#castle courtyard trio

[rainestormroom]

Inktober Day 22

Camp

Posting this before i fall asleep, I had a long ass day

[rainestormroom]

REAL

Listen

I get that the Castle trio is not that popular

But like

If you can make Candyland interact with Cinema and Giftshop

Make the obvious too then

Candy, Castle, Mad all have the same ish themes (old times thing I alr forgor what it’s called)

Pls

They’d be so silly together

I also like to think of Wild West, Superhero trio, and R-Ts trio together as rivals for who’s the better hero in a way

CCM are chaotic but somewhat calm together

WWSSH are all calm but chaotic together bc I like irony relationships it’s like calling cat dog its funni

Pls

Make em friends and WWSSH enemies

[valkyyriia]

Hiii! It is I — Veli! no not nagi /lh

Can I request for a fic with Ellis where he happens to be lovesick? He and reader had to be separated for a period of time due to work, travel etc. And maybe they reunite at the end, but upto you

Take care and stay hydrated <33

Growth

Words: 1107 CW: None | SFW Tags: Separation, Mutual Pining, Jude being Jude Prompt: Ellis + Lovesick Pairing: Ellis / Reader

Note: Hi Veli! No, Nagi - no, Veli - hahaha! Thank you for the request, I love Ellis. 💜 This one is sweet! ... And got away from me a bit. Whoops. I guess I'm long-winded tonight, hahaha. I hope you like it!

"Be safe," you told him, your nose buried in Ellis' purple and black jacket. Ellis held you close, pressing a kiss to the crown of your head.

"I will be," he smiled. "I wouldn't miss your happiest day for anything."

"Yeah, yeah," Jude cut in irritably. "We get it. Yer gonna cry the whole time yer separated. Let's get a move on, Ellis. We ain't got all day."

Ellis squeezed you tighter for a moment, a murmured 'sorry' whispered into your hair, before he let go and followed Jude out the front door.

As you watched the door to Crown Castle shut behind them, your heart constricted painfully in your chest. You hated being left behind on missions like these.

Crown had received intel that there was a branch of human traffickers taking up residence in Ipswich. They were using the Gulf of Orwell to ship their captives all over Europe.

Victor had claimed the mission was too dangerous for you, that you would be a target if you had accompanied them. Even if you were just there to act as Fairytale Keeper, you'd be singled out the moment you were spotted near Jude.

You knew the more likely truth was that you would be a liability to Jude, Ellis, and Roger if you were to accompany them. If things went south, you'd be left unable to protect yourself adequately, and the others would be scrambling to defend you, putting themselves in danger.

You absolutely hated feeling like a liability to Crown.

It was understandable that you didn't know your way around weapons. Compared to everyone else in the organization, you had had an easy upbringing. Jude never stopped mentioning it, in fact.

You were the Fairytale Keeper. Your job was mostly to assist when needed and to record the evil deeds of the Cursed.

Your job was generally not to infiltrate drug dens and human trafficking organizations.

You knew that, and still.. it bothered you.

You hated the idea that if Ellis - or any of the others - were to get themselves into a tight situation, you would be more of a hinderance than a help to them.

And that was how you found yourself in Victor's office, an hour after the trio had left on their mission.

"Ah, if it isn't our lovely little robin," Victor greeted cheerfully. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"I want to learn how to protect myself." You were candid with him. "I don't want to b a liability anymore."

Victor's eyes widened and he looked at you in mild surprise. Of all the things you could have wanted from him, that was not what he anticipated.

"Of course, you're welcome to anything in my personal armory as a member of Crown, my dear robin," Victor said, "And I would be more than happy to help you in any way you desire. If you're certain, I'll set out some time to teach you."

The next morning found you in the castle courtyard, Victor walking you through the use of various weapons in his repository. A few of the others came to observe, some offering pointers, others simply watching.

Truth be told, the other members of Crown didn't mind protecting you when needed. All of them, even Jude (though he would deny it), appreciated the optimism and sunshine you brought them on a daily basis. None of them held it against you.

Regardless of your decision to stay with them, they wanted to leave you with the ability to return to your normal life if that's what you chose to do.

They were evil, certainly - but far from heartless. They all cared for you in their own way.

Every day you practiced with Victor, you found your mind wandering to Ellis and the mission. Was he okay? How was the mission going? When would he be coming home?

You missed him.

You were looking forward to seeing him again, safe and unharmed.

Unbeknownst to you, Ellis was having similar thoughts.

Ellis hated being separated from you, too.

He had long ago learned to squash down his desires. They were unnecessary and only served to get in the way of his goals and the happiness of all around him.

And yet he found himself wishing more and more for your presence near him.

Ellis was quiet for the majority of the train ride.

"Yer gloomier than usual, kid," Jude huffed, lighting a cigarette. "Ya left the bird for what, an hour, and it's all doom and gloom?"

"Sorry," Ellis said. "I was just thinking."

"Well, stop it," Jude snarked, ignoring the look Roger was giving him. "Yer gonna break something."

Ellis smiled noncommittally, looking out at the landscape whizzing past them.

Part of him wished you could have joined them. It was unusual for him and Jude to take a mission without you nowadays. Victor, however, had said this one was too dangerous for you.

Ellis agreed, of course. You had had the barest of minimums when it came to weapons training. Your happiness was his top priority, sure; but your safety was equally important. He couldn't have you dying before you had your happiest moment.

Ellis also knew that you seeing what was going on in this place would make you sad. He somehow wanted to see that even less than he wanted to see you get hurt.

The fact that this was in your best interest didn't ease the ache in his chest any less. He missed you already.

This was going to be a long few days.

The mission went by quickly, all things considered.

Thanks to Roger's exemplary hearing and Jude and Ellis' quick thinking, they were able to infiltrate the den and capture the ringleaders within a few days. The remaining members of the organization had been scattered and left leaderless. Sure, another leader would pop up eventually - but it was doubtful it would be at this same location, and it would take awhile to recoup their losses as well.

For now, they've done all they could.

In contrast to their train ride to Ipswich, Ellis was smiling on the return trip. He would be seeing you soon, and that thought was enough to make him happy.

Ellis found he considered his own happiness a lot more now that he was with you. He found it didn't bother him too much, though; you had said on many occasions that his happiness brought you happiness. If it made you happy, he'd do anything.

Jude took one look at him and scowled, turning back to his book.

Ellis didn't mind. He was just looking forward to your sweet reunion.

Note: I've been sitting on it for awhile, and debated on writing their reunion, but I think I prefer the open-ended ambiguity at the end. I hope this is alright with you. 😊

Taglist: @natimiles @queengiuliettafirstlady @candiedcoffeedrops @goddesswitchmother Banners/Dividers by @natimiles

Let me know if you want to be added!

[fangirlingalittletoohard]

The Prince's Heart

You used to spend your summers in Camelot, making quite the little troublemaking trio with Arthur and Morgana as children. After the collapse of your father's kingdom years later, you flee to Camelot for refuge. Having both grown into adults since your last meeting, the old friendly feelings between you and Arthur have shifted into something different. Neither you nor Arthur have an easy life. You both need stability and security, but are you able to provide that for one another, or do you simply bring more turmoil to each other's lives?

Inspo song: Someone to Stay - Vancouver Sleep Clinic (linked)

BBC Merlin

Arthur X fem!reader

Use of y/n & dual perspective

Warnings: mentions of war, parents' deaths, displaced reader

1,586 words

prev. chapter

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Chapter 2

After a few months in Camelot, you had settled in. Uther had officially declared you his ward so you had security in your permanent place in his household, you had found a sweet handmaid whose company you appreciated and had found ways of occupying your days outdoors now that spring was in full bloom. Your friendship with Morgana and Arthur had deepened, and Arthur in particular went out of his way to ensure your happiness. You felt more content than you had for at least a year in your father’s unstable court. 

One morning, you were awoken much earlier than usual by a knock at your door. Thinking it odd as your maid didn’t knock, but crept in to prepare your room whilst you were still asleep, you hurried to the door. Fearing that the knock at the door signalled some terrible news as it so often had done in your last weeks before fleeing to Camelot, you were pleasantly surprised when you were greeted by Arthur. 

“[y/],” he greeted, kissing your cheek.  “What are you doing here so early?” You asked, peering out of the window and noticing that the sun was only just beginning to rise.  “As the days have been warmer recently, I thought you might enjoy a trip to the lake like we used to take when we were younger. I thought you might be missing the river at home.”  Your heart melted a little. You had been missing the river. On warmer days you enjoyed laying on the banks sunning yourself and cooling off in the water. “I’ll be down in five minutes.” You promised, beaming. Yes, Arthur could be arrogant and a little selfish at times (as you had rediscovered over the past few months), but he could also be genuinely sweet and thoughtful.

You dressed hurriedly and made your way down to the courtyard, where you found Arthur chatting to his servant Merlin as he prepared two horses. “Merlin!” You greeted brightly. You liked Merlin. He had made you feel so welcome and he always had a witty offhand comment to make you giggle at Arthur’s expense.  “[y/n]!” He greeted in return, bidding farewell to Arthur with a nod of his head and murmuring “I wouldn’t blame you if you accidentally took a wrong turn and ended up back at the castle” as he passed you.  You chuckled and shook your head, taking Arthur’s outstretched hand, which he kissed, before being assisted onto your horse by the prince. “Ever the gentleman,” you teased. He knew you didn’t need assistance mounting a horse. You could do so before he could as children, a fact which you used to taunt him with for many years afterwards. 

~~~

The ride to the lake was pleasant. The two of you chatted the entire way there and the rising sun looked beautiful through the thickening trees of the forest. 

After an hour or so, you reached the lake. The sun had fully risen now but still hung low in the sky and reflected beautifully off the water. Arthur allowed you to stand and gaze at the lake whilst he unpacked one of the horse’s saddlebags. By the time you returned to him, he had set up a picnic of fruit, bread, cheese, meats and wine on a little blanket. He really was sweet. 

Your smile when you turned around and saw his picnic warmed him. You had always been dear to him, but since he returned to Camelot to find you its newest permanent resident, he had been doing everything in his power to make you smile. He couldn’t quite put his finger on why he enjoyed your happiness being because of his actions, but he wanted to see you smile as often as possible. “Breakfast?” He asked.  “You spoil me rotten.” You replied warmly, sitting yourself on the blanket. 

~~~

You ate as much as you could and drank the wine sparingly as you didn’t want your head to spin so early in the day. By the time you had eaten your fill, the sun had warmed the air and Arthur had removed a few of his layers. You didn’t quite understand why you felt so drawn to him, but he really did put in such an effort to make you feel appreciated. 

You both lay in the sun for a while, before you were positively sweltering in your heavy gown. “I need to cool off.” You announced, standing up and brushing your skirts flat again.  “As do I.” Arthur replied. You could see sweat forming in his hairline. Arthur pulled his tunic over his head, revealing his naked torso. You had seen him naked numerous times as a child when swimming in this lake or your river, but it felt different now that you were both of age. It felt less innocent. Your heart fluttered a little as you eyed his broad shoulders and chest and you felt even hotter as your eyes followed the dusting of hair down from his belly button to the hem of his trousers. He was the very definition of the perfect male form. 

~~~

Arthur had been avoiding eye contact. He had seen you naked numerous times as a child but it felt different seeing your body as a woman. His thoughts were broken by you requesting “would you help me with my dress?”  “Of course,” Arthur replied, moving over to you. Your back was turned and he slowly began to unlace the back of your gown. His heart beat a little faster as you slipped the garment off your shoulders and dropped it to the floor. You walked towards the water. You looked heavenly. The way the sun illuminated your naked body, the curves of your breast, waist and hips made him feel slightly flustered. 

~~~

The water was pleasantly cool against your flushed skin. You waded in until the water was up to your hips and then dove underneath the surface, liking the way the water felt against your closed eyes. 

~~~ 

Arthur watched you dive beneath the surface of the water. You breached the surface again and turned to face him, the water lapping gently against your chest and your hair floating ethereally around you. You truly looked angelic. Arthur removed his remaining clothes and hurried in after you, stumbling once the water became a little too deep to move through quickly and making you giggle. He loved the sight of you laughing at him. 

Mimicking you, he dove beneath the water and swam over to you, grabbing one of your ankles lightly and tugging. 

~~~

You toppled over and Arthur released your ankle. You were laughing. He was laughing. He looked like a figure from a beautiful painting with his wet hair sticking to his forehead and crinkles in the corners of his eyes from his wide smile. 

You swam for a while, chasing one another, bobbing each other under the surface and finally just floating in the middle of the lake under the warmth of the sun. It was bliss. You loved Camelot, you really did, but sometimes the city felt a little suffocating. Despite only being here for a short time, Arthur knew how to make you happy. He knew that you needed to be out in nature to feel grounded. The thought that you should feel guilty for not bringing Morgana nagged you, but you were enjoying Arthur’s company too much to bring yourself to actually feel guilty. You had the sense that whatever this warm feeling was wouldn’t exist if there were anybody except you and Arthur here. 

~~~ 

Finally, Arthur left the water and you followed shortly after. He was sprawled out on the picnic blanket, but had to shift to sit with his knees pulled closer to his chest as his body conveyed the feeling he had not quite been able to put his finger on all morning. He could have sworn you were moving in slow-motion as you exited the lake with water dripping down your naked form, wet hair clinging to your back. 

The two of you sat drying off beneath the sun, and Arthur was grateful when he was sufficiently dry and able to redress from the waist down. 

~~~

You donned your dress again and Arthur laced it back up. The feeling of his fingers brushing against the bare skin of the back of your neck as he did so made you shudder. 

Just as you were sitting back down to enjoy some lunch, you were interrupted by the sound of a galloping horse growing nearer. Arthur shot up and raised his sword, moving protectively in front of you. To your relief, it was only Merlin. 

“Merlin!” Arthur yelled frustratedly. “What are you doing here?” He returned his sword to its sheath.  “The King requires your immediate presence. Some sort of beast has attacked the lower town.” Merlin panted. He looked worried. 

~~~

Arthur was furious. He had been providing such a perfect day for you and now you had been startled. Your time in Camelot had been peaceful thus far and Arthur was worried that the mobilisation of his knights would stir painful memories. 

He swung around to check how you were, but found you already at his horse and shoving the picnic things into the saddle bag. He had taken you out here to relax you and bring you joy, and now you had snapped into survival mode. His heart sunk. “I’ll take you back to the castle safely, then I’ll meet the knights.” He promised. 

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Chapter 3 (coming soon!)

Inspo song -

[lunarmoonanons]

Fire and Salt chp 16

🌕 🌖 🌗 🌘 🌑 🌒 🌓 🌔 🌕

The war of the Ravens would end. The War of the Dragons would begin.

🌕 🌖 🌗 🌘 🌑 🌒 🌓 🌔 🌕

Masterlist

YN got her riding habit ready and arranged herself so that she’d make a good impression. She knew she had to let Luke make a impression as well. She had to let him speak and let them both remind the lord of the oath that was sworn. She was prepared as well, that after visit to Storm’s End she would rally the small folk against the Greens and in support of her mother. 

YN, Jace, and Luke walked up to their mother who held scrolls in her hands for them. YN remained strong for her mother and showed no fear at being sent as an envoy to garner support. 

“It’s been said that as Targaryens, we are closer to gods than to men. And the Iron Throne puts us a touch closer, perhaps,” Rhaenyra explained and looked to her children. “But, if we are to serve the Seven Kingdoms… we must answer to their gods. If you take this errand you go as messengers… not as warriors. You must take no part in any fighting. Swear it to me now, under the eyes of the seven.” 

A guard came up with a book of the seven presented to the trio. Luke was the first to place his hands on the book looking right into his mother’s face. 

“I swear it,” He said. 

“I swear it,” Jace was next. 

Rhaenyra looked to her daughter last. YN placed her hand on the book and looked at her mother. “I swear it.” 

“Cregan Stark is close to your than is mine. I would hope, that as men, you can find some common interest. But speak highly of your sister whilst with him,” Rhaenyra spoke to Jace. 

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Luke looked a brief look to YN that was full of worry. He then looked to his mother and stepped forward toward her. Still carrying that look of worry on his face. 

“Storm’s End is a short flight from here. You have Baratheon blood from your grandmother, Rhaneys,” Rhaenyra reassured him. “And… Lord Borros is an eternally proud man. He will be honored to host a prince and princess of the realm… and their dragons.” 

Rhaenyra held his hand for a moment assuring him of the trip. YN stood next to her little brother and Rhaenyra brought one of her pale hands up to her light brown cheek. Brushing away a curly lock of hair. 

“I expect you both will receive a very warm welcome.”

“Yes mother. Y-Your Grace,” Luke said. 

The three left and went to their dragons. YN rode on Seasmoke’s back and patted his scaly back. She flew him high and led her little brother through the air toward the direction of Storm’s End. She looked back at her brother and sent him a reassuring smile as they flew fast toward the hold at Storm’s End. YN loving the hair whipping about her face and hair. They flew only a short while but YN paid no mind to the thundering clouds and lightning strikes. She needed to remain calm fo there brother. As they landed in the courtyard of the castle. The guards looking them as they dismounted from their dragons. But as they made their way closer to the castle, they saw and heard Vaghar in the distance. YN’s eyes widened as she knew what that meant. Aemond was here and she would have to face him. 

“I am Princess YN Velaryon. This, Prince Lucerys Velaryon. We bring a message to Lord Borros from the Queen,” YN remained calm. The guards turned and led the two into the castle. When they entered the hall together they greeted with the sight of the Lord seated at the center. 

YN and her brother were announced making Aemond turn and look at them. He tried to keep his gaze off YN as he knew she would make him weak. Her acceptance of his proposal at the front of his mind. 

YN leaned toward her brother and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder as he looked at Aemond. Aemond betrayed no emotion to him, but YN could see right through him. His eye was on her and he regretted. 

“Lord Borros…” Lucerys started, looking at the man. “We’ve brought you a message from our mother… the Queen.”

“Yet earlier this day I received an envoy from the king. Which is it? King or Queen?” The lord asked, YN stared deep into this man, her eyes piercing him. Though the lord did not show it, she made anyone nervous when she pierced them with a stare. “The House of the Dragon does not seem to who rules it.” He laughed. “What’s your mother’s message?”

Lucerys handed the scroll to a knight and spared a glance at the looming figure of Aemond.

Aemond, who silently begged for YN to look at him. For her to see that he still wanted to marry her, that although he chose his family he still loved her and wanted her. That what he was to say he did not truly mean. And that if she signaled he would announce their engagement. He still loved her. 

YN did not look though. She kept her piercing gaze on Lord Borros. Who called for the maester to read the message. Luke kept looking back at Aemond, wishing for his sister to hold his hand, or hold him close and protect him. 

“Remind me of my father’s oath,” The man seethed, YN wanted to roll her eyes at his entitlement. “King Aegon at least came with an offer: my swords and banners for a marriage pact. If I do as your mother bids… which one of my daughters will you wed… boy?” 

“My lord… I am not free to marry. I’m already betrothed.” Luke said. 

“And I as thought it, prince Aemond was not free to marry. Unless he has decided to break his betrothal.” YN spoke up, still not looking at Aemond, who stared at her with pleading eyes. 

“You come with empty hands. Go home boy.” Borros declared. “And tell your mother that the Lord of Storm’s End is not some dog she can whistle up at need to set against her foes.”

“We shall take your answer to the Queen, my lord,” YN responded. “But do know that with the north secured with My betrothal as well as the Eyrie and the Velaryon fleet, you are outnumbered.”

Aemond held his breath at that. Not caring for numbers but hearing that his YN was breaking their unofficial pact to marry the Warden of the North He hated himself and what he had done. But when he looked at Lucerys he hated him more. When he turned to go YN gave a fleeting glare at Aemond and Aemond wanted to hurt Lucerys even more. 

“Wait…” Aemond called out making Luke stop. “My Lord Strong.”

That made Luke walk back. YN held her hand out and held him back a bit. Not wanting Luke to do anything stupid. She whispered so silently that only Luke heard her telling him to be smart and brave that she would the talking to Aemond. 

“Did you really think you could just fly about the realm trying to steal my brother’s throne at no cost?” Aemond asked not looking at YN so that he would not see her hate. 

“I will not fight you,” Luke said. “We came as messengers not as warriors.”

“A fight would be little challenge from you,” Aemond stated, looking a fleeting at YN glaring at him. He would never fight her, not that he couldn’t put up a fight against her thin blade but it would pain him to raise a blade to her. 

“No. I want you to put out your eye,” Aemond declared as he pulled his eyepatch off revealing the sapphire underneath. “As payment for mine. One will serve,” He threw a dagger on the ground at Luke who lifted one hand to hold his sister’s that held him back. “I will not blind you. Plan to make a gift of it to my mother.”

“No.” Luke exclaimed. YN let him squeeze her hand. 

“Then you are craven as well as a traitor.” 

“Not here,” Lord Borros demanded. 

“Give me your eye or I will take it, bastard!” Aemond shouted. Making YN reach for her knife that she kept tucked at her side. 

“Not in my hall!” Lord Borros shouted and stood up. “The boy came as and envoy. I’lkl not have bloodshed beneath my roof. Take the prince and princess back to their dragons. Now.”

The guards led them out of the hall, YN sparing no last glance at Aemond who wished she did. He watched her perfect curly white hair bounce slightly as she was spirited out of the hall. He wanted to run forward and grab her, declaring that she would marry none but him. But he was made to watch as she walked away from him. Away from what they could have been. 

YN ran toward Seasmoke and tried to calm to ansty dragon. “Gīda Seasmoke. Rȳbagon naejot issa. Ao līs sagon gīda.” (Calm Seasmoke. Listen to me. You must be calm.) 

She climbed upon her dragon’s back. She looked to Luke who seemed very nervous as he commanded his dragon to obey. The two spared a look at each other and rode their dragons up into the air. The storm rained down upon them as they flew their dragons back to Dragonstone. YN flying just behind Luke so that she would be the first to face Vaghar if it came to it. Hopefully. Seasmoke was very fast so the restraint she gave her dragon was evident. 

Luke and YN flew headfirst into the storm, hearing in the distance Vaghar. YN knew he was chasing after Luke and hoped he would face her first. YN could not place where Aemond was. The two envoys looked around and heard Aemond calling out to Luke demanding him to pay a debt. He shouted in Valyrian at the boy who looked around with his sister for the culprit. 

YN saw her brother’s dragon turn back. Hearing Vaghar behind them she tried to shout at Luke who tried to order his dragon forward. Her heart dropped to her stomach when she saw Arrax shoot fire at Vaghar. YN shouted in fear for her brother and turned Seasmoke toward her brother. She watched as Luke went high into the air and above the cloud line. She followed suit and was faster than Vaghar. She found Luke up above the clouds and shouted at him to look at her. 

“Luke! Be calm! You can do this but you must be calm!” YN shouted in assurance. Luke spared her once last glance looking at his sister for reassurance as she always gave it to him. She wasn’t close to him. She would regret that. 

She watched as Vaghar shot up from the clouds and teared Luke’s dragon apart. Her brother was murdered and she was frozen. It was like the world stopped, her heart went fast and couldn’t stop. She started to breathe faster and faster as she watched the remains of her brother and his dragon fall from the sky. 

YN then screamed and with no sense of preservation and semblance of thought, YN flung herself from her dragon. In her mind she had to get her brother. And seeing him fall made her go mad. She fell from the sky not hearing Aemond as he shouted for her. 

“YN!!” Aemodn screamed and tried to fly Vaghar to catch her. 

But Seasmoke was faster. Seasmoke flew down to grab his rider in his back claws before Vaghar could get her. Seasmoke grabbed the girl and flew away toward Dragonstone. Ignoring the shouts of protest from YN. 

“Daor Seasmoke! Jikagon arlī! īlon emagon naejot jikagon arlī! Rȳbagon naejot issa! Jikagon arlī!” (No Seasmoke! Go back! We have to go back! Listen to me! Go back!) YN Shouted. 

But Seasmoke did not listen. He would obey her normally but he was now following the orders of his original rider: Laenor. “But above all Protect her. Protect her no matter what.”

YN cried and screamed all the way back to Dragonstone. Yelling at the sky and at her dragon for not obeying her. When they arrived at the island, Seasmoke landed and released his rider who fell to the ground and could not stop screaming. Of all people, it was Daemon who came up to the girl and demanded what was wrong. And from her cries he figured out the terrible truth. 

“Get the princess inside now!” He barked at the guards. 

YN stopped screaming and now sobbed. She couldn’t stop sobbing. The war was inevitable now. And she failed to protect her brother. 

[the-real-treasure]

Treasure Treasure!

An anime Sanji x Reader

Master List Here

Chapter One: A Game in the Courtyard

Summary: You and your Sanji abandon the nation that raised you after it tries to do away with it's only saving grace. They may never realise how long you'll hold that grudge for them.

SPOILERS FOR ASPECTS THE WHOLE CAKE ARC OF THE ANIME/MANGA AND SANJI'S BACKSTORY Trigger Warnings: Threats and descriptions of violence, mentions of major character death, yelling, Reader's Devil Fruit power is overwhelming and overstimulating Word Count: 4645

(Author's Notes: This is more of a prologue than a chapter 1, sorry it's not exactly what anyone was probably expecting. I'm still doing planning for the main body of this fic and I just wanted to get something in here properly.)

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

You had never wanted to fight a man as hard as you wanted to fight King-sama, even if the fear normally kept you frozen. You could see him on the walkways on the walls above you all as you stood resolute on the large, diamond shaped tile emblazoned with a bright yellow '3', watching as the Vinsmoke children fought before they would race across the castle, again, you thought about how you'd do it.

Maybe a big hammer. You pondered, letting your eyes fall closed as the wind ruffled your long hair. Or maybe if I wished hard enough the entire palace would explode! They opened again, as you heard laughter beside you. 

Rage rattled through you as you watch the smallest boy get beaten and beaten and beaten, red, blue and green brothers throwing everything they have at destroying him.

(Pleasepleaseplease)

Your siblings hover at your sides, Denki cackling to your left, Hikaru beside him and Doku beside him watching as listlessly as the pink haired sister just ahead of you. Kuranku leaned in from your right.

(IwantIwantIwant)

"Maybe they'll finally kill him and we'll be rid of the two of you."

(Getmeoutgetmeoutgetmeout)

You scowled, teeth gritting together.

You scratch your hand. The brands seared onto your skin, a '66' for Germa and a scored out '3' for Sanji-kun, itched.

The boys were only a year or so older than you, but Creata-sensei always reminded you that although they were also children, they were above you in everyway possible. Even though you knew Sanji-kun wasn't as strong as his brothers and sister, they were all still stronger than all of you put together. You felt vindicated as the boy pulled his bruised and battered body upright while the other three boys take off, Reiju following behind them.

"Just because he's less developed than the others, does not mean he is some weakling to push around no matter what Queen-sama said, Y/n-Tomo." Creata-sensei was hovering at your side, filling a long needle with a clear fluid that you just knew was going to burn. "They are going to be the strongest in the world when Vinsmoke-heika and I are done with them, and you are going to be his closest confidant. But not his partner and never his equal."

As you watch the boy disappear from your view, you pout at the remembered words. Creata-sensei doesn't know anything about Sanji-kun, or Sora-sama. Compared to the rest of his brothers, Sanji-kun is sweet and good. And you know he gets that from his mother, just like his sister secretly did. Your brothers were no better than his, too be fair.

Doku was probably the best of them. Your oldest brother was born on an island in the North Blue, just like all the rest of you, and taken by Germa when he was two years old. His ginger hair was streaked with pink to match him to Reiju, just as your hair was streaked with matching bright true blonde like Sanji-kun's. They were redyed every few weeks to ensure the colour remains vibrant, the persona of Germa 66's royalty not allowed to falter for a moment, not even for so much as faded hair dye. Doku was three years older than you and your other brothers, a year younger than his Reiju-sama.  Hikaru, Denki and Kuranku were the bain of your existence, the trio obsessed with their Vinsmokes, just like you and Doku, but where you two were deeply lucky having Sanji-kun and Reiju-sama, the other three Vinsmoke brothers were terrible terrible creatures that made your life a living hell.

If you weren't in Creata-sensei's lab, being subjected to his mad experiments revolving around some line factor that he and King-sama were obsessed with, you were tailing your Sanji as his brothers and yours make him miserable.

You miss Sora-sama. You miss her happy smile, and the kindness she gave your Sanji-kun.

"Oooooi. Hikaru-Tomo!" Ichiji-sama's voice echoes through the courtyard, making your dark-haired and dark-skinned brother turn to him, face bored.

"You won again, Ichiji-sama?" The red-haired boy grinned smugly at his second, the large 1 plastered on his shirt matching the scored out version on Hikaru's.

"Obviously!" Niji-sama, Yonji-sama and Reiju-sama follow into the courtyard, coming to collect their own seconds. You sign softly as you peer around for Sanji, though you know he won't be here for a while. You ignore the sniggering around you.

"Don't worry, Y/n-chaaaaaaan." Niji-sama's voice is grating as his mocks his younger brother's way of calling you. Yonji-sama chitters a laugh with his brother before continuing

"Yeah, Tomo-baka! You won't be left here all night again. Probably."

They leave you in solitude in the courtyard, the echo of their laughter still bouncing off the walls around you. Doku is the last one to return to the castle, lingering at the archway looking back at you.

"I'll bring out dinner."

"No thanks." His eyebrows furrow at your answer. "Not unless Sanji-kun made it. I promised." He scoffs an eye-roll and turns away, leaving you to the silence of the fading light.

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Night had fallen and faint starlight was your only reprieve from the crawling dark that hung in the air. Your stomach rumbled, the late hour eating away at your appetite. You could see the guards rotating out and more of the lights in the castle snuffing out the later the hour got. Your eyes were going together and you were swaying on your spot. Yonji-sama's jest wasn't accurate, you had never been left outside all night. Even on his worst days in comparison to his siblings, Sanji had never been this late to finish his training exercises.

The sound of footsteps approaching jolted you back to consciousness. It was even darker now, the moon higher in the sky and your eyes fell on King-sama as he moved towards you, Doku at his side. You blink at the pair, and your eyes flicker above them to the castle and they widen. A matching pair of images hang either side of the large doors, Sanji's smiling face staring back at you.

"Y/n-Tomo." Your eyes don't waver from the beaming pictures, even as the torso of King-sama fills your vision. "Come along. You will return to Sanji's room."

"What happened?" Your voice was a whisper, and Doku shot a glare at you for not addressing him correctly. "Where is he?!"

"He has died in a very sad accident." Your eyes shot up to his face as he turned away, "You will return to his room and wait there. We will find you a new position when the funeral proceedings are over."

Your eyes fill with tears as you whirl on your older brother who was already looking down at you.

"What does he mean? WHERE IS SANJI?!" Your face whips to the side. Moments later the sound of the slap actually registered in your ears. You lift your hand to your stinging cheek and look up at your brother.

"Don't be so stupid as to talk about the Vinsmokes so disrespectfully. Follow King-sama, you dull fool." Your tears burn as they trail down your cheeks and he points to King-sama's retreating figure. "Move."

The three of you march through the empty halls of the castle, footsteps muffled by the immaculate carpet. Your face was streaked with drying tear tracks and you kept your head down as you approached the Vinsmoke's bedrooms. Each door, numbered and coloured appropriately, had a bed nook carved next to it into the wall. That was where the Tomos slept, your brothers all asleep in their own, only yours and Doku's empty.

King-sama opened the black door marked with the yellow '3' and pushed you in, sending you stumbling into the barren room, devoid of all the life Sanji crammed into it. You look back at them as the door closes behind you, Doku's blank face finding yours as you're sealed into the room with nothing but rats and silence for company.

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It had been two days. You knew that by the number of plates on the floor in front of you and the colour of the sky outside the window. The cuts of jerky and plain bread were brought in in the regular breakfast, lunch and dinner hours, leaving six plates to be picked at by Sanji's beloved rats. Several of them peruse them now, and you think they must be disappointed by the drop in standard compared to his cooking. There's plenty for them to scrounge in here from you at least. You won't be touching the food.

You had lain down in front of the bed when King-sama had herded you in, and you hadn't moved since, choosing instead to stare unwavering at the light outside the window. You ignore the opening of the door each time a guard walked in, depositing the plate in front of you before walking out again. In the otherwise still room, a rat scampers up to you, a small chunk of jerky grasped in their little claws as they offer it to you. As you stare in to the little eyes trying to be kind to you, your mind flashes back to Sora-sama's room.

The rain had been torrential on your walk over, and poor Sanji-sama had slipped in a puddle and fallen. You had only been given to the boy a few days ago, and with the order to follow him always, of course you would accompany him on his trip to see his mother, even in the relentless downpour.

Now you stood a few steps behind him, light shirt and training bottoms marked with his yellow '3' ringing with rainwater and dripping on to the pristine floor, your long hair drenched and water dribbling down your face and into your eyes. You don't dare move to wipe it as Époni serves the queen a beautifully made bento box, the one Sanji had prepared ruined on the trip over.

"Your majesty, this is from Sanji-sama." The queen smiled down at her son, his soaked hood still up and covering his eyes as he fiddled with his hands.

"Did you make this for me?"

"Mm. Mm-hmm." Your eyes flicked from him to her in confusion, and you accidentally caught her eye as she watched her nervous son. Her head snapped to the maid instantly.

"Époni!" She immediately began to sweat.

"Y-yes, your majesty?"

"Don't be presumptuous! Bring what Sanji really made for me."

"Well, yes. But it was damaged on his way here so I threw it in the bin..."

"...still good."

"Hm?" You flinch as both mother and son turn to look at you and you stutter a response, standing up straight and accidentally flicking water across the floor.

"I-it'll still be good. Sanji-sama is very good at food!" She smiled down at you.

"Oh? How do you know?"

"H-he made me fish the first night I was assigned to follow him because we Tomos have to wait for your majesty's to finish eating before we do! And he, uh-" Your eyes shift to his, the blue-grey full of happy sparkles at your words, "-uh Sanji-sama is very kind to me and wanted to make sure I was fed, Queen Sora-sama! Your majesty!"

In your panic to finish talking and to get the attention off of you, you drop into a bow on the floor, though you underestimate your strength and send a crack gaping across the tile, which startles a yell out of the prince. 

"Époni, bring me Sanji's food."

"Yes ma'am!" When the maid skitters off to retrieve the demolished bento, Sora-sama calls you closer.

"Tomo-chan, you think Sanji's good at making food." You lift your head and stand awkwardly, scooting past Sanji who was still staring at you with bright excited eyes.

"Yes, Queen Sora-sama. He's the best! I'll eat anything he makes me!"

"Then would you try his bento with me?" You peer back at the prince who is suddenly looking aghast at the thought of you both trying the ruined bento. Your brows furrowed and you steeled yourself.

"YES I WILL."

You stood next to her bed as Époni placed the bento in front of Sora-sama.

"Wow, nice! Omelette rolls, fish and a banana?" Sanji clutched the sides of his hood and tugged it further over his head.

"I'm so sorry! I messed it up! I tripped over and dropped it on the way here. It's been crushed and got wet in the rain."

"It was the rain's fault, Sanji-sama! If that puddle wasn't there you never would have slipped! You worked really hard on it." You assured him as you looked over the demolished bento, missing the smile Sora sent you at your kindness for her son, or the way Sanji's eyes sparked at your words.

"Let's try it, huh Tomo-chan?"

"Yeah!" With a start you looked back at the prince, "Thank you for the meal!" You both scooped some up on a fork and chewed thoughtfully. Swallowing the food, you looked up at her as she looked down at you and you both turned as one to Sanji-sama.

"It's good!"

"DELICIOUS!" Sora-sama giggled at your enthusiasm as you bounced over to Sanji-sama, clapping excitedly beside him as he beamed and Époni flew back in shock.

"Really?!"

"Yes!" He cheered and hopped up onto the bed with her, tucking in close to her chest as she cooed at him.

"Sanji, will you cook for me again?" He beamed up at her.

"Uh-huh!" She smiled down at him, holding him close and rocking gently, the walk and upset leaving him so exhausted he began to snooze against her chest. As she rocked him, she pushed down his hood and stroked his hair and looked over at you.

"What's your name?" You blinked in confusion as Époni cleared away the bento.

"Tomo-"

"No. Not that title, just your name. What do your parents call you?" You stare up at her, but quickly drop your eyes back to the floor.

"I don't know. Creata-sensei calls me Y/n."

When you look back up at her, Sora is smiling down at you, though there’s sadness in it and she reaches a hand out for you. “You can read wishes right Y/n-chan?”

Your voice caught in your throat. You didn't know she knew you, you were only there because Sanji was. “Y-yes.” Her eyes closed in satisfaction as she squeezed you hand. It was warm and love pulsed through your Devil Fruit powers as her truest desire sang through you.

(Save him.)

“Then I need you to make me a promise.”

(Keep him safe.)

“A very very important one.”

(Please.)

“I need you to stay with Sanji.”

(Pleasepleaseplease)

“Don’t let him be alone. Stay with him and protect him.”

(PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE)

“Look after him for me. Can you try that for me?”

Your eyes filled with tears and clogged your throat and nose. Her fear and worry for her children burns through you as you look up at her. You couldn’t breathe.

“I’ll try! I promise I’ll try Sora-sama!!”

That shocked a laugh from her but tears filled her water line and she squeezes your hand tightly in hers. She ignores the pierce of your sharp clawed nails in her skin when you squeeze back.

“Thank you.”

(Thankyouthankyouthankyou)

You don't lift your head when the door opens again, though dinner had already been delivered. The darkness of the sky was pinpricked by silver stars, and the entire kingdom that had been silent since the announcement of Sanji's death, was rallying to attack another island so the din of movement and preparation had returned. It was suffocating, like someone had hidden the sun then plonked the entire moon on your chest and told you, live with it we have work to do.

Someone kicked your foot.

From the corner of your eye, you spot a head of orange hair.

"Get up Tomo-baka." Doku stares down at you, face blank but eyes shining with something unfamiliar. You turn your eyes forward again, going back to staring at the sky. "I said-" He grabs a hold of your arm and yanks you upright with little effort, "-GET UP TOMO-BAKA."

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" You rip your arm free of him and stumble back staring confused as Doku pushes you back towards the door. You drop your head to look at the floor. "Just leave me alone, Doku. King-sama says I'll be leaving soon, if I'm bothering you so much." The ginger boy scoffs at you.

"No matter, Tomo-baka. Reiju-sama told me to come grab you, so I've come. To grab you." With a yelp from you Doku, who has several inches on your six-year-old frame, heaves you up under your armpits and shucks you over his shoulder. You screech and smack and claw at his back as he carries you through the castle corridors, the rest of your brothers watching from their nooks in confusion.

The guards didn't turn their heads as he carries you down the stairs into the dungeons, ignoring your wailing and shrieks, the already dim castle halls going darker as you descended. Tall thin windows allow streams of silver light to fall into the hallway and you continued your fruitless escape attempts against your older brother's grip. As the stairway begins to level out, your voice quietens as others echo from the darkness, ones that makes you freeze completely.

"You never learn..." Reiju-sama's voice rings out from beside the cell, wrapping a bandage around a small figure's arm. As Doku walks up behind her, you see the figure pull their arm from her grasp, bandages winding around them left loose and falling free of her grip. They're behind the bars of the cell, head obscured by a large metal helmet that completely covers their entire face except for the eyes. From the mask you can hear their stuttering breaths.

"Reiju, I..." Doku drops you to the ground and you stare wide-eyed as the figure turns, blonde hair obscuring one eye even under the helmet. "...I want to be a cook!"

You rush to the bars as tears begin to fall from his eyes, quiet sobs echoing against the barren walls and metal helmet hiding his face from you.

"Sanji-sama! Sanji!" Your eyes fill with tears as well as you grab on to his hands through the bars. "King-sama said you were dead! He said there was an accident-" Reiju's furious voice cuts you off and you flinch away from her, but not enough to break your grip on your Sanji.

"What did I say? Don't tell me that!" His head drops and his tears soak your joined hands as he pulls them closer to his chest. Your chest throbbed as his wish burned through you.

(Pleasepleaseplease)

"If I can... run away..."

(IwantIwantIwant)

"...here in the East Blue... I'll never..." his hiccupping breaths catch in his throat

(Getmeoutgetmeoutgetmeout)

"...have to see...Dad's face again, right?"

Reiju's eyes fill with tears as well and she grabs a hold of the bars, screaming in both your faces.

"STEP BACK!" You drop Sanji's hands just long enough for her to pry the bars apart, leaving enough room for Sanji to squeeze through. "You only have one chance! Don't ruin it!"

You grab Sanji's hands again and haul him through the gap, and you all take off running up the stairs.

"Y/n-chan, you don't need to come, you can stay here with you-"

"No!" You cut Sanji off before he can even get the full sentence out. I made a promise. "I've already left you alone for too long! I'm not leaving you again, Sanji-sama! Not now, not ever again!! I'm coming with you, and I'll stay with you for as long as you'll let me!" The shrunken pupils in the centre of his eyes wobble as tears fill them again.

"O-Okay Y/n-chan.." The entire castle shakes as a barrage of cannon fire rains down on the Germa Kingdom.

"It's just begun! The key to your iron mask is in Father-sama's room! Go get it!"

"What?"

"You can't send him ther-"

"Then go with him Tomo-baka if you're so worried!" Doku snaps, cutting you off, "We'll go see what it's like outside, now shoo!"

"Got it."

"O-okay!"

"When you get into his room, look for a skull symbol on the wall! You'll find a secret door there!"

As you both run into King-sama's room, you spot the huge skull emblem on the wall, though it is too high for either of you to reach. With Sanji's help you drag one of the chairs up to the wall and help him up on to it. Pulling open the wall, you can see the four sets of keys hanging, and you think they still might be too high, but Sanji just manages to grab a pair with a whisper of "I got it!" Your attention is pulled away by thudding footsteps behind you, and you spin to find King-sama standing and watching.

"What are you doing over there?" You grit your teeth, sharp canines digging into your lips and raise your hands, claw nails curved dangerously. "Sanji... why are you here?!" With a scream, Sanji slips and you scramble to catch him before he falls to the ground, making him land heavily on top of you as he panics and apologises. You help each other up and Sanji faces his father.

"We're gonna get out of this kingdom! Don't get in our way!" You throw a hand out in front of Sanji, shuffling slightly to create a barrier between him and his father. He sneers down at the pair of you.

"You got quite a sharp tongue while you were imprisoned. And Tomo, I told you to stay put!" Your body instinctivly freezes at the command but you don't drop your arm, the images of escape floating at the edge of your mind along with giant fish and crystal blue waters. "There is no easy sea where a normal kid like you can survive on your own! You'll die!" You both glare up at the man as he stares you down, your clawed hands quivering in rage as Sanji pulls free a small sword from his belt.

"SO WHAT?! You can't stop me!" Sanji screamed at his father, eyes full of rage as he aimed the tip of the blade at his father.

"WE'RE LEAVING! And you're never gonna hurt Sanji-sama ever again! Or I'll kill you!" You joined in, eyes wild with anger as you spat the words at the man who had terrorised the pair of you for so long.

"That's a relief." His words confused both of you, his imposing figure towering above you both as he continued. "I guess I'm human after all. Even though you're useless, I couldn't kill my own son. Too bad your Tomo is so loyal to you, they would have been useful to Creata-san's continued experiments. Oh well. You'll both leave voluntarily?" Sanji's blade began to shake as small sobs forced his frame to wobble. "I'm not gonna stop you. You can take the key to the iron mask." Tears dribbled down the sides of said mask, saturating his sleeves and the carpet at his feet. "But can I ask just one last favour as your father, Sanji? Don't ever admit that I'm your father..." Your hands slowly drift back down to your sides as you stare up at the King in bewilderment, Sanji still sobbing beside you. "...in front of other people! It's a shame that I don't want anyone to know! You realize that, don't you?" As Sanji's blade drops in defeat and his sobbing begins again in earnest, a snarl escapes your lips before you can stop it and you step forward, again blocking Sanji from his father.

"You're despicable! A pathetical useless nothing of a person! You don't deserve Sanji-sama, just like you didn't deserve Queen Sora-sama! You're evil! I'll never let you anywhere near Sanji again, not so long as I live! And when we're grown and strong, you'll realise how badly you messed up! I HOPE YOU DIE AND THIS KINGDOM EXPLODES!" Your face is red and your chest heaving from your yells, and you miss the wide bewildered eyes of the two Vinsmoke children and your brother staring at you as you refuse to drop your eyes from Vinsmoke Judge. You reach back an open hand, and Sanji takes it immediately. You keep eye contact with the King until you pass by his the edge of his long coat, tugging a still weeping Sanji along behind you as he unlocks and drops the iron mask to the ground.

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Sanji is still shaking with sobs as Reiju points to the large cruise ship with the wine bottle figurehead.

"Get onboard that ship!" You, your brother and the two Vinsmoke children are all crouched behind a large rock formation on the beach as the Germa Kingdom soldiers raided the island you had landed on. Sanji's blonde hair was tousled and messy as he crouched beside you, tears still running down his face. "Sanji! You're a boy! Stop crying already!" Your eyes snap to her and a snarl leaves your grit teeth. She glares back as Sanji rubs at his eyes to try and stop the tears and she grabs a hold of his shoulders. "Listen! Don't ever come back here!"

"Uh-huh!" Doku watches you as your eyes glance up to him, his face carefully blank.

"You've already managed to make an enemy out of King-sama, so don't think you'd be welcome back.  Just assume from now on we'll be out to kill you if we ever spot you again."

"Thanks ani-san. I won't miss you."

"I won't miss you either, Tomo-baka."

"Ew, stop calling me that." Doku sniggers at you, but his face falls flat again.

"Maybe you shouldn't be called Tomo at all anymore. You're not exactly loyal to Vinsmoke anymore." Your eyes drift back to Sanji, Reiju ignoring your muttered conversations as tears filled her eyes.

"The sea is broad! You'll...You'll definitely meet kind people someday!!" With that she pushed him up the beach and he stumbled into a run. You abandon Doku to follow him immediately, giving a gentle nod to her as you pass. "Run! Don't look back! RUN SANJI!"

You both dash along the beach to the cruise ship, the name 'Orbit' resplendent across the side as a wave of desire rushes over you, the wood creaking under it's own weight as whisper rattle from it depths.

(adventure)

You scramble up the gangplank with a large group of other crewmembers, met with confused stares and mutters as the adults around you rush to their stations for a speedy departure from the ravaging of the island.

"OI!" A voice hollers from behind you, the captain making his way down the stairs of the aft castle towards you both. "Who're you?!" You can barely hear as Sanji begs to be allowed passage aboard, offering help in anyway possible, and the wood under your feet pulses and throbs with a desperate wish that may never be fulfilled. "-as your name?" Everything sounds like it's underwater as the wishes, dreams and desires of the boat you stand on and the people around you wash over you like a tsunami of want, something you had never experienced before. Did no one but Sanji and Sora-sama want anything in Germa? What is all this? "-SAID, WHAT'S YOUR NAME?"

The screaming of the captain in your face brings you back to present, and you blink as spittle rains over your face. The title of Tomo nearly leaves your mouth, but you don't know this man, or if he knows Germa, and Doku was right, you weren't accompanying a Vinsmoke, you were going with Sanji, you were escaping with him, with your friend, your best friend. Your Sanji...

"Nakayoshi." Your voice was certain, more than your brain was anyway, "Nakayoshi Y/n."

Next Chapter: (Nothing yet)

[itisbop]

Okay I like Draco but...

Why isn't he in the Castle Courtyard Trio? He has the Medieval theme and all! It doesn't make sense. 🤔

[sketchedboba]

"A Green Queen" AU

Prologue Part I

The plan to rescue "Princess Peach" went just as planned! However as the trio fled the castle, the green plumber forgot to read the fine-print on his marriage certificate when he disguised himself as the princess.

The furious look on the fuming reptile's face only darkened as they ran down the aisle and out the courtyard. He was shocked stiff, but Luigi could feel the fury swelling in those crimson eyes.

A month had passed since the mission, the Mushroom Kingdom hadn't heard any news about Bowser taking action against them. The Princess took note of it and wearily placed a curfew on her kingdom as more of Bowser's Troopa were patrolling around her border.

As she sat in a meeting with her council,a Koopa Troopa was escorted into the room by two Mushroom guards, "Your highness, this messenger says he's flown in with a reques- demand from the infamous King Koopa. What are your orders?"

Princess Peach stood from her throne, but paused on her way down the stairs. She glanced over to Mario who had entered the room in a hurry. He noticed the koopa from the hall window on his way there and bounded into action once he saw the guards escorting them to the council room.

"Mario, don't worry. He's just a messenger, and as such, I would like for you to read these... demands.", she cleared her throat. A feeling of dread and fear rose as she gripped her dress.

"His queen? What do you mean by...", The Princess furrowed her brows. "Wait... You don't mean-"

The messenger glared at Mario, who had slowly passed by him, but easily turned their gaze back to the princess. "His majesty, King of the Koopas, demands that his queen rules by his side. If not, he will retrieve him by force."

Before she could finish, the green plumber panted into the throne room. His hand rested on his knee and the other lifted up as he caught his breath.

"Sorry, I'm late! We should.. really label those pipes!.. Woo!", he gasped. As he looked up and caught his breath, he fliched once he noticed the pairs of eyes staring at him. "O-Oh! I'll just stand over there!"

Mario's eyes widened and he immediately took position in front of his brother, now l glaring intensely at the koopa. "Absolutely not! We just got you both back!"

The Princess sighed watching him stand next to his brother. She gave a slight smile seeing the two poke at one another playfully, but it slowly faded once she turned her attention back to the messanger.

She made her way to the bottom of the long staircase then she gave a small look to Mario then looked over to Luigi. "Better time than never. It seems that Bowser wishes..er- demands to... take Luigi as his queen."

"Wait!"

The Princess nodded in agreement, "He hasn't had any complaints now and we don't bother the countless troops he sends to the outskirts of several towns."

She then looked back at the Koopa Troopa, "Tell your King that we refus-"

"NO! I am not letting you go back to that beast! He took you and the princess hostage! Trick or not, he could've killed you!"

Everyone turned their attention to the shaken, tall man, "I'm.. I-a if I remember correctly.. I did sign the papers..."

Mario looked back at him confused, "You what? Lu, you didn't have to-"

"H-He would've suspected something if I didn't!"

Mario gave a deep groan, mainly directed towards the mad king. He started thinking of ways around this, but knew his brother would have been in trouble if he'd let go of the act.

Plus..we did trick him... It would only be fair if-"

"He's not a toddler, that little 'trick' is the last thing he'd be upset about."

"Yet here we are..", Peach sighed then looked at Mario in the eyes. "I can only give my word if he wants to.."

Luigi stared hopefully at his brother and rested his hand on his shoulder, "Mario, I-"

"I-I know, but we lied to him and at least he isn't trying to attack the kingdom! The least I can do is hear him out!"

"I said no and that's final!", Mario huffed turning back to the Princess.

The Koopa Troopa looked nervously at Mario whose eyes only narrowed at their gaze. He gulped then bowed to the Princess, "He will be most pleased to hear this, your highness. We will await your response, but I advise you... Be swift about it."

For a moment, Peach stood there too stunned to speak then took a deep breath, " Tell Bowser that... We..we will consider his demands and will send our decision shortly... one of my guards will wait by the pipe near the river at sundown with the letter."

The Princess nodded and watched as the soldier was escorted out by her guards.

As the doors closed behind them, but it wasn't enough to keep Mario from exploding with concerns.

"You're not sending my little brother into the jaws of his castle!", he shouted.

"Um.. excuse-"

"We have to at least hear him out, and frankly, I want to hear Luigi out on this. It's not your say in whether or not he can go.", Peach retorted.

"Says who?! We may just be your citizens, but he's MY brother and we're sticking together whether you like it or not!"

"Well actually-"

Peach sighed as she frustratingly pinched the bridge of her nose, "Bowser isn't looking to reason on this and I know he's your brother, but if we could negotiate this, he and the kingdom will be safe!"

"Excuse me!"

"I refuse! I know you are thinking about your subjects, but you know better than anyone what Bowser is like! This could be a trap or a set up to let our guard down. With one of us gone, it'll only be a matter of time before he tries to take me down and use Luigi as leverage!", Mario protested walking alongside the Princess as she made her way to her throne.

"Mario enou-"

"I-I want to go through with it. I think it's only right for us to hear him out.. P-Plus the other option is the Mushroom kingdom going ka-pluy! and w-we could just avoid that too.."

They both turned to the interrupter as they were midway up the stairs.

Luigi gulped once he had their attention then cleared his throat to speak:

"Are you sure about this?..."

Peach gave a soft look at Mario, her face filled with determination with her point being made clear.

Mario, in turn, sighed then hesitantly nodded. There was still a look of concern plastered on his face as he stared at his sweet baby brother. He stepped down and took Luigi's hands and looked him in the eyes.

"Not really, I'm actually sorta sweating, b-but I don't want to just sit by when it could be help stop another battle.."

Mario took a deep breath and nodded, he turned back to the princess waiting for her declaration.

"Yes, your highness!", both said in unison.

Peach smiled slightly when she saw Luigi's reassurance, "You have the heart of a warrior Luigi, thank you.."

He beamed at her compliment, lifted his chest a bit only to earn a playful nudge from Mario as Peach headed towards her throne.

"I'll have a messenger send a letter over to the pipe and we'll convene in the morning once while we wait for his answer."

Luigi, with a bit more confidence, strode out with Mario beside him. "I hope you know what you're doing... We don't know what he's planning especially after all this time.."

"Well..."

"I know....."

"You gotta think this through, Lu!"

To be continued. . .

[thebrawlerina]

Hello! Hope youre having a nice dayy, may I request some Draco hcs from you?

:3

MASTER OF THE STARR PARK, RULER OF THE WORLD! SAY DRACO!

Draco HC's

Draco's start at the park was actually as a member of staff in the Ruined Castle Courtyard (Ash and Grom's arena). He was one of the staff members meant to give the various arena's and park attractions more life by playing as characters/people who lived there, and Draco's role was to play a pretend knight.

He often brought his guitar along with him to work so he can play on his breaks. One day, he played a bit too loud in a not so private area, and whoops now hes got an audience. Being himself, he just continued to play and began to adlib a song about the Ruined Castle Courtyard by taking his usual talking lines and making it a song.

The park goers absolutely loved that and upper management heard about this knight-bard. They saw a lot of potential in making him a brawler since he already amassed a bit of a fan base and promoted him to being a Brawler.

He was originally supposed to stay in the Ruined Castle Courtyard and be considered part of Ash and Grom's trio, until someone had the brilliant idea to incorporate his heavy mental affinity into another location of the park.

Because of this, the park now has new lore for these places. The Mad-Evil Manor, was the reason that the Ruined Castle Courtyard looks the way it does, thus creating a new story for fans to get invested into.

Draco is extremely extroverted. He always tries to find a way and a reason to hang out with people, even they don't have any big plans to do anything.

That being said, his favorite things to do with people is anything involving music or storytelling. He loves having little jam sessions or kareoke with people, and hes actually fond of slam poetry and of silly little writing exercises. DND will always top his favorites however.

Draco has been playing Dungeons and Dragons ever since he was a little kid. He loves playing through campaigns, but finds the most amount of joy in being the dungeon master and making other people go through plot shenanigans.

He tends to be a pretty merciful DM, unless you challenge or annoy him too much, in which case he will make your character suffer while keeping everyone else somewhat safe from the retribution.

He has plenty of characters but his favorite one is a blatant self-insert thats a Bard and Barbarian multiclass. A Bardbarian if you will.

Draco is a dice fiend and he has a LOT of fun and pretty dice. Since becoming a Brawler, hes been trying to see which ones in his collection matches his Brawler friends the most. IF he doesnt have one, he'd probably buy some more.

Yes he is trying to get an official Draco dice set to be sold in the shop. Hes having some problems convincing the managers that it would be a good merch item and in trying to pick the perfect color scheme to represent himself, but by god hes gonna do it.

Draco made his original Mad-Evil costume himself. But the higher ups want him to wear something that wouldn't fall off and break in battle so they made him some fancy proper clothes based on his design. He is very stoked about that.

Draco is very proud of his long hair and its very clean despite its messy appearance. He doesn't really know how to style it though, so thats why its all flowy and loose. The most amount of styling he does for it would probably just be tying it in a low ponytail so he can get it out of his face.

Draco has several notebooks filled with cool quotes, story ideas, and little scenes which hes collected over the years and plans to use in a new story.

He plans on writing a book. But like all writers he struggles to get his ideas on a page. Hes just way better at telling a story than writing it.

Draco is pretty friendly with Poco and they like to jam sometimes and learn about each others techniques. Draco is also willing too help pick up some of the slack on the many many performances Poco has to do, which he is grateful for.

Draco was a bit upset at first that he wouldn't be in the same group as Ash or Grom, but thinks that this new deal is way better. None of them have any beef with each other so its all good.

[calcedon79]

I was bored

Okay, to prevent total withdrawal, I'll serve you guys from the mine crew a little treat from a nonsense story I write on from time to time. It's only roughly translated and not stylistically polished (and it's late). So have mercy.

Boli, this opening chapter was heavily inspired by your Mud story, but somehow our chaos-blorbos have to run into each othe

Random acquaintances

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Sifo-Dyas brushed a few sweaty strands out of his eyes. His hairband had fallen victim to a low-hanging branch. (Message to self: pack a second one for next outing)

"Of course," Jocasta Nu gasped stubbornly, struggling the last few meters up to the ledge of the old castle wall, "Master Sinube did say we could look around a bit."

"Yes, but we were supposed to stay in sight," grumbled the third of the group, his normally immaculately groomed initiate tunic soiled and torn in one place. (Stupid thorns)

" We are, Yan." The petite girl took a deep breath and put her arms on her hips. " We can see the big plaza from up there."

"I don't think that's what he meant," the slender Minashee boy dared to disagree.

"Mmmpf. Then he should phrase it better next time." She stared calculatingly up the half-collapsed defensive wall. Why did all the masters thought that Jocasta was the voice of reason in their trio? (Laughable!).

"Come on, exploring an old fortress like this is much more exciting than listening to lectures about textiles all day."

The two boys looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. "True enough."

*

From the courtyard of the old fortress, there was the sound of metal hitting stone.

"Let's go and have a look."

"Jo, do you really think that's a good idea?" Sifo-Dyas made no secret of his skepticism.

"Oh, don't be such nunas." The eldest of their group rolled her eyes. "Come on. Let's go and see what this is."

"If we ever die trying out one of your ideas, I won't say another word to you," was Yan's reply as he walked past her.

After all, it had also been Jo's idea to bypass the fuse on the old turbolift and travel to the lower levels of the temple. (Maybe they should have checked the power supply first. Their two-week stay in the Halls of Healing had been no fun - neither had the trouble they'd gotten into with Master Sinube).

*

Jaster lowered his Beskard. (Okay, actually, it wasn't his.) Why did ba'buir have to take this job? No fighting, no proper libraries, how dull!

"That looks interesting," a friendly voice interrupted Jaster's exercises.

In front of him were three other children his age. Locals? Although, the other people's clothes were much more colorful than those of the newcomers. Maybe it was a school uniform or something. Jaster shrugged inwardly.

"Did you hurt yourself?" the tallest boy asked cautiously, taking a step towards him. "We didn't mean to scare you."

"No, no. Everything's fine." Jaster hurried to his feet. "I just didn't hear you coming."

"It's important to always keep an eye on your surroundings." The second boy's dark eyes scrutinized him coolly. At least until a blow to the back of his head from the girl sent the little guy staggering forward.

"Yan! Behave yourself and be polite," she hissed, to which the black-haired boy immediately muttered an apology in Jaster's direction.

Wow, the petite figure had her companions well in hand.

"Uhh, no problem. No harm done," Jaster waved it off. "My name is Jaster Mereel, by the way, and who are you?"

"The tall one with the long hair is Sifo-Dyas, the rude one is called Yan Dooku," introduced the girl with the turquoise ponytail. "And I'm Jocasta Nu."

Before any of the boys could make a sound, she continued: "Is that a traditional Midrim sword? I didn't know swords were used here. What metal is it made of?"

"What?" Jaster blinked, caught off guard by the volley of energetic questions. "Uh, no… it's a beskad and it's made of beskar."

"Beskar?" the boy introduced as Sifo-Dyas now asked with interest. "Ohh, that super cool Mandalorian metal."

"How did you get your hands on a weapon like that?" the Dooku boy wanted to know with narrowed eyes.

"How do you think?" Jaster rolled his eyes. They were asking strange questions. "I am a Mando'ad." "Uhh… Mandalorian?" he added slowly. Stupid basic. Jaster still had trouble with some words.

*

Oh.

Mandalorian?!

Dooku exchanged an alarmed glance with Sy. "'Mandalorian'?!"

Like in "Mandalorians - the enemies of the Jedi Order"?

Jo didn't seem to share their concern. A sparkle appeared in her eyes, showing her two companions that she had caught fire for a topic. Oh oh!

" Mandalorian? How exciting. I thought all Mandos wore armor."

*

"But not from the beginning," protested Jaster - horrified by so much ignorance. That couldn't be allowed to stand! "You have to earn it bit by bit. Look, I've already got bracers and a back plate. And my beskad."

"Yours? It's much too big for you." Oh, did this Yan know his way around swords? As professionally confident as his words sounded, that seemed to be the case.

"Well," Jaster admitted. "It's not mine. My ba'buir lent it to me."

"Your … ba'buir?" Sifo-Dyas tried to repeat after him and tilted his head questioningly.

"Ba'buir means … mmh grandparents in Basic. He is my grandfather"

"And he just lets you go off on your own with that?" The tall boy seemed taken aback by this.

"Of course." What was the problem? On safe planets and as long as he was back at the ship at the agreed time, he was always allowed to do what he wanted. Apparently this was a foreign concept to his new acquaintances. Poor things. "Ba'buir has to work, after all. How else am I supposed to practise? Besides, ba'buir always says it's too dangerous to go out without a weapon."

*

Okay, that was pretty sensible of said grandpa. The youngsters nodded in understanding. Children were kidnapped and sold into slavery all the time. That's why they were also allowed to take their training swords with them on their excursion. These weren't as dangerous as real lightsabers, but at the highest level they could still inflict quite serious injuries.

"Hmm, can beskar really withstand a lightsaber?" Jocasta suddenly wanted to know.

"A Jetii kad'au?" Mereel looked at her questioningly, as if he couldn't imagine how she had come up with this idea. "Hmm, I don't know."

"Maybe it should be tested." Jocasta's scientific interest was obviously piqued.

Yan didn't even bother to shield his alarm in the Force. "Yo! I don't think it's such a good idea…"

"Testing?" Jaster interrupted him curiously. "How is that supposed to work?

"Well, with this." Jo nonchalantly pulled out her training sword.

Cursing, the other boy flinched and then stared at the three of them like a Tooka in a thunderstorm. "Jetiise!… ah Jedi…. You're Jetiise?"

"Well, not quite yet," Sifo-Dyas clarified sheepishly, deliberately ignoring the other boy's raised weapon. "Strictly speaking, we're initiates. At the moment, anyway. You can only call yourself a Jedi once you've become a Padawan, built a proper lightsaber and then passed your knight's trial."

"Ohh." From one moment to the next, Jaster seemed to have overcome his shock and he lowered his sword again. "There are different Kad'aue … ah lightsabers? And how do you become a Padawan? Can anyone become one or do you have to fulfill certain requirements? How old do you have to be to take your trial?"

"Did you have a good day, ner ad?" Athas Mereel added the last of the spices to the boiling stew. A balanced diet was important for children. He may not have been the best chef in the galaxy, but he insisted on serving his grandson fresh food as often as possible. Ration bars were for emergencies. "Did you experience anything exciting, meet other children?"

"Hmm," Jaster barely lifted his head from the datapad, whose contents he was studying intently. Good boy. So studious. "I met some nice kids. We exchanged our com numbers."

(Communicators that the little Jetiise were apparently not allowed to have. "Don't you dare call us, Mereel. Only write, understand? Otherwise we'll get into real trouble with the masters.")

"That's nice," Athas nodded happily. Sometimes he was worried: Jaster was a bright boy, clever and resourceful, but he had a hard time making lasting friends. They had moved so often in the last few years, and each time his boy was forced into a new routine. Jaster's initial enthusiasm for adventure and new places had waned considerably in recent times. The new contact could only do him good.

*

On the other side of the planet, Sy, Yan and Jocasta didn't get a chance to talk about their Mandalorian encounter. When they returned to their quarters far too late, sweaty, tired and with dirty clothes, a highly annoyed Master Sinube was already waiting for them.

(Before the next outing, Yan would remember to pack some ration bars. Being sent to bed without dinner after a two-hour meditation was not acceptable to him or his body).

[fanficapologist]

Of Dragons and Maelstroms

Themes and Warnings: slow burn, enemies to lovers, blood, violence, explicit language, sexual violence, period-typical misogyny, sexual themes, smut, tension, marriage, jealousy, pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, attempted sexual assault, breastfeeding, major character death, divergent timelines

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon/Fire & Blood/Game of Thrones characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

Chapter Twelve

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the Red Keep's courtyard, illuminating the space where a sense of anticipation hung in the air. Maera stood in her chambers, dressed in a tunic of deep turquoise and deep brown leathers, the streak of silver in her hair a striking contrast against her dark locks. Her maid deftly braided her hair away from her face and down her back, a practical choice for the sparring match that awaited her.

The early morning air was crisp, a sense of exhilaration mingling with the chill as she surveyed the scene before her. Maera descended the castle's stone stairs and made her way to the courtyard. The chatter of anticipation filled her ears as she approached the gathering, where Helaena, Jaehaerys, and Jaehaera stood at a distance, their curious gazes fixed on Aemond, who was already engaged in training with Criston Cole, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.

Nobody seemed to notice Maera’s arrival due to the ongoing match. Ever the one to make a memorable entrance, Maera withdrew a dagger from her belt, her fingers familiar with its weight. With practiced precision, she aimed for one of the hay-filled dummies that stood nearby. The dagger sailed through the air, cutting a path between Aemond and Criston, its trajectory unerring until it hit the dummy square in the face. The resounding thud and the sight of the dagger embedded in the dummy's makeshift head drew everyone's attention. Heads turned, eyes snapping toward Maera, who bid the onlookers with a ladylike curtsy.

Aemond's gaze met hers, a knowing smile playing at his lips. His acknowledgment of her skill was unmistakable, a silent recognition that she had earned his attention. Aemond was a towering figure amongst the crowd, his frame imposing and muscular. His silver-white hair flowed down to his shoulders, a striking contrast to the deep purple of his eye and the leather patch that hid half of his face. The one-eyed Prince was clad in deep black leathers that seemed to shimmer like dragon scales, a testament to his lineage and the power that flowed through his veins. Around his waist, a belt that was adorned with a large dragon buckle that seemed ready to breathe fire.

The Lord Commander of the Kingsguard beckoned Maera over, a small smile painted on his face. “Welcome back to the courtyard, my Lady. I must admit, I thought you had left the days of training with weapons behind you”

“Sorry to disappoint you, Ser” Maera replied with a cheeky grin on her lips, walking past him and yanking her dagger from the hay filled dummy, securing it back into her belt. “I’m here to spar in the name of Princess Jaehaera, Lord Commander. A challenge has been laid and it is my duty to serve Queen Helaena and her children unquestionably.” Maera glanced over at the younger Targaryens, both who were eagerly awaiting the action to begin.

“Very well, my lady” Cole replied with a nod. “The Prince and I are currently still practicing. But there are some squires over by the shields who I’m sure would be willing to spar with you”

Maera rolled her eyes but nodded, walking over to a trio of young men. She knew Ser Criston doubted her skill and wanted to pair her with men who would potentially be easier for her to battle against. She would allow them all to underestimate her until the real challenge came, the one with Aemond, who was twirling his sword in his hand as Maera walked away.

As Maera approached, she found herself facing three squires, their arrogant smirks and dismissive comments already forming a challenge she was all too eager to accept. Two of them boasted loudly about the supposed folly of women engaging in sword fighting. The Lord Commander barked at them to resume their positions to begin the sparring.

The squires circled Lady Maera, their swords raised and poised to strike. One of them couldn't resist boasting, his tone dripping with arrogance. "Don't worry, my lady. I promise to be gentle with you."

Maera's lips curled into a sly smile, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Likewise.”

Her statement was met with a mixture of scoffs and uneasy glances, but Maera's confidence remained unshaken. She stepped forward, positioning herself opposite the three squires who were now eyeing her with a mixture of skepticism and surprise. With the call to begin, the clash of steel against steel echoed through the yard. Maera's movements were swift and precise, her skills honed through years of training. She easily parried their attacks, her blade finding the openings in their defenses with calculated accuracy. The squires' expressions shifted from overconfidence to disbelief as they struggled to keep up with Maera's relentless assault, their confidence crumbling under the weight of the Lady’s prowess. One by one, they were bested, their swords knocked from their hands as Maera demonstrated her prowess.

The victory was swift, and as Maera stood among the defeated squires, she looked over at Helaena and the twins who stood amongst the onlookers, clapping and cheering, a blush of excitement on Jaehaera’s cheeks. Confidently Maera walked over to the edge of the gate where the Lord Commander continued to challenge Aemond with a sword, the clash of steel echoed through the courtyard as their weapons met in a flurry of blows. To get there attention, Maera called over to them her voice carrying clearly. "Ser Criston, it seems I have bested your squires. I think I need something a bit more challenging”

Ser Criston signalled at Aemond to cease the swordplay and when he looked over at the trio, who were still picking themselves up out of the dirt, a flicker of surprise crossed his dark features. Maera heard Aemond breathe out a laugh, as he accompanied the Lord Commander to the edge of the training yard.

"Perhaps I underestimated you, Lady Maera.” Ser Criston admitted, his voice tinged with admiration. “I shall test your skill if you wish”

Before they could engage, Aemond's voice cut through the air, his challenge ringing out. “I think I shall provide the lady with the challenge she seeks, Cole. It was what we promised my niece and nephew and she seems more than capable of handling herself.”

The Lord Commander shared a fleeting look with Maera, and she offered a determined nod. The challenge had been laid, and Maera was not one to back down.

With the match agreed, Ser Criston stepped back, and the two combatants took their positions. The tension in the air was palpable, a silent acknowledgment of the clash that was about to unfold. The courtyard seemed to hold its breath as Maera and Aemond squared off. Maera glance at the twins who held each other tightly, both eager for their own warrior to win the game. At the edge of the yard, the Lord Commander shouted at the top of his lungs, “Begin!”

Aemond struck first, lunging forward with a swift and calculated attack. But Maera proved to be more than a match for the warrior prince. She sidestepped his strike, her movements swift and graceful. Their swords met with a resounding clash, filling the air with the sound of steel on steel. Each strike was met with an equally adept parry, their skills in perfect harmony, yet neither willing to yield an inch. The intensity of the duel heightened, and the two fighters danced around each other, a mesmerizing display of skill and power. The onlookers watched from the sidelines, skepticism slowly transforming into reluctant admiration for Maera. The Lady was holding her own against the Prince, her determination shining through with each step she took backward and each counterattack she launched.

Aemond's violet eye locked onto Maera's, a fierce determination burning within them. He lunged again, his strikes swift and calculated, driving Maera back step by step. She parried with skillful precision, the clash of their swords creating a symphony of metal. As their swords clashed in a dance of steel, Maera took in the sight of the Targaryen prince. This was not the boy she had faced in the courtyard previously all those years ago when they were children. She found herself awestruck by the sheer transformation before her. He had grown into a warrior, a prince, a man.

Sensing she was distracted, Aemond managed to strike through her defense. The slash across her chest forced a wince of pain from her lips. Before she could recover, Aemond pressed his advantage, kicking her to the ground and straddling her hips. The weight of his body pinned her down, his sword held dangerously close to her throat, beads of sweat on his brow. Both of them breathed heavily from exhaustion and stared intensely at each other as conflicting emotions within Maera surged to the surface. Frustration and humiliation from losing the fight mixed with admiration for the man atop her. The raw power and dominance that Aemond exuded from defeating her also stirred unexpected and unsettling feelings of attraction within Maera, which she was desperate to ignore.

She yielded, a begrudging acknowledgment of Aemond's victory, and as he released her, Maera pushed herself to her feet. The realization of her wound dawned upon her, the warmth of blood seeping through her clothing. She managed to hide her discomfort as Helaena and the children rushed to her side. Maera's voice was steady as she reassured them, "I'm all right. It's just a scratch." But as she moved, she could feel the wetness of blood against her skin, a reminder that the injury was more than she had initially thought.

“Your skills are impressive” Aemonds spoke as he cleaned his sword. “But I would get that wound looked at before it gets infected”

With a small smile at the compliment and a determined nod, Maera excused herself and made her way to the Maester, the compliments of the onlookers filled her ears as she walked. She caught Aemond’s eyes lingering on her as she looked back at the courtyard once more, before entering the stone walls of the Red Keep. As the door closed behind her, Maera found herself at war with her emotions, grappling with the conflicting forces that had been stirred within her. The duel had been more than a physical clash with Aemond; it had laid bare the complexities of their dynamic, leaving her with a battle to fight not just on the training ground, but within herself as well.

Thank you so much for reading! Comments, feedback, likes, and reblogs are greatly appreciated 🖤

[orbital-inclination]

There were some things I didn’t cover in the “hey Rem, so how’s being kidnapped treating ya?” comic that I still wanna touch on but wasn’t able to due to time/energy restraints + art block. So here’s a ramble about it!

Nightmare did his research. He knows that he and Rem descend from similar if not nearly identical timelines and because of that, he also knows he cannot approach Rem like he would a potential recruit or/and prisoner. His goal is not to impress or intimidate but to persuade. Nightmare expects Rem's cooperation but also understands that he cannot fully trust him. Rem is treated well, all things considered. But he is still being held against his will. It's a stressful situation. From Rem's perspective, he has no idea where Molt is. Nightmare claims he can have Molt harmed, or worse, at any time.

The thought terrifies him. He almost lost his brother once. He can’t go through that again. Rem is watched and escorted at all times. He cannot use his magic. There are places within Nightmare's castle he isn't allowed to go. It's suffocating here.

Misc things: - Nightmare did not inform his boys men that Rem is his alternate self. (they are suspicious, regardless. but their shared brain cell gets passed around and Horror had it last. He forgot where he put it.) - The murder trio has never seen Nightmare wear his crown. They are unaware he has one. - Nightmare is keeping Rem's crown in his desk. His own is buried in a box in the castle courtyard, under grey flagstone. - He can't look at either crown. - Rem does want his crown back but it's the LEAST of his concerns right now. - Nightmare has gone unchallenged for a long time. Oh, sure, Dream is a thorn in his side. A frustrating thorn, and a threat to his plans. But he is overly confident in himself. He fully expects Rem to see things his way eventually. It’s more accurate to say, Nightmare has gone unchallenged at his own game, for a long time. Dream challenges his hold over neutral territory frequently enough.

Further cut stuff that I wanted to draw out but it lives in limbo-draft hell now: - Killer is the kind of person to pester and pester until he gets the answer he wants. NM Is not giving him the answer he wants. So he pesters Rem instead. Rem is easier to read than the Boss, but he’s just as cagey. But what bothers Killer, is how well Rem can read HIM.

- Horror warms up to Rem quickly.

- Dust is like a shy cat. He avoids their “guest” unless it’s his turn to watch him.

- Rem seems to know them all TOO well, in Killer’s opinion. He warns the Boss.

- but Boss smiles in that knowing way of his and tells him not to worry about it. Everything is going according to plan. - privately, Killer still has his doubts. He thinks their "guest" is up to something.

[scarydeadlavender]

꧁༺ 𝓢𝓮𝓮 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓪 𝓶𝓲𝓻𝓻𝓸𝓻 ༻꧂

Request of : @thedogisontopofthecarmom

I hope you like it and I hope I managed to write your idea haha

Resume : Can you do one where the reader and Daniel are together and aged up and one day the golden trio come to Hogwarts for something and the see Daniel and they think he’s Snape ( for this can we pretend that Snape had a wife) and they think you are snapes wife and they ask if we know who they are we say no and they go and show you there portraits and it’s like looking in a mirror ( and Daniel and us are the potion and Herbology professors)

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Harry got off the train and arrived on the flowery platform that was familiar to him. He stretched and put his glasses back in place, feeling very nostalgic. It had been an eternity since he had been here.

?: Hey Harry!

The man turned around and smiled at the sight of his friends Ron and Hermione. He ran towards them and hugged them tightly. The Golden Trio reunited, and they burst into laughter.

Hermione: It feels strange to be here, don't you think?

Ron sniffed the fresh air before putting his arm around Hermione's waist, a small sparkling ring on her finger.

Ron: Yeah... so much has happened...

The three friends looked in the direction of the famous castle.

Harry: I think... it's time to go home.

Throughout the journey to reach Hogwarts, they recounted their most beautiful memories, such as their encounter with Luna Lovegood or the Quidditch matches, seeing the pitch and its towers in the colors of the different houses, rebuilt after the Battle of Hogwarts.

Once they arrived in front of the grand entrance of Hogwarts, a mix of emotions was present: joy, sadness, nostalgia. So many feelings impossible to express all at once. Harry turned to his friends; they stood a few steps below, looking at the great courtyard that had once been shattered, broken by his battle with Lord Voldemort.

Harry: Guys, I think we should visit our old school. I mean, it's been a long time since we came back here!

Hermione: Harry, you can have good ideas sometimes!!

Hermione ran up the stairs and hopped a little.

Hermione: Let's become Hogwarts students again, at least for a day!

Without further ado, the two boys joined her as in the good old days. In the corridors, many students, all in different colors, looked at them with curious eyes, whispering from time to time when they saw the famous Harry Potter in their midst. After all, it's not every day that they see the famous modern wizard!

Sometimes, a few brave students would approach him and ask for an autograph. After all, it's not every day that you meet the famous wizard of modern times!

The first place they decided to visit was the grand library, where Hermione loved to come. When she entered this familiar place, the smell of books brought back many memories. She smiled softly, seeing her favorite book still there.

Although he was happy to be there, the library was not Harry's favorite place. He wandered through the aisles, looking at the various books present when suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he thought he saw someone he knew. He quickly put the book he was holding back and went in search of the individual.

But there was no sign of him anymore, disoriented; he didn't notice his two friends approaching him from the side. Ron put his hand on Harry's shoulder, seeing his pale face.

Ron: Are you alright, Harry? You look like you've seen a ghost!

Harry: I... I think I saw Snape...

Hermione: Snape? Are you sure? You know he's...

Harry: Dead? Yes, I know... I'm telling you, it was him! Same haircut, same style of clothing!

His two friends looked at him perplexed... Seeing this, Harry changed the subject.

Harry: Nevermind, let's continue our visit!

The second place they visited was the haunted bathrooms with Moaning Myrtle, the same bathrooms where they had discovered the Chamber of Secrets. Surprisingly, the place was cold and filled with dust, no living soul was present, except for the ghostly girl who descended from the large window where she stood. The sun passed through her cold body, and she was surprised to see the famous trio!

Moaning Myrtle: You!

Ron: You!

He shuddered at the memory when she passed through his body. She stood close to them.

Moaning Myrtle: Oh... how I envy you...

Hermione: Come on, Myrtle...

Hermione went to put her hand on the girl's shoulder, but she passed through her.

Moaning Myrtle: I'm both happy to see you again and sad to know that you were able to leave this place... Boohoo...

She started crying harder.

Harry: Come on, come on! Don't cry so much!

Ron: That's right! It's cool to be a ghost!

Moaning Myrtle: Cool? COOL?

Despite several attempts to calm her down, the sound of her crying echoed far enough for a familiar silhouette to appear.

?: What's going on here? Harry, Ron, Hermione!

A laugh they could recognize anywhere resonated.

Hermione: Hagrid!

The trio turned towards Hagrid to give him a hug. Hagrid's large arms embraced them in return.

Hagrid: It's so good to see you again! You haven't changed!

The trio chuckled, digressing on various subjects. However, Harry still seemed troubled by the mysterious encounter. He couldn't remain without an answer.

Harry: Hagrid, do you know if... well, I mean, if Snape's ghost would be present at Hogwarts?

Hagrid narrowed his eyes.

Hagrid: Snape? It's been a long time, Harry. If he had become a ghost, I would have seen him!

?: What ghost? Do we have a new resident?

A mysterious voice was heard.

Hagrid: Ah, Professor!

Hermione: Professor?

Hagrid stepped aside so that the trio could get a closer look at the new person present. He was about 25 years old, wearing green robes with some gold details adorning his sleeves, and on his wizard hat, several flowers were attached around a golden ribbon. In his hand, where a pair of brown gloves protected his fingers, he held a bouquet of flowers and herbs, all different.

Hagrid: Harry, Ron, Hermione, this is the Herbology professor. Professor, this is Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.

The professor smiled and took off one of his gloves to shake hands with the trio. Hermione squinted her eyes.

Hermione: Your face looks familiar...

The professor looked puzzled.

Professor: Oh, I have a doubt, haha, I'm sorry, I must leave, I have to go give this to the potion classroom.

Ron: Oh, can we come with you? We'll go there!

The professor smiled and motioned for them to follow him, bidding farewell to their old friends. This time, it was Hermione who seemed lost in thought, reflecting on where she had seen this face that seemed so familiar to her. Harry noticed and approached her while waiting for the stairs that changed positions to come towards them.

Harry: What's going on?

Hermione: His face seems familiar to me; it's getting strange. First, the sudden appearance of Snape, and now this face...

Throughout the rest of the journey, she pondered and didn't notice their arrival in the potion classroom. The classroom hadn't changed, the tables made of white tiles, the various dried flowers, the numerous potions, the large cabinet containing all the most dangerous products, and that unique smell.

The classroom was empty, at least the main classroom. Another person was present, another professor who was manipulating a green potion that he poured into a cauldron.

Professor: Honey, here are the herbs and flowers!

The famous potion professor turned around and looked at the flowers now placed on one of the tables. The professor had medium-length curly hair, a black cape, a white shirt with a vest adorned with golden buttons underneath, and, in his hand, a bouquet of flowers and herbs, all different.

Professor: That will be perfect for the pro...

Ron: OH MY GOD, SNAPE IS ALIVE!!

All eyes turned towards Ron, who had spoken a bit too loudly.

Potion Professor: Uh... I beg your pardon?

Hermione's breath caught in her throat as she looked at the two figures side by side.

Hermione: You are Professor Snape, and you are his wife!!

Hermione turned to Harry.

Hermione: Oh, Harry, you were right! Snape is indeed alive!

The trio was overjoyed, yet the couple didn't seem to understand the situation, not knowing how to respond to the many questions from the trio.

Potion Professor: No, we don't know who that is, unfortunately... Can I help?

Hermione passed the book to the potion professor, who flipped through it while looking at the herbology professor.

Potion Professor: Ahh, I see, you're former students...

He smiled sadly.

Potion Professor: Sorry for not being the people you were looking for... but let me introduce ourselves.

He cleared his throat.

Daniel: I'm Daniel Page, Potions Professor, and this is Tp (your last name), Herbology Professor!

Tp: More precisely, Tp (your last name) Page recently!

Daniel smiled at Tp before taking her hand. Time had passed, and several years had elapsed. Now, all their years at Hogwarts were memories that could be sad, boring, angry, but above all, happy.

Their friends had taken different paths, artist, Quidditch player... And they had decided to stay in the academic field, but this time as professors! Daniel had become a Potions professor, and Tp, an Herbology professor... and of course, the two lovers had married each other.

Ron: Oh, congratulations, and sorry for mistaking you for someone else.

Tp smiled sadly and put her hand on the redhead's shoulder.

Tp: We're sorry for not being the people you were looking for... but if you don't mind telling us more about them...

Daniel gestured for the group to sit at one of the tables. They took their seats on the wooden stools.

Hermione: So, you really don't know who they are?

Daniel shook his head again before seeing a small portrait slide towards him. He was shocked himself by the great resemblance. He felt Tp's arms on his shoulder; she rested her head on it to see better.

Tp: It's true that the resemblance is striking!

Daniel: I feel like I'm looking at myself in a mirror!

The Golden Trio laughed, sharing some details about the two lovers.

Harry: Are you sure you don't have any family connections?

Once again, Daniel shook his head negatively.

Daniel: I'm a half-blood; my father is a Muggle.

Tp: Sorry, I don't know, but admit it's quite extraordinary to have such a resemblance! Daniel, admit it! You are actually Snape, but you took a rejuvenation potion!

Tp tugged at Daniel's cheek, who groaned a little at the slight pain.

Daniel: No, no, I was born in London, and I'm definitely a half-blood!

Tp looked at the small clock before noticing that several hours had passed. She got up hastily.

Tp: Excuse me, but my next class is in 20 minutes, and I have to prepare everything!

Hermione: Wait a moment, please!

Tp stopped in her tracks.

Hermione: Do you mind... if I add a photo of you to my album? Just to remember you and... your resemblance to them!

Tp smiled and stood next to Daniel, who entwined his fingers with Tp's, giving her a light kiss on her forehead. They smiled, unable to stop laughing.

CLICK

Hermione: There you go!

She shook the photo to make it appear more quickly, and once it did, she smiled, giving it to the couple.

Tp: I thought...

Hermione: I made two; accept this one, you both look adorable in it.

.

.

.

When Hermione put the photo she had taken into the photo album, she placed it on the same page as Snape and his wife. What a surprise to see that they were both in the same place, and both couples had their fingers entwined, laughing... She felt like she was seeing two different timelines or even... ❝𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫❞

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number of words : 2333

I really like writing this Thanks again for your request! I hope that I have respected it and that you will have liked it

[isitbop]

Fun Facts with the Ghost Station Duo because why not.

1. I was playing Bot Matches with Chuck (I unfortunately don't have him yet); and, is it me, or does Gus seem bigger than Chuck?

2. They're twining! The color palettes on their rare skins seem very similar, and honestly, that's so cool to me. The synergy with this duo is 🤌 I love them so much!!!

Edit because I have noticed MORE things.

3. They both are wearing the same striped shirt! Gus wears his under his teal t-shirt, and Chuck wears his under his jacket and scarf!

4. Just like some other trios in the game (Castle Courtyard, Superheroes, etc.), they kinda share the same color palettes consisting of greens, teals, and purples. With this in mind, it gives ud a bit of an inside on what to expect from the third member when it comes to their design. Fingers crossed they're released next year! 🤞

[melrosing]

MBO Robert's Rebellion: Episode 7

for those keeping track, another minor amend to timelines - pushed this ep's events one year later than canon to give Duskendale room to breathe, and conflated Jaime's trip to Riverrun (which has no canonical date but was probably a couple years later than this) with the Lannisport tourney (canonically one year earlier than I have it here). the chronology around each event didn't seem to matter too much and also I really wanted to introduce the Tully sisters at this point, so Jaime's Riverrun visit seemed like the most natural way to tie them in with someone we've introduced already.

also, switched the victor of the Lannisport tourney from Arthur to Rhaegar as I had it the other way round in ep3!

mostly this is a big ole check in with the Robert's Rebellion generation and what kind of kids they are. Cers and Mags didn't seem all that relevant in the grand scheme of things but it felt weird to leave it out given that all goes down during the Lannisport tourney so whatever

Prev: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6

Next: Episode 8

title for this one: Cersei's First Homicide

One year timeskip ⏱We’re in the Riverlands, where a young Petyr Baelish (9) is punting Cat and Lysa down a calm, narrow river. Cat (13) and Lysa (11) lie back together at the prow, whispering loudly to one another in their secret language - this seems to be annoying Petyr, who doesn’t understand a word. He asks them not to speak it, which makes the sisters laugh - together, they rock the boat until Petyr loses balance and falls over aboard

Edmure (aged.... let’s go with 6) appears on the riverbank: Father wants them back at the castle. Petyr asks for a hand out of the river, which Lysa says he’ll only have if he says that he loves her. Petyr looks slightly aghast, and Cat, taking pity, offers him her own hand. Lysa’s turn to look put out

The trio make their way back to the castle; in the courtyard, Hoster Tully greets Jaime Lannister (11), who is acting as a messenger between Lord Crakehall and Riverrun. Hoster introduces his daughters (proudly mentioning Cat's recent betrothal to Brandon Stark), his son Edmure, and, irritably, Petyr - who looks like a drowned rat. Jaime says he does not know House Baelish, Petyr says he imagines there’s much and more the young lord of Lannister does not know - earning an abrupt dismissal by Lord Hoster to go clean himself up

Opening 👏 creds 👏

Meanwhile: Casterly Rock, where Tywin Lannister is hosting a tourney in celebration of Prince Viserys’ first name day. Rhaegar Targ (18) is in concert, playing a sad song on his lil harp. A young Cersei (11) weeps in the audience; her friend Melara teasingly nudges her - Cersei elbows back a little sharper, embarrassed. She casts a hopeful glance to Tywin Lannister, who sits nearby: Tywin returns her looks and nods

Tywin turns to King Aerys, sat beside him, and tries to say something; however Aerys is deep in conversation with one Steffon Baratheon, making a point to ignore his Hand. Meanwhile in the background: cameo from Tyrion Lannister (4), looking bored as hell

The tourney itself: standard scenes of men playing w sticks, concluding in a final face-off between Rhaegar and Arthur. Reminiscent of their first match in ep3, they charge, and Rhaegar wins this time - he’s at the top of his game. Arthur looks entirely unperturbed by his loss, and celebrates Rhaegar with the crowd. Aerys in the background, clutching Viserys like some kind of comfort blanket

Evening, in the Vale with Ned (14) and Robert (16). The two friends are walking down the streets of a nearby town. Entering what’s not quite a brothel, more like a seedy pub, Robert tells Ned he should have his first woman tonight. Ned declines despite Robert’s teasing, but Robert, undeterred, finds a girl for himself. Ned sits awkwardly with a pint of ale whilst Robert sits with a girl in his lap, and asks Ned if Lyanna’s anything like this one?? Ned makes no comment

Cersei and Melara, feeling v giggly and excitable, are sneaking out for their own excursion into the night, to meet Maggy thee Frog. They make their way through Lannisport and vanish into a dark wood on the perimeter

Aerys, in the gallery at the Rock. Aerys is looking upon a portrait of Joanna, and looks irritated to have been interrupted when Tywin approaches. Aerys notes that Cersei looks a great deal like Joanna; Tywin agrees this is true. Carefully, he suggests that they might announce a betrothal between Rhaegar and Cersei - we get the impression that Tywin has raised this many times, and now seeks a final answer. Aerys gives him one, and says that he has no intention of marrying his son to his servant’s daughter. On Tywin, who’s really this close to starting a job search on linkedin

Meanwhile: Cers & Melara. They find Maggy’s tent, and that whole thing happens with Cers getting her horrible little prophecy idk we know how it goes. Subsequently, Cersei trying to hold it together as they leave, and Melara attempting to laugh it all off. They enter a clearing with a well in the midst (!!!!), and Melara tries to console Cersei - a prophecy can’t come true if no-one speaks of it!! Cersei looks up - cogs turning behind her eyes. And anyway, says Melara, she knows she’s going to marry Jaime, so Maggy really is just a stupid old - oh shit Cersei has pushed her down a fucking well!!! I would say Cersei’s crime wiki starts here but well. there was that shit with Tyrion already

Melara screaming at the bottom of the well. Cersei looks as though she can’t quite believe what she’s just done. For a long moment she stands leaning over the edge, looking silently down at the desperate Melara, who begs her for help. Cersei lowers to the ground, leaning against the side of the well - she needs to sit with this for a bit

Ned, leading a drunken Robert back to the Eyrie. He looks annoyed with his friend, like he’s done this before, but this time it’s worse. Then Robert says something to make Ned laugh, and Ned struggles not to smile

Back with Cersei. It’s dawn - she’s somehow fallen asleep at the side of the well. She looks back over the edge: Melara is wide awake, still trying to call, but her voice is shaky and hoarse. Cersei looks down at her for a long moment, and then departs; we hear Melara croaking in dismay

Cersei sneaks back inside Casterly Rock, using some weird connection of tunnels idk. She enters her bedchamber, dresses down and climbs into bed

At Riverrun: Jaime walking with Catelyn and Lysa in the castle gardens, blathering on about swords and squiring. Lysa attempts an interesting comment on the subject, but it doesn’t seem to register with Jaime; Catelyn gives her sister an apologetic smile, and rolls her eyes sympathetically

Back with Cersei once more, on her way to breakfast with Genna; Genna notes that her niece looks tired lol. And then, unfortunately, she must break some bad news: King Aerys has turned down Tywin’s proposition, and will not marry her to Rhaegar after all. Cersei breaks down on the spot, but Genna wills her to stop her tears, and look strong when they present themselves, show the Prince what he’s missing. Cers puts on a brave face as she enters the hall, but catching sight of Tyrion sat with their uncles, some of the façade falls away

Riverrun once more, at table: Jaime is pestering Brynden Tully for stories, Lysa is looking dejected at his side. Hoster suggests that Brynden might have duties away from the table, which Brynden happy latches onto and makes a departure. A disappointed Jaime decides to attempt conversation with Catelyn instead; Lysa looks close to tears, and asks Hoster if they might invite Petyr to table. Hoster like. no lol

A feast at the Rock. Aerys holds up Prince Viserys for everyone to applaud him: Viserys like :-|

Aerys makes an announcement!! Rhaegar is long overdue a betrothal! Tywin and Cersei actually look hopeful for a minute before Aerys goes on to say that he’ll be sending his old friend Steffon Baratheon (little wave from Steffon) across the Narrow Sea to find the most eligible woman for their future queen. nice. What could possibly go wrong