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1-1snailxd-art · 5 years ago

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The Shield to your Sword

Masterlist ———- Chapter 4

Warnings: swearing, crude humour?, suicide implied in a statement, blind character, mild injury, discomfort around abuser (please message me if more need to be added)

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@small-reptile-cake @daflangstlairde @quoth-the-sparrow @it-me-the-phi @soul-of-a-vixen @the-real-wholesome-bitch @phe-purple-parade-ts @littleladynightshade @thequeensphinx

Summary: Different places. Different people. Though they are all connected.

Beginning note:

Just FYI, I’m uploading this on my iPad and without my normal spelling/grammar checks so sorry for any mistakes in advance.

Also, have you seen the art in the previous chapter? 😱

Update: added art to this chapter from @fanartfunart Click the link to view it and send them some love*

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Chapter 5 - The views of many

The forest looked peaceful from the tower window. The view could almost be considered beautiful if it wasn’t for the fact that it was forced, and the viewers had been condemned to look at it for the past 4 years.

Wind caused Snake’s hair to shift in front of his eyes, and he was quick to swipe it away and slick it flat into place. Pushing away from the windowsill with a sigh, he looked down at the tattered rags he called clothes; rough thread-pulled pieces of brown and grey fabric stitched together and scratched against his skin. It was hard to see himself in these clothes, compared to what he wore in his astral form. He wished he could spend all his time outside of his tower prison but shifting into astral or animal form was a risky process.

With a sigh, Snake scratched at his yellow scales and turned to look at the still figure on the bed in the rooms centre. They had been out for almost 5 hours and he was beginning to worry that something had gone wrong. As if on cue, the man jolted upright with a gasp; arms flailing around as tears streamed from grey eyes.

*click here to give some love to Firefly for their wonderful art of Snake*

“Snake? Snake?”

It took two steps and Snake was by his side, grabbing their hands and pulling them up to his face. “I’m here. It’s okay. You’re back.”

Vacant eyes stared ahead as the man ran his fingers across Snake’s face, feeling the change from skin to scales and scales to skin, before accepting it was his friend and slumping heavily against them.

“You were gone for a long time,” Snake held the man close and as he tried to catch his breath, “Did you learn anything?”

Nodding, he kept his head pressed against Snake’s chest; long grey hairs falling across his eyes.

“Did you find your brother?” There was another nod and they burst into sobs again. “Shhh. Shhh. It’s okay. Everything is okay, Spirit.”

Though they were lies, he knew the words would help Spirit calm down and he desperately needed news before their captor arrived. Stroking his grey hair, Snake hummed softly until Spirit’s breathing calmed slightly.

“I-I-I got to s-s-see Logan a-again.” Spirit smiled recalling their face and the feeling of their magic healing his leg.

“Are they okay?”

“Yes.” He nodded against Snake’s chest and wiped the tears away from his cheeks. “They looked healthy and happy and the forest was immaculate.”

“I’m glad to hear that. What else did you learn?”

The smile faded from Spirit’s face. “Virgil.”

“What!” Snake fruitlessly pushed Spirit back to look at their face clearly. “Virgil was there?”

Silent tears fell again as Spirit shook his head. “He wasn’t there. Logan only spoke of him, and it didn’t sound good. They worry they won’t get to him in time. Someone is already hurting him, Snake, and all I could do was cry and run away. I’m sorry. I should have done more.”

“No, no, no,” pulling him close again, Snake rocked slowly to quell their sobs. “I’m sorry. I need to do more. And I promise I will. We will stop your vision from coming to light. You have my word.”

********************

In a puff of black smoke, the crow appeared inside an unlit fireplace with a squawk and ruffled feathers. Flying out, the bird perched on the edge of a chair as a man burst through the door dressed in a green blouse with black lace trimmings and purple eyeshadow ringing his eyes.

“Squawk squawk birdie!” he cried, dancing over to the bobbing bird. “What has been done? Something fun I hope.”

Cawing and bouncing its head, the bird watched as the man mimicked the action before running out the door with flapping arms. Pausing briefly to shake its head, the bird took off to follow the man down the stone halls.

A wooden door burst open, slamming against the wall with a shower of dust as the man spun into the room and stopped with a bow in front of the rooms two occupants.

He smirked up at the tired looking man and disgusted woman, wiggling his upper lip to make his obviously fake moustache wiggle.

“Hellooooooooooooo, lady and germ.”

“Who is this?” The woman asked, screwing up her face at the scene before them.

“I’m what the cat drags in.” He replied, rising back up to his normal height. “And who are you? The monkey’s uncle?”

The woman fumed and the gentleman beside her sighed in exasperation. “That will do, Remus. Wren, you are excused.”

“Oh, I thought someone farted, but I didn’t want to point fingers at anyone.” Remus giggled, fanning his nose as the woman huffed and stormed out. “See ya, stinky.”

“Shut up, Remus, and bring me the bird.”

“Sure. Fresh or fried?”

“Remus!” The man demanded, fixing them with an angered gaze.

“Fried it is.”

Clapping and hopping on the spot, Remus scanned the room and spotted the crow sitting on an upper rafter. With a giggle, he summoned a flaming dagger and threw it towards the bird; singeing its feathers as it fell from its perch and into his awaiting hands.

“One magic fried birdie for the wicked old hag.”

A glass spine slid into Remus’s shoulder, producing only a widening smile in reaction.

“Stab me harder, daddy,” he laughed and lit his eyes up green to match that of the crow in his hands.

“What do you see?” The man growled, pushing the spine deeper into the others shoulder.

“Wow, oh sweet sheep suckling on sweet corn, this is goooood.”

“Speak, simpleton!”

“Wellll, my brothers got himself a hot little boy toy to play with. I mean, 10 out of 10 I would do him on hard gravel. Such a wasted opportunity for my innocent sibling. He’s practically naked and he’s just rubbing his arm. Rub lower, brother. Kiss ‘im! Tear his pants of and suck that-“

“Remus!” A second spine struck his other shoulder as the man roared. “I’m not interested in learning about your sexual fantasies. Facts only.”

“Calm ya farm; big dog bro is being let off the leash. No babysitters anymore. Got his big boy pants on and taking some time outside alone.”

“And Thomas? Any news on the artefact?”

“Hmmm, don’t know, don’t care.” Eyes returning to normal, Remus shrugged, and glass quickly passed his face and sliced a fine line along his cheek. “Shame your wit isn’t as sharp as your glass, Leon.”

“Maybe I should just kill you and shut that trap of yours permanently.” A thick glass blade slid from their wrist and pressed against Remus’s throat.

“Go ahead, oh ancient one. I really don’t mind. I’ll even start you off,” he lent against the blade, eyes daring Leon to go through with the action. “But what would you do without me, I wonder.”

Both men remained locked in eye contact; a trail of red colouring the clear glass against Remus’s throat. With a squawk, the crow flapped out of Remus’s loosening grip and began snapping at Leon’s hand, causing him to recoil before any skin was broken. Laughing, Remus removed the spines from his shoulders and smashed them on the stone floor with great glee.

“Such a shame, master.” The crow perched on his shoulder, and Remus carefully removed the scroll from its leg. “Knight still had some special stuff left over from our little rat.”

Leon looked confused, but realisation dawned on him as he read the scroll Remus had offered.

“Shame to lose our eyes on the inside.”

“Oh, don’t worry; Knight will still make trips and the only squeaks the rat will make is when he’s opening those pearly gates.”

“I hope your word is true.”

“I’m not one to be trusted at all, Dark one, and you know it.”

“Indeed,” Leon turned and walked over to a metal table to pour themselves a glass of amber liquid. “Unfortunately, that is what makes you the most trustworthy, Remus.”

“Flattery will get you know where, sir. I’ve seen the package you are working with and I am not interested.”

“You are excused, Remus.” They groaned, downing the glass and massaging their temples as Remus released a loud fart.

“Why, thank you for that honour.” The drinking glass struck the back of Remus’s head as he ran from the room; crow flapping alongside the wide-eyed man. “And they say I have a twisted and sadistic mind.”

********************

The dining room had a calm feel despite Val’s fingers nervously strumming a guitar in time with her performing partner. From the moment she entered the room, she knew tonight was going to be tense from the King’s stiff demeanour alone; Virgil also wary and sitting perfectly straight in his chair. In stark contrast to everyone else, Roman was glowing; smile never faltering as the Queen entered and took her seat to the King’s right.

“Pleasure to join you for a meal again,” Alexandra nodded at her husband and son before noticing Virgil’s placement at the far end of the table. “Are we expecting more company?”

“Not this evening, my dear,” The King gestured for the staff to begin the service. “I thought it best not to risk a large audience while you are still unwell.”

“If that is the case, then Virgil,” the Queen gestured to the seat beside her, “would you please move closer. It seems unfair to be seated so far away from the conversation.”

After watching for the King’s slight nod of approval, Virgil stood and relocated to the position beside the Queen.

“Thank you, my Queen.”

“Oh, please Virgil. Those formalities are not required during a basic dinner, right Rupert?” Virgil swore he could see the disgust flair in the King’s eyes before he nodded.

“Of course. Virgil knows that he doesn’t have to be so formal during dinner.”

Virgil was about to apologise when Roman let out a breathy laugh. “He is always formal at dinner, Mother. Don’t dwell on it too much.”

Joining Roman’s laugh, Alexandra reached around to give Virgil’s back a loving rub; noticing how he stiffened at the action.

“You have always been such a well-mannered boy. If only manners came as easily to Roman as they had to you.”

“Hey,” The Prince whined, “I got better.”

“You did,” she giggled, “after Virgil joined our family. That truly was the best decision I made for us.”

“I second that,” Roman declared; raising his goblet of wine in agreement.

“Thank you…” the King’s gaze sharpened, and Virgil swallowed to dispel the rising bile in his throat. “Mother.”

Satisfied, Alexandra returned her hand to her lap and sat back as the staff entered to serve the meal.

The dinner shifted into silence as the group ate, Val keeping a watchful eye on the King as he glanced at Virgil’s slowly clearing plate. Tired of the silence, Roman cleared his throat and started talking between mouthfuls of food.

“So, father has given Virgil and I permission to venture beyond the city unescorted and take on more advanced missions.”

“That sounds exciting,” Alexandra breathed deeply, reaching for her water to clear her throat. “What are your plans now, boys?”

“Well,” raising his elbows to rest them on the table, Roman placed his hands together and rested his chin on top. “I have a few ideas. First, I just want to take Stella out for a good long ride. Then, I absolutely must take Virgil to see the Guardian Falls - oh - and possibly visit the village he’s from too. Beyond that, it comes down to what other missions Father decides to assign us to.”

“Well…that sounds wonderful.”

Val’s brow furrowed as she noticed how the Queen’s face dropped at the mention of Virgil’s village. She made note to talk to him about it at a later point and returned her observations to the King.

“And what have you been up to, Virgil?” Adjusting her position, Alexandra turned in her chair to get a better look at her adoptive son.

“Nothing of interest, Mother.” The lie was sour on his tongue as his mind pulled his recent torments to the surface. “I’m sure Roman, on the other hand, has much more to tell you.”

Deflated, Alexandra returned her attention to Roman as he thought of what to talk about. His mind ran through possible ideas, but he gathered that Virgil wasn’t in a storytelling mood and didn’t want to talk about anything that involved him.

“Well, I did have a crazy dream last night about a dark sorcerer.”

The King and Queen straightened in their chairs simultaneously at the mention of the sorcerer.

“You didn’t mention that this morning.”

Roman shrugged at the King’s statement, “I didn’t think it was important or anything. It was just a dream anyway. This snake faced guy droned on about me being arrogant and meeting the same fate as my brother; which is all utterly ridiculous, I’m sure you would agree.”

Fear gripped Alexandra’s chest as the memory of the fates warning returned to the forefront of her mind; reaching for Rupert’s hand under the table to hold for comfort.

“Yes,” Rupert accepted Alexandra’s secret hand and took a long drink from his glass. “I’m sure it was nothing but a ridiculous dream, Roman. No sorcerer would be close enough to perform such mind trickery; I have made sure of that.”

“Yeah, and I don’t believe in the fates, so they hold no power over me regardless.”

“Don’t ignore all of the fates warnings, Roman,” his mother warned, “not all their words are untrustworthy.”

“Your mother has a point. When you are King the fates will seek you out more and you will need to consider their words carefully.”

“Maybe that’s how you two work,” Roman pointed between his two parents and lent back in his chair,” but I don’t. I refuse to be driven to madness and kill myself like Grandmother did.”

“Roman, it isn’t that simple.” His mother pleaded, squeezing Rupert’s hand tighter.

“Seems pretty simple from where I’m sitting. You’re with me, right Virgil?”

All eyes turned to the thin man that had been enjoying blending into the folds of his chair. Eyes searching each staring face, trying to work out the best answer to calm them all; deciding it was best to just stick with the truth.

“I’m rather indifferent on the matter.”

“Oh, come on, Virgil!” Hands tossed in the air in exasperation, Roman lent forward in irritation. “Honestly, just pick a side already.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because the fates speak in your dreams.” Virgil’s voice cracked with emotion on the final word. “H-how can I honestly pick a side if I don’t even know if the fates have ever even spoken to me. I won’t pick a side without reason.”

“Agh,” Roman drooped back into his chair again, “this is just like our debate about sorcerers. You really can’t just pick a side?”

“What was that about sorcerers?”

The music skipped a few beats and blood chilled in Virgil’s veins at the King’s tone. The servers cautiously cleared plates, eager to escape the growing tension in the room. Virgil silently cursed Roman’s loose lips, knowing this wasn’t a subject that would be let go lightly.

“Virgil won’t say whether he is for or against the sorcerer ban for that exact same reason.”

“I-I just don’t think it’s fair to-to make a judgement on something without evidence.”

“So, you disagree with my ban against sorcerers?” Rupert questioned, leaning closer and resting his chin on clasped hands.

“I’m not s-s-saying that.”

A deep laugh from Roman sent chills down Virgil’s spine.

“By not choosing a side that is exactly what you’re saying, Virgil. Can’t you see it? Just say your truth; I have.”

“I have said my truth, Roman.” Voice practically begging his friend to stop pushing the matter. “I’m indifferent on matters until given reason to believe otherwise. Can’t you just be satisfied with that?”

“No, I cannot.”

“Roman, stop.” The Prince froze at his mother’s small voice. “Virgil, are you okay?”

“May I be excused?” Virgil looked at Rupert for approval; hands clenched in tight fists to prevent their trembling from being too obvious.

The moment the King nodded, Virgil left and Roman watched with an open mouth before requesting his leave as well. After planting a brief kiss on his mother’s cheek, Roman headed out and left his parents in the dining room alone.

“Glad I could experience a complete family dinner.” Alexandra admitted sadly, accepting Rupert’s assistance to stand and head out of the room. “Is this what you always do without me?”

“No. Virgil is usually much less vocal.”

“I’m glad to see he has a strong voice.”

The King scoffed in disgust. “He should align his beliefs with the King that houses him.”

“Don’t be like that, Rupert. Virgil is good for Roman. He will keep him safe and I’m sure the fates will agree; though that snake message is new.”

“Roman’s dream was nothing more than a dream, Alexandra.”

“But he spoke of his brother.”

Rupert sighed as they rounded the corner and got closer to their chambers.

“He could imagine that detail easily. Don’t over think this, my dear. We have ensured Roman’s safety since the day he was born. There isn’t a sorcerer around and the fortune of the fates will not come to pass. Trust me.”

Nodding, Alexandra allowed the journey to continue in silence. Sorcerers were not what concerned the Queen, it was the type of Sorcerers that caused her fear. Accepting her return to her chambers, Alexandra was happy to have her husband’s assistance in preparing for bed; only needing a brief visit from Clara before slipping into sleep.

“Stay close this evening.” Rupert commanded when Clara went to leave. “I want you within earshot should anything go wrong following this evenings events.”

“Yes, your majesty.”

After Rupert left the room, Clara moved to the side room and set up for another evening of sleeping away from her family; hoping all would still be well in the morning.

********************

Virgil and Roman didn’t see each other for the rest of the evening; both emotional from the discussion. Roman turned to knife throwing in his room to quell his thoughts; frustrated that Virgil’s views didn’t match his own. He felt that Virgil almost purposefully avoided agreeing with him on all matters. Sorcerers, the fates, sutures, red or green apples; Virgil never agreed with him and it hurt. He used to think Virgil would grow and eventually see that his beliefs were superior, but he was starting to think that just wasn’t going to happen. Blades struck wood repeatedly as Roman replayed conversations in his mind and tried to piece his friend’s motives together.

Virgil on the other hand, simply drank the potion Logan had been kind enough to leave and tried to calm his mind enough to sleep before his early morning duties. Unable to find peace, he turned to the books in his side table and started reading the text Logan had lent to him; thoughts quieting as he took in the information text on rune marked animals. He was almost halfway through the book when his eyes started sliding closed and he allowed himself to drift off to sleep.

********************

The full moon cast a light across the lands. Silver beams glittered off reflective surfaces and the natural magic of the land surged around the city as the fates whispered into the ears of the chosen.

One saw a wolf falling in love with a deer, before the wolf had its back plastered in a rain of arrows.

Another saw red berries blanketing the shore of a stream and heard the promise of a plentiful harvest. But the plants wilted and shrivelled away to reveal a stone grave.

A woman stirred with the warning that death was approaching someone close to her.

A snake slithered across a horse’s path and the horse wasn’t afraid; lowering its head for the snake to meet its eye. The word ‘trust’ echoed through their ears as the snake slithered away.

Flames filled a room of the castle and a figure with glowing eyes stood in the centre. A sword and shield discarded in the flames beside a cloak bearing the royal crest.

The final person blessed with the fates fortune struggled to see their message. Screams drowned out their words and a blinding light hid their vision. All that remained was a feeling. A feeling of loss and achievement. A burning pain that danced across their skin before being chilled by ice.

Each blessed soul woke with differing reactions. Some fear, some ignorance, some sadness, and one with a cry that had a Prince fleeing his chambers to find their closest friend.

Next Chapter

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End Note:

I’m sorry I disappeared for so long...but it will happen again. I’m not gone gone, just busy. But I’m always watching for comments or trying to post something else (maybe having multiple WIPs was a bad idea). Also, make sure you are checking out the art for the previous chapters. They look so good. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. It really hints to a lot of stuff I have planned. Can you work out how everyone is connected? Have you guessed everyone’s motives yet? (Oh the suspense is killin’ me) 💜🐌

Don’t forget to check out the art Firefly did for me and send them some love

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Looking for more Snail 💜🐌 writing? Check out my writing master post

Or check out my main blog @snail-giggles for fandom reblogs and whatever

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