#d;; Fables of a Vacant Sky

[ofstarsandskies]

Spring Festitales '24: Elle's Memory Book

Atop Julius' tomato specials seems to be its own mini-building, equipped with a staircase leading up to it from the stand's backside. Of course, like most things related to Julius, it has its own eye-catching self-lit sign, this one reading: 'Elle's Memory Book Workshop'.

In this workshop were the two brains behind the operation: Elle, the namesake and designer, and V, her photographer and assistant developer. Ludger sometimes visited up top with snacks and materials, though for now it was Founders Only.

They can't keep their audience waiting~!

"How's the photos coming along, V?"

"I believe I've gotten at least one picture of each of your friends that they and you'll look back at fondly."

As an example, V flashed the developing film of Jude's awkward yet warm smile when opening his present from Calypso. Though V's photos weren't limited to people: the Monster Cat (who Zig was convinced was Vicious' newest disguise), each stand, and some nice views he got from climbing as high as possible were included.

"I also asked Zig if he really was okay sharing the less flattering ones I took of him. He said, 'Every smile needs a laugh to be complete'," And hey, he's laughing himself already. "I don't mean to insult him, but I didn't think he'd say something like that."

"Don't worry, you'll get used to Zig defying all expectations! Just like how YOU defied mine: you've done so much for someone insisting he works for free!" Elle giggled as V's face brightened; he really did have a heart like Jude's. But all the better for a project made with love from stitch to stitch. "But you know, I don't think I saw a single picture with you in it."

"Oh--" He's taken aback for some reason, "Did you want me to be in the book...?"

"Of course I do! We might've started as client and worker, but you've done plenty to earn yourself a spot on my friends list! In fact... hold still!"

Elle takes V's gift camera off from the counter, pointing it right at V. He freezes in place better than a statue, though his smile still looks natural as if she whipped out the camera when he wasn't looking. With one poof, the perfectest of perfect photos comes out. Too bad he wasn't in cosplay mode anymore; Victor'd love that shot.

"There we are, you're now an official Elle's Buddy List Member!" The photo joins the to-be mass printed pile. "You're also getting a book, no ifs or buts! What shape do you want yours?"

"Could you make mine in the shape of a puzzle piece?" Elle can't help her confused blinks at V's request, which probably forced him to elaborate, "Everyone's surprised when I mention it. But I've always found myself wondering how I'd fill a blank puzzle set with my artist's soul. You could say each page in this book is another piece in that puzzle."

Ohhh, it all made sense! And who is she to decline such a heartfelt idea? "Consider it done! Let's hope in 20 years, you'll still look back at this as your masterpiece!"

"For all those involved, I hope so as well."

He sounded sincere, thank Origin. So! Back to work for the both of them! --But one of these days, she'd find a way to pack him back for real.

[ofstarsandskies]

Reflecting on One's Past

As Ludger toiled away at his apartment partitioning, he couldn't help looking out his bedroom window. The night sky always had a way of calming him whenever he woke up in a fit, assuming he didn't wake Julius up already. Those fits got better as he met people like Kazuya, Scion, Moon, and... it's kinda funny how long he could make that list. Longer than his old list.

He hoped all of them were doing alright, whatever they were doing. Too bad a good few, they were either too busy to bother or he just had no idea where they went. But as long as they were happy... it's fine.

Still, as he stared out at the stars, the nostalgia had him thinking.

I wonder what the Ludger just a year ago would think of how I'm doing now. I know he'd be surprised to hear there's three apartments to our name now, but... would he be happy we've gone down this road? Would he wonder how we we're still here?

...As long as Julius was alive, I'm sure he'd find some way to smile, I hope. I can't say he deserves it, but someone's got to tell him others feel differently.

Somehow, he's smiling at the thought.

"Still, I don't think he'd envy trying to make this puzzle work..." Three adults, one adult who NEEDS a housekeeper, two kids, a Great Spirit, and a demon who'd eventually need a bed that wasn't in his head. Curse sentimental value not letting him buy a super house like Victor's to house his colorful cast of characters....

[ofstarsandskies]

Spring Festitales 2024 -- A Fleeting Feeling

As the Kresnik brothers left the beach, Ludger felt something. A fleeting voice in his head which came and went as soon as he noticed its presence.

What it wanted or why it spoke to him, he couldn't say. It's as if a lightning bolt struck then vanished with the thunder's crack. Whatever its intentions, he can't help wondering if he should tell anyone about it.

Everyone's already worn out, He ultimately concluded as he walked back to the stand, side-by-side with his brother (and their two troublemakers). They don't need to worry about me. If there's anyone to worry about, it's Zig. Even Victor's saying things about him.

His brother nudges his shoulder, asking if he's hurt anywhere from the Sharknado attack. Ludger forces a smile and assures he's fine; if anything, he's the least hurt out of everyone thanks to Julius. The glass from the dunk tank would've hit them both if Julius hadn't dove after him.

Julius isn't convinced--he knows that slight droop in his big brother's eyebrows--yet he lets it go "for now"; they need to eat a warm meal and rest this whole affair off.

...When I was like that on the beach, were you scared of me? Ludger wants to ask, but he doesn't.

[ofstarsandskies]

Striborg Julius Drabble -- Losing What Matters Most

OutOfCanonShips;; I was tempted by fellow Kresnik simplord @elympios and my usual enabler @unborderedreflection to do more Striborg Julius. And so despite intending to write maybe 500 words, here we are >2x that length.

CW: Physical & Mental Abuse. Be ready for the yikes train!

Edit: It's on AO3 now too. Whichever's your fancy, go for it ;U

Ludger's late. He's never late. Or if he's coming close, he calls. There's no missed calls. Julius is five minutes away from leaving the apartment and dragging Ludger home. Trigleph isn't a safe place at night for boys his age. He's only eighteen. Far too young. Always too young.

Ludger, did Bisley finally--

"Brother, I'm home!" Ludger calls as he enters the apartment, "I'm sorry, the tailor I commissioned asked me to come in for any final adjustments. I didn't think we'd run so long, but least I'll look perfect for Sunday!"

Sunday... Wasn't that...? "Ludger... You're not planning on attending Spirius' open house event, are you?"

"Sure am! I bought my own suit and everything!"

Ludger shows off his spoils: a glossed light grey jacket with black slacks and shined black dress shoes. Underneath the jacket is a while cuffed long sleeved shirt and a cute silver bow tie. Like all of Ludger's outfits, it'll look amazing on him.

But its purpose cannot be ignored-- it's all for that man.

"Looks good, right? Bisley himself's coming to welcome future applicants! I'm hoping if I go early, I can tell him hello myself before he gets stormed with--"

"You're not going," Julius says, tone flat despite the anxiety bubbling inside him.

Ludger stares back at him for a moment, yet he continues undeterred, "Don't worry! The event's free, and I'll cook dinner before I go! Or if you're worried I'll sneak a drink, I wouldn't risk getting kicked out for--"

"Don't make me repeat myself, Ludger."

"Um..." This time, Ludger realizes he's serious. Though like the first reminder, he doesn't understand the decision's final, "Why can't I go?"

Julius couldn't believe they're discussing this. Why was Ludger questioning him? He used to take his word for things and drop it. Why, of all times, was he insisting now?

"Because you're not," Julius closes in on Ludger, reminding him who's in charge. "If you want to go out that badly, ask your friends if they'll go to dinner with you."

--But contrary to expectations, Ludger doesn't shrink back and apologize for troubling him. A stubborn flame lights in him, one Julius cannot appreciate while it's directed at him, "Julius, this isn't about attending a party! Going to this event's my chance to become an Agent!"

He still didn't give up on that? Despite all of Julius' suggestions for other jobs? His stories of his terrible days at work? His doubts and warnings about his chances of passing the field exam being on the floor? What the hell did Ludger need to get the hint and stop chasing certain death?

Was Ludger's misguided determination because of his new friends from school? The chattiest one, Bisley's secretary's sister if he remembered right, kept gushing on about how girls liked a man who could bring in the dough. Maybe she filled his head with grandiose ideas; Spirius Agents' pay put almost every other job in Elympios' to shame.

Or was it the TV reporting on Spirius' recent breakthroughs into other fields? Julius switched channels whenever Spirius' name came up, but Ludger could easily watch the news reports after school.

Julius can think of a thousand explanations. There's far too many to deal with individually before Sunday. Dissuading Ludger's his best answer.

"You're wasting your time, Ludger. Spirius isn't somewhere you should work. Bisley isn't the boss you think he is, either."

"And yet it's fine if you work there?!" Ludger's voice strains to reach Julius' volume. "Give me one good reason I can't work at Spirius! And failing the field exam doesn't count; I can always try the next year!"

"The reason is because I said so. I work there. I know what it's like. We're done talking about this; you're not going, and that's final."

Ludger's fight dies out, melting into sorrow as tears glisten on his eyelashes. Julius reaches out to wipe them, to bring back Ludger's loving smile. But Ludger walks past him, setting his clothes on the kitchen table.

"...I'm going out," He's walking towards the door. If Ludger leaves, he'll never come back.

His little brother stops as Julius catches him by the wrist. "Let me go! I don't want to argue anymore!" Ludger's struggles are stronger than he remembers, not that they'll do him any good. Ludger couldn't hurt a fly without apologizing to it.

"You're not leaving until you give this pipe dream up."

"Brother..." Julius can't tell if Ludger's tears are from his words or his grip. "Please, I just need a little time to cool down!"

And then you'll run away, Julius' hold tightens with each unspeakable thought that crosses him. Ensnared in Bisley's schemes like a bunny caught in a bear trap. He'll catch you like he has everyone in the DODA. There's no corner in Elympios--in this world--that's safe for you. Not unless you stay where I can protect you.

"Julius, please stop, you're hurting me--"

I can't. You know full well why I can't stop. I've said it too many times. Or have you been ignoring me all this time? This isn't the Ludger I loved. He's changed. He's been poisoned by the world.

Who did this to you? What haven't you been telling me? You can't act like this, Ludger. The world out there will devour every piece that makes you bright.

"WHY CAN'T YOU LISTEN LIKE YOU ALWAYS DO?!" Julius finally voices his frustrations. "I'M TRYING TO SAVE YOU, WHY WON'T YOU UNDERSTAND--"

"STOP IT!" Ludger's foot pounds into his knee, forcing Julius to stumble and let go. On Ludger's pale skin, it's impossible to ignore the glowing red hand print on his wrist. Even the redness around his eyes cannot compare. "If this is how you're going to be, th-then... I'm moving out and never coming back! I hate you, Julius! Goodbye!"

He's too late to stop Ludger from running outside. Everything's lost. His world's pitch black.

Finding Ludger wouldn't take longer than a second-- his prototype GHS has a GPS chip to transmit his location. But despite the simplicity, Julius can't bring his hand to even reach into his pocket. The pain isn't in his knee, it's in his core being.

For once, Julius lets Ludger go with hopes he'll return home.

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

Ludger comes home a few hours later. He makes dinner. It's pasta margherita, as usual. Before Julius can offer his thanks, Ludger takes his plate and locks himself in his room.

Breakfast the next morning is similar: he cooks, then retreats. There's no response when Julius asks him to come out and talk through what happened. Attempts to call him from several different numbers gets shorter and shorter, if he picks up at all. Their home is eerily silent for weeks save for the sounds of their stove every meal.

And yet when the silence is broken? It's not the same.

Ludger talks to him, but he doesn't say anything meaningful. When Julius asks what's wrong, Ludger cradles where his bruise used to be and tells him he's fine. If Julius doesn't drop it, he shrinks back and excuses himself to do the laundry or finish washing the dishes.

He should be happy; Ludger's fallen in line again. Yet when he sees his brother's face each morning, he misses that bright smile and cheerful, "Good luck at work today!".

Ludger, please come back. Without you, I'm nothing. Smile at me one last time. Tell me you love me before I decay into nothingness. Pretend if you have to. I don't care. I just need to know you're still here. Please Ludger.

For the first time in years, Julius weeps.

[ofstarsandskies]

Xillia 1 + 2 AU -- A Gift For Julius...?

As Julius arrived home from work, he couldn't miss the pink giftbox sitting on the kitchen table. Likely a gift for the landlady, Julius thought. She's the closest thing Ludger would have to a mother. But those thoughts where shattered when the label addressed himself to him.

If it's for me, then there shouldn't be any harm in opening it. With careful hands, Julius pulled the ribbon off the top and lifted the lid off to see...! A GHS keychain that resembled Lulu to a T.

Just as the questions were about to run wild, his recent family addition came out of her room, "So, do you like it? I saved up my allowance to commission someone to make this!"

"I do, but I have one question-- why give it to me today? Father's Day isn't until next month."

Apparently Elize was ready for his question, because she answered him immediately, "It's cause you're like a Mom and a Dad combined! And Father's Day cannot come soon enough, so... I thought I could give you a gift early! Think of it as I appreciate you so much, I needed TWO holidays to tell you how I feel!"

At Elize's going rate, Ludger might have a rival for cutest family member. With his brother quest to be seen as a cool, responsible adult, perhaps he'd be celebrating the motions for his crown.

"Thank you, Elize. I'm glad you value me so highly, despite only knowing me for what seems like the fastest year of my life." Sometimes Julius forgot how many weeks' distance grew between now and his first proper arrival in the Prime Dimension's Rieze Maxia. Departing from the Temporal Crossroads felt no later than yesterday.

[ofstarsandskies]

@twinklesofhope || A one-off continuation of this ask cause I'm a sucker for angst

"STOP!"

Ludger shout as he jolts awake. Poor Lulu lets out a shriek as he's literally kicked from his nap spot on Ludger's legs. "S-Sorry Lulu, I didn't mean to disturb your nap," Ludger pets under his cat's chin to apologize, earning him a steady purr.

As he kept absently stroking Lulu, he couldn't help thinking back to his dream. This wasn't the first of its kind; he'd flashed back to that moment in his sleep at least a dozen times. But each one was never the same. Elle would say something else, or Ludger'd think to activate the Chromatus to catalyze first until the terror of death broke his resolve. So many what if's that couldn't change what's already done.

--But that's thoughts he has to put aside. Looking at his alarm clock, he's got an hour before work. Spirius' CEO can't be even a second late. His freshly laundered dress clothes hang from his closet knob, somehow still cat hair free. He's able to stack on all the layers without much thought. Though whenever he gets to the tie, he...

He pulls it tight. Vera says something if he keeps it too loose. Sometimes he wonders why Bisley left him the company instead of her. He's done maybe a few things without her say-so. Nothing bad happened, but Elympios depends on Spirius' success. One mistake could lead to untold damage.

The final touch before he leaves his room is the golden pocket watch he slips into his pants pocket. Sometimes he takes the silver instead, but not today.

"Just get through today," Ludger tells himself as he double checks himself in the mirror. "You've done it before. It'll be fine."

Breakfast comes and goes in silence as he steps outside the apartment to brave another day.

[ofstarsandskies]

BE+ Drabble -- Ludger's One Wish

"Will this really let me get closer to other people...?" Ludger asked as he tapped his pen against his face.

"Totally! You gotta know your compatibility with other people to get anywhere in a relationship-- whether it's dating, friendships, and/or mentorships!" The older Elle insisted, as expected. This magazine was her idea. "Plus you're almost done! Girls don't like guys who leave their work half-finished!"

The first part isn't wrong at least; only two questions remain before he's supposed to tally up his points. Next up was, If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?. All four possible answers were pretty typical: money, fame, getting your crush, or try getting wore wishes. Alas, none of them fit what Ludger'd want most.

If Ludger did get a wish, he want to cook pasta margheritas for Julius forever.

The way his brother smiles eating one, assuring him every second how much he loves both him and the dish... Ludger would love to relive those moments for the rest of his life if he could. But he knows forever doesn't exist-- discounting aging, either he or Julius might find lives apart from each other. Or, well, better said he might; his brother hasn't spared anyone else a fraction of the attention he gives Ludger.

It's comforting to know there's one constant in this unpredictable place they call life.

"So what are you gonna pick?" Elle reminds him he's supposed to be filling out a quiz, not off daydreaming.

"Definitely the money-- I know how easy debt sneaks up on you."

"Good thing that whole mess is settled, right?" She's staring him down, begging him not to say the obvious wrong answer.

"Yes, I paid my loan off. Although it's kind of weird paying money to Rideaux's family. I thought they'd be mean and think I did something to him to avoid payment, but they've been pretty nice the times I've met them."

"C'mon Ludger, look at yourself! Would you be mean to a soft spoken nerd like you?"

Ludger's face heats up at his new title, "I-I'm not a nerd!"

"Then ditch those glasses if you're gonna wear those white pocket tees!"

"B-But I like them! They make me look mature like my brother! And with how often I wear them, they're like a second skin to me!"

"Okay, okay, I was just sayin'!" Elle lets out a defeated breath. "Let's get back to the quiz before the entourage gets here."

"Fair enough," Clicking his pen, Ludger checks the very last question: Do you think you understand yourself better after filling out this quiz?

In a way, maybe he did.

[ofstarsandskies]

Spring Festitales 2024 -- A Talk Between Friends(?)

Victor's gaze hasn't left their 'grass keeper' since this morning. Elle pulled Victor aside last night to keep watch over him, as she wanted to keep the club going as to not disappoint the other members. He accepted, even if it meant babysitting that problem.

--Or at least, it would've been terrible if Zig was his usual self. The Zig he'd been watching today? Another story entirely.

When customers inevitably asked why the plucked grass went straight into his stomach, he didn't defend his actions at all. He'd just stop until whoever asked left the stand and then continue without a word. The Zig he endured would eat the weeds from his garden while he watched. This one... seemed so uncertain. Like he's following a script.

If he keeps acting like this, Elle's going to be miserable too. I hate doing this, but for her, I don't have a choice.

"Zig," Victor says once Julius' stand is free of customers waiting. Zig stops plucking to look back at him. "What's wrong with you?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Because..." Elle's upset you're acting like this, he holds his tongue to think of a better, 'caring' answer. "You've lost your liveliness ever since your forest adventure with Michan. Whenever you pick at my garden, you'll look me in the eye as you're doing it. Now, if one person comments you're eating grass, you stop; that isn't like you."

Zig lets out a low hum, "I see," As he's thinking, his left hand's flexing, yet the movement's too slow, too loose. Is whatever happened to his shoulder spreading? "It's better for the stand's image if I stop. That's all."

--And in his attempt to dismiss the issue, Zig's only shown he's definitely not the goat-human hybrid he's had the displeasure of entertaining. Zig Kraft doesn't need excuses: he does what he wants, gives his reasons, and either you deal with it or don't. Passive excuses aren't him.

"Preserving the shop's image didn't stop you days ago-- why is it stopping you now?"

"...I don't know," Somehow, that's the most sincere Zig's sounded all day.

If only... he knew how to handle delicate emotions. He can for his beloved partner, as being with her flips an invisible switch in his mind. But towards others, his heart's frozen over with no signs of thawing. Yet that frozen heart couldn't let Zig fall apart in good conscience.

Your happiness is too important to Elle. Otherwise I wouldn't... Or would I...?

"If you're hurting as much as it seems you are, I suggest talking to Ludger and seeing one of the Dr. Mathises around here," If he can't help, he'll direct Zig to the proper do-gooders. "Whatever you're doing now is making you worse. Don't sit around and burden those around you."

"Maybe later." Zig's stubborn streak is still intact, but it couldn't pick a more convenient time? Though a tiny, hopeful spark lights in him when Zig stands up. "I'm going to try and get another stamp. If Elle asks why I'm not there for the club, tell her I'm sick."

Victor doesn't stop him from walking away. Hunting for those things would do more than his words ever hoped to.

But still... why can't he stop worrying?

[ofstarsandskies]

OutOfCanonShips;; Huzzah, the Modern AU drabble I put off for actually 8 years is finished! Feelsgoodman. Now to catch up on drafts now that I'm free of this beast I set out to finish. Didn't help I lost progress about 5 separate times, including an hour ago. Cross-posted onto AO3 as usual. Enjoy!

Content Warning (cw): Victor/Ludger centric (though in the AU, they're not related), also maybe Victor/Julius if you're feeling spicy.

"Ludger, I'm home!" Elle's sunny cheer lasted just that sentence once she had a look at him. "You're wearing that shirt again? You had it on yesterday!"

"D-Did I? Um, white's just my favorite color is all!" Ludger side-stepped the issue, something his audience didn't appreciate. But telling her 'your dad will kill me if I try to leave the house' would be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

His master (awful as it is to remind himself…) told him Day 1: 'Your entire life now depends on pleasing me', after all…

"…Whatever," Elle brushed past him, taking her usual seat at the kitchen table and dumping her book bag.

He understood her critique, really. He wished more than her he could do something about it, too. But until Victor sent orders to deliver him a fresh batch of clothes, he had to make due with the table scraps his master fed him.

It still beat the first few days of swapping between pajamas Victor lent him and his street clothes from when Victor’s men kidnapped him. Every morning, he'd do a small load of laundry every night before bed, throw his normal clothes in, and wake up a bit before both Victor and Elle to start their day in proper attire.

Only sometime later on a random afternoon did a bodyguard drop off enough dress shirts, dress pants, and neckties to last about a week. While not as nice as a full closet, having some variety let him pretend he reclaimed a tiny piece of a normal life. So, with a little mix-and-matching, he at least looked a bit different every day for his going-on two months of captivity.

A couple weeks using this system though, Elle made it clear she found this ‘habit’ weird. She’d ask every now and then if he liked wearing the same seven outfits, which Ludger’d segue into any other topic to avoid answering any questions which could hint at his… situation. It worked for a while, but Elle was bright for her age; his diversion tactics wouldn’t fool her forever.

Fast forward to today's instance of complaining at his lacking wardrobe. She didn't buy the 'its a favorite' line given her low grumble and dirty look, but least she dropped it to focus on her homework: a reading passage with a vocabulary list which felt way more advanced than what he remembered learning in class. The woes (or perks?) of attending a fancy private school maybe?

Halfway into her vocabulary work, Elle set down her pencil. He readied some encouragement, though not before she hit him with a difficult question, “Why don’t you buy new clothes, Ludger? Daddy and I have a whole closet, but you wear the same stuff every week!”

“Well, I…” Ludger fiddled with his tie, trying to whisk up a decent excuse. “I-I don’t have the time! Between cleaning the house, watching you, cooking meals, and taking care of what your father asks me to do, my only free time’s when I’m sleeping. Why, I wouldn’t even have spare clothes if your father’s men hadn’t dropped some off for me during work!”

Sadly, that answer wasn’t enough, “You should ask Daddy to let you take a day off to go shopping!”

“I-I can’t do that. If I’m gone, who’s going to take care of you?”

“Then I’ll go too! I’ll make sure to pick out something less lame and dorky for you!”

“I-I…” Ludger’s grave kept digging with no lifeline to save him. Unless Victor came home early, there was still another hour before the man got off work. He couldn’t be honest--Victor’s orders always ended with a ‘or you will die’--and he’d exhausted every excuse in the book. So…

“Um… ask your father about it when he comes home! If he says yes, then I’m sure it’s fine. But if he says you can’t go, there’s nothing I can do.” He’d probably get yelled at for pushing this predicament on Victor’s shoulders, but better yelled at then dead.

Elle pouted for a moment, waiting for him to change answers. A silent stare down followed for minutes, though eventually she picked her pencil back up and continued where they left off.

“Fiiiiiiine. But if Daddy says yes, you better not make more excuses not to go!”

That garnered a light chuckle, “I’m already looking forward to it. Maybe you’ll find my fashion sense better than your father’s.”

“Anything’s better than what Daddy gets. He always picks boring work stuff.”

Elle had a point, the most dressed down Ludger had even seen his boss still left him in business casual. That dress philosophy carried to Ludger’s current line-up: nothing but dress shirts, dress pants, and a proper suit for when Victor brought over special guests. It wasn’t too dissimilar to his usual look, but what Ludger wouldn’t give to wear a plain old t-shirt again…

“I’ll be sure not to pick anything boring. Blade Union’s got some cool shirts that look ‘worky’ enough to make your father happy.”

“Eh, who cares if it makes Daddy happy,” Elle said, flicking away the thought. “This is your shopping trip. We’re picking what WE think looks good on you, and he’s gotta deal with it.”

“Heh, okay, we’ll make him just watch the whole time.”

“As he should!”

With the two in agreement, Ludger left the table to check the fridge. There was just enough rose petal jam to make crepes; he’d use tonight’s dessert as his way to show his appreciation beyond a simple ‘thank you’. Ludger could already imagine the bright smile on her face once she took a bite.

If I start them now, they should be done by the time Victor’s home… Ludger thought as he reached over for the large mixing bowl.

--- --- ---

Right as Ludger handed Elle her plate, the front lock clicked open. Ludger followed his usual procedure and waited near the door. Once Victor stepped in, he bowed. “Welcome home, sir!” He greeted, reaching to remove his boss’ coat and hang it on the coat rack. “I made rose jam crepes for Elle just a moment ago. I set aside a few if you’d like some.”

“Maybe later,” Victor dismissed the offer, heading straight to the kitchen table to check on Elle. “How was school today, Elle?”

“It was fine,” Elle replied. “Daddy, can I ask you something?” Once her father nodded, she didn’t mince words, “Can you take me and Ludger clothes shopping tomorrow? Ludger needs new ones!”

Victor's perfect composure briefly cracked at the question, “What’s wrong with the clothes he has now?”

“He wears the same dorky stuff every day! And when I said he should buy new clothes, Ludger said no cuz he’s too busy watching me! So I promised I’d take him shopping and find him something good to wear!”

Victor didn't answer Elle right away, his face unreadable as he stared through his daughter. When he finally responded, he stood up from his chair, “Let me talk to Ludger about it.”

Ludger instantly regretted ever suggesting Elle should ask Victor once he meets his boss’ gaze. He knew he messed up whenever he saw that look-- this wouldn’t be a pleasant conversation. Alas, Ludger could no nothing but follow Victor into his bedroom and watch him lock the door behind them.

“Were you the one to suggest Elle take you out shopping?”

“N-No, I--!” Ludger’s desperate response almost cut Victor off. “Elle asked me why I don’t buy more clothes, and I told her I’m just too busy. But when she insisted, I said to ask you when you came home.” With that, he took a breath to calm down and bowed, “I apologize for not handling the matter myself, sir.”

The angry look Ludger feared was gone, but his nerves couldn’t settle with the silence replacing it. Did he do the right this? Was Victor satisfied or is his boss deciding how to punish him? Should he lament losing his one chance to experience normalcy after so long?

“Ludger,” Victor’s hand touching his cheek made his whole body flinch. His boss paid it no mind and continued, “Can I trust you won’t use this as an opportunity to run away?”

“You can, sir. I won’t leave yours or Elle’s sides for one second.”

Victor withdrew his hand. “Alright. I have one condition,” Off his boss went into his walk-in closet. A baseball cap that's collected a fair bit of dust and a pair of thick sunglasses were in his hands upon his return. “Be sure to wear these while we’re out. I’d hate for my pretty manservant to catch the wrong set of eyes.”

“Um… I’ll be sure to remember them, sir.” Ludger couldn’t tell if Victor meant his remark entirely in jest; he loved his empty innuendos. Nonetheless, he'd revel in the opportunity to feel the sun on his skin from beyond an open window. A few conditions wouldn't dampen his future good time.

Talk over, Victor opened the door and let Ludger out first to break the news to Elle. As expected, she tore through half her crepes already. The second she spotted him, she spun around in her chair.

"Did Daddy say yes?"

“He did, so don’t stay up late tonight. We’ll want to head out in the morning to avoid the afternoon crowds.”

“I won’t! But you gotta go to bed early too, Ludger! We’re not leaving till you got a closet as big as mine!”

While a heartwarming sentiment, it brought up an excellent point… where would he put his new clothes? Ludger didn’t have his own space-- his things sat on a single shelf in the corner of Victor’s closet. It’d fit another two outfits at best, but any more… he'd need way more space.

Checking Victor's expression, he didn’t object, so… maybe he graduated from ‘tiny clothes pile’ to hangers! Or at least a second shelf. Whatever saved him from restacking the same tiny pile every few days.

“I promise I won’t stay up any later than work asks me to,” Ludger wished he could offer a less half-baked promise, but those decisions weren’t up to him anymore.

Elle got the hint and assaults Victor with her best puppy-dog eyes, “Daddy, can Ludger have a break tonight, pleaaase? He can finish his chores tomorrow, can't he?”

Not even a stone cold criminal could resist Elle’s cuteness, “Alright, I’ll let him take tonight off after dinner.”

"Yay, thanks Daddy!"

With that, Elle's eyes fell on him as she held her hand up. Ludger nodded to show he's listening, assuming she forgot they weren't in class. When she cleared her throat without taking it down though, the gears clicked and he gave her a proper high five.

I'm really not used to having friends anymore, am I?

"What's on the menu tonight, Ludger?" Victor asked the important question.

"I'm thinking an old favorite of mine, mabo curry. My caretaker loved theirs with extra tomatoes, but I can cook a tomato-free version too."

Elle stuck out in disgust, "Ew, who'd ever want extra tomatoes?! Tomatoes are grosser than broccoli, celery, and spinach combined!"

"Tomatoes aren't that bad," Ludger'd argue the former three were tasty too, but all kids had their 'vegetables suck' phase. "Though I'll admit, the extra tomato version's something only my b--caretaker could love."

Hopefully Victor didn't read into that brief slip. Keeping Julius nondescript as possible might already be in vain, but if this ritual had the slightest chance of protecting his brother? He'd do anything.

"Sounds good," Good, no further question. "Cook three tomato-free mabo curries."

"Yes, sir!"

Despite the command, Ludger's hand subconsciously drifted to the beautiful organic tomatoes his brother'd kill to eat raw. Old habits die hard no matter how long, huh?

I hope you're still eating your favorites with a smile, Brother. Ludger prays somehow, his thoughts reach Julius as he grabs the pork instead. I miss you.

--- --- ---

"You're retiring to bed already?"

Sorting through documents since dinner, Victor didn't notice Ludger already changed into pajamas. A shame, really-- Ludger's slimmer build caused the collar to drift far down enough to bare a flawless pale shoulder. He'd willingly change that if Ludger grew more receptive to his advances.

"I promised Elle I wouldn't stay up past work, remember?" Ludger's bold almost caught him off-guard. His pet always spoke to him in his proper place. What changed? "But if you need something, I'm at your service, sir!"

"I should be content for the evening," An unknown entity within him guided his hand to gently stroke Ludger's soft hair. "Goodnight, Ludger."

"Goodnight, sir!"

Ludger snuggled into his spot on Victor's bed and fell asleep in minutes. A stark contrast to his first weeks here of pretending he wasn't awake and waiting until Victor fall asleep first, then waking up long before him to start his morning ritual. Assurances his orders weren't a ploy to murder him or steal his virtue while he slept went ignored.

Though Victor saw through the ruse, he found no need to stop it; observing if Ludger's acting skills improved from the previous night amused him enough. His act never reached anywhere near convincing, not helped by Victor's teasing him on occasion.

Rolling closer or reaching over to smooth a few locks of Ludger's hair back always made him flinch or suck in an extra breath. And when that got boring, Victor pushed Ludger's limits by asking his pet to huddle real close so he could hold him.

Ludger couldn't look him in the eye for longer than a second that whole night. Honestly, how someone Ludger's age could be so innocent and satisfying to tease is a marvel. The caretaker Ludger loved mentioning must've worked a full-time job warding off the disgusting realities of this world.

Whatever devilry they worked, watching his pretty manservant blissfully snore away stirred an odd feeling in him. Something close to how he once felt looking at his late wife, yet not as strong.

…Hmph. Best he not think that through. Once Victor "trusted" Ludger enough to keep this mess a secret, he'd be out the door.

Unless... For whatever reason, Ludger chose to stay. Elle would like that. She ignored the maids Victor fired in the past, but Ludger? Today proved how much she adored his company.

Come to think of it, Elle's never been this happy since Lara passed away. What am I lacking compared to Ludger?

Though he phrased it like a question, Victor knew the answer: he lost his humanity.

Bisley's molding reduced the people around him into pawns in his grand designs, be it in official Spirius business or his orders as the Kresnik Syndicate's boss. Dead bodies were also an inconvenience to clean up, not a precious life lost.

He and everyone who worked for his syndicate knew and accepted their world ruined lives. Hell, some reveled in the destruction and despair their work caused. Victor certainly did, though whether those feelings were by his own volition or Bisley's grooming, he couldn't say.

Though there were times he wished his humanity came back. Caring for Elle without Lara's guidance was more an actor following the script of a loving parent than the genuine gestures from a normal, loving father. He knew he loved her--he'd burn the world down in her name--yet what he called love would never be the same as Elle's or Ludger's.

Alas, regaining humanity after staining your hands time and again is a feat nobody in this rotten world achieved.

--except, perhaps, one individual. His company's former right hand.

Why can't I escape you, Julius?

Julius Will Kresnik, the man his father once called his greatest asset and deadliest weapon. Spirius employees and Kresnik members alike would've sacrificed everything in his name back in his prime. Rivals also feared his wrath should they step on the Kresnik's toes.

And yet, when the power to control Elympios itself as Bakur's successor lay in his hands? He threw it away.

"I'm humbled by your offer. However, I have more important matters to attend to right now. I wish you good luck, Mr. Kresnik," were the last words Julius ever said to him. That 'important matter' he'd attended to? Vanishing from Spirius and the Kresniks without a trace.

The sole lead (assuming it's even related) in Julius' disappearance was members of the Cyber Attack Unit reported "the kid" stopped showing up days after. Records of his or her existence were purged by the time anyone noticed; perhaps "the kid" worked with Julius to plug any physical and digital holes their mutual desertion attempt left behind. It mattered not-- fodder like him or her die off every so often.

What did matter is in the end? Julius' plan worked. By the time Victor cemented himself as Spirius' CEO and the Kresnik Syndicate's Boss, tracking Julius down meant dedicating time and manpower towards a wild goose chase that could last years.

Crown's best work, all in service of running away.

Eight years later, Victor still never pieced together what possessed Julius to so thoroughly bury his past. Bakur wouldn't have called Julius his most loyal if doubt ever clouded him; what could've broken such a resilient tool? So many questions left rotting for eternity.

If Julius wanted to pretend those thirteen years never happened? As long as he didn't snitch, fine. Not what Victor wanted, but fine.

Perhaps after his fantasy lost its luster, he might come to his senses. Victor's men made that wish no secret; those in higher positions couldn't escape Crown comparisons. Complaints under breaths about how there wouldn't be any issues if Crown were in charge persisted as well.

Julius' departure lay far behind them, and yet his influence hadn't faded one bit.

How shameful. A boss of my esteem, reduced to wishes I'd see a spineless deserter again…

Should Victor ever uncover the rock Julius crawled under, he wanted a thousand and one things from him. His undying loyalty, his extensive skills, his limitless connections, his prestigious history… everything he could want in a tool, Julius could provide. Yet what he wanted most, after seeing the warmth and joy he couldn't emulate from his beloved daughter and pet, was to ask him two questions.

Julius, how did you rekindle your humanity? Victor mused as he pet the boy who almost shared his name. Or did you never lose it?

Ludger continued sleeping soundly, his faint snores somehow soothing Victor's thoughts as he drifted off into slumber.

[ofstarsandskies]

Nowhere Xillia AU Drabble -- Victor's Worries

OutOfCanonShips;; Nowhere Xillia was on the brain, and I wanted to do cute Victor/Zig stuff, so enjoy Victor being Zig's nagging not-wife.

"Curse you..." The forest guardian said between shaky breaths, her wings and body dropping close to the ground. "You and that outsider will regret your meddling...!" Her form dissipated into a purple shimmer. No doubt she'd return eventually, but Powell only asked they stall her until he returned. Mission accomplished.

"Seems we--" Zig's sword hit the grass, followed shortly by its owner. In all the commotion, he only now noticed a patch of Zig's coat near his hip was sliced off, the skin dyed an unpleasant red. Damn, can't ever trust this man to self-report injuries before it killed him.

"Zig, we discussed this!" Victor lectured him as he knelt down to his side, "You're not allowed to die unless I say so!"

"No need to yell. I'm fine," Lifting his shirt and wiping the blood away, Zig's body lacked any wounds. "See? I just had a dizzy spell; Chakring works gradually."

And what if this skill of yours acted too slow and you bled out? Victor knew debating this idiot was a waste of time, so he'd let that thought go in favor of offering a hand to prop Zig back on his feet. Once he steadied himself, he didn't wince or stumble. Good enough, for now.

"Okay, let's catch up with Powell," But of course, Zig's first instinct was to seek another avenue for a quick death. "He can't be too far--"

Before Zig could even take the first step, Victor grabbed his arm. Zig gave it a small tug, though his grip didn't budge. "What?"

'What'? That's all you have to say? The better question is what's wrong with you? Don't you have a sense for your limits? "You're going back home."

"Why? Powell might need backup."

He wished Zig wouldn't question his decisions; the answers, while true, pained him to say out loud. But if it'd drill the point into Zig's thick skull, he'd speak his mind just this once.

"You promised you wouldn't die on me again. I don't trust you'll uphold it today. We fulfilled our end; rest at home before you worry me further."

What Victor wouldn't give for a swig of bleach to clean his mouth out. Zig wouldn't stop staring at him either, likely questioning if he actually heard his filthy, disgusting speech. Though once reality hit him, his smirk of certain defeat

"Alright, I'll head back. Tell Powell I'll make it up to him another day."

Satisfied, Victor let Zig go, watching his every step to make sure he didn't fake him out and run deeper into the forest. At this point, Victor should consider the matter concluded and back up Powell. Zig could walk back on his own. It's not that far. He's not bleeding out.

It's fine. It's fine. It's perfectly fine.

--But just in case it wasn't fine, he ought to keep watch.

Against his better judgment, he didn't run after Zig. He walked. He wasn't concerned. No one with dignity would care if Zig Kraft found himself in another mess created by his own hubris, especially not himself.

The man wasn't much farther ahead, his attention split between where he was walking and inspecting his weapons. A nagging something spiked in Victor when Zig checked his revolver's cylinder, all too aware he could rub a bare finger on those idiotic poisoned rounds he concocted and end his life if he didn't wash his hand clean enough.

Although he'd also deserve it for turning his kitchen into a makeshift chem lab without his consent. All the precautions in the world mattered not when he involved his beloved kitchen.

His footsteps must've been too careless, Zig stopping to check behind him and spotting Victor. The lecture or odd look he expected didn't come; rather, he perked up a bit.

"Walking back with me?"

"Would you trust yourself not to chase the first sight of danger?"

The idiot laughed, "Probably not," He waited for Victor to catch up before continuing further, "It's nice seeing you care about me."

Damn Zig's insistence on speaking his mind. "I don't care about you," Victor spat. "You dying is an inconvenience and a betrayal of my trust."

"So you care about me betraying your trust."

"Don't make me kill you, Kraft."

"You say that but never act on it."

If Zig's smart alack routine said one more word, Victor'd follow through in a few seconds, "By all means, dig your grave. Replacing you wouldn't take longer than an hour."

Zig didn't apologize, but he at least zipped his trap and let him enjoy some peace and quiet. From there, the only moronic thing he did the rest of the way home is side eye each and every weed growing along the road and in the unkempt yards of the abandoned houses.

He swore, if those weeds disappeared overnight, he'd move Zig's bed to a miniature barn outside so he'd live entirely like the farm animal he is.

[ofstarsandskies]

Nowhere Xillia!Victor Drabble -- Living With Zig

OutOfCanonShips;; For a bit of fun (and partially passing time in a backed up highway), I wrote a Victor-centric drabble for the Zig run of Nowhere Xillia. Enjoy the loving verbal abuse.

No matter how much Zig insisted he could handle the clothes, Victor would never let him breathe in the laundry room's direction. Housing the man could be summed up in one question: "How the hell has he lived all this time?"

Combat-wise, no questions needed: Zig's raw strength almost rivaled his (though he'd ever admit it), and his diverse weapon versatility meant he always had answers in a dire situation. The second you crossed into domestic life though? Victor found a new thing Zig either didn't know or never considered every goddamn day.

First, the bath thing. Victor tried to beat him prioritizing speed above all of him to no success. Showing him where the spare clothes was ended up being his greatest mistake-- Zig now took spares into the bathroom with him and be on the couch within 5 minutes. Then once Elle complimented his 'eff-fish-antsy', the war ended in Victor's loss.

Next, his insistence on avoiding using the dedicated machine for anything. Zig made peace with a couple appliances like the fridge and sink, but they were the exceptions, not the rule. And it just compounded more and more as days went on.

Victor didn't regret partnering with him. He only regretted his lack of a doghouse to let that farm animal live his stupid life without tainting his house.

Speaking of Zig, he ought to make sure he wasn't snacking on a weed behind his back again. His insistence almost gave the almost-as-ignorant woman from the forest, Milla, the wrong impression the behavior was normal. Good thing Teepo tried eating one for her and rightfully deduced it tastes awful.

Finishing up his work in the laundry room, Victor checked in the kitchen. Vacated except for Elle munching on a kitty waffle. Not a good sign.

"Where's Zig and the others?"

"They're all outside," Elle said. "Zig wanted to teach us a cool trick he knew, but I wasn't done eating."

Oh God, what was that idiot doing out there today? He had to nip this in the bud right now. "Thank you, Elle. I'm going to check on them-- if you need me, look for me in the closest window and open it."

"Okay. Thanks again for breakfast!" Elle's bright smiles and waves goodbye always warmed his cold, dead heart. Something he needed with the reluctant company using his house as home base.

"-- using the liquid you got from boiling and straining the strawberries and beets, you can dye a shirt pink," Zig's voice echoed from the worst place he could be: his back yard.

"I never knew humans could repurpose food to customize their clothing," Worse yet, Milla bought into Zig's 'cool trick'. "I'll be sure to take note for my future design meetings."

"With this new power, the pinkists shall be the town's newest overlords!" Teepo as well.

Rushing over to stop this madness, Victor found another reason to regret letting Zig live with him.

Zig stole one of his old white shirts and poured an evil pink concoction onto it, dyeing every spot the liquid dripped onto pink. None of his audience members gave him the judgmental looks he deserved; thank god Elle sat out and didn't allow her mind be poisoned too.

"What idiotic idea are you showing off now?" Victor already knew, but hearing Zig explain himself might break the spell of stupidity he cast on Milla and Elize.

"I was showing Elize and Milla how to make natural clothing dyes. I thought we could use the few strawberries and beets you missed picking earlier."

"It's been a rather eye-opening experience," The hamster wheel in Milla's brain was turning, a dangerous sight. "I wonder if Jude would let us dye his coat. I read once that white is a canvas waiting to be painted."

"Maybe Jude could create something to make everyone believe the pinkist way of life is the only way to live!" Elize's suggestion, per usual, erred on concerning.

Victor let them go off on their idiocy for a moment while he checked for damages to his garden. None of his plants were disturbed, though certain patches in the dirt were uneven from Zig digging up the beets.

--An unspeakable thought struck him.

"Zig, what did you use to dig through my garden?" Victor asked, interrupting the chatter.

"My knife. You didn't show me where the shovel is."

Not surprising from Mr. Overtly Practical. Yet that lead to an issue: Victor recognized the large, curved knife in Zig's sheath. Or rather, he remembered the trauma he faced to help Zig get that damn thing. "Isn't that the poisoned knife you got from the carnival?"

The idiot stared at his knife for longer than anyone with a working brain should need to.

"So it is."

Victor asked himself again: how did Zig survive on his own this long? Dumb luck (emphasis on dumb) must be one hell of a force. Whatever the magic behind it, Victor ripped the knife out of Zig's hand before he killed someone.

"I'm putting this on top of the cabinets. Don't touch it unless you're leaving or there's someone trying to break in."

"Alright. Remember to wash your gloves after you put it up."

"As if I need you to remind me," Victor refused to be lectured by the moron who somehow didn't poison himself to death with his cross-contaminated pink dye.

Milla chuckled at their not-so-friendly banter, "You often act a lot like Zig's father, Victor. Have you considered adopting him--"

"I would rather make peace with Bisley than let Zig stay in my house longer than necessary."

"If that's how you feel, why have Zig live here at all? Leia's inn has plenty of rooms open."

...Damn it. She brought that unreconcilable fact up.

"...I don't have to explain myself to you." Victor turned away, his mask hiding his flushed cheeks.

[ofstarsandskies]

@mathcs Consider this a mini-companion piece to that one thread

After an eternity of personally running around the city for his reckless brother, Ludger's work ringtone went off. He didn't bother checking ID before picking up and speaking first, "Were you able to trace Julius' location, Agent?"

"My deepest apologies, President Kresnik-- we lost him shortly after he fled to the station."

Ludger covered the receiver to hide his sigh. His brother's experience in evading capture never failed to cause trouble. "Did he manage to escape using the trains?"

"All outbound trains were halted and searched for possible terrorist activity. If he did attempt to flee from the station, he'd need to do so on foot; a team's searching near the tracks just in case."

Good, at least Julius didn't manage to flee the city (at least not far enough to evade an entire search party). It was just a matter of sweeping the city while covering any escape routes. Julius couldn't hide in one area forever.

"Thank you, Agent Haust. Report to me if anyone on your team spots my brother," After verbal confirmation of the order, Ludger hung up the call and slid his body against the nearest wall. All this chaos was fraying what remained of his nerves.

Why Julius would pull something like this, Ludger couldn't comprehend it. His brother knew full well why he'd never 'play nice' with his former friends again. Especially Jude, the now at-large terrorist who seemed all too happy to let the world continue burning. Even after 'dying', that man found ways to make his life a living hell.

If Jude showed his face to him again, he wouldn't spare another word.

He'd be dead where he stood.

[ofstarsandskies]

Fantasy AU Drabble -- Troubles with Voices

Hello frens, I have come from the depths of hell to post a drabble!... that will not make sense without @unborderedreflection's Fantasy AU and instead features my OG muse, Zig!

Sorry for the hold-up with replies, they will come swiftly! But when I was allowed to find a way to worm the very-Xillia-2-character Zig into an AU, my brain had to take it. Know he is inevitable no matter my X2 canon.

Today's mission sure was special... in how much it was proceeding to suck.

The premise sounded promising at the time: President Bakur wanted a small team to infiltrate Rieze Maxia and capture a larger fae which supposedly showed it face a few days ago. At the same time, they were to test Spirius' newest creation, the mini-Lances of Kresnik. It showed effect on lesser entities and humans, so if could drain and contain the mana from a larger fae? Mass-producing these would be Spirius' first priority.

Their search point happened to be something they called the Nia Khera Spiritway, due to its 'high spiritual concentration', whatever that meant. A couple monsters jumped out along the path, but for the most part? The trip wasn't anything special. At this rate, they'd be chasing their own tails for hours until this thing got sick of them stomping around.

When everyone warned me this was a 'dangerous mission', I didn't think the danger would be mind-numbing tedium. Zig moaned in his head, somehow missing the awkward exchange at Trigleph Seahaven. And back there he was basically a circus monkey, summoning tiny flames every time someone suspected their group weren't real Rieze Maxians. If this kept up, he might just whine and ask if they could take a lunch break just so there was something to break this up!

'Cease your crusade.' A voice whispered mere inches away from his ear--

--But when Zig checked over his shoulder, he saw nothing but trees and their rear guard, Agent Kriska. When they locked eyes, Kriska checked around and then looked back at him.

"Did you see something, Agent Kraft?"

"I thought I heard someone right behind me, but guess I imagined it," Zig dismissed the concern. "Honestly, I thought this mission would be more exciting. Everyone hypes the fae as deadly threats, yet our mark hasn't even tried to scare us off."

"Maybe they've wised up to the danger humans can finally pose," Kriska laughed to herself. "Just give it time; we'll get to your favorite part of the job soon enough."

"Stabbing the target's the only part I'm good at; why look forward to the rest where I'm as useful as a plank of wood?"

Kriska rolled her eyes at him, though her smile persisted. The others didn't comment on the banter, so no harm done as the two returned to the task at hand.

'You don't know the consequences of your actions.' The voice spoke to him aga--no, wait, this one sounded deeper. Though with Kriska still quiet, it had to be another false alarm. Zig wouldn't let this voice bother him like the first and let it pass.

'Denying our words will not silence us, human.' Another one? Damn, the boredom was really setting in. As long as he ignored it, it'd all blow over.

'We know you can hear us.'

'You'll met your end if you continue blindly walking forward.'

The lone voices now conjoined into a growing crowd talking over each other. Tuning them out became impossible, their noise slowly overloading his senses. Soon their voices left his head in a vice, everything around him fading into a blank void full of images and lights Zig couldn't begin to comprehend.

'Turn back, human.'

'Disrupting the balance of the fae will do your kind no good.'

'The gates are to be left alone. Humans who enter will be forever changed.'

'What do you hope to accomplish once you've detained us?'

'Our kind wish no harm on you. Can you not return the courtesy?'

'If you can hear us, it is not too late. Return home.'

"Stop it! I don't want to hear it!" Zig could feel himself shouting, but he couldn't hear his voice over the noise. "I do what I think is right, no matter what anyone thinks!"

The more he protested, the louder everything grounded into his head.

"I SAID I DON'T CARE! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE--!"

"--ZIG, SNAP OUT OF IT!" The fake world melted around Zig in an instant, leaving the blurry face of what looked like Kriska standing in front of him and snapping her fingers.

"...Sorry, was I acting strange?"

"You had us worried to death!" Ugh, the last thing Zig needed: more yelling. At least it wasn't directly in his ear unlike the... whatever the hell happened a second ago. "No matter how much we kept talking to you, you wouldn't move or even acknowledge us! We thought you got possessed or something."

He'd been standing in one spot the whole time? So he hadn't been transported to some other world at any point? Kriska and the others wouldn't lie if they were concerned, but surely some of that had to be real... right?

Though once Zig thought about it, neither option sounded good for his sanity: either everything was a horrible trick of the mind, or the fae would continue to hound him until he bent to their will and ditched his allies. Well, the reason didn't matter right now. The sooner they captured the target, the sooner Zig could sit down and figure out what's going on in his head.

"I'm fine, nor is anything possessing me," Zig said, though his heart wasn't in his response for once. "I just can't stop thinking what'll happen when the fae does show up. Their powers are always a mystery."

"Is that all? Don't even worry about it-- the Lance can dispel whatever voodoo these fae can throw at us," The Agent handing their mini-Lance, Valen, boasted, "Just keep it busy, then we'll suck the mana out of it and capture it. It'll be like fighting any old monster."

"If it's that simple, why don't you take point, Valen?" Kriska called Kozel's bluff.

"As if either you or Zig'd know how to point this thing the right way--"

Their team leader ordered them to cut the chatter, giving Zig a decent out from the situation and fall back in line. Sadly that didn't stop the voices from returning to annoy and pester him about reconsidering whether he's doing the right thing. But this time, he'd let them whine and keep his attention forward.

...After one more word.

Please just leave me alone, Zig knew the voices wouldn't hear his thoughts (and if they did, that'd be a problem), but he'd complain anyway. I've got enough rumors back at work to add 'Zig hears voices in his head!' to the list.

Either that decree did the trick or Zig found some way to tune the annoyances out, as the whispers stopped their chatter and let him return to the new bliss of tedium.

[ofstarsandskies]

Julius Canon Drabble -- The Yearly Visit

"It's that time of the year again," Julius mumbled to himself as he carried two sets of flowers to the cemetery where his birth mother and the woman who treated him like her own son both came to rest. It'd become a tradition ever since he 'moved' (ran away was the accurate term) out of the Bakur residence.

Once every few years though, Bisley would be visiting at the same time. Unlike their encounters everywhere else, neither of them broke the unspoken agreement to respect one another while they were here. Hell, at times they'd even talk about how Cornelia used to be; only during these moment would Julius admit and remember he was once Julius Wi Bakur.

Whether Bakur was there or not, Julius would leave work to say a few words to his mother and her sister, leave the flowers at their graves, and head home like nothing happened.

Each time, Ludger patiently waited for him at home, never questioning why Julius consistently returned home late on Mother's Day. Coincidence existed, especially when your job is on an eternal flexible schedule. Still... as he picked apart his favorite meals at dinner, Julius wondered if he'd summon the courage to bring Ludger along. He deserved to know the truth.

And yet, like the coward he was at heart, Julius always found reason not too. "The experience might only stress him out." "His memories might resurface, causing him to break down." "What if he remembers and hates me?"

One day he'd do it. Just... not this year.

"I'll visit again next year," Julius told them as he began to head out. "I hope your souls were reincarnated into a form you both deserve."

And off he went.

[ofstarsandskies]

Detective/Thief AU -- Detective Rolando (Prologue)

OutOfCanonShips;; Guess who did more of that Detective/Thief AU? I even have a working fic name for it now: Detective Rolando and the Crown Conspiracy! Hope that title was worth because brain had to wrack to think of something that didn’t sound too cheesey. 

It’ll be both under a Read More in this post and also an AO3 link if you prefer to it if you prefer to read it that way: Here it be. 

“C’mon Jude, pick up...” Leia desperately dialed Jude’s number again, hoping in vain this would be the call he finally picked up. She had to know Jude was alright-- he wouldn’t be caught in a disaster if she hadn’t goaded him into boarding the Striborg. He’d been wary when Oscore went ahead with their plans in spite of Crown sending a calling card to steal the Striborg, but Leia begged him the whole week before the event to go in the off-chance Jude met Crown onsite. Jude eventually caved and promised he’d keep an eye out. 

All seemed well the day of the event: the train arrived on time, Jude gave her a call before he boarded to express his surprise seeing bystanders trying to talk the station employees into letting them board the Striborg because Crown sent a calling card, everything went smoothly so far. Come a few hours later however, disaster struck the Oscore Ceremonial Event. 

Spirius broke a story across every news stations Exodus had taken control of the Striborg and crashed it into the Oscore Plant. Disaster relief were searching the wreckage for survivors, though the company was already certain who orchestrated this whole scheme: the gentleman thief Crown. Leia’s shock almost overpowered her worries, yet that didn’t last long when Jude failed to pick up his phone several times. 

She had faith Jude found a way to get off safely--his intellect and quick-thinking saved the day more times than Leia could count--but still... Leia’s concern remained strong. 

Her phone was going off! Leia picked up in seconds, “Jude, is that you?!” She didn’t bother checking the caller ID before throwing out her question.

“Yes, it’s me.” Thank the Great Spirits, it was Jude! Finally! “I saw all your missed calls. Sorry if I worried you-- I would’ve picked up sooner, but we weren’t safe yet on the road.” 

“You don’t have to apologize! I just couldn’t stop worrying because I set you up to get on in the first place, you know?” 

“Don’t worry, I’m fine. I managed to get off before the train crashed.” Jude assured her.  “But speaking of that, remember the guy you wanted me to look out for? I actually met him.”

“Wait, you met Crown?!” Leia temporarily forgot all about the train crash to immediately dig for answers, “Did you manage to talk to him face-to-face? What was he like? How did he look? Did he happen to tell you why he was there, or did he avoid letting you ask him anything? Tell me everything in painful detail!” 

“I can’t answer twenty questions at once, Leia.” Jude’s light scolding reminded her to take a second to take her energy levels down from their mountainous peak. Once he could tell Leia leveled out, Jude continued, “He looked about Alvin’s age and height with a moderately deep voice. I can’t tell you much about his face because he wore a mask, but he did have blond hair and blue eyes. I met him when he asked for my help in reaching the front car to pull the emergency brakes.” 

“Did you manage to get to the front car at all?” 

“We did, but all the controls were jammed by the time we got there. We couldn’t fix them either, so we both jumped off the train before it crashed. Crown left once we reached Duval on foot.” Figures Crown wouldn’t stick around longer than he felt he needed to be. But Jude’s account of his encounter with him seemed... off in context with the news.

If Crown really was the conspirator behind the train hijacking, why would he betray his own plans to halt the crash? And say Crown was the culprit-- why would he not have a concrete getaway already lined up for an operation he’d announced a week in advance? His actions sounded like a man making solutions on the fly rather than going through the motions. Leia’s detective nose caught whiff of a smelly conspiracy... 

“This might be a bit sudden, but do you think Crown caused the crash? Every news outlet so far’s been saying the hijacking was a joint effort between him and Exodus.” For the sake of solving this conundrum, Leia wanted to hear Jude’s opinion as a first-hand witness. 

“I don’t think Crown’s responsible. He was making a conscious effort to avoid using lethal force against the Exodus members while trying to protect me-- I can’t see someone like him wanting to murder innocent people.” 

And that was more than enough for Leia to consider herself on Crown’s side; if Jude saw good in someone, she had reason enough to wholeheartedly believe in their character. Looked like Detective Rolando had a new story to chase: the truth behind who really caused the Striborg ceremonial train crash and their reasons for framing Crown! 

First order of business, field research. She personally knew just bits and pieces about the (in?)famous thief from overhearing random conversations and snooping through old reports at the Daily Trigleph’s office building; that had to be fixed before she could properly delve into his motives. The best starting point would be gathering a diversity of opinions from as wide a demographic as possible. Any city in Rieze Maxia wouldn’t give her enough Elympion perspective, but she couldn’t go too deep into Elympios lest she get the opposite extreme. 

That left one place, Marksburg. None of the reports mentioned the stations locking down for safety reasons, so there had to be a train still running there she could catch-- 

“You still there, Leia?” Leia's shock had her scrambling to catch her GHS before it hit the ground. She was so busy working through her plan it slipped her mind she still had Jude sitting on the line. 

“O-Oh, yes I’m still here! I was just thinking some things over.” She laughed off her blunder, “And I've decided: I’m going to bust the real culprit of the Striborg Train Incident! If Crown’s innocent or guilty, Ace Detective Leia Rolando’ll reveal the truth in her greatest story yet!!” 

“I hope you’re not shouting all this out in public...” Jude’s worry was, unfortunately, a reality. Her rather loud bravado attracted a number of odd looks straight to her. In her own defense, she just couldn’t help raising her voice when her passion came out! Sitting here wasn’t doing her any more favors, so she shrugged off the blunder and headed to the station to enact phase one. 

“Well I need to get working on this story pronto, so I gotta hang up. Just remember that if you’re ever in trouble, I’m a single phone call away!” 

“Likewise. Even if it looks like I’m swamped with work, I’m never too busy to help you.” Typical Jude, always insisting he take on his friend’s burdens in spite of the grievances it’d personally cause him. Leia appreciated the sentiment, but she’d rather try saving a hopeless endeavor herself than ask Jude to bail her out. Any problem she’d face was small potatoes compared to undertaking an entire country’s energy crisis.  

“I won’t forget! Have a safe trip home, Jude!” Leia hung up her phone just in time for her to walk into the station. She spotted a group walking off another train, so her plan was ready for takeoff! She scanned her GHS at the ticket counter, boarded her train, and used her wait time to plan out her interviewer questions. 

But of course, her assignment could never be so easy. 

The first person she pulled aside (a Rieze Maxian man from the R.M. side of the city) and asked what they knew about Crown told her, “He’s the guy who crashed the train into Oscore”; not very informative, but it established a baseline the news had spread across country lines. Then she found a young Elympion woman from the opposite side who said, “He’s the thief who said he’d steal a train and crashed it into Oscore, right?”. 0/2 for new information, not enough to lose courage though. And she grabbed another person, and another, eventually bringing her total to 34 in counting. All of whom told her the same exact thing just with different ways of wording it. 

Leia had to take a seat on the closest bench to de-stress once she could feel her enthusiasm beginning to crack. She was so sure there’d be at least one person who followed Crown’s activity farther back than the Striborg-- Crown’s activity dated back to over a decade ago based on the stray police reports she’d read at the office. There had to be someone--another detective, a reporter, a long-time fan even--out here who knew something useful! 

Maybe her line of questions were the problem...? But if that were the case, what exactly were the right questions? And say she did ask the right questions, would that really change anything? All this uncertainly was bumming her out. Stewing here clearly wouldn’t do her any good. 

In a moment like this, what she needed was a good pick-me-up! Get the good vibes back in, start the search over in a good head space. A moment like this called for a woman’s greatest weapon in the face of life’s hardships: sweets. Leia flipped open her GHS and tried searching for the nearest sweet shop. 

“Um... Excuse me?” Leia looked up from her phone and saw a somewhat nervous-looking older man standing in front of her. “Were you... asking about Crown earlier?” 

Did the man follow her back here after he saw her asking questions on the street? A bit odd, though she certainly wouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth; she wouldn’t pass a willing interviewee! “Yes, I was! Do you know anything about Crown prior to the Striborg Incident?” 

“I-I do! I’m actually... a long time fan of Crown...” The older man’s eyes fell off her as his pale face burned a bright red. 

The best news Leia’d heard all day. Persistence paid off! “That’s perfect! Tell me everything you know!” Pen and notepad in hand, she eagerly waited for the man to go on. “Oh, but first, could I ask your name so I can properly credit you?” 

“My name’s Ludger. It’s nice to meet you, Leia if I heard right?” Ludger visibly relaxed once they got a first-name basis. “Anyway, I first remember hearing about Crown when I started 1st grade. He’d been active before that, but he didn’t start making headlines until he busted an illegal weapon smuggling ring...” 

[ofstarsandskies]

Thief AU Drabble -- Enter the Merchant with a Heart of Gold

OutOfCanonShips;; So Lin/@unborderedreflection​ told me about this kinda-AU where Leia was a detective instead of an journalist in X2. And being me, I spun that into a fully fledged Thief AU that I keep thinking about when I’m bored at work. 

This drabble came from an idea of how Alvin would enter this AU and then queue me spending the past few days writing this longer-than-I-planned-it-to-be oneshot. Gonna be under a Read More because this monster is ~2200 words long. I swear this was once supposed to be like 1k at best, but that sure ain’t true no more. 

Edit: Posted it on AO3 as well if you wanna read it there instead. 

Their newly branded band of criminals was obscenely lucky Spirius nor the government sent watches to the Highroads yet; the arrest warrants were publicized not long after they arrived back to Trigleph. Staying in the city wasn’t an option, so their best means of avoiding capture was sneaking onto Alest Highroad and laying low in Duval. The worst adversity they faced on the road were a few easily dispatched monsters. They checked into a random inn who either didn’t know or didn’t care about the news and finally got a chance to lie down after a chaotic morning. 

“I’m exhausted... Ludger, rub my shoulders....” A passed-out(?) Teepo muttered once he flopped down on a bed. 

“I would, but... what part of you is your shoulder?” Ludger asked the non-intuitively shaped doll. 

Ludger’d made the mistake of assuming Teepo’s body parts when they first met, thinking Teepo’s ears were supposed to be horns. He got a dejected sigh from Elize and complaints of not recognizing his natural cuteness from the source as punishment. Lesson learned, wouldn’t make that mistake twice. 

“He doesn’t have any. The only cure for a tired Teepo is a good head pat!” Elize plopped the semi-limp Teepo onto Ludger’s lap while placing his hand on Teepo’s head. “Come on, give him a pat!” 

Ludger’s confusion left him frozen stiff until he processed what he’d been tasked to do, but his mind caught up and gently pat Teepo’s head a few times. He must’ve acted correctly as Teepo began muttering this being the perks of having pals or something to that effect. Though he was glad to help, he couldn’t help feeling a little sheepish by the way Leia was quietly watching this whole exchange happen. 

Something save him from combusting into blushing flames, please. 

Riiing! Good, literally anything else to focus on. Leia reached into her back pocket and flipped open her GHS to check the caller ID. “It’s Alvin.” Probably calling back after Leia abruptly hung up on him at my advice, Ludger guessed. “Should I let it go to voicemail?”

“No, you can answer it. Law enforcement won’t be able to reach us before we could switch buildings.” People here weren’t above giving law enforcement a hard time whether they were personally involved or not. If Spirius or the government traced the call back to their location, they could easily move to the other side of town before they made significant headway; harassment from the locals was practically guaranteed to anyone in uniform. 

Leia nodded and hit speaker before answering the call, “Hey there, Leia.” Alvin greeted, his voice much calmer than his first call, “Sorry I freaked out when I called you earlier.” 

“Don’t worry about it! I knew you were just worried. Trouble has a way of finding me in Elympios.” Leia’s joke got a laugh out of herself. 

“I think it’s the other way around-- you can’t help butting into the first sign of danger you see.” And then it was Alvin’s turn to laugh with an accurate assertion, “So, how are things with the paper been going?” 

“Oh, funny story about that!” Leia practically leaped at the chance to share her fun recent experience, “I was trying to conduct street interviews in Marksburg for my Oscore Train Incident story and I ended up meeting Ludger there! He’s like a Crown Encyclopedia, and he even has replicas of Crown’s popular infiltration tools! Being able to shoot a grappling gun and zip to the top of a cliff in seconds is so awesome!” 

“Sounds like a thrill ride.” A pause. “Is Ludger with you now?” 

“He is! I’ve already got my GHS on speaker, so you can talk to him yourself!” Wait, what about him--? 

And then within seconds, a GHS was shoved into Ludger’s face with someone he’s never met on the other line. If the line weren’t already on speaker, he’d simply ask not to talk, but sadly that option didn’t exist. And given this was Leia’s friend, he had to make a good first impression. His mind drew a blank what to say for longer than he was comfortable, but he'd force himself to get at least one word out. 

“Um... Hello,” Ludger couldn’t help fiddling with the sleeve of his shirt as he was suddenly thrust into the conversation. “It’s nice to meet a friend of a friend.” And that’s all he could think of. After another ton of dead air, Leia eventually got the hint and returned to pacing around the room. 

“Sorry, I forgot Ludger’s shy around newer people.” The man had been vocal with her from the start, but she’d triggered his one exception: Crown. His idol was the one topic Ludger would give you a novella of daring dos and adoration for no matter if he just bumped into you in a crowd a random afternoon.  “So, we’ve talked a lot about me, but have things been good with Yurgen for you?” 

“Work’s going as well as you’d expect. The Elympion business world isn’t kind to upstarts, much less one that wears its Rieze Maxian ties on its sleeve. But a smart businessman doesn’t give up over a little adversity.” 

“That’s the spirit, Alvin!” Elize piped in with a bit of pep talk. 

“Just make sure you’re not growing any grey hairs!” And Teepo as well... if you squinted. 

Alvin made an exaggerated groan so loud, it almost sounded like it was coming from outside their door. “I was expecting encouragement, not a bust on my chops.” He recovered from this confidence blow timely, “But speaking of grey hairs, has Jude called you since this little mix-up? I’d expect him too-- worrying about everyone’s his second job.”

“...Not yet.” Leia’s face soured to the point Ludger wanted to ask about it, but his attention was weirdly drawn to the doorknob. He thought he saw it twist for half a second, and now he couldn’t shrug the feeling of being watched. Was it his imagination or...? “Jude’s always working overtime at Helioborg, though. He probably hasn’t had time to read the news. But when he does, I’m sure he’ll tell me how I’m not careful enough, and--” 

“Now you’re going to tell me what’s really going on.” Their door flew open, startling Elize and Leia. So that sound he heard a moment ago did come from outside their door-- with that piece of information, Ludger suspected the real reason for Alvin’s call. 

“Well... um....” Leia clearly hadn’t expected Alvin to pursue the topic so strongly he’d used a seemingly innocent phone call to track them down by listening for her voice on the other side. Elize, too, was speechless. As the one who got both of them involved, it seemed wrong not to explain the situation he created personally. 

“We’re gathering the Waymarkers to summon the Land of Canaan.” Ludger stated in the same firm tone his brother often used when explaining things to him.  

“The Land of Canaan...? Isn’t that just part of an old legend that’s making new rounds lately?” 

“It is.” 

In his irritation, Alvin stalked over to Ludger and looked him dead in the eyes, “And what exactly does a legend have to do with Spirius marking you three as at-large criminals?”

“Spirius believes in Canaan. They’re desperate to corner anyone they suspect is holding a Waymarker.” 

And they weren’t the first victims of Spirius’ weaponizing of the law-- what was merely an odd decision by Spirius, blaming the Oscore Train Incident on a collaboration between Crown and Exodus, seemed suspect when Crown had stolen Maxwell’s Temporal Blade a few months prior. Real or fake, Spirius was treating the Canaan legend like a high-priority covert operation. Letting them have their way didn’t sit well with Crown, and so it didn’t sit for Ludger either. There had to be more to Canaan and the Waymarkers than what met the eye. 

“So what you’re saying is Spirius is trying to arrest you guys because they believe everything about The Land of Canaan is real and they want you to hand over some ‘Waymarker’ you've got?” Alvin’s exasperated retelling of Ludger’s points showed little promise of understanding, yet Ludger nodded. It was still the truth. “This sounds like a government conspiracy theory to me.” 

“--But it’s true!” Leia physically and metaphorically jumped to his defense, “This ties directly into my investigation of the Oscore Train Incident! Crown orchestrating a train crash full of innocent civilians doesn’t fit at all with his usual M.O., but Spirius blamed him anyway! I’d stake my whole career that Spirius is plotting something, and I think helping Ludger is the best way to get to the bottom of this!” 

Leia’s passion must’ve struck a chord with Alvin, his look of annoyance melting away into a faint smirk. He waved for everybody to continue this conversation sitting on the vacant beds rather than stiffly standing around. Once they relocated, his first words were an apology, “Sorry for getting in your face like that, Ludger.”  

“It’s fine.” Ludger didn’t fault Alvin’s skepticism. From his perspective, some random outlaw had roped two of his friends into committing a crime so heinous, Spirius sent arrest warrants after all three of them. And his answer to Ludger’s motives lay in a legend that could be bogus in the end. Julius would’ve likely confronted the girls the same way if the roles were reversed. 

“Normally I would help you guys with gathering these Waymarkers, but I can’t risk getting Yurgen involved and sinking our partnership.” Before a collective sigh could go off from Leia, Ludger, and Elize, Alvin had an alternative ready to go, “Though what I can do is let a few pieces of my merch slip between the cracks. Call me when you’re in a safe place and I’ll hook you up with a good meal as quickly as I can.” 

“Can’t say no to free food!” Teepo swayed in the air with happiness. 

“We’d appreciate that so much, Alvin!” Leia gave her gratitude too. 

“Sounds like a done deal, then.” Alvin dropped the nonchalance for a bit of serious talk, “This might sound rich coming from me, but you three be careful, okay? If the bigwigs at Spirius are serious about Canaan, they’re not going to stop at siccing the law on you. They might go so far as to send hitmen to kill you for the Waymarker. Watch your backs while you’re on the road.” 

“Now you’re starting to sound like a worrying do-gooder yourself,” Leia teased as she pictured Jude’s similar hypothetical monologue. “Don’t worry Alvin, we’ll be careful.” 

“Good. With that lecture over, let’s get us some grub. Food’s on me tonight, so grab whatever catches your eye. Don’t even bother looking at the price tag.” 

Teepo didn’t need to look at anything to know what he wanted tonight, “Oooh, let’s get some tomatoes! I want another plate of Ludger’s tomato omelets!” 

“We’ll have to check if any stalls have the spices I use first. Nii-san never lets me shop here, so I’m not sure what Duval does or doesn’t sell...” Ludger was eager to find out though. There were always unique ingredients he’d find in one city and not the other; without his brother breathing down his neck to shop somewhere “safer”, such a golden opportunity couldn’t go to waste! 

As Elize and Ludger headed out the door in merry conversation together, Alvin turned to Leia and let loose the joke he’d been holding back, “Does Ludger have an Enable Speech button he forgot to hand me before he walked out?” 

“Just give Ludger time to get used to you. He was even quieter when he first met Driselle and Elize.” At the time, Leia thought Ludger’s silence was nervousness meeting someone of high status in a foreign country. But then Ludger kept looking at her to speak for him at the Seafall Phantom’s Eye exhibit she realized he avoided talking to strangers period. After they conquered the Canaan case, Leia had half a mind to help Ludger work on getting the courage to speak more freely.

The remaining two were just out the door until Leia remembered something, “Before you leave tonight, can I ask you one thing, Alvin?” Just asking this hurt her-- she hated lying to Jude. But something in her had to this time, for his own good. “Please don’t tell Jude what’s going on. He’s shouldering so many responsibilities already, and I don’t want to cause him more trouble.” 

“Sure thing. I’m a professional at keeping secrets from others.” Leia’s face twinged at Alvin’s self-deprecating jab, though she hid it under a trademark smile in a split second. The Alvin in front of her now was making the strides towards an honest life; she wanted to support this transformation every step of the way. “Let’s save the rest of the chitchat until after we eat. I skipped out on dinner chasing you guys down.” 

“Consider it a good thing-- now you’ll really enjoy dinner tonight! Ludger’s cooking is something you never want to pass up!” Both friends finally exited the inn in top spirits.