#green compassionate commanders | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

mirimiramiri · 1 month ago

Text

A thousand cranes

Through the Crusador‘s tiny porthole the colours of dusk were crawling in. A lively orange and a soothing saturated purple ushered in a calm night on board of one of Astoria‘s most infamous battle ships. There was dead silence in the galley. Only the scratching sound of a pen on rough paper could sometimes break it. The room reeked of centuries old garlic and booze. A smell Hitomi was already so used to that she wasn’t bothered by it anymore. The crew of stinky but friendly soldiers didn’t pay much attention to housekeeping, no matter how often their commander lectured them. However, above all these olfactory impositions, she was sure to catch a breeze of fresh air and nature… The girl just stood and watched. Indeed, it was a peculiar sight. After a short search she had found the king of Fanelia here of all places. Only accompanied by a mug plus a kettle full of green tea and a considerable mountain of paper he sat at a high table. Was he seeking solitude? “Hey", she finally dared to greet. “Hey yourself“, he replied, not startled or surprised in the slightest. He had probably sensed her presence the moment she decided to search for him. “Are you busy?”, she asked. “Not too busy for you.” He made a welcoming gesture toward the bar stool next to him. Smiling brightly she walked closer and slipped onto it. In order to make herself comfortable she took off her jacket.

Without asking he poured some tea into a cup she hadn’t spotted before. Did he deliberately placed it there in case she would decide to join him? The thought delighted her. Despite not being a big fan of the bitter beverage, she took a few sips. While doing so she glanced over the small table covered in documents. Sadly she had never found the time nor energy to study the Gaean alphabet. It was very different from the Japanese kana or the Latin letters she had to learn at school. At least she could admire his elegant handwriting, which looked as if he took extra care to every stroke of ink. “So many papers. Are you already writing your memoirs?” “In fact, I do”, he said and picked up one of the papers, well aware of the fact that she couldn’t decipher it. He gave her a serious glance and pretended to read in a grandfatherly manner. “Once upon a time there was a brave, strong, INCREDIBLE handsome prince who ventured out to prove himself worthy of the crown. Mysterious lightning took him away, through time and space, to a place far away. There, in the mystic realm called “sports field” he duelled a horrible dragon, saving the lives of some innocent bystanders in the process. With the help of the girl he was victorious. However, despite the fact that he had just been beaten up badly by the deadly beast, said girl rewarded the poor guy only with a loud slap in the face.” “Sorry.”, Hitomi couldn’t help but chuckle and feel a bit guilty. “In my defence the prince was just as rude as he was handsome. I hope you will come up with something nice to say about me.” He frowned and stroked his chin in a gesture obviously copied from Dryden. “Let me think… over the course of their shared adventures the former prince, now king, slowly realised that the violent girl was truly special in multiple ways. She saved his rude skin more times than he could count. She stood by his side without expecting anything in return. She was clever, strong, the fastest runner this world had ever known, brave… kind…“ Hitomi felt her cheeks flush with hot blood. His eloquent speech surprised and entchanted her. Never before had he so openly flattered her. Van had to clear his throat before continuing. "Compassionate… funny… beautiful…“ As Hitomi‘s smile grew wider, Van hid his face more and more behind the paper he was holding. “And the king…” By now only his bright red ears and the chaos of pitch black hair could be seen. His voice was tender and almost caressed her skin as his made up memoirs came to an end. “He fell in love with her… so deeply that it was often impossible for him to think of anything else than her wonderful green eyes…”

“Van”, she whispered. What he had said could easily be described as incredibly cheesy, even slimy. If it hadn’t been coming from the exact right person, this formerly always grumpy young man in front of her. Who had opened up to her so much during their time together. What a delightful journey it had been getting to know his unfiltered self. She leaned forward until their knees touched. Gently she pushed aside his hiding paper. Behind it the sight of his nervous expression made her giggle. “I didn’t know there was a little poet sleeping inside of you.” “Hitomi… I want you to know… how much you mean to me.“ "I do know. But it’s still nice to hear you say it.“ She came even closer. She always found it hilarious how confused he looked whenever she wanted to kiss him. As if he couldn’t quite believe what was happening. Their first clumsy attempt at a kiss had taken place shortly after Zaibach’s defeat and the final return to Pallas. Hitomi hadn’t been sure if it had been appropriate since the devastating events of the war were not yet far in the past. But he had looked so lost and depressed when she had explained the circumstances of his brother‘s death to him. Upon seeing his watering eyes she simply had not been able to hold back. Closing the space between them, she had pulled him into a comforting embrace. Quickly one thing had let to another. It hadn’t been exactly bad, simply just as fragile and helpless as first kisses often were. And a bit surreal. However, Hitomi preferred an honest, emotional kiss over a perfect one by a long shot. Proving himself once more as a fast learner Van's technique had become better and better over the course of their little romance. As soon as he had gotten over the obligatory first shock, he played his part with astonishing self-confidence. For such a pointy guy like him, with a sinewy body full of sharp angles, his lips were surprisingly soft. A hint of the tea‘s bitterness still lingered on them. As they exchanged tenderness the Crusador‘s smooth flight gently cradled them above the clouds. Flying towards a horizon whose darkness slowly spread across the purple sky. “But now, Shakespeare, tell me", she demanded after their lips finally demanded some well deserved rest. “What are you really writing here?” To her surprise a long sigh escaped him. “Stuff I need to do once we arrive back home. Get an overview of the situation. See what has already been done. Formulate decrees. Organise what is needed, build shelters, work out time schedules and supply routes, prioritise.“ His index finger described a circle at his temple. “These things keep on rotating in my head so I thought writing it all down might help me clear my mind.” “I see.” She glanced again over the to-do lists mountains. “Kingly business then.” “Afraid so… and plan Folkens funeral. I can only pray our family grave is still intact.” His words were calm and collected, giving the impression that he had at last found peace with the loss of his only remaining family member. But then, in an sudden expression of despair, he ran a hand over his face and through his hair. „I still don’t know how I should explain myself to the people. Why I dare to bring back the body of an alleged traitor and want to give him an honorable resting place instead of simply burying him in a pit somewhere…“ "Van. Expecting the worst will only make it come true. We‘ll figure it out together.“ she promised, tracing the white knuckles on his clenched fist with her thumb. He hadn’t been wearing neither his gloves nor his sword since the departure from Astoria. For a moment she enjoyed his face liting up and the concerned line of his mouth curving to one side. Although she had no idea yet how, they would come up with a solution. As always. „Agreed.“ He opened his hand to lace his fingers with hers.

Sharing the mutual feeling of unbreakable connection they fell silent for a while. Until she freed her hand to fiddle with a blank piece of paper. “What about a school?” “Hmmm?” He had started to write something down and was now looking up at her. “You know. Set up an educational system. I admit to know very little about ruling a country, however… everything you described so far was to guarantee bare survival, which is fine of course. But wouldn’t it be good to invest effort into teaching the children a thing or two? Reading, writing, basic mathematics.” On the last word she shivered demonstratively which made him huff a little laugh. “Something that might take their minds off the past and help heal the trauma. Would be an investment in the future, don’t you think?” She saw him ponder the suggestion, head slightly tilted like a curious puppy. “That is a great idea. Would you volunteer as a teacher?” The last sentence escaped his mouth and immediately it filled him with regret. She wasn’t coming to Fanelia to stay, of course. Her return home had been decided long before. May the gods have mercy on his idiot heart… she was still here yet he was already beginning to miss her painfully. “Your trust in my skills honours me.”, she said after a short, uncomfortable silence. “Yet I fear I am just as qualified to be a teacher as I am to be a chef.” He didn’t believe that one bit. Again he wished he could find the right words that would make her stay with him for all eternity. Instead he changed the subject. “What are you doing to that paper?” “Oh?” She looked down and saw to her own surprise a half-done origami between her fingers. Her hands had simply moved on their own accord. “It’s supposed to be a crane.” At first she considered that there was no such bird on Gaea because his face turned from curious to downright confused. "That’s what cranes look like in your world? Are you sure? Do they even fly?“ She gave him a reproving look but knew he was just trying this brand new thing called humour. Unimpressed by his teasing she continued to fold until her little creation was done. She placed it in his palms. There it laid between his fingers, looking even more delicate than before in contrast to his rough skin. Its fragile wings were proudly spread, ready for take off. He gazed at it with awe. Then surprised her with a question. “Can you show me how to make one?” "I'd love to.“ Within moments all dull bureaucracy was forgotten. Hitomi saw Van wrinkle his forehead in cute concentration as he followed her instructions. The paper was surprisingly well suited for something like that and he showed more talent than expected. Soon they admired his first crinkly attempt at the high art of Origami. "Not even half bad.“ She placed her own crane close to his so that their beaks where almost touching. "You know.“, she lectured with enthusiasm. ”In my culture the crane is a symbol of peace and a long, happy life.“ Carefully he repeated the words as if he feared they would break in his mouth. "In addition, legend has it that whoever is enduring enough to fold a thousand ones will be granted a wish.” "Really?“ He looked full of hope, treating the legend like a scientific fact. He would gladly fold a million more just to have one wish fulfilled. Make their situation less complicated. Somehow change her mind…

"Let me show you something else!“, she exclaimed when he reached for the next paper to produce 999 more right on the spot. "Something that flies for real. Observe.“ Not long after her announcement and another round of crafting they were both equipped with paper planes. Hitomi jumped to her feet. „This tiny kitchen cell is barely suitable for its maiden flight. Let’s go somewhere spacious!“ Her energy was quickly catching on. “I know just the perfect place.”

After a short race through the narrow corridors they reached the almost deserted cargo bay. Escaflowne, tall and mighty, crouched in an uncomfortable looking pose, oversleeping the entire foyage home. Taken completely out of context it looked like some piece of abstract art better to be displayed in an edgy museum. As if it was the most natural thing in the world Van and Hitomi climbed the gigantic knees and swang themselves onto the battle machine’s shiny shoulders. "Three, two, one!“, Hitomi played the countdown and released her plane by giving it a mighty push. With as much grace as imaginable it glided through space. Finally it landed on top of a whisky barrel. Van whistled his respect. "Try to beat that!“ she challenged him. "Wasn’t aware this was a competition…“, he murmured while trying his best to imitate her gesture. Indeed his own plane surprised with a confident tour through the bay. Still it crash landed several meters before hers on the floor. Hitomi couldn’t help but chuckle when he let out a disappointed huff. "Again!“, he demanded, already climbing down. The endeavour had clearly woken his competitive side. In practically no time his plane glided further than hers and he even mastered a little looping. "This might come as a surprise.“, she said with a wink. "But I think you are a natural at flying.“ Her little joke was honoured by a laugh. Hitomi couldn’t stop smiling. Never in the entire history of mankind were there two people having so much fun with just two pieces of paper. She loved the playful mood he was in today. Not a care in the world. She observed how he run after their two planes to fetch them. The widest grin ever to be seen on his face made her believe in a bright future for him and whole Gaea. Could things someday always be as easy as they were tonight?

Fortuna be thanked they met nobody on their way to the quarters. The Crusador almost felt like a ghost ship so quiet was it. Expect for the few poor souls guarding the bridge the crew was probably busy sobering up. Even the notoriously omnipresent Merle had made herself scarce. A bit exhausted from their play and definitely drunken from having fun, Van and Hitomi walked side by side. Without much thought, she had taken his hand. The way he held hers tight felt natural and reassuring. Was she hearing things or was he really humming a little song for her? Far too soon Hitomi and Van stood in front of his cabin door. Her own sleeping arrangements were on the starboard side of the ship. “So, here we are.“ Unwilling to leave Hitomi leaned against the wall. There she felt the gentle vibration of the ship‘s engines at her back and looked at Van with a somewhat unsure smile. For the first time ever it was him who initiated a kiss. Perhaps he also wasn’t quite ready to let her go just yet. Helplessly drowning in endorphins she responded to the tender pressure of his lips. It was different than the one earlier. Somehow expressing a longing or did her mind play tricks on her? Whatever, she just went along with it. In a small yet significant motion he moved a bit closer until his upper body slightly touched hers. The connection was already enough for her to feel the thunderous beat of his heart. He paused for a second, fearing she would demand him to leave her personal space. But to his infinite joy she simply swung her arms around his neck and pulled him even closer. Soon their play became braver than ever before. He gently traced the curve of her waist, allowing her to tousle his wild hair in return. A warmth grew between them Hitomi found both beautiful and dangerous. That unique scent of fresh air and nature was all around her. Her knees were wobbeling like a jelly fish riding a carousel. If not for his strong arms holding her close, she would have helplessly collapsed on the ground. He didn’t really need to unfold those amazing wings of his to make her fly… So why did he suddenly pull away? Van loved how she looked. Illuminated only by a small lamp her eyes shone like a million stars. Her cheeks were painted in a soft pink. Her lips were a little puffy and a healthy red from the kisses he had placed there. Cupping her face in his palms he summoned all the courage in the world to ask a simple but sincere question: "Will you stay with me tonight?“ "What?“, she whispered with a confused smile. When the significance of his question sunk in, her heart began to drum so loud in her chest it became almost deafening. He knew he could destroy everything now. Or win a lot if he choose the words wisely. "Tomorrow we arrive at my homeland and everything will change. I doubt we’ll have any more moments like this together. So maybe tonight, for the last time, we can be just ourselves?“ Her eyes widened. Was it by fear? Was he pushing her in a direction she wasn’t comfortable to go to? „We don’t have to do anything…“ "Yes.“ Now it was his turn to sheepishly ask: „What?“ "Yes, I will stay with you.“ His inner self burst into anthems of joy. "Tonight.“ she precised her promise, fearing the false hope that burned brightly in his chestnut irises. He placed a kiss on her forehead. "Tonight.", he repeated, lips still in touch with her skin. "Okay then… I think you were about to show me your room.“ He took her by the hand, opened the sliding door to his quarter and led her inside.

Continue with the next chapter on ao3. But be warned, because things are about to get hot.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/64637239/chapters/166035343

Originally, I wrote this story as part of my long running fanfic. Few weeks back I decided to rewrite it in English since I believe it works without much context. I deliberately decided to post this today on Van‘s birthday (44 and still got it, seriously). The character really deserves some love sometimes after everything.

Fun fact: my husband loves to fold cranes. We have them laying around our house everywhere!

#escaflowne #vision of escaflowne #van fanel #tenkuu no escaflowne #escaflowne fanart #hitomi kanzaki #the vision of escaflowne #origami #crane #love #anime birthdays

18 notes · View notes

djgamek1ng · 8 days ago

Text

Magic The Gathering x Final Fantasy - Spoiler Season Part 5 (10/05/2025 - Multicolored Cards Pt. 1)

Yeah, the multicolored cards are such a mess that I have to split it into 2 parts. Doesn't help that two of the multicolored cards are double faced cards that have an extra alternative art, so that's 8 images per card on their own.

Edit: I'm stupid, Terra doesn't have 2 alternative arts, she just has the Amano art. Still, I could barely fit all these cards in this image, with only having 1 image of wiggle room, so it wasn't happening regardless.

I just can't fit every multicolored cards into one post with how I currently do it. Anyway, let me not rave for this too much longer, let's start with Ultimecia, Time Sorceress and Ultimecia, Omnipotent.

Ultimecia for Dimir makes perfect sense. Time manipulation is very solidly Blue and her personality is pretty definitively in Black, being manipulative and full of malice. I'd say this is pretty close to directly on the mark. It is funny she's just an uncommon though, but concessions had to be made somewhere.

As for Ultimecia, Time Sorceress. 5 mana for a 4/5 is slightly below rate, but you'll be fine. Then her abilities are:

When Ultimecia enters or attacks, surveil 2 (look at the top 2 cards of your library and then choose per card to return it to the top of your library in any order or put it into your graveyard). Solid amount of deck filtering, especially since this happens when she attacks as well. Also means that there is an immediately benefit you get from casting her, which is nice.

At the beginning of your end step, you may pay 8 total mana and exile 8 cards from your graveyard to transform Ultimecia. So that's why the first ability is surveil and why it procs that often: so you can fill your graveyard pretty quick. In theory, you could get her transformed after 4 turns that she's been on the battlefield.

So let's talk Ultimecia, Omnipotent. 7/7 with Menace is very nice, makes her scary to block since she is most likely at least trading with 2 creatures, since you are only allowed to block her with 2 creatures or more. Her other ability is that you'll take an extra turn on the turn she transforms. So we have an extra turn on an uncommon. To be fair, it is with a lot of setup, but still. That will end games.

How good is this card? Let me immediately just say, you aren't using this in 60 card formats, she is too slow. For commander, it is hard, but she isn't bad. She requires setup and you need ways to protect her, most likely via counterspells and reanimation-esque effects because of Blue/Black. You definitely will be a target, though, since you can't really hide the fact you're trying to build up to that extra turn and then potentially the kill shot on the entire table. Aside from that, she isn't really pulling you in any direction, so you can basically do whatever with her.

Now for the art. Credit to Mikio Masuda. Link to their Twitter. Time Sorceress first, wow that's looking fantastic. Good sense of power coming from the magic spell, she herself is looking great with those ridiculous hair horns. The background is relatively simple, but it does give a good idea on where this takes place. Fantastic! Omnipotent next, which is also looking excellent. The planets surrounding her is such a nice touch as well. Also, the head being turned to us and just the light flash, signaling the danger she poses... chef's kiss. This is fantastic!

Now, let's talk about different FF8 character: Rinoa Heartilly!

Green/White makes perfect sense for Rinoa. Compassionate, but occasionally stubborn. Friendly, but naive. Yeah, that's Selesnya alright. I suppose she would have a splash of Red in her, since she is actively trying to make a difference, but Green/White makes sense.

5 mana for a 4/4 is below rate, but not hugely so and actually I lied, because when Riona enters, you create Angelo, a legendary 1/1 green and white Dog creature token, so you do get 5/5 stats for 5 mana, right on rate. Even across 2 bodies, so it is more flexible. Her other ability is that whenever Rinoa attacks, another target creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn for each creature you control. So she and Angelo can attack and Angelo becomes huge, because you control a bunch of tokens and stuff.

This card is pretty good. In 60 card formats, it is probably too slow. Assuming no ramping, which is unlikely with Green, but still: you're looking at turn 5 Rinoa and assuming she survives the next turn, turn 6 you can swing with something big alongside her, assuming you are already able to make a wide enough board state. That said, in commander, for token strategies? She will absolutely be good. She doesn't create tokens herself, so she will need some support on that, but after that, she can make them big! Absolutely do run protection for her and whoever you're buffing though, you don't want her to get blown up before she can attack and you want the buffed creature to be able to hit.

Now for the art. Credit to Francesca Resta. Link to her BlueSky. Wow, this is just gorgeous. The background is so soft of colors. Really, everything here is soft for colors, aside from Rinoa's own outfit, but that's a good thing, since it draws your eyes towards her. Rinoa herself is looking great and I wish to cuddle with Angelo for hours and hours on end. Fantastic art piece, 10/10 :D

Now we move on to Emperor Mateus, or as his card calls him, The Emperor of Palamecia and The Lord Master of Hell.

Wait, WHY IS HE IZZET COLORED? No chance in hell he is not Black. This dude, died, got so upset while dead that he got killed by people he looks down upon that he split his soul in half, one dark and one light. The dark side went to Hell and usurped Satan and the implication is that the light side did the same in Heaven. This man just wants world domination and (after death) world destruction... Izzet, huh. Alright.

Well then, let's get into his mechanics. 2 mana for a 2/2 is perfectly on rate, good job there. Then The Emperor of Palamecia's abilities:

Tap him to get a Blue or Red mana, which can only spent to cast noncreature spells. So yeah, noncreature spells is the name of the game with this guy.

Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, if at least 4 mana was spent to cast it, put a +1/+1 counter on the Emperor of Palamecia. Then if he has 3 or more +1/+1 counters on it, you transform him. Notably, you need to spend 4 mana (or more) on those spells, so cost reducers are not great to use with the Emperor until he is transformed.

And now for the Lord Master of Hell... not Black btw. A 3/3 body, so he even goes 1 up when he transforms, since the counters stay on him. He doesn't go into exile to transform or anything, just flips around. Then, his ability is that whenever you attack with The Lord Master of Hell, you deal X damage to every opponent where X is the amount of noncreature, nonland cards in your graveyard. So, a little group slug-y, though you aren't hit by it. Also, notably, this is damage and not life loss, so any effect increasing damage will increase this.

So... how do I rate this guy? Pretty... highly, weirdly. Not "this guy will see cEDH or top level Standard" play high, but "I see nothing really wrong with this guy" high. A 2 mana 2/2 makes for a good early threat and you can kind of little guy your way to a transformation in Commander, at which point you are hitting people for 3 damage minimum plus whatever damage he can do directly. In 60 card formats, he might see some use in a spellslinger deck, since he can become big relatively quick and then do direct damage. His build up is a little slow, but even by turn 4, you should have a 4/4 on the field and that can definitely be enough to do some damage with.

Now for the art. Credit to Heonhwa. Link to his ArtStation. The Emperor standing on burning buildings with his lackeys, looking to take over the place. Not Black btw! Anyway, this art looks fantastic. Mateus here looks high and might, almost disgusted that he even needs to bother taking over this place instead of having them surrender immediately without a fight. Perfect. Now for the Lord Master. Even better. The angle is even steeper, the Emperor actively looking down upon you, ready to kill you a couple times over so he can get revenge for dying and then go on to destroy everything.

Now we move on to some more FF9 with Kuja, Genome Sorcerer and Trance Kuja, Fated Defied.

Black/Red for Kuja makes sense. Before he loses his mind, he's definitely Black and after he loses his mind he adds the Red, now no longer caring for other people's lives and just wanting to make life as a whole end so it can't carry on without him.

Let's go over the card itself, starting with the front Kuja, Genome Sorcerer. 4 mana for a 3/4 is a smidge behind rate, but nothing too bad. Then his ability is that at the start of your end step you create a 0/1 black Wizard creature token with "Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, this token deals 1 damage to each opponent." Then, if you control four or more Wizards (Kuja himself included!), you transform him. This is already solid for a more token based spellslinger strategy.

As for the back side, Trance Kuja, Fate Defied. A 4/6 is pretty solid as a statline. Then for his ability: if a Wizard you control would damage to a permanent or player, it deals double that damage instead. Also works with Kuja himself, so he will start slapping the hell out of things, especially if you are able to give him double strike time.

This card is Wizards tribal the card. It might not be the primary Wizard colors, that would be Blue, but Rakdos can still get a good amount of Wizards on the table. As a commander, he's not super expensive, but it will suck if you have to recast him and you aren't in the greatest protection colors. However, he can flip at the end of your turn if it is just him that gets shot off the board. Aside from that, you will also want to run a good amount of noncreature spells to keep triggering the Wizards' abilities Kuja produces.

In 60 card formats, he's probably too slow. 4 mana, only create the first token on your end step and only transform at 4 Wizards. Does combo somewhat well with Black Mage's Rod, so maybe you can make it work. Just an uphill battle I'd imagine.

Now for the art. Credit to Joshua Raphael. Link to his ArtStation. I love how menacing Kuja looks with the Black Mages in tow. Still he has that over the top flare though. This is awesome, in this case I really love how muted the colors are since it is just so bleak for Kuja here. Then Trance Kuja gets more colorful and manic with him now having lost his mind and preparing to decimate everything in his path. Also love that this is taken from the final boss battle, that's so cool. Great art!

As for the alternative art:

The first double faced card I've had to credit 2 artists! For Kuja, Genome Sorcerer, credit to Masateru Ikeda. Link to their Twitter. For Trance Kuja, Fate Defied, credit to Robert Cornelius. Link to his Instagram (though it’s not been used in a few years). Let's start with Kuja, he's sure looking pretty and flamboyant. Honestly, he's not too far from striking a JoJo's pose and I say that with only positive intentions behind it. A great piece of art! As for Trance Kuja... technically sound, but definitely could've struck a more interesting pose or at least have a more interesting facial expression. The slight smile is very reserved for a state of the character where he's gone insane and wants to destroy everything. Aside from that, he does look good, so not many complaints to be had.

Now, let's talk FF8 with Squall, SeeD Mercenary

Orzhov for Squall... really? I suppose at the end of his character arc he becomes more aligned with White. Black makes sense to me, he's brooding, a loner and quite pragmatic. I would've put him as Dimir personally, but I can accept Orzhov.

As for the card itself. 4 mana for a 3/4 is a smidge behind rat- I have said this exact line with the previous card :| Moving on. His abilities are:

Whenever a creature you control attacks alone, it gains double strike until end of turn. So they attack twice and they attack at a quicker state, with their first attack coming in before the enemy can punch back unless they also have first strike or double strike. Very solid, though does probably push Squall into supporting a voltron strategy.

When Squall deals combat damage to a player, return target permanent card with mana value 3 or less from your graveyard to the battlefield. Again, this pushes Squall into a voltron strategy, wanting to be the person to hit a player. Also, this doesn't specify nonlands, so you can keep fishing those out of your graveyard if you have a land that constantly sacrifices itself for an effect.

That's it, not too long or complicated. Like I already said, Squall definitely pushes you into voltron territory, either with him as the creature you pt all your buffs on or as another buffing piece himself. That said... that strategy already isn't fantastic in commander unless you get ignored, it is not gonna feel much better in a 60 card format. For commander, you can run him as a voltron commander or something that buffs your voltron commander. Either way, get some protection to protect both your voltron'd creature and the buffing pieces and then go ham.

Now for the art. Credit to Yuu Fujiki. Link to their pixiv. I love this art. I've heard it compared to Kingdom Hearts and that is just a good thing in my eyes, I love Kingdom Hearts. Love that you see the gunblade slash trail and the background being simple, but still evoking a sense of dread or urgency. He himself is definitely taking from his more anime aesthetic that the FF series as a whole has been trending towards, but he looks good. Great artwork!

As for the alternative art:

Credit to Kato Ayaka. Link to their pixiv. Squall in a pretty classic pose, having slung his gunblade over his shoulder. Not much else to say, though this is definitely going a bit less anime. Do wish he wasn't as darkly lit, but oh well, it isn't a bad thing. Good art still!

Let's now go to FF15 and to Noctis, Prince of Lucis.

Esper makes some amount of sense for Noctis. White due to his status as royalty, Blue due to his isolated personality and Black because of the ego and recklessness. I'd honestly see Red more than Black, but it is fine.

Let's talk about the card. 4 mana for a 4/3. Almost the same as the last two, just flipped around. Still a little behind rate, but still fine. Kind of sucks to be on 3 toughness, since that is usually a threshold you want to be over. His abilities:

Lifelink, I guess because Noctis is the reason why the party's potions have healing properties. Fair enough and it is solid.

You may cast artifact spells from your graveyard by paying 3 life in addition to paying their other costs. If you cast a spell this way, that artifact enters with a finality counter. Literally just the royal arms, you temporarily conjure the weapons and when they get sent to your graveyard again, they instead get exiled due to the counter on it.

This is an alright card... if you don't exploit blink. Fortunately, you are in White and Blue, the main (if not only) blnk colors. With blinking effects, especially repeatable blinking effects, you can keep bring artifacts back, using them assuming they don't immediately sacrifice for using them and blinking them, getting rid of the finality counter. Or blinking them before you use them if they would immediately sacrifice when using them. Without blink, this brings artifacts back 1 time, which can be good enough sometimes, but certainly not all the time. In commander, either as the commander or in the 99 of a deck, he is best if you include blink effects.

In 60 card formats, don't bother unless you have to reanimate only a few very key artifacts. That ability does immediately work on the turn he comes down. Just sucks that he's a 4 mana creature, so you're usually not getting something out of the graveyard until turn 5.

Now for the art. Credit to Jeremy Chong. Link to their Instagram. That sure is Noctis floating in space with the royal arms surrounding him. This genuinely looks like it might be an in-game screenshot, which is impressive. The face isn't quite right for it, but it is still very impressive how close the artist got for me to believe it. Good art!

As for the alternative art:

Credit to Kato Ayaka. Link to their pixiv. Same artist as the one for Squall's alternative art. Uh, yeah, super detailed and a bit more of a realistic vibe compared to the more anime vibes the other alternative arts usually get. The only thing I'm not sure about is the hair. It almost looks like it has rained and therefore it drooped down, but yeah. Very weird, doesn't feel like Noctis' hair at all. Still good art though.

We now move on to FF11 with Absolute Virtue:

I have no idea whether White/Blue is accurate. Literally got nothing.

As for the card. 8 mana for an 8/8 is perfectly on rate, fair enough. Then the abilities:

This spell can't be countered. So no pesky counterspells. Take that Blue players! Wait... Anyway, any effect that says "return target spell to its owner's hand" does work, since that isn't a counterspell, despite mostly functioning like one, just going back to your hand and not to your graveyard.

Flying so it can slap the heck out of your opponents when they have no flying or reach creatures.

You have protection from each of your opponents. As in, you can't be damaged, enchanted or targeted by anything your opponent controls. Protection is weird and not really obvious with how you would think, but at least it is player protection from players, which is a lot easier to explain.

That's it. This is 100% a Limited bomb. You will never see this in 60 card formats, by the time you drop this, you're already half way through a second game. In commander... I mean, I guess it can be a giant protection piece for you, but 1) it doesn't have protection and 2) when this dies or somehow leaves, you are screwed out of 8 mana. And don't even think about running this as your commander. That's 10 mana if it gets killed ONCE.

No, this is 100% the Limited bomb. The card you drop once you're like "okay, we're done here." Huge body, so you will almost always murder whatever you come into contact with. Huge damage, so by the time it connects to your opponent's face, it is either your second to last or last attack to them. Flying, so hitting your opponent's face is easier. Huge mana cost, so it is a late game drop. Limited is great, since it is a lot slower of a format, so you will get to scenarios where you get to 8 mana and have to end the game and that is where this thing comes into play.

Now for the art. Credit to Toni Infante. Link to their website. THEY. DON'T. MISS! THE GOAT! Genuinely, all of the art that Toni Infante has done for this set is fantastic and I still have to get to my favorite of theirs. Anyway, this is fantastic. This feels properly ethereal, surreal and alien. The environment it is hovering around in reflects that, which makes it come together to be this wonderful, weird art piece that makes you go like "wait, what?" and it is great.

Now we move to FF10 with Yuna, Hope of Spira!

Selesnya is what I'd say fits Yuna best, so nothing to say here on my end.

As for the card. 5 mana for a 3/5 isn't great, but it is workable. Then her abilities:

During your turn, Yuna and enchantment creatures you control have trample, lifelink and ward 2. This... is just alright. You need to time your summons to be able to attack together for this to really do much in terms of ending the game.

At the beginning of your end step, return up to one target enchantment from your graveyard to the battlefield with a finality counter on it. This is mainly meant to fish Summons out of your graveyard, but can in fact be used to get any enchantment out of your graveyard like utility enchantments, which is nice, since those have generally less of a chance to randomly get blown up again.

And that's it. Let's just start at 60 cards: nope. Don't bother. For commander, as your commander, she doesn't do much. Protection, but only on your turn. Evasion and lifelink, but too limited in scope to be on many more things. Honestly, if you want to build her, ditch Summons all together. She doesn't manipulate lore counters at all, so really, Summons will just be more trouble than they are worth if you want to run her as your commander. Just take regular enchantment creatures. In the 99 of a deck... yeah, if it is enchantment creature heavy. She brings some protection, some evasion and some lifegain, but isn't outstanding.

Now for the art. Credit to Ninnin. Link to their Twitter. Yuna taking care of Valefor is nice. Good, bright colors, all the details are on point. Aside from that, not much to talk about. Not really a background on this, since Valefor is too big and covers any attempt at a background up basically. Still, very nice art!

As for the alternative art:

Credit to Osamu. Link to their pixiv. That sure is a very nice Yuna. Pretty anime, but not in a bad way. Kind of wish her posing was more interesting, but oh well. Not much else to say, that is just a solid Yuna.

Now, last but certainly not least, we go to FF9 and we have a very special character, Vivi Ornitier!

THE GOAT DON'T MISS! Okay, before I start immediately gushing about the art, let me talk about flavor. Izzet is interesting for Vivi and I feel like it i just has to be the color they chose for very powerful Black Mages in the series, between him, Shantotto and... the Emperor, who still should've been Black, but okay. Anyway, I don't entirely disagree. He's shy and not confident in himself, which can definitely show the more Blue side in him of being very insular. Red definitely comes more from his Black Mage side, because Vivi isn't chaotic like Red usually gets.

Anyway, let's move on to the art- no, I gotta talk about the mechanics first! D'oh! 3 mana for a 0/3 is bad, but don't worry, Vivi got tricks up his sleeve. His abilities:

For 0 mana you add X mana in any combination of Blue and Red, where X is Vivi's power. Activate only once per turn and only during your turn. This doesn't generate power, but my god will it generate a lot. The fact that there is no cost to it is insane. You don't even have to give up blocking with Vivi, it is actually so wild.

Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, put a +1/+1 counter on Vivi and Vivi deals 1 damage to each opponent. Fun fact, if you somehow get lifelink on Vivi, you do heal from it. Anyway, pair this with cantrip effects and very cheap spells to begin with, to keep growing Vivi quick. Also, slap some damage enhancers on there and Vivi will make short work of your opponents.

This might be the best card in the set. It is most definitely the best card showcased on 10/05 and it isn't even close. 0 mana to create a ton of mana, because you keep growing Vivi quick, which in turn makes him produce a ton of mana, which in turn allows you to cast more noncreature spells, which makes him bigger, which makes him produce more mana. This card is insane. In Limited, Vivi will be a wincon, genuinely. If you are able to drop him on turn 3 and your opponent doesn't immediately get their removal to get rid of him, he will do so much burn damage and eventually be threatening enough to just go swinging in.

For 60 card formats, he might legitimately be worth considering at least for burn decks. Drop him turn 3 and get him to a 4/7 minimum on turn 4 by playing a bunch of 1-2 mana spells, making him produce the mana you need as you get close to running out of mana from lands. In commander? Either as your commander or in the 99, Vivi will be able to put the hurt on people. Spellslinger your way to victory with Vivi. This card is stacked and is gonna be a favorite of the set, both with fans of FF9 and MTG players just looking for an Izzet spellslinger deck.

Now for the art. Credit to Toni Infante. Link to their website. THE GOAT NEVER FUCKING MISSES! HOLY SHIT, IT IS GORGEOUS. Vivi is so cute, yet somehow also a bit unnerving as he looks at the spell he's casting in those hollow, beaming yellow eyes. The spell he's casting is beautiful, the color choices are great to really invoke that whimsy FF9 had over FF7 and FF8 for its fellow PS1 brothers, the background is not super detailed, but still very cool looking. This is genuinely perfect and if I had to guess, my favorite art in the entire set. I hope this artist has more in this set, because my lord. If everything is even half as good, we have a good set on our hands.

Well then, that ended on a high note. Vivi is so hilariously good compared to everything else, it is actually insane. Don't be surprised if Vivi becomes a top 100 commander in terms of popularity across the entire game and I think it will be at least in the top 10 of the entire FF set, even including the commander decks and the starter kit. With all that said, thanks for reading and have a nice day o/

8 notes · View notes

crookedkryptonitebeliever · 1 year ago

Text

Best and Worst of Both Worlds (part 39)

Tw: blood n violence, queerphobia

PLS IGNORE IF IT SUCKS I WROTE IT AT 2:45AM AND I TRIED RESEARCHINF SO MCUH OF THE SYSTEM

Part 40

You found yourself becoming clingier to Yves. Frequently asking him to cuddle with you in your hospital bed without shame. He noticed it too, it's as if you're trying to hide from the world, using him as your shelter with how you're trying to bury yourself deeper into his chest.

He is wearing a black blazer, a white, button-up silk bow blouse, and a long pencil skirt that reaches his ankles today. They're all tailored to fit his form perfectly.

You felt guilty wrinkling it by holding onto him tight, but he assured you that it was fine.

You visibly tensed up when he mentioned that he is heading to court. As expected, you didn't want to know more about it, all you did was nod and then hide under your covers. Yves stayed with you a few more minutes, gently coaxing you out of your cocoon for a last kiss before he leaves to obliterate everyone who wronged you.

"I will be back by four in the afternoon." Said Yves, slipping his feet onto his pointed-toe pumps. They're not as tall as his usual footwear, but it made him intimidating as usual.

You nodded in acknowledgement. Which earned a caress on your cheek.

"I love you, my dearest (name)." He nuzzled his nose onto yours. Yves pecked you on the lips and gave your hand an assuring squeeze.

Yves bid you goodbye and left the room.

You twiddled with your fingers, looking around the room and feeling empty. It's terrifying how you rely on Yves so much to be entertained.

You waited for him like this the entire time, without picking your phone up.

Yves left the courtroom annoyed. His heels clicked against the pristine tiled floors, his strides were moderate in size, and he wasn't rushing to go anywhere like the rest of the crowd around him. Yves adjusted the handles of his handbag on his shoulders as he walked off towards the exit.

Evangeline was deemed unfit to stand trial, she was uncooperative and seemingly could not grasp what was happening. She couldn't even talk to her defense attorney without uttering deranged statements about owning you and being her one true love. The hearing was adjourned because she is currently being evaluated by psychiatrists.

Likewise with Montgomery's trial, he was given more time to seek legal advice.

Yves coolly walked past a miserable Mr. Jones. Too immersed in his devastation and sobs to realize who passed him. His emerald eyes looked downwards, contemplating something as his steps slowed down to a stop.

Mr. Jones felt a presence next to him, lifting his head up, the man came face to face with Yves. He jolted in shock, feeling the menacing aura permeating through the air.

"S-sir Yves! I-"

"This must have been a painful time for you as a father."

Yves's compassionate words rendered Mr Jones speechless.

Yves's green eyes pierced holes through his being, there was a twinge of pity and sympathy for him. Mr. Jones broke down sobbing in front of his ex-client.

"I-I didn't know Evangeline was..." He gasped for breath. "I'm sorry, Sir Yves. I-I should have paid more attention and..." He couldn't finish his sentence before breaking down into remorseful tears.

Yves watched him, never once moving an inch. His eyes never strayed away from his form.

"P-please, Sir Yves. Please, find deep in your heart to forgive Evangeline and- and us." He begged, kneeling down before him. "We are sorry..."

Yves merely watched the pitiable display.

"P-please, forgive us-"

"Jones."

His head shot up at the stern mention of his name.

"Stand up." He commanded Mr. Jones. He did so hastily, not wanting to be more of an inconvenience to Yves.

"Maintain decorum. You are in a courthouse." Glowered Yves.

Mr. Jones nodded and sniffled, trying to contain his erratic breaths.

There were a few beats of silence before Yves spoke again.

"Evangeline has done what she has done. Neither you nor I could change the past."

Mr. Jones's eyes were hopeful, relieved even that Yves might be forgiving towards his daughter and his family.

"But..." He crossed his arms and looked away momentarily.

"You and your daughter must face the consequences. So shall my dear (name) and I." He bit the inside of his cheek, trying not to lose his composure at the thought of Mr. Jones's failure to heed his early warnings. His fingernails dug into his arm, Yves wanted to hiss and spit the vilest curses at him, he wanted to see him bleed as much as he wanted to see your assailant do.

He wanted to burn the whole world down but must act carefully. Yves wanted to play smart and deliver the worst possible blow to everyone. He must let Mr. Jones think that Yves has cooled down enough not to wish death upon his family.

Yves stayed for a few more seconds, observing the other man uncomfortably fidgeting in place.

"Goodbye, Jones."

He walked off. Leaving Mr. Jones to reflect on Yves's words. They're short, simple, and very obvious, but it is devastating to his psyche.

Yves kept a straight, blank face as Mr. Jones started to sob again.

He weaved through the people in the halls, passing through security and exiting the establishment.

His height and beauty earned him stares, mostly lust from men and envy from women- since he isn't speaking, one will assume that he is an alluring woman. There were some out of shock and awe, but he paid no mind. Yves is used to this alienating attention and harsh assumptions from literal strangers, he hates it, but he hates suppressing who he is even more.

Finally, he made it into his car. It's a habit of his to lock his doors immediately after entering, especially with the crime rate going up. But he's been doing this ever since he got his own ride.

The first thing he did was to monitor you through his cameras. He smiled and relaxed at the sight of you napping away, but tensed back up when he realized that this isn't normal; you're sleeping much more than you should. No Internet activity since he left either.

Yves checked his messages and phone logs to find that you didn't attempt to contact him.

Your vitals are all fine, and the conditions in your room aren't subconsciously draining the life out of you.

You're clutching tightly onto the bracelet he got you from France.

He pouted and felt a tug at his heartstrings as Yves deduced that you were starting to yearn for him.

He prepared himself to drive away, deciding to skip his usual step of checking and fixing himself in front of the mirror. Yves wanted to get back to you as soon as possible, he just needed to finish one last errand for the day.

Montgomery was escorted into the visiting room by two officers, seemingly excited and happy to meet his visitor. Wearing a bright orange jumpsuit and having his hair unkempt.

But his wide grin was wiped away immediately by the sight of Yves sitting on the other side of the booth.

Yves watched Montgomery argue with his handlers, they appear confused as to why he is suddenly hostile and disagreeing because Yves is in his approved list of visitors. This sudden shift of behavior does not faze him, the androgynous man simply drummed his fingers against the counter while propping his head up on one elbow.

In the end, Montgomery begrudgingly agreed to speak to Yves after one of the guards mentioned something to him. He scowled through the screen, sitting down and picking up the intercom phone. Yves did the same and placed it to his ear.

"How are they doing?" Was the first thing Montgomery asked despite the visible hatred for the darked haired male in his brown eyes. His concern for you outweighs everything else.

This is something Yves respected, even if he is a pest, his rival and a menace to you without his intervention. Montgomery's fragile heart is filled with care and love for you, the type that would insure your safety and happiness no matter how sleazy, delusional and disgusting he may appear. He knows Montgomery means well, he just... has difficulty expressing it without encroaching into Yves's territory.

"Hey, you queer freak. Snap out of it, I'm talking to you, how is (name)?" Yves's eyes flitted upwards to meet Montgomery's tired ones. He's visibly antsy, the guards are putting most of their focus on him.

"They're stable." Yves coldly replied, his face maintaining an unreadable expression.

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Snarled Montgomery, his heavily bandaged knuckles and fingers tightening around the phone.

"(Name) is not thinking about it anymore." He could see the shoulders on the inmate sag in relief. His face twisted in grief and anguish as he looked away from an unmoving Yves.

It's such a shame that Yves isn't willing to share. It's such a shame that Montgomery sees you as his romantic partner. Your boyfriend would have gladly keep him around as another layer of protection in your life if he was more of a platonic figure to you. That position has yet to be filled, seeing that you have no friends or family you could rely on in times of emergency.

"I know your corrupt ass did something to my visitor list. What I don't know, is why the fuck are you here?" Montgomery's blood boiled at the mere sight of Yves.

"Thank you, Yeller."

He looked at Yves incredulously. But before he could speak, the androgyne beat him to it.

"You took care of (name) in my absence. I appreciate that very much." Yves uncrossed his legs, and rested them together. He could give him pointers on how to improve his approach towards you, but what is he going to use it for? As long as Montgomery sees himself as your boyfriend, Yves is not letting him go anywhere near you.

"That's my fucking spouse, of course I'll take care of them. What the hell are you- what the hell are you talking about?" Confused and offended, Montgomery stared at him with furrowed eyebrows and a frown. He will not listen to reason.

There was few seconds of silence between the obsessive men. Montgomery just thinks Yves is an abomination of god: rich, corrupt and a crossdresser. Whereas Yves simply sees parts of himself in the former. He does not like what he saw.

"I have a proposition for you." Yves rested his hand on the counter, the other one is still holding onto the phone.

"Whatever it's gonna be, not interested-"

"I represent you in court, and you will leave the courtroom as a free man."

There was a pregnant pause between them. Montgomery tried to read Yves's face through the mildly dirty glass, but to no avail.

"And? What's the catch?" He knows the implication behind those optimistic words, he has strings to pull. But why do such a nice gesture for him?

"I want you to leave this city." Montgomery scoffed.

"Yeah right-"

His eyes bulged out of his sockets when Yves pressed a piece of paper against the glass window. It's a legitimate cheque with Yves's bank account number and signature, addressed to Montgomery, valued at $600,000. He looked around, the guards aren't paying attention to what was happening in his booth.

"What...?" Montgomery mumbled, rereading the words over and over again. He can only dream of owning a bank account that is in the six digits, he doesn't think that his massive family farm managed to earn that much net profit in five years. But then again, he wasn't good at math in the first place.

"I will refer you to an accounting firm to manage your finances. Your criminal history will be fully redacted; Employers would have no issue hiring you, should you return to the workforce." Yves explained nonchalantly.

"No. Fuck you, I'm not leaving my (name) behind. You're doing this to separate me and my soulmate. Get your blood money outta my sight." Spat Montgomery, his fist pressing against the pane. He wanted to punch the emotionless look off Yves's face.

"Yeller. You're charged with seven counts of aggravated battery. Eight, including mine. Two counts of attempted murder. Not to mention, one count of trespassing, a count for malicious damage of property, a count of resisting arrest and three counts of assault towards a police officer." He listed off his offences off the top of his head.

Montgomery went silent.

"You and I know that there is more than enough evidence for the judge to deliver the maximum penalty whether you plead guilty or not."

The inmate looked away from him- actually averting his gaze away from his reflection, ashamed at what he has become. A violent criminal.

Yves uses this sense of inferiority to his advantage.

"You're not a bad person, Yeller. You did what you did to punish those who stood by and let it happen." Yves genuinely believed this, especially since he was the one who impersonated you, ranting to him what your Housemates had done- or in this case, didn't do.

Yves read the files and watched the footage from the security camera your 'landlord' set up. He knew Montgomery was capable of causing chaos and devastation in moments of blind rage. Although he thinks his swings and lightning-speed reflexes were impressive, it was still sloppy and too erratic. Which was perfect, if Montgomery was anymore precise, it would throw off Yves's plans.

He sent all seven of them to the hospital, two of them are yet to be awakened from their coma. The house is desolate, except for blood stains, splintered wood, ceramic shards and broken glass fragments, completely unfit to be rented out.

It is an admirable trait, really. His willingness to go so far for the one he loves. Montgomery crashed his car, his lifeline, the thing that contained all his material possessions and housed him for years, through the front door. All because he heard 'you' crying over the phone.

"If only those fuckers went down and helped (name)..." He mumbled, tears building up in his eyes. Montgomery quickly blinked them away though before looking back at Yves, who is now holding a somber expression.

Again, Yves grieved over the fact that Montgomery had to compete with him. It would have been wonderful if he stayed in his lane, the two men could have worked together harmoniously to ensure your well-being. Such a waste of devotion from Montgomery, Yves's heart aches at the fact that the inmate simply couldn't translate all that fondness into fatherly or brotherly love. He knows you badly needed that.

There was a staring contest being held between them. It looks like Montgomery has nothing else to say, it was time for Yves to end the conversation as he needs to head back to accompany you.

"You will stand trial in six weeks. I will contact you again, to see if you have made a decision by then."

Either he refuses and gets locked up for at least two decades, or he accepts and uses the money to attempt to steal you away from Yves and inevitably fail. He's not very smart, but it's the intent that matters.

Yves is doing this because Montgomery was treating you well despite making you extremely uncomfortable at times. It's his way of showing gratitude.

Montgomery remained silent but seething.

"I trust that you will make the right choice. Do you have any questions for me before I leave?" Yves put his cheque away.

The brunette balled his fists and trembled a bit.

The dark haired man fully expecting him to call Yves a derogatory slur when he opened his mouth.

"...Take care of (name), please." No insults, only a weak, wavering voice full of vulnerability. Yves felt his eyebrow twitch in surprise as he digested what he said.

"I will." Yves replied, his monotone betraying him and expressing a hint of amazement and astonishment.

Montgomery slammed the wired device onto its holder before standing up. He was promptly escorted by the guards back through a set of heavy doors. He never once looked back.

Yves placed the phone back in its original place before getting up from the stiff stool.

Much of his data is now outdated.

#yandere #yandere x reader #yandere oc #yandere male #oc yves #yandere concept #tw yandere #yandere x you #yandere oc x reader #male yandere oc x reader #oc Montgomery #oc Evangeline

67 notes · View notes

chiptaylorsfirst · 11 months ago

Note

hi! if your requests are open atm and if it's okay, could i ask for a pre-cult kai anderson smut with female reader pegging him for the first time, please? like it's his punishment for something and he consented to it but yet he is quite flustered cuz it's his first time doing something like that, and reader senses it and although she is punishing him she also kind of comforts him a little cuz she feels him being too embarrassed and stuff? thank you, i hope this is okay 👉👈

A/N: Sure thing. My apologies for basically leaving like almost a year. I'm here now though and I'm ready to spoil the fans with some enjoyable writings. I hope this fulfills your request and my requests stay open.

Word Count: 2,314

Pairing: sub!pre-cult!Kai Anderson x soft!dom!fem!Reader

Warnings: Smut, slight jealousy, a bit of fluff, slight praise kink, pegging, anal sex, oral sex (male and female receiving), aftercare, a bit of degradation, spanking, handjob, color system

Summary: Kai decided to disobey your rules so it calls for a little lesson.

Kai Anderson was probably the best boyfriend that you’d ever had in your entire life. He actually cared for you and loved you. He was genuine, compassionate, funny, and intelligent. It was all the things you could ever ask for and more. However, as you watched him casually flirt with a girl whilst being in the same room with you, you knew he needed to be taught a lesson.

You had recently introduced him to power play and dynamics in the bedroom. It had been going smoothly so far since you agreed and negotiated on your likes and dislikes. He definitely knew what he was doing as his expression feigned innocence while looking up at you.

He smirked at you before bringing his attention back to the girl he’d decided to entertain for the evening. You had a few classes with her and you recalled seeing her and Winter talk multiple times. She had to be a friend of his sister’s which would explain why she was so comfortable around him, not that it mattered but your mind was doing a thousand things at once as you continued to watch Kai’s every move.

After a moment, you butted yourself into the conversation, sliding your hand onto Kai’s shoulder as you forced a smile on your lips. “It was wonderful seeing you but we have to leave. I’m starting to feel awful. I think the alcohol might have finally gotten to me,” you lied.

“But the event wasn’t done yet,” Kai argued. You rolled your eyes before giving him a dead stare and taking his hand into yours. “Baby, let’s go now before I decide to harm a certain someone.”

The discussion ended and the drive home was a quiet one, the only sound being the gravel under the car and your breaths. As soon as you made it in the house though, all of that silence was interrupted. You eagerly kissed your boyfriend, his arms wrapping around your waist as his back collided with the front door of your humble abode.

Your fingers tangled in his hair while you dominated the kiss and moaned against him. The kiss eventually broke, the two of you panting. “You fucking knew what you were doing, Kai. You’re such a little brat.” He laughed aloud.

He seemed zoned out, his eyes raking over your form as he took in the sight of you. “Kai.” His eyes suddenly were on yours as you brought him out of his trance. “Yes?” “You know we haven’t done much as far as punishments and other things. I just want to know that you’re comfortable so I don’t hurt you.” “Baby, I’ll always let you know if I want to stop but for now, my color is green.” With that, you continued and you were later being carried into the bedroom.

Kai let you drop from his arms, waiting for your every command so he could obey. “Sit tight and strip bare for me. If I see anything on, you may end up without an orgasm at all,” you said plainly. He was immediate in doing as you asked, causing you to smile to yourself as you walked out of the door.

You started to look through different sets of lingerie you had until you came across the perfect one. It was dark blue with golden accents. It contained bits of lace mixed with embroidery and a level of comfort you couldn’t truly receive from other lingerie sets.

It was by far one of the most luxurious and promiscuous items you ever owned. You checked yourself out in the mirror once you were finished putting it on, the clothing doing the best at showing all of your curves. You then grabbed a few toys and some lube before making your way back to your shared bedroom. Kai was comfortably laying on the sheets, his pale skin fully exposed to you.

You sat on the edge of the bed, feeling yourself becoming wet at the image before you. “Over my lap, sweetie.” He seemed to like the name, positioning himself over your lap.

“I’m gonna give you ten lashes and you’re gonna count them and thank me for them, okay? Tell me your color.” His face was flushed and you could tell he was a bit shy but eager to please you. “Green.” You kneaded one of his ass cheeks before hitting it with great force. He let out a small sound of pleasure. “One, thank you.” You continued, watching as his skin turned into a pretty shade of red.

Once you got to the fifth one, you started to jerk him off while spanking him. He squirmed on your lap at the feeling and you scolded him for it. “I know, I know. You need to stay still for me, okay? You’re being so good for me.”

The moan that you heard from him was sinful to say the least and you definitely noticed the way his cock twitched from the praise. You continued your attack on him, removing your hand from his length as you gave him the hardest slap to his ass. “Ten! Thank you.” You let him off of your lap and watched as he laid down on the bed.

You looked at the toys you’d brought before grabbing a butt plug and giving your boyfriend his next direction. “Get on your stomach for me, ass in the air.” He quickly did so, holding his breath as you approached him. He slightly flinched as he felt your hand on his skin. “I’m gonna need you to calm down and relax, okay? Is your color still green?” “Yes,” he responded, his voice barely above a whisper. You squirted some lube on your fingers, revealing his opening and stretching him out nicely.

“Fuck.” His small groans went unnoticed as you continued. Once you decided he was prepared enough, you lubed up the butt plug and slowly slid it inside of him. “Does it feel okay?” “Yeah, a little weird but good.” You flipped him onto his back and kissed him.

The kiss was soft and sweet at first but as the two of you continued, it turned into something more. You started to straddle him, becoming wetter as you felt his arms wrap around your body. An idea popped in your head and you had already begun doing it before you could even think properly. You shoved him down before positioning your body into a perfect sixty-nine.

“Give me an orgasm and I may let you cum.” He didn’t miss a beat, pulling the material of your lingerie to the side before tasting your cunt. You moaned, lazily jerking him off before licking up the pre cum that covered his tip. You repeatedly teased him as he ate you out, your back arching in need of a better angle. You decided to finally suck him off, taking every breath you could take as you felt him suck your clit.

Your eyes were teary as you deepthroated him before raising up only to go down again. The sounds of your activities bounced off of the walls and you felt your thighs start to shake as Kai became more feverish in tasting you. You opted to use your hand, too afraid that you’d choke from the pleasure he was giving you.

You felt your high approaching and you gripped the sheets for dear life, slowly sucking his dick and doing your best to breathe correctly. His hips started to buck upwards and he was twitching in your mouth, making you stop his orgasm completely as you came on his tongue. He laid in defeat as you got off of him. You kissed his cheek apologetically before speaking. “That’s what you get for being a little attention whore, brat.”

He rolled his eyes at you and you slapped his thigh. “Don’t do that, not unless you wanna get another orgasm taken away. Do you want that, hmm?” “No.” He shook his head as he said the word, making your heart warm at how cute he looked.

“Being a brat doesn’t suit you, sweetie. You’re way better at being my good boy. Wanna be that for me?” “Yes, always.” You turned him over onto his stomach before whispering in his ear. “Then don’t break my rules.” You removed the butt plug from his hole, enjoying the sight of how stretched it became.

You then reached for the dildo, spreading lube on the material before putting some on his opening. He buried his head in the pillows as you slid it inside of him, slowly moving it back and forth within him. “I need to hear you, okay? Stop trying to be quiet.” You noticed him hesitate and you sighed as you removed the pillows from him and put them to the side. He was practically a mewling and whimpering mess, his sounds far more than pornographic.

“Mm, Y/N, f-fuck.” You smirked at the sound of your name slipping from his lips. “Color?” “Green.” Your hand wrapped around his length, stroking it in time with the movements of the dildo. “Gonna cum for me?” “Mhm.” “Go ahead and let go.” Soft moans and groans escaped him as he started to cum, painting his stomach white.

You were quick to get him on his back again, slipping the dildo out before licking his abs clean. The sight alone made him hard again. “Sit tight for me. I’ll be back. Don’t try touching yourself.” You took the toys away and cleaned them before putting them up. You then found a towel large enough to throw onto the bed. You entered the bedroom and grabbed the last thing of the night.

Kai watched in anticipation as you put on the strap on he himself picked out. You remembered how shy he was that day, his face a light shade of pink as he pointed to the most realistic strap on in the store. You put the straps in place before getting in bed with him.

“How do you want to do this, babe? I want you to be comfortable.” “Um, I just want you to face me because you’re really hot and I want to be able to wrap my legs and arms around you. I also want you to mark me up and fuck the shit out of me.” You were proud of the bit of confidence he gained, applying his words to your memory. “You’re so filthy and I love it.” You grabbed the lube, covering the strap on in it before putting some on your fingers and prepping him to take it.

You slowly slid within him, watching the way he took every single inch. His eyes were fixated on you as you allowed him to adjust. “Color?”

“Green.” You placed his legs around your waist before you began to thrust, watching as he bit his lip and looked away from you. You grabbed his chin firmly, looking him in his eyes as you pounded harder into him. “Don’t take your eyes off of me and let me hear you. Make the world know my name.” He did just as you asked, his eyes on yours as he continuously moaned out your name for everyone to hear.

You were sure to get a noise complaint but you couldn’t care less, not when the man of your dreams was being ruined by you and holding onto your body for dear life. Crescent moon indents from his nails digging in your back were sure to be left as you repeatedly hit his prostate.

His shyness was now clouded and thoroughly overtaken by lust. You nipped at his neck before making your way to his earlobe and whispering into his ear. “You take this cock so well, baby. You’re such a good boy for me.” He almost mewled at the praise, dumb from the way you were fucking him. You noticed that he started to try and squirm away from you as the pleasure began to build up within him.

“Legs up in the air for me.” You tapped his thigh and he easily obeyed. You grabbed his legs, readjusting the position to one that reached deeper places in him and prevented his ability to escape. He let out the most guttural noise you’d ever heard him make. “Fuck, Y/N, g-gonna cum.”

You now rutted into him, commanding him to cum for you as you thrusted at a brutal pace. He met his release and you let him catch his breath. You kissed him softly then pulled out of him, removing the strap from your body. “You did so good, Kai.” You grabbed the towel that was under the two of you and cleaned him of the mess he’d made. You grabbed the lube and strap on.

You cleaned the dildo, putting it up with the harness. You then threw the towel in a hamper. You made your way through your shared home and grabbed a bottle of water for Kai.

Once you stepped in the bedroom, you saw him looking at the doorway, patiently waiting for your arrival. “You enjoyed yourself,” you questioned. “Mhm, makes me think I need to make you jealous more often.” You rolled your eyes at him before speaking. “I thought I told you that being a brat didn’t suit you.”

He smirked as he responded. “Maybe you’ll have to teach it to me then. Wanna teach me a lesson, Y/N,” he asked, giddy from the sex you’d just had. “You’re insufferable. What happened to the nervous and timid Kai?” “He realized that he was in good hands and there was nothing to be afraid of, not with a girlfriend as trustworthy as you.” Your heart swelled at his words and you jumped in the bed with him, hugging him tightly. “I love you, Mr. Anderson.” “I love you too, Y/N.”

#ahs smut #ahs fandom #anon reply #american horror story #ahs fanfic #kai anderson x y/n #kai anderson smut #kai anderson x reader #kai anderson x you #kai anderson #he gets pegged

27 notes · View notes

metal-mum · 3 months ago

Text

I'm not a writer. I made this awhile back and wanted to add a sketch to it. Just a lingering idea that'll be fleshed out in the future.

You ever get possessed and write something at one in the morning off a whim, even though you can't write, proof read it once and fall asleep right after? Yeah.. that

The sun was just below the horizon by now, the clouds overhead covered in extravagant pinks and golds. Such a sight wasn’t rare, but nevertheless breathtaking. Softer brush shook in the breeze, their leaves making just enough noise to be heard above the sounds of chaos within the valley.

War wasn’t uncommon for many worlds; after all, most disagreements between short tempers led to conflict. Words and thoughts are hard to express, but tying others into such pettiness was always baffling. Protection is one thing, but invading is another. Most people often lost themselves in war.

Anxieties feed into fear.

Fear creates delusions.

Delusions cause insanity.

Insanity leads to madness.

Madness leads to hopelessness.

Yet even as the sky dimmed from softer hues to burning reds from the flames and smoke, there was still hope. There was always hope. The hope of things getting better. The hope of whatever war this was coming to a stop. Hope that people would see each other once more. Simple things, but hope nonetheless.

Above the distant roaring fires and the noise of the brush in the breeze, a much louder, familiar sound made itself present. It was like ice shattering upon a frozen lake, a noise that could be alarming, but still appealing to the ears.

“Enjoying the view?” the hopeful light said from close by, a voice surprisingly gentle for a being who had fought countless times on countless worlds, still retaining a young innocence.

“As always…” the opposite quietly replied, its voice gruff from smoke and age.

The two beings knew the routine by now, their endless dance that neither party seemed to enjoy anymore. Perhaps it was fun at first, but the two knew each other well now. The only deciding factor was how hopeful those who lived upon the planet were.

“You know,” the light began, the gentle metallic clink of their flesh signaling their approach. “It’s not like you to surrender, even if the fight is in my favor.”

Sitting down next to their opposite earned a possibly amused huff from it.

“Nay, not surrender. I will gladly fight if that’s what you seek. However, you and I both know this world isn’t hopeless…”

Adjusting its position allowed for a much more comfortable posture, lying within the small brush while staring at the star-blotched sky.

“Sounds like surrender to me. Not that I mind, I don’t have any new tricks.”

“Disappointing.”

“Hush. I know you think the same.”

The two fell silent for a long while, watching the flames of the valley town grow and the shouts increase. The noise was unsavory compared to the environment, and the smell was even worse. While one was used to such horrid smoke and the burning of flesh, the other had always fought to prevent this from happening.

Yet just as flames could grow, they also dwindle. Screams of horror died down to shouts of orders—commands to help each other, to extinguish flames, to get the injured to safer locations, to save others' livelihoods and homes. It was inspiring to see such small beings so compassionate when things appeared so bleak.

The light glanced at their opposite, who had been resting here for some time now, judging by the dent in the plants. It stood out like a sore thumb in a world so green, the red of its carapace like a beacon on a dark, foggy night, or maybe more like a dimming lighthouse on the shore’s edge. That sounded correct to them, at least.

“We… we could just stop,” they abruptly spoke up after so long, yet the other didn’t even twitch.

“Stop?” It replied rhetorically, looking at the light’s golden flesh for the first time in this encounter.

“We don’t have to fight. We don’t have to go to every world that has an imbalance of hope. So many seem to be able to fix themselves from the ground up, even if you win.” Adding emphasis to the claim with an outstretched golden gauntlet, gesturing towards the dying flames.

“I didn’t win.”

“Stop being so literal for once! Surely you want more with your life.”

“And you?”

“Of course, yes. Constantly trying to stay in pristine condition to battle you, it’s exhausting. Time-consuming—”

“You’re young, Acacius. You want to live a life worth living.”

“I… yes. Don’t make it sound so selfish, though…” The light sighed, crossing their legs with quiet clanks and using a closed fist to prop their head up.

A rare noise came from the beast Acacius sat beside, a chuckle that was sincere and full of understanding.

“Selfish for living… hmph. That’s a new one.” It thought, clearly finding such a comment amusing.

“Yes, selfish. What would you do without me?” The light shot back while pointing at the red beast, almost close enough to sternly poke the armor upon its side.

Though the question seemed to have gotten to it, the beast was unable to find a witty response in turn.

The fires in the valley were fully extinguished, allowing darkness to envelop them both. The stars shone brighter, and the galaxy slowly showed off her true colors. The cool air was welcome, and the stench of flesh and flames was no more, replaced with earthy scents and the moisture in the air.

The beast took in a deep breath of the fresh air and slowly rose to its four spindly legs, looking back out at the horizon. Clearly, it had no reason to be here, for as long as there was hope, there was something left for this world. Acacius stayed seated, however, and watched their old nemesis slowly begin to move toward the ravine it had originally left behind.

Nemesis? Did they really think that?

“Hellbeast—” they started, slightly perturbed when said Hellbeast let out a low, scratchy groan. “I mean it. About… stopping.”

Pausing in its slow tracks, it turned back to face the light, who was getting up themselves now. Such a proposition was tempting, but was that what it wanted too? Truth be told, it didn’t know what it wanted in life, far too involved in this current one to change paths. Perhaps it was being the selfish one.

“And would you live your life? It’s in your blood to rush towards those who need hope.”

“Just as it is yours to crawl towards the hopeless.”

A huff from the Hellbeast let Acacius know they had it stuck in the argument now.

“We both have our duties, but… perhaps we should only heed them when it’s dire. Every squabble of possible hopelessness can’t keep resulting in us clashing. Even Solomon was smart enough to—”

“He had other priorities.” It interrupted, voice slightly raised and flat with the response.

“Right… but you get my point.” They spoke softly in turn.

“I want to explore the vastness that is out there, to see landscapes unfathomable. You’re getting old and,” they couldn’t help but let out a small laugh, “I’m feeling bad for beating up an old man.”

Without caution or care, Acacius raised their golden gauntlet, outstretched for the Hellbeast to take.

“So, how about that? Not necessarily peace, but a truce. To only fight and meet when hope is truly being challenged, and to live our lives a different way.”

Staring with empty eyes, the beast kept its clawed hands close. It was impossible to tell what it thought; the permanent frown acted as a very good mask for such things. Yet the flick of a tail, a twitch in a finger, told the light all they needed to know before it even reached for their outstretched hand.

“I suppose I can live with that.” The Hellbeast quietly said, firmly grasping the golden gauntlet.

The two opposites would end up coming to an agreement after years of instinctual turmoil, both staying loyal and true to the words spoken that night. While one had a full life ahead of them, the other didn’t know how much sand was left in the hourglass.

#RetiRED thoughts #very rough #but they say practice makes perfect!#or better at least #when I pasted it #Tumblr did something weird #so hopefully nothing messed up (⁠｡⁠ŏ⁠﹏⁠ŏ⁠)#mobile is weird #anyway #Acacius real #same with Solomon

9 notes · View notes

lyranova · 3 months ago

Text

Word Count: 592

Warnings: None

—————

Asta rushed down the street, passing through the crowd of people, his heart pounding in his ears and his stomach twisting itself into knots.

It wasn’t true, right? His neighbor was wrong, she had to be, there was no way…

As he came to the yellow and black police tape, his eyes widened.

Blood…lots of it, and he could clearly make out the silhouette of a person's body laying under the white sheet, and as his green eyes traveled down the length of the body until they stopped at their feet.

Those shoes…those brown, leather boots with different colored butterflies…those were his moms shoes.

They were the same shoes she was wearing when she left the house earlier that morning.

No…no way, it couldn’t be. He wouldn’t believe it, not until he saw her with his own eyes!

He ran underneath the tape, across the crime scene, and towards the covered body.

He had to know, he needed to know that it wasn’t her!

As he reached out to pull the sheeg away from her face, he felt a pair of strong arms wrap around him and yank him away.

“ Hey kid, you can’t be- ugh!” The man began but was cut off as Asta headbutted him with the back of his head.

As he dropped down to the ground, he felt the man, who he assumed was a police officer, grab the back of his shirt.

“ You little brat!” He growled before letting out another shout as Asta bit him.

He wasn’t going to stop, he wouldn’t give up until he saw his mom with his own eyes!

But eventually, a loud yet calm voice, and the clap of someone's hands made everyone freeze as though time itself had stopped.

“ Everyone, please calm down,” A man with blonde hair, purple eyes, and a compassionate smile commanded without raising his voice. “ This young boy is her eldest son.”

Asta felt his heart sink, so…it was true? She was really-? No! No, this guy didn’t know her, so how could he be so sure?

“ Asta!” He heard familiar voices exclaim, and he saw Sister Lily, Father Orsi, and Yuno standing there beside an ambulance.

“ Asta, come here,” The man with blonde hair softly urged as he knelt down to his height.

The young boy slowly and hesitantly made his way over to him, and when he reached him the man placed his hands on his shoulders.

“ Listen to me, I know you want to see her, but I don’t think she would want you to see her like this, do you?” He asked kindly, his voice warm, gentle, and full of understanding.

Asta blinked in surprise, he didn’t want to admit it, but he was right. She wouldn’t want them to see her like this.

“ Why don’t you go check on your little brother.”

His eyes widened and his heart began to beat loudly in his ears again.

That’s right, Liebe was with her!

He saw his brother sitting in the ambulance and rushed past everyone to get to him. And as soon as he saw him he wrapped him in his arms.

“ Liebe, are you okay? What happened?” Asta questioned, his voice cracking as tears fell onto his little brother’s shoulder.

But Liebe didn’t respond, he just shook his head and cried into his brother’s chest.

“ Who did this Liebe? Did you see who hurt our mom?”

Liebe whimpered and slowly pulled away, his eyes red, wide, and full of fear.

“ Tattoo…a man with long hair and tattoos that look like vines.”

————

Thank you all so much for reading and I hope you all have a good day~!

#black clover #black clover fanfiction #black clover asta #asta black clover #detective au #the mysterious members of unit b

8 notes · View notes

dany-is-my-queen · 2 years ago

Text

A Question Of Loyalty XIV

Rhaenyra Targaryen x reader, Alicent Hightower x reader

Word count: 3,5k

Summary: When dragons of green and dragons of black dance, you have to choose the color that suits you best.

You took a trembling breath as the brooch slipped from your fingers, its soft clink echoing. The weight of grief, loss, and the burden of choices made.

Although you were tempted to go straight to Dragonstone with Rhaenys' remains, you ended up returning to the capital. There was no hunger for answers, no craving for interactions. All you craved was solitude, for the shock still held you tightly in its grip.

Alicent had dispatched a dozen knights to find you and fetch you safely back. Yet, you eluded their search, deliberately taking the longer path home. Your dragon, wounded by the Scorpion’s quarrels, sought solace in the nearby mountains, nursing its strength back to health.

The Dowager Queen yearned to go to you the moment she discovered your return, but you denied her presence, refusing even the comfort of your beloved Haleana, who sought to console you as well.

You screamed through your casement with intensity, your eyes aflame with a fervor on the brink of eruption. Each muffled shout gradually lost its potency, stifled and quelled until your throat could no longer produce a single vocalization. Your outburst resonated with such force that its echoes reverberated all the way to The Wall, reaching ears that stood at a distance.

Rumors, like wildfire, devoured the truth. They whispered of a shattered mind, accusing you of spilling the blood of the King's men, even the Lord Commander’s. They claimed you failed to shield him from the foe, leaving him grievously wounded. They weaved tales of your supposed treachery, plotting to keep him in that weakened state, with the intent to bring about his demise. They called you a failure.

But those who dared to look beyond the surface, who peered into the depths of your pain, understood. They saw it as a struggle within the bounds of family, an act driven by a daughter's love. To them, your actions were justified, as any child with a compassionate heart would have done the same.

Opinions, divided as they were, held no sway over you. The world's judgment felt insignificant. You berated yourself relentlessly for the inability to intervene as you wished, even though the circumstances were beyond your control. The crushing weight of helplessness enveloped you, intensifying the pain of failing to protect those you held dear. Your efforts always fell short, leaving you to bear the consequences.

With your mother gone, the world lost its balance. Without her, Laena, Laenor.. everything felt askew.

Aegon, weakened and burned, found no strength to cast blame or reproach upon you. Aemond, though visibly perturbed, chose silence over comment. Aegon's throne was now occupied by his brother, the Protector of the Realm, as he languished in his bed, unable to govern. Otto resumed his former position.

—

Days melted into one another. Food lost its flavor, and sleep became a mere facade as you sat, staring blankly through the window.

Alicent faithfully visited you every morning and afternoon, harboring no blame for the choices that led to this. She comprehended the extents of your anguish, understanding the why behind your actions. She refused to see betrayal in the loss of her sworn protector. Instead, she offered genuine concern, striving to uplift your shattered spirit. Yet, you couldn't bear the thought of her wasting her precious time on your sorrow.

"I brought the cake we learned to make together when we first met," Alicent gently shared. Memories danced within her words, evoking the image of your amazed face as you discovered your culinary prowess that surpassed even the most skilled cooks in King's Landing. "You possess a natural talent. It may not be as refined as yours, but I asked them to pour their hearts into it," Alicent concluded, tinged with warmth, hoping to infuse some light into your dim world.

"Thank you, dear," you replied, determined not to let your pain dampen her kindness. She refused to give up.

"Nyke miss ao, issa joraelagon," she stumbled in your second language, her effort endearing to you as you witnessed her struggle.

"Jorrāelagon," you corrected her gently, a flicker of a smile gracing your lips, a rare sight in these times. "You're making progress," you teased, and she returned the smile.

"I need more practice; I cannot disappoint you," she confessed, audaciously leaning against the edge of the bed. The gesture brought you ease rather than discomfort.

Silence enveloped you, and as you turned your gaze, your eyes locked with hers. The delicate intensity in her stare made you feel as fragile as glass.

"I’m sorry, Y/N. And I'm here by your side," she whispered. Your attention lingered on her lips, and instinctively, she closed the gap between you, sealing your connection in a gentle, unintended kiss. Without hesitation, you straddled her, the world around you fading as your lips sought relieve in one another's embrace, drawing breaths that fueled the yearning for each other, not mere oxygen.

As the morning light seeped through the curtains, Alicent continued to cradle you, providing serenity that eased the ache within you.

—

Amidst the gentle morning, bathed in the golden rays of the rising sun, you sat by the gardens. Within this a sanctuary was found in the presence of mother and daughter, their bond deepening over the passing months. Despite Haleana's reservations toward forging connections with others, she let her mother in.

In that very instant, a vow surged. You swore to safeguard them, to offer your very life if need be, for the anguish of losing a mother knows no bounds. There was no sacrifice too great, no price too steep.

Haleana, enveloped in her own musings, excused herself, leaving you alone with Alicent. The stage was set, and you knew the time had come to reveal things. Delayed though it may have been..

Alicent spoke of her brother’s eagerness to delve beyond mere formalities and acquaint himself with you. Succumbing to the game, you matched her jest with lighthearted banter, affirming Gwayne's honorable character and striking handsomeness.

"Handsome?" she exclaimed.

"Indeed, the most handsome Hightower I have ever known," you continued, stoking the fires of mirth within her.

"Shall I summon him to your presence, that you may indulge in a conversation, or perhaps embark on a ride together?" she offered, you feigned to be considering the proposal.

"I find greater excitement in riding dragons than horses," you confessed, your words bearing no hidden innuendo, prompting her laughter to cascade. "What have I said?" An innocent grin adorning your countenance.

"That he is the most handsome Hightower you know," she echoed your earlier words, and you tilted your head ever so slightly, directing your gaze solely upon her.

"And you, my love, are the most beautiful Hightower I have ever beheld," you added. As anticipated, a delicate blush bloomed upon her cheeks. "Though, technically, you are a Targaryen, are you not?"

"The colors of your house adorn me far better, do they not?" she mused. "You have always been black and red.”

"I bear fire and the sea within my veins. Yet, you speak true, for one force will inevitably dominate," you confessed, grappling with the figurative language that danced upon your lips. “Alicent..—“ With a fleeting moment of courage, you closed your eyes briefly, gathering your resolve, and dared to maintain eye contact as you stood on the precipice of baring yourself. Alicent, ever attentive, awaited as you prepared to unveil.

“Your Grace, my Lady," a guard's voice resonated behind you, saluting with reverence. "There are urgent matters that demand your attention. Prince Aemond and Ser Otto await you at the Hand's Tower.”

"Thank you, Ser," Alicent replied, her disappointment hidden beneath a mask of regal composure. Reluctantly, the two of you followed the guard's lead.

Upon entering the Red Keep, Alicent firmly clasped your hand, steadfastly refusing to release it, despite the passing gazes of onlookers. You reciprocated the gesture with an equally firm grip.

Within the confines of the Tower of the Hand, Aemond's scrutinizing gaze met your own, a flicker of concern shadowing his features. Ser Otto, ever disdainful of the bond between you and Alicent, maintained an air of disinterest. The presence of other lords, gathered with intent.

"What unfolds, my son?" Alicent cut through the charged atmosphere.

"The Pretender and her forces have gained an army." Aemond responded.

"An army? Have they sought the aid of sellswords?" your curiosity welled up.

“No, not sellswords, but dragons. One of them being the former companion of your very own," he revealed.

"Vermithor?" He nodded.

"How can such a thing be possible?" Alicent's voice wavered, her confusion mirroring your own.

"According to Lord Strong's spies, your father played a hand in guiding the Princess's actions. Their motivations diverged in the aftermath of Rook's Rest, but time pressed upon them. Weeks were spent in search of riders who could mount the dragons dwelling on Dragonstone. Even Ser Laenor's Seasmoke found a place among their ranks."

"Two dragons then.”

"My sources speak of attempts to tame more, wild dragons. Yet, only one yielded to their will—Sheepstealer."

"The capital would crumble beneath the weight of their dragons. They would descend upon us with six in total," Master Orwyle interjected. The scales tipped in favor of the Blacks, leaving naught but a bleak outlook.

"And how were these dragons tamed?"

"Bastard blood holds an extraordinary power, Your Grace," Larys responded, casting a fleeting glance in your direction. Your anger flared.

"My granddaughter does not ride her dragon. Sunfyre, like the king, languishes in a state of inaction. Only Vhagar and Silverwing stand to defend our city," Otto voiced.

"Silverwing has yet to recover fully. It would be unwise to send her into battle, for her presence may sow more damage than aid," you interjected. In truth, you harbored doubts as to whether you desired involvement in the imminent conflict.

"That is the least you and your dragon could offer after your lackluster performance in the recent incident, my lady," Ser Otto retorted.

Aemond swiftly intervened, commanding and authoritative. "Address Lady Y/N with the respect she deserves, grandfather. We must be prepared for any surprise attacks from the Blacks."

The fate of kingdoms teetered on the edge.

—

As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows over the cobblestone streets of King's Landing, you walked alongside Alicent, she extended an invitation, drawing you into the grandeur of the Great Table.

The Hall echoed with silence as only the two of you sat. The remnants of your interrupted conversation from the morning still lingered, beckoning to be resumed.

"Can you fathom the magnitude of the menace we face?" The very thought of combating so many fully-grown dragons sent shivers down Alicent’s spine. In that moment, the allure of escape, of fleeing the city of chaos with Alicent & Helaena, enticed you. To leave everything behind, to shield your loved ones from further bloodshed, danced on the periphery of your thoughts. Yet, that notion, ephemeral and fragile, dissolved as swiftly as it had appeared. For deep within your being, a burning desire stirred. You yearned to see her.

"We may not have the means to defend ourselves," you admitted.

"And shall we surrender, then? Yielding to her without a fight?" It held a desperate tremor, an echo of the resignation that would inevitably come.

"If your father and Aemond can devise superior strategies, if they can unearth a path to victory, then perchance we may yet elude that fate," you replied, burdened by the uncertainties that lay ahead.

"Whose side will you choose when she arrives?" Her voice betrayed the fear that gripped her heart.

A surge of guilt washed over you as you struggled to find an immediate answer, weary from the ceaseless battles waged within. In the end, it mattered not, for no matter the path you chose, you always questioned if it was the right one.

Shifting the weight of the conversation, you took a long sip of wine, the crimson liquid offering respite. And as the intoxicating warmth coursed through, you began to unburden your chest, the words tumbling forth in a hushed, intimate confession.

"My mother, she believed I harbored resentment, even hatred towards her... When she was imprisoned after King Viserys' death, she revealed the truth of my parentage to me," you confessed, your voice laden with an ache that echoed. A momentary pause allowed the weight of those words to settle. With parched lips, you took another sip.

"I accused her of me being born out of wedlock, of not being hers. And it was then, that she confessed the truth to me," you continued. Alicent's gaze remained fixed upon you, her expression unreadable, allowing you the space to share the depths of your secret.

"The anger within me swelled, for she had never intended to reveal it, and yet Corlys had known all along. He had accepted her, married her. He had accepted me and raised me as a Velaryon, never making me feel any less. For that, I am eternally grateful," you spoke, filled with gratitude.

"My true father was but a sailor, who had got her with child when she was promised to Corlys. He wanted to know me, to be a part of my life... until tragedy befell him, a cruel twist of fate. And that was the end of it. He was from Lys, as handsome as the tales of old, she said.”

Minutes passed, and you remained embraced in silence, leaving Alicent to wonder if it was time to offer her own thoughts.

She cherished the raw honesty that flowed from you, even though it was not the first time she had heard this confession. She understood the tremendous blow it had dealt you when you first learned of your true lineage.

"Perhaps my mother departed this world believing that this revelation was the reason I did not choose to follow her," you confessed, tinged with regret, the specter of missed opportunities lingering.

"But in the end, Y/N, you were by her side. You came to her rescue. In her heart, she knew you harbored no hatred, for it was something you could never possess.”

"I apologize for not confiding in you sooner," you murmured, the weight of your words softened by the realization that you had sought to shield her from the anguish that haunted your past.

"Why did you not?" Her inquiry, gentle and understanding, sought not to condemn but to unravel the complexities of your heart. "Did you genuinely believe... that I would turn you away, knowing your true parentage? You know me better than that, Y/N."

"I could not risk losing you," you confessed, the words weighed down by the fear of abandonment that had silently plagued your thoughts.

"Y/N..."

"I thought you harbored reservations..." The words escaped before you could contain them, abruptly halted as you caught yourself, unwilling to give them a voice.

She finished the sentence for you. "I know you believed that because of the princess's children.I would never turn away from you, Y/N. It pains me that you did not trust me enough to confide in me sooner, but I understand your reasons. And it is alright, truly," Alicent assured you, brimming with warmth and acceptance.

"I love you," you whispered, surrendering yourself to the rest of the night.

—

Rhaenyra recognized the urgency to press forward, as she feared being remembered as the queen who failed to rightfully claim her father's throne—a title she found unappealing and detrimental to her reputation. She had always known Alicent's words were a lie, a deceitful ploy to drive you away for good. Initially, Rhaenyra considered abandoning the fight for the sake of her children's safety, but she reconsidered, she refused to be remembered in such a manner.

For her cause, they had secured three valuable dragons: Sheepstealer, Vermithor, & Seamoke. Seamoke, her ex-husband's mount. She believed him to be alive beyond the Narrow Sea with his lover, Ser Carl. Rhaenyra envied their freedom from the burdens of duty and madness that came with their birthright. In her ideal reality, she pictured a life with you, free from all constraints.

Everything was prepared for their advancement, Jaecerys, the Prince of Dragonstone, was eager to proceed until your alliance with the High Council of the Triarchy altered their plans. Warships had arrived at the Stepstones, leading to a change in strategy. The attack was not only focused on capturing strategic locations but also targeted your father’s ancestral seat, High Tide. As those who entered the Gullet south of Dragonstone faced resistance, Prince Jacaerys fought back on Vermax, but the men from the Free Cities refused to give in. More dragons appeared above the Dragonmont, aiming to eliminate their opposition.

Sadly, the dragon ridden by Rhaenyra's eldest son couldn't withstand the assault and crashed into the sea. The heir to the Throne met a tragic end, struck by multiple arrows and swallowed by the ocean. There was no doubt about the bravery of Jace, just as his younger brother Luke had shown. The news of their demise spread quickly, leaving you with a different kind of helplessness than when you learned about Vhagar's attack on Arrax. You knew your eldest nephew wasn't a craven, and you were certain he fought until his last breath.

If you held faith in the afterlife, in.. realms beyond, you believed that Jace and Luke were now reunited.

You knew Rhaenyra’s assault on the capital was imminent, awaiting the opportune moment.

You also discovered that Daeron, earned the title of ‘Ser Daeron the Daring’. He displayed bravery by saving Lord Ormund and joining the rescue mission at the River Honeywine, becoming the hero of that battle. You knew he didn't claim all the credit for himself; he shared it with his companion & she-dragon, Tessarion, with whom you had shared many adventurous afternoons and joyful moments. Time had transformed him into a courageous, audacious, and kind-hearted lad.

Rhaenyra knew of your loss, for she, too, held deep affection Rhaenys. Upon discovering your deeds in Rook’s Rest, she naively believed you would return home to her. Yet, you did not. Finally, she comprehended that you would no longer choose her, rendering her waiting in vain. She wanted to confront you, face to face, regardless of the outcome. Expectations evaporated, leaving only the desire to extricate you from her mind and heart, allowing her to forge ahead.

—

Aemond, undeterred by counsel and brimming with conviction, persisted in advocating for a daring plan that involved riding forthwith to Daemon's doorstep. His aim was to seize his adversary unawares, ending his life within the ancient walls of Harrenhal, where the Prince had long entrenched himself. With each stride taken toward this perilous objective, Rhaenyra's vulnerability would be amplified, bereft of both husband and one fewer dragon.

Yet, despite the fervent dissuasion voiced by yourself and his mother, he scorned the wisdom proffered by those closest to him. Fuelled by his own impetuous resolve, he hastily sought to mount Vhagar's back, with Otto at his side, who embraced his shared vision.

"Tarry a while longer until your brother is fit for battle. It ill behooves you to court such hazard alone," Alicent implored, her pleas ringing forth with maternal concern.

"Mother, place your trust in my capabilities," he reassured. "Vhagar has emerged unscathed from countless fights, fret not for my well-being." Upon hearing Aemond's declaration, an almost uncontrollable surge of wrath surged within you, tempting you to lunge forward and deliver an instinctual blow upon his unwary countenance. Yet, for the sake of it, you restrained yourself, holding firm against the tempestuous emotions that coursed through your veins. "The defense of the City shall not languish," he proclaimed with unwavering confidence.

"It could, Your Grace," you interjected, your words carefully chosen to maintain a semblance of deference.

"Mark my words, I shall return bearing my uncle's head ensconced within a bloodstained sack, a fitting tribute for you, my Lady," he pronounced, with certainty and unabashed arrogance. In response, you narrowed your gaze, choosing to forsake any further attempt to dissuade him.

"Lady Y/N, I submit that you should accompany Prince Aemond, for it is wiser to traverse this treacherous path with a stalwart companion, who also happens to possess a fierce dragon. And since he spurns aid from Storm's End or his younger brother, it behooves us to act prudently," Lord Jasper proffered.

“My lords, do not misconstrue my decision as an act of cowardice. I will not forsake my post, leaving the Queen Dowager and Queen Haleana vulnerable to the machinations of their adversaries," you proclaimed.

"Fear not, for valiant men stand ready to safeguard them against any who would bring them harm. Knights capable of shielding them from all danger," He continued.

At this juncture, Alicent seized the opportunity to voice her own retort. "No knight can lay claim to greater valor or loyalty than our Lady Y/N," she admonished Lord Jasper. The men within the chamber exchanged furtive glances, and Lord Wylde, could not mask his sense of humiliation.

"'Twas naught but a humble suggestion, Your Grace, yet I shall yield to your wisdom," he conceded with an air of acquiescence.

"Come morrow, I’ll depart," Aemond declared.

~~~~~

Taglist: @nnightskiess @loveislove4 @evattude @lethal-minds @sophiexoxsblog @claymoresword @tired-ninfa @glorioushamsterqueen @alicenter @newcaptainofsquad9 @pindoris @oh-thats-cute @rxscpctals @laenordeservedbetter @voniikg @bugwritesstuff @letlovee-in @urmomsgirlfriend1 @valenciavv @the-camilucha @joliettes @itssecret2109 @i-nail-jello-to-walls @cone-fused-mind

#game of thrones fic #got #house of the dragon #hotd #rhaenyra targaryen #rhaenyra targaryen x reader#alicent hightower #alicent hightower x reader #house of the dragon fic

128 notes · View notes

shesjustanothergeek · 2 years ago

Text

His Love

|Aegon II Targaryen x Fem!Reader|

Part Twenty-Three

Masterlist of Series

Summary: Being a bastard born in the slums of Flea Bottom was all you were known for. Not the streak of white you had in your dark hair, the violet ring around your pupils, or how your sharp tongue and skills with the blade resembled your father, Daemon Targaryen. You were just a bastard, nothing more, but to him, to Aegon Targaryen, you were everything. You were his love.

Author's Note: Hey, besties; sorry for the delay. Everything that could go wrong went wrong. First, one of my coworkers called off (she doesn't even work here anymore because she missed too much), and I had to do two 10-hour shifts. Then my freaking internet went out because some tree trimmers cut the connection line for everyone! And after that, I had a crisis and lost the inspiration and drive to write. This chapter is a two-parter, which I usually wouldn't say I like to do, but it would've been over 10k words. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter, and as always, thank you for reading!

Chapter Warnings: The reader has severely unresolved trauma, angst, Arryk is a white knight.

"The axe forgets; the tree remembers." - Zimbabwean Proverb from the Shona tribe.

You were still determining your place inside Maegor's Holdfast, unfamiliar with the royal wing layout like you were with the rest of the Keep, having found an abandoned terrace that the court long forgot. Leaves of green ivory crawled up the side of the castle, wrapping around the red rock banister like an unkempt tree in the Godswood.

Your eyes gazed at the iron mote of spikes that protected the Holdfast. They shined wet like a predator's teeth, grinning back at you in misery.

Your body felt full, yet empty, full of swirling emotions and thoughts you had long buried, stirring the formerly clear water into a murky pool. Yet in that same emotion, you felt nothing, the well dried up from a summer's prolonged drought left with dust and sand at the bottom. You were uncertain if the nothingness was a blessing. Conceivably, it was your psyche's way of coping with the trauma of your life's story. You were fearful that if you suddenly felt those surges of memories, thoughts, and regrets, the iron spikes would be dripping with your blood.

Your title was called out from behind you so softly and so tender it was a whisper in the wind, almost causing you to disregard it as a trick of your mind. The sound of armor clanking and fabric rustling told you otherwise.

"Princess, the hour is late. You must get your rest," Ser Arryk expressed, his voice as compassionate as a mother. You refused to answer, the energy to move your lips and tongue long sapped out from crying.

He stepped onto the balcony until he was beside you, his arms stiff behind his back, shoulders tense at the silence. Arryk was conflicted about what to do. He knew he could not order you to sleep. His position was not one to command the eldest daughter of Daemon Targaryen, but he was assigned to be your sworn protector in all matters, whether defending you from a foe or yourself.

"My Lady, you need not speak of what has stolen you from sleep, but let it take no longer. I shall lead you to your bed chambers," the kingsguard offered kindly, leaving no room for rejection.

Finally, your eyes met his blue ones, seeing your black lashes clumped together from tears. Arryk wanted to comfort and embrace you as any good-natured person would but refrained, simply placing an inviting palm on your shoulder. He had seen you at your worst years ago after your brawl with the Septa, knuckles swollen and red with the blood of the older woman, beautiful face pink and glistening with tears down your cheeks.

Otto Hightower, be damned. Damned to the fiery pits of the Seven Hells to burn for all eternity for what he made Arryk do. You were too dear to the knight to betray your trust anymore. Though Ser Arryk never discovered any hurtful information other than the peculiarity of you and the eldest son of the King's relationship. He spent every waking moment inhaling the same air as you, breathing in each exhale like it was his last. How could he ever betray your trust in good conscience?

"Aegon was the one who discovered Lyra's plans to smuggle me out of Kings Landing. He killed them." Your words tore him from his internal struggle with shock.

Arryk's brows scrunched in confusion, trying to recall what you were saying. His face paled when he did, remembering the blotchy grey faces displayed on the battlements of the Red Keep for all to see, for all to see the Hand's justice. May Lord Hightower's death be long and painful for what he did to you, Arryk thought.

"I wish Aegon were dead," you spoke aloud without realizing it.

The knight became worried, suddenly closing the distance between you to make somehow your confession disappear. "Princess. You must be careful what you say here. The walls have ears, and the ears have eyes."

"No, Ser Arryk. Let them hear it," you protested, your nails digging crescents into your palms. "Mayhaps they will understand the agony I have suffered all these years. The mornings and nights I have laid awake in bed, praying to the Old Gods and the New for them to somehow bring her back and make it so nothing happened." You sucked in a ragged breath, hiccuping from the remnants of your tears as your body became too challenging to carry. "I cannot do this anymore. I cannot be here."

The kingsguardmen did not understand your true meaning of how you desired greatly to leave this whole charade behind, to return to Dragonstone and watch little Joffery and the younger Viserys and Aegon grow into their skins, to watch Lucerys become the man you were confident for him to be. Instead, Arryk thought the worst, believing your words to be final and life-ending, as he firmly grabbed your biceps.

He said your name gently yet sternly, causing your glazed eyes to widen. "You must not think like that. I shan't allow it," he commanded. "You are the strongest maiden in the realm. You ride the fiercest dragon, feared by humans and its species. You have endured hardships and trials a girl of your age should never have to, and even when your blood was stolen from you, you did not turn to resentment. You were not bitter to those undeserving."

You attempted to move your face away from Arryk's, unconvinced at his words. He was so close that you could smell the mint leaves on his tongue. "You are stronger than you know, and until then, each moment like this, you will feel as if it is too much, but you will always find yourself emerging on the other side."

No words made their way to your lips, and you suddenly felt the rush of emotions you had thought dried. You stepped away from Arryk, embracing your torso as you faced the opened doors that led inside. You didn't want to feel anything. Not now, nor ever again. Swallowing the lump in your throat, you returned to the silver-armored knight of the Kingsguard.

"I seem to have lost my bearings, Ser Arryk," you whispered into the chill night air. "Will you help me find my way back to the guest wing?"

The request was a peace offering, a silent "thank you" for his unfailing kindness. If he had not dedicated his life in service to the King, he would've made an excellent father and an even better husband.

Ser Arryk nodded stiffly, taking long strides ahead of you until all you could see was his pristine white cape flowing like a field of wheat in the wind.

***

You desperately desired to stay within the confines of your bed, as if laying underneath the thin cotton sheets would protect you from the outside world. It was silly, and you felt childish, but truly, that was all you were—a child disguised as a woman painting a facade of fierceness and maturity on your skin. But the pigments had cracked and bleached from weathering winds, rains, and suns until it revealed the canvas underneath. You wished desperately for the chips to be covered, groping at your flesh to hide them from the world.

But it was too late, for they had seen the peeled paint and what lay beneath—a frightened young girl yearning for acceptance and love.

Tears returned to your eyes, a common occurrence over the past fortnight. Your maids had become used to seeing you sniffling in your bed as you were now, covers tucked underneath your nose to hide your sobs. They had tried more than once to find the root of your sadness, but you were a closed door, keeping those who cared for you locked from entering.

Helaena had moved your quarters to the Holdfast as she promised, something you were initially looking forward to. It meant less sneaking around the halls and the corridors of the Keep like a mouse to find Aegon, but that was why precisely you dreaded it now. Though you had scarcely seen him, no doubt drunker than a Bravosi sailor in the pillow houses, the fact that he resided within the same wing made your skin prickle with disgust.

He had yet to return your dagger, small and silver with dragons on the hilt, and you had half a mind to storm inside his chambers for it, but each time you were within eyesight of his door, profound nausea and the sting of tears would stop you.

How could you have lain with the man who bore the blood of two innocents? How could Aegon lay with the kin of the people he sentenced to death? You knew him to be cruel and unusual, but that was something even you could not rightly justify.

Aegon was no matter, you told yourself, rising from your bed at the smell of ham and boiled eggs. All that did was ensuring your Mother's smooth succession. You could achieve it in other manners of not seducing the eldest son of the King. Your presence was something enough to stop them should the Stranger take your Grandsire, and if Queen Alicent and Lord Otto Hightower try to place Aegon on the throne, you would gut her, then her Father, then her beloved first son before the following morn.

You would kill a legion of men before Aegon ever sat upon the Iron Throne, even if it meant your demise.

It's what your Father would want. He would proudly let his daughter lay down her life in service to the crown, just as he would. There would be no nobler of a death.

Jeyne had readied your bath and outfit for the day, a high-collared dress made of black satin. Small silver plates of metal and beads that looked like dragon scales were sewn on the torso in a 'v' shape, accentuating the scandalous low cut of your gown. The sleeves were a long, unsewn style, the stitching keeping them together ending just before the crook of your arm and flowing around you like a cape at your sides. You paired it with an ornate belt, the design of swirling dragons with their teeth bared melted into the steel, matching hammered cuffs on your wrists. Your necklace was a simple chain, needlelike links dripping down your sternum until they looped into your house sigil.

You looked to be in mourning garbs rather than the typical court colors, a common occurrence. Perhaps you were, in a sense, mourning. Mourning a loss you should have accepted years ago, weeping for happiness free of politics and schemes, mourning the connection from someone you tried so hard not to form one with.

The three ladies had learnt not to ask why you made such decisions in your clothes. They would only be met with a lie and a smile that stretched a bit too wide. They understood that something had happened and did their best to tread carefully. You were not cross with them, no matter how hurt, vengeful, or angry. Fiora, Jeyne, and Dyanna were innocent in all this, as Sara was, and you refused to have them involved with any of your personal affairs in fear of what would become of the three women.

You paused momentarily, adjusting the designed belt to rest comfortably on your waist, realizing the littlest maid was not there.

"Where is Dyanna?" you asked calmly, curious but not concerned about where she could be. "Is she unwell?"

"No, Princess," Fiora answered, ushering you to the vanity. "She's been assigned to care for Princess Helaena's children after one of the nursemaids fell ill and had to be sent home."

Your brows scrunched in confusion, frowning at the memory of your time with the young Prince and Princess. You have seen the little ones almost every day since the beginning of the planting season, and you haven't noticed any ailments in their caretaker.

You reasoned that illnesses always had the potential to be a sudden onset of symptoms. You had seen in your childhood on the merchant streets how a vendor was acceptable one day, selling different fruits and vegetables you could never afford, then the next, gone without a trace due to a fever. You hoped Jaehaerys and Jaehaera did not catch whatever it was. The first decade of a child's life was the most precarious, their tiny bodies not used to the dirt and disease the realm had to offer.

You left the thought at that, hoping to see the skittish, fair-skinned girl with them. A grimace made its way to your face, attempting to ignore how the wooden comb snagged on a tangle in your hair. Fiora styled it into a braided updo. Two thick plaits in a 'u' shape lay at your skull's base, a silver three-layered chain with black star sapphires pinning it to your hair. Clasping a pair of fan-shaped earrings in your lobes, you stood, stealing one last boiled egg before bidding your ladies farewell and greeting Ser Arryk at the door.

He followed wordlessly, as any knight should, observing how your hips slightly swayed with each step of your leather slippers. Arryk had tread carefully since that scornful night. Since the night you reeked of sweat, alcohol, and tears. He remembered seeing the stars reflected in your dark eyes, the violet hidden during the hour of the wolf, and he couldn't help but think how things might have been if your Father wasn't a Targaryen.

Perhaps he could've met you before he swore to take no wife and bear no heirs. Possibly still while he was a simple bannermen, living from allowance to allowance. Arryk would not have the luxuries he had now if it happened, but if ever given a chance, he might leave it all behind. It would be a shame to leave the highest rank a knight of lower-born descent could achieve, but he would do it for love, for only if you loved him back.

Your guard had suddenly stopped following behind you, standing idly with a slight wrinkle on his forehead and hand on the pommel of his sword.

"Ser Cargyll?" you questioned without words incredulously, tilting your head to the side.

He was silent for a moment more, seeming to come back from wherever he was inside his mind. It was a dangerous place to be inside one's head for too long. It sent some men mad, some women to despair, and some to where they could never leave. You knew what it was like when one would stay inside too long. It sent you reeling in anger, sadness, and joy. There is too much inside not to get lost in.

"Princess, this is not the way to the Godswood," Ser Arryk stated, the crease on his forehead gone.

"I know, Ser. We are not going to the Godswood today," you answered politely, not elaborating further as you continued walking.

"If you don't mind me asking, your Grace, where are we going?"

You flashed a bright smile at Arryk, glancing behind before coyly turning away. He started at the back of your intricately braided hair, mesmerized by the being that was you. His eyes traced how your ebony strands crossed in on themselves, the way the golden chains bounced with every stride. The knight noiselessly cursed the Maiden and the Mother for making you in their image.

While Ser Arryk did recognize the halls you traveled, he was sure you didn't. Your head twists and turns each way, peering into every door and threshold, searching for something he was unsure of.

"Princess, I may be a knight, but I am your protector. 'Tis my right to know your plans and destinations," he commanded as kindly a man could in hopes of not securing your wrath.

He had seen it once before in the training yard at the hour of ghosts, Prince Aegon standing too close to be considered appropriate, his sworn protector nowhere in sight. Despite Arryk's place on the ramparts above and the sun having long set in the west, he could spot the twitches underneath your eye, barely containing malice on your pursed lips as you pulled your bowstring. The knight hadn't noticed how you did it, but a rock was within the place of the arrow as you shot it at the crown Prince's foot, earning a yelp from the twenty-year-old lecher.

You turned back to him, crossing your arms with an undignified huff. "I am not gallivanting off into the Kingswood, Ser Cargyll. I do not understand your persistence with the matter." Arryk attempted to hide the frown that pulled his lips, but you saw him sighing softly and looking to the floor to think over your words more carefully. "We are visiting Grand Maester Orwyle. He has a collection of history and law books that has peaked my interest."

You stepped towards him, breathing a calming breath through your nose, and dropped your arms. Ser Arryk was a fragile soul, simple almost, only following the linear path of honor and duty with no concern for whether it was right or wrong. If the King said it, he did it. If the Queen said it, he did it. If you said it, he did it. His singular vision of things was almost admirable at times. To blindly follow orders without the moral guilt of your actions was something you hoped for. It would make things easier in this game of thrones and less heavy to bear.

But that wasn't life. That wasn't the fate the Gods intended for those with responsibility, though many attempted. Rhaenyra tried, and if you were her, impending the ever-looming doom of the crown, you too would stay tucked away in the little world where life felt light.

Arryk took your stillness as an invitation to walk alongside you, silently leading you to the Maester's quarters and saving your pride from ignorance. You ordered him to stay outside, and he obeyed without a second thought, dipping his head and muttering, "Princess."

Maester Orwyle was hunched over a large oak desk, tomes scattered across it, pieces of parchment covering most of the surface; peeking between them were lighter patches on the wood worn from centuries of usage. It was a simple room with a cot at the far end of it, large bookcases occupying most of the space. Multiple candles were lit throughout the dim room, the smell of incense burning heavily. Shelves lined the bare walls, glass bottles of liquids, salves, and dried herbs occupying them.

The brown-skinned man looked up from his work upon your entrance, sitting the quill he was writing with inside the inkwell and standing.

"Princess, how can I help you?" he asks sincerely. You could still recall when you first met him, scribbling notes and assisting the former Maester Mellos as he tended to you.

"I was inquiring if I may borrow some books of laws from your collection. I find myself not reading the correct ones in the library to assist my studies."

You weren't lying. You couldn't find the text you were searching for because it was not only laws. It was the death records of prisoners, and only the keeper of those things had access to them in their collection.

"Ah. I see," Orwyle nodded, rising from his desk and clasping his hands behind his canvas robes. He led you across the room, showing you to the section. "May I ask what specificity you require so that I may lead you to the correct tome?"

You planned for him to ask you this, and as you rehearsed a dozen times in your head, you smiled, bobbing politely. "Of course. I am in search of the laws regarding war aid. We have provided some to the Stepstones, and Lord Corlys brought to my attention that they require more. I do not want to make it seem like the Crown is inserting itself into the conflict."

He beamed slightly, a sight you never recalled seeing on the man before as he directed you to the section of law. An entire side of the bookshelf dedicated to just that, tomes of varying shades of green, brown, and black, and you blanched at the sight. What would the records be like if this was only the law section? Would you have time to sort through them all to find the one you need?

"Thank you," you said, concealing the sudden rush of anxiety within your gut. "I realized that your collection was vast, but this is..." you trailed off, gesturing to everything around you, "expansive. How do you ever keep track of them all?"

Orwyle chuckled, seeming to preen under what he took as praise, bowing in gratefulness. "It is not all from me, Princess. Each book has been added with every Maester since they were brought to the Keep. We simply divide each shelf by memory, though we try to keep the subjects together."

"That is..." you couldn't find the right words, truly at a loss for them as you stared at the collection before you, "extraordinary. You must show me everything!"

You took his arm in yours, leading him out of the secluded area like a child with their playmate, giggling like an unwed maiden as you skipped along. Orwyle was surprised by your giddy demeanor, contrasting the dim and almost gloomy atmosphere despite the late morning sun shining through the tall stained glass windows. The Maester was alone within these four walls, writing, studying, and mixing away with the occasional Lord or Lady stopping by. To have such radiant company was a welcomed intrusion to his duty-filled days.

Men are so easy. All you had to do was smile demurely, flutter your lashes, and they would eat shit out of the palm of your hand.

Orwyle guided you, explained how each section was organized, and added his anecdotes. You listened intently, nodding along to every word, no matter how minute it seemed. This endeavor had proven more fruitful than you intended. The Maester had enjoyed your company so much that he invited you back, insisting that you could pick whatever book you wished before he left to return to his work.

And so you did. Traversing to your rooms with six tomes piled high in your limbs before Ser Arryk insisted he carry some, keeping one hidden between the stack within your hold.

Once you reach your chambers, your sworn shield follows you, placing the stacks on a table with neatly stacked parchment, a letter sealed with the Targaryen emblem in black wax resting beside your writing set. You catch Arryk eyeing it for longer than appropriate, and you purposely meet his gaze, a raised brow on your face.

"That is all, Ser Cargyll. I thank you for your assistance." You never fail to detect how he stiffens when you say his title, a quirk you've been unable to comprehend.

As always, he bows and takes his leave, shutting the door noiselessly behind him. When the lock clicks, your hands immediately snatch the letter, knowing who it's from. You lived for the notes from your family; they were the lifeline that kept you afloat in the brackish waters of Kings Landing. It was your only form of communication with them, and you looked ahead to whatever they had to say, no matter how asinine or mundane the contents were.

You ripped the wax seal without care, devouring each word, your eyes moving too fast for your mind to keep up. You could quickly tell it was from your Father, the lines of his letters thicker and more potent than your Mother's, his writing purposeful.

"Daughter,

I hope you find yourself well. Your Mother missed you dearly at Jacaerys' nameday this spring, but she looks forward to seeing you for Luke's later this year. I informed her that you are dealing with matters of importance that require your attention and would be unable to attend. Death comes when we least expect it with crowned heads and ambitious hands."

Tears stinging took you from reading, pursuing your lips to keep them from wetting the document and making the ink illegible. You longed to return to Dragonstone and see your family. Smell the scent of brimstone and salt and feel the damp sea air on your skin as you rode Cannibal high above Dragonmont.

Daemon's reasoning was understandable, but it hurt. It made your heart clench and your chest feel hollow. Resting your forehead on the heel of your palm, the letter in the other, you continued.

"I know this will upset you, but I trust you'll understand my reasoning. We must make sacrifices until your Mother sits on the throne uncontested. You see the concept of duty and loyalty to your kin. You've always been the one out of my children to unwaver in your will, and that is something I admire.

I received word from Lord Dalton Greyjoy, who has proposed marriage just as you said. Your wit and cunning never cease to amaze me, daughter. I still need to send word regarding my decision. I wanted you to be the one to decide.

Lord Greyjoy is a fine match for you. His fleet of long boats and swords rivals that of the crown itself, but I hold my reservations regarding his intentions with you. I believe you have outdone yourself, for he seems bewitched, intent on making you his Rock Wife, and I am unsure if that is harmful or helpful. I've heard the rumors of his treatment regarding his Salt Wives, and I will not tolerate such things toward my eldest child. Should you accept his proposal, and he does not honor his duty as lord husband, I shall cut off his cock and throw it into the sea as a gift for his Drowned God.

Think over this. I do not expect an answer within a moon. If he truly desires you in such a way, he will wait as long as you deem fit. My daughter is not a shiny coin to be plucked and placed in a crow's nest.

Expect a letter from Lucerys soon. He's been inquiring about your happiness. I believe he misses you more than your Mother and I put together. I await your next raven with patience.

Yours Respectfully, Prince Daemon Of House Targaryen"

You scoffed, throwing the letter haphazardly across the table. You knew the proposal from Lord Dalton would come eventually, as you had corresponded for the past seven moons. It was a gratifying distraction you should have taken seriously, your letters filled with much less pomp than was expected for a woman of your status. Possibly, in your lack of care, you inadvertently wooed him as his last raven was treading the line of inappropriate. You remembered how his words made you, a girl who spent her early years in a whore house, blush.

He would be an excellent match politically, and perhaps you could grow to love him, even better his treatment of his Salt Wives. But you knew better. Lord Dalton Greyjoy only loved two things in this world: bloodshed and women. He would grow tired of you swifter than you would him, and it was not proper for women of the realm to have paramours, hypocrisy be damned.

You didn't want to give the situation more thought. Your Father permitted you to mull; you would gladly take it, opening the records book hidden between the stacks.

The pages were easy enough to navigate. The Masters, if not anything, were thorough, creating an index of years in ascending order to the most recent. Your finger paused on the one you remembered so well. The year in which you were stolen everything that might have been. The year that the Stranger claimed two souls earlier than they should have.

You turned the pages.

The smell of aged leather and parchment wafted into the air, nearly choking on its scent in the back of your throat. They arranged the death records from the first of the year to the end of it, and you searched for the seventh moon. On the fifth day, only two deaths are recorded, that of two prisoners named Lyra Black and Sara Smithe. The cause was beheaded by members of the City Watch.

It did not say the names of who, an intelligent choice on the Maester's part, for if you knew, their deaths would become sooner. They were lucky Mellos or one of the many others had the foresight not to write them down, as other Maesters had, but it only made this all the more exciting. The satisfaction as you plunged your dagger into their necks, slicing through tendons, muscles, and vertebrae, ensuring they felt every bit of suffering, anguish, and fear Lyra and Sara felt.

It would be messy. There were many veins and arteries within one's neck. You needed to bring some water with you to wash before returning to your chambers. It would all be for naught if someone saw you walking the halls with blood dripping from your digits and face.

You wished it would be the dagger Daemon had gifted you for your first name day to cut through their flesh, but Aegon still possessed it.

It was no matter. You had four more from the past, but that one, with its silver handle and roaring dragons engraved on both sides, held a place deep within your heart. And Aegon took it, as he always did with things. Take, take, take without concern about who he stole from. You would get it back, but not now. That would raise too much suspicion, and you would not put it past the eldest Prince to run to his Grandsire or Mother as he has done before.

You tried to recollect that fateful night, searching your memory for any detail you could sounder up, but it was hazy. The years you had blurred the picture of the throne room in your mind's eye. It was too painful to remember. Each time you thought of it, it was flashes, little glimpses of faces and bodies and heads. When you thought of it, all you could see was Lyra's smile, spending her last moments trying to reassure you, the fear behind Sara's eyes within her shackles, Otto Hightower's indifference, and Alicent's inaction in the face of two innocents deaths. You would never forget that, nor ever forgive.

You were scarcely in the Great Hall for a moment, and even then, your attention was elsewhere. You witnessed Ser Criston Cole grabbing you, pulling you back, the Queen turning away, and Lyra's comforting grin. Then, you saw them, gaze following the loops of the metal chain attached to Lyra and Sara, hands gripping at it as if the two women were nothing more than dogs. You met the eyes of two Gold Cloaks. You did not know their names, but you would soon; their countenance now burned into your mind.

Masterlist of Series

I've decided to change my uploading schedule from Sun/Mon to whenever possible. I'll always let you know before I post so you won't have to ask, "when are you going to post?!" I know that's not fun, but it works best for me because I get myself so worked up over updating on time when I'm in control of the situation. Also, I'm going to be getting rid of people in my taglist who haven't interacted with this fi since the list is so big. I want to have it all in one and make room for those who are active. So if you've been in my notifs in the past two months, you'll be fine. Welp, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The chapters are gonna get a little messy from here! xD

Tagged Peeps: @zeennnnnnn, @malfoytargaryen, @targaryencore, @justasmallbean, @alexandra-001, @omgsuperstarg, @sommornyte, @silverslive, @unclecrunkle, @prettykinkysoul, @duesobabe, @djlexi, @ynbutbetter, @honestlykat, @graykageyama, @legolas017, @iiamthehybrid, @brezzybfan, @dd122004dd, @ladybug0095, @millies0bsimp, @kalfild, @sheislonelyalways, @tempt-ress, @daenerysqueenofhearts, @minttea07, @trikigirl271, @esposadomd, @prettywhenicry, @justarandomflowerchildofthenight, @partypoison00, @please-buckme, @pastelorangeskies, @joliettes, @existential-echo, @priyajoyy, @valaenatargaryensdragon, @merovingianprincess, @rachelnicolee, @candy12110, @w3ird11, @ruhjkie, @somemydayy, @marikkjj, @zillahvathek, @sunfyresrider, @heavenly1927, @prettylittlelady, @hjgdhghoe,

102 notes · View notes

divinemissem13 · 9 months ago

Text

Gone But Never Forgotten

2024 Eight Character No True Pair Challenge Fandom: Battlestar Galactica, The Closer Pair: Bill Adama/ Brenda Leigh Johnson Bonus pairings: Bill Adama/ Laura Roslin; Brenda Leigh Johnson/ Sharon Raydor Content Warning: Canon character deaths Word count: 684 Prompt: distant memory

They both dream of someone else, someone long gone. Neither one likes to talk about her, that one true love that they'll never see again. Instead, Brenda and Bill hold each other closer in a bed that still feels empty sometimes, even though they share it.

Brenda dreams of a woman with lush auburn hair and piercing green eyes. A woman who commands any room she walks into, with her Armani suits and click-clacking high heels. A woman who uses her glasses as a shield to keep others from getting too close. But Brenda knows what she looks like without them. She knows how compassionate and loving those emerald eyes can be … could be … were.

She dreams of the first time they met, as adversaries in the middle of the night in a hospital break room; she in a dark navy trench coat, Brenda in a bright pink one. Brunette and blonde, green eyes and brown, stilettos and kitten heels; on the surface they couldn't have been more different. In her dreams, the night does not end with them going to their separate corners though. In her dreams, they arrive much more quickly at the destination that took them years to reach in life: Brenda's lips on hers, Brenda's hands inside the neatly pressed button down shirt, her fingers clawing at Brenda's hips and pulling them closer, whispered confessions of love…

Sometimes, Brenda wakes up from the dreams with her cheeks soaked with tears. Sometimes, it's other parts of her that are soaked. Sometimes it's both. Either way, she finds Bill in the dark and holds on for dear life, because she doesn't think she could handle losing anyone else she loves.

Bill dreams of a thin woman wearing a stiff dark brown wig, her green eyes pale and tired. He doesn't know why, whenever he dreams of her, it's near the end, but it always is. A woman with quiet inner strength and boundless optimism, even though she had been dying the whole time he had known her.

He wishes he would dream about her from before the cancer really took hold… but she wasn't his then, not until her beautiful auburn hair had all fallen out, not until she stopped hiding behind her presidential facade and admitted that even dying leaders deserve a little happiness.

Sometimes, he dreams of the very end, when they sat in green grass, basking in the sun while he read to her. He dreams of his own ring — too big for her even before she began to waste away — hanging loosely from her finger. He buried that ring with her. He doesn't have another to give to Brenda, not that she would ever ask. Not that he would ever offer.

But they are happy, mostly. They make each other smile.

Brenda laughs when Bill's mustache tickles her skin. She insists she likes it though and won't let him shave it off. She's never been with anyone with a mustache before and it helps her to stay in the present, away from painful memories and loss.

Bill smiles lovingly and strokes his hand through her thick blonde curls when she falls asleep with her head in his lap, which she does every time he reads to her. He finds it endearing that she tries to listen, and enjoys the fact that his voice can lull her into an easy, dreamless sleep. She doesn't get nearly enough sleep and that worries him. Sleep is important, and he doesn't think he can bear to watch someone else he loves waste away in front of his eyes.

Sometimes, in bed, when neither of them is sleeping, Bill calls out for Laura. Brenda doesn't hold it against him because, as strange as it may seem, sometimes she cries out Sharon's name too. To anyone else, this might feel like a betrayal. But for two people who truly understand loss, they can recognize it for what it is: a declaration of love. And on these nights, when they drift off to sleep in each other's arms, their bed feels a little less empty.

#no true pair 8 character challenge #the crossovers no one asked for #battlestar galactica #the closer #bsg 2003 #bill adama #brenda leigh johnson #bill adama/ brenda leigh johnson #brenda leigh johnson/ sharon raydor #bill adama/ laura roslin #cw canon character death #i wrote this #fanfic

12 notes · View notes

rd0265667 · 2 years ago

Text

Karina x Reader: A Star Wars Story

(Star Wars AU, post order 66. Also, not everything I wrote is according to canon, things were changed)

Permanent Taglist: @cwpiqwon @justme-idle

A/N: This is me just indulging in writing star wars and lightsaber fights lmao

Non star wars fans, BBY means Before Battle of Yavin. Think of it as BC. Important because years come in later

19 BBY

On the planet of Naevis, the stars twinkled brightly, but one shone through the night sky, falling to the ground. An escape pod, a girl cowering in the corner as she clutched her lightsaber close to her chest.

Karina was excited. She was looking forward to heading back to Coruscant for her trials to become a Jedi Knight, a rite of passage she was honoured to go through. Walking to the deck of the Venator Class Star Destroyer, she was accompanied by her Master, who had been guiding her in the ways of the force and being a Jedi, and behind them was Commander Tyras, in charge of the 29th Battalion. "General Bae, the Fleet is ready to jump into hyperspace." Tyras said, standing at attention next to Karina's master "For the last time Tyras, Joohyun or Irene is fine. Also, once we jump into hyperspace and reach Coruscant, tell the guys drinks are on me, they've worked hard." Irene said with a smile, patting Tyras on the back, who chuckled. "Alright General Irene, I'm sure the boys would love to hear that." Tyras said, before walking to the operator as Irene rolled her eyes, smiling as she bumped Tyras playfully From the side, Karina chuckled, observing the interaction. Her master was well known amongst the clones for being compassionate and caring, not only that, but was close with and cared for all her troopers, arguably as close as General Skywalker and the 501st.

Suddenly, a weird shift occured in the room, as Karina and her Master recoiled, both sensing something wrong in the force, Karina's master turning to her with a confused look, as Commander Tyras pulled out a comm pad.

"The time is now Commander Tyras. Execute Order 66."

The mechanical whirrs of rifles began priming around the two Jedi, both feeling a shift in the force, the light being snuffed out. Turning around, Irene noticed Tyras with his rifle to her, looking in confusion, before raising her lightsaber, deflecting the blaster bolt away, as she force pushed Tyras into the wall, knocking him out, dispatching the operator as well, before rushing to shut the blast doors.

"That door won't hold." She mumbled to herself, as she turned to Karina, still confused at what had just happened. "What's going on Master?" Karina asked, Irene shaking her head, pain searing through her head as the force alerted her to the fates of her Jedi comrades across the Galaxy. "I am unsure, Karina, but the clones have turned their backs on us, and I sense this is not an isolated incident. We must leave. We need to get to safe ground, and I'll reestablish communications with the Jedi Council. Come." Irene said, gesturing to Karina as they both ignited their lightsabers, taking a deep breath. The men they were about to kill were friends, once upon at least. As the blast doors open, blue and green lightsabers ignited as Irene and Karina fought through the star destroyer, their time fighting in the clone wars long preparing them for such a confrontation. As they finally reached the escape pods, the two of them saw 40 troopers waiting for them, overwhelming them as they were forced into a corner. What's worse was what Irene saw when she tried to catch her breath. "They've shot the fuel exhaust. The ship's going to explode... they're willing to kill themselves just to get us!" Irene exclaimed, before calming down. Turning the corner, she let out a strong force push, the clone troopers recoiling as the two charged to the escape pod. Karina readied the escape pod as Irene fended off the troopers "It's ready master!" Karina shouted out, Irene turning to join her in the pod, before reeling over, a blaster bolt to her back. "Master!" Karina shouted, deflecting another bolt to the troopers, but seeing hundreds of troopers closing in on them. "Go Karina, go to Naevis, there's a Jedi acquaintance there, find them, then stay safe. Go! I'll hold them off for you to escape" Irene shouted, Karina shaking her head. "No master, I won't leave you behind!" Karina shouted out, not looking back as she stood her ground, blaster bolt after blaster bolt bouncing off her emerald blade. "Go, Karina. May the Force be with you." With the force, Irene sent Karina flying into the escape pod, locking it and sending it off, before Irene turned, Karina forced to watch as Irene fought off as many troopers as she could, eventually dropping to the ground. "Master!" Karina shouted out helplessly, watching as her master's lifeless corpse collapsed, the escape pod accelerating away as the star destroyer exploded, the explosion catapulting Karina toward Naevis.

The clones betrayed the Jedi, the machinations of Chancellor Palpatine, now Emperor. Karina had received a message from the Jedi temple, sent by Master Kenobi, prompting her to stay away from Coruscant, as she stayed at the bar at Naevis, keeping her head low as she tried to find information on the mysterious Jedi acquaintance her master had. She did have one lead though, out in the forest, lived a mysterious figure who the townsfolk generally avoided. Armed with a torch, Karina trekked into the forest, nervous but hopeful to find another Jedi. As Karina entered the forest, she heard the trees ruffling, so she readied herself, lightsaber at the ready. "That's a dangerous weapon to be holding at this point of history, Jedi." Suddenly, Karina saw two lightsabers light up, an orange and purple lightsaber igniting, the two lightsabers flew at her, clashing with Karina's emerald blade as she adopted a defensive stance, a little shocked, as she had seen that combination only once before. Then, the lightsabers shut off, as Karina stood rooted at the ground, the green hue of her lightsaber the only source of light, illuminating where she stood as she turned nervously, trying her best to calm down, and to allow the force to guide her actions.

"You're slipping up Jimin. I thought you fought better than this!" The figure spoke, as Karina recoiled in shock. She hadn't gone by Jimin in years. Could it really be? Instinctively raising her lightsaber to the right, Karina blocked two swift lighsabers, the hue of the lightsabers illuminated the face of her assailant, someone who Karina had not saw in many years. "Y/N?" Karina asked incredulously "I'm touched you still remember me Karina. It's been years." You chuckled, both of you retracting your lightsabers. "You're the person my Master was talking about? Have you heard of what happened to the order?" Karina rambled off, not wanting to look you in the eye. "Qui Gon told me. This was bound to happen, Karina. The Jedi became soldiers, not peacekeepers, why do you think I left?" You chuckled slightly bitterly, bringing Karina to your hut. "I thought you left because of...us." Karina said, whispering the last word "Well, that didn't help." You shrugged, holding your hand out as the doors clicked, opening to allow your old friend and you to enter the hut.

37 BBY

Karina had just finished her lightsaber training with her class, Master Dooku just finishing teaching them basic lightsaber to lightsaber combat. She didn't understand the need for it though, there hadn't been a need for lightsaber combat since the last of the Sith disappeared. Now, learning blaster deflection was more important considering the threats Jedi faced on peace missions. Nevertheless, Master Dooku was relentless, training the younglings till their bones ached. As she left the hall though, she noticed another youngling, practicing with Master Qui Gon, who was once the padawan of Master Dooku. Inexplicably, Karina felt herself attracted to this youngling. The way they moved with the lightsaber was graceful yet forceful, the movements precise yet flexible. Karina hid behind the walls of the temple, looking on in awe at her fellow youngling. After about half an hour, the session finally ended, Master Qui Gon having to go on a mission with his Padawan. As Karina was about to retreat from her spot, the youngling spoke out. "You can come out now. I can sense you there." Slightly embarrassed, Karina slinked out of her hiding spot, as the youngling stuck their hand out. "I'm Y/N, do you wanna be friends?" You asked, Karina nodding as she shook your hand "I'm Karina, or Yoo Jimin"

33 BBY

"Focus, Karina-ah, your thoughts betray you." You teased as you stopped your blade just before her arm, having exploited a short moment of distraction by Karina. Karina rolled her eyes playfully, she held her lightsaber in the Ataru stance, as you stood opposite her, assuming the Soresu stance. She flipped into action, the acrobatic style of Ataru not matching up well against the defensive stone wall style of Soresu, as your use of Soresu allowed you an airtight defence, making it such that you were tiring Karina out. "Hey Y/N, I heard Master Plo was talking to you recently, what was that about?" Karina asked as she locked blades with you, both locked in a stalemate. "Master Plo is thinking of taking me as his Padawan." You replied, a force push sending Karina off guard before moving to strike to her head, as Karina parried the blow, using the force to enhance her jump, flipping over you and swinging a wide blow of her lightsaber. You dodged backward, before the two of you began circling each other once again. "Does that mean I won't see you anymore?" Karina asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "Not as often, I'll still be back at the temple, just not as often since I'll be on missions with Master Plo." You replied, swinging your blade as you looked intently at her. Karina leapt at you once again, her blade outstretched to strike down on you, but you deflected it, and with a swift kick, disarmed her of her weapon and sent her to the ground. Looking at each other, the both of you chuckled, as you helped Karina up, force pulling her lightsaber to you. When you handed the lightsaber to Karina, you both felt your hands lingering, before finally pulling away. "I've got to go, Master Qui Gon wants a chat with me." You bowed, before bolting out of the room. Karina's eyes lingered on you, watching as you ran to consult with the old master.

"Are you alright, Y/N? I sense your thoughts on another." Qui Gon questioned, as the two of you walked through the Jedi archives. "Is it that female youngling you always mention?" Qui Gon asked, as you nodded. "I've been thinking of her more than normal, but I know it's wrong... the Jedi Code for-" You lamented, turning to talk to Qui Gon "Is not always right, Y/N. The Jedi Code may forbid personal attachment, but to grow attached to others is human, to love someone, is human. Attachment is not a scary thing, or a path to the dark side, as Master Yoda would put it. As long as you know to balance your attachment, you will not succumb to the dark side." Qui Gon explained "I do not understand, master. How do you be attached to someone, but not fear to lose them?" You asked, the two of you entering a room to keep away prying ears "Treasure them while you have them, and rejoice when they return to the force. You can mourn them, you can miss them, that is natural. But do not allow the negative emotions to overcome you." Qui Gon explained, patting you on the shoulder. "Death is a natural thing, Y/N, and once you accept that, you will never succumb to the dark side."

32 BBY

You were preparing to leave on your first mission with Master Plo, chatting with Karina when the news came in. Master Qui Gon and his Padawan Obi Wan Kenobi came to blows with the first Sith Lord seen in decades, and in the confrontation, the Sith Zabrak named Maul struck down Master Qui Gon. "Are you okay, Y/N? I know you too were close." Karina asked, her hand on your shoulder in an attempt to comfort you. "It is fine, Karina. Master Qui Gon is now one with the force." You answered solemnly, placing your hand on your heart, mourning a master, and an unlikely friend. "I must leave now, Karina, I do not want to leave Master Plo waiting." You said, brushing yourself off and heading to find the Kel Dor Jedi Master. "Wait, Y/N!" Karina stopped you, as you turned around. "I heard from Master Plo you'll be heading to Ilum to construct a new lightsaber?" She asked, to which you nodded. Karina then took a small jewel from her robes."This is a jewel from my home planet, I want you to have it. You could add it to your lightsaber hilt, and hopefully it protects you." Karina nervously smiled, her hand stuck out. Truth is, Karina was nervous. She was already worried about you at going out to be a Jedi, the dangers you'd face, but her worries were tempered by the fact that you were more than capable on your own and that you had Master Plo to protect you. But now...with Sith Lords back, capable of defeating extremely talented duelist like Master Qui Gon...what would become of you? Looking at it, you smiled, hugging the girl who had her arms outstretched. "Thank you, Karina. It's a good thing to remember you by." You held the jewel gently in your hand, backing away from Karina. Karina wanted you to stay. Wanted to keep you close. Keep you safe. She didn't know what this feeling was, but she didn't like it. But she knew she couldn't stop you. "May the Force be with you, my friend." Karina smiled, bowing to you as you bowed back

27 BBY

Karina had not talked to you for 4 years, and Karina had been plagued with thoughts of you. She was losing sleep too. She had heard that Master Plo and you were fighting a terrorist splinter group on Thera Minor, and there had been radio silence from the two of you. Looking around, Karina finds a master to seek council, and as fate, or the force, would will it, Master Yoda came walking down the temple, observing the training "Master Yoda, could I seek council?" Karina asked, bowing to the little green master. He nodded in agreement, as the two walked to the training room.

"To discuss, what would you like?" Master Yoda enquired, as the two sat "I'm conflicted, Master Yoda. I feel myself getting attached to someone, and I'm constantly in fear for them." Karina disclosed, as Master Yoda listened intently, running his hand through the remnants of his wispy white hair "Attachment leads to jealousy. The shadow of greed, that is." Yoda said "So what must I do, Master Yoda..." Karina asked nervously "You must let go of everything you fear to lose." Yoda explained, Karina looking uneasy now. She had been close to you for 6 years, more than half her life. How could she just let go of you...but she didn't have a choice, she thought. It was the Jedi Code after all "Thank you, Master Yoda." Karina bowed, before walking away

23 BBY

Karina fidgeted nervously at the landing pads. After 9 years, you were finally returning to the Jedi Temple with Master Plo, at a time that she was there too. How were you going to be like? Were you going to have changed? These thoughts plagued Karina's mind, all the thoughts being wiped as she saw the ship carrying the two Jedi. Seeing Karina at the landing pad, you leaped off the ship, running and throwing your friend into an embrace. "Karina-ah, I missed you so much!" You said as you felt the girl tense up under your hug. Karina smiled, she didn't want to but she was still attached to you. You and her had not interacted for more than half the time you had known each other, yet both of you felt like friends who could and would talk everyday. As Karina walked with you to the training hall, she noticed your lightsaber, replaced with a double bladed lightsaber, with a clasp in the middle that seemingly allowed the lightsaber staff to be split into two separate lightsabers. On the clasp laid Karina's jewel, your lucky charm on missions, though the Masters would claim that there was no such thing as luck. Whenever you were tired or down, seeing the jewel would remind you of her, and that was enough to keep you going. As if sensing Karina's eyes on the lightsaber, you took the lightsaber up, handing it to Karina as she fiddled with the staff, playing around with the handle. "The jewel was the glue of my hilt Karina, thank you for gifting it to me." You explained, Karina nodding a little in embarrassment Hoping to relive an old past time, you gestured to the sparring room, the sparring room the two of you met in, Karina looking on and nodding in agreement. Standing on the opposite sides of the room, Karina ignited her lightsaber, adopting the Ataru stance that she had been utilising for lightsaber combat since the beginning. Opposing her, you ignited your lightsaber staff, shocking Karina as one side shone orange, the other side shone purple, adopting the Soresu stance. "Orange and purple?" Karina questioned. She had not seen an orange lightsaber before, and a purple lightsaber was only ever used by Master Windu. "It's weird, I know. When I bonded to the crystals on Ilum, the crystals seemed to react weirdly. Master Plo didn't understand it, but he said that it was the will of the force, and that the crystal probably sensed something special in me."

The duel commenced, Karina utilising the force to boost her speed, leaping over you and unleashed a flurry of attacks. With the extra coverage provided to you by the length of the Lightsaber staff, it amplified the strength of your defence, as you rotated the staff about you, blocking and parrying the strikes, biding your time as you engaged in a war of attrition. "Karina, I have something to tell you." You said, the two of you circling each other and thinking of a new way to attack. "When I was with Master Plo on those missions, I couldn't stop thinking abo-" As if sensing what you were about to say, Karina wasn't having any of it, as she attempted to redouble her efforts. She unleashed another barrage of strikes, her lightsaber twirling about in a graceful dance. Karina also used the Force in the fight, probing you for weaknesses with Force pushes and pulls, trying to find a weak spot in your defence. It seemed to work, as your defence started lowering, Karina charged at you to exploit it, but in a flurry, you detached your lightsaber staff to two lightsabers, before charging at Karina with a new stance that she had only seen one person use. "Vaapad?" Karina questioned, as she was put on the back foot, parrying and ducking from your new aggressive advance. Vaapad was a style of Lightsaber combat that blurred the line between the Light and the Dark side of the Force, drawing on the use of both the Dark side of the force as much as the Light, channeling it into a controlled aggression. It also utilises the opponents aggression against themself. "I picked it up from Master Billaba when she helped Master Plo and I on a relief mission at Plaus Prime." You explained, your lightsabers at the ready now. Karina upped the intensity of her combat, Karina's acrobatic movements and precise strikes danced in harmony with your fierce and unpredictable attacks, a battle of finesse and raw powers. Switching it up, in the middle of your charge, you reattach your two lightsabers back into a singular lightsaber staff. Flummoxed by the new complexity the staff brought about to your Vaapad style, Karina stumbled, and while she was able to deal with some blows, she was eventually disarmed by you, as the two of you smiled, enjoying the fight as you kept your lightsaber, the two of you laying on the floor of the sparring room.

"So, Karina, as I was saying, when I was gone, I couldn't stop thinking about you, and I...I think we're meant to be." You confessed, turning to face Karina. "What are you saying?" Karina asked, an uneasy feeling settling in her chest as she knew what you meant. "I love you, Karina, and I want to be together with you. If you'll have me." You said, blushing slightly. "No." Karina monotonously said, to which you recoiled a little. "The Jedi code forbids our attachment. We're taught detachment, lest we stray from the Light side." "But what about being happy? Finding love?" You asked, slightly disappointed and exasperated by the staunch belief Karina adopted. "I'm sorry, Y/N. Emotions like love cloud our judgement, and we as Jedi are the defenders of the people, that is the first, and only priority." "...I understand. I must go now. Master Plo needs me with him to debrief the council." You said, disappointed, slinking away from the room, leaving Karina laying on the ground, an empty feeling permeating through her chest.

22 BBY(After the Battle of Geonosis)

The Jedi were in disarray. They suffered many losses at the hands of the Seperatist battle droids, and they were now pulled into an intergalactic war. Karina was taken as Padawan by Master Bae, and was assigned to the 29th Battalion. As Karina and Master Bae prepared for deployment to the planet of Saleucami, Karina heard whispers of Jedi leaving the order. One name stuck out to her, of course. You. Slightly guilt stricken at pushing you away, she stood there, a little stunned. "What's wrong, Karina?" Master Bae asked, worried at her padawan's demeanour. "No, Master Bae." Karina bowed, as the two went to meet Commander Tyras

19 BBY(Back in the present)

Karina sat warily at the table, still in shock of seeing you again. You presented her with some tea, as you closed the door behind you, walking to your room to repair the cryo stasis tank still laying in it. "What have you been doing all these years?" Karina asked, nervously sipping the tea. You explained the training you had been doing, helping from the shadows so as to not give away your position, but as you explained, all Karina could think about was the regret that swelled in her whenever she looked at you. Her attachment to you was forbidden by the Jedi code. But that same Jedi code allowed a Sith lord to grow right under the Jedi order's nose, for the Sith Lord to now be the commanding power in the galaxy. Not just that, the same code that pushed the chosen one into the arms of the dark side. So, was the Jedi code always right? Sensing Karina's inner conflict, you turned, sitting down beside her as you patted her on the back. "I missed you, Karina." You said with a smile, the same smile that melted Karina, it always did. "I'm sorry for...then..." Karina muttered, as you shook your head "You believed in the Jedi code, that is your right, and I had no right to force or pressure you." You replied, getting up to prime some machines "Maybe I was wrong." Karina spoke up, stopping you in your track. Turning around, you saw Karina with a small bittersweet smile, walking up to you and throwing you into an embrace. "I should have done this ages ago." Karina whispered, as you smiled. "I love you, Y/N." Karina whispered into your neck, as you reciprocated, a smile etched across your face.

18 BBY

"I'm home honey!" Karina shouted out as she entered the home, setting down some supplies she had acquired from the town in Naevis, but hearing you talk to someone, a voice Karina recognised as the deceased Master Qui Gon "Vader is coming for you, Y/N. He knows you're here." "There's no point running, is there?" Your voice rang out, as Karina tensed up from the conversation. She had heard talks about a new killing machine who worked for the emperor. He found them? "He's turned the civilian population as hostages against other survivors. He will not relent till he takes you. I'm afraid it might be time." "I understand, Master Qui Gon. I'll enact protocol refuge for Karina, at least she'll be safe. Thank you for the warning." "May the Force be with you, my friend."

Walking out of your room, you were greeted by Karina with a conflicted look on her face. "You heard that didn't you?" You asked, as Karina went to a small compartment of the house, pulling her old lightsaber out. "I'm not letting you get yourself killed, Y/N. We can take whoever's coming, together." Karina said, as you stared worriedly at her. "We can't beat Vader, Karina. Please. I want to at least keep you safe." Shaking her head, Karina tossed you your lightsaber. Instead of preparing yourselves for the fight, you instead pulled Karina out of the house, laying a picnic mat on the ground as the two of you held each other, understanding that should the battle go wrong, this was their last moments together. Laying on the mat, you held Karina close to you, reminiscing on the moments you two had together. "I love you, Karina, you know that right?" You whispered "I love you too Y/N." She whispered back, trying to calm herself down for the impending storm. Karina got up, suddenly feeling a little weird. "I'm sorry Karina. This is for the best. I'll see you soon." You said, holding Karina's body before she fell. Sensing the presence of Vader near the planet, you bolted to your cryo stasis pod. Laying Karina's unconscious body in the pod, you looked at her lovingly for the last time, placing a light kiss on her forehead, before engaging protocol refuge, the stasis pod closing, then falling beneath the surface.

You sat at the middle of your home, meditating with your lightsaber on the ground before you, as you heard a mechanical breathing, your door flinging away as the Dark Lord of the Sith, clad in his black armour walked through the door.

Opening your eyes, you got up, facing Vader as you stared each other down. Vader ignited his crimson lightsaber, it hummed ominously in the darkness, as you held your lightsaber staff close to your face, touching your forehead to the jewel gifted to you by the love of your life all those years ago.

Taking up the usual Soresu stance, you took a defensive stance as Vader began his assault. With precise movements, you deflected Vader's powerful strikes, channeling the Force to anticipate and neutralize each attack. You spun your lightsaber staff with elegance and control, its dual blades creating a formidable barrier against Vader's relentless assault. Vader pressed on with his assault, each strike more forceful than the last, taking it's toll on your defence as you were slowly overwhelmed by the sheer strength of the Dark Lord.

Sensing the futility of a war of attrition, you detached your lightsaber staff into two lightsabers, adopting the Vaapad style, unleashing a flurry of slashes and blows that surprised the Dark Lord, but not nearly enough to take him down, as Vader adapted to the new speed of the assault, going blow for blow with you. Your lightsabers were a blur, as the speed of your assault clashed with the sluggish but still powerful blows of Vader

Slowly, Vader's experience and sheer power began to take its toll. Your relentless assault could not match the dark lord's indomitable strength. With a resounding strike, Vader disarmed you, causing your lightsabers to clatter to the ground. As you fell to the ground, the Dark Lord held his lightsaber to your head. "I sense great potential in you, Y/N. Join the emperor, and he will grant you mercy, if you join the empire as an inquisitor." He said, his robotic voice filling the room. With one last spurt of energy, you force pushed Vader back, drawing your lightsabers to you once again. "Not while I draw breath, Skywalker." You replied, as Vader stood opposed silent but with killing intent "Draw your last." Vader replied, charging at you. You parried his first strike, dodging the second, but the third found it's way through your abdomen. As you fell to the ground, you clasped the jewel in your hand, your life flashing before your eyes, but mostly, it was her. The first time you saw Karina hiding behind the pillar, the duels you had, the meals and talks you had, the way she'd look at you and told you that she loved you. "I love you, Karina." You whispered hoarsely, before disappearing into thin air. Looking on in confusion, Vader stood, staring that the now empty cloak on the ground, before turning around, leaving the room.

??? BBY/ABY?

Karina shot up from her pod, looking around worriedly as she saw two unknown figures, one male and one female. Pulling her lightsaber up, she questioned, "Who are you?" "Calm down, my name is Luke Skywalker. This is my wife, Mara Jade. We found your location inside a holocron." He explained, as he handed you the holocron. "We came in search of a Jedi, we'll need help in reestablishing the Jedi order." Mara Jade explained, as Karina looked in confusion. "The empire fell? How many years have I been asleep?" Karina questioned, as Luke nodded. "40 years." Luke said, as Karina lowered her head. "We found this in your pod. We'll give you some space." Luke said, as both of them left the room. With a wave of her hand, the holocron opened, as a hologram of you showed up. "Hey Rina. If you're seeing this, it means Vader caught up with us, but at least you made it out safe. That's good. I'm sorry it had to end that way, but I had to protect you. I have faith that the light side will return, and when it does, they'll need you to help, and I know you're more than capable. So go, my love, help the next generation of Jedi. And don't forget. I will always love you, Karina, and know that even now, as I return to the force, I still love you." Karina looked lovingly at your figure, tears slowly streaming down her face. Looking around the room, she saw it. Your ruined lightsabers. Covered by the dust and rubble. Karina walked over to the lightsabers, picking them up as she stared, feeling herself beginning to sob. Sitting amidst the rubble, she ran her fingers across the joining piece of the lightsabers of her beloved, her gift to you all those years ago. Her mind flickered to every moment you shared together, her grip around the lightsaber tightening in anguish. In her mind, she had just shared her last picnic with you. The last memory she had of you, flashing back and forth across her mind. Carrying the lightsabers, she went to the bed the two of you shared at the home, sitting down, before feeling a presence next to her. From the side of her eye, a blue hue sat. Sharing a tender smile, she whispered "Hello my love."

A/N2: Sorry guys, this might not be the kind of fic you're used to from me, I just wanted to indulge in writing a Star Wars universe Fic. Hope you enjoyed it regardless!

#angst #rd0265667 #karina #karina x reader #yoo jimin x reader #aespa x reader #aespa karina #yoo jimin fanfic #aespa karina fanfic #karina fanfic

107 notes · View notes