopped the blade from entering your flesh both times by blocking his arm with your hand. The male was bleeding heavily under his arm from where you had managed to get inside his defense a minute ago and stab him but he still wasn’t letting up.

Analyzing his movements, you bent at the waist and the edge of his knife cut through the air where your head had just been. Immediately after, you had to duck to the side to avoid his fist. Then you deterred the next thrust of his blade and lunged forward yourself, but Amarok sidestepped, turned, and used his free hand to redirect your arm while slashing his knife across your forearm. Following the motion of his blade, the male went to move behind you and cut the back of your neck but you quickly dove forward to safety.

Instead of going after you, Amarok used your escape as a means to escape himself. He turned and began running toward the rocks where Jimin had gone. Popping back up to your feet, you swore and flipped the ruby-hilted dagger in your hand so the blade was in your palm.

I know I suck ass at throwing knives but please Exia let it work this one time.

Even though the blade wasn’t meant for throwing, you did your best to channel your inner Hobi as you raised your elbow and threw the dagger.

It rotated through the air… then the hilt bounced off Amarok’s back.

Oh, for fuck’s sake.

But you had had an inkling it wouldn’t work so you had sprinted after the blade as soon as you had released it. It was a miracle it even made contact with the draikensu so although it had not harmed the male like you’d hoped, it did create a distraction that allowed you to catch up with him.

Coming up behind the male, you sent your red, bloody knuckles into his spine, and he twisted around to slash at you with his blade while releasing an angry growl. You leapt out of the way and he faced you yet again with an enraged expression. He stepped toward you and as he went to stab at your side, you saw a brief opening and took it. You kicked your leg up, straight into his groin. At the same time, you caught his forearm that held the knife and used his motion to tug it beside your opposite hip. Then you placed your other hand over his and forced his wrist down while pressing his arm back toward his body quickly. A sharp crack came from his wrist and he hissed as his hand dropped the knife. Then you pushed your hips forward and jumped up, throwing your right leg over his shoulder and the other around his torso under his arm while leaning your upper body back. Feeling your weight around his neck, Amarok instinctively tried to raise his body but it was too late. You kept your head lifted as you hit the ground to not crack your skull and used your left hand to force his arm across his body then to help pinch your leg that was over his shoulder to around the back of his neck. You shifted your other leg up so you could lock your right ankle underneath it to secure the triangle choke. You squeezed your thighs together, beginning to cut off the male’s oxygen and blood flow, while also wrapping an arm around his leg to bring yourself close and further restrict his movements. Breathing through your nose, you focused on maintaining the grapple as Amarok struggled for air and tried to lift you and slam you down but was unable to.

Suddenly, the sky darkened above you and you looked up to see the smoke was now surrounding you and Amarok.

“Master… please… help,” the male croaked out weakly.

Help? How can the vape cloud help? Just pass out already!

Then Amarok began convulsing and he opened his mouth in a silent scream.

What the fu-

And then you felt it too.

A hot and searing pain that felt like it was burrowing deep into your brain.

His armor and skin were soaked from the water that trailed down the earthen walls and collected in puddles on the cavern floor.  Jimin’s teeth clacked together while he continued moving his body through the cold, quiet darkness. Thanks to his draeva connection he was still able to see through what he believed was an abandoned wolf den and as he rounded a tight corner the half-Saeni saw that the small cave seemed to widen a bit up ahead.

Crawling forward, a glow began to peek out from the underground chamber but it wasn’t the sun or phosphorous on the rock. It was an odd, unusual light. Murky and dark. Only a shade or two brighter than the pitch-black darkness.

Pulling himself completely into the wider space, Jimin then gaped as the source of the light came into full view. It almost looked like a sinister, shifting portal of thick smoke. It reminded him of the cloud of swirling smoke that had been with the draikensu male. The center was the darkest part, so black it nearly blended in with the rest of the cave. The margins, however, were tinged in a mixture of ashen grey and deep red.

There it is, the wretched thing.

“That’s the rift?” Jimin maneuvered himself to his knees and tentatively approached it until he was just an arm’s length away.

The air around it seemed to be even more frigid and chilling.

Yes. You did well Jimin. The soft voice of Illai soothed him. I will take over now.

The half-Saeni’s posture went rigid and his eyes shifted, turning into an every-changing array of colors like a rippling rainbow.

Then Illai lifted Jimin’s hand and laid his fingertips against the ice-cold center of the rift, and seconds later a white light started to burn away at its grey and red edges.

You screamed.

It felt like your mind was being shredded apart with claws made of molten lava.

Letting go of Amarok’s leg, you clutched at your head. Your own legs were still wrapped around the male’s neck, but the hold was quickly loosening. You were in too much pain to keep squeezing your thighs. You couldn’t focus on it. Not when your brain felt like it was being squeezed and dug into. The smoke continued to whirl above you and the corners of your vision started to grow dark and fuzzy. Tightly shutting your eyes, hot tears started to leak past your eyelashes and trail down your cheeks as you writhed on the ground.

Amarok, who was still twitching and barely conscious, reached up over his head and weakly pushed and pulled at your legs. You couldn’t even fight him off. Your legs unwound from his neck and heavily fell to the side while a pained, groggy inhale came from the male as oxygen flooded into his lungs and he crumpled to his knees. He was basically right on top of you, his knee pressing into your thigh but he was still incapacitated as the burning agony pounded into both your minds.

Until it suddenly wasn’t.

It stopped.

Your body jerked once then you laid limply on the earth, no longer in pain but feeling sluggish and feeble and out of breath. A relieved sob escaped past your lips and you curled into a small ball at the abrupt disappearance of the pain while you slowly cracked your eyes open.

What was that… fucking ow it still hurts.

You watched Amarok struggle to his feet, somewhat amazed he could even move after that. “Thank you, master.”

The dark smoke overhead stopped moving.

“Master?”

The smoke seemed to shudder and it pulsed violently.

“Master!?”

The edges of the smoke turned grey and wisped away.

Still panting, you sniffled and rolled onto your back as the rest of the smoke became discolored.

Then it dispersed entirely.

Blinking, you stared up in confusion as Amarok shrieked for his master. But the smoke didn’t return. Uzjuk had vanished.

… Jimin…

You whipped your gaze over to where he’d gone. Steeling your mind and body, you forced yourself up as your heartbeat loudly thumped in your head and the urge to vomit surged.

You had just gotten back to your feet when Amarok pivoted and glared at you with pure hatred and anger etched over his face.

Wobbling slightly, you raised your chin and peered back at him as confidently as you could even though you wanted to keel over. “It’s… It’s over, Amarok. It’s done.”

A low rumble came from the heaving draikensu’s chest and he stepped forward, sending his fist into your face so hard you fell down with a cry. When you tried to stand, he picked you up slightly, turned, and threw you back to the ground. As you bounced and slid against the hard earth, you saw a flash of red in your peripherals. Tilting your aching head to the side, you saw Jungkook’s ruby-hilted dagger glinting in the sunlight only a couple feet away. Breathing deeply, you returned your eyes to the draikensu and saw he was looming over you with his fist raised. He was going to punch you again. Lunging to the side, you dodged his fist and wrapped your hand around the dagger’s hilt. Twisting back around, you swung the blade up in an arc. It missed Amarok though he had to rear back to avoid it. Staggering to your feet, you adjusted your hold on the weapon and lifted it in front of your face. Baring his teeth in a growl, he went for you again but you deflected his arm with your free hand and dragged the dagger across his belly.

Then, with a defiant yell, you plunged the blade deep into his neck.

Jin heavily parried the draikensu’s axe and stepped to the side to dodge their next swing. The raven-haired Saeni lifted his longsword but as he went to thrust forward the draikensu’s eyes widened and she took a couple steps back. Her axe dropped to the ground and she looked around like she wasn’t sure what was going on.

Furrowing his brows, Jin stayed on guard but the field seemed to suddenly grow quiet as most of the other draikensu also seemed to stop fighting.

A few seconds passed.

No more screams.

No more ringing metal.

No more chaos.

Blood sprayed in the air as you yanked the dagger out of Amarok’s neck. Crimson coated the blade and dripped off the tip as you stepped back and the male collapsed to his knees. He raised his hand over the wound but it was futile. Blood poured out past his fingers and drenched his chest. It gurgled out over his lips as he tried to breath.

You stood over him, eyes narrowed, while he bled out.

And less than a minute later, his body sagged over.

Fucking finally.

You braced your hands on your knees, taking in large gulps of air and closing your eyes as your head reeled and spun and your thighs spasmed.

Jimin… I need to find Jimin…

Tightly gripping the ruby-hilted dagger, you straightened and began making your way to the rocks.

It suddenly seemed too cold in the shade of the trees as you jogged, and your body trembled while you hoarsely cried out for your best friend. “JIMIN!”

“JI-JIMIN!”

You reached the rocks and started climbing up them.

Where is he? Why isn’t he answering?

A lump began to form in your throat and you tripped and fell down.

“Y/N!?”

Your head shot up and you saw him stumbling out from around the corner.

A sob ripped its way past your lips and you both rushed toward each other, clawing and stumbling over the rocks.

Slamming into your best friend so hard you both almost lost your footing; you hugged him and buried your face in his shoulder while he wrapped his arms around you. He was wet, cold, and shivering, but you were just as wrecked. Trembling in each other’s arms, your tears soaked into his already damp armor while his dripped onto your bare neck.

“I’m so sorry,” he blubbered against your skin while smoothing his hand over your hair. “I’m so sorry for leaving you.”

Shaking your head, you mumbled how it was okay, you were okay, he was okay, you were both okay.

Eventually, you and Jimin settled down. The tears had left tracks through the dirt on your faces and your bodies were barely holding up but you pulled away so you could take in your best friend’s face. It was battered, bloody, and swollen yet you smiled softly and placed your hand against his cheek lightly.

He leaned into your touch and sighed before reaching up and gently taking you hand in his. “Let’s get out of here.” Then he began to lead you down the rocks.

It was a slow process. The adrenaline in both your bodies was starting to ebb, allowing you to really feel how much you hurt. Which was a fucking lot. It was painful just standing but you had to keep moving. It was time to get back to the field. To get back to the rest of your family.

When you had almost reached the bottom, you were holding Jimin’s hand to keep yourself steady as you jumped to the next rock when the apricot head suddenly asked if you’d seen Mingi.

“Last I saw he was holding back a wolf so I could keep going.”

You tensed and looked away while you bit your lip, memories and emotions from the hazel-eyed Saeni’s death flooding back to you.

“What?”

Expelling a sad puff of air, you just told him to follow you. Limping past Amarok’s body and around the stray rocks, you led him to where Mingi had fallen.

“Oh,” Jimin said quietly as he gazed at the arrows sticking out from the guard’s chest.

The leaves swayed above you, a hint of blue sky and sunlight peeking through them as you approached the male. “He, um, he was really injured from the wolf. But he was still determined to come protect you, but… he… he ended up dying while saving me.” Dropping to your knees beside the Saeni, you had to press your lips together and take a deep breath.

Reaching over, you closed his eyelids; shutting those beautiful hazel eyes forever. Then, as you carefully removed the arrows from his body, Jimin spotted his sword on the ground and went to retrieve it. You both gently laid the sword over his body and folded his hands over the hilt.

A single tear trailed down your cheek while you thanked Mingi for his friendship and sacrifice in a choked-up voice. “I’ll miss you… please rest well.”

Jimin hung his head for a moment then stood up and rested his fingers on your shoulder. “Illai says he will only know peace from now on.”

You looked up at him in shock. “You can still hear her?”

He simply nodded while gazing down at Mingi, his face filled with guilt, before he helped you to your feet. You whispered one final goodbye to the Saeni and put your arm around Jimin to support his body as he also supported you.

Breathing heavily, you both started to shuffle through the trees and head back toward the field.

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[sanders-sides-drabbles]

Roll For It

AU: @tscampfireau Warnings: mild swearing, some bees, a dragon, and in-game death Word Count: 1,500+

Each players character:

Virgil: Chatter, a Kenku Druid Roman: Sehso, a Kobold Sorcerer Remus: Dog, a Changeling Necromancer Patton: Rollyre, a Tiefling Rogue Logan: Koba, a Satyr Bard Dee: their aggravated Dungeon Master

Dee had his head in his hands. “You all are walking down a path in the woods. Roll.”

17, 19, 16, 13, and 2.

Logan laughed nervously and watched as Dee looked over his characters sheet. “Koba trips on a root in the path and falls backwards. Something shatters in her bag.”

“Oh no,” Logan whispered before looking around. “I try to discard my bag and run.”

“Roll.”

Virgil looked at the d20 and began to laugh. “6.”

“Koba manages to get the bag off after some struggle. However, due to her twisted ankle, she cannot get away as fast as the others. Bees sting her and she screams quite loud. There are noises from beyond the trees. Roll for stealth.” Dee adjusts the papers in front of him, changing the music on his phone from peaceful to a suspenseful.

They all passed, bar Roman.

“Sehso’s tail is visible from behind the tree he hid behind. The EdgeWood Cultists shoot him with a dart and he goes unconscious. What do you do?”

“How dare they shoot my tail,” Roman grumbles to himself, frowning and looking at the others.

Logan raised his hand slightly. “Question. Why do we all occupy a 5 by 5 foot square? How far apart do you think we should be?”

Dee turned to Remus before nodding. “Dog moves closer to Koba.”

Remus fixed his gaze on Logan, smiling evilly. “That’s a bold statement from someone within stabbing distance.”

A soft chuckle came from the DM, who repeated his earlier question. “What do you do?”

“Fight them!” Remus yells, causing Logan and Patton to start chanting to fight.

“Virgil?”

Virgil smiled deviously, bouncing in their seat. “I search around for their lair.” 

Dee nodded, “All of you, except Roman, need to roll.”

They all passed.

“Dog, Rollyre, and Koba all begin to fight the remaining cultists. Six of them managed to take Sehso deeper into the woods. Chatter slips away from the fight and begins to search the woods. They find a building.” He adjusts their small characters on the table.

“I wanna shoot someone with my bow.”

“Dog just fucking turns into a cultist, too.”

Virgil slid the Jirt Dar, which had been in their lap, across the table. Remus sticks his hand in the Jirt Dar, having to keep it there for the entire turn.

“Hnng I wanna bite someone.”

With a sigh, Dee gestures to the dice.

Patton doesn’t succeed.

“Dog turns into a cultist and makes the 4 cultists confused. Koba jumps forward and bites one of the cultists. Roll for damage. Rollyre shoots the bow and misses, hitting the ground.”

“I got a 14.”

“Okay so total damage dealt is 17. The cultist has 32 health left. What do you do now?”

“I summon a snake to bite one of the cultists.” Remus slides the Jirt Dar back to Virgil, who puts it back in their lap.

“I wanna shank the one I’m attached to.”

“Can I try my bow again?”

“Roll. In the meantime, Virgil. How do you get in the building?”

“I search for a door or window.”

“Roll for perception.”

“18.”

“You find an unlocked door. Upon entering, its a basic house but there’s blood on the walls. Back to the fight. What did you three get?”

“14.”

“12.”

“15.”

“Dog summons a snake and it bites one of the cultists. Koba kicks the cultist she had been biting in the groin. Rollyre manages to get his bow to work and shoots one of the cultists. Roll for damage.”

“11.”

“13.”

Patton smiles wide, poking Virgil, who begins to laugh upon seeing the dice. “I got 20.”

“Okay so 2 of the cultists are now dead and the third lost a quarter of his health and is now poisoned. What do you guys want to do?”

“Pet my new snake.”

“Can I bite the guy that’s poisoned?”

Patton gently punched Logan from across the table. “That’s gonna get you poisoned!”

“Oh shit, right. I kick him instead.” Logan reaches over and takes the Jirt Dar, sticking his hand in it.

Dee rolls his eyes and looks at Patton.

“Loot the body of the guy I killed.”

They rolled. 19, 7, and 18.

“The undead snake wraps around Dog’s arm and falls asleep. It is content despite the fighting. Koba attempts to kick the guy but her ankle already sustained enough pressure from the last kick and the fall earlier. Roll for damage resistance. Rollyre finds a dagger on the body of the cultist. It looks almost new, as though it was special and wasn’t meant to be used.” The music switches to another suspenseful song.

Virgil clicks their dice together in their hands.

“What does Chatter do?”

“They look around for some treasure and,” they rolled the dice, getting a 19. “I got 19.”

“Chatter finds a treasure chest hidden underneath the stairs.”

“Can I check it for traps?”

“Roll for performance.”

The dice clatters against the table. “17.”

“You whistle quietly as you start tapping, poking, and examining the sides of the chest. It’s a catchy tune you picked up from the bard a few days ago.”

Virgil looked over to Logan. “Ooh, thanks Logan!” They got a thumbs up in response before Logan slid the Jirt Dar back over. “But what about the chest?”

“The chest starts humming along.” Dee turned back to the three fighting, feeling slightly bad for making Virgil pale as much as they did. “What do you all want to do now?”

“I wanna punch the guy with my snake hand!”

“Hit them with my bag.”

“I’m gonna stab the guy with the new dagger.”

5, 2, and 19.

“Dog misses by 2 feet. Koba goes to grab her bag before realizing it’s about 50 feet away on the trail, still being swarmed with bees. Rollyre stabs the guy with the dagger, it begins to glow and sing.”

He tapped his phone, it began to play “Mmm whatcha say~” at full volume before going back to the suspenseful music.

After a moment of silence, they all began to laugh at the absurdity of the sudden singing knife. It took a little for them to calm down before they could continue the game.

“Okay, there’s one guy left. What do you all do?”

“Can I tie him up?”

“I’m gonna steal some of the fabric from the guy I killed to wrap my ankle.”

“I’m gonna loot the other bodies.”

Remus cackled as he rolled a 20. Logan got a 17 and Patton got a 14.

“Dog ties the last cultist up to make sure he can’t escape. Koba rips some fabric and wraps her leg to help keep it steady. Rollyre finds a med kit and two bags of gems.”

Patton mimics his characters voice. “Where did the others take our friend?”

Dee cleared his throat, adding a snobbish tone to his voice. “I’ll die before I tell you.”

Patton looked at Remus “Alright.” He looked back to Dee, going out of character. “I slice open his neck with the singing dagger.”

“You slice open the cultists neck. He bleeds out quickly.” Dee played the song file again before turning to look between them.

“Hey, Dog, bring him back.”

“As you wish.” Remus went out of character as well. “I cast a Spell of Reanimation or whatever its called. I bring him back to life.”

“Roll.”

“18.”

“The guy is alive once more. He’s very pale and looks afraid.”

Patton went back into the character. “So, you said about dying first?”

Dee waved at Virgil, making them slide over the Jirt Dar, before he also was back into the character. “What in the unholy hell is wrong with you people?” He shoved his hand into the dirt.

Virgil giggles slightly, its muffled and some of their dice is gone. After a pointed glance from their brother, they spit out their d20.

“Roman, you awaken while being carried. You’re tied up and have no way to get out. The cultists throw you to the ground along with some gold. One of them says, ‘Oh, greatest of beasts, we offer you a Kobold and our most recently gotten gold. Please accept our offering.”

“Shit, man, you’re dead.” Logan shook his head and shrugged. The Jirt Dar was slid over to Logan, who then put his hand into it again. “Good job. Sorry, Sehso, but you’re gone. May the bees in the afterlife be as friendly to you as they were in life.”

“The bees are what killed me.” He glared at his best friend, pouting slightly. After a moment, he turned to Dee. “Can I roll for persuasion?”

“Go ahead.”

The dice clatters before landing on a 18. He deepens his voice for Sehso. “I have brought you this gold and six cultists as tribute to your greatness.”

Dee stifles a laugh before getting a gravelly voice. “I like you. Duck.”

“I duck?”

“The dragon incinerates the cultists before using a clawed hand to take the gold, cutting you free in the process. He flies away.”

“I thought I was gonna die!” Roman laughs and fistpumps, smiling to himself.

“I think we all thought you were gonna die, too.” Remus elbows him in the ribs, laughing along, too.

The clock chimed, making Dee look up. “Well, the three hours is up. We can continue another night.”

The others groaned but they still were smiling, the game would continue soon.

[ktheist]

saving grace | 3

muses. duke!yoongi x lady!reader

universe. arranged marriage / minor traces of magic in history

concept. driven into a corner with the new king, seokjin, offering to marry you off to a prince in a foreign land and a persistent mother who would seize the chance of a lucrative marriage for her daughter, you’re forced with the only other option to secure your freedom ‒ enter into a beneficial agreement with the man who reaped the seeds of war, the duke of cralon, yoongi min.

words. 5.3k

warnings. mentions of war, it’s cliche and cheesy all in one package

index. 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / finale

x

yoongi doesn’t explicitly say it - and you don’t dare inquire as to the reason he’s accepting the circumstances forced into his hands but the more you ponder on it, the more the plausible answer seems to be the cause of your palpitating heart.

“we’ll attend the party together,” his breath had felt warm against the back of your hand but its the callousness of his touch that rooted yourself to the ground.

yoongi is doing this because he can’t let you ruin yourself. call it the gentleman in him. nothing more. nothing less. and because of that, you couldn’t allow yourself to be the one to rope him into a loveless marriage  in the name of politics when it’s been clear that he wants no part in this game of chess.

“leslie,” you speak into the darkness, fingers pulling on the strings that tie the cloak together.

“yes, my lady.” a figure steps out of the shadow in your periphery.

“i need you to pay a visit to the other informant guilds and see if they have something on what the nobles that are to attend my party, have been doing in the last three months.”

not like they’d have anything you don’t but you can’t rule out the possibility that they’d have even the littlest detail that could be of great help.

“three months, my lady?” leslie quizzes, you can’t see her face in the dark but you can just picture her blinking and cocking her head to the side at your prescribed timeline.

three months is a gamble but enough to establish a routine. whether it’s walking by the park everyday and then stopping to chat with a man in black from head to toe once on every 25th. or whether it’s for attending gatherings, only to keep the 16th fully empty.

“yes and prepare a carriage to go to the royal palace today.” with that, the shadow shifts as though bowing.

“i shall let felix know promptly. since you’ve just returned, would you like to take a short nap first?”

your gaze slants to the slightest gap between the curtains that you just slipped through, amber light pouring in a sharp stripe over the floor, “no, i’d like to take a bath and prepare for the day - did anyone come to my room while i was gone?”

“the madam came last night,” the maid informs, hands folding the cloak that she helped took of your shoulders, “but i told her you were sick and wanted to rest.”

“did she believe you?” walking over table, you plop into the chair with a sigh.

“she left after i told her you were asleep.” she disappears into the closet after you wave a dismissive hand, possibly to store the cloak in the secret compartment within the innermost corner of the walls.

knowing your mother, she probably saw through leslie’s lies but it’s not as if it’s the first time nor will it be the last. as long as you made sure to hide your face and avoid any rumors of count ___’s daughter’s sightings in the middle of the night in the rougher part of town, it’s fine.

x

a panting and disheveled jungkook bursts through the towering doors engraved with intricate carvings of a roaring lion and a crown. his eyes widens when they met yours like they usually as though seeing a ghost. you thought his timid nature would go away over time but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

“lady ___!” he calls in a hurry after you walked past him and down the familiar hallway lain with blazing red carpet, “h-his majesty is busy! you have to give the palace a month’s notice for an audience before-”

“jungkook.” the abrupt twirl almost sends the boy smashing into you but he manages to stop just inches away, sighing a sigh of relief that only lives for a split second at your words, “his majesty ordered for the rumors to be spread.”

when you take one step forward, he takes another backwards, “you’re his closest aide so he must’ve told you to do it and not some ordinary maid-”

“n-n-no! i-” he sputters, eyes glancing over his shoulders as though seeking for a knight to call for help but the goddess must be in your favor today because no other soul can be seen.

you’re not sure what kind of face you’re making but you doubt it’s a smile but the fact that all colors seem to drain when he looks at you again must mean something, “it was lady jung! his majesty called for lady jung and after that, the rumors started spreading!”

“krystal?”

a sigh escapes the black haired boy when your feet roots itself into the ground. the jung family had been part of the aristocratic faction who tried to push for their daughter and krystal’s eldest sister to marry the crown prince, seokjin’s brother and heir apparent.

but only those who secretly swear allegiance to seokjin could attain an exclusive invite to the palace and jungkook had explicitly mentioned that it was seokjin who called her over, not the other way around.

“lady ___! please!” jungkook’s cries echo somewhere behind you, almost drowned by the series of questions that begin to flood your head.

“your majesty!” your hands ache from having to push through the oak doors after jungkook orders the knights to stand down at your arrival, which meant they had no obligations to announce your presence nor push the doors open for you, “you’re throwing yoongi and i into a cage full of wolves!”

“oh you two are calling each other by first names now?” the way seokjin's eyes glazes over you does nothing but pour oil to the flames burning inside your stomach, “regardless, i thought we agreed to cease this act of prancing around in the palace like you own the place.”

a thud echoes off the walls as your barely recovering hand slams down on his desk, but judging from how the stack of papers stood still, you doubted it’d made the desirable impact, “if you knew i was lying, why didn’t you call me out?!”

“i can’t say i didn’t fall for it in the beginning but weren’t you the one who told me that information can be gathered and used like a sword?” seokjin’s steel gaze settles on you like a blanket of winter snow.

“that...” thrown off by the your own words used against you, a pause lapses before you manage to speak again, “i may have made a mistake by involving yoongi but this ends here. call off the party i- i’ll marry the 12th prince.”

a scoff.

“to think you swore to be the shield you’re now holding against me because of that brute cousin of mine.”

“my promise remains the same,” you stand straighter, hit by the reminder of your ordeal, “i'll support you for as long as you stay a just ruler but not if you start a war within cearis by this reckless action of yours.”

his eyes bore into you for the longest moment, searching for a hint of your faltered promise. 

there is none. 

to think it would come to this. when you agreed to help seokjin become the king, you knew you have vastly contrasting ideals but the end goal was the same. to bring peace over cearis and end the previous king’s tyrannic reign.

the previous king hadn’t directly committed murder but the increasing tax rate had slowly caused the economy to be sucked dry. the people couldn’t even afford basic necessity and the rich buying wheat and grains and storing them with the intention to resell them once the price sky-rocketed. up until last year, only nobles were able to still live comfortably.

the thought of the hollowed cheeks, tattered clothing and skin and bones of the people in the streets whenever your carriage passed to get to the tea parties and gathering, still sends your body shaking with rage.

and if a civil war broke out between the two factions, history might repeat itself.

“i’d wanted you to rule by my side as my queen.” seokjin’s blunt confession causes you to almost stumble backwards, as though hit by an invisible brick.

“what-”

“but that’s simply absurd.”

he gingerly chuckles at your apparent reaction, “at least pretend to be disappointed ___, i didn’t want it too- the thought repulses me but since we’ve always been so much alike, we could at least make a political marriage work, right? but when you rejected me so directly, i couldn’t help but want to push you a little. i wasn’t going to go through the marriage with the 12th prince.”

“so all that trouble to get the duke to become my fake fiance... was because your fragile ego couldn’t handle being rejected by a woman?”  you force through gritted teeth.

“i-i didn’t say such a thing,” the king’s eyebrows furrow in undue frustration, face reddening, “plus it’s you, we’re talking about. how could i be-”

“your majesty...” a hiss slips out of your mouth, causing the man to physically flinch at the realization of how dire the circumstances are for him. for one there are no windows to avoid assassination attempts but also means he can’t escape you through any other way but the door - assuming he could get past you at all, “you’ve caused duke min and i a great deal of hardships. it’s something money alone cannot fix, do you not think so?”

“c-calm down, ___,” he begins to sputter whilst the table begins to turn, gaze thrown over your shoulder - perhaps, he’s calculating his chances of survival if he made a beeline to the door,“jungkook! jungkook, let him in!”

almost as if on cue, the muted thud of footsteps fill the air before the door swings open. you have absolutely zero interest if it was an assassin he’d prepared beforehand, knowing that you’d barge your way to the palace. with this distance, even an assassin couldn’t get-

“the house of min greets the sun of the kingdom.”

your heels twirl on their own before you even manage to register the deep voice that echoes off the falls, eyes landing on the owner of the silver locks that begins to straighten up after a bow.

“yoongi.” the man’s name falls off your lips involuntarily as he spares you a chiding glance. almost as though he’s not pleased with your rash decisions of meeting with seokjin without consulting him.

yet despite that, he comes to stand next to you, his hand brushing the back of yours. and in his own way, it feels as though he’s saying i stand with you.

the sound of someone clearing his throat brings you back to the matter at hand. seokjin seems to have regained a semblance of his composure. though, he fails to hide the rise of his eyebrows for the briefest moment at the unusually close proximity for two people who claim to feign being lovers. “as you know, the the min lineage has extraordinary senses. i summoned yoongi over to wait for me in the next room but your crassness has delayed the duke’s audience. and since the walls are thin, i don’t know how much he’s heard.”

your lips twitch in contempt.

it doesn’t take long for you to piece two and two together. no noble family has expressly supported seokjin and with the two aristocratic and royal factions’ internal division, you suspect another faction would rise in support of seokjin, the son who the late king never even spared a glance at.

having aided seokjin in the shadows since his time as an outcast prince, you were never told of the other families that shared the same shoes and chose to support him until the time is right to step into the light. you swore to be his shield and the min family had always been known to be the crown’s loyal sword.

you catch yoongi’s deep eyes before meeting the king’s,“so the min family is one of the noble families who supported you as well.”

it isn’t a question but seokjin nods anyway, his eyes now hold a sort of burden that ages him ten years, “i know your reason for supporting me are too far glaring and what i’m asking you requires a great sacrifice that’ll affect your children, but can i count on the two of you for this?”

x

seokjin meant you might actually have to get married to yoongi legally. at the engagement party, you’ll be showing up as supporters of the king and shift the unending feud between and within the factions. those who have been supporting seokjin in the dark will be your allies while those neutral, like what your house had appeared to be, will not need much convincing to join the new faction - the king’s. though, those who are against his forceful succession won’t stand still.

“it’s getting late so we should stop here but i’ll be visiting soon to finish our little talk, your majesty,” you didn’t miss the king’s shoulder line jolting as you shot up, letting a few seconds stretch in suspense before dipping into a formal bow.

“um, that’s quite fine. you don’t have to-” the man’s mouth clamped shut at the glare you shot over your shoulder before trudging out of the room, the click clack click of your heels bouncing off the walls while you faintly caught seokjin stammering out a plea for help to the only other person left in the room and receiving a ‘you dug your own grave with this one, your majesty’.

yet you couldn’t deny the agreeable course of direction you should take to single out the wild flowers from mere weeds being through a garden party. that’s where politics takes place and where one would usually work out connections. halting in your steps, you found yourself letting out a sigh, the chin you’ve kept so high now lowered to the ground.

after this, there will no longer be an aristocratic and royalist factions - only those who opposes seokjin and those who supports him. the first bunch would no doubt go after you and your family since they can’t touch the duke, if you got divorced within five, no - ten, maybe even twenty years of your marriage. though there have been politically arranged marriages that lasts for a lifetime. while some of the couples seem civil to each other, there would always be speculations of their happiness lying in the arms of their lovers outside of their marriage.

your parents are no exception. though they never quite opened up to you about their past or even present. the only time you ever recall your mother’s heart breaking was when the bells of the palace rang across the capital, signaling the previous queen’s demise.

“how could i not have noticed which faction he’s in...” you trail off, staring into the darkened ceiling where the chandelier would have been and the paintings of a great tree that symbolizes the foundation of your house.

“my lady,” leslie’s fluttery voice chirps from somewhere next to you “get up! today is the day for the duke’s formal visit!”

it’s been a week since your visit to the palace and having been driven to a corner yet again by seokjin. for some reason it didn’t bother you as much as the revelation of that the house of min had always been by the king’s side as a loyal supporter.

yoongi had escorted you to the carriage silently. and you would have left without exchanging a word if not for he gloved hand that grasps onto you tightly and the eyes that bores into your soul. almost imploring you to please, say something.

“since we’re pressed for time, i’ll have the contract sent to you to be reviewed in three day’s time,” was all you said.

your ankles are shackled with invisible cuffs. it takes everything in you not to drag your feet as you strut down the hallway with your chin high and shoulder line dignified.

“right,” you murmur to yourself, pushing yourself up only to have your hand dragged by the maid all the way to the bathtub where warm water has already been filled and waiting for you.

the other maids are already waiting for you with dresses in their hands and jewel boxes littered on your otherwise neatly kept vanity, chattering to themselves about how exciting it is for the only and eldest daughter’s official engagement. granted, your mother has been bugging you about the lack of rock on your finger when every other noblewoman would be showing off their engagement ring as soon as the news breaks out in high society.

but when you step out of the room, donned in an extravagant but elegant dress, you did not expect the overflow of people you’ve never seen before walking towards the main parlor that’s much larger than your mother’s and reserved for entertaining guests. the servants who seem to be carrying boxes and wrapped dresses bow at the sight of you.

“leslie, what’s all this?” you quiz the ever smiling maid on your side even though you have a good hunch already.

“these are the duke’s gifts to you, my lady.” there’s a certain tilt in her voice - the closest indication you’d get of leslie being excited.

“gifts?” you echoe.

the plan was for you to review the other’s contract, make necessary amendments and exchange them in secret.

that is, until yoongi sent a letter to your father, to notify his visit and ‘entourage’. but then again, the duke has always had a knack for downplaying important matters. otherwise, you would have caught on to where his loyalty lies.

before the maid could elaborate further, you’re already in front of the parlor and whisked away by your mother as soon as she sees you.

“___!” she grasps your hands tightly, “how i was mistaken about the duke. his grace was waiting for the siren’s heart to arrive from raefetia!”

colored diamonds are especially hard to get due to the different component and temperature required for its formation. the siren’s heart is said to be a rare jewel that was lost after the siren’s lover was killed on land and the diamond that was with him got sold in the black market.

how yoongi got a hold of it, is not entirely a mystery but the impact of the entourage he brought to your manner and the two jewelers who confirmed it to be the real siren’s heart will, without a doubt, spread throughout the kingdom within a week.

“are these all bought by the duke?” you manage to pull one of the workers who you’d confirmed to be from whitlace, into a corner when your mother is busy salivating over one of the many boxes of jewels that seem to sparkle and call for her.

“th-the duke ask for the jewels to be sent to my lady’s manor and pick whichever my lady’s heart desires,” the slight tremble at the mention of yoongi shouldn’t have come as a surprise to you yet it does. he just hasn’t been looking at you with eyes that could kill.

“is your manager here?” you don’t plan to let the woman be ridden with worry any more than she already is.

as soon as she leads you to a tanned woman with an elegant air around her and the finest jewels adorning her ears and neck, you know that it isn’t just the manager but countess wyvner herself who’d come here.

“lady ___, it’s an honor to meet your acquaintance,” she smiles, her deep brown eyes gleaming with a sort of observance fitting for a woman who runs one of the most high end jewelry store in the kingdom alongside her husband.

“countess,” you say after bowing, “thank you for preparing this on such a short notice.”

a slot itself needs booking at least for one month prior, you can’t imagine how much trouble and setbacks in their schedule they’d have to suffer because of yoongi’s whims. you’d only come to a realization that you’d have to legally marry each other last week. let alone have enough time to prepare for such grand proposal.

“on behalf of my husband and i, it’s an honor to serve the duke and future duchess,” she has a sort of pleasant tone that makes the lady in you listen to anything and everything she says.

you let out a low chuckle, “my, that does put me in a difficult situation.”

the countess blinks in surprise, “how so, lady ___?”

“you see, countess, i specifically asked for the duke to not spend so extravagantly for me,” you lament, a sigh escaping your lips, “as the money could have gone to charity work and helping those in need.”

“ah yes, the house of ___ has been well-known for their generosity since your father’s time,” she agrees, as though recalling a long-lost memory.

it takes several more praises and teetering over the fine line of offensive and modest before you can finally convey your wishes for the jewels to be brought back and as a compromise, the countess will leave only the best, hand-picked diamonds for you to at least look at.

not even five minutes after your conversation with the countess ends, the butler approaches you, informing yoongi’s arrival.

“alright, thank you aiden,” you dismiss the butler, eye skimming the mannequins and dresses piled into the room. whichever store these are from, you’lll have to deal with them later, “bring him to mother’s parlor.”

x

“your grace, thank you for coming,” you greet the man with a bow, noting how his eyebrows threaten to pull together at the title yet only silence follows your greeting.

neither of you say anything as the maid sets down the baked goods you requested to be made for this meeting. the smell of lavender fills your senses as you pour the drink into the white teacup with deep violet flowers engraved around them.

“your grace,” that is possibly the last straw when you see the man’s heavy frown, as though the first time might have been a mistake, but the second time couldn’t have been, so you let out a soft sigh, “i shall address you formally for what i’m about to say involves the state of affair of the kingdom.”

when no word of protest seem to come from the duke, you continue, “i trust your grace has read the contract and made the desired amendments on your part?”

as though recalling the purpose of his visit, the man’s eyes flit away from you. it’s expected for him to behave so, especially when all you’d agreed on at the beginning was a simple hoax to trick the eyes of the beholders. 

out of the frying pan and into the fire.

“that... yes.” he mindlessly mumbles, pulling out the contract from the inside pocket of his jacket and placing it in front of you in a manner that told you he couldn’t be bothered with it for a minute longer.

yet if that was truly the case, he could have sent someone to deliver the contract after the review instead of a notice informing you of his visit. the letters on the contract almost seem to blur together as you mull over his reasons for sitting through a one hour ride just to get here until you catch the insignia of twin dragons and a shield.

“your grace,” your heart almost jumps in your throat when you look up from the paper only to meet a pair of crimson ones that seem to already be staring, “none of the content seem to be modified. is there nothing you wish to add?”

contracts are made to give both parties an equal standings. you’d only included your terms which you made sure weren’t excessive but not potentially harming to you in an event there would be a talk of divorce in the future.

“no, there isn’t.” he answers simply, eyes reverting to the brownish golden liquid before hey flutter close just as he nears the cup to his lips.

all of a sudden, you’re brought back to the sunlit office of his. your hands had trembled and your heart had felt like a dead weight was pulling at its strings until the duke pulled you out of that darkened crevice and kissed the back of your hand.

the act alone had been reserved for lovers who’d sworn their souls to the other. but it’d also been done by noblemen in respect for noblewomen of higher ranking. but the fact that you were a mere count’s daughter and he was a duke rendered the latter interpretation null.

yet he’s acting so indifferently to you now.

“your grace, i implore you to take this matter seriously as it concerns not just the ducal house and ___ house but also cearis.”

no matter how prepared you are, there’s no telling what would happen once seokjin’s plan is set in motion. but even if you’re both nothing but chess pieces, your lives worth something. perhaps, yoongi hasn’t much to lose - but you’ve held out this long to avoid being tangled in an arranged marriage. you need a guarantee for your future and if yoongi refuses to pay his due attention-

“___,” the familiarity of your name rolling off his tongue is unsettling yet comforting at the same time, “isn’t everything that caters to your needs and wishes all in there? why are you displeased?” though the color of his eyes reminds you of burning flames, his gaze sends icy shivers down your spine. as opposed to the way he used to search for the secrets beyond the windows of your soul, this time, he seems as though he’s studied every crevice of it.

it takes you a moment to register that he’d read every line of the terms. and it isn’t a question needing mulling over nor do the flood of memories from your first meeting up until now, is unforeseeable. and you couldn’t help the little prick of betrayal that buries itself to the hilt in your heart,“did you know?”

his stare doesn’t falter. almost like a culprit brought to trial and knows of his innocence even though others don’t, “no- you know how secretive the king is but with the way you’d been behaving at the mention of him... i thought you’d been lovers instead of just subject and monarch.”

in other words, if yoongi knew - which he did have his suspcicions, it was because you’d exposed yourself. the realization hits you like a brick as you recall the many times you almost called seokjin by his name and the one time you actually did.

you figured he’d believe you when you said it was because of your house’s just upbringing but suspicions couldn’t just be shrugged off just like that.

“we’re not.” is all you say, your shoulders threaten to sag with the lifted weight yet the noble blood in you forces you to keep your chin up. those deep eyes bore into you. it’s no secret that even the seemingly indifferent duke of cralon would be curious of how you came to be acquainted with the king when he was just a prince.

truth to be told, it isn’t so much as a mysterious tale as it seems to be. your family’s territory doesn’t harbor fertile lands nor is it strategically situated near the shores for a harbor to be built and attract merchants. it’s a bit far off from the capital but not entirely suitable for planting corps either. and because your family’s refusal to join the royalist faction, the previous king had cut off the supplies and funds for your family’s territory.

your father had to buy food from merchants at a high price while you were in charge of distributing  them all to representatives of each family. in the midst of it, at the age of 16, you’d met seokjin. every time you’d see him, he’d donned the same tattered clothes that didn’t seem to fit his smooth, honeyed skin and noble mannerism.

you didn’t question his motives for always being there to lend another hand to distribute whatever supplies your father could get and leaving without accepting so much as a slice of bread. it was some few years later, after you’ve talked to too many people and remember too little of their faces, did seokjin finally told you about his lowly maid mother and the parents she’d left in pursuit of a job in the capital. it took another year for you to realize his high official dad was the king and by then, you’d sputtered far too many insults at the second prince in your fits of rage.

but if you’re being honest, it possibly had something to do with your mother’s tens of hundreds of letters addressed to the palace, pleading for the king’s good graces. she’d attended social gatherings to obtain funds for charities that went to orphanages, managed to allocate budgets for the supplies and still maintain an appearance fitting for a noblewoman. you did help with pointing out which house had the disadvantage you could use and which could be recruited under your fold but it was mostly your mother - a useless information that yoongi didn’t need to know.

“we started getting more supplies and to shift the suspicion of our family’s support leaning towards the new crown, seokjin started distributing more supplies to noble families of neutral standings,” the thought alone warrants a well needed pause as you sip on cold tea, “after he proposed to me and promised to make me queen, i tried my best to avoid letting the two meet especially at banquets held in the palace.”

“that bastard...” a sharp cracking sound hits the air as you watch the tea ripple within the small confines of the now cracked teacup within the duke’s grasp, “...really had the nerve to propose to you, huh.”

“well,” you set the cup on the saucer gently before standing up and walking over the man who watches you with a mix of curiosity as to what you’re doing and subdued rage for the king.

sitting down, you place your hand on his gloved one. it takes a moment  for him to realize the damage he’d done before he releases the poor ceramic and allow you to twine your fingers together. when you meet his gaze, it’s already soften with something you can’t pinpoint as you suppress the rising heat on your cheeks, “i believe seokjin was telling the truth when he said he was doing it because he had to. at that time, he most likely didn’t know of any other young ladies around his age though there’s no telling for sure just who and how many people was already under his folds,” the hard crimson stare does little to unnerve you though they still make your heart restless for a completely different reason now.

yoongi laughs dryly, almost like a swords mater defeated in his own game, “so we’re merely tools for his disposal.”

that, you can’t deny but no matter how deep you’d pondered on the man’s actions and how much you’d have to sacrifice-

“yet we still trust him like blind fools.” you say.

“fools won’t know what they’re getting into before it’s too late,” he rasps.

words of protest bubbles in your throat as his hand falls away from you but the way he stands up only to fall on his knee, makes your breath hitch.

“we’re no fools, you and i,” his eyes that capture you in a garden of red are glaringly contrasting to his fair complexion and naturally soft features, “___, i do not wish to be married to you only on paper.”

x

note. that’s all for the third chapter, hope you guys enjoyed it!

taglist: @ayujmi​

[whitewolfandthefox]

Hello! For the requests, how about dialogue 19 and scenario 8? I was hoping you could do angst with a fluffy ending, with Geralt and reader and he trained them beforehand? So chances are at least a bit more even.

Dialogue 19: “I thought l lost you”

Scenario 8: Person A is mind controlled and forced to fight Person B. Person B refusing to fight them and getting injured. Person A coming to and seeing what they’ve done.

Words: 2.4k

Warnings: major character injury, slight description of injury, angst that turns to fluff

Masterlist

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Summary: Something goes wrong while on a hunt and you are forced to defend yourself against Geralt. How will he feel when he wakes up to see what he’s done? Geralt x fem!reader

Say My Name

It was supposed to be a simple hunt. Get in, kill the monster, get out, no one was supposed to get hurt. What you weren’t counting on was the cursed objects that it had been collecting. The actual hunt went off without a hitch. Geralt had begun trusting you on hunts, supplementing your basic knowledge with his own as you journeyed together. You had distracted the monster, holding your own while Geralt landed the killing blow.

Wiping your blade before resheathing it, you watched as Geralt examined the room, poking through various items that lined the shelves. Rolling your eyes in exasperation, you turned your attention to yourself, tugging at your armour to put it back in order from where it had shifted when you were thrown against the wall. You rolled your shoulders in an attempt to release the tension that had gathered in them from the fight and the weight of the leather you wore.

Your attention was drawn back to your partner at the sound of coughing. As he had opened a small box, a cloud of dust rose from it and set him coughing, staggering away from the item as he waved his hand in front of his face to clear the air. The corners of your lips twitched up as you watched him, half in amusement, half in exasperation. “See Geralt, this is why we don’t go touching things in the evil monster’s lair. We get evil monster dust in our faces.”

As he bent at the waist continuing to cough, a frown came over your face. Pushing yourself off of the wall where you were leaning, you approached. “Are you okay, love? Why don’t you go outside and see if the fresh air helps, it’s so musty in here.”

Frowning at the room, you almost missed the sudden movement behind you, spinning to the side just in time to miss the swing Geralt took at you, almost tripping over your feet as you scrambled to put some distance between the two of you.

“Geralt?” You tried, concerned at the blank look on his face. He didn’t respond, continuing to stalk towards as you backed towards the wall, glancing at the door behind him. “Love? Please, talk to me. What’s happened? Are you okay?”

Again receiving no response, you feinted to the left before darting to the right as the man in front of you fell for your movements, ducking underneath the arm that came out to grab you as you made your way towards the door. You burst through the opening, flinging the door shut behind you in an attempt to slow Geralt down, sprinting for the trees in an attempt to find cover. You heard the door shatter against the wall behind you, lumbering footsteps quickly catching up to you.

You dropped to the ground, rolling out of the way of the blade that hissed through the air above you. Had you still been standing, the sword would have gone straight through your ribs. You regained your feet, unsheathing your own sword as you backed away, locking eyes with the man in front of you.

Geralt’s posture was tense, coiled like a spring, ready to pounce in any direction. His face was blank, but his eyes. His eyes were an eerie dark green, the colour stark against the whites of his eyes, pupils constricted to pinpricks. There was no recognition in his expression, a blank slate that frightened you, sent terror through you to your core. There must have been a curse in that box. He’s not himself.

As he approached you, sword held loose in his hand, you continued backing away. You couldn’t fight him, you could hold your own but you were sure he’d eventually overcome you, but you didn’t want to hurt him either. Suddenly, he rushed forward, sword raised over his head as he came towards you. You leapt to the side, the sound of steel on steel ringing through the clearing as you knocked his blade aside, turning to keep the man in front of you as he swung again, the blow coming from the side this time.

You stepped into his space, shortening the swing as you caught his blade on yours, frozen as you searched his face for any sign that the man you loved was in there. “Geralt, love, please come back to me. This isn’t you! You need to fight the spell!”

With a growl, he pulled his sword back only to thrust at your chest, your sword circling to come from above, forcing his blow down and to the side as it missed you. You allowed your body to follow your sword, pivoting on your heel as Geralt’s momentum brought him past you, slamming a kick into his side as he did, forcing him to stumble and lose his momentum as you finished turning, dashing towards the forest.

Reaching the treeline, you sheathed your sword and jumped, grabbing a branch as high as you could, anchoring your foot on a lower branch as you scrambled higher. You felt a hand on your ankle, looking down, you could see Geralt reaching for you, sword left hanging by his side. Tensing, you lifted your other foot from the branch, arms shaking as they held your weight, before bringing your foot down on Geralt’s face, feeling a crack as his nose broke under your blow. With a howl he released you, letting you scramble higher into the tree, safely out of reaching distance. 

As he looked up, you could see the blood running down your lover’s chin, staining his teeth red as an animalistic sneer came over his face. His lips pulled back as a low growl rumbled out of his chest. He stalked back and forth beneath the tree, staring at you the whole time. You crooned at him, hoping the distance would allow you to talk to him, to hopefully break whatever spell he was caught in. 

“Geralt, baby, come back to me.” He growled at your voice, scowl deepening as he continued pacing. “It’s me, darling, you need to fight this. Come back to me, I love you.”

Your last sentence drew a roar from his chest, the man leaping as high as he could, hands brushing at your ankles. You squeaked and lost your balance as you tried to avoid him, falling from the branch with your motion. You gasped as you hit a branch on your way down, frantically twisting as you grabbed at whatever you could reach, fingernails and skin ripping against the harsh bark of the tree. You hit the ground and rolled, Geralt’s sword biting into the dirt where your head had been.

Coming to your feet, you blinked frantically, blood coming from a cut on your head running into your eyes and obscuring your vision as bruises bloomed across your back. Relying on your senses alone, you ducked as you heard the whistling of a sword, felt the wind as the blade passed above your folded body. Drawing your sword, you met the next blow, shock travelling from your hands all the way up into your shoulders. You almost missed as Geralt struck again, managing to divert his blade to the side, the edge slicing into your left arm as it passed. Warm blood ran down your hand, making your fingers slip where they held the hilt of your sword.

Releasing your grip with your left hand, you desperately tried to keep up with the fast pace of the blows coming from the Witcher, arms starting to shake as you tried to keep the man you loved from killing you. You were too breathless to talk, hoping only to survive this encounter long enough that the spell would wear off. 

Too late, you realized Geralt had backed you to the treeline. Turning desperately, you cried out as you tripped over a root, stumbling to catch yourself as you teetered, ankle turning over as you stepped, pain flaring as your leg threatened to give. This distraction cost you, Geralt getting in close as he struck at you, the blow causing you to lose your grip on your sword as it went flying. You limped backwards, ducking as you tried to avoid his blows, receiving a cut on your thigh as a reward. 

You tried one last time. “Geralt, please, listen to me. This isn’t you, I am not your enemy! You need to come back to, Geralt, just listen to my voice!”

Hope flared in your chest as he faltered, frustration appearing on his face as gold glinted in his eyes. You hesitantly took a step towards him. “Geralt?” you queried tentatively.

His face morphed back into an expression of rage, the light dying in his eyes as your own hope died in your chest. A snarl forced its way from between his lips as he drew his sword back and thrust, a gasp pulled from your lips at the feeling of the cold blade slithering into your skin, the feeling of the leather pulling away from your skin as the sword emerged from your back. 

A pained howl tore itself from your lips as you stepped backwards, feeling the sword pulling itself from your body as warm blood began pouring down your side. The exhaustion and shock overwhelmed you, the world going blurry as you collapsed to your knees. The last thing you remember was gold flooding Geralt’s eyes as you heard him call your name before the world went dark.

**~*~*~*~**

“Please no, not her, if there is anyone out there, I beg of you, take me instead, just let her live. Y/N, please wake up. I can’t- please- take me instead, she doesn’t deserve this, please just let her live.” 

The man who held you was shaking as he ranted at the air, desperate that you might live. Trembling, you brought your hand up to cover the one that was pressed against your side, feeling your body pressed against an unyielding wall of muscle. As he felt your hand against his, Geralt went stiff, slowly drawing back from where he had pressed his face into your hair so that he could look at you. Your eyes slowly fluttered open, scrunching when your movement brought a wave of pain over you.

You opened your eyes to see Geralt staring down at you with his golden, golden, eyes staring back at you, a heartbroken expression on his face. Relief swept through your body, the spell was gone. He leaned down to rest his forehead against yours, the arm supporting you against his chest tightening as he let himself break, tears falling against your skin as he wept.

“I thought I lost you,” he whispered brokenly, “You were so pale and weren’t moving, I thought I had killed you.”

“Hey now,” you tried weakly. “I think I did a fairly good job at holding out, you just cheated because you’re tall.”

A wet laugh broke from his lips, closely followed by a sob. “I am so sorry, Y/N. I’ll drop you at a healer and be on-”

“Ah,” you pressed a finger against his lips, your strength coming back slowly. He looked at you in confusion, disbelief on his face. “None of that, love, we’re not getting started on this ‘I’m a monster, how can you live with me after what I’ve done’ bullshit. It could have been either of us, and you wouldn’t let me talk this way if I had been the one cursed, so you don’t get to.”

You struggled to sit up, hissing as your movements pulled on your wound. Geralt helped you sit up, arranging you so that you were draped over his lap as he focused on bandaging your wounds, refusing to look you in the face. Holding the bandage for him with one hand, you reached up to gently touch his face with the other, pulling his chin up to look at you as his movements stilled. You smiled softly before leaning forward slightly to brush a kiss against his lips.

“I’ll make you a deal.” Dubiously, he stared at you. “You cut out the self-pitying crap and I will stay in bed for one week and be careful for the next two. But only if you stay with me and don’t spend the next year beating yourself up for something that was totally out of your control.

As he opened his mouth to protest you clamped your hand over it, effectively cutting off his words. “If you don’t agree to my deal I swear to Melitele I will be out of bed the day after you leave and will chase you down unless it kills me. And if it does I’ll tell Jaskier what happened and send him after you. And then I’ll come after you and haunt your ass so you’re really sorry.”

As you finished your rant, you flicked your finger against Geralt’s nose, causing him to startle and glare at you, slowly dissolving into laughter at your attempt to look intimidating. Finally calming, he continued working on your bandages, chuckling as you squirmed against him, hissing whenever you would agitate your injuries.

“Two weeks?” his low voice asked softly, not looking at you as his hands worked. You stilled, staring up at him suspiciously. Slowly, you nodded.

“One and a half. And I’ll take it easy.” Smiling, he looked up at you, mirth present in his golden eyes as he stared down at you. “You asshole! I should have started with four days! You know I hate staying still!”

He chuckled as he brought his other hand up to press you against his chest. Nosing at your hair, he inhaled your scent as his body relaxed, the adrenaline of the fight slowly leaving the both of you. You nestled into him, enjoying the warmth from his body. Gently, Geralt gathered you into his arms, standing and making his way to where the two of you had left your horses.

“I love you,” he murmured, arms tightening around you briefly. “And I am sorry.”

“I know,” you looked up at him, freeing one of your hands to reach up and cup his jaw. He hummed at your actions, leaning into your touch like a cat. “And I forgive you, there was never any question about it.”

He rubbed his jaw against your palm, eyes closed as he paused next to Roach. Carefully, he set you in the saddle before swinging himself up behind you, pulling you back against his chest. The feeling of his slow heartbeat against your back along with the gentle cadence of the horse quickly lulled you to sleep as you relaxed in the comfort of your lover’s arms.

**~*~*~*~**

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[halfwaythereroyal]

And You Are? (Poe Dameron x Reader) - Kilig

GIF credit: @xsolo-rey​

Pairing: Poe Dameron x F!Reader 

Rating: PG because of cursing. No other warnings I can think of unless your secondhand embarrassment is really bad.

Word count: 1,315 words

A/N: This is my first fic in a pretty long time. This can be read as a one-shot or as part of the series. I was inspired by all the amazing writers on here who have helped quarantine a lot easier to bear. I wanted this to be part of a series called the “Kilig Series” because I love/hate that feeling of being excited over anything remotely romantic 😍. Please enjoy, and let me know what you think! 

👑 All my writing will be posted to my side writing blog from now on! 👑

Kilig is a Tagalog word to describe the feeling of excitement and exhilaration and possibly embarrassment from anything remotely romantic.

Part 2 + Part 3 + Part 4 + Masterlist

_______________________________________________

“5 minutes. Ok I can make it. I can totally make it. It’s fine. My presentation is not until the end anyway” she muttered to herself as she quickly shuffled her notes and an array of loose papers into her arms and raced out of her barracks. It had been a long night. One filled with no sleep and more work than what she deemed necessary. If she was being honest with herself, most of her night was spent trying to find any type of motivation to finish putting together the intel for General Organa. This consisted of drinking numerous cups of caf, pacing, and doodling on scratched out notes until she realized she had less than two hours to work in order to finish on time.

“85 now? Maybe 90 beats…” she counted to herself. Her heart felt like it was pounding in her ears, to the point where she could clearly count the beats. Counting her heart rate was a habit she had picked up to deal with stressful situations, although in this case, the stress was very much self-induced. She had all night to finish her presentation for General Organa after all. Her breaths became faster as her pace quickened toward command center, damning the fact her barracks were situated at the furthest possible place. She readjusted her notes to rest in the crook of her left arm. She brought up her right forearm to wipe away the beads of sweat gathering on her forehead. Her notes were slowly starting to slip, and she hissed at the soreness of her arm under the weight of her notes. She could not be late this time.

She turned a sharp corner and loudly groaned. Of course practically everyone else on this base was also in the very hallway between her and command center. She began to quickly make her through the hallway, right forearm swinging back and forth, propelling her through the crowd of Resistance members clogging up her path. Yes, this was the established peak time for everyone to be awake and working, but how was she supposed to know they would all conspire against her and get in her way when she was trying to get to her meeting on time?

“100 beats? Probably 120 at this point,” she muttered to herself. The pounding heartbeat in her ears was coupled with the beads of sweat trickling down the side of her face. She quickly wiped the sweat away with her right arm again. She silently cursed her procrastinating nature. She had plenty of time to get this presentation together, but the pressure of a looming deadline motivated some of her best work. She felt the the top pages of her notes slip from the pile resting in her left arm, and she quickly reacted by attempting to grab the pages with her free hand before they got to the ground. Her attempts were futile, and her pages spilled onto the ground.

“No no no no! Come on!” She groaned and bent down to shuffle the pages into her arms, narrowly avoiding being stepped on by several Resistance members. In her haste to pick up her notes, she did not see the person in front of her who began to bend down to pick up the remaining pages. She hastily snatched the last pages from the ground and snapped her body up, hitting the back of her head against something. Or someone.

“Ow!”

“Oh shit! I am so sorry! I didn’t even see…” she paused, at a loss for words, as she got a good look at the person she basically assaulted in her haste. Shit. Just her luck. Poe fucking Dameron. Her heart felt like it was going to burst out of her chest. The blood rushed to her ears and cheeks, heating up her face and muffling all other sounds around her other than the beat of her heart.

The first thing that stood out to her was the black curls that sat atop his head. How did he manage to make his hair look so perfect in the humid weather of Ajan Kloss? She struggled to get any type of volume into her hair in this heat, and yet his hair sat perfectly curled and annoyingly perfect. Next was his jawline. A jawline so sharp that she would probably cut herself slapping him. His jawline was emphasized by the hint of a beard casting a faint blue shadow. By Maker. It should not be allowed to look this handsome. It took her a moment to realize she was staring while Poe was pinching his nose bridge, eyes blinking repeatedly toward the ceiling, and tilting his head up in an effort to stop the flow of blood from his nose.

“No no you’re good. I was just trying to help you out.” Her trance was broken by his words as she looked at the injured man.

“I am so so sorry! I didn’t even see you!” She readjusted her notes securely in to her arm and clutched them to her side. She took out a loose tissue she had taken from the mess hall out of her pocket. “Here, let me look. You’re not supposed to put your head back.” She handed him the tissue which he quickly used to pinch his nose and soak up the blood. “You’re supposed to tilt your head downwards.” She gently guided his head to tilt downward by softly pulling on his hand and nudging his head forward from behind. “Does it really hurt? I am so sorry. I was running late for my meeting with General Organa.”

“I’m fine!” He said in a falsely comforting tone. He leaned against the wall for support. “It wasn’t your fault. I…uh…didn’t know it would be this dangerous when trying to say hi to someone so beautiful.”

She blinked twice, surprised at his flirting. Poe Dameron. Flirting with her after she almost broke his nose? She felt heat creep up her neck and make its way to her ears. “Oh. Thank you for that, Poe. Sorry…Captain! I mean Commander! I don’t know I…”

“It’s just Poe. No need for all that. You’re not part of my squadrons. I would have noticed by now,” he grinned, “And you are?” Poe asked, bringing his brown eyes up to meet hers. She blinked a few times, subconsciously counting out the rapid beating of her heart again, before a Resistance member squeezed through the space in between them to get through, effectively breaking the trance Poe held on her.

“I hate to leave you like this, but I’m really late to my meeting by now,” she said, walking backwards toward the doors of command center, ”Again, I am so so sorry about your nose, but I have to go.” She turned around and hastily made her want through the crowd. He pushed himself off the wall and started dodging people around him to follow her.

“Wait! What’s your name?!”

She turned around and easily met his eyes despite the crowded hallway. How were his eyes so magnetic even from far away? “Y/N!” she shouted out. She once again turned around and made her way through the doors of the command center. He watched her retreating figure with a small smile, rooted in his spot for a moment, simply staring at the closed doors.

“Dameron! You ok? What happened?” Pava asked. Poe hadn’t even noticed the fellow pilot make her way up to him. He took the tissue away from his nose which had stopped bleeding. He sniffled and placed the tissue in his pocket. He took one last look at the doors and then looked at Pava.

“Yeah. Yeah I am.” Poe grinned. “You ready for drills today?” Poe nodded towards the hangars and walked in pace with Pava, vowing to see Y/N again.

Part 2 + Part 3 + Part 4 + Masterlist