#calling the ship dark crystal

[plasticbabyart]

I’m literally in love with them… I’ll probably post the speedpaint to my TikTok

[cenobug]

rarepair moment… i love a good princess x knight ship

[drnoblesix]

Posted the fanfic I wrote about Dr. Schuster x Someone's OC! Feel free to give it a read!

The men featured in the fic (first art piece by @dimensionjumpingartist :3)

[natalievoncatte]

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

Kara looked at the chunk of oily black crystal sitting in front of her and said, “No, not really, but has that ever stopped me?”

Lena frowned. Kara’s levity was strained, brittle. There was a tension between them, like the invisible pressure formed by pressing the wrong end of one magnet to another. It made Lena more than nervous, she was scared. They had both seen so much since the cyborg returned to their world, carrying a dying copy of Lena, the same woman who was now waiting in a ship full of Lena dopplegangers, watching over the unmoving form of the love of her life, weighing the decisions she had to make.

“Something is bothering you, Kara. What is it?

Kara sighed.

Lena arched her brow. “It’s not as if you’re good at keeping secrets from me, now is it?”

Kara smiled wistfully. The big secret had almost destroyed them, nearly torn them apart. It had driven Lena down a dark path but Kara had never abandoned her.

“If it was you, if the only way to save me was what they wanted to do with that empty shell, would you do it?”

The major part of Lena, the part of her that wanted to believe in her own goodness as ardently as Kara believed in it, would immediately say no. It was grotesque and wrong, no different from, say, stealing an organ. It might even be murder.

Lena couldn’t say no.

“You know what’s been on my mind since… since that night?”

Kara meant the night that Lena had a few two-finger glasses of whiskey and flat out told Kara how she felt, the night when Kara, ever the knight in shining armor, refused to take advantage of Lena’s inebriation while making her reciprocal feelings very clear. The night that Lena felt those last pangs of dead and doubt flow away and she could finally sleep, a sleep so deep and so sound it was like the first real sleep of her life, sheltered in Kara’s loving embrace.

“Tell me,” said Lena.

“That I might be immortal and you’re not. That one day you’ll be gone and I won’t, and what that will mean for me.”

Lena swallowed hard, trying not to choke up.

“I have to find a way then, I guess, because I won’t let you live on without me. I can’t leave you.”

Kara blinked a few times and Lena saw she was crying.

“I don’t want my love to be the thing that destroys you,” Kara whispered, taking Lena in her arms. “I love you so much. I love you with every cell in my body, it’s etched into every fibre of my being like the sunlight of my new home. You’re more to me the a red sunset. You’re my everything.”

Lena choked back her own tears, burying herself in Kara’s powerful embrace.

They took a moment for themselves, alone in the chamber, and stretched it out while Lena helped Kara change. She unclasped her cape and folded in her arms, surprised by the weight of the dense alien fabric, and set it aside.

She then found the hidden zippers and catches and helped Kara strip until she was bare, her sudden vulnerability making Lena’s chest clench. For all her muscles and surprising number of scars, she looked soft, almost delicate. Lena found herself touching those scars, feeling the hurts that had been so terrible that not even Kara’s invulnerability had saved her from them. The worst was the long but healed gash that ran from above her hip to just under her breasts, a gift from Reign.

Lena then helped her slip into a simple, loose white dress.

Old Lena- she had rejected taking a number and called herself that- joined them a few minutes later.

“Are we ready?” She said.

“We’re ready,” said Lena. Kara nodded in assent.

The lab was set up with three beds, each with their head aligned to the pedestal that held the sample of Harun-El that Lena had synthesized just for this. Kara would lie on one, the cyborg on another, and hopefully, the third would be occupied by a new body in a few minutes.

“I’ll start bringing her in.”

The life support for the cyborg’s body came first, and then they brought her in, using the same stasis pod that had carried Old Lena here from the Fortress of Solitude. Once they disabled the stasis field they’d have minutes.

More Lenas piled into the room, most notably 938, who stood aside to merely watch, and 1610, who could hopefully guarantee that transference was possible.

Only Lena and Old Lena worked on wiring Kara up and preparing the bed for the cyborg.

Neither of them had spoken of it, but somehow they had mutually agreed that they didn’t fully trust 938 or the others that came with her.

It was time. Lena rushed to help Old Lena move the broken body of the cyborg, with Diana stepping in for the literal heavy lifting. Lena could feel her brow burning with sweat as they worked.

Finally, they were wired up and that extra bed was waiting.

“It’s time,” said Lena.

Old Lena nodded and threw the switch.

Power and alien radiation cascaded through the dark crystal and Kara arched on the bed, the cyborg matching her movements with mechanical whirring sounds and the grinding of damaged joints.

“Kara?” Lena said. “Are you alright?”

Kara answered her by screaming. Her entire body arched, heels and shoulders lifting her up, and she screamed a wordless cry of agony as the her skin paled and black veins thickened down her limbs, swelled under the skin of her face.

“Oh God,” said Old Lena. “We can’t do this! Shut it off!”

“NO!” Kara shrieked, “I can take it! I can take it!”

“Look,” 938 said, “Look!”

Something was happening on the third bed. A circulatory system was weaving itself through the air, black veins sliding through invisible flesh. Astonished, Lena watched a brain grow itself from thin air as a brilliant purple energy formed an aura around it. A skeletal structure soon followed.

1610 made strange gestures and her hands took on a strange glow as she concentrated on something Lena couldn’t see.

Kara was grinding her teeth. “I can feel her, I can hear her thoughts, it’s like when I touched Red Daughter.

A full on nude Kara lay on the third bed now. Her chest slowly began to rise and fall and her eyes twitched beneath their lids, as if she were breathing. Her mouth formed silent words.

The cyborg went totally limp, whatever left of the will and energy that kept her alive fading as her head tilted to one side and her form went slack, her remaining eye gone glassy and lifeless.

Finally, Old Lena broke the circuit and the machine powered down. The room was utterly silent except for Kara’s soft, pained whimpers and the steady breathing of an immaculate copy of her lying on the bed. Old Lena rushed to cover her, sweeping a blanket over her to her chin.

Kara slowly rolled off the bed, leaning on Lena. Alex and Diana rushed in, crowding in to support her.

“I’m alright, I’m alright,” she panted. “I’m okay, it just stung like hell.”

Lena felt a wave of relief followed by a sudden terror. What if it hadn’t worked? What if there was simply an empty shell lying there on the bed and the cyborg, after everything she’d experienced, after all that suffering as she combed the multiverse for her love, as just… gone? Over? Nothing left but a few chunks held together by old wires and broken bumps?

“I want everyone else out,” Lena said. “Kara stays. Everyone else goes.”

“You heard her,” Alex piped up.

It was Diana that herded them all out. 938 was the last to go, tears hot on her cheeks.

The clone was not moving, just breathing.

“Please,” Old Lena murmured between sobs. “Please don’t leave. Not when we’re so close. I can’t do this aga-“

She went silent, then looked up.

“She squeezed my hand.”

Slowly, the clone’s eyes fluttered open.

“Where am I? Lena?”

“I’m here, baby.”

Kara grabbed Lena’s hand and their eyes briefly met.

“I couldn’t see,” the clone whispered. “I was falling, falling, I could hear you but you were always slipping away but now… great Rao, I can feel. I can feel.”

Slowly, she opened her eyes. The pair looked at one another and Old Lena pulled her into an embrace, the clone lunging into her arms. Moments later they were kissing each other relentlessly.

“Let’s give them some space,” said Lena.

Neither seemed to hear them, or even recall that they were there. As they hurried out of the room, Old Lena was pressing the clone back onto the bed.

Lena stepped out into the warm air of a Themysciran hotel evening and took a deep breath, the sweetness filling her lungs.

“I feel like someone dropped a prison asteroid on me,” Kara said, wryly.

“You smell like burnt rubber, too,” said Alex. “You need a bath.”

938 stormed up to them. “Did it work? Did it work? Did it bring her back?”

“Yes,” said Lena. “It worked.”

938 looked frantic, almost manic. “Do you think you could do it again?”

Lena felt a pang of unease.

“It’s too much strain on Kara. I won’t let her risk it.”

938 swallowed hard. “Give me the formula. Or just a sample. Anything. Please.”

Lena looked at Kara.

938 grabbed her shoulders. “We could save so many Karas with this. We could help them. So many that wouldn’t need to die.”

“The Harun-El is dangerous,” said Lena. “It has almost magical powers. Honestly, after I saw you and your group being so nonchalant about mindwiping a Kara variant, I’m not sure I can trust you with it.”

938’s face fell.

“You don’t understand,” she pleaded. “I can’t watch any more of them die. Every time it happens it’s like I’m watching my Kara fall all over again. I need to help them. Please.”

The doors opened behind Lena and she turned. The clone, once the cyborg, strode out of the temple in bare feet and a plain white gown, her Lena walking proudly beside her.

Old Lena looked down from the apex of the marble steps.

“I’m older than most of you,” she said, her voice carrying over them all. “I’ve seen things you wouldn’t believe. I escaped the Phantom Zone myself and tumbled through more worlds than I can count, looking for my Zhao, trying to find her before she suffered the consequences of my actions. The woman I loved was a rotting corpse kept alive by science created to kill her, because I couldn’t let her go.”

938 scowled, her voice strained. “It’s not fair for you to lecture us. You got yours back. You got yours back. I’ll never see mine again, except I do, every time I close my fucking eyes I see her falling and falling and it’s my fault! I killed her! I KILLED HER!”

938 sagged to her knees, burying her face in her hands.

“If I’d just jumped after her instead of using her webs… if I hadn’t been so focused on beating my brother… I lost everything.”

Diana, who had been silent the entire time, walked over and towered above 938.

“Lena,” she said. “Look at me.”

She looked up.

“It’s not your fault.”

“But I didn’t catch her.”

“Did you throw her off the bridge?”

“No, but it was my fault she was there, any way you slice it. He killed her to hurt me.”

Diana knelt.

“You are not responsible for her death.”

“You don’t understand,” 938 said. “With great power must also come great responsibility.”

Resting a meaty hand on her shoulder, Diana said, “Perhaps, but you are not a god. You are not responsible for everything.”

Old Lena and her Kara strode down the temple steps and joined Lena and Kara.

“Fine,” 938 finally said. “I can’t make you give it to me and I’m not going to fight any of you. We’ll go, but take this.”

She offered Lena a small device, a copy of the one she wore on her wrist. Lena tentatively took it.

“You can use that to call us if you need us.”

Without another word, she turned and fell in with the others, boarding their ship. When she reached the top of the ramp, she stopped and took a long look at both Karas before disappearing inside.

The ship lifted silently into the air and then winked out of existence with a blast of air rushing in to fill the vacuum.

“We should start looking for a way home, as well,” said Old Lena.

Lena turned to her.

“Don’t.”

Old Lena looked her in the eye.

“Don’t do that to yourselves,” said Lena. She turned to the clone. “Especially you. Whatever debt you think you owe, Kara, whatever guilt you have from being the last survivor of your home world, you’ve paid it. You’ve suffered so much, and your kindness has meant so much to me. Stay here.”

“This world already has a Supergirl.”

“Exactly,” said Kara. “That’s why you should stay. I can handle the cape stuff. You can just rest.”

“You can remain here,” said Diana, rising to join them. “Remain here on this island, beyond the reach of man’s world.”

Old Lena and the clone looked at each other.

“I want to stay,” said Old Lena.

“That’s all I needed to hear,” said the clone. “I just… if you really need me, you’ll call, right? You’ll ask me for help.”

Lena looked at her Kara, then at old Lena.

“No. I don’t think we will.”

“Even the mightiest warrior dreams of laying down sword and spear,” said Diana. “Rest.”

“Yes, Kara rest. We’ll be taking your new body for a test drive soon enough.”

The clone blushed beet red. “Ah. Yes. I see. May I speak with Lena? Alone?”

“Come on, Kara,” said Alex. “Give them some space.”

The others left. Lena was alone with the clone, the cyborg, whatever she was now, the breeze tugging gently at their clothes.

“Am I really her?” said the clone.

“What?” said Lena.

“I can’t help but wonder. I remember Lex running me through with the harpoon. I remember fading out, then waking up with the machinery in my body and a sobbing Lena greeting me full of grief and joy. Then it happened again. How many times can I be remade before I’m not me anymore? What if-“

“Kara,” Lena interrupted. “Do you feel the breeze on your skin? Is that real? Is your love for her real?”

“Yes.”

“Then so are you. We’re on Paradise Island and the love of your life is waiting for you. Go get her.”

The clone smiled. “I’m going to. You go get yours.”

“I will,” said Lena.

She did.

[1chaerry]

Inferno's Promise I

summary: a million chances, a million lives, one last try, Ace can't seem to understand why this new recruit keeps running from him and everyone on board, always sticking close to the nurses and creating remedies for Whitebeard but he had always been a curious one.

word count : 4k

Disclaimer: Reader is called 'Saram' meaning 'Human/Person'

Happy valentine's day to the love of my life, Portgas D. Ace

Also, special thanks to @thebunnednun cuz the Pizza Roll fic made me motivated to finally get the first part out!! Part two is on the way.

Ace didn't understand why this new recruit always seemed to be running away from the crewmates when they attempted to talk to her. She always seemed on guard, doing her job diligently, never making mistakes, always knowing what to do and where to do it without even being told. She was supposed to be a nurse but was working under all the Commanders. She never asked anything, never spoke more than needed.

He didn't like it.

People who were on the crew were like family, warmth and ease, sun rays and salty seas, they were not supposed to feel like the harsh rain and cold winters, gloomy winds and tangy rotten fruit.

He knew the feeling of rotten fruit too well and seeing someone like that left a bad taste in his mouth. It itched at him, she always was on the move. Always moving, always staying away from him.

"Saram, get the barrels!" One of the older crewmen yelled out across the deck as he tied the cargo, Ace found himself looking for the woman unconsciously, perched against the railing and eyeing the working crewmates, his eyes landed on the woman, pushing the barrel with her hands, she was rolling it, at first it was strange, the ways she used to solve chores but now it was seen as efficient.

Dark eyes followed her movement, fingers tapping, drumming against the wooden railing quietly with a light tune, hat tipped a bit forward as his eyes tracked her movements. She reminded him of a fox, cautious and alert, she always kept looking around, never one to settle in knew place, yet she did many tasks in short time spans.

"Saram, we ran out of the medicine again, make some more when you're free." Tate's voice called out, the hot pink uniform wearing nurse walking across the deck towards the plainly dressed woman, Saram immediately looked back, eyes going over Tate's silhouette. The former simply nodded in reply to Tate's words.

The drumming of his fingers continued against the wood continued, a calm look on his face as he eyed her, his jaw ticked for a moment as he watched her quietly slip through the crowds of people and get lost in the ship.

His fingers stopped.

And he walked away, the deck had become boring when she walked away.

Marco was sharp.

He picked up on things faster than most of his brothers, as 1st Division Commander he had more responsibilities than anyone under Whitebeard, eyes and senses always sharp and sensitive. Crystal blues watched Saram attentively, the way she was moving fluidly around the deck, so natural, so perfect - new recruits should not be so familiar with the way tasks happened on the Moby Dick, so at ease with the work.

Marco tilted his head slightly, watching her movements, clipboard in hand as his eyes tracked her above the clipboard, he knew that Whitebeard knew that Saram was not some 'new' recruit, she was quiet, spoken when required, understanding tasks without having to be shown and sometimes even shown, she was so one with the crew that it threw Marco off.

Lips tugged into a smirk as he watched Ace eye her calculatingly, Fire Fist's eyes shadowed by his hat, Marco knew that look, the look of interest and intrigue, a scary thing when it's from Ace. Eternal life and immortality, Marco was the embodiment of this, he took pride in it, pride in who he was, yet seeing the way Saram was blending in like a puzzle piece with the crew, he was beginning to be proud of his skills of deciphering people and their potential as well.

A hum left his throat as he ticked off more tasks, blue eyes going over the papers, Tate walked over to him as he looked through the crate piles, a simple look of greeting from the nurse before she scanned the deck for someone, Marco glanced from the papers and watched as the head nurse called the recruit.

"Saram, we ran out of the medicine again, make some more when you're free."

Saram gave a quick nod before walking through the doors and leaving the deck, Marco's glanced at the side where Ace was standing, light flickers of flames around his drumming fingertips, he raised an eyebrow discreetly to himself as he watched the Second Division Commander push himself off the railing and walk away too.

"Drumming fingers? You're in deep, huh, Ace?" Marco murmured to himself with a contemplative smile, reeking of ice and warm sun, sour grapes and sweet citrine.

The taste of iron lingered on her tongue as she chewed on the candy given to her by Tate, her hands churning the medicine, adding drops of gold liquid into the vial as she chewed quietly, the candy was sweet, maybe watermelon flavored too. The infirmary's bleak walls seemed warm and inviting, the sweet candy in her mouth melted slowly. Saram stood by the table as she mixed the medicine, this was her main task, the main reason she was able to join the Whitebeard Pirates, her medicine and the way it was curing Whitebeard.

"The candy is so sweet!" Marie squealed quietly as Tate handed her another one, the bright pink uniform of the nurses seemed to fit perfectly with the infirmary colors, Saram paused and looked around for a tube of silver liquid. Before she could move away from her work station, a tan hand placed the vial in front of her, dull eyes looked up and she took the vial with a quiet thanks, Tate smiled, eyes skimming over the medicine she was preparing.

"You have really steady hands." Marie inputs as she looked dover Tate's shoulder, "Even our hands aren't that steady and we're nurses."

"Your hands are too unstable for that dummy."

Saram paused for a moment, brief and unseen, before nodding and resuming her work, Sophie brought over empty vials for Saram to fill the medicine with. Tate stood and watched with interested eyes as the woman deftly arranged everything and prepared everything properly, so smooth, so natural, for the nurses, the woman fit in just right with them, she knew what to do and where what was, barely asking questions or throwing tantrums or complaining like the crewmen who tended to do it often.

Eventually she was left alone by them after she handed over the medicine to them for storing and administering to Whitebeard, she sighed and looked around the infirmary for a moment, the sunlight coming through the porthole window, the beds were made neatly and the whole place was empty, smelling of disinfectant and sterilizing ointment.

"Maybe, a few minutes...." She murmured and went to the very last bed at the end of the room, right by the porthole window and lay down, pulling the curtain around the bed. She didn't pull the blanket over her or move anything, quietly lying on top of the blanket and bed, not even on the pillow, eyes flickering, the warm sun rays crossed against her face and arms, her eyes closed as she fell into slumber, promising herself to wake up in a few minutes, there was still so much to do.

Saram didn't have the time to rest.

Not when there were so many lives dependent on her.

Mastering all three types of Haki enable Ace to protect himself better and be more alert, Observational Haki allowed him to find people more easily and stay more alert, he'd have to thank Thatch for that. A warm grin planted itself on his face as he walked through the hallways, smiling at his brothers, freckles face drawing smiles from everyone, Ace always brought smiles in everyone's face around him, to him they were true, for them he was the sun, warm and inviting, safe and protective.

"Are you snooping for Saram again?" Marie teased him as he wandered around the sub-infirmaries, the infirmary area was expanded after a tough battle and many wounded cremates, the infirmary area was a different section of the ship to accommodate the large crew, the girl smiled as she walked out of the storage area and Ace rubbed his nape sheepishly, feeling caught.

"Nothing like thaaaat." He drawled but Marie chuckled, she was younger than him and many of the crew members but she was also observing, she picked up on things faster, Marco and Tate praised her on those skills which she took pride in. Ace didn't fool her, he was more that snooping for the new recruit, he was absolutely smitten, everyone already knew, he didn't know that everyone knew of his new profound affections for the new recruit who barely spoke more than needed and had not interacted more than required, it was love at first sight for him, even if he didn't know, they knew that from the first moment Saram arrived on this ship and offered to heal Whitebeard, who was now much more healthy than before and more active, his skin more bright.

"Main infirmary, don't be loud." She smiled and walked away, Ace helping her with the boxes, Makino taught him good manners, this was a good manner, help people, be kind, be nice, be polite, show humility, be firm but soft. He nodded his head and walked away from her at the crossroad of the hallway, the lights hitting against his bare skin as his boots hit the wooden ground with soft taps. The lower levels of the ship were cooler, especially the infirmary section of the ship because the medicine and equipment kept here, it was a refuge for the crew on extremely hot days, only until Tate and Marco and the others came looking annoyed and scolding and driving everyone away from the area because of the crowd.

His hand pushed open the door to the main infirmary, the one where Marco worked more, the one which was used regularly, the one where a certain someone often hid away. Black boots slightly thump against the floor, quiet echoes radiating in the room, his eyes take in the seemingly empty infirmary, it was cold and felt uninviting, no matter how much anyone came here, how much he came here, Ace could never find the infirmary warm, it was always cold and unwelcoming.

Ace's ears picked up the sound of quiet snores, barely even there, if he didn't have observational Haki, he would not have noticed, quietly and nimbly, he walked towards the source of the sound. His steps slowed as he walked over to the last bed, the curtains drawn, hand slowly raising up to the fabric and pulling it slightly away, breathe catching in his throat as the sight of Saram came into view, the warm rays of light fell upon her slumbering figure almost like art, frecks of light across her, hair tousled and sprawled around her head as she breathes in and out slowly, quietly, hands near her face, loosely clenched as she was curled into her self slightly.

Time stood still for a moment as he stared at her, the sight so quiet and peaceful that took away the cold of the infirmary, his eyes were trained on her face, noting how tired she looked, everyone, he, himself, saw her as this strong wall that would never budge, no sign of wear or chips, Saram had painted herself as someone untouchable, unreachable, someone warm, someone tangy, someone dependable, someone kind: but how was she really?

The freckled fire wielder walked soundlessly towards her, the curtain falling back into place as he stood by her head, wordlessly he sat down on the bed's empty space beside her head, blocking the sun's rays from hitting her face, he didn't realize that his body was instinctively providing shade for her, it felt almost natural for him to do so, to sit and cover her from the harshness, to offer comfort to Saram. Ace's hand shifted, brushing away the hair framing her face and letting it linger near her cheek, his eyes softened, face loosening as she snuggled her face against his palm in her sleep.

His body was naturally warmer than others due to his devil fruit, skin always radiating heat, his crewmates would complain when he smothered them in the hot summer, whining or groaning at the hot warmth, but Saram seemed, in her sleep, to seek the warmth of his palm more, the length of his arm was like a source of warmth for her, her fingers and hands loosely pulling it close to her face and body. Ace could not bring himself to pull away from her touch, not when she looked so peaceful and at ease and childlike.

"Who are you, Saram?" Ace murmured, voice quiet, unlike his usual loud, boisterous self.

The sound of the ship's machinery echoing around them, the sound of the crew, the sound of the crates moving, the sound of Whitebeard's laugh - everything faded away into silence and only remained the sound of waves against the ship and around them. Everything faded away as he sat there, his arm held by Saram in her sleep, the warm rays of the sun on his bare back, the Whitebeard tattoo highlighted and reflected in the mirror on the wall, it reflected a picture of a tattoo, a freckled back, a man and woman.

And so Ace sat there, watching her with warm, kind eyes as she slept, lips pulled into a smile as she snuggled into his palm.

"I hope you're having a good dream." He smiled and brushed away the stray hairs on her face.

It was warm.

Warm and comforting, the smell of smoke and sun and salt, the feeling of heat and love and a foundation, she knew this, knew this feeling, knew him.

"Someday, I'll make you my wife, Saram!"

Shadowed eyes, a big bright smile, freckled skin, the freckles on his body and the tattoo on his bicep.

"When I come back, I'll never leave."

Orange hat, red bead necklace, striped thread bracelet, black boots and the sound of familiar laughter.

"I love you, Saram."

Starry nights, stolen kisses on the Striker, Deuce teasing them, the sound of waves, the feeling of salt water on her skin and the heat under the moon.

"Thank you for loving me."

She woke up with a gasp, her lungs unstable, throat closing as she sat up, rubbing her neck, breathing, trying to force herself to breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe! Cold sweat dripped down her skin as the cold moonlight fell upon her skin, the warm infirmary clashing against her iced skin, her ears were ringing, her vision blurry and swimming, she needed to get out, she needed to breathe, she needed to move—

"Saram?"

Her head moved instinctively before her eyes moved up, the ringing stopping, vision clearing as the flame walked closer to her, the warmth heating her skin as the cold moonlight hid away, she could breathe now, she could breathe now, she wasn't drowning.

"You okay?"

She didn't trust herself to speak, something was clogging her airways, she was drowning mere seconds ago, she was doing just fine, she was living, she was working, how could she fall apart like? She hadn't touched Fire Fist even a little bit. Why was her body and mind crashing again? Why? Why? Like every time when they touched, why was her soul crashing when she didn't even touch him this time.

"Marco, did Ace come in here by any chance?" She whispered to the doctor who stopped for a moment, his eyes narrowing, blue flames flickered around him for a moment, his instincts screaming.

"I think he did."

Ace leaned against the railing as he stared at the starry skies, eyes trained on the stars in the blue and black sea, his mind was full of Saram, her eyes, the way she worked, the way she solved problems wordlessly, the way she attended to Whitebeard, the way she slept — his face reddened at that thought, that's no good, going down that road of thoughts was bad.

"You like her." Haruta grinned as he perched onto the barrel beside the flame user, caressing his own mug of alcohol as he watched the freckled sun in amusement, "Really, really like her. Love her, I might even say."

"I don't love Saram." Ace retorted.

"I didn't say Saram."

Ace froze before chuckling, shaking his head, "Too witty, Haruta, too witty."

"Gonna tell her?"

"No, I think.." Ace paused as he thought back to the moment in the infirmary, "I think she already knows."

"I didn't ask whether she knows or not, I asked whether you will tell her or not."

"Don't rush me!"

"Might be good to hurry before someone else takes her away — ack!"

Haruta yelped as Ace burst into flames, literally, the latter himself looked surprised of his actions, he panicked and attempted to go back to normal, he pats his body, frantically trying to douse the fire, Haruta cackles loudly, drinking the alcohol, "Fire boy is in love."

"Go sleep!"

Turns out, Ace would have to face his feelings sooner than he had thought, if the situation at the moment indicated anything. He sighed as Whitebeard assigned him onto a mission with Saram, alone, far away, to act as a couple, a married couple. He had felt his heart drop when they announced it, now he watched as his division set up Striker. Saram came a few minutes later, a side bag slung across her body.

"Ready?" She asked quietly, looking Striker, while he kept looking at her side profile. He zoned out and didn't realize that she was calling or talking to him.

"Ace?" She snapped her fingers in front of his face and he flinched before nodding, "Y-Yes! I'm listening, let's go."

He jumped onto Striker first, his flames softening his jump, he looked up to see Saram still on the edge of the ship, a frown, barely visible on her lips, he felt himself raise an eyebrow, this was the first time he saw her hesitating and frowning, "Something wrong?" He asked, placing a hand on his hip.

"We're taking Striker?" She asked, voice quiet like always.

"Of course." He grinned and almost laughed as she shrunk back like a cat, "You, are you scared?"

At his words, Saram shook her head, "I am no—"

"I'll catch you, jump." He grinned, warm and intense, eyes bearing promise, her stomach churned at the intense gaze, dark eyes holding vows.

"Promise?"

"Promise."

She squeezed her eyes and jumped, praying for the best, a gasp left her involuntarily when hot hands gripped her waist, feet not touching the ground, her eyes opened sharply as she looked down at him, the gummy smile with those freckles that painted his face like a canvas, he was warm, radiating heat like the sun, it always kept her safe.

"Told ya I'd catch you." He gave that signature smirk of his and Saram pushed her palm against his face, smothering it as he let out a sound of surprise, letting go of her as she stood to her feet.

"Less talking, more working."

"No thanks?" He rubbed his nose as she placed her bag onto the ground, his eyes tracked how she seemed to walk towards a corner of Striker and put her things in a manner that seemed almost practiced and used to, she even knew to lean away from the jets.

"Lets go, we have a tight schedule." Saram said as she pulled out a small map and traced it with a stencil, Ace grinned and walked towards her, planting his feet firmly against the floor of Striker, he pulled his flames and the small boat surged forward, activated by flames, he glanced back at her, "Hold on tight."

"Alright." She nodded, eyes tracing the map she had in her hand, the stencil held in her hand, she seemed perfectly balanced even as Ace increased the speed of the engines sending it soaring through the waters.

Unknown to Ace, who was looking forward with a smile, following his eternal log pose, Saram looked up at him from her seat on the floor of the small, if not tiny, boat, her eyes softening at the youthful gaze on his face, the sprinkle of sea water against him, the flow of his wavy black hair, the way he held onto his hat with one hand and that signature smug smile of his, a small, barely noticeable smile pulled onto her own lips as she looked back to the map, the Moby Dick far, far away from them.

The journey was not long but it was difficult, it was night now, colder than before, way colder than before, she was quietly watching the waves as Ace used his flames to propel the boat slowly. The latter looked at her before sitting down beside her in the squished space, their sides pressed against each other as they sat side by side.

"You're too close." Saram remarked, eyes on the waves.

"Boats small."

"uh-huh." She gave him an unimpressed look.

"Ace is dead."

The words hurt her, they tore her apart, she knew, she knew he was dead, that he was not coming back, that he was gone buried six feet under with her soul and heart while her body lived on the ground.

"I know." She whispered as she drew the last engravement in the circle.

"Then why—"

"I'll save him, Marco." She says to him through the transponder snail, knelt on the ground, fingertips rough and calloused, it has been days, weeks, months but still she was still in a loop of having dreams of his death, the blood, the tears, the scream, the words he spoke as life left him—

"Thank you for loving me."

A moment of silence before Marco spoke again, "....you know it's not your fault, right, yoi?"

Her hands paused, eyes unfocused, staring at the picture on the wall that she had pinned, that smile, that warmth, the towering height of Whitebeard, the charisma of Izou, the witty remarks of Thatch, the smug smile of Marco and the way everyone in the picture was smiling and playing around.

"It doesn't reduce the guilt of surviving when they didn't." She whispered but Marco caught it, something in him stirred, a fear of sorts, he knew that Saram could be rash in her decisions, he had a feeling she was doing something she shouldn't.

"Saram," His voice was low as he began, "Where is the book of Kronos, yoi?"

Saram smiled to herself and looked at the transponder snail, not replying and that deepened his fear, the book of Kronos was a book they obtained from a merchant, said to have the ability to transcend time, Izou and Whitebeard always used to say that messing with time had repercussions, that time was horrid and that it should not be touched, therefore the book was hidden deep away from everyone, deep within that locker in Whitebeard's room.

"Just so we're clear Marco, you never could have stopped me." She said into the transponder, Marco's heart stammered as her resigned tone of voice sounded out of the transponder, he jumped to his feet, panic in his lungs, taste of copper and iron and sour grapes filled his mouths as he yelled into the device.

"Don't do it, yoi! Messing with time is—"

"Bad? Cursed? I don't care, Marco, I want my family back, I want Ace back." She said and reached ber hand towards the snail, "For what it's worth, thank you for being the brother I never had."

"Saram—!"

The call cut off as Marco stared in silence at the transponder snail, he slumped over his table as he stilled, gripping his hair with one hand while the other clenched around his table edge, was this it? As the First Commander, he was supposed to be the strong, able to manage people and himself. Why was he losing it all? Why? Why were all his loved ones slipping through his fingers? Was this the curse of being a phoenix? Immortality and eternal life gained, in exchanged of watching his loved ones mix into the sands of time?

"Where did we go wrong, yoi?" He said quietly, a sob choked in the back of his throat, so cruel, so sweet, so harsh, "Pops, Ace, Thatch, Izou - I don't know what to do."

And under the cold moonlight, the phoenix fell apart, immortality like the chains that clung to it's free self, freedom at the cost of being a slave to the very thing that made him soar the skies, was this redemption? Was this karmic debt?

Saram took a deep breath as she stepped into the circle, a smile on her lips as golden and blue glowed around her, encasing her in a cocoon, the last thing she saw was the picture on her wall, her family, her love, staring at her as her body was tugged apart by the powers of the incantation.

"Sorry, we only have one room." The receptionist apologized and Ace felt his ears heat up, one room, with Saram, alone, was just a spell for disaster. Ace glanced back at Saram who was looking around the lobby but he could tell that she was alert, the way her eyes kept darting around, their eyes met and she gave a questioning look, he shook his head and looked back at the receptionist.

"We'll take it."

He didn't acknowledge the look that the receptionist gave as he took the keys to their room, Saram grabbed her bag while Ace did the same, the two walked in the direction of their room. There was a comfortable silence as they walked, Saram was quiet and looking around as they travelled down the hallways.

"If you feel that sharing a room with me is troubling, I can get another room in another inn."

It was the first thing Saram said when they walked into the room, Ace turned to her in surprise, eyes slightly wide before shaking his head, "No, really. It's fine."

He pretended to ignore his racing heart, his burning ears and the heat across his back. Saram pretended that she didn't notice his fingers twitching, the muscle pulsing on his neck, the slow blinks he unknowingly did to calm himself down - how would she explain that she knew his habits from another life? And so they both pretended, unknown to Ace, that they didn't know about his feelings.

Saram freshened up before Ace, dressed in comfortable clothes and hair slightly dripping wet on the tips, a quiet yawn leaving her as Ace looked up from untying his boots by the couch. A quiet, untampered eye contact occured as the two stared at each other.

"I left warm water for you."

"Thanks."

"Remember to put your boots by the door and not on the carpet."

"Got it."

"Ace."

"Yeah?"

"Will you stop staring at me and go take a shower already?"

She had a small unnoticeable smile as Ace scampered to the bathroom, his tanned skin slightly flush, Saram shook her head and used the towel to soak her hair dry. Saram walked around the room barefoot, the feeling of the soft carpet under her feet felt nice, and soothing even, Marco had told them to get a hotel closest to the infiltration area for better surveillance.

Ironically, only expensive and luxurious hotels were near the area and so the duo had to opt for a room quite above their expectations. She practically dragged Ace to this place after talking to Marco over the transponder because he was constantly walking towards the inns that were way, way far off.

She eyed the two pairs of shoes by the couch, one was her's and the other Ace's, call it being bossy but ahe didn't want the pretty carpets of their room to look dirty, and Ace's shoes were REALLY dirty. Saram sat on the windowsill, the binoculars in her hand as she used them to watch the casino they were suppsed to infiltrate.

Usually, Izou would carry out these infiltration missions but he was away with his division on another mission and the other divisions were slumped with work, that left her and Ace, who had just returned from his most recent mission, to be the ones to carry this out because there was no way she was letting the nurses on something as dangerous as this regardless of how tough they were.

Her eyes tracked the target who was mingling with the rich people of the casino, the hand gestures, the way they held themselves, the behaviorisms, the outfits - Saram noted it all, eyes narrowing as she watched through the binoculars.

"Tracking them already?" Ace's voice came from behind, she nodded, eyes still looking through the binoculars, not paying attention as Ace came to stand directly behind her, his eyes curious to look outside. Saram turned her head and immediately froze, Ace glanced and stilled.

There was a minimum distance behind their faces, Ace's body was still slightly damp from his shower, black hair tips dripping water onto her skin, heat emanating from his skin and she remembers that Ace ran hot, literally. Saram opened her mouth to speak but the words in her head never made it to her tongue as she stared at him. Her eyes watched the droplet of water slide down his neck and then averted her eyes back to his face, only for heat to blossom in her chest as she saw his gaze trained on her, steady and unadulterated.

Ace licked his lips as he stared at her, his hands clenching and unclenching and clenching by his sides constantly as she gazed back at him. He knew this was risky, feelings like his were dangerous, this was dangerous. Saram was someone who was in danger from him, he was afraid that he would consume her, her very essence was something he craved and at this moment, Portgas D. Ace wanted nothing more than to let himself consume her.

"You know, right?"

Saram did not reply to him but the way she averted her eyes was enough of an answer. Ace felt his chest clench, she knew that he was enamored with her, maybe even in love and yet she refused to speak of it, speak of him, speak of the way he, too, knew that she would always stay on deck on fixed times during his chores, be near the training yards during his spar sessions doing tasks, how she always administered medicine to Whitebeard whenever he was near the Yonko.

"You will drown, Ace, I am no good for you."

He smiled, that boyish smile she knew from another lifetime, that smile which she could not hold onto. At this moment, she saw something almost feral strange.

"Who says I am afraid of drowning?"

"You should be."

"Are you?"

Saram blinked, fingers slowly sliding up his nape, twisting into his dark locks, pulling him closer, lips ghosting against his, "I should be."

"Saram, I lo-"

And she placed her palm over his mouth, stopping him from speaking, shaking her head, "Don't, not here, not now."

His eyes bore into her own as she spoke, something almost raw and primal flashed in his eyes, Saram licked her lips as she continued, "Reach your 21st birthday and then," she paused, "I will confess to you. Not before that."

A moment of silence before his eyes lidded slightly, hot hand coming to hold her wrist, her breathe hitched as he kissed her wrist, his eyes on her, damp wavy hair shadowing his eyes.

"21st birthday, huh?"

Saram felt her throat dry up as he continued speaking.

"Then prepare yourself, Saram." He said lowly, all mirth and playfulness gone from his tone, his eyes dark and gleaming, "On my 21st birthday, I will devour you."

She gasped quietly as he bit her wrist, heart stammering, only one thought in her head.

Fuck, I am in trouble.

taglist: @captainportgasdace @hannahbarberra162

[k-nayee]

Wife to the Winds Epic: The Musical | iiii

wc: 4.4k a/n: whew! this is it y'all, the final and last part of the WTTW series. I hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I did <3 Here's the animation for this part (and honestly the main inspiration for this entire series) sidenote: In this AU, when Odysseus left for war Telemachus was 9 years old.

Shameless Plug in for Penelope!Warrior Fic!

Traveler M.List

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ˏ⸉ˋ‿̩͙‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙ˏ⸉ˋ‿̩͙‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙ˏ⸉ˋ‿̩͙‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙.·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙　✩　*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ .‿̩̥̩‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙ˊ⸊ˎ‿̩̥̩‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙ˊ⸊ˎ‿̩̥̩‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙ˊ⸊ˎ

The rolling sea churned beneath the ship as waves sprayed mist over the deck.

By this point you had gained full respect of the crew—especially those who owed their lives to you.

Now as the ship rocked over rough waves, you steadied yourself by the railing, ignoring the heated discussion unfolding between Odysseus and Eurylochus.

Polites was caught in the middle, a concerned spectator of their throwing words. He would cast you a nervous glance every now and then as a silent call for help.

But you wouldn't know. Your eyes were locked onto the dark clouds circling overhead in the sky and the ever-approaching mountain-like formation of Aeolia.

Even among the chaos of the storm the sky palace loomed like a beacon—massive and otherworldly against the darkening horizon.

Aeolus’ island was unlike anything you’d ever seen. It floated above the waves with its lively beauty, anchored to nothing but the whims of the winds themselves.

Approaching footsteps behind you grew louder. You turn to see Odysseus and Eurylochus approaching with their argument trailing along them.

"I can't have you planting seeds of doubt every step of the way," Odysseus said to his Second in Command, every word spoken edged with unyielding authority. "I can't have you disagreeing each route. I need you to agree and comply without question or we risk all of us dying in this. Do you understand?"

A tense silence settled between them. For a moment Eurylochus held his gaze, the frown on his face fading to resignation.

“Okay,” he muttered almost reluctantly.

Odysseus seemed to release a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Thank you."

A shout from one of the men broke through and all of you turned. The crew had managed to hook several ropes onto the cliff edges of Aeolia, securing the ship in place.

Odysseus turned to you, his features darkening as he prepared to leave for his encounter with Aeolus.

“Stay here,” his command carried a weight of finality. “This is no place for you nor is it safe.”

Frustration welled within but you bit back any protest.

Watching Odysseus hoist himself up the ropes, you felt the weight of all that had happened over the past months—the times your instincts had protected the crew, the risks you’d taken.

'Would he be on this journey at all if not for me defying his orders?'

You turned to Eurylochus and Polites who were already watching you with a mixture of concern and uncertainty.

“You know as well as I do that if I hadn’t disobeyed Odysseus before, many of you would be with Hades by now.” The words carried confidence you’d earned through hard-won respect. “Odysseus may not admit it but he needs me. We all know it.”

The two exchanged a silent conversation before Polites gave a small nod.

Eurylochus folded his arms, the faintest hint of a smile breaking through his normally guarded expression.

“Alright,” he murmured, “but keep close.”

With a nod you gripped the rope tightly and began to climb, your heart thudding in time with each pull and stretch.

The air grew colder the higher you went, an exhilarating chill that bit at your skin.

But when you reached the top and hoisted yourself over the edge that coldness was replaced with awe.

Aeolus’ realm spread out before you like a dream—a world sculpted from wind and sky.

Clouds coiled and twisted to form walls and archways, each one alive with a shimmer of captured light.

Wind chimes of crystal and glass that hung suspended in mid-air harmonized with the constant rush of air that whipped past.

Towers of vast storm clouds and statues of mist shifted with each gust of wind.

You marveled at the beauty and wonder of the place. The sights and sounds were nearly overwhelming but you forced yourself to focus.

From behind a cluster of silvery trees you heard Odysseus’ voice, followed by a low rich laugh that sent shivers down your spine.

Silently creeping closer you slip behind a low wall of crystalline stone allowing the view of your Captain standing face-to-face with the Wind God.

Beside him floated two beautiful wind nymphs, their features delicate and movements as light as air.

They twirled around the God like ribbons caught in a breeze with playful knowing smiles.

Aeolus himself was a sight to behold.

Tall and willowy, his hair moved with the rhythm of the wind as  his soft and flowing robes made him seem less a man and more a living embodiment of the sky itself.

 “Let’s play a game!”

A visibly wary Odysseus took a cautious step forward. “A game?”

“Yes that's what I'm serving,” his smile widened as his nymphs swayed alongside him mirroring his amusement. “And if you win you’ll get what you’re yearning.”

"...deal."

A decorated leather bag appears cradled in the immortal's hands. The bag seemed to pulse with energy as though it barely contained the forces within.

“Take a look right here at this bag. It has the winds of the storm all trapped. All you gotta do is not open this bag.”

Odysseus eyed the bag warily. “Sounds too easy. What’s the catch?”

You see a flicker of something sly in the Ruler of the Wind's eyes—a twist of his lips that gave away the God’s true nature.

“Ha ha ha!” Aeolus’s laughter rang out light and carefree. “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer...”

His voice trailed off into a lyrical hum as the nymphs joined in harmony. “Never really know who you can trust!”

The words sent a chill down your spine. You could see Odysseus bristle slightly at the implications.

Aeolus, noticing his reaction, flashed a smile filled with a playful malevolence. He leans in as if sharing a secret. “If they wanna get the bag open you gotta say no sir.”

The nymphs pop up behind the Greek King. “Sometimes killing is a must!”

“What?”

But Aeolus and his nymphs continued, their song unbroken, their voices dipping into a darker melody. “Cause the end always justifies the means. Friends turn into foes and rivalries...”

“So keep your friends close and your enemies closer” His smile was something between a grin and a threat. “Never really know who you can trust.”

“Never really know who you can trust!”

A chill ran down your spine. Unable to hold back any longer, you decide it was time to make yourself known.

Stepping out from behind the bushes with careful steps you softly called, “Odysseus?”

Your voice broke through the tension catching the attention of all present. Odysseus turned with furrowed brows, but it was Aeolus whose reaction was most striking.

His eyes widened as he took you in and a faint pink flush crept across his cheeks. The winds around him stirred and eddied—reflecting his sudden interest.

In an instant Aeolus floated toward you, his movements impossibly graceful as though the air itself had carried him to you.

He looked down at you as if he could scarcely believe what he saw.

The nymphs fluttered around him. Similar to their own master's fascination, their nimble fingers reach out as though to touch the air around you.

“Who...who are you?” he asked hushed and reverently. His hand lift almost instinctively, fingers curling as if he could pull you closer with only a thought. 

“A beauty like yours and no God has claimed you? Not even Zeus himself?”

His tone was laced with admiration, but beneath it lay something else—possessiveness perhaps.

You blinked, momentarily taken aback by his gaze. 'A God enraptured...by me? '

The idea of a divine being finding you so captivating was a dangerous thrill. But as the initial shock faded your wits returned, recognizing the opportunity.

If Aeolus wanted to play games you were more than willing to play along.

You softened your expression. With a tilt of your head you meet his gaze through lowered lashes

“Me?” you murmured, letting your voice carry the perfect note of awe and shyness. “A mere mortal to catch the eye of a God as glorious as you?”

Aeolus’s eyes sparkled in delight by your response. He leaned in slightly, his gaze intent as if waiting for something more.

You let the moment build and step closer as though drawn to him with a whisper of invitation in your eyes.

Then, just as you seemed close enough to brush your lips against his, you gracefully twirled away to a stop next to Odysseus.

The shift in your movements left Aeolus visibly stunned and you couldn’t resist a subtle satisfied smile as you watched his reaction.

“How deeply flattering is is...” You placed your hand gently over your heart, letting your eyes shine with wistful regret. “But I am already bound to my dear King Odysseus. Sworn to remain by his side. Oh! It breaks my heart so.”

Aeolus’s eyes sharpened at your words. His attention moved from you to Odysseus in a new kind of interest.

“Oh truly?” The weight of the God’s gaze settled heavily on the King of Ithaca as a slow calculating smile pulled at his lips.

“In that case let us make another deal, King of Ithaca.” He straightened as he turned to fully face the Greek Hero. “I will command my winds to carry you safely to Ithaca unchallenged by storm or squall. But in return...”

His gaze returned to you. “Once her feet touch the sands of Ithaca, she shall be mine—a bride as a token of goodwill.”

Odysseus stiffened in shock. The idea of choosing between his mission to return home and leave you to another made his mouth fill with distaste.

'After all she has done for me and my men...'

The son of Laërtes' lips curled as refusal sat at the tip of his tongue. “I—”

You place a steadying hand on his arm, your fingers firm but gentle, signaling him to stop.

Meeting his gaze you simply offer a faint nod. Odysseus hesitated, his expression softening as he read the resolve in your eyes.

Finally, he turned to Aeolus and nodded. “Very well. We have a deal.”

The God's face lit up in a radiant almost childlike joy. He let out a delighted laugh before throwing his arms wide as if to embrace the entire sky.

Without warning he swept you into his arms and lifted you into the air, twirling you around.

The world spun in a blur of color and sound as the wind caught your hair and clothes making you feel weightless.

His nymphs whirled around you both; their laughter blending with his in a symphony of wind and joy.

When he set you back down on your feet, the Wind God was mere inches away, his eyes soft and filled with something almost tender.

His hand came up to gently cradle your face, his thumb tracing a line just below your cheekbone as he whispered, “Soon...”

With that single word a delicate ring of cloud appeared around your neck: light and cool against your skin like the softest silk brushing against you.

You instinctively touched it and felt the tickle of mist against your fingers. The cloud ring was ethereal—a reminder of the promise that had been made.

Glancing at Odysseus, you spot the faint distress in his eyes and offer him a reassuring smile.

For now the deal was struck. And with Aeolus’s favor on your side, Ithaca was finally within reach.

*.·:·.☽✧✧☾.·:·.*

The path down to the ship was silent with the gravity of your decision pressing down on you like the weight of a storm.

As you and Odysseus descended he stole glances at you, his face shadowed with a mixture of gratitude and guilt.

Unfortunately he couldn't speak his mind because the moment you both reached the deck, countless crewmen began to cluster around in curiosity.

Elpenor, one of Odysseus most loyal crewman, pushed to the front with worry etched into his expressions.

“Captain what’s happening?” His asked, gaze dropping down to the object held tightly in Odysseus's hand. “What’s trapped in that bag?”

Odysseus drew a breath. "Something dangerous friends, we mustn't lag. It's—"

"Treasure!"

Your heart stopped and you spun around just in time to catch sight of  the two wind nymphs, their ghostly forms dissolving into the wind.

As they faded they shot you a pair of sly knowing smiles. "Buh-bye~"

The effect on the crew was immediate. Greed gleamed in their eyes as they leaned forward.

Whispers of excitement rippled through the crowd.

“Treasure you say?” one of the crewmen licked his lips as he eyed the bag.

Another voice chimed in eagerly, “What could it be? Gold? Jewels?”

"Well open the bag Captain!"

"Yeah let's see what you got!"

Several of the crew members took eager steps forward, their hands twitching with the urge to reach out.

“No! Do not!” Odysseus snarled with an severe expression. His voice rang out sharply, cutting through the growing excitement. “Everybody listen closely. See how this bag is closed?” He held it up firmly. “That’s how it’s supposed to be. This bag doesn’t contain treasure—it holds the storm inside. It must not be touched.”

There was a long pause as the crew absorbed his words.

They didn’t look convinced. But once wary glance at Odysseus’s stern expression and they reluctantly broke away with grumbles as they returned to their tasks.

Yet you could see the gleam of suspicion in their eyes, their greedy curiosity far from satisfied.

Odysseus' jaw clenched in frustration. Seeing Eurylochus and Polites standing nearby his face hardened with a new determination.

“Eurylochus, Polites: we can’t afford to let the treasure rumor fly. Not a single word of it.”

Eurylochus’s expression grew grim and he gave a determined nod. “Understood Captain.”

He turned and began ordering the men to prepare the sails, his voice sharp and unyielding as he barked commands.

Polites lingered to offer a strained apologetic smile. “We’ll try to keep them in line,” he murmured before hurrying off to assist Eurylochus.

Odysseus let out a sigh, his shoulders finally relaxing as the tension began to ease.

But then his gaze drifted back to you and his eyes fell on the faint cloud ring still resting around your neck—visible proof of the promise he’d made with Aeolus. 

"Why did you agree to this?" His sorrowful eyes searched yours.

You met his gaze steadily. "Aeolus is infatuated and I’m nothing but a passing fascination to him. His promise of safe passage may be the only way to see you all home.”

You look to the sealed bag in his hands then back to him. “Having him focused on me hopefully stops him from tempting the crew anymore than he already has. You all get to go home Odysseus—and that’s what matters.”

Odysseus considered your words before his expression melts with admiration and gratitude.

“You’ve sacrificed much for us,” he murmured, touched by your foresight. “To keep us safe you’ve bound yourself to a God.”

There was a somber pride in his gaze and for a fleeting moment you saw a hint of sadness. Still he was deeply grateful.

With a solemn nod he set his jaw with renewed resolve. “I will guard this bag myself to make sure your sacrifice is not in vain.”

════════════════*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═════════════════

Over the next nine days Odysseus kept his promise. He did not sleep, and even when his eyes grew heavy his grip remained firm.

As the days passed you couldn’t help but notice the cloud ring moving on your body. 

Halfway to Ithaca the cloud ring settled on your upper arm, forming a delicate band around your bicep, barely perceptible yet still cool against your skin.

With each shift of the misty band the weight of Aeolus’s claim grew more tangible—silent countdown marking each mile toward Ithaca.

By the tenth day you could see exhaustion settling heavily on Odysseus. He fought to keep his eyes open but the days without sleep were taking their toll.

At dawn, just as a soft glow of sunrise bathed the deck, you noticed him beginning to doze, head dipping ever so slightly as his grip on the bag loosened.

That was when you saw them: several crew members creeping forward with greed shining in their eyes.

Two men stood on lookout duty, glancing back at Eurylochus and Polites who were distracted by the other crew members with carefully timed questions and complaints about minor ship problems.

The rest surrounded Odysseus quietly, their eyes fixed on the bag as if it held the promise of riches.

Casting one last glance around to ensure they were unnoticed, the sailor closest reach out with trembling hands toward the bag.

Heart pounding you leapt to your feet. In a flash you crossed the deck, dagger in hand, and positioned yourself between the crewmen and the bag.

“Stop!” you hissed, Your free hand went down to grab and clutch the bag tightly against your chest as you leveled a fierce glare at each man. “Do you have any idea what you almost cost us?”

One of the men sneered but his defiance wavered under your fierce gaze. “We only wanted to see what’s in it.” he muttered, though his voice lacked conviction.

“See? See?!” you spat in disdain. “What do you think Aeolus placed inside? These are winds bound by the hand of a God! Open it and you would unleash storms strong enough to send us all to the depths.”

The men shrank back as their defiance crumbled into shame the more they processed the gravity of their actions.

Just then Odysseus stirred awake, his eyes snapping open at the sound of your voice. “Wha...?”

Taking in the scene—the dagger in your hand, the bag clutched protectively to your chest, and the men standing sheepishly before you—his expression hardened.

“You...fools!” Odysseus growled. “Do you understand what you nearly did?!”

The men hung their heads as Odysseus continued to speak with a  fury that left them visibly shaken.

“Aeolus gave us a chance to return home—each of you has a family waiting, a future. And yet you would risk it all because of your greed?” His gaze was unyielding and each word hit like a hammer on stone. “One gust from this bag would have thrown us back to the depths of the sea and we would never see Ithaca again.”

The men murmured apologies, their faces red with shame as they backed away, visibly chastised.

You let out a breath as you sheathed your dagger, feeling the tension ease from your shoulders as the threat passed.

Odysseus stepped forward. “Let this be a lesson you remember well. Disobedience...distrust—these are poisons that will kill us all before any sword or storm. Your lack of discipline nearly cost us Ithaca, nearly costed us everything after all we've been through.”

Just as he finished a shout from the ship's crow's nest broke the tension. “Land ahead!”

The cry sent a ripple of excitement through the crew, their earlier shame momentarily forgotten.

They scrambled toward the bow and you turned with Odysseus to catch sight of homeland just beyond the horizon.

Ithaca—finally within reach. Something that meant freedom for the men and for Odysseus.

And yet for you it was meant something else entirely.

You tightened your grip on the railing.

Glancing down you saw the cloud ring had shifted once more; sliding down from your forearm to your wrist, its misty band now clasped around you like a bracelet.

As the crew rushed to prepare for docking Odysseus found his way to your side. Together, you both stared at the nearing shores in silence.

The Greek King looked almost somber as though the sight of his homeland stirred memories long buried.

After a long contemplative pause, he finally speaks. “The last time I saw those shores...Telemachus was just a boy of nine.” A bittersweet smile touched his lips. “I wonder what kind of man he’s grown into. If he’ll even recognize me...”

You offer a faint smile when he turned his gaze to you but it did nothing to stop the sadness.

He searched your face as though memorizing it and then said, “I am endlessly grateful to you—for everything you’ve done. For the men and for me. All of this...” He looks away as though unable to face you directly. “...only to become another prisoner. Just as you were before.”

Sadness pooled in your chest, but you met his words with a quiet acceptance.

“There’s not much to be done when it comes to the Gods,” you calmly say despite melancholy coloring each word. It was a fate you’d accepted the moment you’d struck that deal.

Odysseus’s silence was broken by a quiet, almost wistful chuckle. You turned to him to catch a glimmer in his eyes.

“If things had been different you would have made the perfect wife for my son Telemachus.” He looked at you fondly.

Caught off guard you felt your cheeks warm. His words were laced with a sincerity that was both touching and painful.

“Intelligence like yours...it shouldn’t be wasted on the whims and entertainments of Gods.” His tone softened into something almost paternal. “You would help Ithaca flourish as its Queen.”

You let out a dry almost self-mocking laugh. “Pity isn't it?” you replied, unable to hide the edge of bitterness in your voice.

Looking back toward the nearing shores of Ithaca, the cloud bracelet has now shifted to your finger. The opaque object slowly gaining its solid coloring with every passing wave.

“In the end I’ve found myself exactly where I didn’t want to be: just another pawn in the games of Gods and Kings.”  With a rueful smile you add, “Though...at least the King I served along the way was worth it.”

Leaning against the railing you let out a mock sigh of resignation. “But a promise is a promise isn’t it?”

You lift your hand, letting the light catch on the cloud ring as it hovered on the cusp of your fingers. “Where my feet touch the sands of Ithaca...”

Odysseus' gaze moves from the ring to your face causing him to perk up. “The sands you say...”

A knowing glint light his eyes as a thoughtful smile curved his lips.

.*.·:·.☽✧✧☾.·:·.*

Odysseus stepped into the grand hall. His gaze swept over the familiar stone walls, the polished floors, the long-forgotten scent of his own kingdom.

His heart pounded as he took in the sight before him: Penelope, standing tall yet trembling, her face softened by age but still achingly beautiful.

Beside her stood Telemachus—no longer the child he had left behind but a grown man with his father’s strength and his mother’s fierce gaze.

They stared at him as if willing themselves to believe that he was truly here.

“Odysseus...” Penelope’s voice finally broke the stillness, barely more than a whisper in fear the weight of his name in her mouth might make him vanish.

Odysseus crossed the floor. When he reached her he stopped, his roughened hands slowly reaching to cup her face.

“Penelope,” he murmured, voice thick with longing, “after all these years...”

Penelope reached up to cover his hands with her own. “You...you are here. Truly here.” Tears gathered in her eyes and she fluttered them back in fear that one blink might end the dream.

“I am,” Odysseus replied barely holding on. “By the grace of the Gods and the strength of our hope I’ve come back to you.”

As if a dam had broken she threw her arms around him, clutching him tightly as though the very fabric of the world depended on her hold.

“I kept your memory here,” she said into his shoulder. “I told Telemachus every story, every lesson you ever shared. I waited and I prayed.”

Odysseus held her tightly as he murmur in her hair. “And I lived each day for the thought of this moment my love.”

Behind her Telemachus took a hesitant step forward. His hands were clenched at his sides, his face filled with an emotion too complex to put into words.

Odysseus’s gaze shifted to his son. “Telemachus...” He released Penelope slowly, stepping toward the Prince. “Look at you.”

His breath caught as he took in Telemachus’ tall strong frame, the shadow of a beard on his face, the look of a man who had faced his own battles.

The King's eyes shone with pride as sorrow mingled in their depths.

“I'm sorry I wasn’t there to see it. To guide you. But it seems you’ve become a man on your own.” He placed a strong hand on Telemachus’ shoulder, squeezing gently. “And I could not be more proud.”

Telemachus met his father’s gaze with a clenched jaw in attempt to fight back tears. “It was my honor to learn from your shadow father.”

They embraced and for a moment the world shrank to the three of them—the cunning King of Ithaca, his devoted wife, and the son who had grown up in his absence.

The tearful reunion was suddenly interrupted by the entrance of several men carrying a large cloth-draped basket.

Penelope and Telemachus pull from the hug as the men carefully set the basket down the middle of the hall before leaving. They turn to Odysseus, their confusion plain.

Odysseus smiled. Yet there was something else in his expression—a hint of anticipation and a glint of mischief. 

Gently, he took Penelope’s hand and guided her closer to the basket, gesturing for Telemachus to follow.

 “This,” he began, “is the reason I am here. And though the introduction may seem unconventional, it was the only way. I had to be specific to avoid some...complications upon disembarkment.”

He turned to Telemachus, his expression one of pride and apology combined. “I am sorry I was not there to see you grow into the man you are now. But what I brought for you is something any should have...”

With that Odysseus placed his hand on the woven lid of the basket and lift.

You emerged slowly, rising from within the wicker container with a serene smile. The soft light of the torches cast a warm glow over you giving your appearance an almost otherworldly quality.

The son of Odysseus and Penelope was silent. His eyes widening as he took in your your face making his stunned expression quickly shift to awe.

He was speechless—utterly captivated. For him, it was as if no one else existed in the hall.

A blush crept over Telemachus’ cheeks as glanced between you and his father with astonishment still etched across his features.

Holding his gaze, you smiled, allowing a touch of playful confidence to warm your expression. “Hello husband.”

[brittle-doughie]

2nd time I've sent this ask sorry if I seem impatient.

Hello! Can I have Y/n as Galacta knight?

Summary on what happens:

In the fight between pitaya and ananas against longan, timekeeper cookie(she lived)was bored and opens a big time rift; on the other side is the fight between the crk brave gang and dark enchantress cookie. Then deep below the earth is a crystal that's teleported to the surface. Everyone looks at the crystal with curiosity. Suddenly the crystal cracks, slowly but surely the crystal breaks. The being takes a deep breath of air. Everyone from crk looks on with curiosity, while the rest excluding timekeepr look on with fear. This being was in old written tablets, not from the witches or the wizards but from a race that existed before earthbread and had mysteriously vanished, The Ancients. The Ancients are an old civilisation that consisted of 2 groups, ones with advanced technology and ones with extraordinary magic. They've made strong artifacts that's laced with magic. Some of these are the Lor Starcutter, a floating ship that's able to traverse to different dimensions; the Galactic Novas, planet sized clockwork stars that can grant one wish when summoned and more artifacts they've made; they still exist but are difficult and dangerous for cookies to try to obtain the artifacts.

Then a being called Void Termina The Destroyer of Worlds, was brought into the world. The Ancients sent 4 warriors, one of them being Y/n, who's known as Galacta knight who holds the title "The strongest warrior in the galaxy" to defeat the dark being. After Void Termina's defeat The Ancients feared their power resulting their imprisonment but not without physical changes(they changed Y/n to look like a cookie not turned to an actual cookie)and has been sealed away since. The ovenbreak cookies, especially the dragons, have every right to fear them for the freed being was Y/n the Galacta knight. After a few seconds they look at their cookie-shaped body then their surroundings, they saw the brave gang and flew towards them at great speeds. As they landed the others braced themselves as Y/n approaches the group. They asked "What is the meaning of this? Why am I released to the world? Did you release me out of pity? Or to make a sad attempt to claim my title." They said the last line coldly laced with anger which sent shivers down every cookie’s back. Then it all clicked for Gingerbrave, Timekeeper cookie must’ve accidentally removed the spell of The Aeon hero's prison, so he explained the situation to the knight. Fortunately for everyone, Galacta knight understood what was told to them, then lotus dragon and snake fruit cookie arrived to the scene to see what happened and saw Y/n. They initially panicked with lotus prepared to fight for their life 'til gingerbrave and the other cookies(and surprisingly lychee; they were in the background)explained to them what happened.

After that chaos ensues as the other dragons and the cake witch are fighting each other. Lotus was about to join 'til Gingerbrave to everyone's surprise, asks the Temporal warrior for help against longan and the cake witch, they agreed with the condition from Gingerbrave to NOT kill longan dragon. Before the cake witch could strike again, it was parried with strong force from an unknown being. Every cookie looked towards the unknown person, much to the horror of the dragons and confusion of Dark enchantress cookie, it was Galacta knight. Before anyone could react they went after the cake witch; it was dealt in short time as after they tanked a few attacks, destroyed it in one strike. Dark enchantress cookie looks at what's once the cake witch in horror; Y/n immediately goes after Longan next. The other 2 where forced to retreat to the group who told them everything whilst Longan starts to dodge for their life as more time rifts appear in the background. As Y/n deals more damage to the dragon they, out of anger, sent a sword beam at Longan dragon who narrowly dodges it, the sword beam continues to travel entering a time rift and cuts an entire planet in half, much to the surprise and mainly fear of the cookies and dragons.

Shortly after Longan is defeated by Y/n and is forced to turn Earthbread back to normal and turn cookies back from stone.The time rifts are closed by croissant cookie(idk how she lived)who greets Gingerbrave. She also saw Y/n and starts to panic and is given a summary of what went down. After that Y/n roams Earthbread and is catching up with Gingerbrave on what happened after their imprisonment with help of other cookies.

Brittle I'm SO SORRY for how long this is. Can we get reactions of the ovenbreak characters involved in the events(crk characters reactions are optional, tho I'd appreciate it if you include crk!Dark Enchantress' reaction)and the aftermath of the ask.

Smol bonus: I like to think he's short tempered and protective to those who he's bonded with after his imprisonment and have long hair that fades from white to faded pink if he had a human form; these information is carried over to Y/n in this ask. Btw I would’ve included an image of Galacta knight's design but Tumblr won’t let me send the ask if I did, so it’s best if you searched up galacta knight and just imagine that he's in the shape of a cookie with armor in neon pink, yellow and white colors and the skin color is mainly grey cuz Y/n takes his role.

I know you’re sorry and I’m all for a bit of Kirby, but PLEASE keep requests short. This made my brain fart-

Who was this random knight, she thought. How could a cookie drop in and defeat the cake creature in short time with that blade in their hands. She’s annoyed, but intrigued at the same time with the arrival of this new contender to the fight.

Timekeeper didn’t regret a thing, she would’ve been bored with what she foresaw in the future that removing the spell actually brought her some joy that Y/N was able to make things interesting by their grand entrance into the fight! She’ll be watching them closely!

Longan didn’t understand, how could a mere knight match up to them in power? It was completely humiliating to have to undo all they have done under their watch, how could the other dragons look at them the same again after that display?

Lotus wasn’t going to lie, they and Snakefruit got a kick out of Longan being knocked down a peg or two. Seeing the once feared ivory dragon being defeated and forced to reverse the damage brought them a bit of gratification, especially to Snakefruit.

Gingerbrave and the others were glad to see that the Galacta Knight was able to vanquish the threats and bring peace to the land once more. It was really like what they were told about the knight, pretty cool in Croissant Cookie’s book!

They know the knight can’t stick around for long, but the group will wait for the day that they cross paths with the knight again!

[that-foul-legacy-lover]

MORE ELDRITCH SEA HORROR FOUL LEGACY.

you have to take a little boat out to meet him, as he'd be too easy to spot from the shore. it's always in the same place, too- just beyond where the water turns from light to dark, on an overcast day, and he'll find you. all you have to do is sit and wait. maybe fish a little, reeling in a few good catches. sometimes he teases you, tugging on your line only to poke his head up with a fish in his teeth, rumbling in delight.

he's always sure you can actually look at him, making an effort to not drive you mad. he likes you, after all! and it wouldn't do for his most favorite human to go insane! Legacy settles his head against your ship, staring at you in adoration and rumbling when you happily pat his head. there's no one he loves more than you, not even in the vast, open ocean. most humans either run away from him or have their minds melted into mush. but not you. you find him incredible. you've called him beautiful, lovely. words that he barely even knew existed before then, tail swishing in awe. you bring him fruits and crystals from above ground, and he fetched shells and pearls from the deepest trenches of the world, just for you.

you can't be together, not all the time. but it's enough, you're always enough for a lonely beast who rules over the sea.

[snowflaketale12]

A Brief Timeline Guide to Frozen Books (Part 1) ❄️

One of my followers on Instagram asked me about which Frozen books are related to the movies, which ones are connected to Frozen 1 and Frozen 2. They also wanted to know if there are any books that answer questions from the movies, like details about Agnarr and Iduna's past. So I decided to make this post to answer these questions 😁

Note: - It's been a while since I last read some of these books, so feel free to correct me if I’m wrong. - Also, my photos aren't very aesthetic since some were taken in a rush. - I only covered the books I've read, but you can check out Arendelle Archive's Frozenverse for a more detailed book list within the Frozen universe, and Annals of Frozen for a more detailed chronicle timeline in Frozen universe.

1. Novels

There are twelve novels in total in the Frozen universe. Four of them are junior novelizations, one is an alternate universe (AU) story, and the rest are sequels or prequels to the movies.

Pre-Frozen 1:

Dangerous Secrets (covers the full timeline from the day Agnarr and Iduna met until the day their ship sank).

Fixer Upper (covers the full timeline from the day Kristoff met ice harvester until the day he became one of them).

During Frozen 1:

A Frozen Heart (Frozen 1 story retelling with Anna and Hans' perspective).

Conceal Don’t Feel (AU).

Post-Frozen 1 & Pre-Frozen 2:

Journey to the Lights.

Forest of Shadows (takes place one month before Frozen 2).

Post-Frozen 2:

Polar Nights (takes place two months after Frozen 2)

Well, All Is Found contains ten stories:

Pre-Frozen 1:

Call of the Cuckoo.

During Frozen 1:

Anna of Arendelle and the Silver Stakes (take places after the incident happened).

Anna and the King (Anna's flashback about young self with Agnarr).

Post-Frozen 1 & Pre-Frozen 2:

Elsa and the Frost Monster (takes place one month after Frozen 1).

Post-Frozen 2:

Engaging Anna and Kristoff.

Cold Secrets Deep Down.

A Midsummer's Song and Dance.

Wandering Oaken and the Not-So-Hygge Day (honestly I'm not so sure the timeline for this story).

The Next Right Things.

Coronation Day (Kinda like an AU story).

Note: - Excluding Conceal, Don't Feel & All Is Found, timeline in order, are: Dangerous Secrets -> Fixer Upper -> Frozen 1 Junior Novelization & A Frozen Heart -> Journey to the Lights & Olaf's Frozen Adventure Junior Novelization & Frozen Fever Junior Novelization -> Forest of Shadows -> Frozen 2 Junior Novelization -> Polar Nights. - Dangerous Secrets mentions Anna and Elsa's grandmother, Queen Rita, and explains how she left Agnarr when he was five years old. Sir Jorgenbjorgen originally belonged to her. This book provides the most details related to the movies and is highly recommended! - Polar Nights covers Anna's life as queen and describes how Elsa transforms water into a memory she saw in Ahtohallan to share it with Anna. - Forest of Shadows explores Elsa's life as queen and delves into the emotional aftermath for Anna and Elsa following the events of Frozen (spoiler ahead: nightmares attack). - Journey to the Lights explains how the trolls' crystals work and what it takes to earn them. - All Is Found contains many details related to the movies, such as Anna and Elsa's childhood after the incident, Elsa's feelings following the events of Frozen, and Anna's life as queen after her coronation.

2. Dark Horse Comics + Disney Comics

The top two books are retellings of Frozen and Frozen 2, while the rest are sequels to Frozen 1 and prequels to Frozen 2.

Note: - The middle three Adventures comics cover hundreds of short stories. - The bottom four books, timeline in order, are: Breaking Boundaries -> Reunion Road -> The Hero Within -> True Treasure. - The Hero Within mentioned Kai's brother and his hometown. - True Treasure mentioned how Iduna comfort Elsa after she accidentally struck Anna's head.

3. Anna & Elsa Storybook Series

There are nine books in total for this series, all of them are sequels to Frozen 1 and prequels to Frozen 2.

Note: - Most of the stories are also included in the Adventures series comics but longer version. - Timeline in order, are: All Hail to Queen -> Memory of Magic -> A Warm Welcome -> The Great Ice Engine -> The Polar Bear Piper -> The Arendelle Cup -> The Secret Admirer -> Return to the Ice Palace -> Anna Takes Charge. - Memory of Magic mentioned that Anna’s memories which were altered by Grand Pabbie, were never fully restored. - The Great Ice Engine mentioned how Oaken is passionate and expert in invention.

4. Short Stories

Elsa's Icy Rescue takes place before the incident occurred, while Anna Finds a Friend is set after the incident. And Stories From Arendelle are sequels to Frozen 1 and prequels to Frozen 2.

Note: - In Elsa's Icy Rescue, it is mentioned how the Arendelle royal family lived happily and how Elsa learned to be a queen. - In Anna Finds a Friend, it is noted how bored Anna's life became after Elsa locked herself in her room. - Two stories are covered in Stories From Arendelle, which are Phantoms of Arendelle and Olaf & Sven on Thin Ice.

5. Frozen and Frozen 2 Retelling Storybooks

All of these books are Frozen and Frozen 2 retelling storybooks, featuring amazing illustrations.

6. Others Storybooks and Graphic Novel

All of these books are sequels to Frozen 1 and prequels to Frozen 2, except for Anna, Elsa, and the Enchanting Holiday, Anna and the Mystery of the Mountains and some of the stories in 5-mins & storybook collection are sequels to Frozen 2.

They are all short, beautiful stories.

Note: - Most of the stories in the 2nd and 3rd (Advent Calendar storybooks) are repetitive compared to the Adventure comics, and some of the stories are retellings of Frozen 1 and Frozen 2. - Anna and the Mystery of the Mountains discusses how Anna deals with challenges as the Queen of Arendelle (including a beautiful scene of Elsa with her hair down in her sleepwear). - Anna, Elsa, and the Secret River is a book that introduces the four spirits. - Sisters and Snowmen covered three stories, A Frozen Adventure (Frozen 1 retelling), A Sister More Like Me and An Amazing Snowman.

That's all for today. Thanks for reading, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on anything.

I'll make another post for additional books such as the diaries, art books, and guidebooks! 💙

Edited: Part 2 is here!

[sihtricfedaraaahvicius]

The Last Voyage of the Fyrdraca

note: for the moment I am not using a taglist anymore, as it seems rather useless for the time it consumes.

warnings: minors DNI. angst/fluff/spooky fic. Mention of blood, death and vampires. Faintly follows the moment in season 4 in which they try to take Bebbanburg for the first time.

pairing: Sihtric x Vampire!reader (f)

summary: A boat trip is the perfect way to play with the lives of men, but little did you know you'd fall in love with one of them.

word count: 4k

Masterlist

Reblogs & comments are immensely appreciated.

Sihtric looked at you in awe. Never before had he seen such a beautiful appearance with his own two eyes. Up until he met you he had only heard tales about the breathtaking ladies from Lundene. When he found himself in the city, many years ago for the first time, he had not been entirely impressed with the ladies he had seen. 

But you… you were something else. You were absolute perfection in his eyes, and he couldn't tear his gaze away from you as you sat alone at the bow of the ship, peering up at the bright moon as she was waxing to her full form. Sihtric was mesmerised by the way you wore your dark cloak, one made of good fur which was drapped so majestically around your figure, and how your skin was flawless and your lips an alluring taint of red in the silver moonlight as she shone upon you. Because of all that, Sihtric could not keep his mind from wandering to the idea of how it would feel to capture you in his arms and kiss you right then and there…

'Sihtric!' Uhtred suddenly called out, pulling him from his nightly daydream, 'do not stop! Row! We have to make good use of these nights!'

'Yes, Lord!'

Sihtric gave you one last look, which you caught as you looked back over your shoulder and you gave him a sweet smile, to which he became visibly shy and averted his eyes. The Dane surely was a pleasure to look at, and you had already decided you were going to save him for last.

While you calmly observed the crew on board you noticed Uhtred was terribly frustrated and on edge, whereas Sihtric seemed to not be entirely present with his head, and therefore becoming a terrible oarsman. The ship, Fyrdraca she was called, was on her way to Northumbria. To Bebbanburg to be exact, where Uhtred was planning to claim back his birthright. 

The ship had left Wessex two days ago, and the sailings had gone all but smooth. Uhtred had gathered an impressive crew, but the daytime weather consisted of thick fog and no sunlight, which made it near impossible to keep a decent pace in the water as they were often left disoriented. And how the days were dark and gloomy, strangely enough the nights were crystal clear and cold. With hundreds of stars looking down at the magnificent ship and her crew while the moon guided the way through the waters. Uhtred was set on making use of those clear nights, commanding his crew to row at night and to rest during the day, which was unbeknownst to them a trap you had set up. And you were more than pleased to see they fell for it, slowly causing the men to feel more and more disorientated as day became night, and night became day.

'I told you,' Finan muttered to Uhtred while glaring at you from afar, 'you can't have a lady on board. It's bad luck.'

'She needed safe passage to Northumbria and in return promised she could guide us to the sea gate to get into the castle. My castle,' Uhtred argued, 'and I already made my offerings to the sea for having a woman on board.'

'Aye, the sea has been kind. But the weather?'

'I cannot control the weather, Finan,' Uhtred sighed as they watched the men row from the stern, 'we will have to live by night and sleep by day for now, until the weather clears up again.'

'It just makes no sense,' Beocca interrupted and dropped his oar, 'how can there be such thick fog during the day and none of that at night. I'm telling you,' he made a cross, 'You, Uhtred, are a cursed man.'

'He's been cursed since Skade,' Sihtric mumbled and felt a shiver run down his spine, then looked at you, 'so I'm sure she has nothing to do with our bad luck.'

'You and Uhtred,' Finan said as he looked at Sihtric, 'you are both bewitched by that lady over there,' he cocked his head towards you.

'As if you aren't,' Uhtred scoffed.

'She is a fair lady,' Finan then admitted with a grin.

'More than fair,' young Uhtred suddenly added, which caused the rest of the men on board to murmur in agreement and chuckle.

And you? You just smiled as you had caught every word each man had said. And not just that, you were also already familiar with each of their scent and the sound of the beating of their hearts. And you had already picked out your first prey, whom you would devour as you let the thick fog blind each man's sight aboard the Fyrdraca as soon as the sun would rise, and the men would go and find a spot to lay their head to rest.

No one understood how it had happened. The ship was large, yes, but not large enough to misplace one of their men while everyone was asleep. And yet it had happened, leaving everyone clueless as they looked for a nonexisting last trace of their missing crew member.

'He must have fallen overboard, Lord,' Sihtric suggested as the fog thinned and the moon crept higher up the sky.

'You think no one would have heard?' Uhtred frowned, 'he was a big man, I'm sure we would've heard something if he fell in the water. He can't even swim, surely he would have called for help.'

'I don't see what else could have happened,' Finan agreed with Sihtric, as did the rest of the men, 'maybe he went for a piss and lost his balance.'

'He knew his way around the ship,' Uhtred argued, 'it makes no sense.'

'God works in mysterious ways,' Beocca said, and together with young Uhtred he made a cross, 'may he rest in peace.'

Uhtred sighed and scratched his head as he looked around the ship, then spotted you sitting in the bow again like every other night before. He swore you weren't sitting there before, and yet it looked like you had been comfortably there for hours already, the way you sat back with your black cloak pooled around you.

'You,' Uhtred called out to you, 'woman!'

All the men looked at you, their faces a little more pale than usual in the light of the moon.

'Have you heard or seen anything?' Uhtred asked.

'Me?' you played dumb and feigned offence, 'why, no, I have not. You think I would not say such a thing?'

The men continued to stare at you, as if awaiting another answer that would explain how one of their men had disappeared while they had slept during the day.

'Look,' you said and got up on your feet, your dark cloak dancing lightly in the cool night's breeze, 'I am aware you all think that having a woman on a ship brings bad luck. But I can assure you I have nothing to do with that man's disappearance. I was asleep, like all of you I assume, I have not heard or seen a single thing.'

'Maybe you felt something?' Finan muttered.

The crew laughed, assuming along with Finan that maybe you were fooling around with some men for your pleasure. All of them laughed, except for Sihtric. He felt bad you were treated like a curse and seen as a whore, and he couldn't possibly look into your eyes while everyone mocked you.

'I beg your pardon?' you snapped, 'I wish to be treated with respect. So if you continue to look down on me simply because I am a lady, I will not be helping you find the sea gate anymore, you hear me?'

The laughter quickly died down and the men's faces grew grim as they knew they were relying on you to help Uhtred's foolish plan succeed.

'Well… you heard the lady,' Uhtred said after an uncomfortable silence, 'now, pick up your oars and row.' You glared at each and every man that had mocked you, deciding which one you disliked the most and would soon be at the receiving end of your fangs. Because indeed you had felt the man who had disappeared, just not in a way the crew could ever imagine. For you had only felt his blood run down your throat before you had pushed his drained body overboard. And no one ever heard or saw a thing, because without their knowledge, you were able to control them even in their sleep.

The men continued to row throughout the night, clearly frightened when bats suddenly seemed to appear nearby the ship. Finan didn't want to concern Uhtred more than he already was, so he sat down next to Sihtric who took a short break from the oar as he ate an apple, still trying to adjust to staying awake during the darkness of the night.

'Bats aren't supposed to be here,' Finan said, 'this far at sea.'

'I know,' Sihtric mumbled with his mouth full, trying to hide his fright.

'It is an omen,' Beocca believed, 'a bad one. I'm telling you… something is going to happen. Something bad.'

'I fear death will soon pay us another visit,' Sihtric said.

'If it is not already amongst us,' Finan whispered and looked at you from afar.

You sat at the bow again, your back turned towards the men yet hearing every word they whispered so quietly, and you smiled at the moon.

'You think she- she killed…,' Sihtric stopped talking and swallowed hard at the idea of you having anything to do with the death of their missing man.

'I don't know,' Finan replied, 'but something's wrong, and-'

'Stop scaring my crew, Finan,' Uhtred suddenly said behind them, which made them all jump slightly, 'and the rest of you,' he addressed those who had all dropped their oars to listen, 'row while the night is still clear.'

The men rowed until their arms went numb and the night became less dark, they rowed until the sun began to appear and you created a thick fog once again to shelter yourself from burning down to ashes in the rays of the sun's light. And as you knew that more men began to question who you were and why you were there, you decided to mingle amongst the men before they'd go to sleep. And so you sat with them as the fog became thicker and thicker…

You feigned interest in some of the drunken men's stories and songs, before most of them went to find their sleeping spot and hid away under their blankets. You noticed Finan was wary of you, while Beocca and young Uhtred kept their distance too. It was only Sihtric who came to sit closer when everyone else had gone to sleep and the sky had turned almost black with clouds, making it impossible for any natural light to pierce through.

'I've seen you watching me,' you smiled at Sihtric, instantly making him shy, 'it's okay. I've been watching you too.'

'Have you?'

'I have,' you purred and leaned in, 'how could I not be watching the most handsome man around?'

Sihtric chuckled nervously and cleared his throat, then attempted to speak but was left at a loss for words when you suddenly took his hand. His skin, so warm compared to yours, and you could hear his beating heart and the sound of his blood rushing through his veins as you inhaled his scent. You wanted nothing more than to sink your teeth into his tattooed neck, but you were still determined to save him for last. However, despite the fact you were planning on drinking his blood you did find yourself enjoying his company. 

And so you stayed up talking for hours while everyone else slept under your hypnosis, and you learned all about Sihtric and got familiar with his tender and loving ways of touching you and holding you. And when you eventually kissed his lips and used your powers to entrance him and fall into a deep sleep like the others had already done, you went to sniff out your next meal to feast on. And you drained the sleeping body of a man who had looked at you the wrong way earlier that day, when the men had all laughed at you. All, except for one, the one your silent heart unexpectedly started to warm for.

Men continued to go missing during the darkened days that followed, and the remaining crew became more frightened and distrusting of those still present aboard the Fyrdraca. Arguments and brawls would happen several times a day amongst the men, a way for each man to try and give their fear a place while trying to make sense of what was happening. The men started to suspect everyone, and one would be accused of murder at only the slightest misconception or if someone felt another man's behaviour was suddenly slightly off.

To not raise any suspicion and to keep your cover, you pretended to be terrified as well and sought safe harbour at Sihtric's side as he was, along with everyone else, still unaware of your true form and nature. Sihtric swore to protect you, with his hammer pendant clutched in his fist. You remained by his side during the clear nights, while the surviving men rowed, and you slept in his arms during the fogged up days after you had claimed yet another victim to feast on and discard in the sea once you were fed. You'd curl up in his arms and rest your head upon his chest, falling peacefully asleep to the sound of his beating heart.

And while the terror amongst the living grew, you only grew more powerful. And soon you would be able to set foot on land again.

You knew your time with Sihtric was running out as the ship was only half a day away from Bebbanburg. Your initial plan was to kill Sihtric, the same way you'd kill all of those left alive as soon as the Fyrdraca reached land again, and you'd then go on your way and slaughter every person in Bebbanburg. Because that was simply all you did; travelling from village to village and from town to town, killing people and feeding off them, leaving only a trail of death and decay in your wake. It was all you had known for centuries. 

But Sihtric had made you question your undead life, as you felt a comforting peace and calmness in his presence and most of all you felt seen and admired by him. You had grown to enjoy his company and to sleep in his arms the past few days, and having lived alone for so long made you fall in love hard and fast so easily, and yet it had still taken you by surprise. Falling in love with a human was not something you had even considered. Your ways would undoubtedly part once you reached the land, so you were determined to not waste the little time you had left him. So while the remaining few alive were dead asleep in the thick fog, you spent your time with Sihtric, who was still scared out of his mind as more and more men had vanished from the ship last time he had closed his eyes to get some sleep.

'Do not fear for what is out there, my darling,' you whispered and gently caressed his scarred cheek, 'I promise you are safe. Whatever is out there harming those poor men, it will never hurt you, my love.'

'But what if it hurts you?' Sihtric said softly, resting his forehead against yours as you both sat at the bow, embracing each other.

'It won't,' you reassured him, 'you will just have to trust me.'

Sihtric nodded to your words and then softly kissed your lips over and over again, until the need inside of him couldn't be stopped anymore and he grabbed your face to deepen the kiss. It was a kiss that left even a vampire such as yourself breathless, and from that moment you knew that you would do whatever it would take to protect him and his life. You would become his shadow, because you knew that living together would not be an option, but you would watch over him as his demoniacal guardian angel.

'Will you stay with me?' Sihtric asked, 'once we reach Bebbanburg? Will you stay and be mine?'

'I wish for that to be possible,' you whispered sadly, 'but there are things you do not know about me, Sihtric.'

'Are you married?'

'No,' you chuckled softly and pushed a strand of dark curls behind his ear, 'I am not married, my darling.'

'Then what is the problem?'

'There are things you won't understand,' you explained, 'things you are far better off not knowing about. Because I fear that if you do know everything about me, that you will not want me anymore. But I promise I will keep an eye on you, always,' you said as you fought your tears, 'I will always be closer than you think.'

You kissed his cheek and took his hands, squeezing them lightly while you looked up into his eyes.

'You have shown me how to be human again,' you smiled faintly, 'but… human is not what I am anymore.'

'I know,' Sihtric whispered, oblivious still, and he took your chin, 'for you are inhumanly beautiful, my love,' he smiled and kissed you again, 'you are a gift from the gods.'

You did not have the strength to break his heart and tell him that you were the most ungodly being, and so you kissed him back until you both fell asleep together on the ship for the last time, as thick fog protected you from the sun one more time. 

And for the first time in decades, you finally dreamt again while you were asleep; dreaming of a life with the man whose arms were tightly wrapped around you. Dreaming of a life that could never be.

At last, the moment you had been dreading arrived. It was night when the Fyrdraca came to a halt and you set foot on steady land again, after you had guided the ship to the dock.

'Aye, lady,' Finan said with a faint grin, 'I have misjudged you, thank you for your help.'

'I accept your apology,' you said with a curt nod.

You then gave the few men left the instructions to head to the gates, and you lied that you'd meet them again after the battle. You took Sihtric's hand as he attempted to join the crew as they left, but you stopped him so you could have one more moment with him, before you would simply become his haunting shadow in the night for evermore.

'Sihtric,' you whispered as he circled his arms around you, 'if we may never meet again after this day, I need you to know that-'

You were silenced by a sudden kiss, one you willingly drowned in while you fought the urge to bite his lip to get a taste of his deliciously sweet and warm blood you were still hungry for. It became harder to control your desire to drink and turn him, so you could be together for all eternity, even though the curse of being a vampire was not one you enjoyed passing on. But before you could act on your needs and desires, Sihtric broke the kiss and held your face in his hands.

'I love you,' Sihtric whispered, 'we will meet again, I promise. But you cannot go with us now, it may not be safe. You were only here to guide us the way, and we now know where to go. Wait here, my love, wait here and I will come back for you.'

Before you could say anything or declare your own love for him, the man of your dreams had already slipped out of your hands and disappeared into the darkness of the cave that led into the walls of Bebbanburg's fortress.

You paced back and forth for a moment, wanting to listen to Sihtric and flee into the night, but you also couldn't deny your hunger anymore as you had travelled all this way to slaughter just another town, and now you were here. You would continue with your plan and just spare Sihtric, you told yourself, and with that promise in mind you snuck into the damp cave.

The heavy black gate had already been lifted when you arrived, the stone corridor being eerily empty and quiet. But the further you walked, the more noise you started to hear. And once you were peeking out from the shadows and looking into the crowded town's square, you witnessed Uhtred and his men being captured. You heard the arguments between Uhtred and a man named Wihtgar, who claimed to be the rightful heir of Bebbanburg. And soon you heard the bone chilling cry from Uhtred when Beocca was suddenly killed while giving his life for young Uhtred. And shortly after that the air was filled with the shouting of men and the clashing of swords and axes on shields and armour. You watched in disbelief for a long moment as men were brutally murdered and captured, for this was not how you had expected the people in this town to die.

And then you finally allowed your vampire tendencies to come out, as the smell of blood lingered in the air. You moved faster than any man could possibly comprehend as you slaughtered those who fought against Sihtric and those he was loyal to himself. You drained body after body before you heard a cry for help from Sihtric, and you instantly dropped the dead man you held in your arms to make your way to the man you had fallen in love with. You found Sihtric to be gravely wounded as it began to rain, and he desperately tried to stop the bleeding by pushing his hands on the gaping wound on his leg. You knelt down and took his hands, the amount of blood pouring out made your mouth water for a taste, merely a drop would do, but you violently shook your head and tried to focus on the fact that his life was leaking out of him.

'H-help,' Sihtric gasped as he clamped onto you, 'please,' he begged and managed to point towards his axe which was out of reach for him.

'No,' you cried as his blood drenched your cloak along with the rain, 'no, you will not die. I can… I can save you, Sihtric.'

'We both know,' he breathed heavily and lightly shook his head, 'that this wound is… it's fatal.'

'I promise I can save you,' you whispered as you leaned in and caressed his blood splattered face, 'your life will never be the same again, but we could be together… we could be together forever. We will have eternal life together, I promise.'

Sihtric stared up at you, the light in his mismatched eyes slowly fading while he tried to grasp your words amidst the chaos that surrounded you. Sihtric did not fear death, but he did fear dying without a weapon in hand, which is exactly what he knew would happen if he did not give you that faint nod of approval to save him as you said you could, no matter the consequences. Anything was better than being trapped in Helheim for the rest of his afterlife, and having eternal life with you somehow sounded just as peaceful as Valhalla to him, if not more.

'I love you,' you whispered and kissed your forehead.

'I love you,' Sihtric murmured, barely conscious anymore.

And so… Sihtric closed his eyes as you held him in your arms, ready to be yours forever. And a sharp breath escaped his parted lips as your teeth finally sank into his neck to drain his blood, before you would feed him yours in return.

[plasticbabyart]

The worst trio in existence honestly, just me, my weirdo emo boyfriend, and his evil master who has disguised as a bug to torment him !

[littlefreya]

Summary: Whatever madness drove this woman to board a pirate’s ship of her own free will was beyond comprehension. Yet there she was, in velvet and silk, marching toward certain danger and the sinful desires of the monstrous Captain August ‘Blackbeard’ Walker.

Pairing: AU! Pirate August Walker x OFC (no mentions of body type or ethnicity)

Word count: 1.9k

Warnings: 18+. No smut, but sexual themes are mentioned, as well as dark themes - he is a pirate. Possible historical inaccuracy. This is not the real Blackbeard. Mentions of kidnapping.

A/N: Not beta’d. Many thanks to @agniavateira @luna-aestas and @wolvesandhoundshowltogether for the support, and thanks to @geralts-yenn because this story started as a 15-minute challenge, and I ended up writing a whole shot. There might be a part 2, and this might turn into a series. We will see after my anxiety runs its course :D

Thanks for reading, and please reblog and comment if you enjoyed :)

Neptune's Snare

The soggy wooden platform creaked beneath her feet as she climbed onto the main deck. Each step eliciting s husky wail - a sorrowful hymn to the lost maidens of the sea - those who would never return, those devoured by the sinful desires of monstrous captain August ‘Blackbeard’ Walker. 

Whatever madness drove women to go there willingly was beyond comprehension. No more than a tomb, the ship alone looked like a carnivorous maw; black iron spikes stood firmly at the bow, and the sheer size of it was enough to strike fear at the heart of even the bravest sailor.

Yet, there she was, draped in a black velvet cloak and an ivory corset dress, willingly marching toward grave danger. 

Dozens of ragged men welcomed her onboard, filthy scoundrels, all drenched in an exotic mixture of sweat and alcohol. Hungry, their eyes gnawed at her tender flesh, but none would dare touch her. If August’s crew knew one thing, it’s that some fates are much, much more worse than death. 

It didn’t stop them from taunting. Suckling their lips, they followed the girl on her march toward the captain’s cabin. Cheer and chortle in their voice as they imagined the obscenities their captain was about to perform on this naive girl. 

“Pity, he never let us look…” whined one of the pirates while the other bood.

“Aye, you mad to come ‘er tonight. The cap’n hasn’t had his fill in weeks, lass. He would sure pillage each of you’ holes tonight.”

“He gonna paint her full of his sea foam!”

The entire ship roared with their laughter. The girl, however, kept a blank face and, without spending any minute longer, opened the door to the captain's cabin.                                                                                                                                                

Bright, golden luminance blinded Lizette’s sight as she entered the cabin. The walls were plated by ornaments made of gold, reflecting the sparkle of the hundred candles that burnt at the decorated candelabras and crystal chandelier. Fine works of art hung from each wall, and on a vast lacquered table stood a plethora of delicacies that made Lizette’s belly gurgle. 

She stared at the table momentarily, almost fooled by the obvious seduction. In complete opposite to the murky exterior of the ship, the captain’s chamber was a room fit for kings, sputtering style, elegance and riches. Perhaps this was how he lured them. The poor naive girls truly believed he would give them a better life. But Blackbeard was no king, nor was he a gentleman. He was the deadliest man the world has ever known - a serpent, nightshade - all he could give a woman was death. 

“Take off your cowl.”  

A deep voice called from behind, dark and mysterious as the ocean. It struck like an icy shard through her spine, making her shoulders jerk and stiffen. It was odd to know someone by hundred of myths and stories spun around them and have men mimic their voice in an attempt to portray them but never know what they truly sounded like. 

As it turned out, August sounds like a man one doesn’t refuse. 

Obedient, Lizette pulled the cowl from her head - slow as she would unwrap a much-anticipated present. Her gaze kept to the floor still, continuing to play the coy virgin the Captain wanted her to be, though if she had to be honest - she was terrified of whatever hideous monster she would soon have to face. 

There must have been a reason why the women who came here never left. Lizette was willing to bet every dime in her pocket that August was the most gruesome, repulsive creature, and the only way for him to keep people from knowing was by murdering each woman he bedded!    

“Shy, aren’t we?” Blackbeard murmured with a dry chuckle and began to circle her, observing his bounty from side to side.

“I quite enjoy shy,” he chuckled once more, his voice almost a groan. 

She forced herself not to flinch too much. She could sense his glare upon her, stripping her garment by garment, weighing what he earned tonight and considering all the ways in which he would pillage her body. It made her feel like she was one of the delicacies that rested on his table rather than a person. 

After gyrating around her and inspecting each crease of her body, August finally returned to his starting spot behind her and, in a low, delighted groan, demanded, “Turn around.” 

Doing as he commanded, she turned to him, still keeping her glance plastered to the floor, her breathing now shallow as the air in the room grew magically stuffy. She could spot his blurry silhouette from the corner of her eye; a tall and fit man, rather broad. It seemed that he was doing a loose white cotton shirt and dark trousers, and from his waistband - a gleam of silver winked back. 

“Are you a mute?” 

Another chill shot through her as he spoke. Absentminded, she swallowed. “No…”  embarrassingly, her voice cracked; she took a deep breath and reprimanded, “No, sir. Just nervous.”

“Captain,” he corrected. 

Lizette nodded but did not repeat him. She couldn’t. Words died on her tongue as the Captain made a bold step toward her, drawing dangerously near. He paused for a shy second, fingers laced together, contemplating, before he reached a fist beneath her chin and, in a ceremonious tenderness, lifted her chin.  

The air drained from her completely. Her lips parted in a mixture of fear and astonishment. 

It couldn’t be.

Perhaps she had the wrong man?

Grey, ocean-eyes peered at her through a face that women and men would damn themselves for. No! Even angels would. His jaw was sharp and profound, statuesque like cut marble - dashed with dark stubble and a thick raven-black moustache. His lips, though chafed from the salty sea breeze, were plumped and shaped to be kissed, and while some of his curls were streaked with silver, he still had a healthy mane of hair on his head. 

‘He could have been a decent man,’ she thought, ‘and yet he chose this?!’

There was an obscure attractive melancholy to his looks - almost tragic. 

August took another moment to study her face, a frown slowly forming on his ridged brow. “You look familiar…”

“I work the docks,” she answered almost immediately.

His stare deepened, eyes dropping to her cleavage momentarily before returning to pierce back into the back of her skull, “Skin too soft. Too shy to be a prostitute.” 

His fingers wrapped around her chin, caging it between his thumb and his index in a tight grip, making it hurt. He tilted his head, daring her to come up with another lie.  

“The tavern,” Lizette answered, firm and steadfast. She did not flinch from his touch, even though every instinct begged her to.

“And you came to me. Why?”

“What girl wouldn’t give everything for a night with the notorious Captain Blackbeard? The living legend… the king of pirates.” She softened her eyes as much as possible and offered a shy pout to reconcile him. 

August chewed on the inside of his cheek; storm clouds gathered on his pale eyes as he contemplated. They both knew she was flattering him to gain his trust and save her pretty little neck. It wasn’t a situation he hadn’t encountered in the past. They both also knew that he was stronger, bigger and armed and could snap said pretty little neck in less than a split second. 

“Are you a virgin?” He proceeded. 

She nodded, her throat clenching. 

August lingered on her response and, after what felt like an eternity, offered a small grin and pinched her chin sweetly as if to praise her before moving a step closer. Lizette smiled back nervously. She could sense his rum-drenched breath on her face. The scent was so pungent it made her moan invulnerably. 

Or perhaps it was the anxiety that was eating into her heart. 

“Ever sucked a cock, pet?” 

His question was answered by a small click that echoed through the quarter and the press of hard, cold metal against the bare parts of his chest. 

Not stepping back, he slowly, almost theatrically, spread his arms into a gesture of defeat while peering at the girl. No rage nor fear painted his face, and as he spoke, there was neither surprise in his voice. 

“Heh. So you ARE a whore.”

Lizette held the pistol determined, not saying a word.

“What is it that I do, pet?” 

Offering a sly grin, the pirate pressed against the barrel; the oceans in his glare darkened. As Lizette stared back, she could have sworn the many shades of blue in his sights shifted and swayed like angry waves. Quickly brushing the thought away, she cocked the gun in a warning, her little thumb grazing the trigger.

But to August, it was clear that the girl had never killed anyone before, and the longer she stalled, the more shaky her hand became. Taunting, he moved further into the barrel, which forced her to take a step back. 

“Do not move closer!” She finally spoke. 

August brushed her warning away, moving forward instead. He had been so nimble in his movement, fluid, like a sea creature himself. Only now she realised that his hands were no longer in the air. 

“Was it your dear mother?” He suggested. “Father? Sister?” He paused and offered a vicious smirk, “Ah… I see, A lover. Well, to that, I surely deserve to die. Go ahead, pet, pull the trigger.” 

His slender, heavily ringed fingers reached to envelop the barrel, holding the pistol steady for the girl. Every breath he took pressed the metal harder against his sternum. Lizette could sense his heartbeat pulsating through the barrel, the thrum of his blood nearly mingling with her own. No longer steady, her digit quivered around the trigger and in her throat, she felt the strenuous hold of anger, guilt and hatred. 

“You have taken everything from me!” She simply answered. 

Soon her sight became blurry, and wetness gathered beneath her eyes.  

‘Do it, do it now.’ 

Another click sounded in the room. Louder than the cocking of a gun. 

Lizette’s eyes flared in shock, and before she could pull the trigger, August had carefully veered the gun from his chest and, in a tenderness that was accustomed to lovers, snatched it from her hand. His other hand laid still on her neck, fastening the iron collar he granted her.

“Good girl,” he teased and then leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to the forehead of the girl who was too struck by her own misfortune and stupidity to react. 

With the pistol safely placed in his waistband, the pirate stepped back, face alighted, eyes sparkling with starlight cascade, like a child who had just earned a new toy.  He clasped his hands together, ecstatic; thick silver rings chiming as they collided.

 “I haven’t taken everything from you, pet. but I am going to…”

With one last slanted grin, the pirate turned on his heels and marched toward the door, not bothering to bid farewell as he left and locked the door behind him.

Panicked, Lizette reached her hands to the iron collar, desperately trying to pry it off her neck despite knowing there was no logic in pulling at the heavy metal. 

“Please!” Tears trickled down her cheeks and chin, “no! No! No! Please!”

Through the open window, she could hear the captain's voice barking orders, commanding his men to lift anchor and set sail. 

****

Chapter Two

[crystalskiesandcherrywine]

The sound of the waves collide // Part Four

So it is time for the last part.... I still cannot believe that I managed to write something and look forward to post more

This chapter is very explicit - for my taste at least.

Song for the chapter - Alkaline by Sleeptoken

English is not my first language

_____________

Na Baron Feyd Rautha x Atreides!Reader

shameless smut

FxM

All feedback is welcome <3

Part One // Part Two // Part Three

1.695 words

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The encounter with Feyd leaves you so shaken that, come morning, you avoid seeing anyone. It feels childish and less dignified, your mind circling around the memories of the evening like vultures. It's as if he doesn't even need to touch you to make you forget years of training and let your emotions get the best of you. And he visibly enjoys it, your pain and humiliation making it even more luxurious for him. Frustrated and unable to concentrate, you put Irulan's gift away and lie down in a lounge chair on the balcony overlooking the small garden. The sun's rays are softened by the huge trees and reflected in the pond below. Its crystal clear waters appear like a mirror - calm and serene, a painful contrast to your mental state. You close your eyes and try to ground yourself in the moment, repeating the mantra „I am alive in stillness“, but to no avail. The fever that has been ignited within you consumes your mind and body. Your hands seem to develop a life of their own and, as if guided by a puppet master, they find their way to the small band of your tunic. The warm air touches your skin and you close your eyes, letting your fingers slide over your breasts, caressing the nipples that instantly stiffen under your touch. Your hand continues to slide down as your eyes flutter shut. It is almost as if you are picking up where he left off. The heat concentrates under your fingers, and letting your intuition guide you, you move your fingers in circles, dipping in and out of your cunt. The orgasm is so intense that for a second you forget where you are. You can't stop yourself from moaning his name and you feel like coming up for air.

Two days later it is time to say goodbye. Your father kisses you on the forehead and your mother seems to think the same as you - "I will not fear". Letting go of Paul's embrace seems almost impossible, but when all is said and done, you make your way to the Baron's ship. His gigantic form floats in front of you, while your betrothed follows at the same level as you.

Even if he doesn't look at you, you can't help but feel his presence. Each step seems to be part of a well-orchestrated choreography and reminds you of a wild animal, ready to reveal its murderous nature at any moment. At the last glance, you turn your head to see your mothers signing "Good luck" to you with a small flick of her wrist. The connection to what was familiar is tethered and you are not sure of the tumultuous feeling your gut that the now empty space in your soul is son tobe filled with a new home. The change is almost tangible, as if when you pay close enough attention, it glow like a dark halo around you.

Once on the ship, you are left to your own devices. You can call upon servants at any time, but they seem to anticipate your wishes before you know them. Food and drink are brought to you, as well as an army of new clothes. Your favourite is the black dress with heavy beading around the bodice, covering your torso like a shield. Paired with a translucent black veil and a small gold chain around your neck, connected to your torso, it feels appropriate to take your first steps on the planet you will call home.

Your unease is heightened when, upon your arrival, neither Feyd nor the Baron are to be seen. A tall, slender man who introduces himself as Piter de Vries escorts you to the Feeds chambers. You immediately recognise the characteristic traces of spice in his eyes, the only thing that seems to have any colour in this world. Shielded from the harsh black sun, you reach Na Baron's quarters, only to find an army of monochrome grey, white and black surroundings. The palace seems to be the essence of the Harkonnens, with hard, clear lines, yet graceful and spacious.

"If you need anything, there are always two servants at the door," says Piter. The servants resemble guards, but you decide not to share this observation. Piter's eyes linger on the glass box with the fir tree. "Do you want to have a closer look?" You ask. "Only if you don't mind. I have never seen anything like it". "It was a parting gift from my father. On Caladan, fir trees grow as tall as these walls, more of them than you can count. You may take it with you if you promise to return it in one piece tomorrow." Pieter seems to understand your bid for connection and bows his head „I am indebted to you, Na Baroness“ Its the first time some one dresses you with your new title and you barely suppress a shiver. And as if the title was a spell, Feyd Rautha appears in the doorway. Piter bows and leaves at once, holding the precious piece of your home in his hands. He moves so siletly, that you begin to wonder if the planet is not only devoid of color but also of sound. Blood seems to rush to your cheeks as you meet Feyd's gaze. "Is everything to your satisfaction?" His voice echoes. "Yes, thank you, Baron." His arms are behind his back and before you realise why, you see droplets of thick, almost black liquid collecting on the floor behind him. Slowly he unclasps his hands, drops to one knee and holds out a slim silver knife to you, covered in more of the same substance. "Is… is it blood?" You don't know why you question it. "Yes, it is. Please accept this as a token of my devotion to you. It is…" his blue eyes find yours, "the proof that my body will be yours alone. No other being shall touch it."

"Your pets…" you feel almost dizzy as the understanding dawns on you.

"No more pets," he says, still on his knee.

You slowly take the knife and place it on the white table beside you. Some of the blood gets on your wrist. He grabs it and licks it off. While a part of your brain screams that you should be afraid, your body seems to find the spark he struck on Kaitain again. His tongue flicks across the sensitive skin as he rises and begins to undo the buttons on your shoulders, the need to touch him overwhelming you and you reach out with your palm to his cheek. He leans into your touch with more tenderness than you ever expected. But as soon as your dress falls to the floor, pure hunger returns to his eyes. He presses into you and you feel as if your insides have melted on the spot. You try to feel his length through the fabric of his tunic. „So needy, Na Baroness?“ He purrs, enjoying the dominance he has over you. With a swimming motion, he pushes you onto the bed, holding your arms above your head. His tongue descends to your collarbone, moving deeper as he takes one breast in his mouth, sucking the tender flesh. You moan under him, already feeling washed away from any security of a shore into a whirl of need. His tongue continues to drive you mad as he bites you, the pain searing and glorious at the same time. Your hand reaches for him again, but he holds your wrists down as his tongue continues to run between your legs. He looks up at you, and it is the last thing to break the tiny shreds of your resolve. But he doesn't let you go, his tongue still swirling between your folds, drinking in your sweetness. Suddenly your hands are connected and a split second later you realise why: he uses his left hand, with slender, graceful fingers, to push your thighs further apart. You feel wanton and still needy, and as one of his finders curls inside you, you moan his name. "Feyd, Feyd, Feyd." Your own voice seems alien to you, high-pitched and desperate.

"My Na Baroness seems to want more," he smiles devilishly and inserts two more fingers at once. You whimper and throw your head back into the pillows. It feels like the stars are exploding behind you and feel the second orgasm coming as he stops and pulls away from you. You can barely hold back a frustrated squeal. Your body feels hot, the only antidote to this madness his skin on yours. You try to concentrate on his form, seeing him remove his tonic first, then his trousers, leaving nothing to the imagination. His body is pure perfection, not a mark on his porcelain skin, he kneels on the bed again and moves towards you. The tip of his shaft is already pink and covered with pearls of pre-cum. It touches your clit lightly as it settles between your legs. "You'll have to learn to control yourself. So responsive to my touch, so desperate…" he hisses as the black of his pupils replaces the blue, making them almost invisible. His tip touches your entrance and then disappears completely inside you. You feel torn apart and put together at the same time, pain and pleasure mixed into something new, a delicious cocktail of discovery that leaves you drunk and breathless. You want to close your eyes, but he says "Look at me" you hear him murmur and you are lost again. With every movement of his hips, your whole being seems to refragment and reassemble like a kaleidoscope. Your walls convulse around him, his name like a sacred chant. Your nails dig into his back and he lets himself fall, speeding up and thrusting into you with even more abandon. You feel his use of you, your name on his lips. For a few seconds you are speechless, your shallow breaths filling the room. He holds your hips as he lies down behind you, still inside you to the hilt. „Welcome to being my wife, dear Na Baroness“

[joedirtymadre]

Hello 😊 I hope you are having a great day! I would like to request a fluffy Luffy x y/n story please!

The Potion

LUFFY X READER! FLUFF! (PLEASE SEND MORE REQUESTS! PLEASEE 🦫)

“Where is he?” You asked yourself as you continued exploring the new island. You were currently looking for your idiot captain, but adorable boyfriend. Nami thought it was a good idea to stop by an island to restock on some supplies. Nami only planned for a day stop, but Luffy still hasn’t returned… So a part of being his girlfriend is to find and drag him back to the ship. You groaned, “I can’t believe he just ditched me on the ship, why didn’t he ask if I wanted to tag along? Aren’t we dating?”

While walking down the main plaza, you turned and noticed a familiar dark haired man, with the very familiar straw hat on his head. “Luffy!” You called out as you ran over. He quickly turned and grinned once noticing you. “Yo (Y/N)! You found me!” He waved excitedly. “You idiot! I spent the last hour looking for you! How dare you ditch me?” You asked angrily as you smacked his head.

“I’m sorry…” he pouted. “It’s alright, I’m glad I finally found you. So, what have you been up to?” You asked as you rubbed the spot you hit. “Just running around, but I stopped to talk to this granny,” he said, motioning towards the older woman sitting at the stand.

“Oh hello,” you smiled, and the woman smiled back. “Hi sweetheart,” she said. You looked at her stand, and realized that it was simply a table with a crystal ball in the middle, with a small stand with different colored bottles. You noticed one particular bottle that caught your eye, it was a beautiful shade of deep purple. “Would you like one deary?” The woman asked. “Ummm… well what are they?” You asked. “Potions!” She smiled. “Potions? “Really?” You asked suspiciously. “Well of course, I spent years trying to perfect each potion. Which one would you like?” She asked.

“Hmm… Well, what does each one do?” You asked curiously, eyeing each bottle. “Can one of them make me super strong? Or shapeshift? Or fly?” Luffy asked excitedly. “No, my potions don’t do that. They’re small potions, but trust me… they work,” she said. “I see, but what does each potion do?” You asked again. “Ahh… that all depends on you. My potions create whatever you heart desires,” she explains.

“Whatever my heart desires?” You questioned. “So that means I can fly!” Luffy said with stars in his eyes. “Perhaps, if your heart truly desires to fly,” the woman sighed. “Oh wow! Now we have to get one (Y/an)! Just imagine me, like a superhero, or a bird,” he grinned. You laughed at his reaction, “I guess I’ll take two,” you said.

“Only 1 per each group,” the woman said. “Huh?” Luffy pouted. “Well, I can’t have everyone getting their deep desires granted. Plus there are potions that take decades to create, my inventory would disappear if I didn’t limit purchases,” she explained. “I guess that makes sense,” you said. “Well which one sweetheart, I saw that the purple one caught your eye,” she said. “Yeah, it’s a pretty color,” you said softly. “I’ll take this one then,” you said. “Good choice, and remember all potions last for 24 hours,” she said as she took the berries from my hand and placed the bottle in it.

“Wow, a potion! Let’s drink it!” Luffy said. “No sharing, the potion won’t work if two people drink it,” the woman quickly explained. “Awe man…” he pouted. “If you want it, you can have it,” you smiled. “Seriously? Tha-“ Luffy was cut off. “Only the person that I gave the bottle to can drink it, for others it won’t work,” the woman said as she winked at me. “O-Oh… well that sucks,” Luffy frowned. “Sorry Luffy,” you said. “It’s fine, just means I’ll have to keep an eye on you. See if anything changes,” he laughed. You nodded and you both headed back to the ship.

“Drink it, drink it!” Luffy chanted. “Alright, but if I do can we go walk around some of the shops? I really wanted-“ you were interrupted. “That sounds boring…” he whined. “O-Oh… uhh, well alright. I guess we can do something else after,” you sighed. “Oo let’s go find another witch, maybe then I can get a potion!” He said excitedly, as he headed back to the plaza. “You go ahead, I’ll meet you there,” you said softly. “K!” He shouted as he raced off.

You let out a deep sigh, and walked over to an empty bench. “When’s the last time we’ve done anything I wanted to do? Or the last time we’ve done regular couple stuff?” You asked yourself as you leaned back into the bench.

“Hey! The woman said that this’ll grant my deepest desires! Maybe it’ll help Luffy be romantic again, like when we first started dating!” You said excitedly, as you opened your bag and pulled out the bottle. You stared suspiciously at it before you opened the lid. It made a hissing sound as you slowly opened the lid.

You shrugged it off and chugged it in one swoop. “Ugh… it tastes terrible,” you said in disgust. “If anything, at least Chopper can cure food poisoning or… regular poisoning,” you said.

All of a sudden you felt a nauseous wave rush through you. “I think I’m gonna pass-“ you immediately knocked out.

“(Y/N)? (Y/N)! Wake up, please!” You felt yourself being shaken. You slowly opened your eyes, and saw Luffy cradling you. “Luffy?” You asked as your eyes adjusted to the light. “Yeah it’s me, are you ok? I found you passed out on the bench,” he said, worriedly. “I-I’m fine,” you said as you tried to get up but slowly fell back. “Be careful, here I’ll carry you,” he said as he picked you up bridal style.

You felt your cheeks heat up. “You’re carrying me?” Yo I asked, surprised. “Well, why wouldn’t I carry you? You’re my girl,” he smiled. You felt your face heat up even more, and nuzzled your head into his chest. Just enjoying the moment.

You were finally able to stand, so after a few words of trying to convince Luffy that you can walk he finally let you down. As you were walking, you realized you were back at the main plaza. You suddenly felt someone reach out for your hand, you looked over and saw Luffy holding your hand. “I wanted to hold hands,” he smiled. “Ok!” You grinned. “Look, isn’t that the store you want to go to earlier?” He asked, as he pointed at a jewelry store. “Yeah… but it’s fine you said it was boring, let’s do something else,” you suggested.

“What? No way! Come on, you said you wanted to go so let’s go!” He smiled and dragged me to the shop. My eyes widened, there’s no way that her potion actually worked! You both spent the day like a normal couple, walking around being lovey dovey. Going to eat, exploring some cute store you found, and just enjoying each other’s company.

Now you were both at the main plaza’s water fountain. Just enjoying the sunset. “Man, I had an awesome day Luffy,” you smiled. “Me too, I’m glad you desired this,” he said, strangely. “Desired? Why’d you say it like-“ you were interrupted.

“(Y/N)?” You heard a family voice call out. You quickly snapped your head towards the voice and saw, “Luffy?” You stared in shock as he walked up to you. “L-Luffy? B-But I don’t- how- why?” You grabbed your head, not sure what the hell is going on. “(Y/N) who is that guy?” Luffy asked. “I’m Luffy, the better Luffy,” the other one said.

“The better Luffy? You’re just an imposter!” He yelled. You stared in disbelief, unsure what to do or say. “Not in (Y/N)’s eyes. That’s why she wished for me,” the other said, getting close to the other Luffy's face. “Wished for you? I-Is that true (Y/N)? Did you wish for him?” Luffy asked as he turned towards you.

You were speechless, you tried to explain yourself but nothing would come out. “Of course she did, she wanted that old spark we used to have. She hated how you treated her like a regular crew mate, how you would ditch her, ignore her wants or feelings, and just take her love for granted,” the other one said. “T-That’s now true, I love (Y/N)! You don’t know anything about us,” Luffy shouted.

“But it is, why else would she wish to do regular couple stuff with you? Because you never took the time to do it, that’s probably why she thinks you don’t love her anymore,” the other one explained. “Is this true (Y/N)? Do you really think I don’t love you?” He asked softly. “No, I-I… all I think is that you don't treat me the way you used to when we first started dating. Why?” You asked tearfully.

“I-I don't know, I guess I didn't realize it… I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. I promise!” he said as he reached out for me. However, you felt a different pair of arms wrap around you from behind. They pulled you into a close hug, you looked to see the other Luffy who was holding you. “What makes you think that she’ll still want to be with you? After the amazing day we had? I carried her, held her hand, followed her to some nice shops, and ate nice food. We both know you wouldn’t have done that,” he said as he tightened his grip.

“Shut up! (Y/N), please believe me! I’m sorry, I do want to be with you. I love whenever you smile, when you smack me around whenever I’m acting dumb, when you rub and take care of me whenever I’m feeling down. I see now that I should’ve done the same for you, but please… Please let me try again, I won’t make you wish for a better me again,” he pleaded. “Oh Luffy,” you said softly. You quickly pulled yourself out of the other Luffy’s arms and leapt onto your Luffy. “(Y/N)!” He said, holding onto you tight.

“I’m sorry, this will never happen again. I swear,” he said with a light tremble in his voice. “I know,” you said as you pulled him into a kiss. This kiss almost made your legs give out, but luckily Luffy was keeping you steady.

“Hmm… it’s not 24 hours, but I guess my job here is done,” the other Luffy said. “Huh?” You asked as you turned your head. “Yep! I granted your deepest desire, to have your Luffy treat you like before,” he smiled, and you noticed his body began glowing. “But before I go,” the other Luffy said and ran over to give you a kiss on the cheek. “Hey!” Your Luffy shouted, pulling you back into his arms. “Take care of her, she deserves it,” the other Luffy said before disappearing.

Once the other Luffy was gone, you were quickly turned around. You felt a million kisses placed on the cheek the other Luffy kissed. “L-Luffy?” You blushed. “Good, now that fake’s kiss is erased,” he huffed. You laughed and pulled him into another kiss, happy to have your boyfriend back. I guess that woman is a real witch after all.

[madelinesnarutoblog]

Another example of Sakura's superficial infatuation with Sasuke.

When Sai first meets Naruto, they get into a fight and he calls him a loser. Sasuke at first treated Naruto similarly, yet there were different motivations for these interactions. It doesn't even cross Naruto's mind that there are superficial similarities between Sasuke and Sai.

He is just deeply bothered that Sasuke got "replaced". Because for Naruto, no one could even take up Sasuke's space.

Sakura HOWEVER says that Sai feels familiar because HIS FACE AND HIS VOICE remind her of Sasuke. That is very superficial of her because even though they have both dark hair and eyes, that is where the similarities end.

It ones again shows that Sakura just liked the pretty, cool boy, but never even began to understand Sasuke's character, personality, and essence, something Naruto just understands intuitively without words. Hell, Naruto's struggle is giving them a f*cking label, that's it. The rest is crystal clear.

Even if you didn't ship them, they would both have been better off single and living together and being around each other as platonic soulmates. No matter what, their bond will never be surpassed by any other bond they might have.

He even defends his Sasuke way more than Sakura does. Who has the crush? xDDDD

[thoughtsroamguy]

Since creatures won the last poll, I have a showcase of the creatures you can expect to see in Tears of Xivo! Let's start with the less intelligent critters of the world.

First off I want to start with a personal favorite:

I call this a Dragabat. They’re not usually aggressive but are very territorial, and travel in packs. They,as you’d expect, live in dark places, and go out at night.

This is a Sea Dart. They attack ships and are the reason a lot of ship crews need to be armed. Probably slimy to the touch. Could make for good eats tho, not that I eat fish.

This little guy we’ve already seen, but I like him so he can be here again. Here’s Opal, the colorful crow! He’s a familiar to a character I haven’t made yet. He’s so cute!

This is a bull dog fish. Very aggressive, they’d flop onto land just to bite you. They don’t travel in packs but sometimes hunt with other predators.

This is a giant crab! I don’t have a clever name for them. I put a person next to it for scale. It’s kinda cute.

This guy also doesn’t have a name besides what he came with: Tentakill.

Extraordinarily dangerous and rare, just seeing one and living to tell the tale is a clout boost. Though the odds of that are slim to none.

A more classic fantasy creature, the griffin. I like griffins, I think they're cool so they can be in here. They're smarter than most creatures, but very defensive. You might be able to befriend one but you might also offend it and it'll tear you to shreds. So best to give a wild one space.

This is a Shabark! I called them that cuz sharks bark. They're very friendly! They've been known to walk on land to help folks sometimes. Look at that smile :)

This is an Usher, gigantic flying plant like creatures. Many people believe they help souls pass on from this world. Despite their size, they float gently on the wind. They are peaceful, and attacking one is considered a pretty dickhead move. No one knows how long they live, or if they even die.

Now that we covered non-sapient creatures, let's go to some non-human (Non-Ori) folks.

This is a Lamia, similar to but NOT a Naga like Sahkyō is. Do not confuse the two, or they'll get very mad. Lamia’s have longer, thinner tails than their cousins.

These octopus ppl are called Lalalutas, if you can figure out why, you get a virtual cookie. I wanted some water based folks that aren’t just mermaids and this fits the bill.

These scorpion ppl are called Lisins after the Sumerian goddess associated with the Scorpio star. I was wary of having another half person half animal creature but I thought a scorpion would be really cool.

This gooey lady is called a Dilatant. Isn’t she squishy?

Though they look like a Turnt Ori, this is actually a separate species that naturally grows crystals out of their bodies. They’re called Blings.

This we’ve seen before, this is an Omeg. A fish person. I call them Omegs cuz Pisces are the final sign in the zodiac, so they’re the omegas.