#fic: saving grace

[bravelittleflower]

Re-reintroducing Grace Salvatore in Saving Grace. Won't promise that this will be the last time I change her faceclaim.

In which Grace Salvatore's life turns upside down the moment she steps in her home town and it doesn't even have anything to do with the supernatural creatures that she knows hides in the shadows.

Tag list: @raging-violets , @foxesandmagic  , @dreamerwithapen1 ,  @arrthurpendragon , @harleyquinnzelz , @anotherunreadblog , @curious-kittens-ocs ,   , @endless-oc-creations , @noratilney @fragilestorm , @heirsoflilith

@jvstjewels @drbobbimorse @akabluekat @tessasocs @starcrossedjedis

[suugarbabe]

Saving Grace VI

[Chapter 6]

pairing: mattheo riddle x reader

word count: ~3.3k

warning: angst, fluff, mentions of blood, smut, slight male overstimulation, 18+ content MDNI

Your heart had never felt so full. Laying on the couch in the common room with Mattheo on top of you, his back to your front as he laid between your legs. His head was resting on your stomach, his arms draped over your thighs as your legs intertwined with his. Soft snores are coming from Mattheo as you continue to trace your fingers through his curls, scratching lightly at his scalp. 

You looked over his face, noting the different scars. The one along his right side, that went through his eyebrow and over his cheek, had been there before you met him. He told you he got it the summer before he came to Hogwarts, something about a ‘task his father had challenged him with’ went not quite as planned. You lightly traced it with your thumb and he seemed to unconsciously lean into your touch. 

He had a couple other small scars from nicks and such in fights, but your favorite one was on the bridge of his nose. It really wasn’t quite a scar yet, but you knew it would turn into one eventually. The scab across it was nearly healed, leaving a thick line of pink skin. The week after you two had made it officially official, Adrian had come to bother you again, this time trying to grab you away from Mattheo in the middle of the hall, yanking on your elbow. 

You had seen Mattheo fight plenty of times, but this time it was like all he could see was red and all he wanted was Adrian dead. It took Theo, Draco and Blaise to finally pull them apart. Mattheo came out with just one deep gash on the bridge of his nose, while Adrain was in the hospital wing for a week. Mattheo got a month’s worth of detention, the last of which he served today. 

McGonagall made him reorganize the quidditch locker rooms and their respective closets. It took him nearly all day, hence his exhausted and sleeping figure on top of you. But you didn’t mind, you loved when he was able to be more vulnerable and loved that he felt safe enough to be that way with you. He was always displaying himself as so tough and unbreakable, you often had to remind him that he, too, was merely human and would break if he didn’t allow himself time to relax and recover. 

You were so engrossed with how pretty your boyfriend looked sleeping that you had zoned out, completely forgetting the other people around you. Pansy’s snapping is what finally broke your trance as you looked over to the couch across from you, giving her an apologetic smile. 

“Merlin, you two are so lovesick on each other,” she teased, causing the others to smile along with her. 

“Thank Salazar you finally admitted your feelings for him, I swear we were all going mental just waiting on you two to make it actually official,” Theo stated, lighting a spliff and taking a drag. 

Your face turned into one of confusion, “What do you mean ‘finally admitted my feelings for him’, what are you on about?” 

Draco rolled his eyes, “Cousin told us you guys were faking it.” You went to sit up a little straighter, however Mattheo’s grip on your legs prevented you from moving all together. 

“You mean you all knew it was fake? I mean, it’s not anymore, it hasn’t been for a while, but you all knew in the beginning?” You looked at each one of their faces. Enzo looked guilty, Theo and Draco both wore annoying smirks while Blaise and Pansy just had huge smiles. 

“To be fair, we didn’t know until after your little show at that first party,” Theo wiggled his eyebrows at you. “Still think about it sometim-” he was cut short thankfully by Blaise throwing a pillow at his head. 

Blaise turned to you then, “At first we thought he was just bringing you to the party as his date for the night, you know, like he was known to do. We played games and had a lot of fun. But during your little performance I noticed someone watching the two of you, specifically you, very closely.” 

You rolled your eyes, his name coming out like a grumble from your mouth, “You mean Adrian.” 

Blaise couldn’t help the slight smirk on his face, “Precisely. So, the next morning, when we were all a little more sober, I decided to ask Mattheo what was going on.” 

“At first he tried to deny everything, saying it was just for the night or whatever, but I could see right through it,” Draco pipped in. “Eventually, he told us how Adrian was being a proper creep and you asked for his help -”

Enzo interrupted him, “And Matty boy was talking about you for months before that.” The rest of the group seemed to nod in agreement. 

You couldn’t help the look of shock on your face, “W-what are you guys talking about? Months before?”

Blaise smiled at you, “That’s right sweetheart.” You looked back down at Mattheo’s sleeping form, admiration clear on your face. You traced your thumb over the apple of his cheek and he stirred slightly. His long eyelashes fluttered open, his voice thick with sleep as he spoke, “You lot talking ‘bout me?” 

A few members of the group laughed softly as you ran your fingers through his hair, “All good things, love.” He grumbled slightly, turning over so he was now laying on his stomach, burying his face into your jumper covered chest. 

“You still sitting with me at the match tomorrow?” Pansy asked excitedly, finally able to have another girl with her to watch the boys play. 

Eyes still closed, Mattheo answered for you, “Course she is, gonna be wearing my spare jersey.” You smiled at Pansy, nodding your head in agreement. 

“And here I thought she’d be wearing mine,” Theo, ever the sass-master, felt the need to interject and quickly regretted it as Mattheo fully opened his eyes. You ran your hand through Mattheo’s curls, essentially soothing him back to a calm state before giving Theo the finger for riling him up.

xx

You wanted to curse whatever founder decided that deep into Scotland was the best location for Hogwarts as you pulled your stocking cap down over your ears. You also wanted to curse whoever decided that quidditch season needed to be in the bloody winter. 

“How the bloody hell do you look so cute but I look like a bundled troll?” Pansy poked the stuffing of her jacket near her stomach. You huffed out a laugh, “Oh please, Pans, we both look like stuffed olives. Green is normally so flattering to me, but right now I feel like a pickle.” 

You and Pansy continued to make comparisons to different green foods back and forth, not being able to contain your laughter as you found your seats in the stands on the Slytherin side. You weren’t sure if it was your relationship status, or if you and Pansy just got lucky, but you managed two front row spots in your house section, giving you the perfect view of the pitch. 

As both teams came out from the locker room tents you joined your fellow students in cheering loudly for green and silver. As members of both teams started doing warm up laps around the pitch, a particularly curly haired captain was hovering right in front of you and you couldn’t contain the grin that spread over your face. 

“Well don’t you look adorable this brisk afternoon, princess,” Mattheo was balancing on his Firebolt, leaning over the banister at the front of the stands. You stood from your seat, leaning closer to him, “I know you love pickles so I figured I’d copy the look to keep you motivated.” 

Mattheo let out a hearty chuckle, “S’that what you think you look like?” You nodded, biting your bottom lip to suppress the grin threatening to spread across your face. “Well you’re correct as always love,” Mattheo closed the gap between you two, placing a gentle kiss to your lips that ended far sooner than you wanted, “I love pickles and you look delicious.” 

You giggled slightly as you pushed his shoulder, effectively pushing him farther from you. With a wink he was soaring back down to the ground, meeting Madam Hooch and the other team's captain. As Madam Hooch released the bludgers and the snitch your adrenaline began to rise. When she tossed the quaffle in the air you were off your seat, keeping a close eye on Mattheo as he maneuvered around the pitch. 

Quidditch games were not foreign to you, you’ve even played it a little on holidays with your friends and such, but there was something about watching Mattheo, watching your boyfriend that made it all the more exciting. 

It definitely helped that Mattheo was a wiz at the game, gliding through the air, catching the quaffle like he’d been playing the game since he came out of the womb. He was especially cheeky this game, though, throwing a wink or a point your way every time he scored. 

The game was so exciting and Mattheo managed to pay you so much attention that you nearly forgot that Adrian was also on the team. That is, you forgot until you saw a bludger head straight for Mattheo. Thankfully he saw it and ducked out of the way. 

You followed the path that the bludger came from expecting to see the colors of the opposing team. Your eyes narrowed to slits as you saw Adrian Pucey hovering on his broom, bat in hand and a smirk plastered on his face. 

Adrian had arrogance, that was evident when he made eye contact with you and sent you a wink. You're sure your face was displaying a scowl but you held up both hands with middle fingers for good measure. 

You weren’t sure the game Adrian was playing at, but you knew Mattheo could finish it. After two more goals you saw Adrian smack another bludger, again heading straight towards your boyfriend, whose back was turned. 

You thanked Merlin for Theo as he came bolting towards Mattheo, using his own bat to beat the bludger in a different direction. Mattheo turned around, confused at the commotion as Theo very obviously shouted something at him. 

Mattheo then flew over where Draco had been, who was very obviously on the hunt for the snitch. Draco’s eyes were darting around the sky, searching for any glimpse of gold as he took in whatever words Mattheo was speaking. 

In an instant Draco was off, the Slytherin section erupting into cheers as he presumably found what he was looking for. Mattheo flew over to Theo, exchanging words. Theo nodded his head in understanding. 

The heat of the game was happening but your eyes stayed glued to Mattheo as he flew to the other side of the pitch towards Adrian. Cheers and shouts erupted around you, leading to an understanding that Draco likely caught the snitch and Slytherin had won. 

You watched as Mattheo all but dragged Adrian off his broom and to the tunnel leading from the pitch to the locker rooms. You watch as Mattheo’s fist connects with Adrian’s nose. Everyone else is seemingly distracted by the victory but you can't tear your eyes away from watching Mattheo beat the living shit out of Adrian not ten meters from everyone else. 

When you see Mattheo walk away from a crouching Adrian on the floor and head to the locker rooms you immediately follow, ignoring Pansy’s calls about where you were going. You rushed down the steps of the stands, taking as large of steps as your legs would allow as you reached the opening of the Slytherin locker room tent. 

The locker room was empty as everyone was still on the pitch celebrating. You walk further into the room, hearing a shower running. You shed some of your layers, taking off your hat, scarf, Mattheo’s extra jersey and your thick jumper. You toed off your shoes, pulling your socks along with them. 

The steam from the showers curled around your legs as you entered the shower stalls. When you finally reached him you saw the water at his feet run pink against the tile. You were sure the majority, if not all, was Adrians. You step into the stall, not caring that your clothes were essentially going to get soaked. You placed a tentative hand on his back.

He flinched at first, relaxing quickly into your touch. “What did he say, Matty?” He kept his back to you, doing his best to have a jovial tone, “If you wanted to see me naked again, love, you could’ve just asked. No need to storm the showers.” 

You rubbed your hands up and down his back, massaging his obviously sore muscles, “Mattheo…”

He let out a long sigh as he placed his hands on the wall in front of him. You saw a few cuts on his knuckles that you made note to heal later. “He deserved it,” his voice strained slightly, like just talking about it was making him angry all over again. 

You nodded, though you knew he couldn’t see it, “I’m sure he did, love, but what did he do this time?” 

His muscles tensed again, “It was about you. Had your name in his filthy fucking mouth. He..” Mattheo took another deep breath, you rubbed up and down his back, encouraging him to continue, “Well first he tried to knock me out with two fucking bludgers.” 

“I saw, right coward move if you ask me,” your rested your hands on Mattheo’s shoulders. He placed one of his on top on yours as he continued, “Then when I dragged him down, asking him what his problem was, he started talking about you. Starting saying foul things about you, saying he could have his way with you if he tried hard enough, that you being with me was all a lie and if he asked he could ‘have you up against a wall and calling his name’ and I just lost it.”

He turned to face you, hands gripping at the wet fabric on your waist, “I’m sorry princess, I just…I couldn’t stop myself.” His head fell to the crook of your neck as your arms wrapped around his shoulders, neither caring about the vulnerable state Mattheo was in in the shower stall. 

His posture indicated he felt bad for his actions, or at least feared that you might be mad at him. In reality you were anything but angry. You know it shouldn’t, but seeing Mattheo fight just…spurred you on. 

You tugged lightly at his curls and he lifted his head up, soft brown eyes meeting yours. “I love when you fight for me, Mattheo,” you twirled a curl around your finger at the base of his neck. Mattheo’s mouth upturned ever so slightly, “Yeah?”

You could feel his fingers dip under the hem of your shirt as you nodded your head, “Yeah, I know it’s kind of bad, but when I saw you hitting him earlier,” you pushed Mattheo back slightly, gripping the bottom of your soaked shirt and peeling it up and off your body, Mattheo’s eyes shot straight to your green lace bra, “I just wanted to get you alone and show you how much I really,” you popped the button of your jeans, “truly,” you dragged them down your legs and stepped out, “appreciate it.” 

He knows he’s seen you bare before, but there was something about you standing in soaking green lace that had his body responding before his mind could control it. Mattheo, for once, was at a loss for words, but you didn’t mind taking control for a moment. 

You placed a hand on his strong chest, pushing him back with the slightest pressure as your trailed your hand down his abdomen, feeling the dips and curves of his muscles that quidditch helped sculpt. His eyes held contact with yours as his back hit the tile wall.

Your hands continued to explore his body, thumbs dipping into the v-cut of his hips before grabbing him fully in your hand. You stroked him with light pressure, Mattheo’s eyes rolling as his head leaned back against the wall, “Your teasing me, Princess.” The statement came out in a breathy moan. 

“Just trying to show my boyfriend how thankful I am that he’s always there to defend me,” you slowly fell to your knees, dragging your nails down his thighs as you did so, eliciting a soft groan from Mattheo. 

You hold your mouth open, sticking out your tongue. You hold him in your mouth for a moment, just feeling the weight of his cock on your tongue. 

You’ve only been any type of intimate a few times since officially being called ‘boyfriend/girlfriend’ but you had made a mental note to take your time and enjoy it all in the beginning. 

“P-please, Princess. I n-need you to do something,” Mattheo’s begging went straight to your core. You pulled him from your mouth slowly, trailing your tongue along the underside of his cock. 

You wrap your hand around him, small strokes up and down as you kitten lick his tip. His hand finds home in your hair, lacing his fingers through the wet strands. 

You flatten your hand at the base of his cock, fingers spread across his pubic bone. You do your best to open your throat as you take as much of him as you can in your mouth. Your thumb applying light pressure where his balls meet his base, massaging the soft spot there. 

“F-fuck, holy shit, love, do that again,” Mattheo pleads. You hum in acknowledgment, repeating the action. Mattheo’s eyes roll in the back of his head and he knows he’s not going to last long. 

When you cup his balls, rolling them lightly in one hand as you deep throat him and hollow out your cheeks, Mattheo can’t even stop himself before he’s shooting hot ropes down your throat. 

You continue to bob your head, hollowing your cheeks out again and milking him for all has. Your hand is back at what won’t fit in your mouth. 

“Fuck, Princess, no more, I can’t,” he hissed through his teeth, grip tightening in your hair. You feel his thighs twitch under your palm but you don’t stop, wanting to push him just a little bit farther. 

His eyes roll to the back of his head and his upper lip quivers, you hum along his shaft, tapping his thigh to silently tell him to look at you. 

He stares down at you, eyes glazed over with lustful stupidity and that’s when you slowly drag him from your mouth with an obscene pop. You give one last long lick from base to tip before kissing his hip, grasping on to his forearm to help you stand up. 

Mattheo is still spent, leaning against the tile wall with shaky legs, one hand on your hip while the other cups your cheeks. 

“You tryna kill me, Princess? Where the fuck did that come from?” He’s breathless as he strokes your cheek lovingly. 

You shrug your shoulder slightly as your wrap your arms around his waist, “Just saying thank you.” You batted your eyelashes, doing your best to look innocent. 

Mattheo used his thumb to tilt your head up slightly, slotting his lips with yours. It was slow and sweet, his lips wet and heavy against yours. When he pulled away you found yourself lifting to your tip toes trying to chase after him. 

He chuckled slightly at your response, thumb tapping playfully at your bottom lip, “Cmon, love. Let’s get dressed before the rest of the lads get in and then we can go back to my dorm and I can,” he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, “return the favor.” 

You slapped his chest playfully, “Cheeky offer, but you don’t have to do that. I’m more than happy with what transpired just now.”

Mattheo smiled your favorite dimpled smile as he grabbed a handful of your ass, “Oh, love, but I want to.”

taglist: @v1olentdelights ; @cherry-hoe ; @itsamusical4life ; @chaosartic ; @b3ean ; @l4venderia ; @mypolicemanharryyy ; @ma-las ; @usmell4 ; @carav4l ; @thereeallink ; @jinxxangel13 ; @stvrlightt ; @taylors--version ; @classicfandomavenue ; @lucyispan ; @moonlightreader649 ; @badasseddy ; @icecube1912 ; @kezibear ; @julerry ; @little-miss-naill ; @kaitlyn2907 ; @laurajmcmanus ; @onlyangel-444 ; @unstablereader ; @aunicornmademedoit ; @im-unwellbabe ; @football1921 ; @kalulakunundrum ; @ayla-1605 ;

if you're not underlined i did try to tag you and it didn't pop up, sozz loves :(

[just-another-obsessed-fangirl]

breaking hearts for the fun and it's bloody

day 7 of @jagertittyshipweek: blood (i know it's not day 7 yet, i was just too excited to wait)

bloodless human version here:

[clairedaring]

The tears you're shedding now... is it because you're pinching yourself? What are you trying to say? Do you remember when we first met each other? You told me... that you were dying to be in a play.

BAD GENIUS THE SERIES (2020) | 1.05

[paradoxspaceheater]

the extremely specific circumstances that have led to me shipping two characters whose names differ only by a single letter

[katiefromcabin7]

I have officially 1400 words (out of what i assume will be around 3000) written for a pjo pirate au 😭 😭 (i dont have time for this)

My offical plan is to have the main story be multi chapter but have a bunch of one shots for characters full indepth backstories and for how some of them became pirates)

Also i forgot to mention this in my other post about it but if all goes to plan there will be some theyna as well lol

The post

[falmerbrook]

for the quest ask thing how'd stellar deal with meeting the urshilaku tribe for the first time? meeting sul-matuul, nibani maesa? i assume it must've been a little difficult for an argonian

oooo this is one I've thought about before! (sorry this is long as hell but it's an important quest in his story so I have a lot to say!)

Some background leading up to it:

So prior to going to the Urshilaku, when Caius suggested he might be the Nerevarine and he should seek them out, Stellar got all pissed off and stormed out and decided he was done with all the nonsense in Morrowind. Now, he'd been suspecting it himself in the back of his head too, but he wasn't ready to confront that suspicion and he hated the idea of being tied to Morrowind or the Dunmer in any way. So he used the money he'd saved from Caius to travel to Northern Black Marsh and hopefully settle down there. TLDR the Hist tells him that he doesn't belong there and he needs to get his ass back to Vvardenfell. After some reflection, he decides to go back because he's too invested in the whole mystery of everything with the Sixth House and Nerevarine business, and he doesn't think he could go on with the rest of his life without closure.

And now the actual answer:

Prior to this point, he has been an absolute menace to society. He's purposefully abrasive and rude, he's violent and quick to anger, and he doesn't like the idea of letting any weakness or humility show, especially to Dunmer. He's a rash, insecure teen guy in a land that looks down on him anyway. But making the decision to pursue the Nerevarine stuff with the Urshilaku marks a turning point for him. He wants (and needs) them to take him seriously, and he's not going to do that with how he's been acting. So he does his research, prepares some gifts for the Wise Woman and Ashkhan before going to meet them, and swallows his pride.

When he gets there he's absolutely treated like an oddity, but the tribe isn't necessarily against the presence of outsiders as long as they follow their customs (they definitely view him with extra suspicion though). It takes him many weeks, but he manages to worm into the good graces of the tribe by basically being as submissive and polite and as much of a push-over as he could possibly be, and staying out of the way when he wasn't helping someone out. He did every favor anyone asked, no matter how hard or humiliating, and he absolutely hated doing it but he bit his tongue. He was a former slave so being asked to do so many tasks for Dunmer felt demeaning, but he powered through it, and even got friendly/close with some members of the tribe in the process. Most of the tribe wasn't really against his presence. He was making himself useful and wasn't getting in the way, and some of them even found his earnestness about the Nerevarine thing, and his willingness to do literally anything they asked him to, to be delusional but entertaining to watch.

Nobody takes him really seriously until his trip to Kogoruhn. At a certain point he'd proven himself to Nibani and Sul Matuul enough that they treated him with the seriousness and respect he was clearly trying to earn, but they didn't really expect the situation with him to go anywhere (him being an Argonian was still a complete roadblock in their minds), nor for him to come back from Kogoruhn. Not only does he come back, but he comes back pretty beat up and missing the end of his tail. To them this means he's serious about pursuing this whole thing, and while I don't think either of them truly get over the fact that he's an Argonian, they don't let it show and start taking him seriously and showing him genuine respect. (and, at that point, he's been there for so many months that much of the tribe has sorta just accepted him presence. While there are very mixed feeling about their leaders taking the Nerevarine thing seriously, no one really minds him being there at that point).

[butt-puncher]

Does anyone have a pdf of Six Months Can Change so Much When You're a Demigod by uptoolate? Its been years since it was deleted but I still think about it like all the time.

[pigeonstab]

Crazy how one of the stories thathave affected me the most ever was the Dsmp.. lmaoooo I'm sorry c!Tommy makes me cry

[yaralulu]

I have been given way too much power by being able to write whatever I want.Is it good? Probably not but the fact that something dumb I thought of is right infront of me written in a slightly eloquent manner is just so cool.Like I am currently writing something and I’m having feyre attempting to reconcile with lucien and I think it’s healing my soul frfr.

[momentomori24]

I was planning on making a post on Wolfgang and Grace attraction and affection and it's more passionate nature with a more sexual undercurrent in comparison to the other pairings in our cast, but I found this small section in a Ulywen fic that summed it up perfectly. Like, yes. Yes, you get me, dude.

[peapodfics]

We Both Know the Heart's Not Bulletproof

By: Kotos_and_Smiles

Caring skk, ft. Chuuya's wings in StormBringer

[universal-verringbebe]

Those of you that write the break up prank scenarios/fake texts or request them.... Why are y'all so sadistic 😭 I feel so bad reading them, like damn, bad enough mc forgot all about them but then a prank break up??? I would fold immediately and probably cry

[windor-truffle]

Ok enough boring things like "work" or "sleep," time for a BerZesty AU 😤 I don't think I'll ever actually write it because it'd take a while but I'd love to hear others' thoughts on how you'd do one! Here's my VERY long take (outline) on it:

In this World of Graces But With BerZesty Mechanics, resonance is something highly sought after among nobility as it puts them "closer to the gods." Thus many marriages are arranged in order to produce heirs with high resonance, supposedly, but since resonance is becoming rarer and rarer (probably due to inbreeding affecting life span 😅) many nobles actually lie about their abilities.

Lord Aston of Lhant, who has little to no resonance but comes from a family that did, similarly sought out an heir with high resonance so he married Lady Kerri who possesses it. She is a widow of a previous marriage, with her own son Hubert having high resonance. But when Asbel, Aston's biological heir, is born with high resonance, Aston goes full villain mode (sorry I'm sabotaging his character 😅) and has Hubert killed in what appears to be an accident so there will be no dispute over who will inherit his title. Thus Asbel grows up with the seraph of his dead half-brother Hubert, who does know their relation but not the truth behind his death. Hubert is a water seraph (of course) and despite being older than Asbel, appears younger due to aging more slowly as a seraph.

Kid Asbel is also friends with Cheria, a friendly fire seraph kid who reincarnated after her tragic demise from illness, but otherwise Asbel's social life is quite limited and sheltered, protected fiercely by his father who sees Asbel as a chance to develop ties with the royal family. Eventually Aston gets his wish and Prince Richard is sent to Lhant for a visit. Asbel and Richard immediately hit it off as they both aspire to be Shepherds, figures of legend who brought peace and purity to the world by forming pacts with the Empyreans themselves. Asbel swears to be Richard's squire someday, and together they'll travel the world and purify it.

During Richard's visit the kids also meet and befriend Sophie, an orphan of Lhant with surprisingly high resonance. They protect her from hellions, since hellions tend to target those that can perceive them, and bring her with them to Barona when Richard's stay is over. Once there, Richard invites them all to help him investigate a shrine he has uncovered beneath the castle to an unknown Empyrean (very Innominat-like 😅).

Unfortunately they discover too late that the summoning ritual they're attempting requires a human sacrifice, and as they are attempting to abort, a "monster" shows up and kills Sophie. The gruesome event causes a falling out between the royal family and Lhant, and Asbel and Richard are no longer permitted to see each other.

7 years later, armies of hellions begin to invade Lhant and Aston dies in battle. Asbel is sent to Barona to petition the king for help, as there are far more people there with the resonance needed to combat the hellions, but then Asbel learns that Archduke Cedric has killed the king and is leading a coup with said armies of hellions. He himself is a hellion of Lord of Calamity status that had secretly lived among the royal family, though Richard always knew and thus was targeted frequently.

The capital seems to be overrun with malevolence so Asbel and his two seraph friends take cover in the sanctuary where they find Richard currently fleeing for his life. When they venture further down the same path they followed as kids that led them to the abandoned shrine, they're surprised to hear the voice of an Empyrean asking if they will aid him in purifying this world as a Shepherd. Richard agrees, Asbel swearing to be his squire, and Richard becomes the vessel to the forgotten Empyrean Lambda. As they complete the ritual, the spirit of their old friend reincarnates before their eyes as the void seraph Sophie, though she has no recollection of her former life.

With their powers greatly improved by the blessing of an Empyrean and an additional seraph on their side, Richard and Asbel vow to take down the Lord of Calamity reigning over Windor, Asbel hoping to purify him, while Richard is more prepared to do what's necessary. They encounter Malik, an earth seraph who challenges them to test both his own strength and the strength of their wills as a new Shepherd and squire. He is fine with killing hellions, mainly because he knows someday he'll have to return to his homeland and kill his friend Kurt who became a dragon (very Zaveid coded), but the pair (mainly Asbel) promise they will try to purify him, and Malik tags along to see if they're up for it or not (very Edna coded).

They succeed in taking down the Lord of Calamity Cedric thanks to Lambda's power. With peace in Windor restored, Richard the Shepherd-King and his squire Asbel set off to awaken and receive the blessings of the four Empyreans throughout the land, starting with Gloandi here in Windor. However, the ritual seems to be less of awakening and embracing their powers as it is Richard and Lambda subjugating and devouring them, much to Asbel and the other's disturbance. His seraph friends are beginning to feel some malevolence from the pair, but Asbel's pure belief in Richard keeps them from feeling its effects.

They travel next to Strahta, who initially refuse to recognize Richard as a Shepherd, believing this to be a political takeover. They prove Richard's validity by taking down an enormous hellion that had been terrorizing Yu Liberte, though Asbel and the citizens are dismayed that they couldn't purify it as it used to be a beloved gentle mascot (RIP Rockgagong). As a reward for their success, Richard is granted access to the shrine of the water Empyrean, Duplemar.

But the same process happens again of Lambda devouring its power, and this time the boosted force of his will enables him to suppress that of seraphim across the entire world, including all of Asbel's friends except Sophie. Richard reveals that his and Lambda's plan for peace actually involves exterminating humanity, the source of the malevolence, and will do so by using seraphim as tools. Asbel can no longer deny what they've become: a fallen Shepherd led by a fallen Empyrean, able to command both seraphim and hellions alike. Heartbroken, Asbel is forced to break his pact as Richard's squire before Richard's overflowing malevolence can corrupt both him and his enslaved friends. Richard is furious at his betrayal but despite having Asbel at his mercy does not kill him, and Asbel runs away, bitterly hoping he can save both his suppressed friends and his fallen one somehow.

Asbel is at a loss on how to help his friends until he encounters the wind seraph Pascal, who besides Sophie is the only unaffected seraph (because no one can hope to control her lol). Her tribe has knowledge of a sacred land in the heavens far beyond, where the Empyrean of Void, Fodra, ascended to long ago. She and Fourier are able to take Asbel and his friends there, and since Fodra's domain is far apart from Lambda's, his friends have free will for as long as they remain there.

In order to make a pact with Fodra that could free the seraphim, Asbel has to clear 4 elemental trials, and each one forces the corresponding seraph to come to terms with their past (Hubert's cruel murder, Cheria's unfair demise, Malik's bitter regrets, and even Pascal's jealous sister, who envies Pascal's higher standing among their tribe so much she almost becomes a dragon). Completing each one not only ensures their free will but also allows Asbel to armatize with them. But before Asbel can take the final step of becoming a Shepherd under Fodra, he hears from her that Richard has located the fire shrine of Forbranir, and so he returns to Ephinea with his freed friends in order to try and stop him.

Unfortunately, Asbel's armatuses are no match for Richard's armatus with the Empyrean Lambda, taking on a form far more demonic than angelic (aka Richard's final boss form from canon, roughly). Richard succeeds in stealing Forbranir's power and this time seems to be suppressing the will of humanity, though Asbel is protected from its effects by the blessings of his friends. Asbel returns to Fodra in the hopes finishing his pact with her will free the humans, too.

The last step of Fodra's trial tests Asbel and the others' belief in humanity. They learn that Lambda was an artificially created Empyrean who lost faith in humans after those of supposedly divine blood murdered his Shepherd vessel Cornell and sealed Lambda away. Humans created their own god then turned on it when it failed to please them, they always tear down goodness for their own selfish ends. That is why he decided they were truly evil.

They also learn that Sophie, as the soul that was sacrificed to release Lambda, is now a part of him (like Laphicet), hence why she was unaffected by and can even decently match his powers. But even after learning of these origins, Asbel and the others still believe that humanity has a future that they wish to protect. With this Fodra gives him her blessing, and Asbel becomes a true Shepherd like he'd always dreamed. Now he just needs to reach his other friend and get him to believe in that dream again, too.

The humans and seraphim on Ephinea have regained their free will thanks to Asbel's Empyrean pact countering Lambda's domain, and they offer Asbel and his seraphic friends their prayers as Asbel chases after Richard into the planet's core, where the final Empyrean of Earth, Lastalia, dwells. They confront him at the core and battle again. Richard has the power of his Lambda armatus AND 3 devoured Empyreans, while Asbel has the power of 5 seraphim 1 Empyrean and the prayers of basically every human so it's one HELL of a fight 😅 But Asbel is able to win by pulling a fucking 5 way armatus (like the noncanonical ending of the Zesty anime I know it's silly but c'mon Asbel would TOTALLY do that if he could 😂 it's the power of friendship, literally.)

With Richard and Lambda defeated, Asbel is able to appeal to Richard and get him to believe again in the humans that he once wanted to save. But Lambda refuses to trust humanity again, and thus cannot be purified. Sophie offers to sacrifice herself to seal Lambda away again, since she can match his powers with her own, but Asbel opts to become Lambda's vessel instead despite his malevolence--- as long as Asbel believes in both himself and Lambda, it won't corrupt him, and he can attempt to purify it as he shows Lambda the world. Lambda accepts his terms, and Richard and Asbel renew their pact, this time with Richard as his squire since he no longer trusts himself and besides Asbel has proven himself a worthy Shepherd twice over.

...The end? 😅

[rcbdo]

saving grace - chapter 1

levi ackerman x f!original character

masterlist

word count: 2,099

It was a beautiful day in Trost; the sky was a clear blue, painted with soft, fluffy clouds. The weather was the best it had been in weeks, the chill and rain of spring giving way to the balmy start of summer. Rays of light streamed onto the cobblestone streets as the sun crested over Wall Rose, the 50-meter surround that protected what remained of humanity. The city’s denizens were in good spirits, excited to celebrate the graduation of the 104th Training Corps cadets. 

It was also the morning that the Survey Corps regiment, also known as the Scouts, would leave for their 56th expedition; a mission to explore the world beyond the walls. While their returns were often met with grief and hostility, their departures offered an undeniable optimism. Their insignia, the “Wings of Freedom,” symbolized the hope of mankind. The hope that their dedication, research, and sacrifice would change the world. That one day the monsters outside of the walls, known as titans, would be defeated and their homelands reclaimed.

Soldiers were gathered outside of the city’s military headquarters, their forest green capes stark against the gray cobblestone streets. They completed their last minute checks with practiced efficiency, preparing for the long journey ahead. Some gazed skyward, smiling at the auspicious conditions.

It was the perfect day for an expedition.

Except for the fact that Grace felt like shit.

She had been plagued by a cough for several weeks, one that had not improved with treatments offered by the medics in their regiment. At the insistence of a certain captain, she was ordered to follow-up with a physician at Trost headquarters. There, she had been diagnosed with acute bronchitis, and promptly put on bed rest. 

Grace had hoped that a few days of care would allow her to recover in time for the expedition; she hadn’t missed a single one in the years she had been a Scout. The thought of not being there for her comrades, laying in a comfortable bed while they put their lives on the line, made her stomach turn.

She should have been outside with her squad. Instead, she was confined to the medical bay, sullenly listening to her section commander excuse her from duty. She had to crane her neck up to look at him, his astonishing height even more pronounced as she lay in bed.

“Got it?” he prompted, “The doctor says you should be clear for light activity by the time we get back. Don’t push yourself.”

“I’m feeling better, though,” Grace tried, offering a partial truth. “I could avoid combat and just help with—”

Mid-sentence her traitorous body was overcome by another coughing fit. While they were becoming less frequent, they still sounded wet and horrible. Her commander stepped across the room to pour a glass of water, allowing her a moment to overcome the sudden hacking.

“—supplies,” Grace finished dejectedly, taking the offered drink.

The returning look from her leader made his answer clear; no. Grace sighed, taking a sip and leaning back against the headboard. “It was worth a shot.”

“You know the rules, kid,” he replied firmly, “and you know you’re not an exception.”

“I know. I just don’t like being left behind,” Grace admitted.

Her commander’s eyes softened at her confession. “You need rest,” he explained. “We can’t afford the risk if you’re not at your best.”

Grace nodded. “Yes, sir,” she responded.

“Nobody’s leaving you behind. We’ll be back,” he added, offering a gentle reassurance to ease Grace’s unspoken worry. That she would lose someone forever and be powerless to stop it.

“You’ll be back,” Grace affirmed, refusing to acknowledge any other outcome. She opened her mouth to make a request, but was interrupted by a knock.

“Section Commander Miche,” a dark-haired soldier announced from the room’s entrance, “Commander Erwin says we move out in 15 minutes.”

“Thanks, Tomas. I’ll be down in a moment,” Miche answered.

“Feel better,” the soldier, one of Grace’s squad mates, said, offering her a small wave before leaving. Grace lifted her hand in return but he was already gone, the loud clanking of his gear echoed down the quiet hallway.

Grace shifted in bed to face Miche, forcing a small smile. “Good luck out there. Tell Nanaba and Lynne I’ll make it up to them next time,” she said, referring to the friendly competition between their squad. It was men versus women; whichever group had the most titan kills earned free drinks for a night. Gelgar, the heaviest drinker by far, would be thrilled by the serendipitous odds.

“I’ll pass along the message,” Miche replied with a smirk, taking a few steps forward. Grace looked up at him as he placed his large hand on top of her head, ruffling her hair. A familiar gesture, one that started back in Grace’s youth. “Be good, kid. Maybe get a haircut while you’re at it. It’s getting a bit long.”

Grace raised her brows, picking up the ends of her golden hair between her fingers. It had grown down to her shoulders, which was indeed longer than she usually kept it.

“You’re one to talk,” she scoffed, eyes pointed to Miche’s shaggy, dark blonde tresses. 

He snorted, tousling her hair once more. “Get some rest. We’ll see you when we get back.” As he stepped away, Grace offered a salute. Her right hand formed a fist, fingers resting over her heart; her left arm behind her back.

Miche stopped, snapping into a salute in return before exiting. The action was unnecessary, as superiors were not required to salute those with lower ranks. But Miche Zacharius was a kind and capable leader. He was a quiet man who fought fiercely and had an eerily keen sense of smell. He respected his squad just as much as they respected him, and Grace was honored to be a member.

A few moments after Miche’s departure, a nurse arrived with a tonic to help with her cough. Grace couldn’t help but grimace at the tangy, medicinal taste. She offered her thanks, then was left alone. Settling back into the bed, she gazed out the window across the room, watching a small flock of birds fly over the wall. She envied those creatures and their ability to see the world, unobstructed and unafraid.

A solitary bell tolled in the distance, signaling the opening of the gate. Once raised, Commander Erwin would rally the troops and lead them into Wall Maria territory. To try and establish another stronghold leading to Shiganshina and its ruined outer gate. 

Grace took a deep breath, wishing for all those that she cared about to return safe and sound.

Grace was jarred awake by the sound of a sharp crack, her body bolting upright out of instinct. At first, she was confused; there were no storm clouds in sight. She couldn’t have slept long, as the sky was still bright and cheery.

The realization hit her as suddenly as the earth shattering boom. She threw back the sheets and scrambled across the room. The ground beneath her shook, even halfway across the city.

“No-no-no,” Grace shuddered. “Not again. Please, no.”

Her body trembled as she gripped the window ledge. All she could see was smoke billowing from atop the wall. She willed herself not to panic, not until she had visual confirmation. Section Commander Hange mentioned the cadets were being put to work cleaning the wall canons; it had to be some kind of accident. She hoped it was just a training exercise gone wrong.

But as the haze lifted, her hopes were shattered. She gasped, taking a step back from the window. For in the distance, she was faced with her worst nightmare. A giant, grotesque face loomed over the wall, devoid of skin. It was a face that Grace knew all too well, yet had never laid eyes on.

The Colossal Titan.

The outer gate had been breached, and she knew what would happen next. 

The brazen bell tolls startled her into action, a signal for everyone to evacuate the city. Grace rushed to the bedside drawer that held the belts for her omni-directional mobility, or ODM, gear. She deftly slid the complex straps across her legs and torso. Once paired with grappling hooks and blades, she could soar through the air to combat the oncoming slew of titans.

For all of the Scout’s expeditions and research, much was still unknown about the humanoid creatures. The one, well-established fact was their insatiable hunger for human beings. Without a barrier, they would pour into the city and devour anyone in their path.

Walls Maria, Rose, and Sina had protected the populace for over a hundred years. Until five years ago, when two new Titans demolished all their notions of safety. First, the Colossal appeared, kicking down Shiganshina’s outer gate. As the district fell victim to the titans’ onslaught, the Armored Titan charged through the inner gate. Together they cleared a path straight into the circuit of Wall Maria, then vanished completely.

It was a massacre. Twenty percent of humanity perished, and Grace was still plagued by the aftermath. There were few veterans left who survived the weeks of culling and failed migrations. But worst of all, was the effort to reclaim Wall Maria. The newly promoted Commander Erwin had no choice but to accept the Royal Government’s order. The Scout Regiment led 250,000 untrained civilians back into Wall Maria territory; only 200 of them returned. The mission was an utter failure, rumored to have been a purposeful extermination.

However, not all hope was lost. Mankind learned from their failures. They built new weapons, created additional safeguards, and trained even harder. They had hoped this day would never come, but prepared for it nevertheless.

As Grace raced downstairs to don the rest of her gear, she honed her fear into focus. She had to be careful, especially since she wasn’t feeling her best. She was thankful for the tonic she had just taken, and hoped it would get her through the next few hours. Even the smallest mistake around titans could be lethal.

Soldiers who were fully equipped ran past her, making their way to the courtyard for orders. Shouts filled the air, but nobody addressed Grace directly. Amidst the clamor, she was able to glean some information. The gate and all nearby wall cannons were destroyed. The Colossal Titan disappeared again. The Advanced Team had been deployed. No sign of the Armored Titan. 

Each fact added to Grace’s building dread. She felt unsettled, realizing she was the lone Scout amongst a horde of Garrison and Military Police. All of her comrades, her friends and family—those best equipped to help battle against the horrors to come—were hours outside of the city limits.

She knew this attack was not a coincidence. Targeting the gate—the only weak point in the wall—a second time was curious. Demolishing the cannons was suspicious. But the timing was unquestionable.

Grace was a skilled chess player. It was a game her father had taught to her brother, who in turn taught to her. Strategy was not her strength, but she was intuitive. She could sense the opening tactics, yet the pathway was still shrouded in mystery. The only way to know the game she was playing would be to set foot on the board.

With her resolve steeled, Grace hurried through the dim storeroom to locate the rest of her equipment. After attaching the housing cylinder at her lower back and the scabbards against her thighs, she jogged towards the large gas cylinders. She passed by two young cadets, almost taken aback by their youthful appearance. The boy was clearly trying to reassure the girl, and something in Grace’s heart ached. She wished she could help them—offer words of encouragement—but there was no time.

She swiftly filled two canisters of gas and secured them atop her scabbards, then made towards the courtyard. As she rushed back up the stairs, she cursed the shortness of her breath. She would have to be mindful of her stamina, if that was even possible.

This was it, she thought. Another turning point for humanity. The Scouts had not reached Shiganshina in time to help its citizens, but she would be damned if she let the same devastation happen again in Trost. She would make every second count; leave everything on the battlefield. Whether she lived or died didn’t matter, she was simply a pawn in the infantry. Though the thought of leaving behind those she loved was painful, Grace was ready for whatever path unfolded before her.

next: chapter 2

[cappurrccino]

the problem with reading/listening to phm is that my brain latches onto it so hard bc it is everything to me (space algae, humans banding together, silly lone scientist doing crazy human things, friendly aliens just as excited to meet other aliens as we are, besties, happy endings, etc etc) that the only thing it wants to do is immediately reread it again and again and again and cares not a whit for the other books/media out there